Written Answers of 29 June 2000

HEALTH

  Breast Screening
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the North of London Breast Screening Unit based at Edgware Community Hospital; and what proposals he has arising out of that assessment.(126161)

  Yvette Cooper
  As part of its regular visiting programme, the London Region Breast Screening Quality Assurance Reference Centre visited the North of London Breast Screening Service on 25 November 1999. Following that visit, a number of recommendations were made to strengthen the service and improve quality. An action plan taking account of them is due to be submitted shortly to the region's quality assurance director.

  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) on what date and at what location a mobile breast screening unit last operated in Brent;(126082)

  (2) what bids he has received from Brent and Harrow Health Authority for funding from the New Opportunities Fund to provide additional mobile breast screening units;(126081)

  (3) on what date and at what location a mobile breast screening unit last made a visit in the Brent and Harrow Health Authority Area;(126081)

  (4) how many mobile breast screening units serve the Brent and Harrow Health Authority area; how many of these are fully functioning; and how many of the fully-functioning mobile breast screening units serving that area have been mobile in the year 2000 to date.(126164)

  Yvette Cooper
  There is currently one mobile breast screening unit that serves the Brent and Harrow Health Authority area. This unit is fully functional and forms a part of the North of London Breast Screening Service based at Edgware Community Hospital, which is managed by the Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals National Health Service Trust. The service provides breast screening for the population of Brent and Harrow, Barnet and part of West Hertfordshire Health Authorities. Following a successful bid from the Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals Trust, the New Opportunities Fund notified the trust in December 1999 that it would provide the capital necessary for the replacement of this and one other unit and for the purchase of one additional trailer. The London Regional Office of the NHS Executive has agreed to meet capital costs for associated equipment.

  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what delays there have been in(a) assessing women who have been found to have abnormal mammograms and (b) reporting results to such women in the Brent and Harrow Health Area in the past year.(126163)
  568W
  Yvette Cooper
  The national standard is that women should be assessed within three weeks. During the period 1 April 1999 to 31 August 1999, the time taken for assessment of women in the Brent and Harrow Health Authority area whose mammograms were abnormal was:less than three weeks: 30 women (23.62 per cent.)
  four weeks: 55 women (43.30 per cent.)
  five weeks and over: 42 women (33.08 per cent.)
  Source:
  NHS Breast Screening Programme—London Quality Assurance Reference Centre.

  All women should be given an outline of the diagnosis on the day of assessment and, if any further results were to be given, would return within a week to receive them.

  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the spending(a) in the current financial year, (b) committed and (c) projected on breast screening, assessment and surgery of (i) Brent and Harrow Health Authority, (ii) Barnet Health Authority, (iii) Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow Health Authority, (iv) Hillingdon Health Authority, (v) Camden and Islington Health Authority and (vi) Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster Health Authority. [126159]

  Yvette Cooper
  Data in the form requested are not held centrally. The following figures are for individual health authorities spending in 2000–01 on breast screening services:

  £000

  Brent and Harrow Health Authority

  343

  Barnet Health Authority

  245

  Ealing Hammersmith and Hounslow Health Authority

  547

  Hillingdon Health Authority

  202

  Camden and Islington Health Authority

  292

  Kensington Chelsea and Westminster Health Authority

  290

  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of women (a) nationally and (b) in the Brent and Harrow Health Authority Area receive regular screening within the time periods recommended by his Department for the different age groups. [126165]

  Yvette Cooper
  Women in the target age group 50 to 64 are invited for breast screening every three years. Information about coverage of the target age group for 1999, the latest year available, is in the table.

  Eligible population (thousand)

  Coverage percentage1

  England

  4,261.5

  67.6

  Brent and Harrow HA

  39.2

  58.3

  1Less than three years since last test

  source:

  Form KC62

  Statistics Division SD2B

  Infertility Treatment
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many representations he has received in the last 12 months for increasing infertility treatment provision; and if he will make a statement. [126270]
  569W
  Yvette Cooper
  We have received 251 representations for increasing infertility treatment in the last 12 months.

  We share the concerns about the postcode lottery in infertility services. We will shortly be publishing a survey into infertility provision across the country which demonstrates variations in the service. The Department will be examining ways to tackle the postcode lottery while continuing to target our priority areas of cancer and heart disease.

  Alcoholism
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total cost was of treatment services for alcoholics and alcoholism, including in-patient and out-patient care and prevention schemes, in(a) 1970, b) 1980, (c) 1990 an (d) 1999. [126837]

  Yvette Cooper
  Estimates of the cost to the National Health Service of alcohol-related illnesses and injuries vary widely. The total cost of alcohol-related illnesses treated by hospitals is information that is not collected centrally and therefore no data are available for the periods in question.

  The most recent academic estimate of which we are aware is for the costs of alcohol misuse in the NHS in England and Wales in 1992 and is reproduced in the table.

  £million

  cost

  Inpatient costs—direct alcohol diagnosis

  40.8

  Inpatient costs—other alcohol-related diagnosis

  120.2

  General practice costs

  3.1

  Total

  164.0

  Source:

  Health Education Authority: Health Update: Alcohol (1997)—after Godfrey, C. and Hardman, G. (1994))

  Heart Disease
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the incidence was of(a) pulmonary heart disease, (b) chronic obstructive pulmonary heart disease and (c) lung cancer in (i) 1970, (ii) 1980, (iii) 1990 and (iv) 1999; and how much it cost to treat each of those diseases in those years. [126825]

  Yvette Cooper
  Information about the incidence of pulmonary heart disease (PHD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is derived from the morbidity studies from general practice in the years 1991–92 (the latest year available), 1981–82 and 1971–72. Figures in the table represent patients in England and Wales who consulted their GP for the first time.

  per 10,000 population

  PHD

  COPD

  1971–72

  4.0

  84

  1981–82

  2.0

  122

  1991–92

  more than 0.5

  107

  In order not to place too large a burden on the National Health Service, data collected centrally on expenditure do not permit analysis at the level of detail requested.
  570W
  Office for National Statistics data shows that the number and rates per 100,000 of new cases of lung cancer in 1971, 1980, 1990 and 1996 (provisional figures) are as follows:

  Lung cancer—number and rates per 100,000 new cases, England and Wales

  1971

  1980

  1990

  19961

  Number of registrations

  Male

  25,711

  27,791

  25,037

  22,300

  Female

  5,767

  8,837

  11,567

  12,700

  Age standardised rate per 100,000 population2

  Male

  108.8

  110.0

  91.8

  77.2

  Female

  19.2

  27.2

  32.8

  35.1

  1Provisional

  2Directly age standardized using the European standard population

  Source:

  Office of National Statistics

  Information on the cost of treatment by cancer site is not available.

  Midwives
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many midwives were in training in NHS hospitals in the Greater London area on 1 May. [127869]

  Mr. Denham
  The responsibility for the training of midwives rests with higher education institutions rather than National Health Service trusts. Trusts do however provide clinical placements for student midwives and continuing professional development opportunities. The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Beta Interferon
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to receive from NICE its assessment of the efficacy of beta interferon in treating persons with MS. [127860]

  Mr. Denham
  I understand that the National Institute for Clinical Excellence plans to issue its guidance to the National Health Service in early August, unless one of the parties concerned appeals formally against the outcome of the appraisal.

  Foster Care
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his plans to provide for young people to remain in foster care beyond the age of 18 years. [128315]

  Mr. Hutton
  Under the Children Act 1989, children can be looked after until they reach the age of 18. Foster care therefore comes to an end at 18. However, it would be possible, if desired, for the young person to continue to live with his former foster parents, for example under a supported lodgings arrangement. In addition, under section 20(5) of the Children Act a council can provide accommodation in a community home for a person aged between 16 and 21 should his welfare require it.

  The Children (Leaving Care) Bill does not affect either of these provisions. However, the Bill does create significant new aftercare duties which will require councils to continue to assist care leavers, should their welfare require it, until they are 21, or beyond if they are still in an agreed programme of education or training.

  Waterhouse Report
  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to publish the Government's response to the report of the Tribunal of Inquiry into the abuse of children in care in the former county council areas of Gwynedd and Clwyd since 1974, entitled "Lost in Care". [128313]

  Mr. Hutton
  I am pleased to announce that the Government's response to Sir Ronald Waterhouse's report into the tragic events in North Wales is being published today. The response is called "Learning the Lessons" and copies have been placed in the Vote Office and the Library.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Income Support
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioner claimants of income support there were in(a) the North East, (b) the City of Newcastle upon Tyne and (c) the constituency of Newcastle upon Tyne and what the average payment of income support was in each of the last three years; how many claimants of the pensioners' income guarantee there now are for the same areas; and what was the average payment of income support in each of the last three years. [127973]

  Mr. Bayley
  The Minimum Income Guarantee is delivered through Income Support. It was designed to provide poorer pensioners with a higher income threshold and this April was increased in line with average earnings. The current rates are £78.45 for a single pensioner and £121.95 for a couple. The information is in the table.

  Income Support pensioners in Newcastle Central Parliamentary constituency, Newcastle City local authority, and North-east Government Office region —February 1998 to 2000

  Number

  Average weekly amount(£)

  North-east

  February 1998

  93,600

  36.19

  February 1999

  91,200

  36.58

  February 2000

  91,400

  38.71

  Newcastle Central PC

  February 1998

  3,600

  31.70

  February 1999

  3,500

  33.78

  February 2000

  3,500

  40.11

  Newcastle City LA

  February 1998

  11,500

  32.89

  February 1999

  10,900

  34.88

  February 2000

  11,400

  37.84

  Notes:

  1.Figures are based on a 5 per cent. sample and are therefore subject to a degree of sampling error.

  2.Pensioners are defined as benefit units where the claimant, and/or partner are aged 60 or over.

  3. Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred.

  Source:

  Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiries, February 1998 to 2000

  Winter Fuel Allowance
  Miss Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people over 60 in Morecambe and Lunesdale are eligible for the Winter Fuel Allowance. [127642]

  Angela Eagle
  In the previous winter (1999–2000), 18,928 people in the Morecambe and Lunesdale constituency received a winter fuel payment automatically, by virtue of their entitlement to a Social Security benefit. Actual numbers of beneficiaries for winter 2000 will not be known until later in the year (the qualifying week is 18 September 2000). In addition 10,087 claims forms/mailshots have also been issued to people in the constituency, who based on Departmental records, may be eligible for winter fuel payments for both previous winters and this coming winter as a result of the European Court judgment.

  A national and regional advertising campaign will commence early July 2000 to encourage people who have not received a claim form to contact the Winter Fuel Helpline.

  ACT (Fraud Savings)
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the fraud savings resulting from automation of benefit payments at post offices. [126521)

  Mr. Rooker
  The move to Automated Credit Transfer as the normal method of payment will bring significant savings from reduced levels of fraud. The move will begin in 2003, but full savings will not be realised until 2005, when the transition from current paper based methods of payment is complete.

  A large number of fraud prevention measures are in place to manage the fraud risk relating to order books and girocheques but latest figures indicate that despite these measures around £100 million was lost in 1998–99.

  The modernisation and automation of methods of payment will virtually eliminate instrument of payment fraud.

  Benefit Fraud Inspectorate
  Mr. Leslie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will publish the reports of the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate in respect of Southwark and Maidenhead councils; and what arrangements have been made to support local authorities in their efforts to counter Housing and Council Tax Benefit fraud through the promotion of good practice guidance. [128863]

  Mr. Rooker
  Benefit Fraud Inspectorate reports have been published today in respect of Southwark and Windsor and Maidenhead Councils. From these reports, and others, it is clear that many local authorities are failing to reach adequate standards of performance to secure Housing and Council Tax Benefit administration and counter the threat of fraud.

  We have already introduced a number of initiatives aimed at helping councils and I am pleased to announce another measure that will provide practical support. The Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI) has today published its second Local Authority Good Practice Guide. This Guide

  573W
  provides first hand experience from the BFI's inspection work and addresses a large range of issues. The BFI has worked closely with other Agencies as well as council staff to provide authorities with an in-depth understanding of what risks and threats they face, as well as various measures that can be taken to counter them.

  This is an important step forward in the intelligence available to authorities and one I expect will be used. The BFI's reports provide an early warning on local authority benefit performance standards and I will be monitoring the progress of authorities taking up these good practices through future inspection reports.

  Copies of the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate reports and the Local Authority Good Practice Guide have been placed in the Library.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Access Funds
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when the report of the Review of Access Funds and Hardship Loans will be available. [128757]

  Mr. Wicks
  Copies of the Report have today been placed in the Library of the House. My noble Friend the Minister for Education and Employment is sending copies of the Executive Summary to every higher education and further education institution which administers Access Funds or Hardship Loans in England and Wales.

  The Review looked at ways in which these two schemes can be used more effectively to widen access and prevent hardship, with a particular emphasis on mature students. My right hon. Friend attaches great importance to widening access and £87 million will be available next year through the Access Bursary and Hardship Funds. Hardship Loans were introduced by this Government to provide extra targeted help for students in financial difficulty.

  The Review concluded that changes in the arrangements for offering help to students through these schemes were needed. The Report contains a total of 20 recommendations on administration of the Funds, as well as further support for mature students. Many of the recommendations addressed to the Department have already been implemented or are being put in place for 2000–01.

  A package of measures to provide additional help for mature and disadvantaged students was announced on 25 January. This package includes £17 million for non-repayable Bursaries in 2000–01 for mature students; a new Childcare Grant from 2001–02 and £10 million for Opportunity Bursaries to improve access to higher education for bright pupils from lower socio-economic groups. In addition, we have provided £2 million to help higher education institutions with the cost of administering the Bursaries for mature students in 2000–01.

  "Teachers"
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what has been the total cost of the magazine called "Teachers" since its inception. [128067]

  Mr. Wills
  The average cost of each issue of "Teachers" magazine is 32p per head. The magazine is subsidised by advertising which keeps this cost down.

