Written Answers of 7 March 2000

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Police Federation Meetings
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on how many occasions, and on what dates in the past three years, each regional board of the Police Federation has held special meetings. [108489]

  Mr. Ingram
  The following table shows the number of special meetings held by each region of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland in the last three years.

  Region

  Dates

  No. 1

  15 October 1999

  No. 2

  None

  No. 3

  9 February 1999; 13 May 1999; 24 May 1999; 4 November 1999; 7 March 2000

  No. 4

  None

  No. 5

  9 September 1999; 22 September 1999; 17 November 1999; 20 January 2000

  No. 6

  None

  No. 7

  28 January 1999; 2 March 1999

  New Public Bodies
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the new public bodies established by his Department since May 1997. [112668]

  Mr. Ingram
  The annual Cabinet Office publication, "Public Bodies" provides information on a range of public bodies including those in Northern Ireland. The 1997 edition lists those public bodies in existence prior to May 1997. The 1998 and 1999 editions lists public bodies in existence in subsequent years. Copies of these publications have been placed in the Library of the House. Copies are also available on the Cabinet Office website (www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/quango).

  New Departments (Titles)
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the process by which the titles of the new departments and the Information Service of the Northern Ireland Executive were decided. [112788]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The titles of the Northern Ireland Departments are set in statute in the Departments (Northern Ireland) Order 1999. The Order was made following a statement issued by the First Minister (Designate) and Deputy First Minister (Designate) on 18 December 1998 on structures (including Departmental titles) and functions across the then proposed new Departments. The statement was considered and ratified 560W
  by the shadow Northern Ireland Assembly in January 1999 and the Departments (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 specifies the Departmental titles agreed at that time.

  In relation to the Information Service this was an interim short title designed to distinguish the Information Service of the Executive from that of the Northern Ireland Office. The title would have been subject to consideration by the Executive Committee in the context of proposals for corporate identity and for a communications strategy which were in preparation at the time of suspension.

  Rosemary Nelson
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the current position on the investigation into the murder of Rosemary Nelson. [113637]

  Mr. Ingram
  A dedicated team, selected and led by Deputy Chief Constable Colin Port, continues to work tirelessly to track down and bring before the courts those responsible for this cowardly murder. This team, which consists of representatives from 25 policing agencies, including the Royal Ulster Constabulary, has in excess of 60 personnel, 60 per cent. of whom are from outside the RUC. To date they have interviewed more than 5,000 individuals, taken 1,500 statements and established 5,000 lines of investigation in their efforts to catch the killers. My "right" hon. Friend the Secretary of State, who has kept in touch with DCC Port, today took the opportunity to meet his team at one of their bases in Lurgan and to hear at first hand about the progress to date in this investigation. The Government are convinced that Mr. Port continues to lead a credible and effective investigation and welcome all the support and co-operation that can be given to the team in its work to solve this appalling crime.

  Northern Ireland Act 2000
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the terms and scope of the review to be carried out under Section 2 of the Northern Ireland Act 2000. [113454]

  Mr. Mandelson
  Following my decision on 11 February to suspend the operation of the institutions, both Governments will be consulting the political parties in Northern Ireland this week. These consultations are expected to continue during and after St. Patrick's Day following which the two Prime Ministers will review progress. They will focus on how best confidence can be rebuilt to enable the institutions to be restored so that the full implementation of the Agreement can be achieved.

TREASURY

  Social Enterprise Sector
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he has initiated since the publication of the Social Exclusion Unit Policy Action Team 3 report on Enterprise and Social Exclusion (A National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal) to improve access to finance for social enterprises; and if he will make a statement. [113452]
  561W
  Mr. Timms
  Since the publication of the PAT3 report, the Government have announced the creation of the Phoenix Fund, a £30 million programme to promote better access to business support and finance in deprived communities. This will include an enterprise development fund, help for community finance initiatives, and a network of 1000 volunteer business mentors. The Government have also announced that HM Treasury will have an observer role on the Social Investment Taskforce, established by the UK Social Investment Forum. This Task Force will look at the next steps in devising a strategic framework for social investment, including investment in social enterprises.

  Fuel Excise
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what estimate his Department has made of the loss of taxation revenue from excise duty and VAT from hauliers purchasing fuel on mainland Europe; [112910]

  (2) what recent studies his Department has made of the number of hauliers purchasing fuel from mainland Europe and the Republic of Ireland; and what were the conclusions of the studies. [112911]

  Mr. Timms
  HM Customs and Excise has responsibility for excise revenue. There are no current studies or estimates for the numbers of hauliers purchasing fuel from mainland Europe and the Republic of Ireland.

  Pensions
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the legislative basis is for the Inland Revenue taxing pensions on the amount entitled to rather than the amount received in one year. [112920]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The legislation governing the basis of assessment of pensions under Schedule E is in Section 41 of the Finance Act 1989.

  Tobacco Duty
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the amount of additional revenue which will be made available to the National Health Service in 2000–01 as a result of hypothecation of increased levels of tobacco duty. [112786]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Projections of tobacco revenue will be published at the time of the Budget.

  Social Investment Taskforce
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the(a) aims, (b) objectives and (c) work programme of the Social Investment Taskforce; and if he will make a statement. [113055]

  Mr. Timms
  The Social Investment Taskforce is an initiative led by the UK Social Investment Forum. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked the Social Investment Taskforce to report to him in the autumn 562W
  with proposals for a new strategic framework for the development of social investment in the UK. The Taskforce will:
  examine the case for social investment in regeneration and community economic development;
  identify barriers to the further development of social investment; and
  propose models for the future development of social investment.

  EU Tax Policy
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those third countries and dependent or associated territories which the EC Commission intends to consult, pursuant to ECOFIN's report to the European Council on Reinforced Tax Policy Cooperation. [113071]

  Dawn Primarolo
  As the report makes clear, it is for member states to pursue discussions with their dependent or associated territories in co-operation with the Commission. The Presidency and the Commission would deliberate with third countries. The geographic coverage of these further discussions and deliberations is for future consideration.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Legislation (Human Rights)
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Solicitor-General what training is being provided for Government lawyers to ensure that legislation is prepared to comply with human "right"s. [113453]

  The Solicitor-General
  The main responsibility for training rests with individual Departments which are best placed to identify the legal skills and knowledge required by their lawyers and the most economic and effective way of meeting those needs.

  Training on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA) has been provided, and is continuing to be provided, to all Government lawyers. This has taken the form of Civil Service/GLS wide Conferences (open to both lawyers and administrators) at which outside speakers including Judges and Counsel have spoken; two intensive one-day courses provided last year by the Civil Service College, in conjunction with the GLS, and to be run again this year; and internal training programmes run by individual Departments (but often open to lawyers from other Departments) where speakers have included both specialist Counsel and Government lawyers with ECHR/HRA expertise. In addition, many Government lawyers have attended the external training courses/seminars run, for example, by leading human "right"s sets of barristers' Chambers. The introductory course for all lawyers new to the GLS also includes a session on human "right"s.

  Such training has meant that Government lawyers are fully equipped, not only to ensure that all new legislation complies with the European Convention on Human Rights, but also to advise their Departments on all human "right"s issues when they arise in the decision making process or in the context of litigation.

PRIME MINISTER

  Correspondence
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Prime Minister when he will reply to the letter dated 12 January which was sent to him by the Chairman of the Royal Society of St. George. [112482]

  The Prime Minister
  My Office has no record of having received this letter.

  National Health Service
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Prime Minister if the five point plan for the National Health Service announced on 29 February will apply to Wales. [112912]

  The Prime Minister
  The responsibility for health issues in Wales has been devolved to the National Assembly for Wales and it is for it to decide whether or not to adopt the five point plan.

  Global Cultural Diversity Congress
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Prime Minister when he was informed of the cancellation of the Global Cultural Diversity Congress and the collapse of Global Cultural Diversity Congress 2000 Ltd, and by whom; and if he will make a statement. [112719]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 2 March 2000]My Office was informed that my "right" hon. Friend the Home Secretary had decided that it would not be justifiable to use substantial public funds to support the Global Cultural Diversity Congress on 21 February 2000.

  World Education Forum
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to attend the World Education Forum in Dakar, Senegal; and if he will make a statement. [113087]

  The Prime Minister
  The United Kingdom delegation to the conference has yet to be decided.

  Iraq
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will discuss with(a) President Clinton and (b) the Federal German Chancellor the resignation of (i) Hans von Sponeck and (ii) Jutta Burghardt from their UN assignments in Baghdad. [113359]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]No.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Visitor's Bond Scheme
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list those countries outside the UK which operate a visitor's bond scheme. [113138]

  Mrs. Roche
  We do not have comprehensive information, but we understand that broadly comparable schemes exist in Canada, Germany and the United States of America.

  Police
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reason injury awards made to police officers in lieu of earnings remain payable after retirement age. [112556]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  An injury award is payable as a form of compensation where a police officer becomes permanently disabled for police duty as the result of an injury received in the execution of their duty.

  The award compensates an officer for the reduction in their earning capacity. In the wider context, it is considered that earning capacity should be related to a person's main source of livelihood. Therefore, where a police officer has reached retirement age their injury pension will continue to be paid where their opportunity to obtain a larger pension has also been reduced by the injury.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the police personnel procedure regulations in respect of the provision to allow those suffering from long-term sickness to have their employment terminated. [112557]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  There is no provision within Police Regulations for the termination of employment solely on the ground of long-term sickness.

  The Police Pensions Regulations provide for compulsory retirement on the ground of permanent disablement.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the applicability to current conditions of the police pension regulations; what plans he has to update these; and if he will make a statement. [112562]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I am currently considering what changes are required to the police pensions regulations, following the current major review of all aspects of police pension arrangements. I hope to publish specific proposals in spring this year.

  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people(a) in total and (b) from ethnic minorities (i) applied and (ii) were recruited to the police in each year since 1995. [113466]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The table sets out the information requested for 1995 to 1998. Figures for 1999 are not yet available.

  The figure for the total of appointments on probation for 1996 differs from that mentioned in my reply to the hon. Member for Southwark, North and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes) on 11 November 1999, Official Report, column 796W. This is because North Wales Police have since corrected their figure of "0" for 1996 to "49".

  Total police officer applications and recruitment in England and Wales from 1995

  Ethnic minorities

  Total officers

  1995

  Police officer appointment on probation

  217

  5,585

  Police officer applications

  1,426

  53,909

  1996

  Police officer appointment on probation

  161

  15,712

  Police officer applications

  1,613

  42,774

  565W

  Total police officer applications and recruitment in England and Wales from 1995

  Ethnic minorities

  Total officers

  1997

  Police officer appointment on probation

  169

  5,859

  Police officer applications

  1,904

  44,334

  1998

  Police officer appointment on probation

  408

  4,961

  Police officer applications

  2,030

  36,095

  15,712 = figure updated from 5,663 as a result of a change notified by North Wales Police (delete "0" and insert "49")

  Source:

  Figures supplied by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary

  Pets
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to encourage local authorities to use the options of(a) restriction of species range and (b) restriction of numbers under the Pet Animals Act 1951; and if he will make a statement. [112561]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Government keep under review legislation on animals, but have not announced any plans to change it. Existing legislation bears on the range of species and number of animals which can be sold in pet shops.

  Pet shops are licensed by local authorities under the Pet Animals Act 1951 (as amended in 1983), and subject to licence conditions to safeguard the health and welfare of the animals in their charge. In considering whether to grant a licence to run a pet shop, a local authority will need to satisfy itself that the welfare of the animals will not be compromised. The species and numbers of animals will have a direct bearing on the overall welfare conditions.

  In addition, certain endangered animals imported for the pet trade are also protected under European Wildlife Regulations, which implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Some exotic pets can be lawfully sold to people only subject to stringent licence controls imposed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, and there are statutory restrictions on trade in United Kingdom wildlife species. It is also an offence under the Protection of Animals Act 1911 to cause unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animal.

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, (1) pursuant to his answer of 10 February 2000,Official Report, columns 257–58W, on animal experiments, how many of the pigs used were transgenic; and if he will make a statement; [112633]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 10 February 2000, Official Report, columns 257–58W, on animal experiments, how many primates were killed by order of the Home Office Inspectorate under the provisions of section 18(3) of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, on the ground that they were undergoing excessive suffering; what procedures they had been subjected to; and if he will make a statement; [112564]
  566W
  (3) pursuant to his answer of 10 February 2000, Official Report, columns 257–58W, on animal experiments, in the case of primates used in organ transplant experiments, how many primates had an organ of their own removed and replaced with a pig organ; how many had a pig organ inserted into them but kept their own organ; and if he will make a statement; [112565]

  (4) pursuant to his answer of 10 February 2000, Official Report, columns 257–58W, on animal experiments, how many of these primates were wild-caught; and if he will make a statement; [112629]

  (5) pursuant to his answer of 10 February 2000, Official Report, columns 257–58W, on animal experimentation, if he will provide a breakdown of the cause of death of all the primates used in xenotransplantation research between 1996 and 1999; and if he will make a statement; [112630]

  (6) pursuant to his answer of 10 February 2000, Official Report, columns 257–58W, on animal experiments, if he will describe the experiments in which these primates were used; and if he will make a statement; [112631]

  (7) pursuant to his answer of 10 February 2000, Official Report, columns 257–58W, on animal experimentation, how many pigs were used in (a) breeding experiments aimed at producing pigs with certain desired genetic characteristics and (b) experiments involving the removal of pig organs for transplantation into primates; and if he will make a statement. [112632]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  None of the primates were killed by order of the Home Office Inspectorate under the provisions of Section 18(3) of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 on the ground that they were undergoing excessive suffering. All of the decisions to treat or euthanase the animals were made by the relevant named veterinary surgeon.

  My previous answer explained that the majority of the primates were euthanased once they began to show clinical or biochemical evidence of terminal organ failure or when their clinical condition began to give cause for concern. The aim of this procedure is to prevent unnecessary suffering to the animals.

  Twenty-nine wild-caught primates were used in xenotransplanation research in 1996; 16 in 1997; three in 1998 and none in 1999.

  I am unable to provide answers to the hon. Gentleman's remaining questions as to do so would involve the release of commercially sensitive information on experimental design and production strategy, which is precluded by section 24 of the 1986 Act.

  As I stated in my previous answer, we understand that the company concerned has already briefed the hon. Gentleman on its xenotransplanation programme and it has indicated that it would be happy to update the hon. Gentleman and other parliamentary colleagues on the most recent position.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department with reference to table 11 of the Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals in GB for 1998, relating to procedures carried out on dogs to satisfy legislative requirements, if he will identify the legislative requirements, indicating the number of licences awarded
  567W
  in (i) 1998 and (ii) 1999 to allow procedures to be carried out and the number of procedures carried out under each licence; and if he will make a statement. [112563]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Government recognise the particular concern about the use of dogs in scientific procedures. Under the terms of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, animals may be used only where there are no alternatives and where the benefits of the programme outweigh any suffering caused to the animals concerned. In addition, certain species (including dogs) can be used only where animals of no other species are suitable. Special conditions, tailored to each project, control and minimise any pain or suffering caused.

  Examples of specific legislative requirements relevant to Table 11 (Scientific procedures (toxicology) by species of animal, type of legislation and toxicological purpose) are provided in the Introductory Notes to the Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals (Great Britain 1998). They are:

  The Medicines Act 1968;

  The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974;

  Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations;

  Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986;

  European Union Pesticides Directives; and

  The Food Safety Act 1990.

  Table 11 records 4,275 procedures carried out on dogs in 1998. These were conducted under 39 separate project licenses. Tables 13, 15 and 16 provide further information on the type of toxicological tests used. The number of procedures carried out under each licence was as follows:

  Licence

  Procedures

  1

  50

  2

  13

  3

  28

  4

  417

  5

  50

  6

  46

  7

  180

  8

  10

  9

  28

  10

  25

  11

  18

  12

  242

  13

  4

  14

  106

  15

  290

  16

  435

  17

  483

  18

  8

  19

  6

  20

  34

  21

  18

  22

  43

  23

  9

  24

  46

  25

  98

  26

  6

  27

  8

  28

  4

  29

  93

  30

  25

  31

  253

  32

  148

  33

  24

  34

  39

  568W

  Licence

  Procedures

  35

  8

  36

  859

  37

  18

  38

  40

  39

  63

  Figures for 1999 are being collated now and are not yet available. They will be published in July.

  Senator Pinochet
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many police officers have been involved in the protection of Senator Pinochet since October 1998; [113513]

  (2) how much has been spent from public funds on protecting Senator Pinochet since October 1998 (a) in total and (b) broken down by the principal heads of expenditure. [113514]

  Mr. Straw
  The information requested cannot be provided for security reasons. The number of officers deployed to protect Senator Pinochet by the Surrey police and the Metropolitan police are operational issues for the appropriate chief officer of police.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the costs to public funds of Government participation in legal activity relating to General Pinochet(a) to date and (b) in total; and if he will break this information down by the principal heads of expenditure. [113529]

  Mr. Straw
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given by the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, Lord Bassam, on 2 March 2000,Official Report, House of Lords, column WA87.

  Local Government Elections (Freepost Mailings)
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the Government's policy regarding freepost mailings at local government elections; and if he will make a statement. [112457]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  [holding answer 1 March 2000]Under current legislation, there is no provision for freepost mailing at local government elections because of the considerable financial burden which would have to be borne by local authorities, and the lack of evidence that such schemes would contribute to improved democracy at local level.

  We are now seeking two changes to this position. First, in view of the exceptional size of the electorate, we intend to provide special arrangements for the first election of the Mayor of London to allow the compilation of a single booklet of election addresses for mayoral candidates to a standard format. This will be distributed to all London electors at taxpayers' expense. For future elections, we propose that there should be an Order making power to allow the Greater London Authority to organise and pay

  569W
  for mailings (or other ways of informing the public about candidates). Any such scheme would be developed in consultation with the proposed Electoral Commission.

  Secondly, we are providing the opportunity for local authorities to pilot, at their own expense, a freepost mailing scheme.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers were living in the Greater London area on 1 February. [113085]

  Mrs. Roche
  This information is not held centrally.

  Harmondsworth Detention Centre
  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) deaths and (b) injuries have occurred in Harmondsworth Detention Centre in the last 12 months. [113007]

  Mrs. Roche
  Between the period 1 March 1999 and 29 February 2000, there was one death at the Harmondsworth Detention Centre. This occurred on 24 January when a 49-year-old Lithuanian national was found hanged. A date for the Coroner's inquest is awaited.

  During this same period, there were a total of 10 incidents involving injuries to detainees. These included six incidents where detainees sustained injury by self harm, and one incident involving detainees fighting which led to a detainee being injured. On three occasions, an accident in the Centre resulted in injury to a detainee.

  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what review of health and safety procedures in Harmondsworth Detention Centre has been undertaken following the recent death of an asylum seeker in the centre. [113006]

  Mrs. Roche
  Following this tragic incident, immediate steps were taken to further reduce the number of possible ligatures points within the Harmondsworth Detention Centre. An investigation into the death of the detainee has been completed and a copy of the report has been sent to the Coroner. The Immigration Service is examining in detail all those recommendations that refer to health and safety procedures.

  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the provision of an on-call Samaritan service to detainees in Harmondsworth Detention Centre. [113004]

  Mrs. Roche
  Within the Harmondsworth Detention Centre there are notices, translated into a number of languages, detailing the services of the Samaritans. Information on contacting them is also provided in a brochure given to each detainee upon arrival at the Centre. Any detainee unable to make a telephone call to them is advised to speak to a member of staff who will allow the use of an official telephone for such calls.

  A representative of the Samaritans visits the Centre once a month.
  570W
  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines are provided to staff at Harmondsworth Detention Centre about monitoring detainees with suicidal tendencies. [113003]

  Mrs. Roche
  All detainees who are considered to be at risk of committing suicide are interviewed by staff on their arrival at the Centre to identify their immediate needs. A Suicide Prevention Committee, chaired by the Centre Manager, monitors potential suicide risks and considers what steps can be taken to minimise the risk of such an event.

  Within the Centre, those detainees who are considered to be at high risk of suicide are placed on a constant watch and may be confined to a small area where their behaviour can be closely monitored. Where the risk of suicide is lower the detainee is monitored every 15 minutes. It is recognised that the Harmondsworth Detention Centre is not a suitable location for those detainees displaying serious suicidal tendencies and arrangements are made to transfer such detainees to more suitable locations.

  Suicide awareness training has been provided by a member of the Samaritans who is also the Chairman of the Harmondsworth Visiting Committee.

  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action his Department has taken in response to the annual report of the Harmondsworth Detention Centre's Visiting Committee in relation to the care of asylum seekers with depression and suicidal tendencies. [113005]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Immigration Service commissioned an assessment to enable a better understanding of the health needs of immigration detainees to be achieved. This was completed by Dr. Geraint Thomas, the medical practitioner at Tinsley House, and incorporated a general overview of the medical requirements, mental health and morbidity of male and female detainees and families. This was completed in April 1999 and distributed to medical health staff at Harmondsworth. The provision of nursing services at Harmondsworth Detention Centre was also extended to 12 hours each day.

  Ticket Touting
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to implement the provisions contained in the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to make ticket touting an offence at all major sporting events. [112958]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  This matter is kept under close review and representatives of other sports are periodically consulted. Section 166 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 currently makes it an offence for an unauthorised person to sell, or offer or expose for sale, a ticket for a designated football match. The law applies to football because the risk of disorder associated with that sport is increased if ground segregation is undermined by the sale of unauthorised tickets. There is no evidence to suggest that other sports are currently experiencing significant crowd safety and security problems as a result of ticket touting.

  Paedophiles
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if all police divisions in the UK have in place a computer system to exchange information with each division on paedophiles. [112915]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Police National Computer (PNC) is the premier national information system available to police officers in all United Kingdom forces, and will increasingly become available to other Criminal Justice agencies. Data on all sex offenders are held on the PNC which is accessible to police officers in all forces.

  In addition, the Sex Offenders Act 1997 requires offenders cautioned or convicted of certain sexual offences, including certain sexual offences against children, to notify the local police of their name, address and any changes, as well as their date of birth within 14 days of caution/conviction or change of address.

