Written Answers of 26 June 2000

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Public Lending Right
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent representations he has received concerning the level of remuneration received by authors through public lending right. [127824]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I have seen the case for increased funding produced by the Public Lending Right Advisory Committee; I have also received around 160 letters, mainly from authors via their MPs. I am considering these representations carefully as part of the Department's current spending review.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what was the value of his Department's funding of public lending right in(a) 1983 and (b) 2000 in (i) cash and (ii) real terms. [127828]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Public Lending Right (PLR) received grant-in-aid funding of £2 million in 1983–84, which would equal £3.921 million in real terms. My Department provided funding of £5.15 million for PLR in 2000–01.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proportion of library book withdrawals is represented by children's books; and if he will make a statement. [127826]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Information about the number of book withdrawals is not collected centrally. The annual CIPFA Public Library Statistics, which are held in the House Library and are likely to be available in the larger public library reference libraries, provide information about the total bookstock, including children's books, at 31 March each year. At 31 March 1999, children's bookstock was 19.3 million compared with 19.2 million at 31 March 1998.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proportion of his departmental budget was spent on Public Lending Right in(a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) 2000. [127827]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The following table shows the proportion of the Department's budget allocation to Public Lending Right as grant-in-aid:

  Financial year

  DCMS PES total £

  Public Lending Right grant in aid £

  PLR grant in aid as a proportion of DCMS PES total Percentage

  1997–98

  904,790

  4,921

  0.54

  1998–99

  924,478

  5,000

  0.54

  1999–2000

  1,002,139

  5,051

  0.50

  2000–01

  1,014,886

  5,150

  0.50

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  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much Public Lending Right money was paid to authors of children's books in the last year for which figures are available; and what proportion this represented of total spending on Public Lending Right. [127825]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The Public Lending Right (PLR) computer system does not break down payments to authors by the type of book that they write. However, children's books represented 28 per cent. of registered books borrowed last year, an increase of 30 per cent. in the last ten years. It is therefore estimated that 28 per cent. of payments went to children's writers, which in the last payment round would have amounted to £1.2 million-23 per cent. of the whole PLR fund.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding the level of funding available for Public Lending Right payments. [127823]

  _Mr. Chris Smith
  We have no scope at present to raise further the allocation to Public Lending Right (PLR) beyond the increases already announced as part of PLR's current three-year funding agreement. However, we have agreed to consider the case for an increase in funding as part of our current Spending Review which will deal with funding for the next three years.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Debt Relief Programme
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the countries which have had their debts to the United Kingdom cancelled as part of the debt relief programme for the poorest countries; and what the cost of the programme to the UK has been to date. [126970]

  Clare Short
  To date, the Government have provided approximately £450 million on export credit debt relief to the following countries, which are classified as Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC):

  Benin;

  Bolivia;

  Burkina Faso;

  Central African Republic;

  Cameroon;

  Cote d'Ivoire;

  Ethiopia;

  Guyana;

  Mali;

  Mauritania;

  Mozambique;

  Nicaragua;

  Niger;

  Senegal;

  Sierra Leone;

  Tanzania;

  Togo;

  Uganda;

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  Vietnam;

  Yemen; and

  Zambia.

  These countries, along with the rest of the HIPC countries, will have the majority of their debt cancelled when they qualify under the revised HIPC framework. In addition, the Government are unilaterally providing 100 per cent. relief for qualifying HIPCs on any remaining export credit debt.

  So far, Bolivia, Mauritania, Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda have reached Decision Point, the first milestone under the enhanced HIPC framework at which debt relief starts to flow. Between them, these countries still owe the Export Credits Guarantee Department some £140 million. This will be cancelled when they complete the HIPC process.

  Aid debts to the poorest countries have already been cancelled.

  Sexual and Reproductive Health Projects
  Ms McCafferty
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer of 23 May 2000,Official Report, column 408W, on sexual and reproductive health projects, what proportion of the UK bilateral aid contributions for reproductive health care for the years (a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999 were for
  (i) HIV/AIDS and (ii) family planning and reproductive health. [127214]

  Clare Short
  In many cases it is not practical to distinguish between the sexual and the reproductive health/family planning elements. There is also often no clear distinction between assisting with work in HIV/AIDS and in other sexual health issues. However, the following is an approximate breakdown of my Department's bilateral contributions to health/family planning and HIV/AIDS in 1997–99:

  £ million

  Reproductive health/family planning

  HIV/AIDS

  1997

  38

  15

  1998

  42

  16

  1999

  40

  17

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Vibration White Finger
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many men in South Wales were diagnosed by his Department and agencies as suffering from vibration induced white finger in(a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) 2000 to date.[126655]

  Mr. Bayley
  I refer my hon. Friend to the written answer I gave my hon. Friend on 14 June 2000,Official Report, column 651W.

  Winter Fuel Payments
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how he identified the two million men aged 348W
  between 60 and 64 years whom he deemed likely to be newly eligible for winter fuel payments resulting from the European Court ruling. [126875]

  Angela Eagle
  We do not hold up to date records for all of those who do not receive any pension or benefit at the moment—especially men aged 60–64 who have no need to contact the Department. Therefore, to ensure that the right money is paid to the right person in respect of each year a Winter Fuel Payment is due, it was necessary to develop a claims process.

  We wrote to around 24,000 people in April who had already registered their details with the Department, enclosing a claim form for completion. During May and early June we also wrote to around 1.7 million newly eligible people who we could identify through the departmental central index. Again, in each case we enclosed a claim form and invited a claim.

  For those who we are not able to identify, our information and advertising campaign will continue to help ensure that they are fully aware of how to claim. In addition, people can download claim forms from the Department's own website www.dss.gov.uk or they can obtain claim forms on request from the Winter Fuel Payment helpline.

  Pensions
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the amount of pension which would be received on retirement by(a) a person who leaves school in 2000–01, who earns average earnings throughout their working life and who remains a member of the state pension scheme throughout, and (b) a man and (c) a woman, who leaves school in 2000–01, who earns average earnings through his or her working life, and who immediately takes out a stakeholder pension into which he or she puts only the value of the National Insurance rebates. [126628]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is in the table. The figures are in 1999 earnings terms. In 1999 price terms the figures would be more than double the amounts shown.

  Estimated basic and compulsory second tier pension for someone on average earnings throughout their working life and who reaches pensionable age in 2050

  Basic pension

  Additional pension

  Total pension

  All—State scheme (a)

  31.00

  56.00

  87.00

  All—Stakeholder

  31.00

  71.00

  102.00

  Man—State scheme

  31.00

  57.00

  88.00

  Man—Stakeholder (b)

  31.00

  73.00

  103.00

  Woman—State scheme

  31.00

  55.00

  86.00

  Woman—Stakeholder (c)

  31.00

  67.00

  98.00

  Notes:

  1. Figures, which are in 1999 earnings terms, are rounded to the nearest £ and may not sum as a result.

  2. The estimates are based on average earnings of (i) all full-time employees; (ii) all male full-time employees; and (iii) all female full-time employees (whose average earnings are 74 per cent. of the average earnings of male employees).

  3. The estimates are based on a person beginning work at 16 and working for 49 years until age 65.

  4. The estimates for stakeholder pension schemes are based on the amount of state scheme pension foregone, which determines the level of at which the National Insurance rebates are set by the

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  Government Actuary's Department. However, when the State Second Pension becomes a flat-rate scheme for those who remain in it, the rebates will continue to be earnings-related, and so will be based on the state scheme pension which would be foregone if the scheme were fully earnings-related.

  5. The final amount from a funded stakeholder pension will depend on investment returns, market performance and annuity rates oat pensionable age, together with the value of any voluntary contributions. (Annuity rates for a rebate-only stakeholder pension will be the same for both men and women).

  6. The estimates are based on the Department's Lifepen model and the following assumptions:

  Stakeholder pensions state April 2001; State Second Pension starts April 2002; State Second Pension becomes flat-rate from April 2006; earnings grow 1.5 per cent. a year faster than prices; basic State pension is uprated in line with prices.

  Widows' Benefit
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many widowers have applied for compensation following the recent European Court of Human Rights ruling on Widows' Benefit. [127325]

  Angela Eagle
  We are aware of 13 such applications including the two cases on which the European Court of Human Rights have published judgments. These two cases have been struck out following acceptance of the Government's offer by way of friendly settlement.

  Recycled Waste
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 19 June 2000,Official Report, column 87W, on recycled waste, what plans he has to increase the percentage of paper waste recycled; and what percentage of non-paper waste produced by his Department is (a) re-used and (b) recycled. [127687]

  Mr. Bayley
  The Department in conjunction with its estates partners is working towards recycling all recyclable paper. Information on non-paper waste is not available but waste baselines are being developed.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Administrative Services Vote
  _Mrs. Roe
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, if he will make a statement on the proposal to set up an Audit Committee for the Administrative Services Vote. [127789]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  Among the conclusions of the Braithwaite Review of Management Services which reported to the Commission in June 1999 was a recommendation (paragraphs 15.69 to 15.75 of the Braithwaite Report) that the House should establish an Audit Committee with the aim of improving the process of internal audit and review, and providing support to the Clerk of the House in his responsibilities as Accounting Officer.
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  As part of their continuing consideration of Braithwaite recommendations, on 15 May 2000 the House of Commons Commission formally constituted the Audit Committee, with the following terms of reference:
  to have general oversight of the work of internal audit and review, with particular emphasis on promoting economy, efficiency and effectiveness, on value-for-money studies, and on risk assessment and control assurance;
  to receive and consider reports from the Internal Review Service, together with management letters and other external audit material;
  to advise the Accounting Officer in the exercise of his responsibilities;
  to consider and recommend to the Accounting Officer the internal review programme;
  to encourage best financial practice, use of resources and governance in the House administration; and
  to report annually, the report to be published with the Commission's Annual Report.

  The Commission also appointed members of the Committee, along the lines recommended in the Braithwaite Report, as follows:

  Two Members of the Commission:
  The right hon. Member for North-West Hampshire (Sir G. Young) (Chairman)
  The hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire (Mr. Kirkwood)

  The Clerk of the House:
  Mr. William McKay, CB

  The Director of Finance and Administration:
  Mr. Andrew Walker

  A member from outside the House:
  Sir Thomas Legg, KCB, QC, formerly Permanent Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department.

  The Committee held its first meeting on 20 June. Its annual Report will be published with the Annual Report of the House of Commons Commission.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Police Service
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what contacts he has had with the Quebec authorities on instances of a police service changing its name for operational purposes, but retaining its previous name in the description of the police service. [127662]

  Mr. Ingram
  None. Neither the Secretary of State nor I have had any contact with the Quebec authorities regarding police name changes. But I have made inquiries through the British High Commission in Ottawa as a result of the contribution made by the right hon. and learned Member for Folkestone and Hythe (Mr. Howard) during the Opposition Day debate on 6 April. A copy of my resulting letter of 9 May to the right hon. and learned Gentleman was placed in the Library of the House.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  New Technologies
  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if it is his policy that the legal framework of internet transmission and caching services for new technologies, with particular reference to Wireless Application Protocol and web TV, will be protected in the UK legislation incorporating the EU Electronic Commerce Directive by ensuring that, in addition to the limitations specified in Articles 12 to 15, the intermediary only becomes liable for illegal material selected or modified during the transmission process when the said transmission alters the integrity of the material in question, in line with recital 43 of the Directive. [125365]

  Ms Hewitt
  National legislation implementing the E-Commerce Directive will ensure that the liability of intermediaries is limited in accordance with Articles 12 to 15 of the Directive, and takes account of the Recitals of the Directive. The Government intend to consult widely on the options for implementing the directive later in 2000.

  Mobile Phone Transmitter Masts
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many mobile phone transmitter masts there are in the UK; how many carry equipment from more than one mobile phone company; and how many are used exclusively by one company. [126411]

  Ms Hewitt
  This information is not held centrally. I shall write once the necessary information has been obtained.

  Cryptography
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many times(a) ministers and (b) officials in his Department have held meetings with the United States Special Envoy for Cryptography since 20 October 1999 on (i) encryption and (ii) other issues; what were the dates and locations of each of these meetings; and what other (1) British and (2) United States Government departments took part in each meeting. [127130]

  Ms Hewitt
  Since October 1999 neither Ministers nor officials have met the United States Special Envoy for Cryptography on encryption or other issues.

  Corruption and Bribery
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what formal procedures the ECGD has for screening for evidence of corruption when underwriting contracts. [127081]

  Mr. Caborn
  [holding answer 20 June 2000]: ECGD requires applicants for cover to provide details of the amount of commission payable under their contracts including to whom the repayment arrangements are made. Cases are investigated where the level of commission appears excessive for the particular contract or the payment procedures appear unusual. Cover can be refused where the exporter cannot provide proper justification for the levels of commission involved.

  Nuclear Safety (Transfrontier Co-operation)
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what actions he has taken in respect of recommendation 71 (1999) on model agreements on transfrontier co-operation in the field of nuclear safety, agreed by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in Europe in November 1999. [127571]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe considered Recommendation 71 (1999), "Model Agreements on Transfrontier Co-operation in the Field of Nuclear Safety", at its meeting on 3 May. It concluded that nuclear power-related issues did not fall within the competence of the Council of Europe and that Model Agreements in this field should therefore not be appended to the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation between Territorial Communities or Authorities.

  Energy Policy
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will publish a draft of the Renewables Obligation statutory instrument. [127478]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Government plan to publish the details of a proposed Order in the autumn, as a basis for consultation.

  Internet Access
  Miss Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the measures the Telecommunications Regulator has taken to reduce the cost of internet access. [127630]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Government believe that the best way to ensure sustainable lower costs for internet access is through promoting competition. Through measures such as the introduction of an effective Calls & Access product and Carrier Pre-Selection Oftel is promoting competition to drive down general call charges. For narrow band internet access Oftel has promoted greater flexibility in internet tariffing through the introduction of the Number Translation Service (NTS) formula that allowed the call origination charged to be shared with other operators who also carry the call. Oftel has recently made a determination that requires BT to provide a flat rate internet interconnection product to competing operators. Oftel has negotiated a range of schemes offering reduced price internet access for schools.

  For broadband access, Oftel is requiring BT to open up its local loop to other operators so that they can compete in the provision of broadband access. Also, once BT has installed ADSL on local lines, it will be required to give other operators access to its upgraded system on nondiscriminatory terms. A recent study produced for Oftel showed that of the five large markets studied the UK had on average the lowest prices for residential access at both peak and off-peak times.

  Community Finance Initiatives
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the community finance initiatives operating in England and Wales; what consultation has taken place regarding the Phoenix fund; what criteria must
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  be met for CFI's applying to administer the funds that make up the Phoenix fund; and if he will make a statement. [127839]

  Ms Hewitt
  There is no single definition of CFIs and therefore no comprehensive list of those operating in England and Wales. CFIs can take a variety of forms, including community loan funds, community investment trusts and micro-finance providers. The largest category of CFIs presently operating in the UK is credit unions, of which there are over 450.

  The Phoenix Fund addresses certain recommendations of the Policy Action Team Report on Enterprise and Financial Exclusion, which was the subject of widespread consultation. Although no formal consultation has taken place on the Phoenix Fund, officials did hold extensive discussions with interested parties before drawing up the recently published bidding guidance for organisations wishing to apply for Phoenix Fund Support.

  Copies of the bidding guidance are held in the Library of the House.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many of the written parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April have not received substantive answers, for the reason that the information is(a) not held centrally, (b) not held in the form requested and (c) not available. [127679]

  Mr. Caborn
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on 23 June 2000,Official Report, column 313W.

  Organisation Internationale de Métrologie Légale
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what standard for the determination of hydrocarbon oil bulk volume is recommended by the Organisation Internationale de Métrologie Légale; [127363]

  (2) if the recommendations of the Organisation Internationale de Métrologie Légale for standard temperature measurement are adopted throughout the marketing chain for the sale of petrol and diesel. [127364]

  Mrs. Liddell
  OIML publishes documents which mainly take the form of International Recommendations which cover many aspects of measurement of hydrocarbon oil bulk volume, and in particular Recommendation R117 covers Measuring Systems for Liquids other than Water. They do not lay down requirements for standard temperature measurement. They do (as appropriate to the context) specify provisions for conversion devices for temperature compensation. However, these are for optional application, as OIML member states may decide. They have not been made a requirement of weights and measures legislation in the UK.

  Standard temperature accounting is not adopted throughout the marketing chain for sales of petrol and diesel. The National Weights and Measures Laboratory commissioned a study on the Temperature Compensation of Liquid Fuels which produced several recommendations.
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  These recommendations have been made the subject of an industry consultation. The responses to this consultation are currently being analysed by NWML.

  Assisted Areas Map
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much money has been received by the Highlands and Islands as a result of being included on the Assisted Areas Map in each of the last three financial years; and what proportion of this funding has been received by Inverness. [127012]

  Dr. Reid
  I have been asked to reply.

  Responsibility for aid provided to areas as a result of being included on the Assisted Areas Map in Scotland is a matter for the Scottish Executive.

HEALTH

  Hospital Cleaning
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure that hospital wards are kept clean and tidy at all times and that bed linen is changed frequently and whenever soiled. [124219]

  Mr. Denham
  National Health Service trust chief executives are responsible for standards of cleanliness in hospitals. All acute trusts have the assistance of an infection control team. The Infection Control Nurses Association and the Association of Domestic Managers have published "Standards for Environmental Cleanliness in Hospitals" which NHS Estates has distributed to NHS trusts.

  In wards it is for the qualified nurse responsible for the patient's care to decide when a linen change is necessary, but this should occur whenever it is soiled.

  The NHS controls assurance framework published in November 1999 includes a standard on infection control in NHS trusts. A section on cleanliness is being developed.

  Both clinical and organisational systems for monitoring and assuring standards of care will be looked at annually as part of NHS performance monitoring arrangements. The standards for hospital cleanliness and infection control will be subject to independent inspections by the Commission for Health Improvement and the Audit Commission.

  National Duplicate Registration Initiative
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the work of the National Duplicate Registration Initiative; and what his estimate is of the number of ghost patients in each health authority area removed from local medical lists since its establishment and the consequential saving to the NHS. [125665]

  Mr. Denham
  The National Duplicate Registration Initiative exercise is being carried out as part of the annual audit of health authorities, under statutory powers available to the Audit Commission. To date some 16,000 duplicate registrations have been identified and removed from general practitioners' lists. There are no consequential savings to the NHS because the payment
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  GPs receive per patient (capitation fee) comes from within the profession's total pay entitlement. Removing list inflation means that payments will be redistributed within the profession on a more legitimate basis but there will be no overall saving.

  Clinical Waste Disposal
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to implement a London-wide strategy for clinical waste disposal. [126083]

  Mr. Denham
  There are no plans, at present, for a London-wide strategy for clinical waste disposal. However, I am informed that this will be reviewed by National Health Service Estates, as part of their facilities management agenda.

  Meat Inspection
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to meet Commissioner Byrne regarding the future basis of meat inspection; [R] [126195]

  (2) what discussions he has had with his counterparts in other EU countries regarding the future basis of meat inspection; [R] [126194]

  (3) what representations he has made to the European Commission regarding the future basis of meat inspection. [R] [126196]

  Ms Stuart
  My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture met Commissioner Byrne on 6 March and pressed hard for a change in meat inspection arrangements to one based on risk assessment. The Commissioner acknowledged that a review of the legislation was overdue. The subject was also raised last year at a number of European Union Agriculture Councils. Since then this has become a matter for the Food Standards Agency and the chairman of the agency has also had a meeting with Commissioner Byrne.

  In line with the recommendations of the Pooley report and the Government's action plan for farming, we are continuing to press the Commission to bring forward proposals for updating Community legislation on meat hygiene to bring in a risk-based system of controls. I understand that the first of these, a new Regulation on hygiene, is expected to be issued later this month. This will set out operator responsibilities, including the implementation of hazard analysis and critical control points in abattoirs.

  Percutaneous Vertebroplasty Operation
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the effectiveness of the percutaneous vertebroplasty operation; and if he will make a statement. [126266]

  Mr. Denham
  The Department is not funding any research into the effectiveness of the percutaneous vertebroplasty operation. Priorities for departmental research and development support for the development of policy are determined through discussion with policy colleagues, the Departmental Research Committee and Ministers. In the National Health Service research and development programme, priorities take account of 356W
  widespread consultation with those using, delivering and managing services, within a framework overseen by the Central Research and Development Committee for the NHS. In all cases, priorities for our budgets reflect analysis of the burden of disease, potential benefits, our priorities and take account of the responsibilities and work of other funders.

  General Medical Council
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce legislation to remove from the General Medical Council its current responsibilities for regulating the conduct and monitoring the competence of members of the medical profession. [126414]

  Mr. Denham
  We have no plans at present to remove functions from the General Medical Council. Indeed, we have recently consulted on proposals to strengthen its fitness to practise procedures and the Order amending the Medical Act 1983 will be laid before Parliament soon.

  The General Medical Council is undertaking a "Structural and Legal Review" of its fitness to practise procedures. The GMC must not delay in publishing its proposals for modernisation. We will need to consider how far they meet the rising expectations of the public and Parliament for fundamental changes to the way the GMC deals with doctors who do not meet the expected standards of conduct and performance set by the profession.

  TV Advertisements
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many television advertisements have been commissioned by his Department since 1 May 1997; and, of these, how many were provided with closed caption subtitling. [126897]

  Ms Stuart
  The Department has commissioned 35 advertisements which have been transmitted on television since 1 May 1997. 29 of these have been provided with closed caption subtitling.

  Information Campaigns
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what national health information campaigns his Department(a) ran in (i) 1997–98, (ii) 1998–99 and (iii) 1999–2000 and (b) will run in 2000–01; and what issues have been covered by, and what the costs are, for each campaign. [126101]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 19 June 2000]: The Department runs a number of publicity campaigns which have provided information for all. The table shows the areas covered, financial years and the expenditure to date.