  The magazine is around £108,000 an issue or £650,000 a year. The magazine was launched in February 1999 and is published six times a year. We have published 10 issues of the magazine so far.

  The magazine is a simple and effective way of communicating directly with teachers. It gives professional advice and provides a platform to share good practice to help raise standards.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many written parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April have not received substantive answers, citing as the reason (a) commercial and (b) other confidentiality. [128016]

  Mr. Wills
  Of replies to parliamentary questions tabled to the Department during the period stated, five concerned matters which were commercial in confidence, two stated information was commercially confidential and one referred to a document which was commercially sensitive.

  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment on how many occasions he has deposited papers in the Library in response to parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April.(127674)

  Mr.Wills
  [holding answer 26 June 2000]Papers were deposited in the Libraries in response to parliamentary questions on 60 occasions between the dates in question.

  New Deal
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) small, (b) medium and (c) large businesses in (i) Coventry and (ii) the UK are participating in the New Deal. [127456]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 27 June 2000]Over 73,000 employers have signed employer agreements nationally, 355 of whom are in the Coventry area. The majority of agreements are at local level, with small and medium sized businesses. Many thousands of other employers who have not signed agreements also participate in New Deal, for example by employing New Dealers in unsubsidised jobs.

  Medical Students
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many medical students were at medical schools in the UK on 1 April. [127848]

  Mr. Wicks
  Data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency show the number of full-time first degree medical students in the UK as at 1 December was 23,700.

  Disability Access
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action he is taking to encourage employers to improve facilities for disabled access to toilets. [127599]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 27 June 2000]I have been asked to reply.

  Under health and safety legislation employers are required to ensure that suitable and sufficient toilet facilities are provided for all employees. Therefore, any worker with a disability must have access to toilet and other welfare facilities that are suitable for his or her use. In addition, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 also places a duty on an employer who has 15 or more employees to provide reasonable adjustments for disabled employees to ensure that they are not substantially disadvantaged. This could include providing access to toilet facilities. The newly formed Disability Rights Commission will be working to help employees enforce their rights and employers to understand their duties under the Act.

  In the case of new buildings Part M of the Building Regulations covers access and facilities for disabled people and all new employment buildings are required to make reasonable provision for the sanitary arrangements of disabled people.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  ICT Access
  Miss Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what Government help is available to provide access to the internet for poorer individuals. [127631]

  Mr. Wills
  I have been asked to reply.

  We are taking forward a range of measures to help those on low incomes and benefits to access the internet. Excellent progress is being made in improving computer:pupil ratios to ensure that, in future, school leavers are able to use and benefit from new technologies.

  We are providing £252 million to fund around 700 ICT learning centres in England. These centres are targeted within the 2,000 most deprived local authority wards, and rural areas with significant transport and deprivation problems. They will support disadvantaged client groups with low or no ICT skills.

  50,000 additional free computer training courses will be available for jobless people across the country. We are also establishing a pilot scheme to wire up all the homes in some of our most deprived communities. And we are introducing the "Computers within Reach" pilot scheme to enable around 100,000 low-income learners and families to acquire reconditioned computers. We will continue to work with partners and the private sector to address the issue of closing the digital divide.

  Small Business Unit
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what expertise the Small Business Unit has to advise farmers on diversification; and if he will make a statement. [128052]
  576W
  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 28 June 2000]The new service, which will offer tailored business advice to help farmers faced with fundamental changes in their marketplace to develop better business practices and take strategic decisions about the future of their businesses, will be delivered through the Small Business Service, working with the Business Link partnerships, other relevant organisations (eg the NFU, Lantra) and the farming industry. Farm Business Advisers delivering the service on the ground will have business expertise and knowledge of the farming industry and should be well placed to offer advice on diversification.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on how many occasions he deposited papers in the Library in response to parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April. [128011]

  Mr. Byers
  My Department deposited in the Library papers associated with 43 parliamentary questions tabled between 19 October 1999 and 20 April 2000.

  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 2000 have not received substantive answers, citing as the reason commercial confidentiality or other confidentiality. [127436]

  Mr. Byers
  Answers to 11 written parliamentary questions tabled between 19 October 1999 and 20 April 2000 have not received substantive answers for reasons of commercial or other confidentiality.

  Rail Locomotives
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many diesel engines for rail locomotives were manufactured in the UK in each of the last five years for which figures are available; what action he is taking to encourage passenger and freight operators to invest in UK-manufactured engines, locomotives and rolling stock; and if he will make a statement. [127408]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  According to the Office for National Statistics, 103 rail traction diesel or semi-diesel engines were sold in 1996. No data have been published in the remaining years of the five-year period for reasons of commercial confidentiality. No data on production are available.

  UK rail passenger and freight operating companies make their own commercial decisions on the purchase and maintenance of rolling stock and locomotives. The same applies to the manufacturers of such vehicles sourcing diesel engines.

  DTI is working with the Railway Industries Association on an initiative to improve supply-chain performance within the sector.

  Engineering
  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which organisations were consulted on
  577W
  Stage 1 of the Hawley Review Group; and if he will publish the responses of those who replied to the consultation on the stage one report. [127723]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  This is a matter for the Engineering Council, whose review this is.

  I understand that the Engineering Council sought views from nearly 700 organisations and individuals and is still receiving, considering and reviewing the many contributions it has had from various parts of the engineering community as part of its continuing work. Outcomes will be part of the Group's final report.

  Director General of Fair Trading
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he intends to publish the report by the Director General of Fair Trading for the year 1999. [128758]

  Company

  Rank

  Duration of secondment

  (a) May 1997 to April 19981

  MTP Ltd., Springvale Business Park

  Agric. Insp., Grade 3

  1 June 1997 to 17 July 1998

  Tyrone West 2000 Ltd., Omagh Business Complex

  Agric. Insp., Grade 3

  3 October 1994 to date

  NI-CO

  Executive Office I

  September 1992 to September 1998

  NI-CO

  Executive Officer I

  April 1996 to January 2000

  NI-CO

  Deputy Principal

  October 1991 to November 1997

  NI-Co

  Grade 7

  May 1997 to September 1999

  Advanced Learning

  Grade 7

  April 1996 to June 1999

  NI Textiles & Apparel Ass

  Grade 7

  January 1998 to April 2000

  NI-CO

  Grade 7

  October 1991 to May 1997

  Growth Challenge

  Deputy Secretary

  November 1996 to date

  Laganside Corporation

  Assistant Secretary

  1 September 1997 to 3 March 1999

  Ws Atkins Consultants

  Higher Profession Technical Office

  7 July 1997 to 17 May 1998

  Price WaterhouseCoopers

  Principal Economist

  9 January 1997 to 3 January 1999

  (b) May 1998 to April 19992

  MTP Ltd., Springvale Business park

  Agric. Insp., Grade 3

  1 June 1997 to 17 July 1998

  Tyrone West 2000 Ltd., Omagh Business Complex

  Agric. Insp., Grade 3

  3 October 1994 to date

  Ballyclo Ltd., 47 Main Street, Clogher

  Agric. Insp., Group 2

  2 October 1998 to June 1999

  NI-CO

  Executive Officer 1

  September 1992 to September 1998

  NI-CO

  Executive Office 1

  April 1996 to January 2000

  NI-CO

  Grade 7

  May 1997 to September 1999

  Advanced Learning Systems

  Grade 7

  April 1996 to June 1999

  NI Textiles & Apparwel Ass

  Grade 7

  January 1998 to April 2000

  Growth Challenge

  Deputy Secretary

  November 1996 to date

  WS Atkins Consultants

  Higher Professional Technical Officer

  7 July 1997 to 17 May 1998

  Laganside Corporation

  Senior Professional Technical Officer

  25 June 1998 to date

  NI Quality Centre

  Staff Officer

  1 February 1999 to 2 April 2000

  (c) May 1999 to April 20003

  Tyrone West 2000 Ltd., Omagh Business Complex

  Agric. Insp., Group 3

  3 October 1994 to date

  Ballyclo Ltd., 47 Main Street, Clogher

  Agric. Insp., Group 2

  2 October 1998 to 1 June 1999

  NI-CO

  Executive Officer 1

  April 1996 to January 2000

  NI-CO

  Grade 7

  May 1997 to September 1999

  Advanced Learning Systems

  Grade 7

  April 1996 to June 1999

  NI Textiles & Apparel Ass

  Grade 7

  January 1998 to April 2000

  Growth Challenge

  Deputy Secretary

  Growth Challenge

  Laganside Corporation

  Senior Professional Technical Officer

  15 June 1998 to date

  NI Quality Centre

  Staff Officer

  1 February 1999 to 2 April 2000

  113 staff were Seconded during this period

  212 staff were seconded during this period

  3Nine staff were seconded during this period

  578W
  Mr. Byers
  The 26th Annual Report of the Director General of Fair Trading has been published today. It covers the period from 1 January 1998 to 31 December 1999. Copies of the report have been laid before Parliament.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Staff Secondments
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many staff from his Department were seconded to private sector companies in(a) May 1997 to April 1998, (b)May 1998 to April 1999 and (c) May 1999 to April 2000; and if he will list in each case the companies to which staff were sent, the names and ranks of the staff involved and the duration of the secondment. [123419]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The information is
  contained in the following table.

  RUC (Annual Report)
  Mr. Savidge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to make available the annual report for 1999 of the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. [128693]

  Mr. Ingram
  Copies of the Chief Constable's annual report for 1999–2000 will be placed in the Library tomorrow. It is a general report on the carrying out by the RUC of their functions during 1999, which is submitted to the Police Authority for Northern Ireland and also to me for laying before Parliament in accordance with sections 48 and 49 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions he deposited papers in the Library in response to parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April. [128010]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  25 papers were deposited in the Library in response to parliamentary questions tabled between 19 October and 20 April.

  European Council
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for July and the major European Union events for the next six months. [128624]

  Mr. Vaz
  This calendar is primarily concerned with European Union matters, but certain other relevant events are also included. Events and dates quoted are based on the information available on the date of issue.

  European calendar: July-December 2000

  Date

  Venue

  Event

  July

  3–7

  Strasbourg

  European Parliament Plenary

  7–8

  Paris

  Social Affairs Council (informal)

  10–11

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  15–16

  Paris

  Environment Council (informal)

  17

  Brussels

  ECOFIN Council

  17–18

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  19

  Tokyo

  EU/Japan Summit

  20

  Brussels

  Budget Council

  20–21

  Lille

  Culture Council (informal)

  27

  Bangkok

  ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial

  28–29

  Bangkok

  ASEAN Post Ministerial

  28–29

  Marseilles

  Justice and Home Affairs Council (informal)

  August

  There are no Councils scheduled for this month.

  September

  2–3

  Evian

  Gymnich

  3–5

  Biarritz

  Agriculture Council (informal)

  15

  Paris

  EU/Ukraine Summit

  9–10

  Versailles

  ECOFIN Council (informal)

  18–19

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  25–26

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  28

  Brussels

  Internal Market/Consumer Council

  28

  —

  Justice and Home Affairs Council (?)

  29

  Brussels

  ECOFIN Council

  580W

  European calendar: July-December 2000

  Date

  Venue

  Event

  October

  2

  Luxembourg

  Transport Council

  2 (tbc)

  Paris

  EU/US Ministerial Meeting

  3

  Luxembourg

  Telecommunications Council

  9–10

  Luxembourg

  General Affairs Council

  10

  Luxembourg

  Environment Council

  13

  Biarritz

  European Council (informal)

  16–17

  Luxembourg

  Labour and Social Affairs Council

  17

  Luxembourg

  ECOFIN JHA Council

  19–21

  Seoul

  Europe/Asia Summit

  23

  China

  EU/China Summit

  23–24

  Luxembourg

  Agriculture Council

  25

  Luxembourg

  Education Council

  30 (tbc)

  Paris

  EU-Russia Summit

  November

  3 (tbc)

  Paris

  EU/Canada Ministerial

  7

  Brussels

  ECOFIN Council

  7

  Brussels

  Environment Council

  9

  Brussels

  Education/Youth Council

  13

  Marseilles

  Euro-Mediterranean Summit

  14

  Marseilles

  Euro-Mediterranean Summit (possible)

  16

  Brussels

  Research Council

  17

  Brussels

  Fisheries Council

  20–21

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  20–21

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  23

  Brussels

  Culture/Audio Council

  23

  Montbeliard

  European Conference Ministerial

  23–24

  Brussels

  Budget Council

  27–2

  Brussels

  ECOFIN Council

  27–2

  Brussels

  Labour and Social Affairs Council

  30

  Brussels

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  30

  Brussels

  Internal Market/Consumers Council

  29–30

  Gaborone

  EU/SADC Ministerial

  December

  December

  1

  Brussels

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  4–5

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  4

  Brussels

  Telecommunications Council

  5

  Brussels

  Energy and Industry Council

  7–8

  Nice

  European Council

  14–15

  Brussels

  Fisheries Council

  18

  Brussels

  Environment Council

  18

  Brussels

  ECOFIN Council

  18

  —

  EU/United States Summit

  19

  Brussels

  Environment Council

  19–20

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  19

  —

  EU/Canada Summit

  20–21

  Brussels

  Transport Council

  Diplomatic Immunity
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many serious offences were alleged to have been committed in 1999 by persons entitled to immunity by virtue of their employment by a diplomatic mission or an international organisation. [128625]

  Mr. Vaz
  From a community of over 17,500 persons entitled to immunity, 36 serious offences, allegedly committed by such persons, were drawn to the attention of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1999. "Serious offences" are defined in accordance with the 1985 White Paper on Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges; i.e. as offences that would in certain circumstances carry a penalty of 12 months or more imprisonment.

  Iran
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he is proposing to travel to Iran. [128754]

  Mr. Hain
  The visit to Iran of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has been postponed, owing to the busy schedule and travel commitments of Dr. Kamal Kharrazi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Both he and Dr. Kharrazi are keen for the visit to proceed and will be consulting to find a mutually convenient date.