  Police Pension Scheme
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officers in each police force in England have opted out of the Police Pension Scheme. [112962]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Police Pension Scheme is administered locally by individual police authorities. The information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Home Detention Curfew Scheme
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer to the "right" hon. Member for Maidstone and The Weald (Miss Widdecombe) of 27 January 2000,Official Report, column 249W, if he will list, for each category of offence, the specific offences for which those prisoners released to date under the Home Detention Curfew scheme were convicted; what was the (a) average and (b) maximum sentence (i) received and (ii) served for each offence; and if he will make a statement. [112739]

  Mr. Boateng
  [holding answer 2 March 2000]A further breakdown of the original offences committed by prisoners released under the Home Detention Curfew scheme in 1999 is shown in the table. The data are taken from the Prison Service's inmate information system based on the data recorded by each prison. The maximum sentence for each type of offence, and maximum time served, could be obtained only at disproportionate cost by manually sifting the details of some 15,000 prisoners who were placed on Home Detention Curfew in 1999.

  In operating the Home Detention Curfew scheme the Prison Service has an overriding duty to protect the public. No prisoner can be placed on Home Detention Curfew without first passing a risk assessment. Where there is a likelihood of offending while on curfew, or of breaching the curfew, or where the risk to the public is unacceptable, Home Detention Curfew is refused. The effectiveness of the risk assessment is demonstrated by the fact that overall the scheme has an impressive success rate of 95 per cent. of curfewees completing their period of curfew licence.
  572W

  Months

  Average

  Offence

  Sentence

  Time served

  Manslaughter

  33.7

  15.0

  Other homicide and attempted homicide

  23.6

  10.0

  Wounding

  15.5

  6.2

  Assaults

  7.4

  2.6

  Cruelty to children

  15.2

  6.3

  Other violence against the person

  15.8

  6.4

  Sexual offences

  8.9

  3.2

  Indecent assault

  10.2

  3.8

  Unlawful sexual intercourse

  6.0

  1.2

  Bigamy

  7.4

  2.5

  Burglary

  19.1

  7.1

  Robbery

  25.6

  11.0

  Taking and driving away

  9.9

  3.7

  Other theft

  11.2

  4.2

  Handling stolen goods

  13.5

  5.2

  Fraud

  12.9

  4.9

  Forgery

  11.1

  4.1

  Drugs

  20.1

  8.4

  Arson

  22.1

  9.3

  Criminal damage

  13.0

  5.1

  In charge or driving under the influence of drink or drugs

  4.4

  1.4

  Other motoring offences

  5.4

  1.7

  Drunkenness

  4.7

  1.4

  Blackmail

  20.1

  8.3

  Kidnapping

  19.6

  8.2

  Affray

  9.6

  3.4

  Violent disorder

  14.9

  5.8

  Perjury/libel/pervert the course of justice

  10.1

  3.7

  Threat/disorderly behaviour

  9.2

  3.4

  Breach of Court Order

  9.3

  2.9

  Other offences

  12.2

  4.7

  Offence not recorded

  12.4

  4.7

  Interception of Communications
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the number of interceptions of communications on non-public telecommunications networks in 1998 and 1999 by(a) law enforcement agencies and (b) others. [111134]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The statutory framework regulating interception of communications sent by post or by means of public telecommunication systems in the United Kingdom is provided by the Interception of Communications Act 1985. This Act does not extend to non-public telecommunications networks. The Government are legislating, through the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill, to extend the law to regulate this kind of interception.

  Because current law does not require a warrant to be signed by the Secretary of State in order for interception to be carried out on non-public telecommunications networks, figures for such interceptions are not held centrally.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Parental Leave
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will estimate the cost of extending the entitlement to unpaid parental leave to staff in his Department in respect of their children born before 15 December 1999. [113136]
  573W
  Mr. Wills
  It is not known how many civil servants in the Department for Education and Employment have children born before 15 December 1999, nor how many would take parental leave if they became entitled to it. Information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  A-level Computing Examination, 1999
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) requests for re-marks, (b) requests for re-marks with reports and (c) appeals against decisions were lodged with the AQA in respect of the 1999 GCE 'A' level computing examination. [112035]

  Mr. Wicks
  I understand from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority that the information requested is as follows:

  Number

  Requests for re-marks

  188

  Requests for re-marks with reports

  85

  Appeals against decision

  1

  Bishop Gilpin Primary School
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he will authorise the age of transfer proposals in relation to the two form entry year four at Bishop Gilpin Primary School due to go ahead in September 2000. [R] [111618]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]My "right" hon. Friend the Secretary of State hopes to make a decision on the age of transfer proposals across Merton Local Education Authority by April.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he will reply to the Question from the hon. Member for Putney tabled on 17 February relating to Bishop Gilpin School. [113449]

  Jacqui Smith
  I refer my hon. Friend to the above reply.

  Examination Scripts
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to make available to candidates the marked scripts of 'A' level and GCSE examinations. [112034]

  Mr. Wicks
  My "right" hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 30 November 1999 that measures would ensure access to all GCE 'A' level and some GCSE marked examination scripts in 2000 and all GCSE scripts from 2001.

  School Exclusions (Ethnic Minorities)
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many permanent school exclusions there were in each year since 1990(a) in total and (b) of pupils of ethnic minority origin. [113497]
  574W
  Jacqui Smith
  The number of permanent exclusions from maintained schools (except Special Schools) submitting returns under the voluntary National Exclusions Reporting System which covered the period from April 1990 to April 1992 was 2,910 in year one and 3,833 in year two.

  The first set of complete data systematically collected by the Department on permanent exclusions by ethnic minority from maintained schools in England related to the school year 1995–96. The latest available data relate to the school year 1997–98. These figures, which are not directly comparable with those derived from the National Exclusions Reporting System, are shown in the table.

  Information on permanent exclusions for the academic year 1998–99 is currently being collected and national estimates are expected to be published in a Statistical First Release in May.

  Numbers of permanent exclusions, including pupils of ethnic minority origin in schools1 in England 1995–96–1997–98

  Number of permanent exclusions2

  Number of ethnic minority permanent exclusions

  1997–98

  12,298

  1,995

  1996–97

  12,668

  2,113

  1995–96

  12,476

  2,196

  1 Includes Maintained Primary, Secondary, Special and Non-maintained Special Schools.

  2 Includes some pupils who were unclassified according to ethnic group.

  Source:

  January schools' census

  Renewable Energy
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proportion of his Department's electricity is generated from renewable sources; and what target his Department has for meeting its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2010. [113052]

  Mr. Wills
  My Department has secured 10 per cent. of its supply of electricity from renewable sources, from October last year. This meets the aim set for achievement by the year 2010. We will continue to monitor developments in renewable energy provision to improve on this wherever possible.

  "Computers for Teachers"
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will extend the Computers for Teachers Programme to teachers in sixth form colleges. [112822]

  Mr. Wills

  [holding answer 3 March 2000]Schools have a legal obligation to teach IT, both as a curriculum subject in its own "right", and across all other subjects. The burden of this teaching role falls largely upon the classroom teacher. In order to provide teachers with the skills to discharge this responsibility, the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) ICT Training programme was developed specifically for teachers in schools, and it aims to give serving teachers the opportunity to raise their pedagogical capability to that now required of newly qualified teachers.
  575W
  The purpose of the Computers for Teachers initiative is to complement that training by raising teacher competence and confidence in their personal use of ICT. For this reason, the scheme has given priority to school teachers and there are no current plans to extend it to teachers in sixth form colleges.

  Global Cultural Diversity Congress
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he was informed of the cancellation of the Global Cultural Diversity Congress and the collapse of Global Diversity Congress 2000 Ltd., and by whom; and if he will make a statement. [112797]

  Ms Hodge
  [holding answer 3 March 2000]The decision to notify interested parties of the cancellation of the Congress and the collapse of Global Diversity Congress 2000 Ltd. were matters for the company. They informed my Department on 23 February 2000 that the Congress had been cancelled.

  Free School Meals
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will estimate the(a) cost in the current financial year of providing free school meals and (b) additional annual cost of extending the scheme to include (i) children in full-time education whose families are in receipt of working families tax credit and (ii) all children in full-time education. [112946]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Department does not collect information on the cost of providing free school meals. We estimate that(a) the cost of providing free school meals in England in the current financial year is over £300 million; and that (b) the additional annual cost of (i) extending free school meals to children in full-time education whose families are in receipt of working families tax credit would be over £400 million; and
  (ii) extending free school meals to all children would be almost £2 billion.

  We have no current plans to extend eligibility for free school meals, which would require primary legislation, but we are working closely with the Child Poverty Action Group on ways of increasing take-up by entitled pupils.

  Physical Education
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many pupils at(a) primary and (b) secondary schools are currently meeting the Government's target that they participate in more than two hours a week of physical education. [112957]

  Jacqui Smith
  Ofsted collects information about the percentage of taught time for each subject when inspecting schools. The number of school hours spent on physical education varies from school to school. Evidence from Ofsted inspections during 1998 of the average number of hours per week primary and secondary schools currently spend teaching National Curriculum PE is as follows.
  576W

  Average hours of PE per week (approx.)

  Key Stage 1 (ages 5–7)

  1 hour 20 minutes

  Key Stage 2 (ages 7–11)

  1 hour 35 minutes

  Key Stage 3 (ages 11–14)

  2 hours

  Key Stage 4 (ages (14–16)

  1 hour 15 minutes

  Our aspiration is that pupils receive two hours of physical activity a week, including the National Curriculum and extra curricular activities.

  My officials are meeting regularly with DCMS and representatives of PE and sports organisations to discuss ways of promoting this.

  Computers on Loan
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress has been made towards the provision of computers on loan as outlined in his speech of 28 October 1999 to the United Kingdom Internet Summit. [112642]

  Mr. Wills
  The Government are making £15 million available for a pilot scheme—`Computers Within Reach'—to enable those who cannot afford new computers to acquire reconditioned computers for use in the home on a loaned or owned basis for the purpose of improving their employment prospects, for lifelong learning, or for their children's homework. The pilot scheme will run from May, and evaluation findings of the initiative will be made available in due course.

  New Public Bodies
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the new public bodies established by his Department since May 1997. [112662]

  Mr. Wills
  The annual Cabinet Office publication `Public Bodies' provides information on a range of public bodies. The 1997 edition lists those bodies in existence prior to May 1997. The 1998 and 1999 editions list public bodies in existence in subsequent years. Copies of these publications have been placed in the Library of the House. Copies are also available on the Cabinet Office website (www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/quango).

  EU Discussions (Schools)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on his Department's policy respecting the maintenance of political neutrality in discussing the future of the EU in schools. [112341]

  Jacqui Smith
  Pupils in England are taught about Europe and the European Union at secondary school. From the start of the school year 2000 they will be taught about the history of Britain in its European and wider context within National Curriculum History and from 2002 they will be taught about the world as a global community, the role of the European Union and the UK's relations in Europe, including the European Union in National Curriculum Citizenship.
  577W
  There are safeguards in law to ensure that where political issues are discussed in school it is in an unbiased and balanced way. Local Education Authorities, governing bodies and head teachers are required under section 407 of the Education Act 1996 to take such steps as are reasonably practicable to secure that where political issues are brought to the attention of pupils, they are offered a balanced presentation of opposing views.

  Racism
  Lorna Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what proportion of(a) primary schools, (b) secondary schools and (c) colleges of further education have procedures in place to record racist incidents; [111291]

  (2) what was the total number of racist incidents recorded during the period 15 April 1999 to 31 December 1999 in England in (a) primary schools, (b) secondary schools and (c) colleges of further education. [111292]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]Our "Social Inclusion: Pupil Support" guidance in July 1999 states that all schools' behaviour policies must make clear that racial harassment will not be tolerated, and say how staff and pupils should deal with it. Schools should record all racial incidents and parents and Governors should be informed of such incidents and the action taken to deal with them. Governing bodies should inform LEAs annually of the pattern and frequency of any incidents. Colleges of Further Education have policies in place to deal with complaints, and procedures to investigate incidents. Information on the total number of racist incidents recorded in schools and colleges in England during the period 15 April 1999 to 31 December 1999 is not held centrally.

  New Deal
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many calls have been made to the New Deal Hotline in(a) Scotland and (b) the UK; how many were from (i) clients and (ii) employers; and how many were (1) positive comments and (2) complaints. [111137]

  Ms Jowell
  In the period October 1998 (when records started) to January 2000; a total of 1,652 calls were made to the New Deal Hotline of which 376 came from Scotland. We do not disaggregate the source of calls by category of caller and only the complaints are identified separately from all other calls. In the UK, 344 of the calls made were classed as complaints of which 62 came from Scotland. The Employment Service follows up every complaint to a conclusion.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proportion of New Deal participants who have undertaken an option have moved into the employment option; to what extent Government targets in exercise of the employment option have been achieved; and if he will make a statement. [109283]

  Ms Jowell
  Since the start of New Deal 7.9 per cent. of young people leaving Gateway have moved onto the employment option. Although this is less than the original planning assumption, a further 35.5 per cent. have gone 578W
  directly into unsubsidised jobs. Together these figures demonstrate how New Deal significantly improves the changes of many young people finding work.

  Child Care
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of people had access to Government-funded child care(a) in rural areas and (b) in urban areas, (i) in the most recent year for which figures are available and (ii) five years ago. [111976]

  Ms Hodge
  We are unable to provide the information in the format requested, but can provide data on the overall number of new child care places created through government funding. In 1998–99 some 66,000 new child care places were funded through the Out of School Childcare Initiative, the Further Education Funding Council and DfEE grants to Early Years Development Partnerships. This compares with 22,286 new child care places created by the Out of School Childcare Initiative in 1994–95.

  Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships (EYDCPs) are responsible for ensuring full coverage of both urban and rural areas within their areas of remit. EYDCPs have been set up in every local authority area of England. DfEE's planning guidance to Partnerships requires them to pay particular attention to the development and maintenance of provision in rural areas.

  Equal Treatment Directive
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on his policy on the proposed Commission directive on equal treatment, as set out in COM (1999) 566, with particular reference to(a) gender mainstreaming, (b) minimum entitlement to redress, (c) burden of proof, (d) indirect discrimination, (e) definition of harassment and (f) positive discrimination. [112350]

  Ms Hodge
  The Government welcome the European Commission's proposal for a directive covering discrimination on the grounds of race (COM (1999) 566) as an important contribution to combating racial discrimination throughout member states and accession countries. The proposal raises a number of issues including those mentioned by the hon. Member in his question and we will be considering the full implications of these during the course of negotiations. Negotiations are still at an early stage within the Working Group of the Social Affairs Council and adoption will require unanimous agreement by the member states.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Fisheries Protection Work
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact of the review of MAFF grant in aid on fisheries work undertaken by the Environment Agency and other fisheries protection work. [113343]

  Mr. Morley
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for New Forest, West (Mr. Swayne) on 27 October 1999,Official Report, column 922W.

  Flood Defence
  Dr. Naysmith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a definition of the developed environment exists allowing flood defence committees to ensure that the risk of flooding is minimised. [111584]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government's policy is to reduce the risk to people and the developed and natural environment from flooding and erosion.
  The phrase "developed and natural environment" is intended to embrace all of the country's assets. No firm definition of the term "developed environment" exists for the purposes of flood and coastal defence but we generally regard it as land on which development has taken place, for example buildings and roads, as compared with the natural environment which would generally be undeveloped land.

  Proportional mortality ratios by occupation, men aged 20–64, England and Wales, 1982–87 and 1991–96 PMRs which are significantly high1

  Occupation2

  PMR

  Confidence interval Lower/Upper

  Number of suicides

  1982–87

  Veterinarians

  349

  (203–559)

  17

  Farmers, horticulturists, farm managers

  202

  (180–226)

  311

  Librarians, Information officers

  226

  (140–345)

  21

  Pharmacists

  214

  (140–313)

  26

  Medical practitioners

  175

  (138–218)

  78

  Dental practitioners

  192

  (117–296)

  20

  Deck, engine-room hands, bargemen, lightermen, boatmen

  144

  (117–176)

  95

  Teachers (not elsewhere classified)

  132

  (116–150)

  233

  Gardeners, groundsmen

  134

  (116–154)

  197

  Hotel porters

  171

  (113–249)

  27

  Other domestic and school helpers

  175

  (111–262)

  23

  Forestry workers

  173

  (107–264)

  21

  Shop salesmen and assistants

  123

  (106–141)

  196

  Driving instructors (not HGV)

  152

  (106–213)

  34

  Chemical scientists

  153

  (105–215)

  33

  Sales representatives

  116

  (101–134)

  203

  Farm workers

  120

  (101–141)

  142

  1991–96

  Dental practitioners

  249

  (161–367)

  25

  Veterinarians

  324

  (148–615)

  9

  Farmers, horticulturists, farm managers

  144

  (124–166)

  190

  Sales representatives—property and services

  151

  (122–184)

  97

  Medical practitioners

  147

  (115–185)

  71

  Garage proprietors

  155

  (112–208)

  43

  Pharmacists

  171

  (111–252)

  25

  Other motor drivers

  124

  (108–141)

  221

  Painters and decorators, french polishers

  119

  (108–132)

  389

  Publicans

  128

  (107–152)

  129

  Builders

  119

  (106–132)

  332

  Cleaners, window cleaners, road sweepers

  122

  (105–139)

  204

  Shop salesmen and assistants

  118

  (105–133)

  296

  Carpenters and joiners

  115

  (103–127)

  384

  Gardeners, groundsmen

  117

  (102–133)

  234

  1 95 per cent. confidence interval does not include 100

  2 Occupations listed in descending order of lower confidence interval

  Source:

  Office for National Statistics—series, Population Trends, Number 92, Summer 1998.

  Euro
  Mr. Portillo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much money has been spent to date by his Department and by bodies funded by his Department
  580W

  In prioritising funding for flood and coastal defence works one factor which the Government takes into account is whether schemes will protect "urban" or "rural" areas. A scheme will be classified as "urban" only where 50 per cent. or more of the calculated direct benefits relate to industrial, commercial or domestic property, or major infrastructure.

  Farmer Suicides
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many suicides amongst farmers have been recorded in each of the past five years. [110528]

  Mr. Morley
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Newport, West (Mr. Flynn) on 7 February 2000,Official Report, column 77W.

  In addition, the hon. Member may be interested in the information given in the table:

  in connection with the National Changeover Plan; on what headings this money has been spent; and how much his Department plans to spend on implementing the plan over the next 12 months. [112139]
  581W
  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 29 February 2000]I refer the "right" hon. Member to the answer that my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary gave on 29 February 2000,Official Report, column 233W.

  Fishing Quotas
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the European Commission on further action against discrimination in the awarding of fishing quotas, with reference to OJ C354/67, vol 42, 7.12.99; and if he will make a statement. [112648]

  Mr. Morley
  As OJ 354/67 states on 14 January 1998 the United Kingdom received a reasoned opinion in respect of the procedures adopted in the UK for allocating quotas. We have responded to that opinion. No further representations have been received from the Commission.

  New Public Bodies
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the new public bodies established by his Department since May 1997. [112658]

  Mr. Morley
  The following public bodies have been established by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food since May 1997:

  Bodies listed in the Cabinet Office publication 'Public Bodies 1999'.
  British Potato Council
  Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals.
  Bodies recently classified as Non-Departmental Public Bodies and yet to be published in the Cabinet Office publication.
  Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs
  Beef Assurance Scheme Panel.

  Salmon Fishing
  Mr. Denis Murphy
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what will be the(a) starting date, (b) finishing date and (c) the duration of this year's drift net salmon fishing season for the sea area from the River Tyne to the River Tweed. [113177]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]Under current byelaws the drift net salmon fishing season in the sea area from the River Tyne to the River Tweed will for this year,(a) start on 1 June; (b) finish on 31 August and (c) be for a period of 92 days.

  Tree Felling Licences
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many tree felling licences have been granted by the Forestry Commission to the RSPB in each of the last five years; and how many trees have been felled as a result. [113115]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]The number of licences issued to the RSPB in each of the last five years and the number of trees licensed for felling are given in the table. The Forestry Commission does not keep records of the number of trees actually felled after licences have been issued.
  582W

  Year ending 31 March

  Number of licences granted

  Number of trees licensed for felling

  1996

  1

  390

  1997

  0

  0

  1998

  4

  3,860

  1999

  2

  86,015

  2000 (to date)

  1

  210

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  MOX Shipments
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the countries to which plutonium MOX fuel made at Sellafield's MDF Plant has been exported and the dates of export; and in which cases and on what dates the recipient countries have requested the return of a fuel pin or rod on grounds of safety or inadequate quality control. [112351]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I understand from BNFL that MOX fuel was exported from Sellafield to Germany in October 1996. Similar transports to Switzerland were undertaken in November 1995 and August 1997. As regards requests for any fuel to be returned to the UK, the position in respect of Switzerland was set out in my Answer to my hon. Friend of 25 January 2000,Official Report, columns 194–95W. As regards Japan, the shipment departed Europe in July 1999. Earlier this year the Ministry of International Trade and Industry asked that fuel delivered by BNFL to Kansai Electric's Takahama reactor should be returned to the UK. The Japanese and UK Governments are to discuss this further, along with other options for the fuel.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what reports he has received regarding the falsification and manipulation of fuel quality control data in respect of BNFL MOX fuel supplied to Switzerland; and if he will make a statement. [106711]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [pursuant to her reply, 14 February 2000, c. 366W]My Answer referred to certain BNFL fuel pellets supplied to Switzerland in February 1997. This was incorrect. The pellets were in fact manufactured at that time and supplied in August 1997. The rest of the Answer remains correct.

  End of Life Vehicles Directive
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will make a statement on the decision by the European Parliament to amend the proposed Directive on End of Life Vehicles to require car manufacturers to pay for the recycling of used cars when they reach the end of their lives; [113541]

  (2) what representations he has made to the European Parliament regarding their decision to amend the proposed Directive on End of Life Vehicles to require car manufacturers to pay for the recycling of used cars. [113542]

  Ms Hewitt
  In its Second Reading on this Directive, the European Parliament has put forward a number of amendments, none of which have the effect described by the hon. Member. The Commission's proposal of
  583W
  December 1997 required manufacturers to pay for the recycling of used cars. Following pressure from the UK and some other member states, the Council Common Position provides member states with greater flexibility, simply requiring them to ensure that producers make at least a significant contribution to the costs of free take-back of end of life vehicles. The European Parliament has not proposed a change to this wording, although it has proposed a change to the dates from which it will apply, and the vehicles to which it will apply. Conciliation between the Council and Parliament now seems likely. On this particular issue, the UK will aim to secure flexibility for member states in deciding how best to organise free take-back and recycling.