  Campaign

  Cost (£)

  1997–98

  Cot Death

  108,759

  Learning Disabilities

  152,980

  Emergency Services Helpline

  173,560

  Health Care Abroad for UK Travellers

  985,000

  Health Care Industry Sponsorship—Health Promotion

  413,000

  Health of the Nation (HOTN)—Accident Prevention

  104,022

  Health of the Nation (HOTN)—Avoidance of Unwanted Pregnancy

  792,309

  Health of the Nation—Our Healthier Nation—(OHN)

  762,403

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  Campaign

  Cost (£)

  Central Publicity

  Keep Warm, Keep Well—Elderly Health Promotion

  459,260

  Mental Illness Public Information

  937,034

  National Blood Service Publicity

  1,306,620

  NHS Performance Tables

  401,687

  NHS Professions Recruitment into Training, Retention and Return

  2,210,000

  Organ Donation

  446,327

  Patient's Charter

  154,528

  Strategy for Health (Health of the Young Nation)

  2,350

  The National Confidential Inquiry Into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness

  5,281

  The New NHS: Modern, Dependable White Paper

  358,245

  and 47,721

  Travel Safe

  122,244

  1998–99

  Mental Health—Impact Strategy

  530,650

  NHS Direct

  1,055,787

  Organ and Tissue Donation

  1,530,020

  Hospital and Ambulance Performance Tables

  387,091

  NHS Charter

  137,780

  Food Safety

  150,957

  Our Healthier Nation—Health Strategy

  428,831

  Reducing Teenage Conceptions (Sexwise)

  845,158

  Tobacco Control

  459,855

  National Blood Service Publicity

  1,027,610

  Help With NHS Costs

  185,698

  NHS 50th Anniversary

  108,654

  Prescription Fraud

  1,035,189

  Blood—Waiting List Initiative

  2,556,198

  Health Care Export Sponsorship

  277,241

  Health Care Abroad for UK Travellers

  712,036

  Community Care—Direct Payments/Newsletters

  107,676

  HB6 Booklet—Disabled People

  126,848

  Health Promotion for Older People

  393,907

  Social Services White Paper

  183,167

  Health Professionals Recruitment

  329,736

  Nursing Midwifery and Health Visiting Recruitment

  6,162,598

  DH Corporate Stand

  458,005

  1999–2000

  Mental Health—Green Paper

  134,753

  Mental Health Impact Strategy

  811,508

  National Service Frameworks

  437,671

  Antibiotic Resistance

  510,213

  Nutrition

  154,720

  Food Safety

  113,931

  Infectious/Communicable Diseases

  155,398

  Injury Prevention—Our Healthier Nation

  760,569

  Teenage Pregnancies—Our Healthier Nation

  798,353

  National Blood Service

  594,878

  Fraud

  946,286

  Drugs—Policy Funded

  437,348

  Keep Warm Keep Well

  291,053

  Long Term Care Charter

  209,202

  HB6—Practical Guide for Disabled People

  123,778

  Childrens Personal Social Services

  151,000

  Quality Protects

  277,770

  Health Care Abroad for Travellers

  837,129

  Health Care Industry Sponsorship

  152,121

  Nurses Midwives and Health Visitors Strategy

  242,904

  Nurse Recruitment

  5,361,707

  Recruitment and Retention

  158,906

  NHS Careers Call Centre

  738,617

  Human Resources—NHS Communications

  102,216

  Employment/Service Equality

  115,297

  Violence Against NHS Staff

  180,383

  Quality—NHS Communications

  142,800

  Winter 2000—Emergency Pressures

  1,501,151

  NHS Direct

  1,887,151

  Tobacco Education Strategy

  6,338,327

  Expenditure
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for(a) Great Britain and (b) each health authority area, the expenditure on health per head of population, expressed in real terms, for (i) 1979, (ii) 1990 and (iii) each year since 1995; and if he will make a statement. [126588]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 19 June 2000]Expenditure on health per head of population for England from 1995–96 to 1998–99, and for each health authority area in England from 1996–97 to 1998–99, expressed in real terms, is shown in the tables. Information relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is a matter for the devolved Administrations.

  Information on a comparable basis is not available for England in 1979 and 1990 and by health authority area for 1979, 1990 and 1995–96.

  Table 1: Health authority areas in England—Expenditure on health by weighted head of population expressed in real terms

  £

  Health authority

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Avon

  604.10

  608.45

  648.12

  Barking and Havering

  568.42

  599.95

  609.86

  Barnet

  617.52

  645.96

  643.54

  Barnsley

  533.55

  534.57

  541.74

  Bedfordshire

  555.50

  559.89

  590.57

  Berkshire

  590.77

  585.69

  626.01

  Bexley and Greenwich

  590.08

  620.13

  651.66

  Birmingham

  626.21

  643.25

  657.24

  Bradford

  592.57

  600.26

  592.18

  Brent and Harrow

  626.83

  647.74

  685.59

  Bromley

  531.39

  568.71

  594.66

  Buckinghamshire

  591.14

  598.67

  623.29

  Bury and Rochdale

  635.04

  601.40

  590.18

  Calderdale and Kirklees

  545.89

  560.51

  568.26

  Cambridge and Huntingdon

  562.83

  579.96

  626.05

  Camden and Islington

  679.56

  646.10

  715.85

  Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

  562.08

  581.08

  594.33

  County Durham

  560.23

  560.95

  577.59

  Coventry

  564.20

  576.37

  573.88

  Croydon

  558.88

  580.04

  627.01

  Doncaster

  566.86

  589.19

  590.50

  Dorset

  566.65

  588.45

  616.76

  Dudley

  556.55

  568.79

  596.54

  Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow

  639.29

  635.11

  648.62

  East and North Hertfordshire

  612.06

  627.86

  672.45

  East Kent

  541.81

  563.49

  599.58

  East Lancashire

  579.46

  597.33

  600.28

  East London and The City

  637.65

  617.78

  611.10

  East Norfolk

  600.55

  609.48

  622.62

  East Riding

  586.16

  588.83

  595.26

  East Surrey

  673.78

  682.91

  732.28

  East Sussex, Brighton and Hove

  533.12

  575.76

  591.85

  Enfield and Haringey

  563.94

  572.60

  598.76

  Gateshead and South Tyneside

  575.88

  588.81

  585.34

  Gloucestershire

  591.10

  604.05

  620.19

  Herefordshire

  609.73

  629.95

  632.66

  Hillingdon

  593.55

  588.22

  620.76

  Isle of Wight

  610.92

  653.43

  673.11

  Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster

  689.84

  665.97

  678.73

  Kingston and Richmond

  657.53

  671.98

  705.85

  Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham

  605.93

  614.46

  631.66

  Leeds

  603.51

  623.83

  620.30

  Leicestershire

  594.36

  611.33

  610.51

  Lincolnshire

  595.31

  616.80

  620.69

  Liverpool

  576.42

  606.37

  614.80

  Manchester

  610.93

  634.15

  664.00

  Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth

  622.72

  632.15

  666.83

  Morecambe Bay

  626.92

  640.65

  657.00

  Newcastle and North Tyneside

  587.30

  608.90

  592.44

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  Table 1: Health authority areas in England—Expenditure on health by weighted head of population expressed in real terms

  £

  Health authority

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  North and East Devon

  595.69

  610.93

  623.70

  North and Mid Hampshire

  599.30

  620.27

  649.02

  North Cheshire

  593.24

  599.10

  611.63

  North Cumbria

  580.99

  587.68

  595.97

  North Derbyshire

  580.62

  603.47

  626.54

  North Essex

  562.72

  577.67

  598.50

  North Nottinghamshire

  554.17

  576.26

  581.66

  North Staffordshire

  553.94

  578.04

  580.76

  North West Anglia

  556.21

  561.76

  577.90

  North West Lancashire

  570.98

  572.27

  572.27

  North Yorkshire

  582.69

  599.91

  644.63

  Northamptonshire

  561.50

  569.54

  598.71

  Northumberland

  606.71

  624.60

  635.69

  Nottingham

  554.46

  571.01

  606.90

  Oxfordshire

  570.18

  584.42

  606.26

  Portsmouth and South East Hampshire

  523.13

  544.27

  568.35

  Redbridge and Waltham Forest

  592.98

  624.80

  667.85

  Rotherham

  537.60

  549.62

  561.32

  Salford and Trafford

  579.14

  583.01

  596.22

  Sandwell

  590.45

  599.90

  612.04

  Sefton

  601.08

  596.69

  611.08

  Sheffield

  626.16

  613.48

  617.17

  Shropshire

  554.35

  571.40

  586.95

  Solihull

  653.53

  650.66

  675.33

  Somerset

  573.64

  589.71

  606.92

  South and West Devon

  569.52

  593.84

  604.73

  South Cheshire

  599.18

  601.79

  638.29

  South Derbyshire

  609.03

  612.72

  612.57

  South Essex

  520.90

  566.06

  585.05

  South Humber

  585.14

  628.20

  640.48

  South Lancashire

  576.69

  615.99

  651.03

  South Staffordshire

  576.37

  586.55

  598.75

  Southampton and South West Hampshire

  561.96

  607.09

  637.42

  St. Helens and Knowsley

  571.01

  582.04

  594.03

  Stockport

  570.65

  579.48

  597.21

  Suffolk

  568.51

  576.67

  607.46

  Sunderland

  557.71

  572.61

  565.45

  Tees

  549.75

  556.70

  571.18

  Wakefield

  641.81

  678.28

  680.48

  Walsall

  557.93

  571.77

  573.81

  Warwickshire

  624.07

  654.64

  648.76

  West Hertfordshire

  637.38

  629.70

  656.64

  West Kent

  569.34

  589.59

  606.13

  West Pennine

  532.03

  546.29

  553.70

  West Surrey

  659.55

  631.78

  662.70

  West Sussex

  557.06

  578.93

  622.23

  Wigan and Bolton

  533.68

  549.89

  561.70

  Wiltshire

  616.88

  620.53

  657.37

  Wirral

  548.21

  558.69

  610.88

  Wolverhampton

  559.93

  571.70

  591.12

  Worcestershire

  610.38

  646.17

  668.52

  Notes:

  1. Figures for 1996–97 and 1997–98 have been shown in real terms, with 1998–99 as the baseline, using the GDP deflator.

  2. Expenditure is taken from HA Annual Accounts which are prepared on a resource basis and therefore differ from cash allocations in each year (These are not the total amounts spent on healthcare. General Dental Services expenditure is separately accounted for and cannot be analysed by health authority over the three years). Since 1997–98 drugs expenditure has been mainly accounted for by the Prescription Pricing Authority. For consistency figures have been reduced by the amount of non-cash limited prescribing expenditure accounted for by the health authority in each year.)

  Sources:

  1. Health Authority accounts for 1996–97, 1997–98 and 1998–99.

  2. Weighted population estimates for 1996–97, 1997–98, and 1998–99.

  3. GDP Deflator: 1963–64 to 1998–99 calculated from ONS data for GDP (YBHA and ABMI)
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  Table 2: Expenditure on health by weighted head of population expressed in real terms

  £

  1995–96

  665.08

  1996–97

  658.66

  1997–98

  676.22

  1998–99

  688.59

  Notes:

  1. Figures for 1995–96, 1996–97 and 1997–98 have been shown in real terms, with 1998–99 as the baseline, using the GDP deflator.

  2. Expenditure is taken from the HA summarised accounts which are prepared on a resource basis and therefore differ from cash allocations in each year, and from the accounts of the General Dental Services and Prescription Pricing Authority.

  Sources:

  1. Weighted population estimates for 1995–96, 1996–97, 1997–98, and 1998–99.

  2. GDP Deflator: 1963–64 to 1998–99 calculated from ONS data for GDP (YBHA and ABMI).

  3. Summarised account of the health authorities 1996–97, 1997–98, and 1998–99.

  4. Summarised account of the regional and district health authorities and special health authorities for the London postgraduate teaching hospitals 1995–96.

  5. Summarised account of the family health services authorities 1995–96.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the per capita spend on health in(a) the Yorkshire and Humber region, (b) Scotland and (c) Wales. [126650]

  Mr. Hutton
  The per capita spend on health by health authorities in the Yorkshire and Humber region during 1998–99 was:£605.84

  Information relating to Wales and Scotland is a matter for the devolved Administrations.

  Sources:
  Weighted population estimates for 1998–99.

  The accounts of the following health authorities for 1998–99:

  Barnsley HA

  Bradford HA

  Calderdale and Kirklees HA

  Doncaster HA

  East Riding HA

  Leeds HA

  North Yorkshire HA

  Rotherham HA

  Sheffield HA

  Wakefield HA.

  Genito-urinary Services
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many doctors, nurses and other NHS staff were employed in genito-urinary medicine in(a) 1970, (b) 1980, (c) 1990 and (d) 1999; and how much their employment cost in each of these years. [126799]

  Mr. Denham
  Information about the number of medical staff employed in genito-urinary medicine in 1970, 1980, 1990 and 1999 is shown in the table. Specialty specific information about numbers of nurses and other National Health Service staff and employment costs is not collected centrally.
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  Hospital medical staff, in the specialty Genito-urinary medicine England at 30 September each year

  Year

  Number

  19701

  240

  1980

  360

  1990

  580

  1999

  780

  1 1970 figures are for England and Wales—it is not possible to separate only medical staff working in England

  Note:

  Figures are rounded to the nearest 10

  Source:

  Department of Health medical and dental workforce census

  GPs
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what the average cost was of one hour of a GP's working time, excluding seniority payments but including supporting staff and premises, in(a) 1970, (b) 1980,
  " 1990 and (d) 1999 at constant prices; [126829]

  (2) what the average cost of a GP was, excluding seniority payments but including supporting staff and premises, in (a) 1970, (b) 1980, (c) 1990 and (d) 1999. [126749]

  Mr. Denham
  The latest available data are for the financial year 1998–99. Expenditure on General Medical Services and Personal Medical Services per general practitioner unrestricted principle or equivalent was as follows:

  Year

  £

  1970–71

  7,808

  1980–81

  28,608

  1990–91

  61,232

  1998–99

  101,191

  Expenditure at 1998–99 prices (based on gross domestic product and GDP deflators) was as follows:

  Year

  £

  1970–71

  68,710

  1980–81

  67,035

  1990–91

  78,868

  1998–99

  101,191

  Expenditure per GP in 1998–99 excluding seniority payments was £99,540. Seniority payments are not centrally identifiable for the previous years. Information on GPs' working time is not available for the years in question.

  District Nurses
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost was of the district nurse service in(a) 1970, (b) 1980, (c) 1990 and (d) 1999; and how many were employed in each of those years. [126827]

  Mr. Denham
  Numbers of district nurses employed in the service are shown in the table. The cost of the district nurse service in this series of years cannot be disaggregated from general expenditure on community nursing and medicine.
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  NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): All district nursing staff employed by the NHS, in England as at 30 September each year

  Whole time equivalent

  Numbers (headcount)

  1970

  1—

  1—

  19802

  12,861

  1—

  1990

  10,390

  11,650

  1999

  11,380

  14,260

  1Not available

  2Includes staff with and without district training and staff assisting district nursing. A new classification of the non-medical workforce was introduced in 1995. Information based on this classification is not directly comparable with earlier years.

  Notes:

  1. Figures are rounded to the nearest ten.

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

  3. Figures exclude learners and agency staff.

  Source:

  Department of Health Non-Medical Workforce Census.

  Health Visitors
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost was of the health visitor service in(a) 1970, (b) 1980, (c) 1990 and (d) 1999 and how many people were employed in the service in each of those years. [126831]

  Mr. Denham
  Numbers of health visitors employed in the service are shown in the table. The cost of the health visitor service in this series of years cannot be disaggregated from general expenditure on community nursing and medicine.

  NHS hospital and community health services (HCHS): all health visiting staff employed by the NHS, in England as at 30 September each year

  Whole-time equivalent

  Numbers (headcount)

  19701

  5,910

  2—

  1980

  8,760

  2—

  1990

  10,580

  12,200

  1999

  10,160

  12,800

  1 England and Wales figure

  2 Not available

  Notes:

  1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10

  2. Figures exclude learners and agency staff

  _3. A new classification of the non-medical workforce was introduced in 1995. Information based on this classification is not directly comparable with earlier years.

  Source:

  Department of Health Non-Medical Workforce Census

  Dental Services
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps the Government are taking to increase the number of NHS dentists(a) nationally and (b) in the North-West; and if he will make a statement. [127069]

  Ms Stuart
  There are currently 17,821 dentists working in the General Dental Services in England and 2,261 in the north west region, more than ever before. Problems have arisen because more dentists are devoting more time to private dental work, working part-time and there are some areas where dentists seem reluctant to practice. We have accepted the Doctors' and Dentists' Review Body
  363W
  recommendation for a commitment scheme rewarding loyalty to the National Health Service. The scheme will cost £17 million per annum for England. The personal dental services pilot scheme, including dental access centres, is encouraging health authorities to be locally responsive and contribute to make NHS dentistry more widely available. Investing in dentistry saw £10 million in grants given to NHS dentists in return for promises of up to 900,000 new NHS registrations. Further measures will be contained in our dental strategy, due to be published this summer.

  Note:

  Expenditure is taken from health authority annual accounts which are prepared on a resource basis and therefore differ from cash allocations in each year. (These are not the total amounts spent on healthcare. General Dental Services expenditure is separately accounted for and cannot be analysed by health authority over the three years). Since 1997–98 drugs expenditure has been mainly accounted for by the Prescription Pricing Authority. For consistency figures have been reduced by the amount of non-cash limited prescribing expenditure accounted for by the health authority in each year.

  Parkinson's Disease
  Mr. Gamier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the guidance given to medical practitioners by the NICE with regard to the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. [127297]

  Mr. Denham
  At present National Institute for Clinical Excellence has not issued any guidance to medical practitioners with regard to the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. However, we are currently considering a number of possible additional topics for appraisal by NICE during the remainder of the current year and in later years. Announcements will be made in due course.

  Child Abuse
  Dr. Desmond Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of child abuse(a) allegations and (b) convictions there were in the five years (i) before and (ii) after the changes in court procedures following the implementation of the Children Act 1989. [127548]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Children Act 1989 was implemented in October 1991. However, although the Children Act 1989 changed the private and public functions of the civil law relating to the welfare of children, it did not change the criminal law in respect of offences against children.

  In terms of allegations of child abuse, no statistics are available on the number of referrals to social services departments for the five-year period (1986–87 to 1990–91), prior to the implementation of the Act. However, "Child Protection: Messages from Research" (Department of Health, 1995) indicates that there are about 160,000 cases referred to social services departments per annum.

  Statistics relating to convictions for offences against children, as set out in Section 1 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, are shown in the table.
  364W
  The number of persons convicted at all courts under the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 (Section 1), England and Wales, 1987–1996, is as follows:

  Offence: Cruelty or neglect of children

  Year

  Number

  1987

  143

  1988

  164

  1989

  211

  1990

  247

  1991

  234

  1992

  208

  1993

  205

  1994

  236

  1995

  302

  1996

  293

  Medication
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will review the obligations on general practitioners to carry out tests and examinations as recommended by drug manufacturers(a) prior to placing patients on medication and (b) during treatment; [127482]

  (2) if he will review the obligations on general practitioners and chemists to provide patients with dosage for prescription-only medicines. [127481]

  Ms Stuart
  General practitioners should carry out a proper assessment before initiating a patient on any treatment and thereafter review the patient's treatment at regular intervals.

  The British National Formulary, which is issued twice a year to all GPs and pharmacists, recommends that the dose and the dose frequency should be stated on a prescription, which will then be put on the label by the pharmacist.

  Hospital Readmissions
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients in each NHS region were readmitted to hospital within one month of their discharge in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [127165]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 22 June 2000]: Information on the number of patients readmitted to hospital within one month of discharge was originally published in June 1999 in "Quality and Performance in the NHS: Clinical Indicators, Technical Supplement". This document contains data for 1996–97 and 1997–98 and is available in the Library.

  Primary Care Trusts
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many primary care groups have made representations against conversion into primary care trusts. [127488]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 23 June 2000]: All 22 primary care trusts (PCTs) already operating or announced enjoy the full support of their predecessor primary care groups (PCGs).
  365W
  We have made clear that the move to PCT status should be locally driven and determined by the preferences of the PCG(s) and other local stakeholders. Any proposal which enjoys PCG support automatically goes to public consultation and PCGs may also express a view on PCT proposals prepared by others.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of the written parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April 2000 have not received substantive answers, citing as the reason that the information is(a) not held centrally, (b) not held in the form requested and (c) not available. [127434]

  Ms Stuart
  Out of the 2,797 Parliamentary Questions tabled to the Department in the period between 19 October 1999 and 20 April 2000, we were unable to give substantive answers to 82 because the information was either not held centrally or not available. Substantive answers to a further two Questions could not be given because the information was not held in the form requested.

  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many parliamentary questions were tabled to his Department between the 19 October 1999 and the 20 April, which requested information, pursuant to his previous answers. [127672]

  Ms Stuart
  Of the 2,797 questions tabled to this Department in the period between 19 October 1999 and 20 April 2000, 79 were pursuant to previous answers.

  Cystic Fibrosis
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) children and (b) adults in (i) Coventry, (ii) the West Midlands and (iii) the United Kingdom receive treatment for cystic fibrosis and conditions resulting from cystic fibrosis. [127449]

  Mr. Denham
  It is estimated from the incidence data in the Morbidity Study of General Practice for 1991–92 and data from the mid-1992 census estimates, that 3,725 patients in England and Wales consulted their general practice with cystic fibrosis. These figures are the latest available. This information cannot be used to estimate the number of general practice consultations in the West Midlands region or Coventry.

  The figures in the table show the number of hospital admissions in 1998–99 in Coventry, the West Midlands region and England, where the primary diagnosis was cystic fibrosis. Information about hospital admissions in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales is a matter for the devolved administrations.

  Area of residence

  Children (Aged 0–17)

  Adults (18+)

  Total

  Coventry

  24

  7

  31

  West Midlands

  460

  257

  717

  England (area of treatment)

  5,065

  4,109

  9,164

  The databases available to the Department do not
  366W
  record whether one particular condition has resulted from another, and figures about other conditions caused by cystic fibrosis are therefore not available.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what advice he has issued to hospitals on dealing with patients who receive treatment as children but have it discontinued when they reach adulthood due to insufficient resources; [127445]

  (2) what provision is made for young adults with cystic fibrosis when they cease to qualify for treatment in children's wards; [127447]

  (3) if he will make a statement on the treatment received by people with cystic fibrosis when they cease to qualify for treatment in children's wards. [127446]

  Mr. Denham
  For health care to be effective National Health Service commissioners will need to ensure that there are clear pathways to provide a continuity of care taking patients from childhood, into adolescence and beyond. This is particularly important in chronic conditions such as cystic fibrosis which have benefited from advances in medical science and where patients now survive into adulthood. The new arrangements for commissioning specialised services will develop a more systematic approach to commissioning that will ensure there are properly co-ordinated arrangements for the delivery of services for all cystic fibrosis patients.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what resources are available for the treatment of cystic fibrosis and conditions resulting from cystic fibrosis for(a) children and (b) adults in (i) Coventry, (ii) the West Midlands and (iii) the United Kingdom; [127450]

  (2) what assessment he has made of a reasonable distance to travel for treatment for people with cystic fibrosis; [127448]

  Mr. Denham
  Patients with cystic fibrosis and conditions resulting from cystic fibrosis have access to an extensive range of diagnostic and remedial resources both in hospitals and in primary care. For some treatments patients may need access to specialist skills or equipment that are best provided in a smaller number of centres where clinicians can regularly see a large number of patients. In these circumstances patients may need to travel to gain access to that expertise. The Hospital Travel Costs Scheme, which is part of the National Health Service Low Income Scheme, is available to assist those who are in receipt of a qualifying benefit.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Crop Contamination
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers his Department has to prevent crop contamination. [123920]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 5 June 2000]: In respect of possible transfer of pollen from GM crops to conventional or organic crops, my Department has wide

  367W
  powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to prevent the marketing or planting of GMOs without a valid consent.