  Staff Secondments
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough (Mr. Willis) of 11 February 2000,Official Report, columns 337–38W, on secondments, if he will give the names, grades and job titles of the staff seconded into his Department from each organisation mentioned, stating in each case the name of the section they were seconded to and a summary of the work that they were involved with. [128242]

  Mr. Battle
  As soon as the information can be compiled I shall write to the hon. Member, and place a copy of my letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Burma
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to discourage UK firms from promoting tourist travel to Burma. [127853]

  Mr. Battle
  Since 1998 we have written to tour operator associations and to travel companies drawing attention to the views of Burmese democratic leaders that tourism to Burma is inappropriate. We cannot stop British citizens choosing Burma as a holiday destination, but we hope that any who go there are aware of the political and human rights situation. They should also be aware that they have to exchange $300 on arrival. Every one of these dollars will directly support the regime.

  Entry Clearance
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when a decision will be made on the application for entry clearance by Shamsad Anwar, lodged at Islamabad in November 1998, reference C4694. [128255]

  Mr. Vaz
  This application, by Muena Fatima and a child, Aisha Shamshad, to join Mr. Shamsad Anwar in the UK, is the subject of ongoing inquiries, including DNA testing, at our High Commission in Islamabad. I shall be writing separately to my hon. Friend to provide the background to this application.

  Embassies
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the start-up costs were for each embassy established in Eastern European countries and the former states of the USSR since 1990. [127813]
  582W
  Mr. Hain
  It will take some time to collate the information requested. I will write to the hon. Member shortly with the information. Copies of the letter will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Sierra Leone
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what(a) technical and (b) financial assistance the Government have provided to ECOMOG in Sierra Leone. [128093]

  Mr. Hain
  We have provided around £5 million worth of practical support for the ECOMOG peacekeeping forces in Sierra Leone. This support included vehicles, ration packs, boots, tents, communications equipment and the funding of helicopter hours.

  The ECOMOG peacekeeping force has now left Sierra Leone.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  R v. Weir
  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking following the judgment of the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) in R v. Weir and the Attorney-General's Reference No. 3/1999 on 26 May. [128626]

  Mr. Straw
  I am looking at what steps need to be taken, including possible revisions to section 64 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.

  Cyclists
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) on how many occasions in each of the last five years cyclists have been prosecuted for exceeding the speed limit;[127980]

  (2) how many prosecutions there have been in each of the last five years of cyclists for cycling the wrong way down one-way streets;[127968]

  (3) how many prosecutions there have been in each of the last five years of cyclists for riding on pavements;[127971]

  (4) how many prosecutions there have been in each of the last five years of cyclists for cycling through traffic lights at red;[127979]

  (5) how many prosecutions there have been in each of the last five years of cyclists for using footpaths designated for pedestrians; [127969]

  (6) how many prosecutions there have been of cyclists for failing to carry cycle lights at night in each of the last five years. [127970]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Available information for 1994 to 1998 taken from the Home Office Court Proceedings Database is given in the table. Data for 1999 will not be available until the autumn.

  The fixed penalty system is also used for several pedal cycle offences, but information specific to such offences is not recorded centrally.
  583W

  Number of defendants prosecuted for offences connected with pedal cycles, England and Wales 1994–98

  Offence description

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  Neglect of traffic directions

  125

  155

  181

  92

  121

  Riding on footpath

  219

  314

  423

  648

  1,055

  Failing to obey signal

  19

  11

  24

  43

  19

  Lighting and reflector offences

  293

  332

  382

  412

  624

  Other pedal cycle offences

  2

  11

  16

  7

  16

  Notes:

  1. The offence of 'failing to comply with traffic light signals' may be recorded under 'Neglect of traffic directions', Failing to obey signal' or 'Other pedal cycle offence'.

  2. The offence of 'Cycling the wrong way down a one-way street' may be recorded under 'Neglect of traffic direction' or 'Other pedal cycle offence'.

  3.The offence of 'exceeding the speed limit' may be recorded under 'Neglect of traffic directions' or 'Other pedal cycle offence'.

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many compensation claims for lost passports were lodged with the Immigration and Nationality Directorate in each year since 1992. [127975]

  Mrs. Roche
  The number of claims for lost passports lodged in the last four financial years is set out in the table. Information for earlier years is not available.

  Number

  1996–97

  30

  1997–98

  60

  1998–99

  85

  1999–2000

  94

  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate of settling compensation claims for lost passports in each year since 1992. [127976]

  Mrs. Roche
  The cost of settling claims for lost passports in each of the last four financial years is set out in the table. Information for previous years is not available.

  £

  1996–97

  3,000

  1997–98

  11,500

  1998–99

  12,000

  1999–2000

  20,000

  Clandestine Entrants
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many notices of objection lodged by hauliers allegedly transporting clandestine entrants into the UK have been(a) upheld and (b) rejected in each month since the coming into force of the Carriers' Liability (Clandestine Entrants and Sale of Transporters) Regulations 2000. [127874]
  584W
  Mrs. Roche
  As at 25 June 2000, there have been 159 cases where notices of objection have been lodged against a penalty imposed in accordance with the Civil Penalty provisions of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Of those that have been determined, four notices of objection have been upheld and 62 rejected.

  It is not possible to break these figures down on a monthly basis.

  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many haulage contractors were charged under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, in each month since April, with bringing clandestine entrants into the UK. [127978]

  Mrs. Roche
  The number of haulage contractors charged under the Civil Penalty provisions of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 in each month since April was:

  Month

  Number

  April

  72

  May

  84

  June(to 25)

  55

  Total

  211

  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the average fine imposed on hauliers for transporting clandestine entrants into the UK since the coming into force of the Carriers' Liability (Clandestine Entrants and Sale of Transporters) Regulations 2000. [127873]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Carriers' Liability (Clandestine Entrants and Sales of Transporters) Regulations 2000 enables the imposition of a penalty of £2,000 for each clandestine entrant transported to the United Kingdom.

  As at 25 June, 211 penalty notices, with a total value of £2,336,000 had been served in relation to 1,168 clandestine entrants. Twenty-four of the penalty notices served relate to vehicles that between them carried 367 clandestine entrants, with an average penalty of £30,000 in respect of 15 entrants for each vehicle. The remaining 187 penalties relate to vehicles that between them carried 801 clandestine entrants, with an average penalty of £8,000 in respect of four entrants for each vehicle.

  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the value of fines levied on hauliers charged under the Carriers' Liability (Clandestine Entrants and Sale of Transporters) Regulations 2000 in each month since April. [127872]

  Mrs. Roche
  As at 25 June, the value of penalties raised on persons under the Carriers' Liability (Clandestine Entrants and Sales of Transporters) Regulations 2000 in each month since April were as follows:

  Month

  £

  April

  848,000

  May

  838,000

  June

  650,000

  Total

  2,336,000

  Criminal Assets
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress made at the Council of Ministers on fixing minimum standards for tracing and confiscating assets from crime. [128258]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The European Union Heads of State and Government meeting at the special European Council at Tampere in October 1999 called for action with regard to the approximation of criminal law and procedures on money laundering, with particular reference to the tracing, freezing and confiscation of the proceeds of crime. It has been proposed that a new ad hoc working group, which has still to be set up, will carry this work forward.

  Separate discussions are taking place with regard to the application of the principle of mutual recognition to asset freezing and restraint. This will involve consideration of the minimum standards which should be applied to permit recognition of orders between member states.

  The incoming French Presidency of the European Union has made action against financial crime and money laundering one of its priorities and it is clear that this will involve some action in the area of the tracing and confiscation of the proceeds of crime.

  Staff Secondments
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 19 January 2000,Official Report, column 471W, on secondments, if he will give the names, grades and job titles of the staff seconded into his Department from each organisation mentioned, stating in each case the name of the section they were seconded to and a summary of the work that they were involved with. [128249]

  Mr. Straw
  Secondments and attachments are part of the Interchange Initiative which promotes the exchange of people and good practice between the civil service and other organisations. Before an Interchange can occur all parties must be satisfied that no conflict of interest arises.

  The details of the two private sector staff seconded to my Department are as follows:

  The first secondee was from Barclay's Bank to the Planning, Finance and Performance Group from January 1997 to January 1999. The secondee was employed on various project management activities.

  The second secondee is from Price WaterhouseCoopers to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate for 12 months from 4 August 1999. The secondee has had responsibility for various project management and operational activities.

  Police Secondments
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers are seconded on duty abroad; how many officers were seconded in each of the previous five years; and if he will make a statement. [128165]
  586W
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Each police force keeps its own records and comprehensive figures are not currently held centrally. Figures are available on the number of United Kingdom police officers participating in international peace-keeping missions overseas. On 28 June 2000, the United Kingdom had 264 police officers working in Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo and East Timor.

  Departmental Bills
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Bills his Department has sponsored in each of the last 20 years; how many have been enacted; and if he will list the Bills and Acts per year. [128164]

  Mr. Straw
  Since the 1979–80 parliamentary session, the Home Office has sponsored 89 Bills, of which 79 have passed into law. The Acts listed are in Royal Assent order for their respective session followed by details of any unsuccessful legislation.

  1979–80 Session

  European Assembly (Pay and Pensions) Act 1979

  Isle of Man Act 1979

  Police Negotiating Board Act 1980

  Imprisonment (Temporary Provisions) Act 1980

  Broadcasting Act 1980

  Protection of Official Information Bill

  1980–81 Session

  European Assembly Elections Act 1981

  Representation of the People Act 1981

  Criminal Attempts Act 1981

  British Nationality Act 1981

  1981–82 Session

  Fire Service College Board (Abolition) Act 1982

  Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982

  Criminal Justice Act 1982l

  1982–83 Session

  Nuclear Material (Offences) Act 1983

  Marriage Act 1983

  Data Protection Bill1

  Police and Criminal Evidence Bill1

  Telecommunications Bill1

  1983–84 Session

  Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1984

  Data Protection Act 1984

  Juries (Disqualification) Act 1984

  1984–85 Session

  Prosecution of Offences Act 1985

  Representation of the People Act 1985

  Interception of Communications Act 1985

  Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol Etc.) Act 1985

  1985–86 Session

  Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986

  Drug Trafficking Offences Act 1986

  Public Order Act 1986

  Shops Bill

  587W
  1986–87 Session

  Broadcasting Act 1987

  Criminal Justice Act 19872

  Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987

  Immigration (Carriers1 Liability) Act 1987

  1987–88 Session

  Immigration Act 1988

  Licensing Act 1988

  Criminal Justice Act 1988

  Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988

  1988–89 Session

  Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989

  Security Service Act 1989

  Official Secrets Act 1989

  Police Officers (Central Service) Act 1989

  Representation of the People Act 1989

  1989–90 Session

  Criminal Justice (International Co-operation) Act 1990

  British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act 1990

  Broadcasting Act 1990

  War Crimes Bill

  1990–91 Session

  War Crimes Act 1991

  Maintenance Enforcement Act 1991

  Criminal Justice Act 1991

  Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

  1991–92 Session

  Aggravated Vehicle Taking Act 1992

  Charities Act 1992

  Prison Security Act 1992

  Asylum Bill1

  1992–93 Session

  Parliamentary Boundary Commission Act 1992

  Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993

  Criminal Justice Act 1993

  National Lottery Act 1993

  European Parliamentary Elections Act 1993

  1993–94 Session

  Sunday Trading Act 1994

  Police and Magistrates' Courts Act 1994

  Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994

  1994–95 Session

  Licensing (Sunday Hours) Act 1995

  Criminal Appeal Act 1995

  Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995

  1995–96 Session

  Prevention of Terrorism (Additional Powers) Act 1996

  Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996

  Security Service Act 1996

  Asylum and Immigration Act 1996

  1996–97 Session

  Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997

  Crime (Sentences) Act 1997

  Police Act 1997

  Police and Firemen's Pensions Act 1997

  Protection from Harassment Act 1997

  Sex Offenders Act 1997

  588W
  1997–98 Session

  Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997

  Special Immigration Appeals Commission Act 1997

  Data Protection Act 1998

  Crime and Disorder Act 1998

  Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Act 1998

  Human Rights Act 1998

  Registration of Political Parties Act 1998

  European Parliamentary Elections Bill1

  1998–99 Session

  European Parliamentary Elections Act 1999

  Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999

  Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

  Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill

  1999–2000 Session

  Representation of the People Act 2000

  Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial) Bill.

  The following Home Office Bills for the 1999–2000 session are currently before the House:

  Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial)(No.2) Bill

  Criminal Justice and Court Services Bill

  Disqualifications Bill

  Freedom of Information

  Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill

  Race Relations (Amendment) Bill

  Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill

  Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill

  Terrorism Bill

  1Fell at dissolution.

  2By agreement with the Opposition Parties in both Houses, Part 1 of this Bill dealing with the setting up of the Serious Fraud Office was enacted before Dissolution: the rest of the Bill was lost.

  Police Radio Frequencies
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy in relation to the future of the existing police radio frequencies; what is the estimated commercial value of expected surplus frequencies; what is his current estimated timescale for the changes to the use of radio frequencies; and if he will make a statement. [128166]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The majority of the radio frequencies currently used by the police service, in England and Wales, will be returned to the central Government pool once the Public Safety Radio Communications service (PSRCS) is fully operational and the frequencies are no longer required. This is expected to occur in 2005.

  The spectrum returned will be used to assist in re-organising the civil spectrum to improve its quality by aligning it with usage in Europe. This re-alignment will take many years and we do not expect that any parts of the spectrum currently used by the Home Office will be available for sale or for further allocation until this programme has been completed.