  New Cars
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will publish the findings of the Competition Commission's inquiry into the supply of new cars. [113362]

  Mr. Byers
  I will publish the Competition Commission report on the supply of new cars as quickly as is consistent with my legal obligations.

  Ilisu Dam
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received concerning alternative developments to the Ilisu Dam to provide energy for Turkey; and if he will make a statement. [112829]

  Mr. Caborn
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]My "right" hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have received a great deal of correspondence regarding the Ilisu project, and this correspondence has included many assertions that various alternatives to the project should be considered.

  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Savidge) on 3 March 2000, Official Report, column 423W.

  It is for the project sponsor to consider the comparative risks, costs and benefits of alternatives to a particular project. Turkey needs to expand its generating capacity considerably. We know that they are looking at coal, gas and oil fired stations elsewhere in Turkey and also at nuclear power. It is natural that they should see hydro power—a clean, renewable energy source which does not involve imports—as having a place in meeting this need.

  Social Enterprise Sector
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he has initiated since the publication of the Social Exclusion Unit Policy Action Team 3 report on Enterprise and Social Exclusion (A National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal) to improve support for, and to promote, the social enterprise sector; and if he will make a statement. [113451]

  Mr. Byers
  Since the publication of the Policy Action Team's report on Enterprise and Social Exclusion, my Department has taken a number of steps to improve the support for start-ups and existing small businesses, including social enterprises.
  584W
  The SBS is currently exploring ways of encouraging Business Links to provide support to social enterprises, for example through:
  The development of a webpage jointly with the British Bankers Association for business advisers and bankers to widen their understanding of social enterprises and their business needs. This will be linked to BBA website and SBS Gateway. It will be available from the autumn and will be updated regularly.
  The SBS will be involved in a study trip to Valencia in Spain in April, led by Social Enterprise London, to look at co-operatives and other forms of social enterprises. The SBS will be disseminating the outcome of this work widely.
  In January this year, I published "The Small Business Service: Summary of Consultation Replies and the Government's Response". One of the overarching aims this set out for the SBS was that it would help promote enterprise across society and particularly in disadvantaged communities.

  Entrepreneurs and social enterprises in deprived areas can find it difficult to obtain finance to get their ideas off the ground. We therefore launched the Phoenix Fund in November last year with a key objective to support the provision of community finance. In this context we are working closely with the UK Social Investment Forum and Community Finance Initiatives to design ways in which we can support lending to entrepreneurs and social enterprises in the deprived areas. We hope to be able to announce the form that support will take later in the spring. We will continue to work with banks to highlight social exclusion as an issue and agree new ways forward.

  We have contracted with the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies to run a pilot Business Volunteer Mentoring Association scheme until March 2001. This aims to recruit 1,000 volunteers from all sections of the business community, and from a diversity of backgrounds, to provide free mentoring advice to pre and early start up businesses, including from deprived communities. If the pilot is successful, it will be incorporated within the services provided by the Small Business Service.

  My Department is also supporting the National Enterprise Campaign, to be launched this spring, which will encourage enterprise and help develop entrepreneurial skills throughout the UK, including the social enterprise sector.

  Finally I am pleased to announce that the Prime Minister has agreed that the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs will take on additional responsibilities on corporate social responsibility, as recommended by the Policy Action Team. As Minister for Corporate Social Responsibility, he will be seeking to promote the business case for corporate social responsibility and to develop stronger links between different Government Departments' work in this area.

  Renewable Energy
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the contribution of tidal barrages to meeting the Government's 10 per cent. target for renewable energy; and if he will make a statement. [113135]
  585W
  Mrs. Liddell
  Under the Government's policy on renewables the choice of technology to meet future targets will be left largely to the industry. The assessment undertaken for the Government's consultation document on renewables "New and Renewable Energy: Prospects for the 21 Century—Supporting Analysis" did not lead us to expect a significant contribution from tidal barrages in meeting current targets.

  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he is taking to encourage the promotion of renewable energy; and if he will make a statement. [113056]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Government published their new policy on renewables in February in their report "New and Renewable Energy, Prospects for the 21 Century: Conclusions in response to the Public Consultation". The Government will promote renewables in a number of ways. For example:we have recently announced our intention to take powers in the Utilities Bill to place an Obligation on licensed suppliers of electricity to provide a specified proportion of electricity from renewable energy sources. This will provide a very substantial boost to the provision of renewable energy.
  we have exempted electricity and heat from renewable sources from the Climate Change Levy, giving industry a financial incentive to use more renewable energy.
  we are developing a regional approach to renewable energy planning and targets to facilitate renewables developments while continuing to protect the countryside.
  we are developing a growing supporting programme of research, development, demonstration and dissemination in renewables which is expected to include a marketing campaign to raise public awareness of renewable energy.

  Austria
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 28 February 2000,Official Report, column 50W, on Austria, what is the intended effect of the agreed bilateral measures to which he referred. [113022]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 3 March 2000]The effect of the agreed bilateral measures is that there will be no bilateral ministerial visits to or from Austria. Along with our other EU partners, the UK will not support Austrian candidates for positions at international organisations.

  End-user Certificates (Africa)
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the dates on which end-user certification of exports were granted in 1998 and the scope of the certificates to countries involved in the

  Objective

  Total (£000)

  Administration costs(£000)

  Percentage

  Promote enterprise, innovation and increased productivity

  795,886

  168,642

  21

  Make the most of the UK's science, engineering and technology

  1,332,486

  29,403

  2

  Create strong and competitive markets

  2,231,674

  32,637

  1

  Develop a fair and effective legal and regulatory framework

  366,173

  149,136

  41

  Total

  4,726,219

  379,818

  8

  586W
  conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo relating to (a) four-wheel drive and armoured vehicles sold to Angola, (b) military cargo vehicles to Uganda and (c)(i) military vehicles, (ii) combat aircraft and (iii) their components sold to Zimbabwe. [112701]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]As part of the process of assessing all applications for a licence to export arms or other goods on the Military List (Part III of Schedule 1 to the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994), including the goods referred to, exporters are required to supply information on the intended end-use and appropriate undertakings by the end-user concerned. Moreover, end-use certificates are not "granted" as part of the export licensing process. There is no process of "certification" as such but additional assurances are sought if this is considered necessary.

  All such applications are of course considered against the criteria announced by my "right" hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on 28 July 1997, Official Report, columns 26–29W and, since June 1998, the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports.

  Mineworkers Pension Schemes
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many beneficiaries were drawing pensions from the mineworkers pension schemes BC SSS and the MPS in(a) 1994, (b) 1995, (c)1996, (d) 1997, (e) 1998 and (f) 1999. [112986]

  Mrs. Liddell
  These are matters for the Trustees of the coal pension schemes. I have asked them to write to you direct.

  Funding Schemes
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the funding schemes administered by his Department, indicating the total funds of each scheme and the administration costs of each scheme as a percentage of the total funds. [112496]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 2 March 2000]A detailed breakdown of the Department's activities is given in the annual Expenditure Plans Reports Trade and Industry: "The Government's Expenditure Plans (Cm 3905, Cm 3605, Cm 4211), published by the Stationery Office Limited". Information relating administration costs to programme expenditure is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, using information drawn from the 1998–99 Shadow Resource Accounts for the Department, the total cost of departmental objectives and the percentage that relates to administration costs are as follows:

  RDX Exports
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what decisions have been taken on the applications that were pending in November 1999 for the export of RDX in its raw form to Oman, Spain, Turkey and the USA. [112938]

  Dr. Howells
  Licences were issued in respect of the applications covering the export of RDX in its raw form to Spain and the United States of America on 9 December 1999 and 23 December 1999 respectively. A decision has not yet been taken on the other applications concerned.

  All applications for licences to export arms and other goods entered in Part III of Schedule 1 to the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994, commonly known as the Military List, are assessed against the criteria announced by my "right" hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on 28 July 1997, Official Report, columns 26–29W, and, since June 1998 the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports.

  Kensington Mortgage Company
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with the relevant local trading standards offices concerning the activities of the Kensington Mortgage Company. [112783]

  Dr. Howells
  I have had no such discussions.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will order an inquiry into the lending practices of the Kensington Mortgage Company; [112782]

  (2) if he will make it his policy to investigate the activities of non-status lenders in the mortgage lending sector. [112781]

  Dr. Howells
  Most non-status lenders hold consumer credit licences issued by the Director General of Fair Trading. The Director monitors the continuing fitness of licence holders. He also monitors lenders' and brokers' compliance with his guidelines on non-status lending.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with the Council of Mortgage Lenders concerning the(a) commissions, (b) penalties and (c) other charges made by the Kensington Mortgage Company. [112779]

  Dr. Howells
  None.

  Mortgage Sector
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to protect vulnerable consumers from high levels of commission rates charged by non-status lenders in the mortgage sector. [112778]

  Dr. Howells
  The Office of Fair Trading published guidelines for lenders and brokers in the non-status market in 1997 include guidance on lenders commission structure and disclosure of brokerage and other fees payable by the borrower. The Director General of Fair 588W
  Trading has indicated that lenders and brokers who do not comply with the guidelines risk licensing action under the Consumer Credit Act 1974.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what protection his Department provides to mortgagees in respect of the penal rates charged to consumers by mortgage lenders who fall behind in their payments. [112777]

  Dr. Howells
  If a mortgage loan is a regulated agreement under the Consumer Credit Act 1974, the lender cannot charge interest on arrears, when the borrower defaults, at a rate which exceeds the contractual rate of interest. The Act also contains provisions, not restricted to regulated agreements, which enable consumers to apply to the courts to have their credit bargains re-opened if they are extortionate. One of the factors the courts can take into account when considering whether a credit bargain is extortionate is prevailing interest rates at the time the agreement was made. Among other remedies, the court is able to alter the terms of the credit agreement or order the creditor to repay sums paid under the agreement to the borrower.

  The Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999 provide that terms in standard form consumer contracts (other than terms about price or the subject matter of the contract) are not binding if they are unfair, and enable the Director General of Fair Trading and others to bring injunction proceedings before the courts.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what guidance his Department gives to mortgage lenders on appropriate levels of charges to their customers. [112780]

  Dr. Howells
  None. However, the Director General of Fair Trading's guidelines for non-status lenders and brokers require charges on default to be reasonable and do no more than cover the lender's administrative costs. The Director General has also issued guidelines under the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999 which say that it is unacceptable for lenders to vary interest rates at will unless consumers can end the contract immediately and without penalty.

  Miners (Compensation)
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the total payments made to date to each firm of solicitors in South Wales involved in the compensation claims for(a) chest disease and (b) vibration white finger. [112480]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Payments to firms in South Wales to date are as follows:

  £

  (a) Chest diseases

  Hugh James Ford Simey

  15,393,222

  Randell Saunders Phillips & Lloyd

  45,237

  Thompsons (Cardiff)

  195,834

  Morgan Cole

  10,426

  Gabb & Co.

  1,366

  Osborne Jones & Co

  940

  David W. Harris & Co

  353

  Leo Abse & Cohen

  294

  T. S. Edwards

  1,058

  Thomas & Co

  4,230

  589W

  £

  (b) Vibration white finger

  Hugh James Ford Simey

  2933,988

  Randell Saunders Phillips & Lloyd

  5,409

  Thompsons (Cardiff)

  69,697

  Gabb & Co

  15,843

  Osborne Jones & Co

  705

  Leo Abse & Cohen

  14,532

  T. S. Edwards

  284,310

  Thomas & Co

  457,839

  Robertsons

  2,907

  Edwards Geldard

  1,406

  Fonseca & Partners

  12,338

  Macquillan

  1,472

  Everett & Tomlin

  1,581

  1 This includes some £5 million in respect of trial costs

  2 This includes some £290,000 in respect of trial costs

  Cashpoint Machines
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what powers he has(a) to stop and (b) to regulate the application of charges for the use of ATM cash points in the LINK system. [113181]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]Under the new Competition Act the Director General of Fair Trading can investigate whether the LINK agreement on surcharges is in any way anti-competitive and he now has powers to impose severe penalties for infringements of the prohibitions of the Act.

  Section 4 of the Prices Act 1974 gives me powers to make an Order requiring that charges are indicated for goods and services. If the banking industry does not reach a satisfactory voluntary agreement on the display of charges I will use my powers to require them to display prices transparently before the transaction takes place.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  London Underground
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he last travelled on official business on the London Underground. [112190]

  Mr. Hill
  My "right" hon. Friend travels by public transport on a regular basis on official visits and on journeys to his office.

  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will call for a report from London Underground on(a) the reasons for the work on the second escalator at St. John's Wood Station taking longer than originally assumed, (b) when Baker Street Station will be re-opened for Jubilee Line passengers and (c) the reasons why at Westminster Station debris obstructs the walkway to the House, certain exits have not opened and the previously opened exit to Victoria Embankment has been boarded shut. [113126]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]These are operational matters for London Underground who have informed me that:

  (a) The escalator at St. John's Wood is being refurbished and this work was originally due to be completed by May 2000. However, during the process of removing parts of the escalator, a problem
  590W
  with water ingress was discovered. Work on the refurbishment had to be suspended while this was investigated and dealt with, but is now progressing again and the escalator is scheduled to return to service in late June 2000.

  (b) Baker Street Station re-opened for Jubilee Line passengers on 3 March 2000 but closed to Jubilee passengers over the weekend of the 4–5 March due to a failed speed governor (a device which ensures that the escalator travels at a steady speed, controls the braking system and ensures that it comes to a controlled stop in an emergency). It re-opened this morning to the Jubilee Line passengers; and

  (c) Part of the Bridge subway at Westminster Station remains fenced off to allow contractors to complete installation of permanent lighting there; the final subway exit, linking the station to Victoria Embankment, adjacent to Westminster Pier, opened on 6 March 2000, although the staircase at the pier end of the Subway is not due to open until 31 March 2000; those exits previously opened and now shut have been closed to facilitate construction works at street level by the New Parliamentary Building team.

  Council Tenants
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress made in giving council tenants a greater role in running their own estates. [112191]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The introduction of best value and tenant participation compacts from 1 April 2000 will ensure that tenants can influence the way their homes are managed. Tenants can choose how and in what they are involved and this will be set out in the compact with their authority. Our new tenant empowerment grant programme, which I will launch on 31 March also helps tenants to get independent advice on options for involvement, including tenant management if they wish.

  Council Housing (Inner London)
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to encourage the building of council-owned homes in inner London. [112192]

  Mr. Mullin
  We are keen to encourage the building of the maximum number of affordable homes in Inner London by whatever means secures the best value for money. However, in most cases housing associations are able to build twice as many units than local authorities would have been able to do for the same amount of grant.

  Regional Development Agencies
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the cost to public funds of regional development agencies. [112193]

  Ms Armstrong
  The eight RDAs in England have a total budget of £900 million for 1999–2000. This comprises grant-in-aid of £737 million and retention of receipts from programmes.

  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what are the names and addresses of the members of the boards of each of the regional development agencies who have rural expertise. [112819]
  591W
  Ms Armstrong
  Members are not appointed to represent a particular sector, but in a personal capacity. Members typically have experiences and skills across a range of sectors and interests. The table shows both the

  Agency

  Members appointed primarily for rural expertise

  Other members with rural expertise

  One North East, Great North House, Sandyford Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ND

  Phillip Hughes

  Miles Middleton

  North West Development Agency, King's Court, Scotland Road, Warrington WAI 2FR

  John Dunning

  —

  Yorkshire Forward, Westgate House, 100 Wellington Street, Leeds LSI 4LT

  Pamela Warhurst

  Lord Haskins Michael Johnston

  Advantage West Midlands, 2 Priestley Wharf, Holt Street, Aston Science Park, Birmingham B7 4BZ

  Antony Harris

  —

  East Midlands Development Agency, Apex Court, City Link, Nottingham NG2 4LA

  Bob Middleton

  Jane Bradford Martin Doughty

  East of England Development Agency, Compass House, Chivers Way, Histon, Cambridge CB4 9ZR

  Marie Skinner

  Vincent Watts

  South West of England Development Agency, Sterling House, Dix's Field, Exeter EX1 1QA

  Jonathon Porritt

  Jeremy Pope

  South East of England Development Agency, SEEDA Headquarters, Cross Lanes, Guildford GU1 1YA

  Sarah Ward

  Allan Willett

  EU Structural Funds
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of his Department's contribution to the future programmes of European Union objective 1 regions. [112194]

  Ms Armstrong
  My Department will continue to provide significant financial support to the new objective 1 regions through a wide variety of routes. These include the funds made available to the Regional Development Agencies; regeneration programmes such as the New Deal for Communities, as well as the resources provided to local authorities.

  Integrated Transport Commission
  Dr. Whitehead
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the Commission for Integrated Transport. [112195]

  Mr. Hill
  We are very grateful to the Commission for Integrated Transport for all the valuable work it has been doing, which continues to make a real contribution to the transport debate.

  Regeneration
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps the Government are taking to regenerate disadvantaged communities. [112196]

  Ms Armstrong
  A framework version of our national strategy for the regeneration of deprived communities will be published in the spring, with a final version emerging later in the year. Meantime, new ideas, new approaches and existing best practice are already being identified with our New Deal for Communities and other regeneration partnerships across the country.
  592W
  names of those board members taking the lead on rural issues and the names of other members who also have some expertise in this area. The address of the RDA where board members can be contacted is also given.

  Mr. Derek Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to regenerate the economy in the north-west. [112198]

  Ms Armstrong
  This Government are taking many steps to regenerate the economy of the north west, including the establishment of the North West development agency to deliver the regional strategy. This includes the single regeneration budget which in round five alone is worth over £800 million.

  Best Value
  Mr. Neil Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the steps taken by local authorities to provide best value in their services. [112197]

  Ms Armstrong
  An interim evaluation of the 40 best value pilot authorities, carried out by the Warwick University Business School, was published on 22 November 1999. All the authorities found the best value framework worked, but was more challenging than they had expected. However, after only 12 months work, there were real examples of improved services and cost savings and real engagement with local people.

  Mrs. Fiona Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the Best Value pilot schemes in the east midlands. [112205]

  Ms Armstrong
  An interim evaluation of all the best value pilot authorities, including those in the east midlands, was carried out by Warwick University Business School and published on 22 November 1999. All the authorities found the best value framework worked, but was more challenging than they had expected.
  593W
  However, after only 12 months of work, there were real examples of improved services and cost savings and real engagement with local people.

  Heavy Goods Vehicles
  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many foreign HGVs his Department inspected in each of the last three years. [112199]

  Mr. Hill
  Inspections of vehicles are carried out by the Vehicle Inspectorate in accordance with targets set for them by the Secretary of State.

  The Vehicle Inspectorate undertook roadworthiness checks on 3,498 foreign vehicles in 1998–99 and 5,343 checks in 1997–98. Roadworthiness check statistics for 1996–97 are not available.

  In addition the Vehicle Inspectorate completed traffic enforcement checks on 13,037 foreign vehicles in 1998–99 and in the preceding two years 13,288 and 12,821 checks respectively.

  Urban Renewal
  Mr. Geraint Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the Government's actions to promote urban renewal. [112200]

  Ms Armstrong
  The Government are committed to a comprehensive programme of urban renewal. We are currently preparing the first White Paper on urban policy for 20 years, which we aim to publish later this year. This will set out a comprehensive set of policies to achieve an urban renaissance.

  Disabled People (Transport Access)
  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps the Government are taking to improve access for disabled people to transport services. [112201]

  Mr. Hill
  The Government are committed to comprehensive civil "right"s for disabled people. Accessible public transport, within the framework of an integrated transport policy, is fundamentally important to delivering that commitment.

  We have already brought forward regulations under the Disability Discrimination Act setting detailed technical access standards for all new trains. This year we will be bringing forward similar regulations applying to buses and coaches and we will be consulting on proposed regulations applying to buses and coaches and we will be consulting on proposed regulations for taxis. These regulations cover facilities for wheelchair users and for people with a wide range of other disabilities.

  Through the Local Transport Plans we are also ensuring that local authorities give due weight to the needs of disabled people across the whole spectrum of their responsibilities, including pedestrian facilities, transport infrastructure and voluntary and community transport services.

  Light Rail Services
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on light rail services. [112202]

  Mr. Hill
  Light rail, and similar rapid transit systems, can have an important role to play in delivering integrated transport in major conurbations. Experience from existing light rail schemes has shown that they can be effective in providing a high quality public transport option in densely used transport corridors and in encouraging motorists to switch from their cars. However, the capital costs of light rail schemes are high compared with bus priority measures and guided bus schemes, which may offer a more cost-effective alternative. Central Government support can be provided to local authorities to fund light rail systems where these bring net benefits which are greater than those offered by the available alternatives; cannot be entirely funded from local sources or by the private sector; provide good value for money and are essential to the achievement of the objectives of the relevant authority's local transport plan.

  Standard Spending Assessment
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his Department's review of the local government standard spending assessment system. [112203]

  Ms Armstrong
  Central and local Government officials have been discussing a wide range of options for improving the method of revenue grant distribution. Their joint report of the issues raised in the review will be put to the Central Local Partnership later this month and published on the internet.

  Decisions about the merits of the various options for reform will be made when we have responses to a consultation paper that we expect to publish in the summer.

  Emissions Trading
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the role of emissions trading in limiting global carbon dioxide emissions. [112204]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Kyoto agreement was an historic achievement—setting legally binding emission targets for developed countries for the first time. The agreement also provides for international emissions trading to help countries meet these challenging targets. I believe that this system will help countries meet their commitments cost-effectively, with real environmental benefits. Since June last year, the Government have been working with business to develop a trading scheme in the UK, as part of our strategy for meeting our climate change commitments.

  Rail Safety
  Mr. Salter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on measures taken to improve rail safety following the Paddington rail crash in October 1999. [112206]
  595W
  Mr. Hill
  I refer my hon. Friend to the Deputy Prime Minister's statement in the House on 22 February 2000,Official Report, columns 1373–84.

  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he last had a meeting with Railtrack to discuss safety on the railways. [112211]

  Mr. Hill
  Ministers and officials meet Railtrack regularly to discuss a number of railway issues including railway safety.

  Recycling
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on progress in his policies to encourage recycling. [112207]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government are committed to increasing recycling substantially from the current low levels. We set ambitious goals in the draft waste strategy, "A Way with Waste", including to recycle 25 per cent. of household waste by 2005. The final version of the strategy, to be published soon, will put in place a range of instruments for delivering these goals.

  In Wales and Scotland recycling policy is a matter for the National Assembly or Scottish Parliament respectively.