  The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment assesses the safety implications of all forms of possible gene transfer from GM crops and only those which present no adverse implications to public health or the environment are granted approval to be grown.

  My Department has recently announced that checks for the presence of GM material will commence on imported conventional seed. In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture has launched a review of GM crop separation distances.

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on which date he requested the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment Department to give advice on whether the crops of GM contaminated Hyola oilseed rape were safe for the environment, when he received the advice; and what it was. [124323]

  Mr. Meacher
  The information given by Advanta, at their meeting with officials from my Department and MAFF, on 17 April was extremely sketchy. At that stage, Advanta had been warned by the German authorities that some GM contamination in some supplies of seeds might have occurred. They did not at that stage know for sure whether a GM had been involved, or which GM it was, or which seed batches had been affected, to which countries those seed batches had been dispatched, or in which years. Advanta informed my Department at that time that they were initiating urgent inquires. However, it took until 10 May to obtain sufficient information, particularly on which GM was involved to be able to provide ACRE with a basis for their decision, and in some respects the investigation is still going on.

  ACRE' s advice is that there are no adverse implications for human health or the environment.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on what basis he and his advisers concluded that there was no environmental risk arising out of the contamination of Advanta rapeseeds. [124155]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 5 June 2000]: The first step was to identify the types of genetically modified seeds present in the affected batches of oil seed rape.

  The affected seeds were in fact a well-known herbicide-tolerant rape line grown commercially in North America. This line has also been grown in field trials in the UK and there are currently 12 consents for field trials of these plants. On each occasion, the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) had considered a full dossier on information about the GM rapeseed and its possible environmental impact, before consent was granted.

  Therefore, when ACRE were consulted about the Advanta seeds, they were able to give advice about the possible environmental risks from growing oilseed rape containing a small proportion of these seeds.

  No-smoking Policy
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a368W
  statement on (a) the effectiveness of his Department's no-smoking policy and (b) the proportion of his Department's offices that do not allow smoking. [125155]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  My Department operates a no-smoking policy in all of its buildings with smoking permitted only in designated rooms. The policy is considered to be effective. My Department will review this policy when the Health and Safety Executive issues the new Approved Code of Practice on Smoking.

  Combined Heat and Power
  Dr. Brand
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will define the phrase quality combined heat and power plant in relation to the climate change levy in respect of the greenhouse industry. [125722]

  Mr. Meacher
  Good Quality combined heat and power is generation which delivers a high level of useful heat and electricity from the same fuel input. Good Quality CHP will achieve efficiencies significantly above those of conventional generation, where the waste heat is simply vented away.

  I announced key decisions on the detailed methodology for assessing the quality of CHP, and the operation of the mechanism for assessing existing and proposed schemes, in my statement to the House on 17 May 2000, Official Report, columns 137–381. Use of the mechanism will be implemented by statutory orders under the Finance Bill currently under discussion.

  The decisions follow consultation with operators and users of combined heat and power schemes, including those used in the greenhouse industry. The proposed CHP Quality Assurance programme provides a practical, reliable method for determining the quality of all sizes and types of CHP scheme for a range of purposes, including eligibility for exemption from the climate change levy.

  Public Telephones and IT Kiosks
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how long a local authority planning department has in which to object to the proposed installation of(a) telephone booths, (b) telephone boxes and (c) information kiosks; [126283]

  (2) what planning powers are available to local authorities in respect of work by telecommunications operators to convert public telephones to IT kiosks. [126285]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Certain telecommunications operators licensed by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry under the Telecommunications Act 1984 (the 1984 Act) are granted special rights to assist in the installation and maintenance of their systems. These powers, which are set out in Schedule 2 to the 1984 Act—the "Telecommunications Code"—are further governed by provisions in operators' licences and Town and Country Planning legislation, which impose exceptions and conditions on the use of these powers.

  Under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, as amended, (GPDO) code system operators have permitted development rights for the installation, alteration or replacement of a range of telecommunication apparatus.
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  As regards the installation of public call boxes, which include telephone booths and telephone boxes, these PDRs are subject to a prior approval procedure under the GPDO. Operators must give the local planning authority the opportunity to say whether they wish to approve, within 28 days, details of the siting and appearance of the installation. An authority may refuse such approval, if they consider this to be justified.

  As regards information kiosks, their installation by operators licensed to do so would enjoy permitted development rights under the GPDO. However, where it is intended that the kiosk included a voice telephony service it is likely that it would be treated as a public call box for the purposes of the GPDO and the prior approval procedure outlined above would apply.

  A local authority has the power to withdraw permitted development rights by making a Direction under Article 4 of the GPDO. These powers should be used only in exceptional circumstances and are intended for use where there is a real and specific threat to the proper planning or amenities of a limited area.

  Under the terms of its licence, an operator wishing to install an information kiosk which did not include a voice telephony service would have to give the local planning authority 28 days' notice of their intention to do so.

  As regards the conversion of public call boxes to information kiosks, alteration or replacement of such boxes by a code system operator would require prior approval under the 28 day procedure outlined above. Whether conversion to an information kiosk constituted alteration or replacement would depend on the circumstances of the case. If it did not do so, permitted development rights would apply without a requirement for prior approval.

  If a company has not had the Telecommunications Code applied to it under the 1984 Act they will not have the associated permitted development rights under the GPDO. If such a company wishes to install a telephone booth, a telephone box or information kiosk they would be required to submit an application for planning permission to the local planning authority.

  HFCs
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on what evidence his Department has based its view that HFCs are not sustainable technology in the long term. [127002]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government's draft climate change programme includes a new policy statement on HFCs because they are powerful greenhouse gases and are included in the basket of gases controlled under the Kyoto Protocol. We recognise that HFCs are necessary replacements for ozone-depleting substances in some applications, but we are concerned that emissions from these sources are forecast to grow strongly in the near future. This trend is unsustainable in the longer term and action needs to be taken to limit the projected growth.

  Our position would allow HFCs to continue to be used where they are necessary, but we recognise that the successful phase out of ozone-depleting substances is being achieved with a range of technologies. We believe that continued technological developments will mean that HFCs may eventually be able to be replaced in
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  applications where they are currently necessary. We therefore believe it is right to give a clear signal to industry and users to look closely at these alternatives and to select those that are more environmentally acceptable where they do exist. Of course safety, technical feasibility and cost effectiveness should be taken into account before investment decisions are taken.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the occasions in the last 12 months on which Ministers in his Department have met(a) Greenpeace, (b) other environmental groups and (c) representatives of the refrigeration industry to discuss the future use of HFCs. [126976]

  Mr. Meacher
  There have been no meetings between DETR Ministers and any group to discuss specifically the future use of HFCs. However, in January I met representatives from Greenpeace and EnvirosMarch consultancy to discuss the report "UK Emissions of HFCs, PFCs and SF6 and Potential Emission Reduction Options" which was prepared for the DETR by EnvirosMarch.

  Incinerators
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the applications that are outstanding by type and capacity for the construction of incinerators. [126761]

  Mr. Meacher
  In England and Wales the Environment Agency is responsible for regulating waste incineration processes described in part A of sections 1.3(C) and 5.1 of the Environmental Protection (Prescribed Processes and Substances) Regulation SI19991/No. 472.

  The operators set out have made an application to the Agency for an IPC authorisation, or for a variation to conditions attached to their current authorisation. The list also incorporates any variations to conditions that have been initiated by the Agency. The lists do not include applications made for incinerator units acting as abatement equipment (e.g. chemical manufacturing plant), or for the incineration of waste in plant whose primary purpose is some other purpose (e.g. cement works). The capacity of each individual incinerator application is not held centrally by the Agency.

  Information on land-use planning applications is held by local planning authorities.
  Section 1.3 (C)—burning waste oil, recovered oil or fuel manufactured from or comprising waste

  Soiree Ltd.

  Jaguar Cars Ltd.

  Fibrogen Ltd.

  Section 5.1 (a)—destruction by burning in an incinerator of waste plastics, chemicals or wastes arising from chemicals or plastics manufacture

  Thames Water Utilities Ltd. (two applications)

  White Rose Environment Ltd.

  Eurocare Environmental Services Ltd.

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  Section 5,1 (b)—destruction by burning of bromine, cadmium, chlorine, fluorine, iodine, lead, mercury, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur and zinc containing wastes

  Merck Sharp and Dohme Ltd.

  Medipower Services Ltd.

  The BOC Group

  Section 5.1 (C)-destruction by burning of any other waste, including animal remains, where the plant is designed to incinerate in excess of 1 tph (including municipal waste)

  Kent Enviropower Ltd.

  Yorkshire Water Services Ltd. (four applications)

  WRE Services Ltd.

  Onyx Hampshire Ltd.

  Shanks Chemical Services Ltd.

  Northwick Park Hospital

  White Rose Environmental Ltd.

  RMC Tilbury Aggregates Ltd.

  Waste Management
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent representations he has received about the SBS system of aerobic degradation and municipal waste; and what responses he has made. [126764]

  Mr. Meacher
  I am not aware of any representations made to my Department about the application of the anaerobic Sludge Blanketing System to municipal waste.

  Dioxins
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for East Worthing and Shoreham (Mr. Loughton) of 24 May 2000,Official Report, column 539W, on dioxins, what levels of dioxins have been identified in the environment of East Sussex for each year since 1991; and if he will make a statement. [126261]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 19 June 2000]: The Government have made no measurements for dioxins specifically in the environment of East Sussex since 1991.

  Telecommunications Masts
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to implement the recommendations of the Stewart Inquiry relating to planning regulations affecting mobile phone telecommunications masts. [127154]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  In their response to the report of the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones, issued on 11 May 2000, the Government said that they

  Table 1: UK Greenhouse gas emissions, percentage change on previous year

  Percentage

  Gas

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  CO2

  0.6

  -2.4

  -2.6

  -0.5

  -1.5

  3.3

  -4.4

  0.4

  CH4

  -1.4

  -2.6

  -10.0

  -7.4

  -0.9

  -2.2

  -3.2

  -4.6

  N2O

  -2.8

  -11.2

  -6.6

  8.8

  -4.3

  3.4

  2.7

  -4.2

  HFCs

  4.3

  4.1

  4.5

  7.1

  10.1

  7.2

  13.3

  9.6

  PFCs

  -22.1

  -48.7

  -15.2

  25.5

  14.2

  -17.8

  -28.2

  -1.7

  SF6

  0.8

  0.7

  0.7

  11.2

  1.9

  9.3

  -2.0

  0.5

  Total GWP

  0.1

  -3.2

  -3.5

  -0.2

  -1.4

  2.9

  -3.4

  -0.1

  Change on 1990 levels

  0.1

  -3.0

  -6.5

  -6.7

  -8.0

  -5.3

  -8.5

  -8.7

  372W
  were minded to introduce a requirement for full planning permission for all new telecommunications masts, but would need to consult widely before doing so, including on the purpose and precise scope of any new arrangements. We shall issue a consultation paper on this and related guidance as soon as practicable.

  Greenhouse Gases
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out the monitoring arrangements for levels of greenhouse gas production in the UK. [127147]

  Mr. Meacher
  My Department compiles and publishes an annual inventory of UK greenhouse gas emissions by sources and removals by sinks to fulfil international reporting requirements of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the European Union Monitoring Mechanism. Separate greenhouse gas inventories are also published for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The inventories are produced according to guidelines published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and conform to internationally agreed good practice.

  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list for(a) Scotland, (b) England and Wales and (c) the UK the changes in the levels of production of the six greenhouse gases in each year since 1990; and what the forecast reduction is for the following 10 years. [127148]

  Mr. Meacher
  UK emissions of the "basket" of six greenhouse gases, weighted by their global warming potential (GWP), fell by 8.7 per cent. between 1990 and 1998. UK emissions of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas, fell by 7 per cent. over the same period. The changes in the levels of emissions of the six greenhouse gases in each year from 1990 to 1998 for the UK are given in Table 1. 1998 is the latest year for which we have complete data. Disaggregated data are only available for the years 1990 and 1995 for Scotland and England and Wales at present (Table 2) but data for 1998 will be available later this year.

  Table 3 shows projected changes in UK emissions of the six greenhouse gases between 1990 (the baseline year for our climate change targets) and 2010, before the impact of the measures set out in the UK's draft climate change programme, published in March. There are currently no disaggregated projections for England and Wales and Scotland although my Department is funding a research contract to provide disaggregated projections of the non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gases which will be available later this year.
  373W

  Table 2: Greenhouse gas emissions for Scotland and England and Wales, percentage change from 1990 to 1995

  Percentage

  Greenhouse Gas

  Scotland

  England and Wales

  CO2

  0.5

  -9

  CH4

  -9.5

  -23

  N2

  -12.5

  -17

  HFSCs

  0

  32

  PFCs

  100

  -74

  SF6

  0

  53

  Total GWP

  -0.9

  -10

  Table 3: Projected greenhouse gas emissions for UK, percentage change from 1990 to 2010

  Percentage

  Greenhouse Gas

  UK

  CO2

  -7

  CH4

  -45

  N20

  -35

  HFCs

  10

  PFCs

  -83

  SF6

  35

  Total GWP

  -13

  Countryside and Rights of Way Bill
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the sources other than his Department's own legal service, from which he took legal advice with regard to the implications of the European Convention on Human Rights for the Countryside and Rights of Way Bill. [127314]

  Mr. Mullin
  It is not the practice of the Government to disclose the legal advice which they have received on any matter, nor the source of such advice.

  Waterloo/Exeter Line
  Mr. Ashdown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what reasons underlay the decision of the Franchising Director of the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority concerning of the amount of notice given between the announcement of a possible new micro franchise on the Waterloo/Exeter rail line and the pre-qualification date for bidders; if he will instruct the Regulator to extend this deadline; and if he will make a statement. [126689]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 22 June 2000]: The Secretary of State has asked the Franchising Director to write to the right hon. Member explaining the history of this decision and the future proposals for both the Waterloo/Exeter railway line and replacement plans for South West Trains franchise and other franchise in the area. This letter will be placed in the Library.

  Radioactive Waste
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will obtain from Greenpeace their evidence on radioactive waste in the Hurd Deep. [127567]
  374W
  Mr. Meacher
  I am not aware of the video referred to. I expect Greenpeace will send me a copy if they consider it contains material of interest to my Department.

  Land Reclamation
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions he has had with the European Commission about its ruling on the investment of Government money in derelict land reclamation. [127570]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 24 May 2000,Official Report, column 536W. My right hon. Friend, the Minister for Local Government and the Regions met Commissioner Monti on 2 March to discuss the problems we face in partnership working with the private sector in regeneration since the Commission's decision that the Partnership Investment Programme breached the state aid rules. These discussions continue at official level.

  Cap de la Hague
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) of 7 June 2000,Official Report, column 244W, on Cap de la Hague, if he will request information from (a) the French nuclear authorities and (b) Greenpeace France on nuclear waste liquid discharges and atmospheric radioactive discharges from the Cap de la Hague nuclear waste processing site. [127612]

  Mr. Meacher
  The operators of the La Hague site, Cogema, regularly publish details of their liquid and aerial radioactive discharges. Such discharges are closely controlled by the French regulatory authority and comply with international limits for doses to the public. If there are specific reasons why my hon. Friend believes extra information is needed related to specific accidents I would be interested for my hon. Friend to let me know.

  Noise Control
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the total expenditure of UK local authorities on noise control in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [127651]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  This information is not centrally available.

  Millennium Dome
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions his Department has had with parties other than Dome Europe and Legacy plc and their affiliates concerning the future use of the Dome since the final shortlist was announced. [127822]

  Ms Armstrong
  Since the final shortlist announcement neither my Department nor the competition team has had any discussions about the future use of the Dome site with any parties interested in purchasing it other than the two bidders. The Competition Team has received a small
  375W
  number of new expressions of interest, but has made it clear that no new bids can be accepted into the competition process at this advanced stage.

  Energy (Office Buildings)
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effect of the freehold tenant relationship on energy use in office buildings. [127453]

  Mr. Raynsford
  None. However, in 1998 my Department's Property Advisory Group published a report "Sustainable Development and Buildings" commending the use of all-inclusive occupation agreements in commercial buildings as a means of reducing energy consumption. Under such arrangements, the landlord provides a comprehensive range of services besides letting the property—for example, energy, insurance, repairs and maintenance—for an all-inclusive charge. The Property Advisory Group saw these as giving landlord and tenant a mutual interest in reducing occupation costs, including energy costs.

  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his estimate of the increase in energy consumption in commercial buildings, including the office sector, in the last 15 years for which figures are available. [127452]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 23 June 2000,Official Report, column 313W.

  Heathrow Airport (Night Flights)
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will call for a report from the British Airports Authority listing all flights with airline designation, departure point and departure time from that point, arriving at Heathrow Airport before 6 am each day and the approximate time of each arrival. [127665]

  Mr. Mullin
  I will write to my hon. Friend.

  Wandsworth School Planning Application
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will make a decision on the planning application by the London Borough of Wandsworth for a new secondary school on the site of Wandsworth School, Sutherland Grove, London SW18. [127732]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Secretary of State has today issued a decision to the London Borough of Wandsworth refusing Conservation Area Consent for their application to demolish buildings on this site.

  Aviation Agreements
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what recent representations he has received on the liberalisation of the London-US transatlantic aviation agreement through Heathrow; and if he will make a statement; [127246]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the Open Skies agreements between EU countries and the US; and what progress has been made in securing a similar agreement between the UK and the US. [127247]
  376W
  Mr. Mullin
  I have received representations on matters relating to the liberalisation of the UK/US aviation market from all sectors of the UK aviation industry, from consumer interests and from other sources.

  A number of EU countries have concluded Open Skies agreements with the US. The UK's goal is a liberalised aviation agreement which goes further than the US template and secures access for UK carriers to the US domestic market.

  Inland Waterways
  Mr. Pound
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish the report on the inland waterways referred to in the White Paper, A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone; and if he will make a statement. [128006]

  Mr. Prescott
  The report, entitled "Waterways for Tomorrow", will be published tomorrow. Copies will be available from the House of Commons Library and the Vote Office on Tuesday 27 June.

  "Waterways for Tomorrow" takes a comprehensive look at the inland waterways of England and Wales and sets out our proposals for their future. We intend to promote the inland waterways and encourage a modern, integrated and sustainable approach to their use. We want to protect and conserve the waterways as an important part of the country's national heritage while, at the same time, encouraging their best and, where appropriate, innovative use, maximising the opportunities they offer for leisure and recreation; as a catalyst for urban and rural regeneration; for education; and for freight transport.

  We believe that the measures set out in "Waterways for Tomorrow" will pave the way for a new, revitalised inland waterways system which can be fully, imaginatively and adventurously used by all. This is good news for the environment, the community and the economy.

  GM Crops
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what account was taken of the outbreak of rhizomania disease at Sunnymead Farm in Essex when permission was granted to hold a GM crop trial there; what contact he has had with MAFF regarding the outbreak of this disease at this site; and if he will make a statement. [127595]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 23 June 2000]: Rhizomania is a disease of sugar beet and its presence on a farm has no implications for trials of GM maize under the farm-scale evaluation programme. MAFF apply controls on farms affected by the disease to limit its spread. These include the adoption of routine hygiene measures by people visiting the farm.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the circumstances in which the Government have a duty to make public the location of crop sites accidentally sown with GM-contaminated seeds. [126817]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 19 June 2000]: A request for this information to be released could be made under the Environmental Information Regulations 1992 (as amended by the Environmental Information (Amendment) Regulations 1998), which place a statutory obligation on

  377W
  relevant persons who hold specified information relating to the environment to make that information available to every person who requests it. The statutory obligation is subject to a number of exceptions as set out in the regulations. My Department does not, however, hold information on the location of the sites sown with GM-contaminated seeds.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Home Detention Curfew Scheme
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many drug dealers and traffickers have been released on the Home Detention Curfew Scheme. [126131]

  Mr. Boateng
  As of 31 May 2000, the number of prisoners convicted of the following drugs-related offences have been placed on the Home Detention Curfew scheme:

  122 convicted of production;

  1,156 convicted of supply;

  1,476 convicted of possession with intent; and

  222 convicted of unlawful import or export.

  Miss Kirkbride
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many child sex offenders have been released on the Home Detention Curfew Scheme. [126134]

  Mr. Boateng
  As of 31 May 2000, two prisoners subject to the Sex Offenders Act 1997 have been released in this way. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has previously informed the House that both successfully completed their curfew period and have not been known to reoffend since.

  The Government amendment to the Criminal Justice and Court Services Bill will mean that sex offenders subject to the 1997 Act will be excluded from the home detention curfew scheme altogether.

  Crime and Disorder Act 1998
  Mr. Leigh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the impact of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. [126132]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 has been widely hailed as one of the most progressive pieces of legislation in the criminal justice field for many decades, and good progress is being made with its implementation

  Mr. Darvill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he is taking to encourage local partnerships to make use of the Orders made available to them in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. [126135]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Tackling disorderly behaviour is among the Government's highest priorities, and I have therefore taken special steps to promote the use of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders. An action group was set up under Lord Warner to consider issues relating to their use, 10 regional seminars were held to promote best practice, and guidance in the form of model partnership agreements will be issued later this month.

  Proportional Representation
  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he had made of the use of proportional representation at elections in the United Kingdom. [126133]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Government believe that an electoral system should be appropriate to the body being elected. The proportional voting systems used to elect the European Parliament, Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and Greater London Authority have resulted in those bodies being broadly representative of the people they serve.

  Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial) (No. 2) Bill
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has had with the police and magistrates on the Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial) (No. 2) Bill. [126136]

  Mrs. Roche
  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has received considerable support from all three police associations and the Magistrates Association for the measures which are in the Bill.

  Asylum Seekers
  Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress is being made in speeding up decisions on applications from asylum seekers. [126137]

  Mrs. Roche
  We are committing substantial new resources to speed up the asylum system. We have recently recruited 270 extra asylum decision-makers and a further 350 are due to be recruited this year. We are thoroughly overhauling processes across the system from end-to-end and across directorate and departmental boundaries. Decisions are currently well exceeding the number of new applications.