  Police Funding
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to alter the formula for funding police forces in England and Wales;[126424]
  589W
  (2) what plans he has to introduce a sparsity factor into the process of allocating funds to rural police forces; [126426]

  (3) if it is his policy to accept the findings of the ORH study into police funding in respect of the additional costs of policing sparsely populated rural areas; [126423]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Government set considerable store by stability in the grant system to help police authorities plan ahead. In July 1998, the Government announced a three-year freeze on changes to Standard Spending Assessment funding formulae pending the wide ranging review of the revenue support grant system across local government. In view of the moratorium, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary decided that it would not be appropriate to make substantive changes to the method of police grant distribution for 2000–01. That position remains unchanged.

  The fundings of the Operational Research in Health (ORH) report on policing areas of rural sparsity were considered by a Home Office chaired Working Group, which includes representatives of the police service, police authorities and local authorities. That report was placed in the Library. Implementing the findings of the report would have meant the redistribution of around £30 million of funding almost entirely from the metropolitan forces to shire forces where call response times are longer. There was no agreement in the working group about the best way to proceed.

  However, the opportunity has now arisen as a result of additional funds being made available through the budget, for the Government to recognise the special needs of rural policing. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has therefore agreed to make £15 million available for the remainder of this year to enhance the policing service in rural areas at no cost to the metropolitan forces. Funding for future years will be considered as part of the spending review 2000 process.

TREASURY

  Spectrum Auction
  Mr. St. Aubyn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what account under resource accounting rules is to be taken of the right of third generation mobile spectrum licensees to amortise the cost of their licences from the amount of their future taxable profits and of the consequential future reduction in tax revenue. [128071]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  [holding answer 28 June 2000]Tax relief for the amortisation of third generation spectrum licence costs will reduce corporation tax yields over the lives of the licences. Currently, the resource accounting rules apply only to departmental resource accounts and not to corporation tax. However, subject to the passing of the Government Resources and Accounts Bill, the same accounting principles will apply in due course to the Whole of Government Accounts, which will include corporation tax revenue.

  Children's Tax Credit
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the total cost of administering the Child Tax Credit in financial year 2001–02; and if he will make a statement. [128167]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The administration of the children's tax credit during the financial year 2001–02 will be part of the Inland Revenue's routine work and will not be separately identified in running costs.

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many people in Hampstead and Highgate benefit from the(a) child care tax credit, (b) Sure Start maternity grant and (c) New Deal for Lone Parents; [127851]

  (2) how many families in Hampstead and Highgate receive the Working Families tax Credit; and how many will benefit from changes allowing claims to be made immediately after the birth of a child;[127911]

  Dawn Primarolo
  For a provisional estimate of the number of recipients of Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) in Hampstead and Highgate at the end of April 2000, I refer my hon. Friend to my answer given on 28 June 2000,Official Report, column 537W to my hon. Friend the Member for Crosby (Mrs. Curtis-Thomas).

  It is estimated that, in a full year, up to 70,000 families could benefit from the reforms to WFTC for mothers of new children announced in this year's Budget. No estimate is available of the number of these in Hampstead and Highgate.

  About 10 per cent. of awards of Working Families Tax Credit include a child care tax credit. We are unable to provide a reliable estimate of the number of awards with a child care tax credit in Hampstead and Highgate.

  The Sure Start maternity grant has been claimable from 27 March 2000 for babies due on or after 11 June and is gradually replacing the social fund maternity payment. I understand from the Department of Social Security (DSS) that figures are not available by constituency.

  I understand from the Department for Social Security that, since October 1998, 40 lone parents in Hampstead and Highgate have found employment as a consequence of the New Deal for Lone Parents, and 21 lone parents have started Training and Education. 174 lone parents have joined the programme.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many families in(a) Coventry, South, (b) the West Midlands region and (c) nationally (i) receive the Working Families Tax Credit and (ii) will benefit from the changes allowing families to make a claim as soon as a baby is born. [127252]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 26 June 2000]The number of families in receipt of the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) at the end of April 2000 is provisionally estimated at 1,053,000, of which 107,000 were in the West Midlands region.
  591W
  I refer my hon. Friend to my answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Crosby (Mrs. Curtis-Thomas) on 28 June 2000, Official Report, column 537W for the number of WFTC awards in Coventry, South.

  It is estimated that, in a full year, up to 70,000 families could benefit from the reforms to WFTC for mothers of new children announced in this year's Budget. No estimates are available of the number of these in Coventry, South or the West Midlands region.

  Car Scheme Rates
  Mr. Rammell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will authorise a review of the Inland Revenue's fixed profit car scheme rates which were last reviewed in 1997, with special reference to petrol prices for motorists; [128038]

  (2) if he will place in the Library details of the methodology used by the Inland Revenue in calculating the motor mileage rates used in the fixed profit car scheme. [128035]

  Mr. Timms
  Under the current system, authorised mileage rates are calculated by reference to typical tax allowable motoring costs for cars with different engine sizes. The costs include both running costs (petrol, oil, tyres, repairs, replacements and servicing) and standing costs (VED, insurance, depreciation and subscriptions).

  The Budget Day 2000 press release REV6 B—"Protecting the environment: reform of company car taxation" announced a review of the authorised mileage rates system which is now under way. The announcement stated that:
  The Inland Revenue will be considering how the authorised mileage rates for drivers who use their own cars for business journeys (which underpin the Inland Revenue's fixed profit car scheme) might be improved, on a revenue neutral basis, to send better environmental signals.
  The level and structure of the authorised mileage rates will be considered in the course of the review. Comments are welcome and should be sent by 30 September 2000 to:
  Kim Linton
  Personal Tax Division
  Room 81, New Wing
  Somerset House
  Strand
  London, WC2R 1LB
  e-mail: Kim.Linton@ir.gsi.gov.uk

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many written parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April have not received substantive answers, citing as the reason(a) commercial and (b) other confidentiality. [128015]

  Mr. Timms
  Five and eight respectively, either wholly or in part, of the 1,479 answers given.

  Hydro-electric Schemes
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what criteria(a) existing and (b) proposed hydroelectric schemes will have to meet in order to be eligible for exemption from the climate change levy; [127150]

  (2) if electricity generated by hydro-electric schemes constructed under the non-fossil fuel obligation arrangements will be exempt from the climate change levy; [127149]

  (3) if additional renewable energy generating capacity created by the refurbishment and upgrade of existing hydro-electric schemes in Scotland will be exempt from the climate change levy; [127151]

  (4) if additional renewable energy generating capacity created by the construction of new hydro-electric schemes will be exempt from the climate change levy; and if he will make a statement. [127152]

  Mr. Timms
  Electricity generated from hydro-electric installations producing more than 10 MW will be subject to the climate change levy under the normal rules. Electricity from hydro-electric installations producing less than 10 MW will be exempt from the climate change levy if supplied under an approved contract.

  This principle applies whether the installations concerned are new, proposed, refurbished, upgraded or constructed under the non-fossil fuels obligation arrangements.

  Government Audit
  Mr. Russell Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made on appointing members to the steering group for the review of the audit and accountability arrangements for central Government. [128798]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I am pleased to announce that the following persons have so far agreed to serve on the Steering Group:Sir John Bourn, KCB, Comptroller and Auditor General
  Sir Brian Carsberg, Chairman, International Accounting Standards Committee
  Right hon. David Davis MP, Chairman, Public Accounts Committee, House of Commons
  Andrew Likierman, Director, Financial Management Reporting and Audit Directorate, HM Treasury
  lain Plaistowe, Chairman, Auditing Practices Board
  David Rendel MP, Member, Public Accounts Committee, House of Commons
  Lord Sainsbury of Turville, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry
  Right hon. Andrew Smith MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury
  Rosemary Thorne, Group Finance Director, Bradford and Bingley Building Society
  Professor Sir David Tweedie, Chairman, Accounting Standards Board
  Right hon. Alan Williams MP, Member, Public Accounts Committee, House of Commons.

  The remaining appointments to the Steering Group will be announced shortly.

PRIME MINISTER

  OSCE
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Prime Minister what changes there are in the composition of the United Kingdom Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation on Security and Co-operation in Europe. [128755]

  The Prime Minister
  The right hon. and noble Lord Jopling, currently a substitute member is to become a full representative replacing the noble Viscount Montgomery of Alamein. The noble Earl of Northesk is to become a substitute member of the delegation.

DEFENCE

  Defence Evaluation and Research Agency
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many staff employed at the DERA base at West Freugh, Wigtownshire are employed by (a) DERA, (b) the MOD, (c) SERCO and (d) other non-military companies and organisations. [127870]

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

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Alasdair Morgan, dated 29 June 2000:
  I am replying to your parliamentary question about the number of staff employed at the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) range at West Freugh since such matters relate to the operation of the range.
  A total of some 200 staff are currently employed at DERA West Freugh. This comprises 26 DERA staff, 23 MOD, 131 SERCO and 16 others.
  I hope the above is helpful.

  Northern Ireland
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 19 June 2000,Official Report, column 34W, on Northern Ireland, under what section of Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Government Information he based his reply. [128026]

  Mr. Spellar
  The information was withheld under Section a of Exemption 1—information whose disclosure would harm national security or defence.

  Anglo-Irish Meeting
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 19 June 2000, Official Report, column 36W, under which section of Exemption 14 his decision to withhold information was based. [128022]

  Mr. Spellar
  Details of the individual referred to in my answer of 19 June 2000,Official Report, column 36W were withheld under Exemption 14(a) (information supplied in confidence by a person who was not under any legal obligation to supply it and who has not consented to its disclosure), as well as under Exemption 4(f) (information whose disclosure could identify the source
  594W
  of information or assistance in confidence for law enforcement or security purposes) and Exemption 12 (privacy of an individual).

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will reply substantively to the question from the hon. Member for Dudley, South (Ref. 122262). [126599]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 19 June 2000]I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 26 June 2000,Official Report, column 408W.

  Battle of Britain
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what initiatives his Department is taking this year, at which (a) stations and (b) establishments, to mark the commemoration by the Royal Air Force of the sixtieth anniversary of the Battle of Britain. [127735]

  Dr. Moonie
  The RAF is very conscious that the year 2000 marks the 60th Anniversary year of the Battle of Britain and the RAF is participating in many events nationwide throughout the year to commemorate the Battle.

  A Battle of Britain Service and Reception at Westminster Abbey on 17 September is the main official commemoration of the campaign. The Westminster Abbey service is held annually in September each year, but is enhanced on this occasion in recognition both that it is the 60th Anniversary and that it is likely to be the last major commemorative event of the Battle that many of the participants will be able to attend. Members of the Government, High Commissioners, the Air Force Board and representatives of the aviation industry attend each year and, in view of the importance of this particular anniversary, members of the Royal Family have also been invited.

  A Battle of Britain Dinner at RAF Bentley Prior is being hosted on 15 September by the Air Force Board for members of the Battle of Britain Fighter Association, ground crew and plotters. It is planned that Service personnel, aviation industry representatives and others with a connection to the Battle will attend. Members of the Royal Family and Defence Ministers will also be invited.

  The Battle of Britain Memorial Trust Day will be held on 9 July. The Battle of Britain Memorial Trust is arranging a ceremony at Capel le Ferne on the cliffs of Dover at the site of the Trust memorial to commemorate the Battle. The Lord Lieutenant of Kent will preside over the event, which will be fully supported by the RAF, with aircrew from the 13 extant Battle of Britain Squadrons, a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Bands of the RAF Regiment and Air Training Corps cadets. Members of the RauxAF will also be supporting the event. A short memorial service will be conducted by the Chaplain in Chief (RAF).

  Finally, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is in high demand this year and will be representing the RAF at events throughout the UK and displaying for some of our WWII allies in Europe. The Battle of Britain Memorial

  595W
  Flight have or will be taking part in some 41 events with a Battle of Britain 60th Anniversary theme during the period April-September.

  Event

  Date

  60th Anniversary of Battle of Britain—Kenley, Surrey

  3–4 June

  Battle of Britain Memorial—Purley Way, Croydon

  3–4 June

  RAF Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Cocktail Party

  16 June

  Battle of Britain Service—St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh

  17 June

  RAF Cosford Air Show—includes Battle of Britain theme

  18 June

  RAF Waddington Air Day—includes Battle of Britain theme

  24–25 June

  Battle of Britain Memorial Day—Capel le Ferne, Kent

  9 July

  Royal International Air Tattoo—includes Battle of Britain theme

  21–23 July

  Doncaster's 60th Anniversary of Battle of Britain

  5–6 August

  60th Anniversary of Battle of Britain—Kenley, Surrey

  19–20 August

  RAFA Battle of Britain Concert

  1–2 September

  RAFA Battle of Britain Service—York

  3 September

  Propeller Service 60th Anniversary of Battle of Britain—Lincolnshire

  3 September

  60th Anniversary of Battle of Britain—Yorkshire

  3 September

  Battle of Britain Pilots Memorial Garden Annual Service—Sussex

  3 September

  DERA Fort Halstead Officer's Mess Battle of Britain Night Dinner

  7 September

  Battle of Britain Cocktail Party—RAF Northolt

  7 September

  Battle of Britain Cocktail Party—Keogh Barracks, Aldershot

  7 September

  Battle of Britain Annual Reception—RAF St. Athan

  8 September

  Battle of Britain Anniversary Event—Stapleford Aerodrome

  9 September

  RAF Thatcham Battle of Britain Reception and Dinner

  13 September

  Newark battle of Britain Commemoration Service and Parade

  10 September

  RAFA Skipton Battle of Britain Parade

  10 September

  Basilique de Sacre Coeur—Belgium

  10 September

  60th Anniversary of Battle of Britain—RAF Northolt (also 85th of RAF Northolt and 75th of 600 Sqn)

  13 September

  HQ Strike Command Battle of Britain Night

  14 September

  Northwood Officer's Mess Battle of Britain Dining in Night

  14 September

  Battle of Britain Drinks—Bracknell, Berks

  14 September

  RAFA Mount Batten Battle of Britain 60th Anniversary Air Salute—Plymouth

  15–17 September

  Battle of Britain Commemoration—Plymouth

  15 September

  Battle of Britain Ceremony, Paris

  15 September

  RAF Fylingdales Battle of Britain Fly Past—N. Yorkshire

  15 September

  RAF Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Dining in Night

  15 September

  Battle of Britain Tribute—Manston

  15 September

  RAF Leeming Battle of Britain Guest Night

  15 September

  Central Band of RAF—public concert outside Westminster Abbey with Battle of Britain theme

  16 September

  RAF Leuchars Battle of Britain International Airshow

  16 September

  Annual Wreathlaying Ceremony on Embankment preceding Abbey Service

  17 September

  Annual Battle of Britain Service in Westminster Abbey plus Air Force Board Reception for Veterans

  17 September

  Songs of Praise RAF Halton—BBC TV (TBC)

  17 September

  Battle of Britain 60th Anniversary Service—St. Clement Danes' (Central Church of the RAF)

  17 September

  Battle of Britain Commemoration—Waltham

  17 September

  Battle of Britain Wings Appeal—Falkirk

  17 September

  Battle of Britain Remembrance Day—Hadleigh Suffolk

  17 September

  Biggin Hill Battle of Britain Day

  17 September

  RAFA Sheringham Branch Battle of Britain Ceremony—Norfolk

  17 September

  RAF Honington Battle of Britain Dinner

  22 September

  In addition, most RAF stations will hold a Battle of Britain Guest Night to celebrate success in the Battle, with invitations to veterans who live locally. Also, most RAF stations hold a Battle of Britain Cocktail Party to host local dignitaries during September.