  Quango Accountability
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the accountability of quangos based in Yorkshire and Humberside to the people of that region. [112208]

  Ms Armstrong
  The Government regularly review the accountability of Non-Departmental Public Bodies to the Public through the Public Accounts Committee and the National Audit Office.

  Business Rates
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent representations he has received regarding the level of business rates for small businesses. [112209]

  Ms Armstrong
  I have received representations from small businesses welcoming the transitional relief scheme announced on 25 November and calling for a rate relief scheme for small businesses.

  The transitional relief scheme, which favours small businesses, will phase in significant changes in rate bills resulting from the revaluation on 1 April. In addition many small businesses will benefit from the revaluation itself and the reduction in the multiplier to 41.6p for every £1 of rateable value.

  We set out a possible rate relief scheme for small businesses in our White Paper, "Modern Local Government: In Touch with the People" (1998). We have discussed this scheme with representatives of small businesses, and we aim next to hold a public consultation exercise on the details of the scheme.

  Rail Investment
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the railway industry about investment in the railway infrastructure and in train services in Worcestershire; and if he will make a statement. [112210]

  Mr. Hill
  A report was commissioned to consider improvements in rail routes radiating from Worcester and the shadow Strategic Rail Authority (sSRA) will be discussing this report with interested stakeholders this month. The sSRA has discussed a number of improvements in the railway infrastructure in Worcestershire with Railtrack and details of these will be included in Railtrack's Network Management Statement which is to be published at the end of the month.

  Train Reliability
  Mr. Gamier
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he last met representatives of the Association of Train Operating Companies to discuss train reliability and punctuality. [112177]

  Mr. Prescott
  I met ATOC in November 1998 and agreed an action plan for short-term improvements in performance across the railway network. At the National Rail Summit in February 1999, I announced a number of longer-term initiatives based on the establishment of the shadow Strategic Rail Authority. I will be discussing progress on the industry 10-point plan, which covered train safety, reliability and punctuality, with ATOC and Railtrack at the next National Rail Summit in May.

  Pymmes Park
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made in resolving the outstanding claims for compensation relating to the compulsory purchase of land at Pymmes Park as part of the A406 widening at Edmonton; what parts of the claim by the local authority have been accepted in principle by the Highways Agency; what issues remain outstanding; and if he will make a statement. [111981]

  Mr. Hill
  Compensation negotiations between the District Valuer, acting for the Highways Agency and the London Borough of Enfield are continuing. The Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Peter Nutt, will write to my hon. Friend with further details.

  Letter from Mr. Peter Nutt to Mr. Andrew Love, dated 7 March 2000:
  The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Keith Hill, has asked me to write in response to your recent written Parliamentary Question about compensation being claimed by the London Borough of Enfield for land acquired under compulsory purchase at Pymmes Parks as part of the widening of the A406 North Circular Road.
  I explained in my letter of 8 December to you, that negotiations between the District Valuer, acting for the Highways Agency, and the London Borough of Enfield were continuing. Exchange land has already been provided to offset the loss of open space at Pymmes Park. The remaining heads of claim include the value of land as well as reasonable compensation for the loss of amenity and other damages to Pymmes Park.

  597W
  The District Valuer wrote to the Council on 3 February, on our instruction, setting out the Agency's position but unfortunately was unable to offer unconditional settlement on any of the nine heads of claim. I appreciate that this does not represent the progress the Council wishes to see, and I too would be pleased to see all these matters brought to speedy, equitable and amicable conclusion. May I suggest that the best way forward is for officials from Highways Agency, supported by the District Valuer, to meet Council officials at Enfield? If you would like to take up this suggestion, your secretary could discuss arrangements by contacting Andrew Gallagher, the Highways Agency's Director for London on 0171–921–4306.

  Lorries
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what appraisals his Department has undertaken of the time that lorries are delayed on congested motorways and trunk roads; if he intends to take action to reduce delays by lorries and other heavy vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [112705]

  Mr. Hill
  In preparation for our report, "Tackling Congestion and Pollution", published in January, we estimated the total amount of extra journey time (total vehicle hours spent travelling less those which would have been incurred at free flow speeds) resulting from congestion on English roads in 1996. By drawing on this analysis it is possible to estimate the proportion of the total amount of time lost by different kinds of vehicle on a range of road types. Although these techniques are not yet sufficiently well developed to allow a separate estimate to be produced for the trunk road network, estimates can be produced for motorways and A roads as a whole. These estimates suggest that, taken together, motorways and A roads outside urban areas accounted for some 12 per cent. of the total amount of time lost by heavy goods vehicles on English roads in 1996. This estimate includes only time lost due to general congestion and does not allow for time lost due to incidents or road works.

  Our integrated transport White Paper set out a package of measures to tackle congestion and pollution, based on concerted action by local authorities, businesses, Government and the general public. We will continue to take this forward, including through the Transport Bill, and our 10-year plan to modernise Britain's transport system (to be published in the summer).

  M25
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimates he has made of the cost of resurfacing the M25 in porous asphalt between junctions 8 and 9. [112542]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 2 March 2000]I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Peter Nutt, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Mr. Peter Nutt to Mr. Crispin Blunt, dated 7 March 2000]:
  The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has asked me to reply to your question about the estimated cost of resurfacing the M25 between junctions 8 and 9 in porous asphalt, a distance of approximately 11km.
  When I wrote to you on 28 February in response to your question about resurfacing the M25 between junctions 8 and 10 in porous asphalt our Agents initial estimate was given as £14m. That estimate
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  was based on the assumption that no other work beyond a simple overlay of porous asphalt would be necessary. I regret that this assumption has proved incorrect in the light of further work.
  A more detailed survey and analysis has ow been completed and has identified the need for additional works if an overlay is to be successfully applied. The existing concrete carriageway, consisting of a series of individual concrete slabs, would need additional work to stabilise it so that small movements in the joints between the slabs did not cause the overlay immediately above the joints to crack. Once cracks form in porous asphalt, the road surface disintegrates very quickly. The overlay would also have to be thicker for the same reason. The extra thickness of the overlay would also make it necessary to raise long lengths of safety fencing to maintain its effectiveness. All this would increase the time taken to complete the work and the costs of the associated traffic management.
  Based upon this more detailed work, our estimate for the cost of resurfacing the M25 between junctions 8 and 9 with porous asphalt is around £18 million, with our estimate for applying it between junctions 8 and 10 now being £34 million. I am sorry for supplying information previously which was so misleading.
  Should you require further information, please contact the Highways Agency's Area 3 Team Leader, John Rylett, in our Dorking office on 01306 878251.

  Housing Stock
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those local authorities which have given notice that they intend to transfer(a) their entire housing stock and (b) part of their housing stock. [112992]

  Mr. Mullin
  The following local authorities are due to transfer all or part of their stock by the end of this month:

  Burnley BC

  Elmbridge BC

  Huntingdonshire DC

  Manchester CC1

  Tameside MBC

  Test Valley BC

  Weymouth and Portland BC

  Wyre Forest DC

  LB Hackney1

  1Denotes a partial transfer.

  The following local authorities have sought approval to transfer all or part of their stock:

  Barnsley MBC1

  Blackburn with Darwen BC

  Birmingham CC

  Calderdale MBC

  Chester CC

  Chichester DC

  Coventry CC

  East Northamptonshire DC

  East Staffordshire BC

  Fylde BC

  Horsham DC

  LB Lewisham1

  Manchester CC1

  Mendip DC

  LB Richmond

  South Bedfordshire DC

  Staffordshire Moorlands DC

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  Sunderland CC

  Torbay Council

  Walsall MBC

  Waverley BC

  West Lancashire DC

  West Oxfordshire DC

  West Wiltshire DC

  Wycombe DC

  1Denotes a partial transfer.

  Lead Water Pipes
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to replace lead water pipes; and if he will make a statement. [112815]

  Mr. Mullin
  The new Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC) tightens the standard for lead in drinking water from its current 50µg/to 25µ/1 by 25 December 2003 and to 10µg/1 by 25 December 2013. Where action is necessary to meet these standards, water companies will first treat water to reduce its ability to dissolve lead from pipes, or will optimise that treatment where it is already in place. Replacement of company lead pipes will be needed where water treatment fails to achieve the standards—mainly soft-water areas. This will become fully apparent only after optimised treatment has been in place for some months. Pipework within the property boundary will remain the responsibility of the property owner. Local authorities have discretionary powers to pay grants to help homeowners to replace lead piping in their properties.

  Residential Leasehold Property
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans has he to introduce legislation on residential leasehold property; and if he will make a statement. [113428]

  Mr. Mullin
  As was announced in the Gracious Speech on 17 November 1999,Official Report, columns 04–07, we intend to publish a draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill for consultation during this session. My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Housing, Planning and Construction announced on 20 December 1999, Official Report, column 345W, the publication of a summary of the main leasehold measures we intend to include in the draft Bill. Copies were placed in the Library. Following consultation on the draft Bill, we intend to bring forward legislation as soon as parliamentary time allows.

  Solar Radiation
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what provision he has made for the monitoring of the effects of increase solar radiation on satellite and mobile communications systems that are required for the safety of airlines and ships at sea; and if he will make a statement. [113109]

  Mr. Mullin
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]The Rutherford Appleton Laboratory is conducting research into the effects of solar radiation on satellite and other 600W
  communications equipment. It also issues warnings when it is predicted that solar flares and other solar events are likely to affect communications equipment.

  Neither the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) nor the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is specifically monitoring the effects of increases in solar radiation on radio communications. However, any incidents which affect the safety of any aircraft in UK airspace or a UK registered aircraft will be reported to the CAA. This would include incidents caused by solar radiation interfering with radio communications.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many special advisers are employed in his Department; and how many were employed on 1 May 1997. [113107]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]The Department currently employs five special advisers; three are full-time and two part-time. On 1 February 1997 the Department of the Environment employed four special advisers, two full-time and two part-time. The Department of Transport employed one full-time special adviser on this date.

  By 1 May 1997 two special advisers had resigned leaving the Department of the Environment with three special advisers, one full-time and two part-time and none in the Department of Transport.

  Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 1 March 2000,Official Report, column 282W, concerning MTBE, what contribution has been made by oil companies to the Environment Agency's research project on the incidence of MTBE in England and Wales; if he will publish the results when available; and what assessment he has made of the possible carcinogenicity of MTBE. [113543]

  Mr. Mullin
  The current Environment Agency project on MTBE incidence in England and Wales has received valuable financial and other assistance from major oil companies through the Institute of Petroleum. The results of the research, which forms part of a wider investigation into the fate and transport of chemicals in the sub-surface, will be made available by the Environment Agency. US work suggests that the carcinogenicity risk of MTBE is very small at the levels currently found. The toxicity and carcinogenicity of fuel ethers is, however, currently the subject of a major review by the Finnish Environment Agency on behalf of the European Environment Agency. A draft report is expected this spring.

  Wandsworth (Planning)
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will announce the result of the review of the London Borough of Wandsworth's planning application approval for the
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  development of the site of the Old Wandsworth Secondary School, Sutherland Grove, London SW15, for educational and residential purposes. [113450]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The conservation area consent decision will be announced very soon.

  Vehicle Registration
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what claims there have been for compensation from motor dealers as a result of difficulties in issuing registration documents for new motor vehicles at DVLA. [113525]

  Mr. Hill
  There have been no claims for compensation from motor dealers related to the issuing of registration documents for the DVLA.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what difficulties were experienced with DVLA systems in relation to the registration of V registration vehicles; what the(a) cause and (b) effects were of such problems; what measures were taken to rectify them; and at what cost. [113524]

  Mr. Hill
  'V' registration marks were introduced on 1 September 1999 and were superseded by 'W' marks on 1 March 2000.

  Over 50 per cent. of vehicles are now registered through the Automated First Registration and the Licensing facility (AFRL) which allows motor dealers to register and first license vehicles electronically. All other vehicles are registered through the established network of Vehicle Registration Offices (VROs).

  In recent years the DVLA has consistently met or bettered its published target of issuing registration documents to customers within 12 working days. No significant difficulties have been experienced.

  Driver Safety
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he will take to improve the safety of drivers who make journeys by motor vehicles on behalf of their employers. [113528]

  Mr. Hill
  Measures to improve work-related road safety are set out in the Government's road safety strategy—"Tomorrow's roads: safer for everyone", published on 1 March.

  We want to ensure that worker/drivers and vulnerable road users are not exposed to unnecessary risks. An inter-agency task group is therefore being established under an independent chair—Richard Dykes, Group Managing Director of the Post Office. The group will make recommendations for action on strategies for improving the management of work-related road safety.

  Road Safety
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for prime time advertising on television to support the objective of his road safety strategy. [113521]
  602W
  Mr. Hill
  Well researched advertising on television will play a key role in supporting the objectives of our road safety strategy. The Department is currently considering options for a high profile campaign led by television advertising to be launched soon with the aim of bringing home to all the importance of safer road behaviour and the part that everyone can play in reducing deaths and injuries.

  The Department has a long history of using television advertising as the focus of powerful and effective campaigns, well founded on research into what will work and thoroughly and independently monitored as to effectiveness.

  Television will provide us in the coming year with the opportunity to raise the profile of road safety as an issue and to get across specific messages about child road safety, speed, drink driving, seat belt wearing and the range of other issues outlined in the indicative programme published in the strategy paper, "Tomorrow's roads: safer for everyone".

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to set casualty reduction targets for(a) pedestrians, (b) cyclists and (c) motorcyclists; [113519]

  (2) what special measures he proposes to reduce accidents among (a) pedestrians, (b) cyclists and
  (c) motorcyclists. [113520]

  Mr. Hill
  The Government's new Road Safety Strategy, "Tomorrow's roads: safer for everyone", was launched by the Prime Minister on 1 March. It sets a new target to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads by 40 per cent. by the year 2010, a separate target of 50 per cent. for children, and a 10 per cent. reduction in the slight casualty rate. No targets have been set for specific groups but paragraph 9.13 commits us to considering with the Road Safety Advisory Board, rate based targets for cyclists and walkers.

  Special measures for these groups are detailed in chapters eight and nine of the strategy, but measures described elsewhere, particularly our driver training, will be to their benefit.

  Copies of "Tomorrow's roads: safer for everyone" are in the Library and the Vote Office.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the total cost was of the launch event for the Government's road safety strategy; and what was the breakdown of the costs, including the cost of the (i) videos and films, (ii) stage backdrop, (iii) hire of the premises, (iv) expenses provided for the schoolchildren who participated in the event, (v) sound systems, (vi) issue of invitations, (vii) hospitality and (viii) other costs. [113526]

  Mr. Hill
  The total cost of the event to launch the road safety strategy on 1 March is estimated at £16,800 including VAT where applicable (some minor costs are not yet known).

  A breakdown of costs by category is given in the table.
  603W

  Category

  £

  Detail

  Videos and films

  4,300

  We plan to use both videos and films on at least three other occasions

  Stage backdrop

  6,800

  Some of the stage set will be re-used at other events

  Hire of premises

  2,100

  —

  Expenses for school children; issue of invitations; hospitality

  600

  Of the 15 school children, nine came from a local school and were issued by DETR staff; hospitality for about 120 delegates

  Sound system

  1,200

  The sound system was provided by the venue

  Other costs

  1,800

  Photographer delegate expenses items for the children and minor work on site

  Drink-drive Limit
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects the EU Council of Ministers to decide on a proposal to harmonise the drink-drive limit in the EU. [113527]

  Mr. Hill
  The Government expect the European Commission to publish its proposals in respect of blood alcohol limits for drivers shortly, as indicated in its road safety strategy "Tomorrow's Roads—Safer for Everyone", published on 1 March.

  Hull Road Scheme
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reason the case for the road scheme in Hull is included in his Department's appraisal tables in the category of jobs and prosperity rather than that of safety and healthier communities; and if he will make a statement. [113522]

  Mr. Hill
  The main reasons we included the A1033 Hedon Road Improvement in our programme were to relieve congestion and delays on the main access route to the port of Hull and to assist regeneration. Hence the jobs and prosperity classification for the scheme in "A New Deal for Trunk Roads in England. The New Approach to Appraisal" assessment shows that time savings are the scheme's main benefit, but it will also enhance road safety through improving junction layouts and create a safer environment for pedestrian and cyclists, including provision of a dedicated cycleway.

  Rail Summit
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he next intends to hold a rail summit. [113518]

  Mr. Hill
  It is currently planned to hold the next Rail Summit in May this year.

  Coal Fields (Regeneration)
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps are being taken to regenerate former coal field areas. [112179]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 11 January 2000,Official Report, columns 112–13W.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Lottery
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the(a) amount of money
  604W
  raised from the sale of lottery tickets, and (b) the amount of lottery money spent, in each constituency, ranked in descending order of lottery money spent. [113276]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]I have placed in the Libraries of the House a table to show the amount of money raised from lottery ticket sales per UK constituency in descending order since the beginning of the lottery (correct to 13 November 1999), and a table to show the award amount to each UK constituency in descending order since the beginning of the lottery (correct to 3 March 2000). This information is taken from the National Lottery Awards database which uses information supplied by the lottery distributing bodies. The tables include lottery awards not attributed to the distributing bodies to a particular constituency. The constituency information relates to the address to which the lottery award was sent.

  Television Licences
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what will be the cost of administering the free television licence scheme in 2000–01; and how the cost is to be funded. [113130]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]Estimates of the cost of administering free television licences for people aged 75 or over have still to be finalised. The cost will be met from public funds, via a payment from the Department of Social Security to the BBC.

  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the number of families in Barnsley East and Mexborough who will benefit from the introduction of free TV licences for households with a member aged 75 years or over. [112980]

  Janet Anderson
  This information is not available. 1991 Census information is out of date and no household survey has a sample size sufficient to make reliable estimates of qualifying households at a constituency or local authority level.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is his estimate of the(a) number and (b) percentage of households in (i) Northern Ireland, (ii) Wales (iii) Scotland and (iv) England that are evading payment of the television licence fee. [113024]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 3 March 2000]The BBC, as Licensing Authority, estimates evasion principally on a UK-wide basis and estimates of evasion by country cannot be produced on the same basis or to the same level of accuracy. All estimates relate to licensable
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  premises rather than households. As at 31 March 1999, the latest date for which figures are available, the estimated evasion figures were:

  (a)

  (b)

  Estimated evasion (number of licensable premises)1

  Estimated evasion (percentage)

  Northern Ireland

  148,000

  24.2

  Wales

  93,000

  7.7

  England

  957,000

  4.9

  1 Estimates calculated by applying the estimated percentage evasion rate to the estimated number of licensable premises

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if a household exempt from having to pay for a television licence from November by virtue of including a pensioner aged 75 years or over will be required to hold a licence document. [113020]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 3 March 2000]Yes. The provision of free television licences for people aged 75 or over will be a concession, not an exemption from the television licensing requirements. This will preserve the traditional structure of the television licensing system which is one of the safeguards of the BBC's independence.

  UK Sport and UK Sports Institute
  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received concerning the future location of the headquarters of UK Sport and the UK Sports Institute. [112762]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]DCMS has received a number of representations from interested parties, including local Sheffield Members of Parliament, Phoenix Sports Ltd., University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University and the Institute of Directors (South Yorkshire Branch), about the UK Sports Institute headquarters. My "right" hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I discussed the location of the UK Sports Institute's headquarters with my "right" hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Central (Mr. Caborn) and other representatives from Sheffield on 23 November.

  My Department has not received any specific representations regarding the relocation of UK Sport.

  British Library
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress has been made on the British Library review. [113638]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  I have today published the report on prior options, the first stage of the Review of the British Library.

  The report examines the role and functions of the British Library, and how these functions contribute to the delivery of wider DCMS and Government objectives. It confirms that at the present time the library's status as a non-departmental public body is the best option for delivering its services and considers how the delivery of its services might be improved in the future.
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  The publication of the prior options report marks the end of the first stage of the Review. The second stage will take forward the recommendations of the prior options stage and consider how the library's services and functions could be provided more efficiently and effectively in the future.

  A copy of the prior options report has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Millennium Dome
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is the cash value of each of the six short-listed bids to take over the Millennium Dome site. [111417]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]The six short-listed bids, announced on 17 January, were selected on their ability to deliver a world class, sustainable future use for the Dome at Greenwich. Detailed financial appraisals of the bids were not required for this stage of the competition. The six bidders are required to submit indicative financial offers, with further details of their proposals, by 31 March 2000.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what sum of additional interest payments and other expenses has been incurred on a result of the late payment of sponsorship money to the Millennium Dome; and what the cost to the Millennium Commission has been. [109969]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 14 February 2000]The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) has not to date incurred interest as a result of delays in the payment of sponsorship money. There have therefore been no additional costs to the Millennium Commission.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 10 February 2000,Official Report, column 237W, on the Millennium Dome, for what reason he did not list the foods sold in relation to standards of food produced in the United Kingdom as opposed to standards required of catering and food outlets. [112314]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 28 February 2000]All catering and food outlets in the Millennium Dome are subject to the same strict controls and checks that apply to all commercial catering and food outlets in the UK. This applies to all aspects of their operation including the food that they serve. In all instances there is a clear chain from food source, via suppliers, to the specific outlet at the Dome. All NMEC's suppliers endeavour to meet all current Health, Hygiene and Safety regulations.

  Broadcasting
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 16 February 2000,Official Report, column 545W, on broadcasting, if he will make a statement on the views expressed by the European Commission in respect of (a) News 24 and (b) future funding options for the BBC. [111900]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 1 March 2000]The views of the European Commission on BBC News 24 were set out in the Commission's decision on the
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  complaint by BSkyB. The Government welcomed the Commission's decision that licence fee funding dedicated to BBC News 24 is compatible with the Treaty rules. The Government did not, however, agree with the finding that the licence fee funding of BBC News 24 ought to have been notified to the Commission and noted that the finding in relation to notification was not determinative to the decision and was not the subject of argument.

  The Commission has not expressed a view on funding options for the BBC, though it has requested information on the digital licence fee proposed by the independent review panel chaired by Gavyn Davies.

  Sport Employment Statistics
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is his basis for estimating the number of people who are employed in sport; and if he will make a statement. [112639]

  Kate Hoey
  Research conducted by the Leisure Industries Research Centre at Sheffield/Sheffield Hallam Universities into the economic impact of sport in England and on behalf of Sport England, was published last month. It shows that employment in sport, including the commercial sector and central and local government, was 368,587 in 1998, an increase of over 20,000 on the 1995 figure, although the expanding employment market generally meant that the sports sector proportion of total employment fell from 1.64 per cent. to 1.59 per cent. These, and other figures contained within the report, provide further evidence of sport's existing and growing economic importance.