  The number of decisions has significantly increased since the beginning of the year reaching over 11,000 in March, the highest monthly total ever recorded.

  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons are registered as asylum seekers in the United Kingdom; and how many were registered(a) five and (b) 10 years ago; and if he will make a statement. [126139]

  Mrs. Roche
  The number of asylum applicants awaiting an initial decision at the end of April was 94,540. The comparable figure for the end of December 1994 was 55,255 and at the end of December 1989 was 12,240. The backlog of asylum cases is being progressively reduced and we are on course to make a substantial reduction by April 2001.

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers, while in detention,(a) attempted suicide and (b) committed suicide in (i) 1996–97, (ii) 1997–98 and (iii) 1998–99. [126147]

  Mrs. Roche
  While the overwhelming majority of immigration detainees have claimed asylum at some point, it would be possible to distinguish them from non-asylum seeking detainees only at a disproportionate cost by examination of individual case records.
  379W
  The number of recorded attempts at self-harm by immigration detainees are as follows:

  (i) April 1996-March 1997: 14 attempts

  (ii) April 1997-March 1998: 20 attempts

  (iii) April 1998-March 1999: 23 attempts.

  There were no incidents of suicide by immigration detainees between 1996 and 1999.

  Maria Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what checks are made on private landlords seeking to house asylum seekers. [126149]

  Miss Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what checks are made on private landlords seeking to house asylum seekers. [126156]

  Mrs. Roche
  Both private and public housing providers were invited to participate in the tendering process for providing accommodation for asylum seekers. With regard to private sector companies, we conducted thorough reviews which included an assessment of the potential provider's financial standing, suitability and quality of accommodation and support service infrastructure. In addition, we consulted the relevant regional consortia to ensure that local circumstances were taken into account and that the provider was suitable.

  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what priority will be given to cluster areas with(a) less than 1 per cent. ethnic minority populations and (b) low levels of public housing in the dispersal of asylum seekers. [127235]

  Mrs. Roche
  In researching cluster areas and deciding where asylum seekers might best be dispersed, the National Asylum Support Service has drawn on a number of sources for information about towns and cities across the United Kingdom. This includes census information and population data. Ethnic minority population and communities are taken into account in decisions on cluster areas, although there is no requirement to take account of a population of less than 1 per cent. specifically. The availability of accommodation is clearly a prime factor in the development of cluster areas. This may be either public housing or private housing.

  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what account will be taken of seasonal factors that affect the availability of accommodation in seaside resorts when determining the dispersal of asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement. [127236]

  Mrs. Roche
  A number of factors in cluster areas affect the availability of accommodation and its suitability. The National Asylum Support Service aims to take all these factors into account when considering cluster areas and dispersal. As regards seaside resorts, the Home Office is in touch with relevant local authorities and with the British Resorts Association to look at the account that needs to be taken of specific characteristics of seaside areas.

  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average number of dependants per asylum seeker included in new asylum applications received in the UK. [126814]
  380W
  Mrs. Roche
  Applications for asylum to the United Kingdom are recorded on behalf of the principal applicant only and totalled 71,160 in 1999. It is estimated that the total was 91,200, including dependants.

  Virtual Police Stations
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will introduce virtual police stations across the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [126138]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I have no plans to introduce virtual police stations. Two research projects are being undertaken by the police with the assistance of the Home Office Research Award Scheme. One project is an examination of the mechanics for delivering police service on the internet and its likely impact. The other project is assessing the strategy of development of the use of electronic communication to increase police, and other agencies, contact with the public.

  Most forces maintain informative websites on the internet.

  Police Human Resources Policies
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent guidance he has given to chief officers of police in relation to human resource policies within the forces. [126140]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Guidance on human resource policies has recently been issued on: Police Training_: The Way Forward (May 2000); Crime Fighting Fund recruitment scheme (May 2000); Pensions (two circulars in March 2000); Tenure of police officers seconded to the National Crime Squad (May 2000); Police Health and Safety (May 2000); Auditing Organisational Culture within the Police Service Police (April 2000); and, Special Constables: Eligibility for recruitment (April 2000).

  Hunting with Dogs
  Mr. St. Aubyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his Department' s estimate of the impact on police resources as a result of an introduction of a ban on hunting with dogs. [126141]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We will be consulting with the police on the implications to them of the legislative options contained in the proposed Bill on hunting with dogs.

  Prison Population
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners there are per 100,000 of the population in(a) the United Kingdom, (b) France, (c) Germany and (d) the Netherlands; and if he will make a statement. [126142]

  Mr. Boateng
  The available information is given in the table. It should be noted, however, that comparisons between penal statistics from different countries may be misleading due to differences in criminal justice systems,
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  the types of sanctions available to the judicial authorities and the length of prison sentences imposed by the courts and served by offenders.

  International prison population comparisons: rate per 100,000 population in 1999

  Country

  Rate1 per 100,000 population in 1999

  United Kingdom

  123

  England and Wales2

  125

  Scotland3

  118

  Northern Ireland

  69

  France

  89

  Germany4

  95

  Netherlands

  75

  1 Based on estimates of national populations

  2 At 31 August

  3 Average daily population

  4 1998 figures

  Police Manpower
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will conduct a review of police strength in each police authority area in England and Wales prior to the Government's second comprehensive spending review; and if he will make a statement. [126144]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I have no plans to undertake such a review. Under the Police Act 1996, it is for individual chief constables to determine the number of police officers in their force from within their available resources.

  I work closely with the police and their representative bodies on a number of issues about resourcing and crime reduction, including their concerns about police numbers. I have responded to those concerns with the Crime Fighting Fund, which will allow for the recruitment of 5,000 more officers over the next two years, over and above those that forces already planned to recruit. The future resourcing of the police service is, of course, a matter for Spending Review 2000, and I have taken careful account of the views of the police service on their needs.

  Restorative Justice
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the progress of restorative justice schemes. [126145]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The final warning scheme, reparation order and action plan order under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, were implemented across England and Wales on 1 June 2000; the referral order under the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 will be piloted in seven areas from summer 2000 ahead of national implementation. All these measures reflect the restorative justice principles of responsibility, reparation and reintegration in tackling offending and requiring offenders to make amends for their actions. For adults, community service orders provide the opportunity for offenders to undertake work for the benefit of the community.

  Jury Trial
  Mr. Mates
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans to amend the right to elect trial by jury. [126146]

  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans to change the right of defendants to elect a jury trial; and if he will make a statement. [126148]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial) (No.2) Bill is part of our programme to modernise the justice system and to make it more responsive to the needs of victims, witnesses and the public at large. Giving the courts, rather than defendants, the power to decide whether either-way offences should be heard in the Crown Court would reduce delay and secure a more efficient system of justice.

  Corpus Juris
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is with respect to corpus juris. [126150]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Ludlow (Mr. Gill), on 15 May 2000,Official Report, column 51W.

  Door Supervisors
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans for regulating door supervisors. [126151]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  We issued a White Paper last year proposing that a new authority should be set up to license those who work in the private security field, and to improve standards in the industry. We proposed that the scheme should apply to door supervisors. Legislation will be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time permits.

  As my hon. Friend is aware, we are also considering other issues relating to the regulation of door supervisors, in consultation with local authority, police and other interests.

  Burglary
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress he has made in reducing the incidence of burglary. [126152]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The reported crime figures for 1999 show a fall in the total numbers of burglaries of over 15 per cent. in the last two years (down from 1,127,000 in the year ending March 1997 to 953,000 in the year ending March 1999). While econometric models predict upward pressure on the level of burglary, we are committed to reducing crime and all police authorities have set five year targets for reducing the number of domestic burglaries. Nationally, these amount to a 25 per cent. reduction by March 2005.

  Under the Reducing Burglary Initiative (part of our £400 million Crime Reduction Programme), we plan to invest over £50 million by 2002 in projects covering over two million households in high crime areas, with the aim of preventing 15,000 burglaries by March 2002 and 25,000 in the longer term. The projects are being

  383W
  evaluated and the lessons learned about what works, and is most cost-effective, in different circumstances will be of wider benefit to all local crime and disorder partnerships seeking to improve their own anti-burglary strategies.

  So far, 224 local anti-burglary projects, covering around 800,000 households, have been approved at a total cost of nearly £16 million.

  As part of the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions' New Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES), we have also committed up to £12 million to improve home security for low income pensioners living in high crime areas in England and Wales. New HEES started earlier this month.

  In April 2000, we launched a Distraction Burglary Taskforce to combat the problem of burglary by bogus callers which predominantly affects very vulnerable members of the community. Pilot schemes across the country, spearheaded by the National Neighbourhood Watch Association, will try out different community based methods of tackling this crime

  We have also launched a Property Crime Reduction Action Team to take forward work at a national level to reduce property crime, including ways of designing out crime. And we have also set ambitious targets for tackling drugs misuse, which is strongly connected to property crime, and have launched a number of related initiatives, including new Drug Treatment and Testing Orders and arrest referral schemes.

  Finally, we are also funding several related projects under the Targeted Policing Initiative, including schemes to disrupt the stolen goods markets and to tackle drug related crime.

  Victim Support
  Mr. McWalter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money central Government have made available for victim support in the last five financial years. [126155]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The annual grant paid to Victim Support in the last five years is as follows:

  New fixed penalty offences—Number of substantive tickets issued, England and Wales, August to December 1999

  Police force

  Carrying more than one person on pedal cycle

  Cycling on footway (pavement)

  Registration mark defective

  Overtaking at pelican, zebra or puffin crossing

  Driving on footway (pavement)

  Total

  Avon and Somerset

  —

  19

  127

  7

  16

  169

  Bedfordshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Cambridgeshire1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Cheshire

  —

  6

  87

  50

  2

  165

  Cleveland

  1

  5

  4

  4

  —

  14

  Cumbria

  2

  12

  32

  —

  4

  50

  Derbyshire

  —

  3

  5

  —

  3

  11

  Devon and Cornwall

  1

  28

  20

  —

  4

  53

  Dorset

  1

  7

  92

  4

  7

  111

  Durham

  —

  7

  14

  —

  1

  22

  Essex1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Gloucestershire

  —

  25

  31

  —

  6

  62

  Greater Manchester

  2

  38

  126

  5

  —

  171

  Hampshire

  1

  52

  92

  2

  —

  147

  Hertfordshire

  —

  11

  114

  2

  3

  130

  Humberside1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Kent

  2

  48

  84

  2

  39

  175

  Lancashire

  2

  8

  65

  —

  41

  116

  384W

  £ million

  Financial year

  Grant

  1995–96

  10.817

  1996–97

  11.682

  1997–98

  12.682

  1998–99

  12.682

  1999–2000

  17.500

  £ million

  Financial year

  Grant

  1995–96

  10.817

  1996–97

  11.682

  1997–98

  12.682

  1998–99

  12.682

  1999–2000

  17.500

  Anti-social Behaviour Orders
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many anti-social behaviour orders have been issued; and if he will make a statement. [126153]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Figures for the number of orders granted are being collected centrally with effect from 1 June. From a trawl of police forces carried out by the Association of Chief Police Officers, we have been able to establish that 79 orders were granted between the period 1 April 1999 and 31 May 2000.

  Police Recruitment
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has had with chief constables regarding police recruitment. [126154]

  Mr. Straw
  My officials have had discussions recently with the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Association of Police Authorities regarding the accelerated recruitment scheme of the Crime Fighting Fund and the national police recruitment campaign.

  Cycles
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many fixed penalties have been issued to cyclists for the offence of(a) carrying another person and (b) cycling on pavements, broken down by police force areas for the latest six month period for which figures are available; and how many of the penalties were issued to cyclists aged under 14 years. [126419]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The table gives the available information which relates to the period 1 August to 31 December 1999.
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  New fixed penalty offences—Number of substantive tickets issued, England and Wales, August to December 1999

  Police force

  Carrying more than one person on pedal cycle

  Cycling on footway (pavement)

  Registration mark defective

  Overtaking at pelican, zebra or puffin crossing

  Driving on footway (pavement)

  Total

  Leicestershire

  1

  13

  30

  —

  2

  46

  Lincolnshire

  9

  15

  118

  1

  3

  146

  London, City of

  —

  10

  5

  —

  10

  25

  Merseyside

  1

  18

  3

  —

  5

  27

  Metropolitan Police

  —

  29

  109

  22

  8

  168

  Norfolk2

  —

  8

  1

  1

  1

  11

  Northamptonshire

  —

  2

  36

  —

  —

  38

  Northumbria

  1

  21

  32

  3

  9

  66

  North Yorkshire

  —

  18

  33

  2

  53

  106

  Nottinghamshire

  —

  5

  146

  —

  2

  153

  South Yorkshire

  —

  11

  219

  12

  61

  303

  Staffordshire2

  —

  3

  27

  4

  —

  34

  Suffolk

  2

  53

  30

  —

  —

  85

  Surrey

  —

  13

  78

  1

  4

  96

  Sussex

  —

  15

  5

  —

  —

  20

  Thames Valley

  1

  8

  —

  —

  2

  11

  Warwickshire

  —

  2

  16

  —

  2

  20

  West Mercia

  1

  36

  87

  4

  5

  133

  West Midlands

  —

  4

  12

  1

  1

  18

  West Yorkshire1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Wiltshire

  —

  6

  17

  —

  1

  24

  Dyfed-Powys

  —

  7

  —

  —

  1

  8

  Gwent

  —

  —

  29

  1

  1

  31

  North Wales

  n/a

  n/a

  —

  —

  34

  34

  South Wales

  —

  4

  11

  —

  38

  53

  Total (39 forces)

  28

  570

  1,937

  138

  369

  3,042

  1 Figures not yet available

  2 October to December only

  3 Included in column 2

  Child Road Casualties
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many child road casualties there have been in the last year for which figures are available in Stoke-on-Trent North; and if he will make a statement on progress towards meeting his 2010 target for reducing such casualties. [127071]

  Mr. Hill
  I have been asked to reply.

  Data for Stoke-on-Trent North are not available. The number of child road casualties for Stoke-on-Trent Unitary Authority are given in the table:

  Child (aged 0–15) road casualties by severity for Stoke-on-Trent: 1998

  Severity of casualty

  Fatal

  2

  Serious

  27

  Slight

  188

  Total

  217

  The new road safety strategy "Tomorrow's roads—safer for everyone", published in March, sets out a range of measures to meet the target of halving the number of children killed or seriously injured in road accidents by 2010, compared with the average for 1994–98. Many of these measures are now being taken forward but it is too soon to quantify any casualty savings.

  Young Offender Units
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to end the practice in young offender units of holding two prisoners in cells designed for one; and when he expects this practice to end. [127143]

  Mr. Boateng
  Due to current population pressures there are no immediate plans to end the practice of holding two prisoners in cells designed for one at some young offender units.

  Dartmoor Prison
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department who is the Chair of the Board of Visitors at Dartmoor Prison. [127166]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Chairman of the Board of Visitors at Her Majesty's Prison Dartmoor for the period 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2000 is Mr. Michael Long.

  Internet (Interception)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what circumstances the Government will require internet service providers to contribute to(a) capital and (b) recruitment costs of security surveillance; and what the charging principles will be. [127328]

  Mr. Straw
  I have published a detailed report into the technical and financial considerations involved in interception on the internet, on Home Office website, www.homeoffice.gov.uk/oicd/ripbill.htm. Comments have been received from the Internet Service Providers Association and my officials have started a dialogue with
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  wider industry representatives under the auspices of the Alliance for Electronic Business. There is agreement to set up a body, with industry participation, to advise on the technical, functional and procedural implementation of Clause 12 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill. Depending on detailed discussions in that group and outside, and bearing in mind the need for equity across the entire communications industry, the Government will take a view on what contribution from internet service providers will be appropriate for capital costs. That process will also inform decisions on recruitment costs.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the estimates of(a) the capital costs and (b) the running costs of internet service providers, establishing a surveillance capability as required under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill. [127331]

  Mr. Straw
  Our estimate of the total costs to communication service providers, not currently classified as public telecommunications operators, of establishing an intercept capability under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill is that it will not exceed £20 million in aggregate over the first three years. I have published a report on the Home Office website detailing some cost and technical implications of interception on the internet. My officials have been in contact with The Alliance for Electronic Business and the Internet Service Providers Association over the establishment of an advisory board to consider further the technical, functional and procedural implementation of Clause 12 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill.

  Fire Service (London)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his estimate is for planning purposes of net pension fund obligations, pensions less contribution, for(a) the London Fire Service and (b) all UK fire services in financial years (a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02, (c) 2005–06 and (d) 2010–11; and how these obligations will be financed. [127322]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The available figures, provided by the Local Government Association's Fire Service Expenditure Forecasting Group, are:

  £ million

  2000–01

  2001–02

  London

  65.3

  73.5

  England

  250

  275

  Under the Central Local Partnership the Home Office works closely with the Forecasting Group to assess future resource demands for the following three years. The Group does not prepare longer range projections. Its assessments of future funding pressures, including pensions, are taken into account by the Government in the Spending Review process.

  The provision of revenue funding for the fire services in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is the responsibility of the devolved Administrations.

  Metropolitan Police
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the monthly changes in each of the last two years in Metropolitan police manpower figures, resulting from(a) recruitment and (b) resignation and retirement. [127346]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The requested details are not available. Details for the four six-month periods up to September 1999 are given in the tables.

  Police strength for Metropolitan police

  Police strength for ordinary duty1

  30 September 1997

  26,677

  31 March 1998

  26,094

  30 September 1998

  26,106

  31 March 1999

  26,073

  30 September 1999

  25,884

  1 Full-time equivalents

  Recruitment and wastage for six month period ending

  1998

  1999

  31 March

  30 September

  31 March

  30 September

  Recruitment1

  503

  866

  763

  566

  Wastage1

  Resignation

  118

  174

  147

  182

  Retirement

  528

  592

  473

  409

  Other

  176

  170

  169

  124

  1 Number of Officers

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) new recruits, (b) graduate recruits and (c) graduate recruits with first or upper second class degrees to the Metropolitan Police in each of the last five years. [127329]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The table shows the number of new recruits and graduate recruits into the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) for the last five years:

  Year

  Appointments on probation

  Graduates on probation

  1994–95

  1,209

  1—

  1995–96

  1,212

  141

  1996–97

  670

  1—

  1997–98

  1,164

  46

  1998–99

  1,586

  81

  1 Information for these years is not available

  Information on graduates with first or upper second class degrees is not held centrally or by the MPS.

  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what real terms changes there have been on an annual basis since 1990 in the funding of the Metropolitan Police Service. [127238]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 22 June 2000]: The information set out has been provided by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.
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  Funding (grant + precept) for the Metropolitan Police 1990–91 to 2000–01

  Year

  Cash terms (£ million)

  Percentage change in real terms

  1990–91

  1,240

  8.0

  1991–92

  1,374

  4.3

  1992–93

  1,491

  5.0

  1993–94

  1,561

  2.0

  1994–95

  1,624

  2.6

  1995–96

  1,660

  -0.7

  1996–97

  1,664

  -2.9

  1997–98

  1,717

  0.4

  1998–99

  1,792

  1.0

  1999–20001

  1,827

  -0.5

  1999–20002

  1,778

  —

  2000–2001

  1,844

  3-1.3

  1 Actual

  2 Notional

  3 Funding for 1999–2000 is not directly comparable with 2000–01 and previous years since with effect from 1 April 2000 the territory of the Metropolitan Police Service was redrawn to increase the Greater London Area only. Responsibility for policing about one third of Surrey and smaller parts of Hertfordshire and Essex has now been transferred to the respective county forces. Taking account of these, funding has increased in real terms by 1.4 per cent. in 2000–01. Excluding £8.5 million for the CFF and £4 million for PNC charges, funding for 2000–01 would be £1,832 million. This is the equivalent of a 3 per cent cash increase/1 per cent. real terms increase of 1999–2000 after allowing for the boundary changes (and 1.9 per cent in cash terms over funding and the use of reserves in 1999–2000). Percentage changes in real terms have been calculated at 1998–99 prices using GDP deflators (March 2000).

  Date Rape Drugs
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when he plans to make a statement on his policy on Gammahydroxybutyrate following the publication of the Metropolitan police report on drug-assisted rape on 21 June; [127296]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the extent to which GHB is used as a date rape drug by groups of males acting in collaboration; [127201]

  (3) what recent reports he has received on the use of drugs in date rape cases; [127200]

  (4) what recent assessment he has made of the extent of use of (a) Rohypnol and (b) GHB as date rape drugs. [127203]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Metropolitan police research initiative published on 21 June is the only recent report I have received on the use of drugs in rape cases. The evidence in respect of the use of Gammahydroxybutyrate and Rohypnol and its findings will be reported to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, the statutory body the Government rely on for providing expert advice on drug misuse matters.

  European Refugee Fund
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make statement on his policy towards the European Refugee Fund. [127194]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Government's policy concerning the European Refugee Fund is set out in the Home Office Explanatory Memorandum of 28 February, copies of which were deposited in the Library. Since the Explanatory Memorandum, the United Kingdom has opted in to this proposal under the terms of our protocol to the Treaty of Amsterdam.

  Police Salaries
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will reinstate the rent allowance element of serving police officers' salary packages; and if he will make a statement; [127359]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the impact of the withdrawal of the rent allowance element of salary packages on the recruitment and retention of police officers; [127357]

  (3) what the average reduction is in serving police officers' remuneration following the withdrawal of the rent allowance element of salary packages. [127358]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  No assessment has been made of the withdrawal of rent or housing allowances on the recruitment and retention of officers. Outside the Metropolitan Police Service, very few forces report a recruitment problem. Average total wastage in the police service in 1998–99 was seven per cent., which is low by standards outside the police service.

  Rent allowance was replaced by housing allowance on 1 April 1990, although some officers still receive transitional rent allowance. Following the recommendations of the Sheehy Inquiry, housing allowance was abolished for new recruits and frozen for serving officers from 1 September 1994, because police officers were no longer required to live in a particular location. Entitlement to provided accommodation also ceased and the structure of starting salaries changed.

  Under the Police Act 1996, the Police Negotiating Board (PNB) considers issues relating to police pay and allowances. There are no plans to reinstate rent or housing allowances but the PNB has recommended an increase in London Allowance of £3,327, from 1 July 2000, for those officers appointed on or after 1 September 1994 and not in receipt of housing allowance. On 23 June my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced that he has accepted this recommendation.