  Medical Personnel
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the average number of fully trained, dedicated medical personnel deployed in-theatre as a proportion of the total armed forces personnel deployed in-theatre at the time of highest United Kingdom deployment during conflicts in(a) the Falklands, (b) the Gulf, (c) Kosovo and (d) Sierra Leone; and if he will make a statement. [127472]
  596W
  The following table lists details of all the events the RAF is supporting which will in part commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain:

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

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the optimum in-theatre deployment of fully trained, dedicated medical personnel as a proportion of total armed forces personnel; what factors he takes into account in deciding this policy; and if he will make a statement. [127471]

  Dr. Moonie
  The optimal quantity and configuration of medical support is calculated individually for each operational deployment to ensure that the support is tailored to the particular task in hand. Factors taken into account in reaching a decision on the level of medical support required include the type of operation; the force size and composition; military threat and risk assessments;
  597W
  possible casualty rates; risk of disease and other non battle injuries; local environmental factors, such as climate and water availability and quality; and the availability of medical resources provided by allies.

  Staff Secondments
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough (Mr. Willis) of 8 February 2000,Official Report, columns 109–10W, on secondments, if he will give the names, grades and job titles of the staff seconded into his Department from each organisation mentioned, stating in each case the name of the section they were seconded to and a summary of the work that they were involved with. [128238]

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

  Sierra Leone
  Ann Keen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Government will respond to requests for arms and ammunition from the Government of Sierra Leone. [128694]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Government have made it clear that they will consider requests for assistance from the Government of Sierra Leone. Following a request for ammunition to meet urgent operational needs, therefore, Ministers have agreed that the Government will supply five million rounds of 7.62mm rifle ammunition and four thousand rounds of 81mm mortar ammunition, which are available as surplus from MOD stocks. This will be transported to Sierra Leone subject to the Government of Sierra Leone securing formal agreement from the ECOWAS Secretariat that this ammunition can be imported as an exception to their Small Arms Moratorium. In accordance with UNSCR 1171 (1998), this shipment will be notified to the UN Sanctions Committee. The Government have received confirmation from President Kabbah that the ammunition will be used only by regular Sierra Leone Army soldiers, in accordance with international humanitarian law and human rights standards, and not by child soldiers. The Government remain prepared to consider further requests for assistance from the Government of Sierra Leone.

  Defence Diversification Agency
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with the Department for Trade and Industry concerning the Defence Diversification Agency. [128092]

  Dr. Moonie
  Officials are in regular contact with the DTI on this subject.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the annual report of the Defence Diversification Agency will be published. [128094]

  Dr. Moonie
  The activities of the Defence Diversification Agency since its establishment last year will be reported on in this year's Annual Report of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, of which the Defence Diversification Agency forms a part. We expect that that report will be laid before Parliament next month.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Waste Management
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to introduce a risk-based system for the inspection of licensed waste management sites; and if he will make a statement. [128760]

  Mr. Meacher
  Following the publication last year of the consultation paper on "Operator Pollution Risk Appraisal (OPRA) for waste," I am issuing revised guidance to the Environment Agency to enable the introduction of a risk-based system for the inspection of sites licensed under Part II of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

  We must ensure that waste is recovered or disposed of in ways which protect the environment and human health. The site inspections which the Agency carries out are a vital part of this process. The new system will further improve standards by targeting inspections on those sites where they are most needed and making more effective use of the Agency's waste inspection resources.

  It will also provide site licence holders with a risk management system which enables them to identify the environmental risks associated with their site and the operations they carry out; and to assess and improve the quality of their performance in managing those operations and their environmental risks. A copy of the revised guidance, which I am issuing to the Agency under section 35(8) of the 1990 Act, is being placed in the Library of the House.

  GLA Election
  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what reports he has received from the Greater London returning officer on the election of the Mayor and Assembly for London; and if he will make a statement. [128464]

  Mr. Hill
  I have now had advice from the Greater London Returning Officer (GLRO) about the first election of the Mayor and Assembly for London. There were a number of innovations at the election designed to make voting more convenient and to speed up the counting process. These included electronic counting, early voting, opening polling stations an hour earlier than usual and sending a leaflet to every elector containing an election address from each candidate contesting the Mayoral election.

  Two issues have emerged in relation to the count: the speed of the count and the number of votes classified as "rejected".

  Although the count took a few hours longer than originally expected, the GLRO has stressed that Ministers can be satisfied that the first use of electronic counting in an election of this size and complexity went well. There were some technical problems with some scanning machines on the night, but a manual count would have taken many more days to complete. In all other respects the electronic counting system worked very well and fully in line with expectations.
  599W
  A number of other factors also contributed to the slower than expected count. For example, there were a larger than expected number of ballot papers out-sorted by the scanning machines for manual checking, before they were entered into the system. It is also the case that as this was the first time that staff had used an electronic counting system in an election, they quite rightly took time to make sure that the new procedures were followed properly. These factors inevitably slow things up.

  The other issue was the larger than expected number of electors who chose not to cast a vote in one or more of the elections. Each elector had four opportunities to vote—first choice for Mayor, second choice for Mayor, constituency assembly member and London Assembly Member—and each is recorded separately. If an elector chooses not to vote in any of the four ballots—as they have every right to do—this is recorded as a "rejected" vote even though the ballot paper was left blank. For example, if a voter selects a first choice for Mayor but not a second choice, and does not vote at all in the two Assembly elections, the system would record one valid vote and three "rejected" votes.

  Over 6.5 million votes were cast by about 1.75 million electors. Around 0.5 million votes were recorded as "rejected". These were made up of multiple votes (where the voter had voted more than once in a column), papers where marks identified the voter, blanks where no vote had been cast and uncertain votes, where even after manual checking the voter's intention was still not clear.

  The majority of votes classified as "rejected" simply record the fact that many electors chose not to use all the four votes at their disposal. Almost 300,000 people did not use their second preference vote for the Mayor, although they did give a first preference. About 130,000 did not cast vote for a constituency assembly member and about 70,000 did not cast a vote for a London assembly member. About 1 per cent. of ballot papers were "rejected" because they were either marked with multiple votes or had marks that identified the voter. This proportion is in line with other elections.

  Over 3 per cent. of voters took advantage of early voting. Almost all of them welcomed the opportunity to vote early and said they would use it again if it is available. Just under half of those who used the facility said that they would not have voted on polling day.

  About 3 per cent. of voters also took advantage of the extended polling hours on polling day and voted between 7am and 8am on polling day. In some polling stations 11 per cent. of voters voted in the first hour. Most were on their way to work and 20 per cent. said that they would not have been able to vote at another time on the day. More people preferred the polls to open an extra hour in the morning rather than later in the evening.

  A leaflet containing election addresses for all 11 mayoral candidates was produced and delivered to every elector in London, as required by law.

  Disability Access
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he is taking in respect of the recommendation of the Disability Rights Task Force in "From Exclusion to Inclusion" that 600W
  his Department should establish a statutory group on improving access to the built environment for disabled people. [128695]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I accept the thinking behind the Task Force's recommendation. I have therefore asked the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) to establish a working group to advise Government on improving access to the built environment for disabled people. DPTAC has agreed to do so. This new role for the Committee will be in addition to its statutory functions in respect of the transport needs of disabled people. There will be no immediate amendment to those statutory functions.

  Easy access to buildings—and facilities within buildings—are basic civil rights which are sometimes denied to people with disabilities. I will be looking to the new group to tell me how Government and industry can make improvements in this area.

  Outdoor Advertisement Control
  Mr. White
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how he intends to proceed in the light of the response to the "Outdoor Advertisement Control" consultation paper published in July 1999. [128759]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  I am pleased by the positive reaction to the proposals in this consultation paper. The proposals received widespread support and there were also a number of helpful suggestions for improving individual proposals which are reflected in our final conclusions. I am grateful to all those who took the trouble to comment. Their views have been given careful consideration in deciding how to proceed.

  I am putting in the Library of the House a list of our proposals, showing the changes made following consultation. The Department is now preparing the necessary statutory instruments and guidance to implement the changes.

  Crop Contamination
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will place in the Library the information he provided to the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment concerning the GM contamination of Advanta Seeds UK's Hyola Spring Oilseed when he requested their advice. [124324]

  Mr. Meacher
  I have today placed in the House Library a copy of the information about the Advanta seeds issue sent to the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment by my Department in order to seek their advice on this potential risk to human health and the environment.

  The original document contained, for members' information only, a brief summary of DETR's legal opinion at that time. This has been omitted in light of possible legal proceedings.

  Fairground Inspectors
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what
  601W
  geographical area each fully-qualified and dedicated fairground inspector employed by the Health and Safety Executive is expected to cover; and how many fairs each inspector is responsible for. [127559]

  Mr.Meacher
  HSE inspectors work from 20 main offices of HSE and a number of outstationed offices throughout Great Britain. They are not solely concerned with fairground work. They will cover other industries such as food, drink and leisure activities. It is not possible to calculate how many fairs are covered by each inspector because there are wide regional variations of the number of fairs held.

  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many dedicated and fully qualified fairground inspectors are employed by the Health and Safety Executive. [127565]

  Mr. Meacher
  Inspectors belonging to HSE's Consumer Services Groups are based in over 20 locations in Great Britain. They visit fairground dutyholders as well as dutyholders in other industries such as food, drink and leisure activities.

  Inspectors undertaking health and safety inspections of fairgrounds are fully qualified HSE inspectors who receive specific guidance and training on fairground inspection.

  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many inspections of fairgrounds were carried out by fully-qualified staff employed by the Health and Safety Executive in 1999; and how many of those inspections were(a) proactive and (b) reactive. [127566]

  Mr. Meacher
  Between 1 April 1999 and 31 March 2000, HSE inspectors made 2,200 contacts with fairground and amusement parks dutyholders. Of these contacts 1,503 were planned proactive contacts and 697 were specifically concerned with reactive contacts or visits.

  Motorway Hard Shoulders
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what criteria his Department uses when allowing motorway hard shoulders to be used as traffic lanes. [127397]

  Mr. Hill
  Trunk road investment proposals are appraised against the criteria—environmental impact, safety, economy, accessibility and integration—as required by the New Approach To Appraisal.

  To date, only a few short sections of hard shoulder have been converted to provide additional capacity at junctions. This technique is used when queueing traffic on the slip road extends back towards the main carriageway, compromises safety and/or disrupts throughput on the main carriageway.

  Fuel Poverty
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the ways in which other EU member states tackle problems of fuel poverty. [127574]
  602W
  Mr. Meacher
  Work by National Energy Action and others indicate that fuel poverty is not widely recognised in other member states of the European Union, with the exception of Ireland.

  Fuel poverty is caused mainly by a combination of low income and poor energy efficiency in homes. The links between temperature and winter mortality is strong and typically 30,000 more people die in winter in the UK than would be expected given the average death rate for the year. Although this excess mortality is caused by both exposure to outdoor conditions as well as cold homes, it is much higher in the UK than in other areas, such as Scandinavia, where winter outdoor conditions are more severe but homes are more energy efficient.

  The Government believe it is unacceptable for households, particularly those most vulnerable to cold-related ill health—the old, disabled and children—not to be able to afford the heat they need to keep warm. The Inter-ministerial Group on fuel poverty is currently developing a fuel poverty strategy for publication in the autumn, that sets out objectives and the policies and targets to achieve them. It is likely that the strategy will cover both measures to tackle low incomes as well as improvements in energy efficiency of homes.

  Energy Efficiency
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make energy efficiency the priority in his policy on the environmental performance of refrigeration and air-conditioning technology; and if he will make a statement. [127699]

  Mr. Meacher
  We are consulting on proposals to amend the energy efficiency requirements of the Building Regulations. The proposed changes would introduce energy performance requirements for air conditioning equipment and include guidance to encourage the use of energy efficient components in well-designed systems. The consultation period ends on 29 September.

  We are also concerned that HFC emissions from refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment are forecast to grow strongly in the near future. This trend is unsustainable and action needs to be taken to limit the projected growth. That is why we have given a clear signal to industry and users to look closely at alternative refrigerants and to select those that are more environmentally acceptable where they do exist. Safety, technical feasibility and cost effectiveness should be taken into account before investment decisions are taken. Where HFCs are used we intend to discuss with industry and users what measures could be taken to minimise emissions.