  Internet
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps his Department is taking to use the Internet to promote sporting opportunities. [112954]

  Kate Hoey
  Our new site (www.culture.gov.uk) went live on Monday 28 February. It responds to public demands for a site which both outlines the role of Government within our areas of responsibility and guides browsers in the direction of a wide range of other sites, including Sport England and the United Kingdom Sports Council, to answer their many questions on cultural and sporting issues. The development of this portal site should encourage visitors to become regular users.

  Digital Television
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of when it will be possible to receive digital terrestrial transmissions in all parts of Pendle; and if he will make a statement. [113029]

  Janet Anderson
  Maps showing the predicted digital terrestrial television (DTT) coverage from each of the 81 UK DTT transmitter sites have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses on CD-ROM. These show that most of Pendle is covered by transmissions from the Pendle Forest DTT transmitter. These transmissions reach between 204,000 and 220,000 people. There are no current plans for additional DTT transmitters but the BBC 608W
  and ITC, who are responsible for the transmission network, are now considering, in consultation with digital broadcasters, manufacturers, consumer groups and Government, how to improve the coverage of digital television across the UK.

  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if he will list the post code areas of Worcestershire in which digital terrestrial television services are not currently available; [113067]

  (2) what estimate he has made of (a) the percentage of households in Worcestershire that live in an area covered by digital terrestrial television signals and (b) when the signals will be available in all parts of the country. [113066]

  Janet Anderson
  The information is not available in the form requested. However, maps showing the predicted digital terrestrial television (DTT) coverage from each of the 81 individual transmitter sites in the UK have been placed in Libraries of both Houses on CD-ROM. The BBC and ITC, who are responsible for the DTT transmission network, are now considering, in consultation with digital broadcasters, manufacturers, consumer groups and Government, how to improve the coverage of digital television across the UK.

CABINET OFFICE

  Non-departmental Public Bodies
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement on the Executive Non Departmental Public Bodies 1999 report and the Executive Agencies 1999 report. [113591]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Government have today published the Executive Non-Departmental Public Bodies 1999 Report, Cm 4657 and the Executive Agencies 1999 Report, CM 4658 which have been laid in both Houses. The Executive Non-Departmental Public Bodies Report brings together performance and trend data on 89 bodies, and the Executive Agencies Report brings together performance and trend data on 104 agencies and two departments operating on agency lines.

  The NDPBs Report shows that overall 69 per cent. of targets were achieved and that the number of measurable targets has increased substantially to 82 per cent., a 17 per cent. increase on last year. The Executive Agencies Report shows that overall 75 per cent. of targets were achieved and that the number of measurable targets has increased to 80 per cent., a 2 per cent. increase on last year.

  Last March, the Government published the "Modernising Government" White Paper which made a commitment to bring the standard of all public services up to the level of the best so that they deliver what users want in an effective and responsible way. The performance of Executive Agencies and Executive NDPBs, as the main delivery arm of Central Government, is central to achieving this goal.

  In raising standards throughout the public sector, the Government aim to build on existing achievements and seek further gains by ensuring the "right" mechanisms are in place to monitor and report the progress of all Agencies and NDPBs.
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  In order to achieve sustained improvement, it is essential that these bodies should have measurable targets which are strategic, achievable, relevant to the business and timed; adopt robust customer satisfaction targets; have no more than eight key performance targets that focus on the main objectives of the business and set out more stretching targets that build on previous achievements.

  We will be working to achieve this sustained improvement over the coming year.

  Press Officers
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many press officers were employed in her Department at(a) May 1997, (b) January 1998,
  (c) January 1999 and (d) January 2000; and what was the total expenditure on press officers by her Department in each of the years concerned. [112363]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The total expenditure on press officers in the Cabinet Office Press Office in the financial year 1997–98 was £453,646; 1998–99 was £512,255—the total to date for 1999–2000 (until the end of January) is £590,394

  The number of press officers in post in Cabinet Office Press Office at May 1997 was 12, January 1998 was 11, January 1999 was 14, and January 2000 was 20.

  In addition, a dedicated press office was set up in March 1999, to co-ordinate Government media activity on the Year 2000 Millennium Bug problem. The Unit was set up by the President of the Council. The total expenditure on press officers in the Unit in 1998–99 was nil. The total expenditure on press officers this financial year, for 1999–2000 is £156,961.

  No press officers were employed in the Unit in January 1999. Five press officers were employed in January 2000.

  Recycling
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what percentage of documentation used by her Department is(a) made from recycled paper and (b) collected for recycling. [111610]

  Mr. Stringer
  Documentation used by my Department is procured using criteria which include environmental considerations, value for money and performance in use in office machinery. The option of using recycled paper is under review. No statistics are available for the proportion of paper that is recycled. Arrangements are in place for the collection and recycling of much of the waste paper produced in the Department. No statistics are available of the proportion that is so treated.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Passes (Former Members)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee how many House of Commons current passes were held by former hon. Members on 31 December 1999. [113081]
  610W
  Mrs. Roe
  As at 31 December 1999, out of a total of 134 photopasses which had been issued to former hon. Members, 101 were current.

  A further five former hon. Members had applied for photopasses, but had not collected them.

  Road Safety Strategy
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what measures will be taken in pursuance of the Government's road safety strategy to improve the driving of(a) employees of the House who drive vehicles on House of Commons business and (b) hon. Members. [113530]

  Mrs. Roe
  (a) There are very few instances of House employees having to drive vehicles on House of Commons business; in any event, this would be a matter for the Heads of the individual House departments, not for the Committee; (b) this is a matter for individual hon. Members.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Retirement Pension Forecasts
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many people were awarded a penalty payment for the late processing of retirement pension forecasts in each of the last five years for which figures are available; what were the total sums awarded in each year; and if he will make a statement; [112644]

  (2) how many people were waiting for a decision on their retirement pension forecast at the last date for which figures are available; how many had been waiting for (a) in excess of three months, (b) six months and (c) a year; and if he will make a statement; [112645]

  (3) what plans he has to improve the time taken to issue retirement pension forecasts; and if he will make a statement. [112643]

  Mr. Rooker
  This is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Bob Russell, dated 6 March 2000:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to respond to your Parliamentary Questions about Retirement Pension forecasts.
  There are no provisions for payment of a penalty payment for the late processing of a retirement pension forecast.
  The Benefits Agency receives approximately 600,000 applications for a pension forecast each year. The current target for issuing the reply to applicant's is 95% within 40 working days of their receipt. Actual achievement has been affected by problems we have experienced with NIRS2, however last month we actually achieved 90.3%.
  There are no plans to change this target.
  The table attached shows the number of outstanding pension forecasts as at 1 March.
  I hope this is helpful.

  611W

  Outstanding pension forecasts as at 1 March 2000

  Forecasts

  Number of forecasts involved

  Reason for delay

  Forecasts waiting to be processed

  49,965

  This amount of available work is the norm for this time of year. 96 per cent, of this work is still within target date

  3 months

  773

  Retirement Pension Forecasting and Advice Unit are waiting for information to be supplied by different areas of Inland Revenue

  6 months

  15

  Retirement Pension Forecasting and Advice Unit are waiting for information to be supplied by different areas of Inland Revenue

  1 year

  0

  —

  Poverty
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) families and (b) ethnic minority families are living on below half-average income. [113467]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is in the table.

  Number of families and ethnic minority families below half average income 1997–98

  Millions

  BHC

  AHC

  Including the self-employed

  Families

  5.2

  7.1

  Ethnic minority families

  0.5

  0.8

  Excluding the self-employed

  Families

  4.3

  6.1

  Ethnic minority families

  0.4

  0.7

  Notes:

  1. The latest information available is for 1997–98 derived from Households Below Average Income (HBAI) data. The 1979–96/7 HBAI publication presents estimates of the income distribution of individuals by ethnic group. A copy of this is in the Library.

  2. The definition used of a family is a single adult or a couple, together with any dependent children. A family is defined as ethnic minority if the head of the family is non-White.

  3. The HBAI estimates for 1997–98 are taken from the Family Resources Survey and relate to Great Britain. All estimates are subject to sampling error

  4. The figures are presented on household income both Before Housing Costs (BHC) and After Housing Costs (AHC) in line with HBAI conventions. Figures are also provided including and excluding the self-employed reflecting concerns over the accuracy of income information for the self-employed at the bottom of the income distribution.

  Benefit Fraud
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list for the Benefit Agency's study of family credit accuracy (i) the number, (ii) the percentage and (iii) the monetary value, of cases found to be(a) erroneous, (b) actually fraudulent, (c) having a high suspicion of fraud and (d) having a low suspicion of fraud. [113462]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Social Security Select Committee published the results of the Benefits Agency study in February 1999, a copy of which is available in the Library. The figures it contains are not a reliable guide because the study was not based on a statistically valid sample. This was due to the small sample size in a pilot study.
  612W
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the progress of the Government's zero tolerance approach to benefit fraud by(a) individuals and (b) organised criminal groups. [111570]

  Mr. Rooker
  We set out our strategy for combating fraud and reducing error in "Safeguarding Social Security", published on 23 March 1999. We are putting this strategy into practice with strong and sensible safeguards to ensure the "right" money goes to the "right" people. Among the new initiatives that carry this forward are the following:New more robust powers for fraud inspectors in The Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill published on 1 December. These provisions give greater clarity and allow all benefit fraud investigations to proceed on the basis of common powers.
  All payments will move to automated credit transfer (ACT) from 2003 as a modern, more secure and efficient method of paying benefits. This will virtually eliminate "instrument of payment" fraud and enhance security over the life of a claim. This is expected to yield fraud savings in the region of £140 million—£240 million.
  National Fraud Intelligence Unit—announced 24 January 2000—to combine the expertise of our organised fraud investigators with that of other agencies nationwide, including the police and LAs.
  From the spring, we will launch a hard hitting TV campaign, aimed at getting the public onside in the fight against fraud. This will aim to shift public attitudes and promote intolerance of those who defraud the system.
  Strengthened gateway to Income Support—When we came into office, two out of five Income Support claims were paid without enough evidence. We have halved that. We are insisting on claimants producing more evidence before Income Support is paid. This will save over a £1 billion during the course of this Parliament.
  Verification Framework
  Sets rigorous standards for Local Authorities (LAs) in verifying HB/CTB claims, including targeted visiting. Key measure to promote fraud prevention and consistent standards of administration across LAs. £15 million funding distributed between the first wave of 84 LAs implementing in 1998–99.
  Extra funding of £100 million to enable all local authorities to implement the Framework from 1999–2000. The number of LAs starting to implement is constantly increasing and 234 LAs have so far received funding. Strategy in place to encourage remaining LAs to implement the Framework.
  Section 19 of Fraud Act took effect in September 1999. This requires all Housing Benefit claimants to provide detailed personal information that is sufficient for a National Insurance number to be traced and confirmed or issued.
  Royal Mail "do not redirect"
  Powers introduced under Sections 20 and 21 of the Fraud Act 1997 to prevent fraudulent claimants using the Royal Mail's postal redirection arrangements to submit benefit claims from false addresses; also to provide access to Royal Mail redirection

  613W
  database allowing the Department to cross-match against data held by Royal Mail. Available to all LAs from 1 February 1999. Over 250 LAs now signed up.
  Remote Access Terminals
  Remote Access (computer) Terminals (RAT) provide LAs with direct access to some benefit information held by the Benefits Agency. These terminals have contributed towards reducing the time it takes to process claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
  To date, 364 LAs have at least one RAT installed. By the end of March 2000 this figure is expected to increase to 393. Additional terminals are being made available to those LAs using them to capacity.

  Benefits Payments (Post Office)
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy that, after 2003, pensioners will continue to be able to draw their pension in cash from a post office without having to pay a charge for doing so. [113137]

  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the impact of the decision by banks to charge for the use of automated telling machines owned by other banks on the ability of benefit recipients to obtain benefits in cash from post offices. [113516]

  Housing Benefit recipients, tenants of registered social landlords and private landlords, Great Britain—May 1998

  Type

  All recipients

  Paid four weeks in arrears

  Proportion paid four weeks in arrears (Percentage)

  Average weekly amount of HB (£)

  Tenants of registered social landlords

  840,000

  242,000

  29

  54.50

  Tenants of private landlords

  971,000

  352,000

  36

  61.10

  Notes:

  1. Figures are the latest available.

  2. The number of recipients are rounded to the nearest thousand, proportions to the nearest whole per cent, and average amounts of benefit to the nearest ten pence.

  3. Recipients refer to benefit units, which may be a single person or a couple.

  Source:

  Housing Benefit Management Information System, annual 1 per cent. sample inquiries taken on the second Thursday in May 1998.

  Social Security Act 1992
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what reports he has requested under section 139A of the Social Security Act 1992; and if he will make a statement. [112704]

  Angela Eagle
  My "right" hon. Friend the Secretary of State has, to date, asked the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate to inspect and provide 103 reports to him under section 139A of the Social Security Administration Act 1992, on the administration of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit by local authorities.

  Stakeholder Pension Scheme
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the implication of delays in resolving the problems associated with the
  614W
  Mr. Rooker
  Starting in 2003 we will be moving to a more modern, secure and efficient method of paying benefits through automated credit transfer (ACT). Payment by ACT will become the norm for paying benefits.

  We have given an assurance that benefit recipients, whether paid by ACT or otherwise, will continue to have a choice of where they access their cash, with those who wish to collect at post offices still being able to do so. The recent statement about bank charges has no effect on this commitment.

  However, we recognise that people will expect to be able to collect the exact amount of their benefits and without incurring charges. Arrangements will be put in place to ensure this happens.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what was the average weekly level of Housing Benefit paid to(a) tenants of registered social landlords and (b) tenants of private landlords affected by the four weeks in arrears rule in the last 12 months for which figures are available; [112653]

  (2) what proportion of Housing Benefit claimants are (a) tenants of registered social landlords and (b) tenants of private landlords affected by the four weeks in arrears rule. [112621]

  Angela Eagle
  The answer is in the table.

  NIRS2 computer system for the date of implementation of the stakeholder pension scheme. [112949]

  Mr. Rooker
  Detailed proposals are being developed for the implementation of stakeholder pensions and we do not expect the intended implementation date of April 2001 to be affected by the NIRS2 computer system.

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what progress his Department has made towards the procurement of new information and communication technology for the Child Support Agency. [111776]

  Angela Eagle
  The Department is continuing to work closely with Affinity (the Department's private sector partner) to finalise the Information Technology support to be provided for the Child Support Agency, and to develop and agree the contractual arrangements.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Russia
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he discussed plutonium policy during his recent visit to Moscow; and if he will make a statement. [112358]

  Mr. Vaz
  FCO Ministers and officials hold regular discussions with the Russians on proliferation issues. The latest round of talks is taking place at official level on 3 March in Moscow.

  Her Majesty's Government announced in December that it would be undertaking a Cross-cutting Review on Nuclear Safety in the Former Soviet Union. Plutonium disposition is one of the issues under discussion within the review.

  Stability Pact
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to him by the United States Secretary of State, about the progress made in implementing the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe. [112483]

  Mr. Vaz
  We have worked closely with the United States Government on the Stability Pact since its launch in June 1999. The Foreign Secretary regularly discusses the full range of issues relating to the Balkans with Mrs. Alb"right".

  Kosovo
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from the head of UNMIK, about the rate at which contributions are being made to the resources of UNMIK. [112487]

  Mr. Vaz
  The UK, along with its EU and G8 partners, has been discussing regularly with UNMIK the need for timely international support. The UK has already given $2 million this year and is in discussion with UNMIK about the allocation of a further $8 million. The EU has earmarked 45 meuros this year in budgetary support to UNMIK of which a first tranche of 10 meuros is scheduled to be made on 1 March.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to him by Kosovo Police Commissioner Sven Fredriksen about resources needed to train local police in Kosovo. [112484]

  Mr. Vaz
  The UK is in regular contact with the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Daan Everts, about all aspects of the OSCE' s efforts in Kosovo, including police training. We are not aware of any representations made by Commissioner Fredriksen to the UK for additional resources needed to train local police in Kosovo.

  We have recently increased our contribution of international police trainers to the OSCE Police School to 40 officers (25 per cent. of the international training staff currently in post).
  616W
  So far 349 recruits have graduated from the Police School. A further 250 recruits started their training on 22 February 2000.

  We have also offered to pay £50,000 towards the cost of providing an independent water supply to the OSCE Police Training School.

  Sanctions Policy
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of to my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, South (Mr. Cunningham) of 21 February 2000,Official Report, columns 841–42W, on sanctions policy, if he will list the friends of the Iraqi regime to whom he referred. [112917]

  Mr. Hain
  The reference covers all those who in one way or another lend their weight to the Iraqi government's attempts to have sanctions lifted without fulfilling in their entirety the obligations laid on it by the international community through the relevant Security Council resolutions.

  Punjab
  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's study of the potential for establishing consulate facilities within the Punjab. [113002]

  Mr. Hain
  Feasibility studies into the possibility of improving our services to visa applicants in Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Sylhet and Lahore have been initiated by my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz). These studies are being carried out now by our Posts in the region. We expect the exercise to be completed by mid-year and the results assessed before the summer recess.

  The exercise does not include a review of the consular services offered to British Citizens by existing offices in the region.

  Intergovernmental Conference
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the items or subjects proposed by each member Government and institution of the European Union for discussion at the IGC, relating to(a) unanimity qualified majority voting, (b) the scope of co-decision with the European Parliament, (c) the absorption of the European Convention of Human Rights into the European Union and Community Treaties and (d) other proposals. [113016]

  Mr. Vaz
  The European Parliament and Commission gave their formal Opinions earlier this year. Member states have not made formal proposals. Negotiations have been proceeding on the basis of Presidency discussion papers, which the Presidency has promised to make available on the internet. The Government's position on the range of IGC issues is set out in the White Paper which was presented to the House on 15 February.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the date and location of meetings and scheduled meetings of the Intergovernmental Conference for a New European Treaty, the names of Ministers attending each meeting and
  617W
  the topics (a) discussed and (b) to be discussed; and if a report of the IGC' s proceedings will be made prior to the next meeting of the European Council on 23 and 24 March. [113017]

  Mr. Vaz
  There has been one meeting at Ministerial level and two meetings of the Government Representatives' Group. The full provisional timetable for meetings, including topics to be discussed, is available on the internet at www.portugal.ue-2000.pt. A list of member states' personal representatives will be placed in the Library of the House.

  The Presidency is expected to issue a preliminary IGC report to the Lisbon European Council on 23–24 March.

  EU Documents
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which EU documents are expected to be placed before the European Council at its meeting on 23 and 24 March; what parliamentary(a) debate and (b) scrutiny each such document has been or will be given; and what will be the status of such documents following the meeting. [112998]

  Mr. Vaz
  The European Council in Lisbon on 23–24 March is an extraordinary European Council meeting. We do not expect any proposals for Community legislation to be presented to Lisbon.

  We have received a paper for Lisbon on "Employment, economic reforms and social cohesion—towards a Europe based on innovation and knowledge" from the Presidency, which we have already presented to the European Scrutiny Committee for information. We will also be sending the European Scrutiny Committee the Government's position on the Lisbon European Council and a paper by the Commission in advance of the meeting.

  We expect that there will be a parliamentary statement on the outcome of Lisbon after the meeting.

  Iraq
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the decisions under the Iraq oil for food scheme to allocate money from the relevant United Nations escrow account for items other than food and medicine for the Iraqi people; what was the amount in each case; and what position the UK representative at the UN took on each matter. [113064]

  Mr. Hain
  The Office of the Iraq Programme has received over 17,500 applications under the Oil for Food programme. The total value of these contracts, including the cost of shipping comes to about US$ 14.5 billion.

  As my hon. Friend will appreciate, the volume of applications received under the Oil for Food programme make it impractical to provide the information requested in full.

  The United Kingdom has no objection to the vast majority of Oil for Food applications. Over 96 per cent. of all contracts submitted under the Oil for Food programme have been approved by the Office of the Iraq Programme. Of the 17,500 Oil for Food applications received by the Office of the Iraq programme the United Kingdom has, of today's date, only 166 contracts on hold. The majority of holds are placed on contracts while a
  618W
  request is made for additional information so that we can ensure that the terms of the contract are consistent with the relevant Security Council resolutions on Iraq.

  British Citizenship
  Valerie Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will introduce a Bill offering British citizenship to the people of the British Overseas Territories. [113270]

  Mr. Battle
  As soon as practicable, given the need for preparatory work before the introduction of a bill, and the Government's priorities in the Legislative Programme.

  Visas
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the charge in(a) the relevant local currency and (b) pounds sterling equivalent for an application for a visitor's visa in (i) India, (ii) Pakistan and (iii) Bangladesh in each of the last five years for which information is available. [113140]

  Mr. Vaz
  The current charges in pounds sterling for the various categories of non-settlement visas are as follows:

  £

  Single entry

  33

  Multiple entry (6 months)

  45

  Multiple entry (1 year)

  55

  Multiple entry (2 years)

  65

  Multiple entry (5 years)

  80

  Long term non-settlement

  50

  Visa fees are set at a standard sterling rate globally and are converted into local currency according to the commercial rate of exchange. Fees expressed in local currency may therefore, vary from week to week.

  The charges for non-settlement visas have remained unchanged since August 1995, apart from the fee for the 5-year multiple entry visa. This was reduced from £130 to £80 in June 1997.

  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the current arrangements for assessing sponsors' particulars in respect of applications for visitors' visas from(a) India, (b) Pakistan and (c) Bangladesh; when they were last amended; and for what reason. [113139]

  Mr. Vaz
  The precise documentation required by sponsors of visa applicants varies according to the type of visa applied for and the circumstances of the individual case. Guidance on the type of documentation required is available to applicants and their sponsors in leaflets available from the FCO and from Visa Sections overseas. This information is also available on the FCO website www.fco.gov.uk.