  It is not possible to provide a meaningful average reduction in serving police officers' remuneration following the abolition of housing allowance. Allowances paid vary between rank and force. The tables show the rates payable for housing allowance and transitional rent allowance.
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  Maximum limits of transitional rent allowance—police forces in England and Wales Rates frozen from 1 April 1990

  £ per annum

  Federated Ranks1

  Superintendents and Chief Superintendents

  Assistant and Deputy Chief Constables

  Chief Constables

  Avon and Somerset

  3,164.04

  3,670.29

  4,271.45

  4,935.90

  Bedfordshire

  3,917.76

  4,545.07

  5,271.49

  6,115.67

  Cambridgeshire

  3,191.69

  3,702.36

  4,294.74

  4,981.90

  Cheshire

  4,039.36

  4,685.66

  5,435.37

  6,305.03

  Cleveland

  3,275.02

  3,799.01

  4,406.86

  5,111.96

  Cumbria

  2,869.20

  3,328.32

  3,860.76

  4,478.52

  Derbyshire

  4,816.00

  5,586.00

  6,480.00

  7,516.00

  Devon and Cornwall

  4,022.00

  4,666.00

  5,412.00

  6,278.00

  Dorset

  3,476.43

  4,032.66

  4,677.88

  5,426.34

  Durham

  2,667.00

  3,093.72

  3,588.72

  4,162.92

  Dyfed-Powys

  2,322.53

  2,694.13

  3,125.19

  3,625.22

  Essex

  4,867.63

  5,646.45

  6,549.88

  7,597.86

  Gloucestershire

  4,130.64

  4,791.24

  5,557.80

  6,447.12

  Greater Manchester

  3,571.00

  4,143.00

  4,821.00

  5,571.00

  Gwent

  3,651.00

  4,235.16

  4,912.80

  5,698.92

  Hampshire

  4,329.00

  5,052.00

  5,825.00

  6,757.00

  Hertfordshire

  4,269.99

  4,953.18

  5,745.69

  6,665.00

  Humberside

  3,752.44

  4,352.90

  5,049.34

  5,856.90

  Kent

  4,438.79

  5,149.00

  5,972.84

  6,928.49

  Lancashire

  3,145.20

  3,648.43

  4,246.02

  4,906.51

  Leicestershire

  3,350.00

  3,886.00

  4,508.00

  5,229.00

  Lincolnshire

  3,162.87

  3,668.88

  4,256.28

  4,937.05

  Merseyside

  3,239.00

  3,759.00

  4,358.00

  5,054.00

  Norfolk

  3,769.56

  4,373.13

  5,072.17

  5,884.40

  Northamptonshire

  3,956.18

  4,588.70

  5,322.94

  6,175.08

  Northumbria

  2,425.75

  2,814.43

  3,264.54

  3,786.87

  North Wales

  3,153.00

  3,657.00

  4,242.00

  4,921.00

  North Yorkshire

  3,212.43

  3,726.53

  4,322.27

  5,013.74

  Nottinghamshire

  3,194.65

  3,705.79

  4,298.76

  4,986.61

  South Wales

  3,814.30

  4,424.59

  5,132.52

  5,953.73

  South Yorkshire

  3,134.69

  3,636.53

  4,218.19

  4,893.23

  Staffordshire

  3,127.70

  3,628.56

  4,222.44

  4,879.32

  Suffolk

  4,220.04

  4,895.24

  5,678.48

  6,587.04

  Surrey

  3,911.52

  4,537.32

  5,280.48

  6,101.88

  Sussex

  3,703.00

  4,295.00

  4,982.00

  5,779.00

  Thames Valley

  4,687.18

  5,437.34

  6,306.43

  7,316.38

  Warwickshire

  4,199.45

  4,871.35

  5,650.77

  6,554.89

  West Mercia

  3,962.34

  4,996.31

  5,331.72

  6,184.80

  West Midlands

  3,410.42

  3,956.09

  4,589.06

  5,323.31

  West Yorkshire

  3,540.68

  4,106.95

  4,764.12

  5,526.41

  Wiltshire

  4,589.88

  5,324.16

  6,176.04

  7,164.24

  1 Constable to Chief Inspector

  Maximum limits of transitional rent allowance—police forces in England and Wales Rates frozen from 1 April 1990

  £ per annum

  Federated Ranks1

  Superintendents and Chief Superintendents

  Deputy Assistant Commissioner and Commander

  Deputy and Assistant Commissioner

  Metropolitan

  5,863.65

  6,802.00

  7,890.00

  9,153.00

  City of London

  5,864.00

  6,802.00

  7,890.00

  9,153.00

  1 Constable to Chief Inspector

  Standard rate housing allowance—police forces in England and Wales As at 1 April 1994 and frozen from 1 September 1994

  £ per annum

  Federated Ranks1

  Superintendents

  Assistant Chief Constables

  Chief Constables

  Avon and Somerset

  2,374.80

  2,754.76

  3,206.04

  3,704.64

  Bedfordshire

  2,876.88

  3,337.20

  3,883.80

  4,487.93

  Cambridgeshire

  2,319.17

  2,674.00

  3,186.17

  3,633.75

  Cheshire

  2,952.43

  3,424.74

  3,985.70

  4,605.69

  Cleveland

  2,375.36

  3,676.72

  3,215.35

  4,997.79

  Cumbria

  2,425.36

  2,855.17

  3,375.11

  3,756.72

  392W 393W

  Standard rate housing allowance—police forces in England and Wales As at 1 April 1994 and frozen from 1 September 1994

  £ per annum

  Federated Ranks1

  Superintendents

  Assistant and Chief Constables

  Chief Constables

  Derbyshire

  3,667.20

  4,254.00

  4,934.64

  5,724.24

  Devon and Cornwall

  3,144.36

  3,647.52

  4,244.76

  4,905.12

  Dorset

  2,582.01

  2,995.13

  3,485.71

  4,027.93

  Durham

  2,072.04

  2,403.60

  2,797.20

  3,232.32

  Dyfed-Powys

  2,161.34

  2,507.15

  2,917.79

  3,371.67

  Essex

  4,275.60

  4,867.56

  6,549.84

  7,543.68

  Gloucestershire

  3,190.40

  3,700.86

  4,307.04

  4,977.02

  Greater Manchester

  2,371.98

  2,751.06

  3,202.09

  3,700.58

  Gwent

  3,006.52

  3,487.56

  4,045.57

  4,692.86

  Hampshire

  3,882.00

  4,503.12

  5,223.72

  6,059.40

  Hertfordshire

  3,379.96

  3,920.75

  4,562.95

  5,272.74

  Humberside

  2,860.24

  3,317.88

  3,861.34

  4,461.92

  Kent

  3,865.85

  4,484.54

  5,219.33

  6,030.99

  Lancashire

  2,096.40

  2,431.92

  2,830.14

  3,270.38

  Leicestershire

  2,311.00

  3,477.11

  4,112.00

  4,770.00

  Lincolnshire

  2,733.73

  3,215.18

  375.77

  4,372.17

  Merseyside

  2,133.00

  2,474.00

  2,880.00

  3,328.00

  Norfolk

  3,025.67

  3,510.82

  4,092.71

  4,729.35

  Northamptonshire

  3,187.90

  3,697.96

  4,303.66

  4,973.12

  Northumbria

  1,777.66

  2,062.10

  2,399.85

  2,773.16

  North Wales

  2,361.00

  2,739.00

  3,187.00

  3,683.00

  North Yorkshire

  2,510.30

  2,911.96

  3,388.92

  3,916.08

  Nottinghamshire

  2,632.80

  3,054.00

  3,554.28

  4,197.16

  South Wales

  3,535.10

  4,100.73

  4,772.38

  5,514.76

  South Yorkshire

  2,344.89

  2,719.97

  3,165.47

  3,657.92

  Staffordshire

  2,264.08

  2,626.33

  3,056.51

  3,531.96

  Suffolk

  3,735.72

  4,329.96

  5,022.72

  5,826.36

  Surrey

  3,438.24

  3,988.32

  4,641.60

  5,357.28

  Sussex

  2,626.56

  3,047.04

  3,545.88

  4,097.40

  Thames Valley

  4,022.46

  4,666.04

  5,430.32

  6,275.05

  Warwickshire

  3,643.33

  4,226.25

  4,918.48

  5,683.59

  West Mercia

  3,176.91

  3,685.01

  4,288.95

  4,955.25

  West Midlands

  2,950.00

  3,423.15

  3,983.84

  4,603.54

  West Yorkshire

  2,691.55

  3,122.19

  3,633.55

  4,198.26

  Wiltshire

  3,769.44

  4,372.44

  5,088.60

  5,880.24

  1 Constable to Chief Inspector

  Standard rate housing allowance—police forces in England and Wales As at 1 April 1994 and frozen from 1 September 1994

  £ per annum

  Federated Ranks1

  Superintendents

  Commander

  Assistant Commissioner

  Metropolitan

  5,126.70

  5,947.91

  6,921.06

  7,997.65

  City of London

  5,095.93

  5,911.28

  6,879.51

  7,949.65

  1 Constable to Chief Inspector

  Police Time
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the estimated average time required is for a police officer to complete the formal documentation of criminal evidence following an arrest for(a) burglary, (b) car theft and (c)criminal damage; and what steps he has taken to monitor the time spent on procedural rather than operational tasks and to reduce it. [127344]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Manual of Guidance for the preparation, processing and submission of files, which is issued by the Trials Issues Group, sets out what information the police must supply to the Crown Prosecution Service (CRS) to ensure a successful prosecution. The number of documents required depends on the nature of the individual case, as does the time it 394W
  takes to complete them; an average time would not be meaningful and has not been estimated. In straightforward cases in which a guilty plea is expected (which accounted for more than half the cases in the pilot last year of the Narey measures for reducing delay) it is sufficient to prepare an 'expedited file' consisting of no more than five or six forms. The national introduction of those measures in November 1999 is expected to reduce the volume of cases requiring full files, and should also lead to an improvement in the timely delivery of case files to the CPS. Getting the file right first time, and on time, significantly reduces administrative burdens.

  The Home Office is committed to looking at ways of reducing administrative burdens on the police where it is possible to do so consistently with the interests of justice, and will continue to collaborate with forces to that end.

  Portland Young Offenders Institution
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff who work in the juvenile wing at Portland Young Offenders Institution have training in dealing with adolescents. [127426]

  Mr. Boateng
  There are 48 staff who work in the under 18 unit at Portland. Of these, 46 have been trained in dealing with adolescents. The two remaining staff will be trained in September.

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if slopping out has been ended in Portland Young Offenders Institution. [127415]

  Mr. Boateng
  Slopping out has ended at Portland. There are two wings in which the cells are too small to accommodate integral sanitation. An electronic unlocking system gives prisoners access to toilet facilities during the night. They are provided with chamber pots in case a fault occurs with the electronic system.

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many juveniles have been sent to Portland Young Offenders Institute since 1 April. [127419]

  Mr. Boateng
  [holding answer 23 June 2000]: Since 1 April this year, a total of 93 prisoners aged under 18 have been sent to Portland.

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons the number of places designated for juveniles in Portland Young Offenders Institute was reduced in May. [127418]

  Mr. Boateng
  [holding answer 23 June 2000]: Since 1 April this year, Portland has provided 130 places for prisoners aged under 18. This has not changed. It was originally proposed to provide 134 places, but this was reduced to provide four "calming rooms" where refractory young prisoners could be placed in preference to moving them to the segregation unit.

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many fully trained prison officers are on duty at night in Portland Young Offenders Institute. [127417]

  Mr. Boateng
  [holding answer 23 June 2000]: There are a total of 11 staff on night duty at Portland; one senior officer and two officers, who are supported by eight operational support staff. All staff on duty at night are fully trained according to the requirements of their respective grades.

  Sex Offenders
  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the provisions of Part 1 of the Sex Offenders Act 1997; what form the review will take; and over what period it will take place. [127846]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I am happy to be able to announce that the Government are establishing a review of Part 1 of the Sex Offenders Act 1997. Officials will shortly be setting up a small steering group, which will direct the review and undertake a consultation process. Research to be published shortly on the effectiveness of the Act will provide an important, but not exclusive, background for the review. The review will examine 396W
  a wide range of aspects of Part 1 of the Act and will include consultation with other Government Departments, non-government organisations and the general public. I anticipate that the steering group will report to Ministers at the end of the year.

  Hilda Murrell
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress in the investigation of the murder of Hilda Murrell. [126265]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 22 May 2000,Official Report, columns 365–66W.

  Severe Personality Disorders
  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his Department's response to the First report of the Home Affairs Committee, Session 1999–2000, on Dangerous People with Severe Personality Disorders. [126123]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Government's response to the Committee's report on Managing Dangerous People with Severe Personality Disorder was published as the Committee's Third Special Report on 18 May.

  The Government are grateful for the Committee's support for the proposals set out in the consultation paper which was published last July. The Government expect to announce their decision on the way forward once the Spending Review has concluded in the summer.

  Football Hooligans
  Mr. Horam
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what proportion of the England soccer fans deported from Belgium over the weekend of 17 to 18 June had criminal convictions; [127493]

  (2) how many people were stopped at ports, airports and railway stations in efforts to prevent soccer hooligans reaching the Euro 2000 soccer championships; [127489]

  (3) how many police officers were deployed in the attempts to stop soccer hooligans reaching Belgium for the Euro 2000 soccer finals; [127491]

  (4) how many people had their passports withdrawn or suspended for the duration of the Euro 2000 soccer championships; [127492]

  (5) how many British people were prevented by police or court action from getting to the Euro 2000 championships. [127490]

  Mr. Straw
  Information provided by the Dutch and Belgium authorities is currently being analysed by the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS). I understand that, to date, 393 of the 932 England supporters arrested during Euro 2000 have a criminal record. As the hon. Member may be aware, it is estimated that about one third of males in England and Wales have a criminal record by the age of 30.

  There are 101 people currently subject to International Football bans, all of whom were required to report to a police station during Euro 2000. Of these 16 people were ordered to surrender their passports during the tournament as a condition of their ban. No data are available on the

  397W
  number of suspected hooligans who were dissuaded from travelling to Euro 2000 as a result of intensive police activity at United Kingdom exit points. But it is known that at least 98 English supporters were refused entry by the Dutch and Belgian authorities.

  I regret that it is not possible for operational reasons to say how many police officers were deployed here and overseas as part of the extensive Euro 2000 policing operation.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the written parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April have not received substantive answers, for the reason that the information is(a) not held centrally, (b) not held in the form requested or (c) not available. [127680]

  Mr. Straw
  I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 23 June 2000,Official Report, columns 339–40W.

  Human Rights Act 1998
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the extra administrative expenditure resulting from the Human Rights Act 1998. [127619]

  Mr. Straw
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State in his reply to the hon. Member for New Forest, West (Mr. Swayne) on 23 May 2000,Official Report, column 401W.

  Election Expenditure
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what limitations will be in place for expenditure by political parties for the next election. [126143]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Paragraph 3 of Schedule 8 to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill imposes limits on campaign expenditure by registered political parties in the 365 days prior to the date of a general election. The maximum amount a party may spend is determined by the number of constituencies contested. A party receives an allowance of £30,000 for each constituency contested, subject to a minimum threshold. A party contesting every constituency in the United Kingdom would therefore be subject to a limit on campaign expenditure of £19.77 million during the normal 365-day period. In the event that Schedule 8 is brought into force less than 365 days prior to the date of the next general election, clause 151(5) of the Bill provides that the relevant commencement order may specify a lower limit to apply during the shortened campaign period. We have undertaken to consult the main political parties before any such order is made.

  Women Prisoners
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his estimate is of the increase in the proportion of women prisoners over the next five years. [126125]
  398W
  Mr. Boateng
  Over the next five years, the current middle variant projection is for the proportion of female prisoners in Prison Service establishments to increase from an average 5.2 per cent. in 2000 to 5.4 per cent. in 2005.

PRIME MINISTER

  Central Railway
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Prime Minister what representations his office has received from Central Railway within the last two months. [126534]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 26 June 2000]: So far as I am aware, none.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Prime Minister on which dates members of his office met representatives of Central Railway plc in the last two months. [126910]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 20 June 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to answer I gave him on 8 June 2000, Official Report, column 355W.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Prime Minister how many written parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April have not received substantive answers, for reasons of commercial or other confidentiality. [127685]

  The Prime Minister
  Of the 454 written answers I provided within the specified period, nine withheld information in accordance with the relevant section of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information or other convention in line with the practice adopted by previous Governments.

  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Prime Minister how many of the written parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April 2000 have not received substantive answers, excluding those not answered for reasons of(a) disproportionate cost, (b) information not available, not held centrally, or not held in the form requested and (c) commercial or other confidentiality. [127341]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 22 June 2000]: None.

  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Prime Minister how many written parliamentary questions tabled to his Office between 19 October 1999 and 20 April have not received substantive answers on the grounds of(a) commercial and (b) other confidentiality. [127106]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 21 June 2000]: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave him today.

  Channel Islands (Banking Secrecy)
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral statement of 21 June, if the Government of the Channel Islands were consulted on the proposals relating to banking secrecy. [127819]
  399W
  The Prime Minister
  My statement referred to the agreement reached at the European Council at Feira about how best to tackle the problem of cross-border tax evasion within the European Union. The UK discusses regularly with the Channel Islands international tax issues and matters of mutual interest.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Solicitor-General when he will give a substantive reply to the question tabled by the hon. Member for West Lancashire for answer on 27 November 1999. [127451]

  The Solicitor-General
  I have written to my hon. Friend today with a substantive answer to his question.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Your Britain, Your Europe Roadshow
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the meeting which necessitated the postponement of the Minister for Europe's planned visit to Reading as part of the Your Britain, Your Europe Roadshow on 26 May was arranged. [126882]

  Mr. Vaz
  In December last year the Portuguese Presidency scheduled the first informal meeting of Euro-Mediterranean Foreign Ministers. I had planned to attend the main day of the meeting and return to the UK on 26 May, travelling directly to Reading. After it became apparent that my commitments at the Euro-Med meeting and transport times meant that the visit would have to be curtailed, Reading Borough Council advised me on 19 May that a half day programme would not do sufficient justice to the town's contribution to our relations with the EU. We agreed therefore to postpone the visit until 10 November.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the role of the Committee for the Release of Prisoners of War and Non-Combatants, established under the Lomé Agreement; what representations he made to the parties on this issue; and how many prisoners of war have been released. [126887]

  Mr. Hain
  The Committee for the Release of Prisoners of War and Non-Combatants was established prior to the signature of the Lomé Peace Agreement. The Committee has met periodically under UN chairmanship.

  Britain has regularly pressed the parties for the release of all detainees. However, many are believed to remain in the custody of the Revolutionary United Front.

  No definitive figures of released prisoners of war are available.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what occasions his office was in(a) telephone and (b) direct communication with negotiators discussing peace in Sierra Leone in Lomé; to
  400W
  what extent (i) the UK delegation to Togo and (ii) the West Africa section of his Department was involved; and if he will make a statement. [126890]

  Mr. Hain
  British officials observing the Lomé peace negotiations remained in close touch with the negotiators throughout. Ministers were kept fully informed of the progress of negotiations.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what senior(a) political, (b) military, and (c) quasi-judicial positions were occupied by Revolutionary United Front personnel as a consequence of the Lomé Peace Agreement. [126886]

  Mr. Hain
  Following signature of the Lomé Peace Agreement, three Cabinet positions and three Deputy Ministerial positions were allocated to members of the Revolutionary United Front. The RUF leader, Foday Sankoh, was made Chair of the Commission for the Management of Strategic Resources, National Reconstruction and Development.

  No military or quasi-judicial positions were occupied by members of the Revolutionary United Front.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact of Article XVIII of the Lomé Agreement on Sierra Leone on the effectiveness of that country's helicopter support capabilities; and if he will make a statement. [126893]

  Mr. Hain
  Article XVIII of the Lomé Peace Agreement states that All mercenaries, in any guise, shall be withdrawn from Sierra Leone immediately upon signing of the present Agreement. Their withdrawal shall be supervised by the Joint Monitoring Commission.

  As far as we are aware, this provision has made no impact on the Government of Sierra Leone's helicopter support capabilities.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the status of the trust fund established in the Lomé Peace Agreement to transform the Revolutionary United Front into a political party; how much money was paid into the fund; and what British funds were involved. [126884]

  Mr. Hain
  Article III of the Lomé Peace Agreement states that the Parties shall approach the international community with a view to mobilising resources for the purposes of enabling the Revolutionary United Front to function as a political party. These resources may include the setting up of a trust fund.

  By the end of April, the Revolutionary United Front had not fully completed its procedures to register as a political party; nor had a trust fund been fully established.

  No British funds were paid into such a trust fund.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the value of the(a) diamonds and (b) gold sold by the Commission for the Management of Strategic Resources, National Reconstruction and Development established under the Lomé Peace Agreement; and what measures

  401W
  were put in place during negotiations on the Agreement to ensure the Sierra Leone Treasury received the entire proceeds of these sales. [126888]

  Mr. Hain
  The Commission for the Management of Strategic Resources, National Reconstruction and Development was created to help the Government of Sierra Leone exercise full control of the exploitation of gold, diamonds and other resources for the benefit of the people of Sierra Leone. The Lomé Peace Agreement provided that the funds derived from resources managed by the Commission would be paid into a special account at the Sierra Leone Treasury, to be sued for the benefit of the people of Sierra Leone.

  Despite international support for this objective, by the end of April, the Commission and its associated mechanisms had not been fully established.

  General Affairs Council
  Mr. Casale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the outcome of the General Affairs Council held in Luxembourg on 12 to 14 June; and if he will make a statement. [126746]

  Mr. Vaz
  The General Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 13 June adopted the A points listed in document no. 9278/00 and noted the resolutions, decisions and opinions adopted by the European Parliament in its part-session of 15–19 May in Strasbourg listed in document no. 8157/00. Copies of these documents will be placed in the House Libraries as soon as they become available.

  1. MEPs Statute
  The Council took note of the Presidency's discussions with the European Parliament on a statute to regulate the salaries, expenses and conditions of MEPs. There has been no substantive progress in these discussions.

  2. Feira European Council
  The GAC continued preparations for the Feira European Council on 19–20 June. The Presidency indicated that issues for discussion are expected to include the IGC, the Charter of Rights, economic issues, external issues, defence and enlargement.

  3. IGC
  The GAC discussed progress to date on the IGC, and confirmed the objective of concluding by the end of the year. No conclusions were reached.

  4. Common Strategy on the Mediterranean
  Agreement on the text of the draft Common Strategy will be sought at the Feira European Council on 19 June.

  5. Defence
  Foreign and Defence Ministers jointly discussed European security and defence policy. They considered a Presidency report to the European Council on progress in this field since the Helsinki European Council, and agreed to submit the report to Heads of Government at Feira.