  M27
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when a decision will be made on the resurfacing of the M27 with a quieter surface; and if he will make a statement. [127646]

  Mr. Hill
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Peter Nutt, to write to the hon. Member.
  603W
  Letter from Peter Nutt to Sandra Gidley, dated 29 June 2000:
  The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has asked me to reply to your recent question about when a decision will be made on resurfacing the M27 with a quieter surface.
  I am pleased to tell you that, within your constituency, resurfacing of both carriageways of the M27 between Junctions 2 and 4 will begin in spring 2001. The work will take approximately six months as there is a need for major reconstruction work, drainage repairs, safety fencing work and minor works to structures. I can confirm that the concrete surface will be replaced with a quieter thin surfacing which will reduce the road noise at nearby properties. In addition, Junctions 4–5 were resurfaced at the beginning of this year and also received a low noise surfacing treatment.
  I will ensure that you are provided with more detailed information nearer the start date for the Junction 2–4 work.

  Council Tax
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent representations he has received from mobile home owners and their organisations about the banding of properties for council tax purposes. [127648]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  We have received three representations in the last three months, none of which were from organisations representing mobile home owners.

  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to change(a) the number of council tax bands and (b) the ratio of payment rates between different bands of property regarding council tax liability. [127647]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  As we made clear in our 1998 White Paper, "Modern Local Government: In Touch with the People", we do not propose to make any major changes to the council tax during the course of this Parliament.

  CFC Gases
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps the Government are taking to ensure that discarded domestic refrigeration appliances producing CFC gases are collected in Cumbria. [127806]

  Mr. Mullin
  Waste collection authorities have a duty under section 45 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, to collect household waste, including items such as refrigerators if requested. They also have a duty to collect waste which is fly-tipped, under section 59 of the Act. Similarly, waste disposal authorities have a duty to provide civic amenity sites, under section 51(1)(b) at which residents may deposit, for example, discarded refrigerators and that such sites are situated:within the area of the authority or so as to be reasonably accessible to persons resident in its area
  (section 51(2)(a)). Furthermore, local authorities have a "duty of care" (section 34(1)(b)) covering the receipt and holding of such waste, including CFCs contained within, whereby they must ensure that:
  all measures are taken as are reasonable in the circumstances to prevent the escape of the waste from their control.

  EU Funding
  Miss Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the wards in Morecambe and Lunesdale eligible for(a) Single Regeneration Budget funding, (b) Objective 2 European funding and (c) regional selective assistance. [127636]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The information is as follows:(a) Single Regeneration Budget Eligibility
  Local regeneration partnerships may include any of the wards in Morecambe and Lunesdale in a bid for Single Regeneration Budget funding.
  (b) Objective 2 funding eligibility
  New Objective 2 Area, 2000–06
  Wards:

  Alexandra

  Heysham North

  Heysham Central

  Heysham South

  Overton

  Transitional Areas (former Objective 5b areas)

  Wards:

  Arkholme

  Halton-with-Aughton

  Kellet

  (c)Regional Selective Assistance (Tier2)—proposed eligibility

  Wards:

  Alexanddra

  Harbour

  Heysham North

  Heysham Central

  Heysham South

  Overton

  Poulton

  Skerton Central

  Skerton East

  Skerton West

  Torrisholme

  Victoria.

  Air Services (South-West)
  Mr. Bradshaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reason the Air Link Strategy for the South-West has not been published; and when it will be. [127879]

  Mr. Mullin
  The South-West Regional Air Service Study has reported as one of six regional studies which form the first part of a two-stage process leading to the publication of a series of Regional Consultation documents. The original Regional Air Services Studies are currently being co-ordinated and audited for consistency as part of the Regional Air Services Co-ordination (RASCO) Study.

  Once that work has been completed, six Regional Consultation documents, which will include a summary of the study findings for their respective region, will be published as part of a major public consultation exercise informing the preparation of the Air Transport White Paper.

  Northfield Relief Road
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received in respect of the Birmingham Northfield regeneration/relief road plan. [127961]

  Mr. Hill
  Birmingham City Council submitted an Outline Business Case for a PFI scheme for the regeneration of Northfield, including a new relief road, in September 1999. The City Council also submitted the Relief Road as a major scheme bid in their Provisional Local Transport Plan in July 1999. We deferred consideration of the Relief Road bid because of the absence of a qualified assessment of the costs and benefits of the scheme. At a meeting with the City Council on 5 April 2000, officials made clear to the Council that the

  Casualties in accidents between pedal cycles and pedestrians: GB 1994–98

  Severity of casualty

  Fatal1

  Serious2

  Slight3

  Total

  Pedestrian

  Cyclist

  Pedestrian

  Cyclist

  Pedestrian

  Cyclist

  Pedestrian

  Cyclist

  1994

  3

  0

  95

  14

  242

  68

  340

  82

  1995

  4

  1

  89

  19

  266

  78

  359

  98

  1996

  2

  1

  88

  15

  230

  68

  320

  84

  1997

  3

  3

  88

  14

  253

  76

  344

  93

  1998

  2

  0

  71

  14

  201

  53

  274

  67

  1Fatal injury: Human casualties who sustained injuries which caused death less than 30 days after the accident (excluding confirmed suicides)

  2Serious injury: An injury for which a person is detained in hospital as an 'in-patient', or any of the following injuries whether or not they are detained in hospital: fractures, concussion, internal injuries, crushing, severe cuts and lacerations, severe general shock requiring medical treatment and injuries causing death 30 or more days after the accident. An injured casualty is recorded as seriously or slightly injured by the police on the basis of information available within a short time of the accident. This generally will not reflect the results of a medical examination, but may be influenced according to whether the casualty is hospitalised or not. Hospitalisation procedures will vary regionally.

  3Slight injury: An injury of a minor character such as a sprain, bruise or cut which are not judged to be severe, or slight shock requiring roadside attention. This definition includes injuries not requiring medical treatment.

  Note:

  statistics shown in the table are for single vehicle accidents involving one or more pedestrians.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many of the written parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April have not received substantive answers, citing as the reason that the information is(a) not held centrally, (b) not held in the form requested and (c) not available. [128013]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 23 June 2000,Official Report, columns 311–12W. Of the 36 occasions my Department cited disproportionate cost as the reason for not providing substantive answers, we did so because (a) in 14 cases the information was not held centrally, (b) in 16 cases the information was not held in the form requested and (c) in six cases the information was not available.

  GM Crops
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultation there was with local authorities before selection of the locations for field trials of genetically modified crops; and if he will make a statement. [128045]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 28 June 2000]Although there is no specific request for such consultation in the legislation, we did hold a series of 12 meetings focused on local authority areas around groups of sites, in order to explain the purpose of the field study experiments to answer local concerns.606W
  relief road would need to be justified on its transport merits, and submitted as part of the West Midlands Full Local Transport Plan in July 2000.

  Road Accidents (Cyclists and Pedestrians)
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people have received hospital treatment in each of the last five years following collisions between cyclists and pedestrians. [127963]

  Mr. Hill
  No information is available on the number of people who receive medical treatment following collisions between cyclists and pedestrians. However, the table shows the number of casualties in this type of accident by injury severity.

  Railways (Investment)
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to increase the level of investment in the railways; and if he will make a statement. [128133]

  Mr. Hill
  Our plans for future investment in the railways are subject to the outcome of the Spending Review 2000, and will be detailed in our forthcoming Ten Year Plan for Transport. We will set out in our Ten Year Plan for Transport a programme of measures for delivering at least a 75 per cent. increase in rail freight movements and a 50 per cent. increase in rail passenger journeys.

  Heathrow
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with BAA concerning the effect of a fifth terminal at Heathrow on his carbon dioxide emission reduction target. [127897]

  Mr. Mullin
  [holding answer 28 June 2000]None. It would not be appropriate to hold such discussions because the planning application for a fifth terminal was the subject of a Public Inquiry and the Secretary of State awaits the Inspector's report. Carbon dioxide issues were considered during the Inquiry and he will take these into account as part of the decision making process.

  Global Warming
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effects of global warming in the next 50 years on the(a) area of agricultural land that may be lost and (b) number of people displaced by loss of land in the United Kingdom. [127655]

  Mr. Morley
  I have been asked to reply.

  The land below high tide level is already vulnerable to flooding and depends on flood and coastal defences. These low lying areas form around 5 per cent. of the land area of England, including a similar proportion of the developed urban land, and over 50 per cent. of the highest grade agricultural land.

  This land could be at increased risk through climate change. We need to respond to the challenge primarily by ensuring that, where necessary and appropriate, existing defences are replaced and upgraded. Since 1989, MAFF has issued flood and coastal defence operating authorities with allowances for sea level rise for them to take into account when designing new or upgraded schemes; these allowances reflect both climate change and long term geological land movement.

  However, the response to climate change cannot be automatically to surround Britain in concrete by building ever higher sea defences. Sustainability is a key criterion and we cannot commit future generations to unsustainable defence options. In assessing defence options the operating authorities need to consider alternative approaches including "managed realignment" of defences to reduce such pressure on the inter-tidal area, compensate for habitat losses and provide more sustainable long term lines of coastal defence. Decisions on such matters will need to be made by the operating authorities over the coming years.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Staff Secondments
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough (Mr. Willis), of 8 February 2000,Official Report, column 132W, on secondments, if he will give the names, grades and job titles of the staff seconded into his Department from each organisation mentioned, stating in each case the name of the section they were seconded to and a summary of the work that they were involved with. [128251]

  Mr. Lock
  Secondments and attachments are part of the Interchange Initiative, which promotes the exchange of people and good practice between the Civil Service and other organisations. Before an Interchange can occur, all parties must be satisfied that no conflict of interest arises.

  The secondment to the Law Commission was of a solicitor to work on a company law reform project; and the secondee from ICL provided an external perspective on information systems/information technology strategy work in the LCD and on the development of the Department's Year 2000 programme.

WALES

  Post Offices
  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the Government's policy towards post offices and its impact on Wales. [128580]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry yesterday announced the publication of the Performance and Innovation Unit's report commissioned by the Prime Minister, "Counter Revolution: Modernising the Post Office Network", and the Government's response to this (Vol. 352, columns 907–11). The Government fully accept the PIU's 24 recommendations and will work in partnership with the Post Office and the devolved Administrations to build a bright future for a modernised network, including more than 1,500 post offices in Wales.

  My right hon. Friend outlined today how the Government will act to protect a nationwide network of post offices:
  We are requiring the Post Office to maintain the rural network and to prevent any avoidable closures of post offices;
  We have made the budgetary provision to back up this commitment where necessary, on the basis of powers taken in the Postal Services Bill to give subsidies;
  We will provide funding to improve post offices in deprived urban areas and sustain post offices and retail facilities in deprived urban areas. The National Assembly for Wales will receive a share of new funding available in England and will be responsible for deciding whether it wishes to implement similar proposals in the urban post offices in Wales;
  We will work with the Post Office and the devolved Administrations on pilot schemes to use post offices as sites for information on Government services and internet access learning points;
  We want the Post Office to set up a Universal bank to help address the problems of financial exclusion. This will be the vehicle for delivering our pledge that people will still be able to get their benefits in cash at the Post Office after the switch to Automated Credit Transfer;
  £480 million has already been invested in HORIZON, a project to automate the entire Post Office network by next spring.

  The Government want the Post Office to work creatively to seize new lines of business suggested in the PIU report, such as the Universal bank, one-stop shops for Government information and transactions and the opportunities offered by e-commerce, so the network is not dependent on subsidy. However, Government funding will be available to support our proposals as necessary and we have identified funding in the current spending review. Precise figures will be announced in July as part of the Spending Review.

  Most of these proposals are for the UK Government to take forward with the Post Office, although some will be for the Assembly to decide on. In areas which fall within the Assembly's policy remit, Wales will receive a share of any new funding and it will be for the Assembly to decide how it uses that money. I am in close contact with the First Secretary on this matter and the Assembly will no doubt wish to make its own announcement in due course.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Farmers Markets
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to encourage farmers markets. [127036]

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to promote and encourage the development of farmers markets. [127042]

  Ms Quin
  My right hon. Friend the Minister attended the launch of the National Association of Farmers Markets as well as a number of individual farmers markets. He also wrote to the leaders of all local authorities drawing their attention to the new association and the benefits which farmers markets can bring. The National Association of Farmers Markets was offered a grant under the first round of the agricultural development scheme. For the future, we are considering bids under the 2nd round of the ADS and farmers markets will be potentially eligible for financial support under the provisions of the England rural development plan.

  Mr. Plaskitt
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met with the National Association of Farmers Markets to discuss the farmers market movement. [127054]

  Ms Quin
  My right hon. Friend the Minister met the National Association of Farmers Markets at their launch on 25 May.

  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the number of farmers markets in the UK. [127057]

  Ms Quin
  The National Association of Farmers Markets has recently estimated that there are now over 200 farmers markets in regular operation across the country.

  Countryside Stewardship Scheme
  Charlotte Atkins
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the Staffordshire Moorlands and Staffordshire Peak District area has benefited from the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. [127043]

  Mr. Morley
  In my hon. Friend's constituency the majority of agri-environment expenditure is channelled through the Environmentally Sensitive Area Scheme rather than the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. There are over 700 ESA agreements in the South West Peak covering 23,700 hectares. In Staffordshire as a whole there are 230 agreements under the Countryside Stewardship and Arable Stewardship, and a further 81 applications this year which are awaiting processing.

  Livestock Farmers
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assistance the Government have given to Britain's livestock farmers in the last year. [127045]

  Ms Quin
  Since August 1999, the Government have announced two significant packages of assistance for the livestock sector delivering in total £419 million. Livestock farmers receive some £750 million in payment under the CAP, to which this £419 million is an addition.

  Farm Incomes
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on trends in farm incomes. [127046]

  Ms Quin
  In real terms Total Income From Farming doubled between 1990 and 1995 before falling back by over 60 per cent. between 1995 and 1999 to an average of £10,330 per full time farmer.