  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many applications for visitors' visas were received from
  619W
  (a) India, (b) Pakistan and (c) Bangladesh; and what percentage of these were refused in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [113141]

  1999

  1998

  1997

  1996

  1995

  Received

  Refused %

  Received

  Refused %

  Received

  Refused %

  Received

  Refused %

  Received

  Refused %

  India

  Bombay

  69,455

  7.8

  61,450

  7.4

  54,028

  7.9

  50,980

  7.7

  47,148

  6.7

  Calcutta

  9,545

  1.7

  8,678

  1.0

  9,149

  1.2

  8,259

  1.5

  7,652

  1.8

  Madras

  26,621

  3.5

  23,544

  3.6

  18,720

  3.4

  16,382

  1.7

  15,196

  1.6

  New Delhi

  64,430

  16.4

  57,804

  13.3

  52,078

  12.7

  51,187

  16.6

  45,280

  15.6

  Pakistan

  Islamabad

  40,537

  21.4

  38,250

  14.7

  23,828

  20.3

  31,354

  26.0

  35,597

  25.7

  Karachi

  29,725

  13.1

  27,536

  11.3

  26,243

  7.0

  27,873

  10.5

  28,342

  10.8

  Bangladesh

  Dhaka

  14,983

  22.4

  12,822

  21.7

  13,115

  27.2

  13,808

  26.7

  14,425

  30.1

  Further details of statistics on non-settlement visa applications can be found in the Global Entry Clearance Statistics, copies of which are available in the House of Commons Library for the years 1994–98. Statistics for 1999 are currently being compiled and will be placed in the Library in due course.

  China
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what assessment he made of the human "right"s record of the People's Republic of China before his Department became involved in the exchange arrangements between the Scottish Police College and the State Police of the People's Republic of China; [112800]

  (2) if he will make a statement about the role of his Department in the exchange arrangements between the Scottish Police College and the State Police of the People's Republic of China. [112799]

  Mr. Battle
  The promotion of human "right"s, including the principle of the rule of law, is an integral part of our relationship with China. We have a critical dialogue with the Chinese Government which enables us both to express our concern about their human "right"s record and work with them to improve Chinese practices in specific areas, particularly through training schemes and other cooperative projects.

  The need to ensure that respect for human "right"s is a central feature of police reform in China lay behind our positive response to the Chinese request for training in the UK for some senior police officers. The Scottish Police College training was funded in part by the FCO's ASSIST programme budget, and stresses the values of democratic policing and the application of human "right"s practices in police work.

  Iran
  Mr. Lepper
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations the Government have made to the Government of Iran about the repression, persecution and imprisonment of members of the Baha'i community in Iran. [112964]
  620W
  Mr. Van
  The statistics for non-settlement applications over the last five years in the countries requested are as follows:

  Mr. Hain
  We remain concerned at reports of the death sentences passed on three members of the Baha'i community, Mr. Najafabadi, Mr. Moghaddam and Mr. Khulusi in Mashad on 3 February. The picture has been somewhat confused by the recent statement by Mr. Sabeqi, spokesman for the Iranian Judiciary, that no such sentences had been passed. The Portuguese Presidency, on behalf of EU partners, presented a demarche to the Iranian authorities expressing our concern and seeking clarification as to the current status of these three gentlemen on 17 February. We took similar bilateral action with the Iranian Ambassador on 21 February.

  We regularly raise with the Iranian authorities our serious concern about treatment of the Baha'is. Persecution of individuals on religious grounds is totally unacceptable.

  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have made to the Iranian authorities following the death sentences imposed on three Iranian Baha'is on 3 February; what is the policy of the Government towards Iran's treatment of the Baha'i community; if the Government will support the resolution condemning Iran at the UN Commission on Human Rights; and if he will make a statement. [112771]

  Mr. Hain
  We remain concerned at reports of the death sentences passed on Mr. Najafabadi, Mr. Moghaddam and Mr. Khulusi in Mashad on 3 February. The picture has been somewhat confused by the recent statement by Mr. Sabeqi, spokesman for the Iranian Judiciary, that no such sentences had been passed. The Portuguese Presidency, on behalf of EU partners, presented a demarche to the Iranian authorities expressing our concern and seeking clarification as to the current status of these three gentlemen on 17 February. We took similar bilateral action with the Iranian Ambassador on 21 February.

  We regularly raise with the Iranian authorities our serious concern about treatment of the Baha'is. Persecution of individuals on religious grounds is totally unacceptable. The EU Sponsored United Nations General Assembly resolution on Human Rights in Iran adopted on 18 December 1999 reaffirmed international concern about their situation. We and our EU partners will again be tabling the United Nations Commission on Human Rights resolution on Human Rights in Iran for the Commission in Geneva in April.
  621W
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he received reports of the death sentences passed on three Iranian Bahai's; what representations he has made relating to this; and if he will make a statement. [113273]

  Mr. Hain
  We first learnt of death sentences being passed on three members of the Baha'i community, Mr. Najafabadi, Mr. Moghaddam and Mr. Khulusi in Mashad shortly after the sentences were announced on 3 February. The picture has been somewhat confused by the recent statement by Mr. Sadeqi, spokesman for the Iranian Judiciary, that no such sentences had been passed. The Portuguese Presidency, on behalf of EU partners, presented a demarche to the Iranian authorities expressing our concern and seeking clarification as to the current status of these three gentlemen on 17 February. We took similar bilateral action with the Iranian Ambassador on 21 February.

  We regularly raise with the Iranian authorities our serious concern about treatment of the Baha'is. Persecution of individuals on religious grounds is totally unacceptable.

  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Government of Iran about the treatment and planned execution of members of the Baha'i community. [112801]

  Mr. Hain
  We remain concerned at reports of the death sentences passed on Mr. Najafabadi, Mr. Moghaddam and Mr. Khulusi in Mashad on 3 February. The picture has been somewhat confused by the recent statement by Mr. Sadeqi, spokesman for the Iranian Judiciary, that no such sentences had been passed. The Portuguese Presidency, on behalf of EU partners, presented a demarche to the Iranian authorities expressing our concern and seeking clarification as to the current status of these three gentlemen on 17 February. This was followed up with a further demarche in Tehran on 19 February. We took similar bilateral action with the Iranian Ambassador on 21 February.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Mozambique
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of difficulties relating to customs controls being encountered by those taking goods into Mozambique by(a) air and (b) road. [113455]

  Clare Short
  There have been some difficulties in clearing relief items through Mozambican customs as officials were initially overwhelmed by the influx of goods. To increase the flow of items through customs, an additional three customs officials were positioned in Maputo airport by the Mozambican authorities. Staff in the British High Commission have also been working tirelessly to assist these efforts.

  Since 1996, DFID and its predecessor the ODA has also been providing substantial support to the Mozambican government for their programme to reform
  622W
  and modernise its Customs Department. We have provided some £10 million in support for this project thus far.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when her Department first asked the Ministry of Defence to provide helicopters to help in the Mozambique crisis. [113457]

  Clare Short
  We first asked the Ministry of Defence what military assets were available in the region on Saturday 26 February. At that point we were informed that no military assets were available within 3,000 miles of Mozambique.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when her Department first sought helicopters to assist in the Mozambique crisis. [113458]

  Clare Short
  We provided the World Food Programme with US$1 million for helicopter operations on Saturday 26 February. This support allowed the South African Defence Force to continue their essential rescue and relief operations. Commercial helicopters were sought simultaneously.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if her Department has hired helicopters from Captain McKenzie of Nairobi to help in the Mozambique crisis. [113459]

  Clare Short
  We have received many offers for the hire of helicopters both from the region and also further afield. My officials were grateful for Captain McKenzie's offer of assistance, but following advice from our air operations experts DFID contracted helicopters through alternative regional sources.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when her Department was first informed of an impending flood crisis in Mozambique; and what action she took at that stage. [113456]

  Clare Short
  My Department has permanent staff based in Maputo who have been monitoring the floods since mid January. In collaboration with our field based staff, specialists from my Conflict and Humanitarian Affairs Department began detailed surveillance of the floods on 24 January. We deployed two humanitarian specialists to the region on 11 February. They conducted rapid assessments and liaised with the Mozambican authorities and humanitarian organisations over priority needs. We despatched a consignment of over 400 tents on 12 February from the UK to Maputo for the Red Cross to distribute for emergency shelter to those made homeless. We also supported the early deployment of the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Co-ordination Team. Between 11 and 16 February, my Department channelled some £1.1 million for immediate relief through the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, UNICEF, International Federation of the Red Cross, World Vision, Oxfam and ActionAid.

  Following a sudden deterioration in the situation overnight on 25 February, staff from the field contacted DFID London on Saturday 26 February. We immediately contacted the United Nations at a high level to facilitate a quick response by the UN humanitarian organisations. On the same afternoon, recognising the seriousness of the situation, DFID provided the World Food Programme

  623W
  with US$1 million for helicopter operations. This support allowed the South African Defence Force to continue their essential rescue and relief operations.

  We have also mobilised an additional nine helicopters, including four from the RAF, to assist with the rescue and relief effort. To assist with the effective tasking of all helicopters, we have seconded a logistics expert into the World Food Programme. But helicopters are not the total answer. We also deployed 70 boats and specialist trained crews, together with a number of large capacity self-inflating life rafts.

  We have also arranged through the Ministry of Defence for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Fort George to be deployed off Mozambique. The ship will arrive at the end of this week and will provide a further five helicopters to assist in the air relief operations. DFID has already contributed over £7.2 million for rescue and immediate relief including the provision of shelter, water, sanitation and health support. This funding has been channelled through the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, UNICEF, World Food Programme, Red Cross, ActionAid, Oxfam, Save the Children Fund and World Vision. These activities are being co-ordinated with the Mozambican authorities. We stand ready to provide further assistance.

  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make it her policy to procure the services of all available lifting helicopters in the armed services for deployment in relief operations in Mozambique; and if she will make a statement. [112745]

  Clare Short
  We will continue to base our decisions during humanitarian emergencies on the needs on the ground; resources available locally and regionally, details of assets available from the Ministry of Defence, their speed of response and operational viability and how they compare to available alternatives. We will always seek to use the UK development assistance budget as effectively as possible in order to maximise the benefit of the budget for people affected by humanitarian emergencies.

  In addition to providing US$1 million to the World Food Programme for the continued operation of the South African Defence Force helicopters on 26 February. A further five helicopters and support crew were sourced from the region on February 29.

  On 1 March we provided resources for the Ministry of Defence to deploy four Royal Air Force Puma helicopters to Mozambique to assist with the rescue and relief efforts. On 2 March we also provided resources to the MOD to deploy the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Fort George to the coast of Mozambique so that its five Sea King helicopters can assist with the relief operation.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent assessment her Department has made of the problems of soil erosion and deforestation in the hinterland of the Mozambique river system; and if she will make a statement. [112699]

  Mr. Foulkes
  DFID has programmes that address soil conservation in both countries that form the hinterland of Mozambique's main river systems. In South Africa we support water resource management and forest conservation programmes within the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. In Zimbabwe, DFID is helping 624W
  communities in the head waters of the Save and Runde rivers to reduce erosion and siltation while working to form user-led catchment councils to manage better the water resources in their areas.

  United States
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what meetings(a) she and (b) other Ministers in her Department held with members and officials of the United States Government during the visit to the United States between 25 and 29 September 1999; what was the date and location of each meeting; and who was present from the United States Government at each meeting. [113091]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The Secretary of State for International Development met with Brady Anderson, Administrator, USAID, on 26 September at the offices of the World bank in Washington while attending the 1999 Annual Meetings of the Board of Governors of the IMF/World bank.

  Albania
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is the nature of the assistance provided by the European Union in exchange for the collection of weapons in Albania, with reference to the Council Decision of 17 December 1999 (1999/846/CFSP). [112347]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the lead organisation in the Weapons in Exchange for Development pilot programme in Gramsh, Albania, which has recently been extended to the Elbasan and Peshkpja regions. The Council Decision of 17 December 1999 enabled the European Commission's earlier pledge of 500,000 euros to be applied across the extended pilot programme.

  The UK has contributed bilaterally to this programme since early 1999 by providing two ammunition technical officers to UNDP to oversee the collection process. We are also funding a feasibility study on the long-term safe disposal of ammunition and ordnance in Albania, the recommendations of which will be passed to NATO, OSCE and other donors.

  China
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent representations she has received concerning conditions in state orphanages in China; and if she will make a statement. [112831]

  Mr. Foulkes
  We have received no recent representations concerning conditions in state orphanages in China. Our Department support efforts to reform and improve the conditions for children in care. We are currently supporting a British NGO to work with the Chinese authorities to improve the conditions of children who are institutionalised, many of whom are orphans.

  Romania
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will publish the results of the review, conducted by her Department in 1998–99, of the activities of the European Children's Trust in
  625W
  Romania supported by the Know-how Fund; what action was taken by her Department as a result of that review; and if she will make a statement. [113127]

  Mr. Foulkes
  I assume the review to which the hon. Member refers concerns a report that DFID commissioned by the National Institute of Social Work in 1998. This report evaluated a programme of child welfare activities in Romania that we supported between 1995 and 1998, undertaken by the European Children's Trust. I will place a copy of the report, which was passed to the Romanian authorities, in the Library of the House. No specific action was necessary as a result of the report, but relevant lessons identified by the report's authors have been taken into account in discussions on further assistance in this field, currently under way with the Romanian Government.

HEALTH

  Retinitis Pigmentosa and Usher Syndrome
  Ms Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate his Department has made of the number of people in the UK suffering from(a) retinitis pigmentosa and (b) Usher syndrome. [111994]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not collected centrally. However, the British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society estimates that there are 25,000 people with the condition in the United Kingdom; figures for the incidence of Usher syndrome in Britain are incomplete.

  Indemnity Cover (GPs)
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how he will assess whether a provider of approved indemnity cover for GPs has sufficient reserves to meet its liabilities; [112413]

  (2) what criteria will be used to approve providers of indemnity cover for GPs under the Health Act 1999; and what steps he is taking to ensure that the approval procedure does not discriminate between classes of indemnifier; [112412]

  (3) if the procedure for approving provision of indemnity cover for GPs will ensure that indemnifiers comply with requirements on insolvency margins equivalent to those made under the Insurance Companies Act 1982; and if he will make a statement. [112414]

  Mr. Denham
  Section 9 of the Health Act 1999 gives the Secretary of State power to require Part II practitioners to hold approved indemnity cover with an approved body. The Secretary of State has power in Regulations to prescribe the circumstances in which such cover shall be required, and the terms for the cover.

  This enables the Secretary of State to ensure that cover will be approved only if it is adequate to meet the anticipated level of claims. This will apply both to cover provided by the medical protection organisations and commercial insurers. It is intended that the regulations will ensure through the approval mechanism that cover will still meet claims that arise from events when the clinician was covered but only come to light later, even if
  626W
  this is after the period of cover has ceased. Other criteria are currently the subject of consultation with interested organisations.

  The purpose of section 9 is to provide greater protection to patients awarded damages following negligence claims. The approval process will be open and transparent, the intention will be to ensure the highest level of protection reasonably achievable in the current climate.

  NHS Funding
  Mr. St. Aubyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which regional development agencies have to date submitted representations to his Department regarding the level of NHS funding. [112359]

  Mr. Denham
  I am not aware of any representations from regional development agencies to the Department regarding the level of National Health Service funding.

  Health Authority Budgets
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the budget per head of population for each health authority area in England for 1999–2000. [112747]

  Mr. Denham
  The table shows the health authority allocations per weighted head of population for 1999–2000.

  Health authority

  1999–2000 allocation 1 £000

  Allocation per weighted head of population £

  Avon

  582,510

  622

  Barking and Havering

  256,500

  623

  Barnet

  209,057

  644

  Barnsley

  156,588

  612

  Bedfordshire

  312,909

  606

  Berkshire

  431,001

  606

  Bexley and Greenwich

  289,039

  662

  Birmingham

  681,946

  632

  Bradford

  312,844

  621

  Brent and Harrow

  310,879

  649

  Bromley

  183,609

  626

  Buckinghamshire

  368,084

  613

  Bury and Rochdale

  249,286

  622

  Calderdale and Kirklees

  369,064

  631

  Cambridge and Huntingdon

  233,706

  621

  Camden and Islington

  320,971

  651

  Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

  317,079

  643

  County Durham

  411,001

  613

  Coventry

  200,882

  607

  Croydon

  202,682

  621

  Doncaster

  198,465

  629

  Dorset

  446,631

  643

  Dudley

  183,018

  622

  Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow

  475,900

  625

  East and North Hertfordshire

  290,037

  624

  East Kent

  395,915

  640

  East Lancashire

  349,892

  624

  East London and The City

  491,634

  603

  East Norfolk

  380,037

  633

  East Riding

  360,233

  626

  East Surrey

  244,052

  641

  East Sussex, B"right"on and Hove

  505,366

  642

  Enfield and Haringey

  323,495

  633

  Gateshead and South Tyneside

  255,537

  625

  Gloucestershire

  334,591

  652

  Herefordshire

  98,713

  628

  Hillingdon

  154,353

  631

  Isle of Wight

  92,390

  674

  Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster

  286,339

  576

  627W

  Health authority

  1999–2000 allocation 1 £000

  Allocation per weighted head of population £

  Kingston and Richmond

  208,380

  644

  Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham

  573,116

  628

  Leeds

  469,356

  632

  Leicestershire

  517,887

  613

  Lincolnshire

  394,990

  632

  Liverpool

  350,296

  644

  Manchester

  349,914

  645

  Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth

  422,995

  643

  Morecambe Bay

  205,730

  656

  Newcastle and North Tyneside

  333,829

  634

  North and East Devon

  300,720

  640

  North and Mid Hampshire

  291,934

  638

  North Cheshire

  201,585

  639

  North Cumbria

  198,917

  630

  North Derbyshire

  228,364

  626

  North Essex

  503,561

  624

  North Nottinghamshire

  236,475

  621

  North Staffordshire

  304,458

  614

  North West Anglia

  250,526

  616

  North West Lancashire

  321,635

  626

  North Yorkshire

  434,879

  626

  Northamptonshire

  326,245

  638

  Northumberland

  196,638

  629

  Nottingham

  391,712

  614

  Oxfordshire

  327,812

  610

  Portsmouth and South East Hampshire

  330,353

  627

  Redbridge and Waltham Forest

  296,944

  658

  Rotherham

  159,696

  626

  Salford and Trafford

  310,166

  644

  Sandwell

  205,838

  622

  Sefton

  192,610

  637

  Sheffield

  367,283

  640

  Shropshire

  247,650

  626

  Solihull

  122,698

  636

  Somerset

  290,097

  634

  South and West Devon

  383,565

  641

  South Cheshire

  405,696

  631

  South Derbyshire

  340,745

  615

  South Essex

  417,802

  607

  South Humber

  199,138

  650

  South Lancashire

  185,797

  643

  South Staffordshire

  322,868

  633

  Southampton and South West Hamptonshire

  327,774

  629

  St. Helens and Knowsley

  237,210

  627

  Stockport

  176,374

  631

  Suffolk

  397,601

  638

  Sunderland

  201,223

  625

  Tees

  370,553

  624

  Wakefield

  211,891

  632

  Walsall

  163,794

  623

  Warwickshire

  293,422

  645

  West Hertfordshire

  317,538

  638

  West Kent

  562,935

  632

  West Pennine

  297,286

  618

  West Surrey

  371,000

  643

  West Sussex

  467,090

  624

  Wigan and Bolton

  373,322

  608

  Wiltshire

  345,684

  639

  Wirral

  226,913

  642

  Wolverhampton

  160,766

  622

  Worcestershire

  303,405

  639

  1 Includes targeted funding for health authorities with HAZs

  London Hospital Trusts
  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the actions being taken by the Government with the London health authorities to reduce the deficits of the London hospital health trusts. [112684]
  628W
  Mr. Denham
  The London Regional Office of the National Health Service Executive is working closely with health authorities and HNS trusts managing difficult financial positions. Health authorities and NHS trusts are expected to agree plans to achieve financial balance over the shortest possible period.

  NHS Staff (Worcestershire)
  Mr. Michael J. Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each year from 1992 to date the number of(a) nurses, (b) doctors and (c) consultants, employed by NHS trusts in Worcestershire; and if he will make a statement. [112809]

  Mr. Denham
  The table illustrates that the number of nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff, together with hospital medical staff employed in Worcestershire, has increased during the period 1992 to 1998. While the figures are not directly comparable due to hospital reconfigurations throughout the period, the figures for 1997 and 1998 clearly demonstrate the Government's commitment to continue to increase the number of doctors and nurses working in the National Health Service.

  NHS Hospital and Community Health Services: Nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff and hospital medical staff, employed within North Worcestershire HA and Worcester and District HA 1,2 as at 30 September each year

  Nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff3,4

  Hospital medical doctors 5

  Whole time equivalents

  Numbers (headcount)

  Numbers (headcount)

  Of which medical Consultants

  1992

  1,500

  1,820

  120

  —

  1993

  3,420

  4,300

  120

  6—

  1994

  3,340

  4,240

  200

  70

  1995

  2,940

  3,850

  220

  80

  1996

  2,790

  3,610

  490

  160

  1997

  2,760

  3,740

  520

  180

  1998

  2,890

  3,960

  540

  180

  1 Staff from the health authorities and other trusts within both HAs are included in these figures.

  2 In 1993, 1994 and 1995 there was also North Worcestershire HA in the Worcestershire Region.

  3 1992 figures exclude agency staff and include learners.

  4 1993 to 1998 figures exclude agency staff and learners.

  5 Before 1996, some hospital medical staff were employed directly by West Midlands Regional Authority, and so are not included in these figures.

  6 Five or less and greater than zero.

  Notes:

  A new classification of the non-medical workforce was introduced in 1995.

  Information based on this classification is not directly comparable with earlier years.

  Figures are rounded to the nearest 10:—zero.

  Source:

  Department of Health Non-Medical Workforce Census.

  Department of Health Medical and Dental Workforce Census.

  Health Visitors (London)
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the reasons for the disparity in the allocation of whole-time equivalent health visitors employed by Parkside Community Health Trust between the health authority in Brent and Harrow and the Chelsea and Westminster Health Authority. [112811]
  629W
  Mr. Denham
  Decisions about the level of investment in health visiting services are made by health authorities, in discussion with Primary Care Groups and/or Primary Care Trusts and National Health Service trusts, and take account of the identified health needs of the local population. It would, therefore, be misleading to compare the service provided by Parkside Community Health Trust to these two health authorities on the basis of whole time equivalents only. The three Primary Care Groups in Brent are currently developing integrated nursing strategies which will take a broader view of population need and review the current deployment of all nursing and therapy provision, including health visiting.