  6. Sierra Leone/Liberia
  The Council expressed concern at the continuing crisis in Sierra Leone, welcomed the decision to put on trial Foday Sankoh, leader of the RUF, expressed concern at links between the Sierra Leone rebels and Liberia; and emphasised that EU policy, including under the Lomé convention, would take full account of Liberia's behaviour with regard to Sierra Leone.

  7. Zimbabwe
  The Council expressed concern at the obstacles put in the way of international observers and regretted that the United Nations had had to withdraw from its role as a co-ordinator for the various election observer teams. The Council reiterated its concern at the ongoing violence and intimidation in Zimbabwe.
  402W
  8. South Africa
  The Council adopted a new development regulation for South Africa and agreed declarations on wines and spirits.

  9. Western Balkans
  The Council expressed its deep concern at the continuing deterioration of the political situation in Serbia and reiterated its condemnation of the repression against the opposition and independent media. The Council requested its competent bodies to expand the visa ban list.
  The Council welcomed the fact that municipal elections took place in Podgorica and Herceg Novi, and reaffirmed its support to the democratic forces in Montenegro.
  The Council reaffirmed the EU's strong commitment to the full implementation of UNSC resolution 1244 in Kosovo. The Council condemned the ethnic violence in Kosovo and strongly supported the efforts of UNMIK and KFOR to ensure the security of the Serb minority. It urged the Serb National Congress to end its suspension of participation in the Joint Interim Administrative Structures and emphasises the importance of municipal elections. The Council reaffirmed its support for Serbian civil society.
  The Council agreed with the Commission's assessment that Croatia was ready to enter into negotiations with the EU towards a Stabilisation and Association Agreement.
  The Council emphasised the importance of speedy reform in Albania and urged all parties to participate in preparation for municipal elections this autumn.
  The Council heard a report from Commissioner Patten on new trade preferences for the Western Balkans and invited its competent bodies to examine it with a view to early Council adoption.
  The Council approved the Commission's proposal for 20 million euro in exceptional financial assistance for Montenegro.

  10. Indonesia
  The Council met over lunch with Indonesian Foreign Minister Alwi Shihab to launch an enhanced EU/Indonesia relationship. A Joint Declaration was adopted, establishing formal political dialogue.

  11. East Timor
  The UN Secretary General's Special Representative and Transitional Administrator of East Timor, Sergio Vieira de Mello, briefed the Council on UNTAET's work in East Timor. The Council expressed its willingness to help speed up the reconstruction and rehabilitation process and called for pledges of assistance to be delivered and disbursed expeditiously.

  12. Inter-Korean Summit
  The Council adopted a declaration welcoming the Inter-Korean Summit of 13–14 June in Pyongyang and encouraging the process of reconciliation between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic Peoples' Republic of Korea.

  13. Accession Conferences with EU Applicants
  Accession Conferences took place with all 12 countries in negotiation for membership.

  14. Association Councils with Israel, Slovakia and Slovenia
  Association Councils were held with Israel on 13 June and Slovakia and Slovenia on 14 June. That with Israel provided an opportunity to discuss economic and political relations. It covered a range of issues of interest to both sides, focusing particularly on the opportunities offered by the entry into force of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

  US National Missile Defence
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what bilateral discussions with(a) Canada and (b) Denmark there have been on developing criteria for the formulation of a decision on National Missile Defence. [126957]

  403W
  Mr. Vaz
  We have had a number of discussions with the Canadian and Danish Governments—both bilaterally, and in NATO—on US National Missile Defence plans.

  These discussions have not included the development of criteria for a decision on National Missile Defence. It is for the United States to decide whether or not to proceed with deployment of a US National Missile Defence system. The US Administration have said that such a decision would be made by the President on the basis of four criteria, namely: the threat; costs; technological feasibility; and wider international implications, including for arms control.

  Cuba
  Mr. Fitzpatrick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what legal assistance, with particular reference to the filing of an appeal, was given via the British Consular staff in Cuba to Ms Rachel McGee, following her trial there in September 1999. [126766]

  Mr. Hain
  Our Consular staff are not legally trained and are not able to offer legal advice.

  At the request of Rachel McGee, consular staff contacted Ms McGee's family about the possibility of an appeal, facilitated payment to the Cuban law firm that represented Ms McGee in the trial and transmitted her request to lodge an appeal.

  Following submission of the appeal, the Embassy in Cuba have repeatedly pressed the lawyers to obtain a date for an appeal hearing.

  Pharmaceuticals (Spain)
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he(a) has made and (b) plans to make to the Government of Spain about the possible effects on United Kingdom manufacturers of recent legislative changes to the regulations on the pricing of pharmaceutical products in that country. [126668]

  Mr. Vaz
  We have made no representations to the Government of Spain on this issue and currently have no plans to do so.

  Zimbabwe
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Governments of(a) South Africa and (b) other countries bordering Zimbabwe concerning the situation in Zimbabwe. [126763]

  Mr. Hain
  We have had regular contact with the countries of Southern Africa concerning the situation in Zimbabwe. President Mbeki visited the UK last month as a Guest of Government. I attended a meeting of the World Economic Forum in Durban on 22 June where I met leaders from other Southern African countries.

  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans the Government have to send observers to Zimbabwe for the parliamentary elections; and if he will make a statement. [126760]
  404W
  Mr. Hain
  We have no plans to send a British observer team to Zimbabwe. We have however contributed funding to the EU and Commonwealth observer teams. We have also contributed funding for the training of Zimbabwean election monitors.

  Diamonds
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Government classifies diamonds originating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as diamonds from an area of conflict. [126754]

  Mr. Hain
  We believe that diamonds originating in DRC are being used by both sides to fund the war.

  The UK has supported the establishment of a UN expert panel to follow up on reports and collect information on the exploitation of DRC's natural resources and the links to conflict within DRC. We look forward to the panel's recommendations to the Security Council.

  We want to see a peaceful resolution of the conflict, and DRC's natural wealth used to benefit the people of DRC.

  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action the Government plan to take in respect of British-registered companies trading in diamonds from conflict areas. [126784]

  Mr. Hain
  UN Security Council resolution 1173, adopted on 12 June 1998, requires all states to prohibit the import from Angola to their territories of all diamonds not controlled through the Angola Government's Certificate of Origin regime. The UK implements this requirement by means of an amendment to the Open General Import Licence. The UK has tabled a draft Security Council resolution which would impose a similar prohibition with respect to Sierra Leonean diamonds. The Government welcome the establishment of a UN expert panel which will investigate the links between exploitation of mineral resources and conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo and will consider the panel's recommendations for action.

  Elections
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria the Government use to assess whether overseas elections are free and fair. [126762]

  Mr. Hain
  When the Government deploy observers to elections overseas, they usually participate as members of international missions. On such missions, UK observers follow the procedures laid down for the larger group. For example the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe both have codes of conduct which apply to their election observation missions. In both cases, observers are expected to consider a wide range of factors when assessing the validity of an election, including: the degree of freedom of political parties and candidates to organise and express their views; fairness of access to state resources made available for the election; fairness of access to the media; registration of voters without discrimination on the basis of gender, racial or ethnic origin; and the conduct of polling and counting.

  Human Rights
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the criteria he uses to measure human rights improvements in a country. [126658]

  Mr. Hain
  Our policy is to promote British interests and pursue British values by supporting democracy and human rights, wherever we can, however we can. That means responding to human rights challenges in the way most likely to help the people whose freedoms are being restricted. It would be irresponsible for any government to apply the same "one-size-fits-all" approach. We need to weigh factors such as relevant international standards, the policies of the government in the country concerned, and the extent to which our actions can have a real impact on the ground.

  Sudan
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact of critical engagement with Sudan on human rights there; and if he will make a statement. [126657]

  Mr. Hain
  At this year's UN Commission on Human Rights, the EU sponsored a resolution on the Sudan which set out its concerns about violations of human rights. We have also taken up many of these concerns bilaterally and through the recently renewed EU/Sudan dialogue.

  While we still have many concerns, we do believe that some progress has been made. Some examples would be the release of many prisoners, the agreement to review some legislation such as the Public Order Law, and the setting up of the Committee for the Eradication of the Abduction of Women and Children which is working in close co-operation with UNICEF and Save the Children Fund (UK). Such issues remain high on our agenda.

  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps(a) the United Kingdom and (b) the international community is taking to ensure that Sudanese oil revenues are not being used to assist the war effort in Sudan. [126662]

  Mr. Hain
  We are well aware of concerns that revenues from the oil industry in the Sudan could be used to fund the ongoing war in the Sudan. We have raised these concerns with the Government of Sudan, pressing them to use the revenues for development projects and to show transparency in the oil account. Public assurances have been made to that effect and we shall look to the Government to honour these assurances as evidence becomes available. This is an issue that has also been taken up by other members of the international community.

  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to persuade United Kingdom companies to withdraw from Sudan until there is peace there. [126661]

  Mr. Hain
  There is currently an EU arms embargo on the Sudan, which the UK helped initiate in 1994. We implement this rigorously and expect it to remain as long as the civil war continues.
  406W
  As regards other sectors, we give full and frank advice to British companies taking into account, for example, the security situation and reports of human rights abuses associated with the oil industry. But we do not have a policy to halt all British commercial interests.

  Russia
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans there are for the co-funding, via the G8, of the development of plutonium fuel in Russia. [126572]

  Mr. Hain
  G8 countries have affirmed their intention to establish arrangements for the safe management of weapons-grade plutonium no longer required for defence purposes. We have recognised that an international approach to financing will be required involving both public and private funds. This issue will continue to be discussed at the upcoming G8 Kyushu-Okinawa Summit.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what her policy is on the proposal that economic support be given by member states of the G8 for the Russian plutonium and nuclear industry. [126573]

  Mr. Hain
  The 1996 Moscow Nuclear Summit tasked the G8 Non-Proliferation Experts Group (NPEG) to take forward international cooperation on the safe and permanent disposal of ex-weapons plutonium, focusing on the huge Russian and American stockpiles. Technical experts agreed that the most promising options for disposal were conversion (of both plutonium and uranium) into mixed-oxide fuel (MOX) for use in civil nuclear reactors, and vitrification (in glass or ceramic form). The UK has actively contributed to work: as G8 President in 1998 we held a major conference of governmental and industrial experts which examined options for implementing the programme and ways of financing it. The US and Russia have recently concluded a Framework Agreement on how they will deal with disposition of weapons grade plutonium. We look forward to further discussion at the forthcoming G8 summit in Okinawa.

  Saudi Arabia
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Saudi Arabian Government on their legal system. [126637]

  Mr. Hain
  On 22 May, at the EU/GCC Joint Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary expressed concern about the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia, including aspects of the judicial process, to the Saudi Foreign Minister and representatives of the other GCC countries.

  Visit Visas
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many visit visa applications from people aged over 65 years were(a) made, (b) granted initially, (c) refused initially and (d) deferred at the British High Commission in (i) Islamabad, (ii) Karachi, (iii) New Delhi and (iv) Mumbai in (1) 1997, (2) 1998, (3) 1999 and (4) 2000 to the most recent date for which information is available. [127111]
  407W
  Mr. Vaz
  The information requested is not collated either at Posts or held centrally. However, I have requested that the information be sought from Posts and will write as soon as it is available.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many written parliamentary questions were tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April 2000; and how many have not received substantive answers on the grounds of disproportionate costs. [127103]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  [holding answer 21 June 2000]: Of the 1,539 written parliamentary questions tabled to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, 32 did not receive substantive answers citing disproportionate costs as the reason.

  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of the written parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April 2000 have not received substantive answers, citing as the reason that the information is(a) not held centrally, (b) not held in the form requested, and (c) not available. [127334]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  [holding answer 22 June 2000]: Nineteen.

  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of the written parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April 2000 have not received substantive answers, citing as the reason commercial or other confidentiality. [127437]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  [holding answer 23 June 2000]: Four.

  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of the written parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April 2000 have not received substantive answers, excluding those not answered for reasons of(a) disproportionate costs, (b) information not available, not held centrally, or not held in the form requested or (c) commercial or other confidentiality. [127678]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  No outstanding questions tabled between 19 October 1999 and 20 April 2000 to which holding replies were given are still awaiting substantive answers.

  Turkey
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Turkey about the conditions of imprisonment of Abdullah Öcalan. [127686]

  Mr. Vaz
  We have not made any representations to the Turkish authorities specifically concerning Abdullah Öcalan's prison conditions. We are, however, aware of recent reports alleging deterioration in Mr. Öcalan's health and will continue to follow his case closely.

DEFENCE

  Departmental Vehicles
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) cars and (b) commercial vehicles operated by his Department were manufactured (i) in the UK, (ii) in the EU and (iii) elsewhere. [122262]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 17 May 2000]In addition to combat vehicles, the Ministry of Defence operates a wide range of support vehicles procured or leased from over 130 different manufacturers. While details are not held centrally, it is assessed that the number of non-combat support vehicles (including long-term leased vehicles) is as follows:

  (a) cars (up to and including estate cars)—7,700

  (b) commercial vehicles (buses, fork-lift trucks, light vans and upwards)—15,300.

  Country of manufacture is not recorded on the management information systems that are in place across the Department. For a fleet of 23,000 vehicles, the work involved to identify the country of manufacture could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Service Accommodation
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what estimate he has made of the impact on morale of the standard of family accommodation available to service personnel; [126507]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the impact the delay in the housing refurbishment and improvement programme has had upon his ability to retain Army personnel. [126509]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence understands that Service personnel and their families expect Service family accommodation to be of good quality, and that poor quality accommodation can affect retention. Accommodation standards are set according to factors such as energy efficiency, double glazing and modern bathroom facilities. Currently around 60 per cent. of accommodation is Standard Two or above.

  We are working hard to bring all family accommodation in Great Britain to Standard One. The Upgrade Programme to achieve this started in 1996. It is a significant investment programme and considerable progress has been made. We originally planned that most of the estate would be upgraded by November 2003 but the 1998 Stock Condition Survey revealed that the programme would involve more work than we predicted at the outset. As a consequence, we were forced to extend the target completion date to November 2005.

  The Continuous Attitude Surveys, conducted among both serving personnel and their spouses, give objective evidence of morale and show that personnel are generally satisfied with the overall standard of Service families accommodation. Independent housing surveys conducted for the Defence Housing Executive also show that 82 per cent. of Service families are content with the standard of family accommodation.

  Technology, Readiness and Risk Assessment Programme
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the 2001 budget and staffing levels for the ballistic missile defence component of the Technology, Readiness and Risk Assessment programme. [126951]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Technology Readiness and Risk Assessment Programme is a three-year programme begun in July 1998. £12.5 million has been allocated for the overall programme, the work for which is being shared between the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) and four UK defence contractors. The wide-ranging and consultative nature of the programme means that it is not possible to provide precise details of staffing levels, but the core team comprises 25–30 staff.

  Ballistic Missile Defence
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a list of agreements on information exchange between the UK and USA with regard to anti-ballistic missile systems. [126943]

  Mr. Hoon
  The 1985 Memorandum of Understanding relating to Co-operative Research for the Strategic Defence Initiative is the sole agreement which provides the basis for information exchange between the UK and USA with regard to Ballistic Missile Defence.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent expenditure there has been by DERA on research into and evaluation of anti-ballistic missile systems. [126950]

  Mr. Hoon
  The recent research by DERA in the area of BMD has resulted from the MOD sponsored and funded study known as the Technology Readiness and Risk Assessment Programme (TRRAP). The three-year programme was begun in July 1998 at a cost of £12.5 million. Approximately 55 per cent. of the funds have been allocated to DERA with the balance allocated to UK industry.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if Field Marshal Sergeyev of the Russian Federation discussed ballistic missile defences at the meeting of the NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council on 9 June; and if he will publish the minutes of that meeting; [126941]

  (2) what discussions have taken place between his Department and representatives of the Russian Federation concerning ballistic missile defences; and if he will publish the minutes of the meetings. [126940]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Government have discussed issues relating to the possible proposals for a US National Missile Defence system, and ballistic missile defence more generally, in the course of regular consultations with representatives of the Russian Federation on security-related issues. Most recently, the Russian Defence Minister, Igor Sergeyev presented in outline a Russian proposal on ballistic missile defence to NATO Defence Ministers in the NATO/Russia Permanent Joint Council on 9 June.

  I am withholding records of these meetings under exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Ballistic Missile Proliferation
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment NATO has made regarding the nature of the threat from ballistic missile proliferation. [126939]

  Mr. Hoon
  NATO prepares periodic classified assessments of threats to Alliance interests including those presented by ballistic missile proliferation.

  AWE
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to ensure that the new operators of the Atomic Weapons Establishment sites will extend the policy on openness adopted by the previous operators. [127136]

  Dr. Moonie
  The contract to operate the Atomic Weapons Establishment specifically requires the operator to provide a Local Liaison Committee to serve as the formal interface between the sites and the local community, including elected representatives from interested organisations and local government agencies. The presence of the on-site Ministry of Defence compliance team will ensure that the policy is adhered to.

  Porton Down
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many former members of the armed services were in contact with Professor Peter Lachmann and his panel during their inquiry into the zinc cadmium sulphide trials which had been conducted by the Porton Down Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment; and if he will place the communications between them and Professor Lachmann and his team in the Library. [127131]

  Dr. Moonie
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 6 April 2000,Official Report, columns 554–55W.

  Army Base Repair Organisation
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the value of the contract recently awarded to the Army Base Repair Organisation; which other companies bid for this contract; what is the lifespan of the contract; if the contract was for a fixed price; and if he will make a statement. [127177]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Army Base Repair Organisation (ABRO) has recently been awarded a contract for the refurbishment of the generator sets used to power the UK Army's Digital Trunk Communications System (Ptarmigan). The work is designed to extend the life of the generators and covers up to 158 generator sets. Six other companies submitted bids for the work: BAe Defence Systems, G&M Power Plant Ltd., Hunting Engineering Ltd., Vickers Specialist Engines, Dowding & Mills (North Eastern) Ltd. and Marconi Power & Control Systems Ltd. The contract was awarded on a firm price (ie non-variable) basis and the work is expected to take some six months to complete. Details of the contract value are commercial-in-confidence and are withheld under Exemption 14 of the Code of Practice, which relates to information given in confidence.

  Staff Secondments
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who requested the secondment of the Deputy Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency to Thomson-CSF; who approved it; what was the cost to his Department; and if he will make a statement. [127180]

  Dr. Moonie
  The secondment of the former Deputy Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency to the UK headquarters of Thomson-CSF arose out of discussions between Ministry of Defence officials and the company's senior management and is part of the Ministry of Defence's wider interchange programme. As with all top level civil service appointments, it was approved by the Permanent Secretary. There is no additional cost to the Department as salary and associated costs will be reimbursed by the company for the duration of the secondment.

  Several MOD officials are currently seconded to UK defence companies, and two are with major US defence companies. Secondments are a valuable means of ensuring that the MOD remains an intelligent customer and obtains best value for money. They are also in the spirit of modernising Government and public sector reform.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many troops returning to the United Kingdom from deployment in Sierra Leone have been diagnosed as having signs of malaria since 12 June; how many UK troops have been so diagnosed in the last five years; and in which overseas deployments they had served. [126996]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 21 June 2000]As of 21 June 2000, a total of 48 confirmed cases of malaria and one suspected case have been recorded among Service personnel deployed to Sierra Leone. According to the Ministry of Defence data on hospital admissions, which includes admissions to RAF medical centres for more than 48 hours and to sick bays in RN ships, 47 Service personnel were diagnosed as suffering from malaria between 1 January 1995 and 17 January 2000. (This is the latest date for which records are immediately available, other than for the Sierra Leone deployment). Those personnel had served overseas in a total of 40 countries (as listed) prior to their diagnosis. Some personnel are likely to have contracted malaria while on holiday overseas.

  Australia

  Bahrain

  Barbados

  Belize

  Belgium

  Brunei

  Canada

  Cameroon

  Croatia

  Cyprus

  Falkland Islands

  Fiji

  Germany

  Gibraltar

  Ghana

  Hong Kong

  412W

  Hungary

  Indonesia

  Italy

  Ivory Coast

  Jamaica

  Kenya

  Morocco

  Namibia

  Nepal

  New Zealand

  Norway

  Portugal

  Puerto Rico

  Senegal

  Sierra Leone

  South Africa

  Spain

  St. Helena

  Sudan

  Turkey

  United Arab Emirates

  United States of America

  Yugoslavia

  Zaire.

  Procurement Fraud
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 24 May 2000,Official Report, column 563W, on procurement fraud, if he will state (a) against which contracts the three cases are being investigated, which were recorded against 1999–2000, stating which project within that contract is affected and (b) contracts for which the values were stated for (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1997–98 and (iii) 1998–99 were found to have been affected by fraud and from which specific area of that contract; and if he will make a statement. [126685]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 22 June 2000]The three contracts reported for 1999–2000 are the subject of current Ministry of Defence Police investigations and it would be inappropriate to comment further at present. None of the three contracts relate to major procurement projects. For 1995–96 the value was stated against various jobbing orders for works at a Naval Air Station and involved the corruption of a Crown Servant by a contractor. For 1997–98 the value was stated against a suspicion that a Crown Servant had submitted false Travel and Subsistence claims with the help of a firm holding a contract for resettlement training. For 1998–99 the value was stated against a PFI consultancy contract and involved an overpayment, since recovered, arising from genuine error by the contractor.

  Theft
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate his Department has made of the cost to its budget in relation to theft in each year since 1995–96; how many prosecutions in each year were brought against(a) military personnel, (b) civilian personnel and (c) others on charges of theft of MoD

  413W
  property, stating in each case the amount involved and the outcome of the prosecution; and if he will make a statement. [126687]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 22 June 2000]The reported estimated annual costs of theft for the financial years 1995–96 to 1999–2000 inclusive are as follows:

  1995–96: £173,329

  1996–97: £231,033

  1997–98: £491,215

  1998–99: £141,141

  1999–2000: £149,891.

  No abatement is made for subsequent recoveries. These figures relate to a combination of suspected and proven thefts with estimated values refined from time to time as investigations, sometimes lasting a year or more, reach a conclusion. Those cases currently brought to a conclusion involve a range of outcomes and include prosecutions resulting in custodial sentences, dismissal, fines or probation as defined by the Treasury. The reported figures for these prosecutions brought against MOD staff are as set out:

  1995-96
  There were five prosecutions involving civilians and one involving military personnel. Three civilians were fined £796 each and given community service following a theft valued at £1,592. Another civilian was dismissed, after a court case, for a theft valued at £8,300 while another received a five-day suspension without pay following a theft of unknown value. The military case resulted in a prosecution at Magistrates Court and a fine, followed by dismissal, for a case valued at £294.