  Looking further ahead, future trends in farm incomes will be shaped by:
  future market developments;
  the trend in the exchange rate;
  the impact CAP reform has in shifting Agriculture toward a freer market;
  the pace and extent of industry re-structuring.

  Common Fisheries Policy
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his priorities are for the 2002 review of the common fisheries policy. [127047]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government wish to maintain key features of the present arrangements such as national quotas based on relative stability and access restrictions within 6/12 mile limits. At the same time, we want to secure improvements to make CFP a more effective instrument for conserving fish stocks, including enhancing the regional dimension and integrating environmental considerations more fully.

  Agricultural Wages Boards
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evaluation he has made of the effect of the Agricultural Wages Board arrangements on low-paid employees in rural areas. [127048]

  Ms Quin
  As part of the quinquennial review of the Agricultural Wages Board, announced in December 1999, independent research has been undertaken to evaluate the impact of the provisions in the Agricultural Wages Order.

  Mr. Pond
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evaluation he has made of the effect of the Agricultural Wages Board arrangements on low-paid employees in rural areas. [127051]

  Ms Quin
  While we have made no special assessment of the effect of the Agricultural Wages Board on rural rates of pay in general, we are aware that over the years some rural employers have based the pay for nonagricultural workers on the rates set by the Agricultural Wages Board.

  Horticulture
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what meetings he has held with horiculturalists' representatives to discuss horticulture in the last month. [127049]

  Ms Quin
  During the past month I have met representatives of the potato and ornamental horticulture sectors and visited a wide cross section of growers in the Vale of Evesham. I have also invited leading horticulture members of the National Farmers Union to a meeting to discuss the climate change levy.

  Genetic Modification
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will operate the precautionary principle in relation to new products involving genetic modification. [127050]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  The current legislation prohibits the placing on the market of a new product involving genetic modification until it has been approved through the European Union. Consents are only granted once Member States are satisfied that all appropriate measures have been taken to avoid adverse effects on human health and the environment.

  Abattoirs
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to maintain the continued viability of small and medium-sized abattoirs; and if he will make a statement. [127053]

  Ms Quin
  I am well aware of the position of small and medium sized abattoirs. Meat inspection charges are a matter for the Food Standards Agency.

  Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to promote environmentally sustainable forms of agricultural production. [127055]

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to promote environmentally sustainable forms of agricultural production. [127056]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government have a range of policies to promote environmentally sustainable forms of agricultural production. These include advice and encouragement, incentives to help farmers in their dual role of food producers and stewards of the countryside, regulation to protect against threats to environmental resources and research and development.

  Organic Farming
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his Department's expenditure is on research and development into organic farming methods. [127058]

  Mr. Morley
  The budget for MAFF's dedicated programme of research into organic farming methods is £2.1 million in this financial year.

  Under-10-metre Fleet
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what changes are proposed in the licensing and quota management arrangements for the under 10 metre fleet; and if he will make a statement. [128756]

  Mr. Morley
  The under-10-metre fleet is an important part of the UK fishing industry and I am concerned to promote and ensure a stable future for our inshore fishermen.
  612W
  Last year the Ministry and the other Fisheries Departments invited comments on measures to improve the management of the under-10-metre fleet. More than 250 replies have been received from fishermen's organisations and individual fishermen. The majority of those commenting were opposed to further constraints being placed on this part of the industry such as a prohibition on weekend fishing, regional licensing or species specific licences.

  Although we have been successful in limiting the closure of fisheries, we do need to safeguard against the consequences of further increases in fishing effort. In recent years there has been a sharp increase in the construction of vessels between 9 and 10 metres. This trend prompted the Fisheries Departments to introduce monthly catch limits for North Sea nephrops last Autumn and to extend these arrangements to Area VII and West of Scotland nephrops for the year 2000.

  In our view it would be prudent to adopt further measures to constrain future growth in fishing effort within the under-10-metre fleet. Consequently, from 1 January 2001 it will not be possible to aggregate licences from vessels under eight metres onto vessels between eight and 10 metres and a limit of 70 vessel capacity units (VCUs) will apply to the aggregation of licences onto vessels below eight metres. Additionally, the Licensing Review Working Group, comprising representatives from industry and Fisheries Departments, has been asked to consider whether any changes should be made in the capacity penalties applying to the transfer or aggregation of licences within the under 10 metre fleet.

  The Fisheries Departments will continue to manage quota allocations for the under-10-metre fleet with the objective of providing fishing opportunities throughout the year. Steps have already been taken to underpin the main stocks of interest to under-10-metre vessels and special arrangements have been made for low impact fisheries such as handlining for mackerel. In future any surplus that arises on underpinned allocations will be utilised to acquire additional quota for this part of the fleet. Greater use will also be made of EU provisions on end year flexibility enabling quota to be borrowed from the following year and for certain stocks for any surplus to be banked. Consideration will also be given to whether suitable arrangements might be possible that would enable Producer Organisations to manage quota in respect of under-10-metre vessels within their membership.

  CAP
  Judy Mallaber
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to reduce the cost of the Common Agricultural Policy to(a) taxpayers and (b) consumers. [127044]

  Ms Quin
  One of my Department's objectives, set out in its business plan, is to reduce the cost of the CAP to consumers and taxpayers. Agenda 2000 began this process, and the Government continue to press for further reform.

  Fishing Fleet
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the current fisheries agreements with non-EU countries indicating the cost of each to the Community's budget; how many vessels are involved in each case; and how many are(a) UK flagged and (b) UK owned. [127186]

  Mr. Morley
  The table lists current fisheries agreements between the EU and third countries and their estimated annual cost to the Community budget.

  Country

  Estimated annual cost £eu1

  Beneficiaries

  Cape Verde

  317,836

  France, Spain, Portugal

  Comores

  224,100

  Spain, France, Portugal, Italy

  Equatorial Guinea

  1,999,200

  Spain, France, Portugal, Italy

  Estonia

  2134,893

  Denmark, Finland, Germany, Sweden

  Faroe Islands

  Reciprocal

  Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, UK

  Gabon

  450,188

  Spain, France, Portugal,

  Greenland3

  24,090,750

  UK, Germany, France, Denmark

  Guinea Bissau

  5,602,500

  Spain, Italy, Portugal,

  Guinea Conakry

  1,842,600

  Spain, Italy, Greece, France, Portugal

  Iceland

  Reciprocal

  Germany, UK, Belgium, France,

  Ivory Coast

  622,500

  Spain, France, Portugal,

  Latvia

  2156,870

  Denmark, Finland, Germany, Sweden

  Lithuania

  2340,010

  Denmark, Finland, Germany, Sweden

  Madagascar

  473,100

  Spain, France,

  Mauritania

  32,469,600

  Spain, Portugal, Italy, France

  Mauritius

  256,781

  Spain, Portugal, Italy, France

  Norway

  Reciprocal

  UK, Portugal, France, Spain, Greece, Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium

  Poland

  Reciprocal

  Sweden

  Russian Federation

  Reciprocal

  Sweden

  Sao Tome e Principe

  396,844

  France, Spain, Portugal

  Senegal

  7,470,000

  France, Spain, Portugal, Italy

  Seychelles

  2,147,625

  Spain, UK, France, Portugal, Italy

  1Using exchange rate of one euro = £0.6225

  2Plus reciprocal exchange

  3Community quotas of polar cod and capelin in Greenland waters are open to all member states

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on planned changes in the size of the UK fishing fleet; what corresponding changes are planned for other EU fleets, indicating(a) how many vessels will be affected and (b) what proportion of that country's fleet this represents; and what measures he is taking to use these changes to reduce the number of flagged vessels. [127187]

  Mr. Morley
  In document 7426/00, the European Commission recently published its mid-term review of the fourth Multi-annual Guidance Programme (MAGP IV). At the Council of Fisheries Ministers on 16 June, the UK and a number of other member states expressed reservations about the Commission's recommendations for future policy on fleet restructuring. The Commission will be consulting extensively on the report's findings before making formal proposals for new legislation and the Government will be playing an active part in those discussions.

  Member states continue to be bound by the obligations for fleet reductions set out in MAGP IV and in the coming weeks the Commission will be publishing its report on Member states' progress (at 31 December 1999) in meeting those objectives. In implementing MAGP IV we are obliged to consider all vessels on the UK register.
  614W
  The manner in which the fishing opportunities obtained in third country waters is expressed varies from agreement to agreement. Total vessel capacity, number of licences, reference tonnages and numerical quotas are used singly or in combination to describe the fishing opportunities available to community vessels. It is not, therefore, possible to determine the number of vessels involved in every case. However, the table indicates which member states benefit from the opportunities made available under each agreement.

  Live Animal Exports
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to replace the long-distance transport of live farm animals from Britain to southern Europe by a trade in meat and carcases; and if he will make a statement. [127300]

  Mr. Morley
  It is not legally open to the Government to end the trade in live farm animals to other member states if the arrangements for transporting them comply with the relevant EU animal welfare rules. We do devote considerable effort to ensuring these rules are met while the animals are on our territory, as well as to urging other member states, bilaterally and through discussions in Brussels, to follow our example. We shall also press strongly for improvements to the rules in the forthcoming review. Our preference is for a carcase trade.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to propose changes to EU law to the effect that live animals are not considered goods or products; and if he will make a statement. [127298]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government have already obtained, at the intergovernmental Conference in Amsterdam, a Protocol to the Treaty which characterises animals as sentient beings and requires the Community and the
  615W
  member states, in formulating and implementing the Community's agriculture, transport, internal market and research policies, to pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals.

  Agriculture Council
  Mr. Casale
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the outcome was of the Agriculture Council held in Luxembourg on 19 and 20 June; and if he will make a statement. [127555]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  I represented the United Kingdom at the Agriculture Council meeting in Luxembourg on 19 June 2000, accompanied by Brid Rodgers MLA, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development in the Northern Ireland Executive.

  The main topic for discussion was a proposal for EU-wide rules governing the use of Specified Risk Materials to prevent the spread of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. There was no qualified majority for the proposal in the Council (Austria, Finland, Spain and Greece opposing, Germany abstaining) but the absence of a simple majority of member states opposing means the Commission are free to adopt it under the relevant procedures. I welcomed this important consumer safety measure which will apply appropriate controls on SRMs in all EU countries, and for which the UK has long been pressing.

  The Council deferred a decision on the 2000–01 CAP price proposals until its July meeting. In order to avoid a legal vacuum when the sugar and pigmeat marketing years begin on 1 July however, the Council agreed to extend current price supports as from that date. I, Sweden and the Netherlands voted against the decision on sugar for which we consider a support price cut is required. The decision on pigmeat was agreed unanimously.

  A first Council discussion of the Commission's proposal to establish income stabilisation funds in the pigmeat sector revealed a divergence of views. Many member states, including the UK, expressed fears that the proposal would exacerbate market price volatility and distort competition. Others felt provision of Community finance and greater compulsion on producers to participate in stabilisation funds was the key. The Council will return to this issue in due course.

  Under Other Business I urged the Commission to review its approach to the allocation of export refunds for processed agricultural products in the context of budget and WTO constraints. I expressed particular concern at the Commission's decision to suspend the issue of refund certificates, which has caught out many companies through no fault of their own. I also requested Commissioner Fischler to ensure that cutbacks in refunds for future years avoid placing a disproportionate burden on particular sectors, notably cereals-based spirit drinks.

  Also under Other Business I strongly supported the Swedish Minister's call for better enforcement by all member states of the EU rules on the welfare of animals in transit, as well as further, more rigorous legislation.
  I particularly welcomed the new Commission's Working Group, which Commissioner Byrne has established, at the United Kingdom's suggestion, to address these issues.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Charter of Fundamental Rights
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Solicitor-General what discussions he has had with the Foreign Secretary regarding the status of the proposed EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. [127063]

  The Solicitor-General
  The Attorney-General and I regularly meet with the Foreign Secretary and other ministerial colleagues to discuss matters of mutual interest. However, by long standing convention, adhered to by successive Governments, neither the fact that the Law Officers have been consulted on an issue, nor the substance of the advice they have been given, is disclosed outside Government and other than in exceptional circumstances. I therefore am not prepared to say whether the Foreign Secretary has consulted the Law Officers about the proposed Charter.

  Crown Prosecution Service
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement on the measures he has taken to improve the efficiency of the Crown Prosecution Service. [127064]

  The Solicitor-General
  In my answer to the hon. Member's question on 25 May 2000,Official Report, column 1107, I outlined the initiatives in place to improve efficiency in the Crown Prosecution Service. These include a major programme of IT modernisation, the development of joint/police/CPS Criminal Justice Units and Trial Units and the implementation of the provisions of the Crime and Disorder Act 1988. Good progress continues to be made on all these initiatives.

  I am pleased to say that the first Criminal Justice Unit and the first Trials Unit were opened in Bristol on Monday 26 June 2000. police administrators and CPS lawyers and caseworkers are working together in the Criminal Justice Unit at New Bridewell Police Station, serving all the magistrates courts in Avon. Similar joint working is proceeding in the CPS premises, Froomsgate House, which is preparing cases for hearing at Bristol Crown Court.

  These joint working arrangements will reduce duplication and delay, release additional resources for the police and for the CPS to focus on serious casework in the Crown Court.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Solicitor-General what the estimated legal costs are to the defence of the Employment Tribunal cases brought against the CPS by Mrs. Bamieh; and if he will make a statement [128119]

  The Solicitor-General
  The estimated legal costs incurred by the CPS are £155,630.91 The legal costs covered six separate cases brought against the CPS by Mrs. Bamieh which contained a large number of allegations. Two separate Tribunal Hearings were involved and a remedies hearing. All outstanding cases between the CPS and Mrs. Bamieh were resolved when a settlement, the terms of which are confidential to the parties, was reached on 8 February 2000. Mrs. Bamieh continues to work for the CPS.