  Lynton Cottage Hospital
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the suitability of Lynton Cottage Hospital, North Devon, for the provision of the new intermediate care he has announced. [112945]

  Mr. Denham
  It is the responsibility of local health authorities, National Health Service trusts, and Primary Care Groups to devise local plans to meet the intermediate care needs of the people of North Devon is a matter for the North and East Devon Health Authority, North Devon PCG and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust to assess.

  NHS Direct
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many callers to NHS Direct in November 1999, December 1999, January 2000 and February 2000 were advised(a) to visit an accident and emergency unit, (b) to contact a general practitioner and (c) to call on the emergency services. [112734]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 2 March 2000]Between November and January, on average 36 per cent. of callers were directed to self-care. During this period, NHS Direct helped to take pressure from other busy NHS services, and directed people to the most appropriate level of care.

  The table shows the number of callers from NHS Direct who were advised (i) to visit and accident and emergency unit, (ii) to contact a general practitioner, (iii) to call on the emergency services during November, December and January. The information for February is not available.

  CMS member

  Name of company

  Nature of interest

  Professor J. Chipman

  SmithKline Beecham

  Non-personal—research grants

  Professor J. Darbyshire

  SmithKline Beecham

  Non-personal—support for clinical trials

  Professor H. Dargie

  SmithKline Beecham

  Personalconsultancy and non-personal—clinical trial

  Dr. M. Donaghy

  SmithKline Beecham

  Personal—shareholder

  Dr. B. Evans

  SmithKline Beecham

  Personal—fees and shares

  Professor E. Gordon-Smith

  Pasteur-Merieux

  Non-personal—research grants

  Professor M. Langman

  Merck Sharpe and Dohme

  Non-personal—support/research collaborations

  Dr. A. MacGowan

  SmithKline Beecham

  Personal—consultancy and non-personal—fellowship

  Professor B. Park

  SmithKline Beecham

  Non-personal—lectureship

  Professor J. F. Smyth

  SmithKline Beecham

  Personal—occasional meetings and non-personal—clinical trials support

  Professor I. Weller

  SmithKline Beecham

  Non-personal—trials and study

  Professor K. Woodhouse

  SmithKline Beecham

  Non-personal—clinical research trials

  Merck Sharpe and Dohme

  Non-personal—clinical research trials

  630W

  Month

  Total callers

  999 emergency services

  Accident and emergency

  General practitioner

  November

  120,000

  2,200

  8,500

  35,000

  December1

  213,000

  4,600

  13,400

  72,800

  January

  262,000

  4,500

  15,000

  85,000

  1 December data do not include information from South West London or East Midlands

  Health Authorities
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list in rank order the allocations per head of population to each health authority in England in each year for(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99 and (d) 1999–2000. [113313]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]The information requested has been placed in the Library.

  Allocations for 1999–2000 are not comparable with those for 1996–97 to 1998–99 which cover hospital and community health services (HCHS) only. 1999–2000 was the first year of unified allocations which cover HCHS, prescribing and discretionary general medical services.

  1999–2000 allocations include increases for targeted funding for health authorities with health action zones.

  Committee on Safety of Medicines
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the members of the Committee on Safety of Medicines who have, in each year from 1987 to date, declared outside interests in(a) SmithKline Beecham, (b) SmithKline and French laboratories, (c) Merck Sharpe and Dohme, (d) Pasteur Merieux and (e) the Wellcome Foundation. [112835]

  Ms Stuart
  This information is published annually in the "Medicines Act 1968 Advisory Bodies—Annual Reports" copies of which, dating back to 1987, are available in the Library, The reports include lists of interests in the pharmaceutical industry declared by each committee member. The 1999 report, which is due to be published in July this year, will include the entries in the table relating to members of the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) (this information is correct as at 6 March 2000). In addition, Professor J. H. Scarffe is Head of Programmes (Career Development) at the Wellcome Trust.

  Hospital Complaints (London)
  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many formal complaints were made by(a) patients and (b) their families against each of the London hospitals for the years (i) 1996, (ii) 1997, (iii) 1998 and (iv) 1999. [112683]

  Ms Stuart
  Figures on National Health Service complaints are not collected in the format requested. Data are collected for written complaints and by financial year. These figures are published annually in a statistical report, "Handling complaints: monitoring the NHS complaints procedures—England" and copies of the reports for 1996–97 and 1997–98 have been placed in the statistical section of the Library.

  Data for these years was collected for NHS trusts and health authorities on the basis of the old NHS Executive Regional Office boundaries for North and South Thames. Figures for 1998–99 will be published later this month and will be based on the NHS Executive London Regional Office boundaries.

  Hospitals
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which community hospitals have closed since May 1996; how many hospital beds have been lost as a result; and if he will make a statement. [111424]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Retirement
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) health visitors (b) district nurses, and (c) school nurses will become eligible to retire at age 55 years within the next five years; and what proportion of the current workforce in each case this represents. [112453]

  Mr. Denham
  The available information is in the table. Numbers of school nurses are not collected centrally.

  National Health Service Hospital and Community Health Services Staff (HCHS) nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff working in the health visitor and district nurse area of work by specific age in England as at 30 September 1998

  whole-time equivalent

  Age

  50

  51

  52

  53

  54

  Health Visitors

  420

  450

  410

  360

  360

  Percentage of total health visitors

  4.2

  4.4

  4.1

  3.6

  3.6

  District Nurses

  440

  480

  380

  340

  330

  Percentage of total district nurses

  3.9

  4.2

  3.3

  3.0

  2.9

  Notes:

  1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10

  2. Figures exclude agency staff

  Source:

  Department of Health Non-Medical Workforce Census

  Agency Staff
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the NHS spent on employing agency staff in(a) pathology and (b) technical support in the last financial year. [112448]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not centrally available.

DEFENCE

  Weapons Contracts
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many AN/PRC-138 have to be supplied to his Department within the £5 million contract awarded by his Department to the Harris Corporation. [111011]

  Dr. Moonie
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.Letter from John F. Howe to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 7 March 2000:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about how many data radios (AN/PRC-138) are due to be supplied to the Department within the £5 million contract awarded to the Harris Corporation. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency (DPA).
  The DPA placed a prime contract for the provision of sixty-nine of these radios (including ancillaries, spares, training and three years' support) with SERCO Technology Ltd., Waterlooville, Hampshire on 14 June 1999. The contract provides a secure data messaging capability in support of operations in the Balkans. The first deliveries were made during August 1999 and were completed by the end of November 1999.
  To satisfy the requirements of this contract SERCO Technology Ltd. placed a sub-contract with the Harris Corporation.

  Porton Down
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many animal experiments were carried out at Porton Down in the last year for which figures are available. [111940]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 1 March 2000]This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Executive Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.Letter from Sir John Chisholm to Mr. Norman Baker, dated 7 March 2000:
  I have been asked to reply to your question about the number of animal experiments carried out at Porton Down in the last year for which figures are available.
  In 1999, the number of procedures undertaken using animals at DERA's Chemical and Biological Defence Sector at Porton Down was 11501 (1 animal = I procedure; but note that individual animals may take part in several procedures). This figure reflects the information provided to the Home Office.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Duke of York's Royal Military School
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Duke of York's Royal Military School for 1998–99 which (i) were and (ii) were not achieved, giving the factors affecting the outcome in each case and (b) action taken by the agency to improve target achievement performance in 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [111771]
  634W
  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Duke of York's Royal Military School Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the "right" hon. and learned Member.Letter from J. A. Cummings to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 7 March 2000:
  I am replying to your Question to Secretary of State for Defence about (a) those targets of the Duke of York's Royal Military School for 1998–99 which (i) were and (ii) were not achieved, giving the factors affecting the outcome in each case and (b) action taken by the agency to improve target achievement performance in 1999–2000; as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of this Agency. A copy of the 98–99 Corporate and Management Plan which contains these targets is held in the House Library.
  (a) (i) The Key Targets that were achieved in 1998/99 are as follows:
  Key Target 2
  To achieve 5 or more GCSE passes at grades A* to C to 78% of candidates. Achievement was 90.1% exceeding target by 12.1%.
  Key Target 3
  To achieve 88% of A levels passes at grades A to E. Achievement was 95.2% exceeding target by 7.2%.
  Key Target 4
  To achieve 3 or more A level passes at grade A to E for 80% of candidates. Achievement was 81.8% exceeding target by 1.8%.
  Key Target 6
  To achieve 100% GNVQ Advanced BTEC National Diploma passes. Achievement was 100%.
  Key Target 7
  To achieve places in higher education for 70% of sixth form leavers. Achievement was 85% exceeding target by 15%.
  Key Target 8
  To achieve a pupil per capita cost of no more than £13,151. Achievement was £11,020, £2.131 less than target.
  Key Target 9
  To generate income of at least £452,000. Achievement £492,000, £40,000 in excess of the target.
  Key Target 10
  To achieve at least 260 applications for September 1999 intake. Achievement was 294.
  (ii) Key Targets that were not achieved in 1998/99 are as follows:
  Key Target 1
  To Achieve 100% of GCSE passes at A* to G target was 100%. Achievement was 99.86%. This reflected one candidate who did not complete all of the assessment requirements for one subject being upgraded in that subject. 737 other subject entries were graded in the range A* to G with a total of 89.30% being graded in the range A-C.
  Key Target 5
  To achieve 34% of A Level passes at grades A to B. Achievement was 31.9%. The percentage of A and B grades achieved reflected credit on that cohort of students. Unfortunately, the cohort as a whole was less able than in 97–98, nevertheless this was an improvement on 96–97.
  (b) The Agency's Key Targets (KTs) are reviewed annually by the Board of HM Commissioners for the school and the Adjutant General's staff, to ensure targets are taut, realistic and demanding. The annual targets set for the School's academic performance (KTI-6) show an increase each year. As part of the exercise to seek

  635W
  better performance targets are cascaded to Heads of Department allowing them to take more ownership. However, academic performance is dependant on pupil ability. Recognising this we will be considering alternative ways of measuring performance on the basis of the 'value added' by the school to the pupil. In line with the continuing drive for efficiency, the School's per capita rate and the income generation target is kept constantly under review.

  Defence Sales Agency
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Defence Sales Agency for 1998–99 which (i) were and (ii) were not achieved, giving the factors affecting the outcome in each case and (b) action taken by the agency to improve target achievement performance in 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [111770]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Disposal Sales Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the "right" hon. and learned Member.

  Letter from Mr. A. J. S. Taylor to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 7 March 2000:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the Disposal Sales Agency's (DSA) targets for 1998/99 and 1999/2000 as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the DSA.
  The key targets for the financial year 1998/99 and the percentage achieved are listed as follows:

  Key Target 1
  To achieve disposal sales income of £30M from Government to Government sales of surplus capital equipment and stores-73% achieved.

  Key Target 2
  To achieve disposal sales income of £30M from commercial sales of MOD's surplus items—93% achieved.

  Key Target 3
  To extend the Agency's disposal services to other public sector organisations and to secure an additional £1M of sales income as a result—Achieved.

  Key Target 4
  To develop, contract for, and introduced new IT systems by 31 March 1999, taking account of the Year 2000 requirements for equipment and software—Achieved.

  Key Target 5
  To put in place the mechanisms fully to test the level of customer satisfaction for the Agency's services, and those services provided by its appointed contractors—Achieved.

  Key Target 6
  To reduce the unit cost of generating £1M of sales to £65,000 from a baseline figure of £90,500 achieved in 1994/95—Achieved.

  %

  Description

  1998–99 target

  1998–99 performance

  Percentage improvement in SPS services identified by customers (baseline 1997)

  20

  20

  Percentage of SPS reports delivered within agreed date

  90

  92.1

  Percentage of Asset Accounting Centre (AAC) core accounts audited

  96

  97.6

  Percentage of AAC major accounts audited

  66

  73.8

  Percentage of Category A and B equipment projects for which cost forecasting advice will be available

  93

  96

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  In an increasingly competitive marketplace, which was subjected to shrinking national defence budgets, only a relatively few nations have a real interest in large second-hand capital equipment and therefore demand was not widespread.
  In 1998/99 the DSA operated in a depressed market particularly for major platform sales—this was not only in economic terms as sales opportunities had also been lost because of political events, changing operational requirements and security considerations outside the Agency's control or sphere of influence. Sales targets have traditionally been the major Key Targets of the Agency over the last 5 years. In that time the Agency has surpassed its targets by a 10% margin (£370M as compared to cumulative 5-year target of £335M). In year variances, however, do occur. Estimating sales receipts, based inevitably on limited and shifting information from the three Services, together with the sometimes incomplete conditional state of the surplus equipment when it is declared for sale and set against unknown market conditions is far from an exact science.
  The Key Targets for 1999/2000 are listed below:

  Key Target 1
  To achieve disposal sales income of £66M from sales of surplus Government owned equipment and stores.

  Key Target 2
  To reduce the unit cost of generating £1M of sales to £62,500 from a baseline of £90,500 achieved in 1994–95.

  Key Target 3
  To undertake customer satisfaction surveys designed to identify key issues and priorities, measure perceptions and expectations, and to communicate results and benefits of actions taken to the Agency's customer base.
  Further information on the DSA can be found in the DSA Annual Report and Accounts 1998/99, a copy of which was laid before the Houses on 22nd July 1999. Targets for performance for 1999/2000 were printed on 26th October 1999 (Official Report, columns 767/768).

  Specialist Procurement Services
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Specialist Procurement Services for 1998–99 which (i) were and (ii) were not achieved, giving the factors affecting the outcome in each case and (b) action taken by the agency to improve target achievement performance in 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [111736]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the "right" hon. and learned Member.

  Letter from J. W. Howe to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 7 March 2000:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the targets of the Specialist Procurement Services (SPS) for 1998–99. You asked (a) which targets (i) were and (ii) were not achieved, giving the factors affecting the outcome in each case and (b) action taken by the agency to improve target achievement performance in 1999–2000. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  (a) (i) The SPS targets for 1998–99, that were met or exceeded are as follows:

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  (a) (ii) There were no SPS Targets that were not met in the year 1998–99.
  As to part (b) of the question, SPS ceased to be an agency in its own "right" on the 31 March 1999 and was absorbed into the new Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) that was formed on 1 April 1999. It has nevertheless been working to targets which require continuous improvement and which it is on course to meet.

  Naval Bases and Supply Agency
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Naval Bases and Supply Agency for 1998–99 which (i) were and (ii) were not achieved, giving the factors affecting the outcome in each case and (b) action taken by the agency to improve target achievement performance in 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [111751]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Naval Bases and Supply Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the "right" hon. and learned Member.

  Letter from M. A. Westgate to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 7 March 2000:
  Thank you for your Parliamentary Question Reference 1157K addressed to the Secretary of State for Defence, seeking information on the Naval Bases and Supply Agency's (NBSA) Key Targets (KTs). As this falls within my responsibility as Deputy Chief Executive of the NBSA I have been asked to reply.
  The NBSA had eight KTs for 1998/99, five of which were achieved or were on track, and three which were not. Details are below, including the factors affecting performance, and the actions taken to achieve improvement in the future:
  Achieved Targets

  KT1:
  Complete 95% of the Fleet Time Maintenance Loading Programme (FTMLP) to time, budget and standard—achieved 98%

  KT2:
  Complete 95% of the Maintenance Requirement agreed at Assisted Maintenance Period (AMP) start date to time, budget and standard—achieved 96%

  KT3:
  Utilise the Fleet Time Maintenance Loading Programme to establish the baseline for the NBSA Shipwork element of the overall cost per Materially Available Vessel Day (a Ships Support Agency target), and then set targets for reduction—achieved/on track

  KT4:
  Supply 95% of available material to rectify high priority (Al-B1) Operational Defects within Required Delivery Dates—achieved 97.5%

  KT5:
  Establish the Agency Account via the CAPITAL Project, including the provision of an Executive Information System to meet business requirements, by March 2000—on track
  Targets not achieved

  KT6:
  To move towards Year 2000 IS compliance by completing 100% of Y2K compliance plans by 30 June 1998—not achieved
  The ambitious start date of 30 June 1998 was not met. By end September 1999, NBSA had achieved 100% of systems prepared and ready. The Agency survived Y2K without problems.

  KT7:
  Achieve year on year Efficiency improvement of 2.2%—not achieved
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  This target equated to an expected cash saving of £11M at 1998/99 prices. The actual saving achieved was £10M (2%). The main factors for the shortfall were delays in staff savings due to building and IT projects not completing on time, and delays in signing NBSA supplier sub-contracts with industry, which will provide income in future.

  KT8:
  Achieve full accreditation of Investor in People by December 1999—not achieved
  At the end of 1998/99 the Agency was on target to achieve IiP by December 1999. This KT was carried forward to 1999/00. At December 1999 76% of NBSA personnel were working in IiP accredited units, but five units had still not achieved IiP accreditation. The new Departmental target for deferred units is 31 March 2000.
  The NBSA produced an Annual Report and Statement of Accounts for 1998/99 and copies were lodged with the House of Commons Library.
  I trust this fully explains the situation to you.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Temporary Field Accommodation has been fully deployed in Kosovo; and if he will make a statement. [113190]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]Temporary Field Accommodation has not yet been fully deployed in Kosovo. The main causes of the delay were set out in my hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces' answer of 18 January 2000,Official Report, column 397W. Camps are, however, now starting to be occupied. In the meantime, improved tented camps have been made available which provide a good interim enhancement to accommodation standards.

  Alma Dettigen Barracks Site
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contract or memorandum of agreement his Department has signed with Barratts or another developer in relation to Alma Dettigen Barracks site, Deepcut, Surrey; when this was signed; for what reason no information about this was given to locally elected representatives or the hon. Member; if he will place a copy in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [113515]

  Dr. Moonie
  The contracts for the sale of the former Alma Dettigen Barracks, Deepcut near Camberley, Surrey to Barratt Homes were exchanged on 3 March 2000. Completion is expected on 17 March 2000. The purchaser requested, on commercial grounds, that details of the negotiations and the contractual agreements remain confidential. Accordingly, I am withholding this information under Exemption 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Radiation Monitoring
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many personnel were involved in staff safety monitoring at(a) Rosyth and (b) Faslane in each of the last five years. [112845]

  Dr. Moonie
  At HM Naval Base Clyde (Faslane), the Health Physics Group is complemented with 16 staff who have direct responsibility for undertaking safety
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  monitoring. Health Physics Group resources are supplemented by trained monitoring staff on-board submarines. Numbers have remained fairly constant over the last five years.

  All nuclear safety matters relating to Rosyth Royal Dockyard are a matter for Babcock Rosyth Defence Ltd., the owners of the Dockyard. It is a condition of their contract with the MOD that they must comply with all nuclear safety regulations.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what radioactive monitoring processes exist at(a) Rosyth and (b) Faslane for staff at work and for checking staff on completion of their duties; what equipment is used to carry out these checks; if he will list the safety equipment which is more than (i) one year old, (ii) three years old, (iii) five years old and (iv) 10 years old; which organisation is responsible for safety checks for staff and for monitoring equipment used; and what role he has in reviewing and overseeing staff safety at the sites. [112848]

  Dr. Moonie
  All nuclear safety matters relating to Rosyth Royal Dockyard are a matter for Babcock Rosyth Defence Limited, the owners of the Dockyard. It is a condition of their contract with the MOD that they must comply with all nuclear safety regulations.

  All personnel working in designated areas onboard submarines, in the Active Processing Facility and the Nuclear Repair Workshop at HM Naval Base Clyde (Faslane) are monitored for radioactive contamination on completion of their work with Electra ratemeters and BP7 probes. Additionally, those working in the Active Processing Facility and the Nuclear Repair Workshop are monitored using the IPM-7 type radiation detector.

  The Electra ratemeters and BP7 probes are more than one-year-old. The IPM-7 type radiation detectors are more than five-years-old. No radiation monitoring equipment is more than 10-years-old.

  The monitoring of personnel and the calibration of instruments are carried out by Health Physics staff from Faslane's Department of Engineering. The Director of Safety and Quality audits these safety procedures. The Chairman of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme also audits nuclear safety under his programme of site authorisation, which minors nuclear licensing carried out by the Health and Safety Executive's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII). The NII also reviews nuclear-related health and safety under the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the safety of Mk 10 radiation monitors with BP 3 Geiger Muller glass probes; if he will list the areas where their use is authorised; and if he will state his policy on the replacement of Mk 10 with BP 3 probes, by a more modern replacement system. [112846]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Mk 10 Radiation Monitor and BP10 probe are approved instruments for use by the Royal Navy. The BP10 probe is a military version of the commercially available BP3 probe. I am not aware of any written safety assessment for the Mk 10 Radiation 640W
  Monitor used with the BP10 probe but their use is subject to full calibration procedures in accordance with statutory requirements.

  While the Mk 10 Radiation Monitor and BP10 probe are still approved instruments for use on-board HM submarines, they are not routinely used for contamination monitoring of personnel in HM Naval Bases. The preferred instrument for personal contamination monitoring in Naval Bases Clyde and Devonport is the Electra ratemeter and BP7 probe.

  A specialist section within MOD is actively seeking a suitable replacement for the Mk 10 Radiation Monitor and BP10 probe for use on-board HM submarines.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many IPM-7 radiation detectors are in use in(a) Rosyth and (b) Faslane; what is his policy on the use of IPM-7 radiation detectors for safety checks on staff at Rosyth and Faslane; and if he will make a statement on differences in the safety procedures for monitoring staff between Rosyth and Faslane. [112847]

  Dr. Moonie
  At Faslane the 2 IPM-7 type radiation detectors are used for secondary monitoring for personnel working in the Active Processing Facility and the Nuclear Repair Workshop. For work in reactor compartments on submarines the routine is for personnel to be monitored with the Electra ratemeter and BP7 probe. Should any contamination be found by the Electra ratemeter, personnel are then re-checked with the IPM-7 radiation detectors.

  All nuclear safety matters relating to Rosyth Royal Dockyard are a matter for Babcock Rosyth Defence Limited, the owners of the Dockyard. It is a condition of their contract with the MOD that they must comply with all nuclear safety regulations.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to introduce secondary monitoring of staff at Faslane; what secondary monitoring procedures are in place at(a) Rosyth and (b) Devonport; and if he will make a statement. [112843]

  Mr. Spellar
  At HM Naval Base Clyde (Faslane) staff working in the Active Processing Facility and the Nuclear Repair Workshop are already protected through routine secondary monitoring.

  All nuclear safety matters relating to the Royal Dockyards at Rosyth and Devonport are a responsibility of the owners of the Dockyards: Babcock Rosyth Defence Limited and Devonport Management Limited respectively. It is a condition of their contracts with the MOD that they must comply with all nuclear safety regulations.