  1996–97
  There were two prosecutions involving civilians and five involving military personnel. A civilian was fined £350 and dismissed following a theft where all property was recovered. In another civilian case a police caution was issued following a theft of unknown value. The military cases involved one theft valued at £1,500 resulting in probation for one year, a theft valued at £5,781 resulting in a verdict of gross negligence and a fine of £735, a theft valued at £2,721 resulting in a fine of £300, summary trial resulting in a fine of £300 for a theft valued at £60, and a fine of £25 for a theft of unknown value.

  1997–98
  There were three prosecutions involving civilians and four involving military personnel. Two civilians received custodial sentences following a theft valued at £320,000. Another civilian received a police caution for a case valued at £61.
  The military cases involved a case of eight months detention and dismissal for a case valued at £195, a theft valued at £190 leading to seven days detention plus stoppages of £17.50, a sentence of seven years imprisonment for a case where the value is not known but involved the theft of explosives, and a theft valued at £8,000 resulting in discharge from the service and 240 hours community service.

  1998–99
  There was one prosecution involving a civilian and another involving a military person. The civilian case was valued at £3,000 and resulted in 12 months probation plus community service. The military case involved a charge of handling stolen goods valued at £10,000 and the payment of compensation valued at £283.

  1999–2000
  There are no prosecutions currently reported for this year.

  Contracts
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list(a) the original in-service date, (b) the
  414W
  current in-service date, (c) the actual or estimated cost, (d) the years of peak expenditure, (e) the expenditure in (d), (f) the date of the initial gate, (g) the date of the main gate and (h) the prime contractor for the projects (i) BOWMAN, (ii) COBRA, (iii) FET, (iv) HARRY, (v) MRAV, (vi) Phoenix, (vii) Shielder and (viii) UK Attack Helicopter; [127707]

  (2) if he will list (a) the original in-service date, (b) the current in-service date, (c) the actual or estimated cost, (d) the years of peak expenditure, (e) the expenditure in (d), (f) the date of the initial gate, (g) the date of the main gate and (h) the prime contractor for the projects (i) ASRAAM, (ii) ASTOR, (iii) BVRAAM, (iv) Brimstone, (v) Eurofighter, (vi) FCBA, (vii) FGBAD, (viii) FOAS, (ix) FSTA, (x) Hercules Rolling Replacement Tranche 2, (xi) Merlin HM Mk1, (xii) Merlin HC Mk3, (xiii) Nimrod MRA-4, (xiv) STSA, (xv) CASOM and (xvi) SABR; [127708]

  (3) if he will list (a) the original in-service date, (b) the current in-service date, (c) the actual or estimated cost, (d) the years of peak expenditure, (e) the expenditure in (d), (f) the date of the initial gate, (g) the date of the main gate and (h) the prime contractor for the projects (i) Astute Class Submarines, (ii) CV(F), (iii) FASGW, (iv) FCBA, (v)LPD(R) and (vi)MCMU. [127706]

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

  British Aerospace
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what discussions he plans to have with British Aerospace about its plans for its defence manufacturing capability, with particular reference to the consolidated site option for the Royal Ordnance Factory, Nottingham; [127589]

  (2) what recent representations he has received with respect to job losses at British Aerospace; [127592]

  (3) what assessment he has made of the impact of the recent announcement of job losses by British Aerospace on manufacturing capability in the defence industry; [127590]

  (4) what assessment he has made of the effect of the recent announcement of job losses by British Aerospace on the Royal Ordnance Factory in Nottingham; and if he will make a statement. [127591]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 23 June 2000]The future of the Royal Ordnance site at Nottingham is ultimately a matter for BAe Systems. However the decision on its future has still not been finalised and will not be so until the end of June following discussions between the Trade Unions and BAe Systems.

  War Graves
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those charged with theft of items from war graves in United Kingdom waters; and of these how many have been successfully prosecuted. [127669]
  415W
  Dr. Moonie
  Ministry of Defence Police investigations have resulted in one individual being charged with theft from a sunken military vessel. The individual accepted an official "Police Caution".

  There have been other prosecutions under the Protection of Military Remains Act for offences relating to aircraft.

  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to increase the level of protection of United Kingdom war graves; and if he will make a statement. [127670]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence, together with other Government Departments has been assisting with Diving Associations' plans for self regulation through the development of a Code of Practice for diving on wrecks.

  The aim of the Code is to re-educate divers to adopt best practices when diving on all wrecks. Current training and other publications, issued by the diving organisations, will be reviewed to take account of the legal and moral responsibilities of those who dive on wrecks. In addition a new "Wreck Diving Law Course" is being piloted by the British SubAqua Club (BSAC). Information and guidance on "Respecting Our Wrecks" already appears on the Diving Associations' websites.

  Mechanisms for enforcement of the Code of Practice and other initiatives, which could result in expulsion from the organisation, are already in place in the Associations' constitution. Any member behaving in a way calculated to be prejudicial to the interests of the club could be expelled. The diving organisations are fully committed to change the way a small minority abuse the wrecks they dive on.

  It is expected that this Code will be introduced by the Diving Associations shortly. The Government will assess compliance with the Code and review policy accordingly in the light of subsequent developments.

  In addition, my Department has given full support to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency proposed Wreck Amnesty. The aim of the Amnesty is to encourage finders of wreck material raised in the past, but not reported under (s)236 of the 1995 Merchant Shipping Act, to come forward and report past finds. These finds could include light munitions or other potentially dangerous materials; items of historical importance as well as items capable of being returned to the rightful owner. This along with other initiatives supported by the Ministry of Defence is aimed at heightening divers' and other sea users' awareness of their legal and moral responsibilities.

  My Department has produced guidance notes for sport divers when diving in the vicinity of wrecked military vessels, these are publicly available.

  Along with other Government Departments we continue to encourage safe, responsible and legal diving practices.

  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what protection, other than protection under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986, there is for United Kingdom war graves in(a) United Kingdom and (b) other waters; and what methods of enforcing this protection there are. [127668]
  416W
  Dr. Moonie
  Legally a "war grave" is a burial maintained by the Commonwealth War Grave Commission. Since a sunken vessel is not a "burial" a sunken warship is simply a derelict in Admiralty law and has no greater or special legal status.

  I am unaware of any other legislation specially drafted for the protection of underwater human remains. The fact that a vessel has not been designated does not mean that a person can remove items from a vessel with impunity. Other laws may apply.

  The Protection of Wrecks Act 1973, provides protection of wreck sites that are of archaeological or historical significance or are dangerous. The Merchant Shipping Act 1995, which incorporates the International Salvage Convention 1989, provides for the rights of both owners and finders of wreck.

  If there is a breach of the law then the appropriate enforcement authorities will enforce the law.

  My Department is unaware of any international legislation for the protection of underwater military human remains. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea does, however, cover archaeological and historical objects found at sea which could include human remains.

  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) vessels and (b) controlled sites have been designated under section 2 of the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986. [127666]

  Dr. Moonie
  No vessels or controlled sites have been designated under section 2 of the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986.

  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the United Kingdom war graves in(a) United Kingdom waters, (b) international waters, and (c) waters belonging to other countries. [127667]

  Dr. Moonie
  There is no centrally held list of wrecked military vessels that lie in UK territorial water, international waters or the territorial waters of other countries and no one single source of reference which identifies all vessels lost in the service of the Admiralty or on Government Service since 1914.

  The returns to Parliament following the end of both world wars, Navy Losses and Merchant Shipping Losses, list some 12,000 vessels. They list for WWI: the total number of warship losses 254; Auxiliary vessels 815, Merchant 2,479, Fishing vessels 675. WWII: Warships and Auxiliary vessels 1,503, Landing craft 1,308 and Merchant vessels 4,786. No distinction is made between those vessels in Government Service or Mercantile vessels. Only one List identifies vessels where lives were lost. These records have not been updated in the intervening years.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many parliamentary questions were tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and the 20 April which requested information, pursuant to previous answers. [127671]
  417W
  Dr. Moonie
  According to the Parliamentary On-Line Information System, POLIS, during the period 19 October 1999 to 20 April 2000, the Ministry of Defence received 51 Parliamentary Questions requesting information pursuant to previous answers.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Information Technology
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to ensure that computers and software used in schools under the Government's IT initiative, are upgraded to reflect technical change; and what criteria are used to determine when equipment is obsolete and in need of replacement. [119745]

  Mr. Wills
  The Government are supporting £657 million of investment in schools' information and communications technology (ICT) provision up to 2002 as part of the National Grid for Learning Initiative. This funding may be used to install new equipment and software and to replace or upgrade older infrastructure. It is a matter for schools themselves in the light of their own particular needs to decide when equipment and software has come to the end of its useful life. Regular competitions held by the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency to certify NGfL Managed Service suppliers set standards which ensure that the networks, equipment and services available to schools and other learning institutions keep pace with technical and other changes.

  Online Services
  Mr. Robert Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the services which(a) his Department and (b) the executive agencies responsible to his Department (i) provide online and (ii) expect to be deliverable online by 2002. [119442]

  Mr. Wills
  The Department for Education and Employment has made a good start on an ambitious programme of work, making innovative use of new technology in the delivery of our services.

  We currently provide a range of services electronically that include:
  Childcare Link-internet access to joined-up information on childcare from a number of organisations;
  The National Grid for Learning, including the Virtual Teachers' Centre and Parents' Website;
  The European Social Fund, where the application and administration process is electronically enabled, and we are developing an enhanced service to applicants allowing the completion and return of the electronic application over the internet, reducing bureaucracy and providing a better service to customers; and
  The National Careers Service Extranet is a password-protected site for DfEE and the Careers Services National Association to communicate with Careers Service companies and other organisations for sharing information and good practice. With the
  418W
  development of the Connexions Service, the scope of the Extranet is to be broadened to allow access/use by a range of other partners including youth organisations.
  The Learning and Work Bank, an internet site to be available from the end of November 2000, will provide integrated access to information about jobs, learning opportunities and careers.
  The Employment Service will provide and maintain a Job Bank with all ES vacancies, which will be an essential component of the Learning and Work Bank. By the end of 2000, employers will be able to notify the ES of vacancies for inclusion on the Job Bank by calling a single national telephone number. Touch-screen kiosks will be introduced into Jobcentres between November 2000 and November 2001, which will provide job seekers with direct access to the Job Bank. The Job Bank will also be accessible from home by those with internet access.
  Equality Direct is a cross-cutting project on which the DfEE is working with the three Equality Commissions and the DTI. The service is part of the Modernising Government agenda aimed to respond more directly to business needs for information and advice on equal opportunities issues. The proposal is, by September 2000, to launch a pilot telephone advice-line England wide, an internet website, and in more limited locations, local support teams to provide direct assistance to small and medium sized businesses.
  We are keen to use new innovative interactive technologies to support learning and teaching. The UfI's "learndirect" online learning, support and information and advice services will be launched nationally later this year and my Secretary of State recently announced an e-universities initiative to develop a portfolio of courses suitable for delivery over the internet and pilot projects for the delivery of courses in Mathematics, Latin and Japanese for 11–14 year olds (Key Stage 3). These projects complement other pilots in the use of interactive digital TV to deliver GCSE courses and the GridClub pupil centre for 7–11 year olds to be launched in September over a range of platforms and technologies. The virtual arm of the National College for School Leadership, due to open this autumn, will establish new networks within the teaching profession.
  We are developing a smart card for 16–19 year olds in education which will give access to a range of transport, leisure and commercial discounts. The first Youth Cards will be issued in autumn 2000 with functionality being added incrementally during 2001–02.
  As part of the drive to improve our contacts with employers, and to give them a new channel of communication, we have set up an e-mail forum for small to medium sized firms. This forum will improve our communication with employers on skills, development and key employment issues.
  We are also keen to maximise the opportunities presented by new technologies to speed up and simplify processes. Our proposal to develop an online application process for student support will provide an initial eligibility application form on the internet and the electronic exchange of data in 2000. We are also developing a paperless applications process for work permits which will ensure we provide a swift and efficient service, where the facility to receive electronic applications will be introduced early in 2001.
  Automated collection of statistical information will reduce the administrative burden on schools. A small pilot trial of the use of internet technologies to collect data from the education sector is under way. If the pilot is successful, all data collection, except where schools prefer to use paper returns, will be electronic by April 2002. The prototype of a national electronic delivery and archiving service providing online DfEE information to schools and LEAs was successful and continues to be used by the growing pilot population. In particular, the use of 'Push' technology directs users to items matching their interest profile. A national service will be introduced in September 2000, reducing bureaucracy and the administrative burden.

  Nursery Places
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) full-time and (b) part-time

  419W
  nursery places were provided in each London local authority in (i) 1996–97, (ii) 1997–98, (iii) 1998–99 and (iv) 1999–2000 for (a) three-year-olds, (b) four-year-olds and (c) all children aged under five years. [125418]

  Ms Hodge
  The available information on the number of children under five who are in some form of early years education is shown in the table.

  Currently, all eligible four year old children in England are in some form of early education, including 16 per cent. in private and voluntary places. Funding is provided through the early years partnerships for LEA, voluntary and private places.

  Children aged three and four years of age in early years education places—England and each local education authority area in London, 1997–20001

  1997

  Aged 32

  Aged 42

  Total under 52

  Position as at January

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Total

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Total

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Total

  England

  199,502

  17,447

  216,949

  161,334

  341,057

  502,391

  360,836

  358,504

  719,340

  London

  34,666

  6,068

  40,734

  24,648

  52,477

  77,125

  59,314

  58,545

  117,859

  City of London

  8

  3

  11

  0

  18

  18

  8

  21

  29

  Camden

  386

  430

  816

  60

  1,322

  1,382

  446

  1,752

  2,198

  Hackney

  1,055

  421

  1,476

  219

  2,044

  2,263

  1,274

  2,465

  3,739

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  678

  376

  1,054

  110

  1,130

  1,240

  788

  1,506

  2,294

  Haringey

  1,630

  383

  2,013

  622

  2,253

  2,875

  2,252

  2,636

  4,888

  Islington

  614

  659

  1,273

  40

  1,991

  2,031

  654

  2,650

  3,304

  Kensington and Chelsea

  185

  357

  542

  18

  744

  762

  203

  1,101

  1,304

  Lambeth

  1,286

  190

  1,476

  533

  1,676

  2,209

  1,819

  1,866

  3,685

  Lewisham

  1,379

  35

  1,414

  1,019

  1,601

  2,620

  2,398

  1,636

  4,034

  Newham

  2,001

  31

  2,032

  2,405

  1,396

  3,801

  4,406

  1,427

  5,833

  Southwark

  1,842

  388

  2,230

  373

  2,662

  3,035

  2,215

  3,050

  5,265

  Tower Hamlets

  1,255

  1,092

  2,347

  124

  2,714

  2,838

  1,379

  3,806

  5,185

  Wandsworth

  1,093

  521

  1,614

  270

  2,134

  2,404

  1,363

  2,655

  4,018

  Westminster

  559

  168

  727

  221

  874

  1,095

  780

  1,042

  1,822

  Barking and Dagenham

  1,332

  0

  1,332

  783

  1,597

  2,380

  2,115

  1,597

  3,712

  Barnet

  2,002

  29

  2,031

  820

  2,152

  2,972

  2,822

  2,181

  5,003

  Bexley

  1,065

  9

  1,074

  593

  1,958

  2,551

  1,658

  1,967

  3,625

  Brent

  1,095

  623

  1,718

  491

  2,491

  2,982

  1,586

  3,114

  4,700

  Bromley

  106

  3

  109

  79

  2,481

  2,560

  185

  2,484

  2,669

  Croydon

  1,532

  6

  1,538

  831

  2,872

  3,703

  2,363

  2,878

  5,241

  Ealing

  2,614

  18

  2,632

  1,126

  2,507

  3,633

  3,740

  2,525

  6,265

  Enfield

  1,130

  0

  1,130

  606

  2,498

  3,104

  1,736

  2,498

  4,234

  Greenwich

  1,770

  227

  1,997

  1,003

  1,705

  2,708

  2,773

  1,932

  4,705

  Harrow

  452

  0

  452

  566

  1,644

  2,210

  1,018

  1,644

  2,662

  Havering

  441

  16

  457

  237

  1,942

  2,179

  678

  1,958

  2,636

  Hillingdon

  570

  0

  570

  3,004

  83

  3,087

  3,754

  83

  3,657

  Hounslow

  1,561

  4

  1,565

  767

  1,756

  2,523

  2,328

  1,760

  4,088

  Kingston upon Thames

  855

  41

  896

  877

  536

  1,413

  1,732

  577

  2,309

  Merton

  1,653

  0

  1,653

  1,260

  804

  2,064

  2,913

  804

  3,717

  Redbridge

  675

  13

  688

  974

  1,419

  2,393

  1,649

  1,432

  3,081

  Richmond upon Thames

  565

  5

  570

  1,280

  162

  1,442

  1,845

  167

  2,012

  Sutton

  328

  1

  329

  1,691

  72

  1,763

  2,019

  73

  2,092

  Waltham Forest

  949

  19

  968

  1,646

  1,239

  2,885

  2,595

  1,258

  3,853

  1998

  Aged 32

  Aged 43

  Total under 53

  Position as at January

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Total

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Total

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Total

  England

  205,190

  19,479

  224,669

  247,350

  343,448

  590,798

  452,540

  362,927

  825,467

  London

  36,081

  6,424

  42,505

  32,647

  52,248

  84,895

  68,728

  85,672

  127,400

  City of London

  6

  9

  15

  7

  21

  28

  13

  30

  43

  Camden

  471

  427

  898

  199

  1,361

  1,560

  670

  1,788

  2,458

  Hackney

  1,094

  451

  1,545

  271.6

  1,932

  2,204

  1,366

  2,383

  3,749

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  599

  458

  1,057

  372.4

  1,099

  1,471

  971

  1,557

  2,528

  Haringey

  1,571

  379

  1,950

  627.6

  2,228

  2,856

  2,199

  2,607

  4,806

  420W
  Since September 1999, we have invested substantially in the creation of new, free early educations places for three-year-olds. During 1999–2000, funding was focused on 65 authorities, chosen on the basis of social need, and over 46,000 three-year-olds were able to access free early education for the first time.

  Over 80 per cent. of new free places were concentrated in the private, voluntary and independent sectors and we expect this trend to continue over the next year. Our aim is that 66 per cent. of three-year-olds nationally should have access to a free early education place by March 2002, enabling some 190,000 three-year-olds the opportunity to access a free place for the first time.
  421W