  Espionage
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Solicitor-General what discussions he has had on the handling of decisions on whether to prosecute in espionage cases following the Intelligence and Security Committee's report dealing with the case of Mrs. Melita Norwood. [127065]

  The Solicitor-General
  As the report of the Intelligence and Security Committee indicates, procedures for reviewing cases for possible prosecution have been strengthened. While criteria exist for prosecutions, the Security Service has agreed to send all material relevant to prosecutions to the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers on a trial basis for 12 months. This will allow the Law Officers to assess when a prosecution is possible for all cases and validate these criteria for future use.

  Lenient Sentences
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Solicitor-General what criteria the Law Officers apply when determining whether to refer an unduly lenient sentence to the Court of Appeal. [127066]

  The Solicitor-General
  The Attorney-General and I have the power to refer sentences to the Court of Appeal if we consider them to be unduly lenient.

  An unduly lenient sentence is not one which is merely lenient but one which falls outside the range of sentences that a judge, applying his or her mind to all the relevant circumstances of the case, could reasonably consider appropriate. The appropriate range must be determined by consideration of the principles of sentencing and other guidance laid down by the Court of Appeal.

  Court Cases (Duration)
  Dr. George Turner
  To ask the Solicitor-General what progress is being made in speeding up the completion of court cases, with particular reference to cases involving persistent young offenders; and what role the Crown Prosecution Service is playing in this. [127067]

  The Solicitor-General
  The Crown Prosecution Service is fully committed to playing its part in delivering the Government's pledge to reduce delays in the youth justice system, particularly with regard to persistent young offenders.

  The figures (announced today) for the average time from arrest to sentence for persistent young offenders in England and Wales in the first quarter of this year showed a fall from 108 days in 1999 to 96 in 2000. This compares with 125 days in 1998 and 141 days in 1997. This downward trend in the figures has been a continuing feature since the Government's Pledge.

  At a national level, the Crown Prosecution Service has been, and continues to work closely with other Criminal Justice System partners; the Narey reforms and the new local good practice already introduced into the Youth Court will help to make further progress.

  Vandalism
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement on the criteria applied by the Crown Prosecution Service in decisions on whether to prosecute for alleged crimes of vandalism. [127068]
  618W
  The Solicitor-General
  As with any other offence, the Crown Prosecution Service is guided by the Code for Crown Prosecutors when deciding on whether a prosecution should be brought in relation to offences involving vandalism.

  If the evidential test in the Code for Crown Prosecutors is satisfied on the facts of a particular case, consideration of the public interest factors set out in the Code will follow in the usual way.

  If these tests are satisfied then offences resulting from vandalism are prosecuted primarily under the Criminal Damage Act 1971.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Millennium Dome
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 6 June,Official Report, column 217W, on the Millennium Dome, what factors underlay the length of time taken by his Department to establish that it was impossible to provide any meaningful statistical breakdown of visitors by region. [125528]

  Janet Anderson
  The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) examined various ways of distilling the information requested in a format that would be meaningful. NMEC discovered, however, that given the wide range of ways in which visitors to the Dome are able to purchase admission tickets, it was not possible to provide any meaningful statistical breakdown of visitors by region.

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what software systems are being used in selling or booking tickets to the Millennium Dome;[125530]

  (2) what proportion of ticket sales to the Millennium Dome has been purchased at (a) central sales points, (b) the Millennium Dome call centre and (c) other locations. [125531]

  Janet Anderson
  The following software systems are used to sell Dome admissions:Door sales—Enta;
  Dome ticket line and Dome trade line—Enta;
  National Lottery retailers—G-Tech (Camelot system with software changes to enable sale of Dome admission);
  National Express—NE reservations system via interface to Enta;
  Train Operating Companies—Tribute, Facets, Aptis;
  Overflow Call Centres—BOCS, WTS, classic TicketMaster;
  City Cruises—Enta, Haven;
  Web sales—bespoke web sales engine developed by Compaq.

  In addition each of 100 or so key accounts use their own reservations systems to sell Dome admissions which are confirmed and billed using Enta via the Dome trade line. Sales reports are received electronically from all of

  619W
  the above systems and are consolidated into a bespoke channels database from which consolidated sales reports are generated.

  Ticket sales through central sales points to 19 June:
  Door sales-424,048 (15 per cent.);
  Dome ticket line, Dome trade line 1,552,884 (53 per cent.);
  Other locations (travel trade, Camelot etc.)-966,110 (32 per cent.).

  Stonehenge
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement about visitor activity at Stonehenge on 20 and 21 June. [127709]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Approximately 10,000 people peacefully celebrated the summer solstice at Stonehenge on 20 June this year. English Heritage, in close a positive liaison with Druid and pagan groups and the Wiltshire Constabulary, successfully implemented a policy of managed open access. The site was stewarded by over 70 English Heritage personnel, ably assisted by volunteer stewards from Druid and pagan groups, who were encouraged to self-steward. I am grateful to the police for their skilful and imaginative support, and I am pleased to report that there were no arrests or significant incidents. There was no camping at the site and the visitors willingly left by the agreed time of 07.30 the next morning, most taking their litter with them. Stonehenge reopened to the public at 09.00 on Wednesday 21 June.

  Conference Facilities (London)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the desirability of additional conference facilities in central London. [127712]

  Janet Anderson
  The Government appreciate the value to London which would be associated with the development of a new international convention centre in the capital, particularly in terms of the additional business tourism which it would attract. In particular, Ministers have welcomed the work done by London's business organisations to explore the feasibility of the proposal and have taken an active interest in the campaign to find commercial developers.

  Royal Palaces
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which royal palaces and other buildings occupied by members of the royal family are owned by the State. [127711]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  None. The Occupied Royal Palaces are owned by The Sovereign on behalf of the nation. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport is statutorily responsible for the maintenance of the English Palaces under the Crown Lands Act 1851. Property services for these palaces are funded by grant in aid to the Royal Household from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Interactive Voice Response Systems
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many of his Department's telephone lines used by the general public are responded to by interactive voice response systems. [127118]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The Department for International Development has no interactive voice response systems that deal with telephone inquiries from the general public operational either within the Department or in use in any agencies thereof.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many of the written parliamentary questions tabled to her Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April have not received substantive answers, excluding those not answered(a) citing disproportionate cost, (b) stating that the information is not available, not held centrally, or not held in the form requested and (c) citing commercial or other confidentiality. [128019]

  Mr. Foulkes
  No parliamentary questions tabled to my Department, between 19 October 1999 and 20 April 2000, remain outstanding.

  China Western Poverty Reduction Project
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the report of the Independent Inspection Panel commissioned by the World Bank on the China Western Poverty Reduction Project. [127578]

  Mr. Foulkes
  Britain supported this project in the Bank Board meeting in June 1999 because it would bring significant benefits to 1.7 million of the poorest people in China. We also supported the Board's conclusion that no funds would be disbursed on the Qinghai component of the project until an independent Inspection Panel had conducted an investigation, and pending further environmental and social assessments.

  The report by the Independent Inspection Panel, and the Bank Management's response to it, will be discussed at a World Bank Board meeting in early July 2000. We will be looking very carefully at the conclusions of the Inspection Panel Report, and the Bank Management's response to it, in advance of the Bank Board meeting.

TSCOTLAND

  Correspondence
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will reply to the letter of 17 May from the Reverend David Pitkeathly of the Parish Church of St. Andrew, Peterhead. [128029]

  Mr. Wilson
  I replied to the Reverend David Pitkeathly's letter of 17 May on Friday 23 June.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Appointments Commission
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the President of the Council if she will ensure that the proposed advertisements from the Appointments Commission soliciting applications for membership of the House of Lords are(a) placed in the Big Issue, (b) shown on TV and in cinemas and (c) broadcast on radio and the Commission's website. [128335]

  Mrs. Beckett
  This is a matter for the Commission.
  622W
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the President of the Council when she last met the Chair and the other members of the Appointments Commission. [128311]

  Mrs. Beckett
  I have never met them in their present capacity, nor would I expect to do so. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House of Lords met the Chairman, Lord Stevenson, on 29 June as the last in his series of meetings with the party leaders in the other place.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the President of the Council when the Appointments Commission will launch its website. [128336]

  Mrs. Beckett
  That is a matter for the Commission. However, I understand they expect to launch it later in the summer.

  Advisory Board on Family Law: Annual Report
  Advisory Board on Family Law: Annual Report
  Chester: New County Court House
  Chester: New County Court House
  Passport Agency Quinquennial Review
  Passport Agency Quinquennial Review
  Human Rights Act 1998: Statements of Compatibility
  Human Rights Act 1998: Statements of Compatibility
  EU Tobacco Hectarages and Subsidy Payments
  EU Tobacco Hectarages and Subsidy Payments
  Illegal Fishing: Prevention
  Illegal Fishing: Prevention
  Departmental Cars
  Departmental Cars
  Research Council, 15 June
  Research Council, 15 June
  Late Payment of Commercial Debt
  Late Payment of Commercial Debt
  New Deal Start-ups
  New Deal Start-ups
  School ICT Funding and Language Laboratories
  School ICT Funding and Language Laboratories
  Learning and Skills Councils: Funding of Objective 3 Activities
  Learning and Skills Councils: Funding of Objective 3 Activities
  New Deal Participants: Sanctions
  New Deal Participants: Sanctions
  Welfare: Rights and Responsibilities
  Welfare: Rights and Responsibilities
  South Downs: Expenditure Plans
  South Downs: Expenditure Plans
  Chinook Helicopter Accident
  Chinook Helicopter Accident
  Military Wrecks
  Military Wrecks

  Assisted Area Status, Scotland
  The Earl of Mar and Katie
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  Whether they will give urgent consideration to the re-inclusion of Carsebridge, Alloa, as an Assisted Area for Regional Selective Assistance. [HL2935]

  Baroness Ramsay of Cartvale
  Careful consideration has been given to the Assisted Area map for the whole of Scotland and the Government have listened carefully to all representations that have been made. The European Commission raised a number of concerns that required changes to the original proposal. The most recent proposal, published on 10 April 2000, gives Scotland a population coverage of 48 per cent, down by only 1 per cent from the original proposal. I am sure that the final outcome will be good for Scotland.

  House Prices
  House Prices

  Pensions: Over-eighties Addition
  Baroness Jeger
  asked Her Majesty's Government:

  Why the age addition of 25 pence which was awarded to the over-eighties in 1971 remains at 25 pence; and what is now the comparative purchasing power of that 25 pence. [HL2962]
  WA90
  The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)
  Since it was introduced, no government have increased age addition on the basic state pension that is paid to those aged 80 or over.

  Our priority is to help the poorest pensioners and to help all pensioner households. That is why we have introduced a comprehensive strategy to tackle pensioner poverty. We have introduced the minimum income guarantee, winter fuel payments, reduced VAT on fuel, restored free eye test, allocated extra money to improve cataract services and cardiac care, and reduced income tax. We have also introduced the home energy efficiency scheme and will be providing free TV licences for the over 75s, concessionary bus fares, pensioner credit and doubling the capital limits in minimum income guarantee.

  We are spending an extra £6.5 billion on pensioner incomes in this Parliament.

  The comparative purchasing power of £0.25p in May 1971 is £0.029p in May 2000.

  Notes:

  (1) The Retail Prices Index (all items) has been used, as published by the Office for National Statistics.

  (2) Figures are unrounded.

  Lord Levy: Visit to Syria
  Lord Levy: Visit to Syria
  Demining Vehicle Export Licence
  Demining Vehicle Export Licence
  Sierra Leone Forces: Arms Supply
  Sierra Leone Forces: Arms Supply
  Austria and the UN
  Austria and the UN
  Sudan
  Sudan
  Zimbabwe: Land Reform and Compensation
  Zimbabwe: Land Reform and Compensation
  UK Residents Non-domiciled for Tax Purposes
  UK Residents Non-domiciled for Tax Purposes
  Central Government Audit and Accountability Steering Group
  Central Government Audit and Accountability Steering Group
  Licensing Hours and Alcohol-related Crime
  Licensing Hours and Alcohol-related Crime
  R v Weir: Subsequent Action
  R v Weir: Subsequent Action
  Forced Marriage Working Party
  Forced Marriage Working Party
  CPS: Staff Attitudes and Stress
  CPS: Staff Attitudes and Stress
  Millennium Dome: Discount Packages
  Millennium Dome: Discount Packages
  Northern Ireland Office: Use of Cars
  Northern Ireland Office: Use of Cars
  Northern Ireland: Hospital Waiting Lists
  Northern Ireland: Hospital Waiting Lists
  Better Regulation Task Force: Chairmanship of Lord Haskins
  Better Regulation Task Force: Chairmanship of Lord Haskins
  Millennium Dome Business Plan
  Millennium Dome Business Plan
  Departmental Cars
  Departmental Cars
  Sierra Leone: Requests for Arms and Ammunition
  Sierra Leone: Requests for Arms and Ammunition
  Parcelforce: International Export Shipments
  Parcelforce: International Export Shipments
  E-commerce and Changes to the Brussels Convention
  E-commerce and Changes to the Brussels Convention
  Iraq: Applications for Essential Medical Equipment
  Iraq: Applications for Essential Medical Equipment
  European Single Sky
  European Single Sky
  European Car Free Day
  European Car Free Day
  ORR and sSRA: Discounted Rail Travel
  ORR and sSRA: Discounted Rail Travel
  Disabled People: Access to the Built Environment
  Disabled People: Access to the Built Environment
  Outdoor Advertisement Control
  Outdoor Advertisement Control
  London Mayor and Assembly Elections
  London Mayor and Assembly Elections
  Access Funds and Hardship Loans Review
  Access Funds and Hardship Loans Review
  Asian Longhorn Beetle
  Asian Longhorn Beetle
  International Whaling Commission: UK Position
  International Whaling Commission: UK Position
  BSE
  BSE
  Millennium Dome Additional Funding: Direction
  Millennium Dome Additional Funding: Direction