  1998

  Aged 32

  Aged 43

  Total under 53

  Position as at January

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Total

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Total

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Total

  Islington

  605

  658

  1,263

  214

  1,955

  2,169

  819

  2,613

  3,432

  Kensington and Chelsea

  189

  338

  527

  228

  870

  1,098

  417

  1,208

  1,625

  Lambeth

  1,520

  343

  1,863

  599.8

  2,127

  2,727

  2,120

  2,470

  4,590

  Lewisham

  1,427

  49

  1,476

  1,474.2

  1,492

  2,966

  2,901

  1,541

  4,442

  Newham

  2,087

  19

  2,106

  2,383

  1,504

  3,887

  4,470

  1,523

  5,993

  Southwark

  1,824

  476

  2,300

  763.6

  2,669

  3,433

  2,588

  3,145

  5,733

  Tower Hamlets

  1,211

  1,061

  2,272

  212

  2,638

  2,850

  1,423

  3,699

  5,122

  Wandsworth

  1,031

  559

  1,590

  720.6

  2,020

  2,741

  1,752

  2,579

  4,331

  Westminster

  623

  171

  794

  410.8

  918

  1,329

  1,034

  1,089

  2,123

  Barking and Dagenham

  1,409

  2

  1,411

  768.6

  1,585

  2,354

  2,178

  1,587

  3,765

  Barnet

  2,007

  17

  2,024

  1,295.8

  2,314

  3,610

  3,303

  2,331

  5,634

  Bexley

  1,238

  9

  1,247

  662

  1,978

  2,640

  1,900

  1,987

  3,887

  Brent

  1,052

  661

  1,713

  762.8

  2,360

  3,123

  1,815

  3,021

  4,836

  Bromley

  192

  7

  199

  1,208.4

  2,356

  3,564

  1,400

  2,363

  3,763

  Croydon

  1,719

  10

  1,729

  1,534.8

  2,798

  4,333

  3,254

  2,808

  6,062

  Ealing

  2,671

  28

  2,699

  1,148.4

  2,382

  3,530

  3,819

  2,410

  6,229

  Enfield

  1,144

  0

  1,144

  1,032

  2,339

  3,371

  2,176

  2,339

  4,515

  Greenwich

  1,670

  184

  1,854

  1,243.8

  1,648

  2,892

  2,914

  1,832

  4,746

  Harrow

  591

  0

  591

  835.4

  2,552

  2,387

  1,426

  1,552

  2,978

  Havering

  464

  18

  482

  702.6

  1,845

  2,548

  1,167

  1,863

  3,030

  Hillingdon

  627

  1

  628

  3,137.2

  63

  3,200

  3,764

  64

  3,828

  Hounslow

  1,604

  2

  1,606

  805.8

  1,658

  2,464

  2,410

  1,660

  4,070

  Kingston upon Thames

  878

  22

  900

  1,113

  500

  1,613

  1,991

  522

  2,513

  Merton

  1,716

  0

  1,716

  1,455.6

  768

  2,224

  3,172

  768

  3,940

  Redbridge

  807

  18

  825

  1,440.6

  1,615

  3,056

  2,248

  1,633

  3,881

  Richmond upon Thames

  584

  3

  587

  1,402.2

  408

  1,810

  1,986

  411

  2,397

  Sutton

  246

  18

  264

  1,777.6

  88

  1,866

  2,024

  106

  2,130

  Waltham Forest

  1,204

  26

  1,230

  1,836.4

  1,157

  2,993

  3,040

  1,183

  4,223

  1999

  Aged 32

  Aged 43

  Total under 53

  Position as at January

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Total

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Total

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Total

  England

  207,736

  20,432

  228,168

  253,761

  346,502

  600,263

  461,497

  366,934

  828,431

  London

  38,211

  6,872

  45,083

  34,489

  54,865

  89,354

  72,700

  61,737

  134,437

  City of London

  4

  7

  11

  5

  27

  32

  9

  34

  43

  Camden4

  416

  525

  941

  658.4

  1,410

  2,068.4

  1,074

  1,935

  3,009

  Hackney4

  1,143

  487

  1,630

  750.6

  1,964

  2,714.6

  1,894

  2,451

  4,345

  Hammersmith and Fulham4

  657

  405

  1,062

  347.2

  1,160

  1,507.2

  1,004

  1,565

  2,569

  Haringey4

  1,570

  386

  1,956

  820.6

  2,173

  2,993.6

  2,391

  2,559

  4,950

  Islington4

  616

  675

  1,291

  301.6

  1,800

  2,101.6

  918

  2,475

  3,393

  Kensington and Chelsea

  173

  340

  513

  220.4

  825

  1,045.4

  393

  1,165

  1,558

  Lambeth4

  1,552

  365

  1,917

  826.4

  2,150

  2,976.4

  2,378

  2,515

  4,893

  Lewisham4

  1,716

  162

  1,878

  886

  2,181

  3,067

  2,602

  2,343

  4,945

  Newham4

  3,129

  62

  3,191

  1,144.4

  2,738

  3,882.4

  4,273

  2,800

  7,073

  Southwark4

  1,862

  426

  2,288

  731.2

  2,686

  3,417.2

  2,593

  3,112

  5,705

  Tower Hamlets4

  1,234

  1,181

  2,415

  174.6

  2,690

  2,864.6

  1,409

  3,871

  5,280

  Wandsworth4

  965

  625

  1,590

  1,229.2

  2,009

  3,238.2

  2,194

  2,634

  4,828

  Westminster4

  614

  210

  824

  619.6

  946

  1,565.6

  1,234

  1,156

  2,390

  Barking and Dagenham4

  1,332

  5

  1,337

  755.4

  1,627

  2,382.4

  2,087

  1,632

  3,719

  Barnet

  1,984

  55

  2,039

  1,409.9

  2,397

  3,806.9

  3,394

  2,452

  5,846

  Bexley

  1,296

  6

  1,302

  902

  1,915

  2,817

  2,198

  1,921

  4,119

  Brent4

  1,061

  650

  1,711

  804.4

  2,331

  3,135.4

  1,865

  2,981

  4,846

  Bromley

  210

  6

  216

  1,311.2

  2,381

  3,692.2

  1,521

  2,387

  3,908

  Croydon

  1,808

  60

  1,868

  1,663.8

  2,911

  4,574.8

  3,472

  2,971

  6,443

  Ealing4

  2,661

  28

  2,689

  1,472.4

  2,497

  3,969.4

  4,133

  2,525

  6,658

  Enfield

  1,249

  0

  1,249

  1,120.4

  2,299

  3,419.4

  2,369

  2,299

  4,668

  Greenwich4

  1,772

  132

  1,904

  1,233.2

  1,633

  2,856.2

  2,995

  1,765

  4,760

  Harrow

  604

  2

  606

  742

  1,554

  2,296

  1,346

  1,556

  2,902

  Havering

  458

  15

  473

  760.2

  1,964

  2,724.2

  1,218

  1,979

  3,197

  Hillingdon

  646

  0

  646

  3,296.4

  65

  3,361.4

  3,942

  65

  4,007

  Hounslow4

  1,505

  2

  1,507

  876.2

  1,713

  2,589.2

  2,381

  1,715

  4,096

  Kingston upon Thames

  891

  7

  898

  1,206.2

  533

  1,739.2

  2,097

  540

  2,637

  Merton

  1,669

  2

  1,671

  1,427.2

  673

  2,100.2

  3,096

  675

  3,771

  Redbridge

  1,301

  20

  1,321

  1,338.2

  1,909

  3,247.2

  2,639

  1,929

  4,568

  Richmond upon Thames

  553

  2

  555

  1,576

  418

  1,994

  2,129

  420

  2,549

  Sutton

  284

  5

  289

  2,064.5

  99

  2,163.5

  2,349

  104

  2,453

  Waltham Forest4

  1,276

  19

  1,295

  1,824.2

  1,187

  3,011.2

  3,100

  1,206

  4,306

  422W 423W

  2000

  Aged 33

  Aged 43

  Total under 53

  Position as at January

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Total

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Total

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Total

  England

  251,843

  20,768

  272,611

  245,739

  343,086

  588,825

  497,852

  363,854

  861,436

  London

  51,967

  6,997

  58,964

  33,972

  55,432

  89,404

  85,940

  62,429

  148,369

  City of London

  5

  5

  10

  5

  22

  27

  10

  27

  37

  Camden4

  1,193

  503

  1,696

  623

  1,334

  1,957

  1,816

  1,837

  3,653

  Hackney4

  2,101

  463

  2,564

  734

  2,051

  2,785

  2,835

  2,514

  5,349

  Hammersmith and Fulham4

  1,064

  409

  1,473

  312

  1,140

  1,452

  1,377

  1,549

  2,926

  Haringey4

  2,032

  349

  2,381

  980

  2,108

  3,088

  3,012

  2,457

  5,469

  Islington4

  1,334

  703

  2,037

  318

  1,903

  2,221

  1,653

  2,606

  4,259

  Kensington and Chelsea

  171

  421

  592

  157

  886

  1,043

  328

  1,307

  1,635

  Lambeth4

  2,894

  340

  3,234

  1,162

  2,130

  3,292

  4,056

  2,470

  6,526

  Lewisham4

  2,503

  182

  2,685

  860

  2,230

  3,090

  3,363

  2,412

  5,775

  Newham4

  3,820

  94

  3,914

  1,332

  2,796

  4,128

  5,152

  2,890

  8,042

  Southwark4

  2,526

  432

  2,958

  750

  2,764

  3,514

  3,277

  3,196

  6,473

  Tower Hamlets4

  1,605

  1,070

  2,675

  217

  2,783

  3,000

  1,822

  3,853

  5,675

  Wandsworth4

  2,321

  637

  2,958

  1,083

  2,025

  3,108

  3,404

  2,662

  6,066

  Westminster4

  1,187

  201

  1,388

  612

  1,000

  1,612

  1,799

  1,201

  3,000

  Barking and Dagenham4

  1,694

  1

  1,695

  749

  1,525

  2,274

  2,443

  1,526

  3,969

  Barnet

  1,914

  110

  2,024

  1,373

  2,200

  3,573

  3,287

  2,310

  5,597

  Bexley

  2,129

  12

  2,141

  956

  1,913

  2,869

  3,085

  1,925

  5,010

  Brent4

  942

  743

  1,685

  799

  2,299

  3,098

  1,741

  3,042

  4,783

  Bromley

  240

  2

  242

  1,329

  2,364

  3,693

  1,569

  2,366

  3,935

  Croydon

  1,792

  37

  1,829

  1,603

  2,821

  4,424

  3,395

  2,858

  6,253

  Ealing4

  3,115

  29

  3,144

  1,539

  2,369

  3,908

  4,654

  2,398

  7,052

  Enfield

  1,245

  0

  1,242

  1,186

  2,432

  3,618

  2,428

  2,432

  4,860

  Greenwich4

  2,460

  162

  2,622

  1,222

  1,587

  2,809

  3,683

  1,749

  5,432

  Harrow

  632

  6

  638

  773

  1,579

  2,352

  1,405

  1,585

  2,990

  Havering

  544

  21

  565

  745

  1,830

  2,575

  1,289

  1,851

  3,140

  Hillingdon

  1,372

  0

  1,372

  2,422

  882

  3,304

  3,794

  882

  4,676

  Hounslow4

  2,002

  3

  2,005

  872

  1,678

  2,550

  2,874

  1,681

  4,555

  Kingston upon Thames

  930

  14

  944

  1,187

  478

  1,665

  2,117

  492

  2,609

  Merton

  1,669

  2

  1,671

  1,455

  669

  2,124

  3,124

  671

  3,795

  Redbridge

  1,588

  20

  1,608

  1,284

  2,014

  3,298

  2,872

  2,034

  4,906

  Richmond upon Thames

  585

  0

  585

  1,527

  432

  1,959

  2,112

  432

  2,544

  Sutton

  238

  8

  246

  1,998

  78

  2,076

  2,236

  86

  2,322

  Waltham Forest4

  2,120

  18

  2,138

  1,811

  1,110

  2,921

  3,931

  1,128

  5,059

  1 Provisional

  2 Numbers of pupils collected from maintained schools in England in January each year as part of the Annual Schools' Census.

  3 Estimates combining Annual Schools' Census data from maintained schools in January 1998–2000 and data submitted by LEAs for Nursery Education grant purposes relating to private, voluntary and independent sector providers in spring.

  4 LEAs eligible in 2000 to provide funding for three-year-olds in the private, voluntary and independent sectors via Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships.

  Teachers
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many teachers left the teaching profession in each of the last five years. [126316]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The number of full and part-time teachers leaving the maintained nursery, primary, secondary, special and PRU sector1 in England in each of the last five years for which data are available are shown in the following table.

  Moving out of service2

  Retirements3

  Other4

  1993–94

  17,100

  14,100

  400

  1994–95

  18,000

  14,100

  400

  1995–96

  15,600

  15,200

  400

  1996–97

  15,800

  16,900

  400

  1997–98

  17,100

  16,800

  300

  1 Excludes those leaving sixth form colleges. Sixth form colleges became part of the FE sector at 1 April 1993.

  2 Teachers leaving the maintained nursery, primary, secondary, special and PRU sector to join FE, HE or the independent schools sector have been shown as moving out of service.

  424W
  3 Teachers retiring but then rejoining the maintained nursery, primary, secondary, special and PRU sector have not been shown as moving out of service or retiring. Teachers retiring and then joining the FE, HE or the independent schools sector have been shown as moving out of service.

  4 Teachers barred from service and dying in service.

  Note:

  Figures are rounded to the nearest 100.

  There has been a growth of 6,900 full time equivalent regular teachers in the maintained school sector between January 1998 and January 2000.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what are the estimated(a) administrative and (b) monitoring costs of the threshold pay scheme for teachers. [127155]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Cambridge Education Associates (CEA) and the Centre for British Teachers (CfBT) have been contracted to work with the Department to administer and monitor the threshold assessment arrangements in England. The costs associated with these contracts are commercial in confidence. Threshold assessments in Wales will be managed by five consortia of Welsh local education
  425W
  authorities, on a slightly later timescale than in England. The cost of the Department's contracts with the Welsh consortia has not yet been finalised.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many teachers are directly employed by LEAs; what estimate he has made of the number that would apply for threshold pay; when he made that estimate; and how many have applied to date. [127140]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  There were about 15,000 teachers employed directly by local authorities in England in 1998, of which it is estimated that 75 per cent. were eligible to apply for the threshold this year. When we published the threshold application forms and guidance materials on 24 March 2000 we encouraged all eligible teachers to apply. We did not make any estimate on the numbers of eligible teachers employed directly by local authorities. We will be announcing details about the numbers of teachers that have applied to cross the threshold this year shortly.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many written parliamentary questions were tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April 2000; and how many have not received substantive answers, on grounds of disproportionate costs. [127102]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 21 June 2000]1,390 Parliamentary questions were tabled to the Department for written reply during this period.

  51 of the replies given advised that some or all of the information requested could either be provided only at disproportionate cost or was not held centrally.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he will give a substantive reply to the question of 6 June tabled by the hon. Member for Hertsmere (ref. 125303). [127729]

  Mr. Wicks
  I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 23 June 2000,Official Report, column 329W.

  Summerhill School
  Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will estimate the cost of the nine Ofsted inspections of Summerhill School between 1991 and 1999. [127624]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  This is a matter for Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools, Chris Woodhead. I have asked him to write to my hon. Friend and to place a copy of his letter in the Library.

  Interactive Voice Response Systems
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many agencies of his Department use interactive voice response systems when dealing with telephone inquiries from the general public. [127551]

  Mr. Wills
  As far as we are aware, there are no interactive voice systems in use within the agencies of the Department for Education and Employment for dealing with telephone inquiries from the general public.

  Connexions Services
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the proposed timetable is for the testing of approaches to establish the Connexions Services in England; and what plans he has to publish the evidence. [127475]

  Mr. Wicks
  Activity began in pilots in April this year. This will continue for at least 12 months, but with the phased introduction of Connexions from April 2001, it may be necessary to extend the life of some of the pilots, so as to ensure continued testing until the service is in place throughout the country. Decisions on this will be taken when we know the areas that will launch the Connexions Service from April 2001. Where pilots are focusing on themes that we already know need longer testing, we have agreed extended contracts for this purpose (e.g. for Huntercombe Young Offenders Institution).

  We have introduced a process of action based research, which will ensure the lessons learned from these pilots are communicated very quickly to the pilots themselves, to policy and planning officials and to the wider community who have an interest in these developments. We have already scheduled the first of a series of pilot conferences for the 4 and 5 July 2000, which will bring people together to learn from early piloting experience. In addition, we are developing other means to ensure wide circulation of information, including development of websites and use of existing publications.

  Public-Private Partnerships
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment by what mechanisms sub-regional private/public partnerships which have previously been supported by TECs will be sustained after March 2001. [127564]

  Mr. Wicks
  We have asked all TECs to produce transition plans which set out strategies for taking forward partnership work extending beyond March 2001, including what steps need to be taken to fill the gaps which may be left by the withdrawal of TEC support. Government Offices are in discussion with TECs about these plans.

  The new Learning and Skills Council (LSC) will have an important role in ensuring learning and skills form an integral part of wider economic regeneration plans. Through provisions we are adding to the Learning and Skills Bill, each local LSCs will have to include in its annual plan a statement of how its activities will impact on the economic development and regeneration of the area.

  In addition we are making arrangements with the Regional Development Agencies to help support some types of partnerships from April 2001.

  Higher Education (Warrington, North)
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of 18 year olds in the Warrington, North constituency have entered higher education in each of the last 10 years. [127321]

  Mr. Wicks
  These data are not collated centrally on a constituency basis.

TREASURY

  Overseas Assets
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what is his estimate of the total of UK residents' assets held(a) overseas and (b) in the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands; and what is his assessment of the effects of these holdings being overseas on the tax base in Britain; [124351]

  (2) if he will estimate the change in the amount of sterling deposits held by (a) foreigners and (b) UK residents in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man in 1999. [124343]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I refer my hon. Friend to Table 18 of the Bank of England's Monetary and Financial Statistics.

  Endowment Policies
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what recent discussions he has had with insurers, banks and building societies who advised on and sold under-performing endowment policies on redress for the purchasers of endowment policies which have underperformed; [127361]

  (2) if he will make it his policy to provide financial assistance to those people with projected shortfalls on their endowment mortgage policies. [127360]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Monmouth (Mr. Edwards) on 23 May 2000,Official Report, columns 415–16W.

  Insurance Industry
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 11 May 2000,Official Report, column 468W, on the insurance industry, what his policy is on permitting discrimination between consumers by the insurance industry on the grounds of (a) disability, (b) ethnicity and (c) sexual orientation. [127394]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Government expect insurers to treat customers fairly, and act in accordance with the law.

  Community, Voluntary and Charitable Groups
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated cost of giving a full fuel tax rebate to community, voluntary and charitable groups. [127414]

  Mr. Timms
  No estimate of the cost of giving a full fuel tax rebate to community, voluntary and charitable groups is available.

  Climate Change Levy
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent proceeds from the Climate Change Levy will be used to promote the development of offshore wind energy. [127477]

  Mr. Timms
  Offshore wind generation stands to benefit in two respects from the climate change levy package. Firstly, the Government intend to exempt from 428W
  the levy electricity generated from 'new' renewable sources of energy, such as offshore wind. Secondly, £50 million of the revenue raised by the levy will be recycled to business as a whole via an 'energy efficiency' fund. This fund aims to promote the development of 'new' sources of renewable energy and low carbon technologies and provide energy efficiency advice and audits to businesses. Allocations of the fund between these aims will be announced in the forthcoming spending review.

  Charitable Giving
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to grant further concessions for charitable giving in aid of public services. [127242]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 22 June 2000]In his Budget Speech the Chancellor announced a generous package of measures aimed at increasing charitable giving. The Getting Britain Giving measures emerged as a result of our review of charity taxation and go well beyond the initial proposals set out in our consultation document. The measures are estimated to be worth around £400 million a year to charities and a wide range of charities and donors have welcomed them.

  We have no plans to grant further concessions for charitable giving at this time.

  Credit Unions
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to encourage the use of credit unions as part of neighbourhood renewal schemes. [127162]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 22 June 2000]I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) on 7 December 1999,Official Report, columns 521–22W.

  Air Passenger Duty
  Miss Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the reduction in air passenger duty on economy flights within the European Economic Area will come into force; and what the reduction will be. [127641]

  Mr. Timms
  At present the air passenger duty on any flight from the UK to a destination in the EEA is £10. From 1 April next year the air passenger duty on passengers in the lowest class of travel on a flight within the European Economic Area will be £5. It will remain at £10 for those not in the lowest class of travel.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many of the written parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April have not received substantive answers, for the reason that the information is(a) not held centrally, (b) not held in the form requested and (c) not available. [127681]

  Mr. Timms
  Obtaining the information requested would entail the scrutiny individually of nearly, 1,500 written answers and could be undertaken only at disproportionate cost.

  Correspondence
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will reply to letters from the hon. Member for West Derbyshire, dated 2 March and 25 May, about Mr. Nigel Francis of Sudbury, Derbyshire. [127728]

  Mr. Timms
  I replied to the hon. Member on 21 June.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Police Witnesses (Waiting Time)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what progress has been made in the last three years in reducing the waiting time of police officers in(a) magistrates' and (b) higher courts. [127345]

  Jane Kennedy
  Police witnesses in magistrates' courts in November 1997 waited an average 1 hour 21 minutes before they were either called to give evidence or released. This fell to 1 hour 18 minutes in November 1998 and 1 hour 15 minutes in November 1999 (the latest survey for which results are available). In the Crown court, police witnesses waited an average of 3 hours 12 minutes in November 1997, 3 hours 6 minutes in November 1998 and 2 hours 54 minutes in November 1999.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will review the adequacy of provision of and access to legal information and help services for asylum seekers and refugees living in Sunderland and Newcastle; and if he will make a statement. [127232]

  Mr. Lock
  The Legal Services Commission has awarded seven contracts in the immigration category of law, both to solicitors and not-for-profit organisations, in the Sunderland and Newcastle area.

  The Commission is aware that there is at present an increase in need due to the dispersal of asylum seekers to the North East Region. It has taken immediate steps to ensure that legal advice is available by making arrangements for suppliers from outside the region to travel to provide the necessary help.

  The Government have already increased remuneration rates for immigration and have allocated an additional £23 million of resources to the Commission for asylum work.

  The Commission is now in the process of implementing a package to improve the availability of sufficient quality legal representatives for asylum seekers dispersed throughout the country. As part of this, the Commission is looking at the way in which payments are made to immigration practitioners and how cash-flow could be improved.

  Addressing payment regimes, along with the funding of training programmes around the country and a range of other measures, will increase expertise and encourage existing firms to expand and new firms to enter this important area of work.

  Human Rights Act
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his answer of 10 April 2000,Official Report, column 21W, on human rights legislation, to my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidstone and The Weald (Miss Widdecombe), if he will break down the overall figure for the costs of implementing the Human Rights Act 1998 in the courts. [127620]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Government have planned carefully for implementation of the Act by setting aside funds for extra court sitting days if they are needed. These funds are contained within the Government's planned overall spending totals. The information requested is set as follows:

  Court service costs

  £million

  Crown Court

  16.3

  Crown Office and Court of Appeal

  2.3

  Magistrates' Courts

  2.4

  Civil Justice System
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he intends to publish plans for the use of information technology in support of the civil justice system. [128062]

  Mr. Lock
  The Lord Chancellor's Department will publish a paper tomorrow, entitled 'Civil.Justice.2000: A vision of the Civil Justice System in the Information Age'. Copies will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses and on the internet at the Lord Chancellor's Department website (http://www.open.gov.uk/lcd).

WALES

  Welsh Assembly Committees
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the occasions when(a) ministers and (b) officials from his Department have been invited to give evidence to Welsh Assembly committees; how many have been accepted; how many have been refused; if he will give the reasons for each refusal; and what was the subject matter to be discussed for each invitation. [126684]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 22 June 2000]No Ministers or officials from my Department have been invited to give evidence to a Committee of the National Assembly for Wales.

  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will outline his policy on(a) ministers and (b) officials from his Department accepting invitations to give evidence to committees of the Welsh Assembly in relation to the impact of reserved matters on devolved policy areas. [126683]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 22 June 20001 The Government policy for Ministers and officials accepting invitations to give evidence to committees of
  431W
  the Welsh Assembly is that set out in Devolution Guidance Note Number 12, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many written parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April have not received substantive answers, for reasons of commercial or other confidentiality. [127684]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Two written questions tabled between 19 October 1999 and 20 April 2000 have not received substantive answers for reasons of confidentiality.

SCOTLAND

  Regional Selective Assistance
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Regional Selective Assistance applications were granted for each local authority area in Scotland in each year since RSA was introduced; and what was the value of each application. [126631]

  Dr. Reid
  RSA was introduced in 1972 under the terms of the Industry Act 1972 and subsequently the Industrial Development Act 1982. Since 1 July 1999, administration of Regional Selective Assistance grants in Scotland has been the responsibility of the Scottish Executive. Information on the number and value of grants offered is published annually in the Industrial Development Act 1982 Annual Report by the Secretaries of State for Trade and Industry, Scotland and for Wales for the year ending 31 March. Detailed information on grants in the form requested by the hon. Member is not readily available and could not be provided except at disproportionate cost.

  Scottish Parliament Committees
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what instructions he has given(a) Ministers and (b) officials regarding accepting invitations to give evidence to Scottish Parliament committees; and what his policy is in relation to such invitations. [126671]
  432W
  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 20 June 2000]Devolution Guidance Note 12, available in the Library, provides guidance for Ministers and officials of UK Departments who are invited to give evidence to Committees of the Scottish Parliament. I have not issued further guidance within the Scotland Office. Any invitations to give evidence to Ministers in my Department would be considered in the light of DGN 12.

  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the occasions when(a) ministers and (b) officials from his Department have been invited to give evidence to Scottish Parliament committees; how many have been accepted; how many have been refused; if he will give the reasons for each refusal; and what was the subject matter to be raised on each occasion. [126672]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 20 June 2000]I have been invited to give evidence to the European Committee twice, about the European Structural Funds. I have declined because the primary requirement of accountability for UK Ministers is to the UK Parliament, and because I had received similar invitations from the Scottish Affairs Select Committee.

  Erskine Bridge
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if the Scottish Office recovered all of the costs of the repairs to the Erskine Bridge, following the damage caused by an offshore structure, from the parties deemed to be negligent; and if he will make a statement. [126692]

  Dr. Reid
  Responsibility for the recovery of costs of repairs to the Erskine Bridge is a matter for the Scottish Executive.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many written parliamentary questions were tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April; and how many have not received substantive answers for reasons of disproportionate cost. [127683]

  Dr. Reid
  Our records show that 132 written questions were tabled to my Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April 2000. Of these, two questions did not receive substantive answers and two questions were not answered fully for reasons of disproportionate cost.

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