  Container Ships
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's plans to procure four new roll-on roll-off container ships. [110652]

  Dr. Moonie
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 29 February 2000,Official Report, columns 207–08W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Dunfermline, West, (Ms Squire).

  Atomic Weapons Establishment
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will reassess the decision to award the management contract for the Atomic Weapons Establishment to the British Nuclear Fuels-led consortium from 1 April. [112356]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answers given by the Secretary of State for Defence on 21 February 2000,Official Report, columns 1223–24, to my hon. Friend the Member for Reading, West (Mr. Salter) and the hon. Member for Newbury (Mr. Rendle).

  Establishment

  Town

  Personnel complement

  (a) County of Somerset

  Army Careers Information Office

  Taunton

  4

  Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, Royal Ordnance Factory

  Bridgwater

  42

  Royal Naval Air Station, Yeovilton

  Yeovil

  3,829

  Hydrographic Department

  Taunton

  855

  Somerset South Avon Wing Air Training Corps

  Taunton

  3

  Light Infantry Office (Somerset)

  Taunton

  3

  40 Royal Marine Commando and Norton Manor Camp

  Taunton

  610

  Territorial Army Centre

  Taunton

  9

  Territorial Army Centre

  Bridgwater

  8

  Territorial Army Centre

  Yeovil

  1

  Defence Procurement Agency, Westland Helicopter Ltd. Team

  Yeovil

  8

  Defence Procurement Agency, Special Procurement Services Office

  Yeovil

  23

  Civilian Personnel Management

  Taunton

  10

  (b) Yeovil constituency:

  Defence Procurement Agency, Westland Helicoptor Ltd. Team

  Yeovil

  8

  Defence Procurement Agency, Special Procurement Services Office

  Yeovil

  23

  Territorial Army

  Yeovil

  1

  (i) The Civilian Personnel Management Taunton is due to close on 31 March 2000 and the Territorial Army centre Bridgwater is due to close on 30 June 2000.
  (ii) Current plans to change the manning of establishments in Yeovil constituency and the County of Somerset are set out as follows:
  With effect from 2003, 513 military posts, 16 civilian posts and 60 contractors will transfer from RNAS Yeovilton to RAF Wittering and Cottesmore, as a result of the creation of Joint Force 2000;
  With effect from 30 June 2000, 30 civilian staff will transfer from DERA Bridgwater to DERA Porton Down as part of DERA's programme to integrate capabilities.
  With effect from April 2000 there will be a requirement for 16 military personnel at RNAS Yeovilton, due to a switch from Army to Navy maintenance regulations.

  RMPA Programme
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement on the recovery of liquidated damages for late delivery in the renegotiation of replacement maritime patrol aircraft contracts; [112472]

  (2) what penalty clauses were included in contracts placed as part of the Replacement Maritime Patrol Aircraft programme since 1995; and if he will make a statement; [112471]

  (3) what were the conclusions of the Critical Design Review of the Replacement Maritime Patrol Aircraft programme; what action has been taken as a result of each recommendation; and if he will make a statement; [112470]

  Military Establishments
  Mr. Ashdown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the military establishments within(a) Somerset and (b) Yeovil constituency, showing in each case the personnel complement; if he will set out the plans to change the (i) number and (ii) menning of such establishments; and if he will make a statement. [110793]

  Mr. Speller
  The Ministry of Defence (MOD) establishment within(a) the county of Somerset and (b) Yeovil constituency are as listed. The personnel complement at each establishment is also given.

  (4) if he will list the terms and conditions of the renegotiated contract with British Aerospace for the RMPA programme, indicating which ones, and for what reason, differ from those in the 1996 contract; and if he will make a statement; [112469]

  (5) what technical and programme factors led to the in-service date slippage of the RMPA project to 2005; and if he will make a statement; [112468]

  (6) if he will provide a summary of the costs of the Replacement Maritime Patrol Aircraft Programme including development and production costs, in particular (a) costs arising as a result of delays to the planned in-service date of the RMPA and (b) the reasons for cost variation since the original RMPA contract was placed; and if he will make a statement. [112467]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 2 March 2000]This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from J. W. Howe to Mr. Paul Keetch, dated 7 March 2000:
  I am replying to your six questions to the Secretary of State for Defence about the Nimrod MRA4 programme (previously known as the Replacement Maritime Patrol Aircraft). This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  You asked about the cost of the Nimrod MRA4 programme. Overall project costs are estimated at £2317M (at 1999/00 prices), a reduction of £92M (on the same price base) on the estimated costs at MoD Approval in August 1996, prior to contract placement in December that year. The reduction is due primarily to the renegotiation of the contract in early 1999, which included changes

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  in risk assessment and recovery of Liquidated Damages (LD). The additional run-on costs on the existing Nimrod MR2 (up to its currently planned out of service date) consequent on the slippage in delivery of Nimrod MRA4 are offset by the reduction in the cost of operating Nimrod MRA4 over the same period.
  You asked also about the nature of technical and programme factors which led to the slippage of the ISD to 2005. As the Minister made clear when he announced the slippage BAe Operations Ltd. (now known as BAE SYSTEMS) experienced technical difficulties with the development of new information technology toolsets, particularly in the area of design and concurrent engineering, and difficulty in resourcing this complex aircraft project. Additionally, the acquisition of the necessary software tools took longer than anticipated and the company faced particular difficulties in applying new information to the design of the aircraft.
  In three of your questions you asked about contract terms and conditions and the differences in the renegotiated contract, in particular penalty clauses and the recovery of Liquidated Damages. It is not practical or meaningful to list all the terms and conditions of the renegotiated contract here. But the main features related to programme timescales which resulted in the slippage of the in-service date (ISD) from April 2003 to March 2005, changes to the contract specification to clear up ambiguities, operationally acceptable reductions in specification and benefits in through life support. The MoD also secured a revised Variation of Price (VOP) formula whereby our commitment to pay inflation over nine years of the contract period is greatly reduced. In addition, we secured BAE SYSTEMS' commitment to integrate the Active Search Sonobuoy System during the main aircraft programme and so deliver an active search capability at ISD. Liquidated Damages will also be recovered from BAE SYSTEMS for delayed contract deliverables and a new Liquidated Damages provision was negotiated to protect against further delays.
  Your final question related to the recent Critical Design Review (CDR). The Air Vehicle Critical Design Review for the Nimrod MRA4 was held at the end of September 1999. There were 34 time-bound actions placed at the review which have all now been completed, signifying that a major engineering design milestone for the Nimrod MRA4 Air Vehicle is complete: thus far the aircraft has met the revised programme milestones.

  Defence Exports Services Organisation
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the budget of the Defence Exports Services Organisation for(a) the past two years, (b) the current year and (c) the next two years. [112548]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 2 March 2000]Actual cash expenditure on the DESO budget for the last two years has been:

  £million

  Expenditure

  Receipts

  Net operating costs

  1997–98

  55.810

  41.430

  14.380

  1998–99

  45.290

  29.280

  16.010

  Serial

  Description of key target

  Performance

  KT3

  To exceed 90% of customers' perceived satisfaction of requirements

  Not Achieved. The Agency achieved a score of 87% overall customer satisfaction in an independent survey, missing the testing target by only 3%. There were many positive comments, all indicating a customer perception that DCTA had improved availability, fitness for purpose and communication during the period. Further development of the helpdesk, communication, shorter pipeline times and maintained improvement of product availability were the major lessons learned, from which several business initiatives have been implemented by FY 99/00. A more detailed Customer survey is being conducted in the present year (FY 99/00) to assess the impact of these initiatives.

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  Forecast cash expenditure on the DESO budget this year is:

  £million

  Expenditure

  Receipts

  Net operating costs

  1999–2000

  45.225

  32.807

  12.418

  The DESO budget has not yet been set for later years.

  These net operating costs are more than offset by benefits to the Defence budget, estimated at over £400 million a year, arising from DESO's activities. These benefits include an overall reduction in overhead costs for UK Procurement as a result of export orders, and receipts from Commercial Exploitation Levy and disposal of surplus MOD equipment.

  Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency for 1998–99 which (i) were and (ii) were not achieved, giving the factors affecting the outcome in each case and (b) action taken by the agency to improve target achievement performance in 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [111731]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the "right" hon. and learned Member.

  Letter from M. J. Roycroft to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 7 March 2000:
  You asked the Secretary of State for Defence to list the targets for the Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency (DCTA) for 1998–99 which were and were not achieved, together with the factors affecting the outcome and the action taken by the Agency to improve target achievement performance in 1999–2000. As Chief Executive of DCTA, I have been asked by the Secretary of State to furnish a reply.
  The 1998/99 Key Targets were announced in the House of Commons on 8 April 1998. A summary of the Agency's achievement against these appears in the DCTA Annual Report and Accounts 1998/99 that was published in July 1999. Copies are available in the House of Commons Library.
  All Key Targets were met, apart from Key Target 3 which was "to exceed 90% of customers' perceived satisfaction of requirements." In a Customer Survey in December 1998 by the Defence Analytical Services Agency (DASA) on DCTA's behalf, the Agency scored 87%—missing the target by 3%. Notwithstanding that the target was missed and that we continued to try to improve, 87% is an extremely high achievement by industry standards. Further details are in Annex A.
  Measures taken during 1999–2000 to attempt to improve performance against Key Targets include the further development of DCTA's helpdesk, shorter pipeline times, enhanced availability, and continued improved communications with our customers, to ensure we are providing the quality and quantity of items which they require.
  I trust this response will answer your questions satisfactorily.

  Defence Dental Agency
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Defence Dental Agency for 1998–99 which (i) were and (ii) were not achieved, giving the factors affecting the outcome in each case and (b) action taken by the agency to improve target achievement performance in 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [111733]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Dental Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the "right" hon. and learned Member.

  Letter from I. G. McIntyre to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 7 March 2000:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence concerning the 1998–99 achievement against targets as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive for the Defence Dental Agency.
  The Key Targets published for 1998–99 are listed below.

  Key Target 1:
  From within available personnel resources, achieve 100% of required professional and military trained personnel, at the specified readiness for deployment in support of the National Contingency Force.

  Key Target 2:
  To achieve an overall increase in dental fitness to 75% for Service personnel.

  Key Target 3:
  Measures are to be implemented to target dental treatment towards clinical priority groups leading to a zero increase in the Treatment Needs performance indicator.

  Key Target 4:
  To reduce the percentage of failed appointments with Dental Officers and the time wasted by such failures by 10%. To reduce the percentage of failed appointments with Dental Hygienists and the time wasted by such failures by 25%.

  Key Target 5:
  To limit the number of personnel in dental fitness category D4 (not inspected for 12 months or more) to 15% of the total service population.

  Key Target 6:
  To achieve a success rate for Dental Support Specialists training of 95% of the requirement which is determined by single Service manning supply.
  Of these targets 4 were achieved but Key Targets 2 and 4 were not met.
  For Key Target 2 the overall level of dental fitness achieved at the end of the reporting year was 72%. When the target was set, as had been previously recognised for 1997/99, we were not resourced to meet this target for the Army. It was therefore set as a purely "aspirational target". In 1999–2000 the aim is to maintain an agreed level of fitness as may be decided by mutual agreement with each of the Agency's three single Service customers.
  For Key Target 4 it was recognised that this parameter was not wholly or even primarily within the control of the Defence Dental Agency and this target does not therefore feature in the 1999–2000 targets set for the Agency.

  Logistics Information Services Agency
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Logistics Information Services agency for 1998–99 which (i) were and (ii) were not achieved, giving the factors affecting
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  the outcome in each case and (b) action taken by the agency to improve target achievement performance in 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [111768]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Logistic Information Systems Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the "right" hon. and learned Member.

  Letter from P. A. Flanagan to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 7 March 2000]:

  1. I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about Key Targets in 1998/99 and 1999/00 as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Logistic Information Systems Agency (LISA).

  2. Much of the information requested is contained in the Annual Report and Accounts 1998/99 (HC688), a copy of which is in the Library of the House. However, for clarity, it is repeated below.

  3. Your first question asked about those targets for 1998–99 which were, and were not, achieved, giving the factors affecting the outcome in each case. The details for this are as follows;

  a. The first Key Target was, "To deliver the agreed levels of service within budget levels defined by the customer". This target was achieved.

  b. The second Key Target was, "To achieve a reduction in unit cost of 3% by April 1999". This target was also achieved.

  c. The third Key Target was in three parts, that is, "To improve delivery performance to customer requirements such that".

  i. "95% of Requests For Change are assessed within 7 days". This target was not achieved. Measures taken to reduce assessment intervals included an increase in the number of Personal Computers with access to RED BOX (the Service Management tool-set) and associated training programme to educate LISA Customer Service Managers in the effective use of the package in the progression of RFCs. These measures, together with the identification and elimination of bottlenecks in the process, secured a very substantial improvement in performance from 67.21% in the previous year achieving 92.6% by the end of March 1999. Actions taken to improve target achievement performance in 1999/00 include exploitation of new features offered by the latest release of RED BOX, and a continuation of the RED BOX training programme. The latter has the objective of improving use and perception of the package and increasing its acceptance throughout the Agency as a significant means of improving performance.

  ii. The average period required for Request for Change authorisation is reduced by 10%. This target was achieved.

  iii. "85% of Requests For Change are moved from the Tasking Phase to the Implementation Phase within 90 days". This target was achieved.

  4. In addition, a new, and significant, means to improve performance is the implementation of Resource Accounting and Budgeting (RAB). As a result of this, Customer-Supplier Agreements are being used to enable the customers themselves to define the outputs required from the Agency. For example, this has enabled LISA to develop one of the targets from one of unit cost to one that now commit the Agency to delivering requirements defined by the customers, but at 97% of the cost of the Agreement to which the customer has agreed and contracted.

  Defence Analytical Services Agency
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Defence Analytical Services Agency for 1998–99 which (i) were and (ii) were not achieved, giving the factors affecting the outcome in each case and (b) action taken by the agency to improve target achievement performance in 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [111727]
  647W
  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Analytical Services Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the "right" hon. and learned Member.

  Letter from C. Youngson to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 7 March 2000:
  I am replying to your question to the Under Secretary of State for Defence asking for the target performances of the Defence Analytical Services Agency for 1998–99 and improved target achievement performance in 1999–2000. As Chief Executive this falls within my area of responsibility.
  The 1998–1999 Key Targets for the Defence Analytical Services Agency were announced to Parliament by the then Minister for the Armed Forces on 19 May 1998 (Official Report, Column 330). As reported in the Agency's Annual Report and Accounts for 1998–1999, which were laid before Parliament and placed in the House of Commons Library on 26 July 1999 (Ref HC 700), all these Key Targets were met. For your information, I attach copies of the relevant pages of the Report. The Agency's Key Targets for 1999–2000 were also set out in the Annual Report and Accounts for 1998–1999 and announced to Parliament by the then Minister for the Armed Forces on 9 June 1999 (Official Report, Columns 322–333). The Agency's Owner, the Principal Finance Officer for the Ministry of Defence, sets these targets each year with the help of his Advisory Board, made up of all the Agency's major customers and members from outside the Ministry of Defence with a thorough understanding of the Agency's business. The Advisory Board agreed that the targets for 1999–2000 were an extremely challenging measure of business success. The Agency uses the Business Excellence Model to help ensure continuous improvement in all aspects of its business.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Biological and Chemical Weapons
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what measures have been put in place since July 1999 to protect British forces deployed overseas from attack by biological and chemical weapons; [112972]

  (2) what new equipment for detecting, identifying and monitoring biological and chemical hazards has been procured since the publication of his Department's paper, Defending against the Threat from Biological and Chemical Weapons. [112969]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]The Joint NBC Regiment, created as a result of the Strategic Defence Review, achieved an Interim Operational Capability last December. It provides, at very high readiness, a capability for biological detection, nuclear and chemical survey and decontamination. The Regiment has elements deployed to Kuwait manning the Prototype Biological Detection System protecting the airbase at Ali Al Salem.

  With regard to new equipment, since last summer three Interim Naval Biological Detection Systems have been accepted into service. We have also placed a manufacturing contract for chemical agent monitors which are designed to work inside a collective protection environment. User trials are due to take place this month and this equipment will be brought into service later this year. In addition, a contract has also been let for the manufacture of Man-portable Chemical Agent Detectors. Lastly, I refer the hon. Member to the answer which my "right" hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence gave him on 29 October 1999, Official Report, column 1005W.
  648W
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the military units involved in biological and chemical defence tasks; and what are the operating costs he is meeting in each case in the(a) current and (b) next financial year. [112971]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]The units dedicated to chemical and biological defence tasks are the Defence NBC Centre (comprising the Defence NBC Headquarters and the NBC School), the Joint NBC Regiment and the Royal Yeomanry.

  The provision made for the operating costs of these units in this financial years is:

  £ million

  Defence NBC Centre

  3.2

  Joint NBC Regiment

  5.0

  Royal Yeomanry

  1.9

  The budgets for financial year 2000–01 have not yet been finalised.

  Foden Thompson Carmichael MWD
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what factors underlay the decision not to authorise road use of the Foden Thompson Carmichael MWD within the UK. [111772]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]The MK1 version of the Foden Thompson Carmichael MWD was developed in 1995–96 to meet an urgent operational requirement in the Balkans. It is essentially a fuel tanker with a number of design features to improve its manoeuvrability in difficult terrain. The vehicle was exempted from full compliance with the Construction and Use Regulations under Schedule 1, Article 6 of The Motor Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) General Order 1979. This Order authorises the Secretary of State for Defence to use specified vehicles, notwithstanding that such vehicles do not comply in all respects with the requirements of the Construction and Use Regulations. The principal areas on non-compliance related to the absence of both a speed limiter and an anti-lock braking system (ABS). While these factors did not make the vehicle unsafe, the vehicles' lack of full compliance with UK legislation led to the decision not to authorise road use within the UK. A modification programme to bring all 34 MK1 vehicles up to full compliance has begun. All MK2 vehicles are fully compliant.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the arrangements for driver training for the Foden Thompson Carmichael MWD. [111828]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]Prior to 1998 the vehicle was deployed in the Balkans without any formal vehicle-specific driver training having taken place in the UK. Nominated drivers were, however, required to hold the necessary civilian licences and a Hazardous Materials qualification before being trained on the vehicle in the Balkans under the guidance of a qualified driving instructor and an experienced driver from an outgoing Unit. Since 1998, pre-deployment training on the MK1 vehicle has been carried out by qualified military driving instructors at the Army School of Petroleum at Westmoor
  649W
  in Dorset. Training on the MK2 is provided through a contract with Multidrive, the manufacturers of the vehicle. Further training and instruction continues to be given in-theatre in the Balkans by operators experienced in the vehicles' use in the local environment.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the accidents involving the Foden Thompson Carmichael MWD attributable to(a) mechanical failure, (b) driver error and (c) defective maintenance. [111774]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]No accidents involving the Foden Thompson Carmichael Multi Wheel Drive vehicle have been attributed to either mechanical failure or defective maintenance. Driver error has been assessed as a contributory factor in eleven accidents.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) fatalities and (b) other injuries have occurred in accidents involving the Foden Thompson Carmichael MWD. [111827]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]There have been three accidents involving the Foden Thompson Carmichael Multi Wheel Drive vehicle that have resulted in fatalities or injuries. The first, on 12 April 1996, resulted in serious injuries to two soldiers. The second, on 7 July 1997, resulted in the deaths of two soldiers. In the third accident, on 22 June 1998, a soldier suffered a slight injury. All three accidents occurred in Bosnia.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement regarding the mechanical problems experienced by units using the Foden Thompson Carmichael MWD. [111826]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]No significant mechanical problems have been experienced.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what problems have been identified with the(a) gearbox and (b) braking systems of the Foden Thompson Carmichael MWD. [111775]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]There is no evidence of any technical or mechanical problems with either the gearbox or the braking systems across the Foden Thompson Carmichael Multi Wheel Drive vehicle fleet. An inquiry following a fatal road traffic accident in 1997 raised a concern that there was a possibility for a clip within the vehicle's gearbox to become dislodged as a result of excessive wear. This might cause the gearbox to slip into neutral despite a gear being selected. A check was made across the fleet but no problems were discovered and no such occurrences have been reported. The accident inquiry concluded that there was no evidence that this was a contributory factor and concluded that there was insufficient evidence to establish conclusively the cause of the accident.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the safety record of the Foden Thompson Carmichael MWD. [111825]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]The vehicle has coped well in operations in arduous terrain and harsh weather conditions over the past three years.650W
  While the two serious accidents are extremely regrettable, the accident rate for this vehicle is not considered excessive. The vehicle continues to perform well and is considered safe in all regards.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the theatres where the Foden Thompson Carmichael MWD is deployed for operational use. [111773]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]The MWD is currently deployed to both Balkan theatres, Bosnia and Kosovo.

  Civilian Personnel (Scotland)
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of his Department's civilian personnel are employed in Scotland; where they are employed: how many are at each location; and which agencies employ them. [112857]

  Dr. Moonie
  There are 9,098 civilian personnel employed in Scotland. Details of where they are employed, how many are at each location and which agencies employ them are set out in the tables:

  Location

  Personnel compliment

  All Scotland

  9,098

  Aberdeen

  104

  Angus

  120

  Annandale

  11

  Argyll

  5

  Badenoch

  4

  Banff

  71

  Caithness

  5

  Clydebank

  35

  Cunninghame

  594

  Dumbarton

  3,001

  Dundee

  63

  Dunfermline

  703

  East Kilbride

  6

  East Lothian

  158

  Edinburgh

  324

  Ettrick

  1

  Falkirk

  2

  Glasgow

  1,745

  Hamilton

  1

  Inverclyde

  56

  Inverness

  55

  Kirkaldy

  1

  Kyle

  67

  Merrick

  20

  Midlothian

  95

  Monklands

  2

  Moray

  703

  Motherwell

  1

  North East Fife

  323

  Nithsdale

  3

  Orkney

  5

  Perth

  439

  Renfrew

  5

  Ross

  1

  Skye

  15

  Stewartry

  18

  Stirling

  273

  West Lothian

  3

  Western Is,

  14

  Zetland

  47

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  Agency

  Personnel compliment

  Non-Agency personnel (less Royal Fleet Auxiliary

  2,352

  UK Hydrographic Office

  3

  Meteorological Office

  157

  Service Childrens Education

  2

  Queen Victoria School

  68

  Defence Postal and Courier Service

  8

  Army Base Repair Organisation

  110

  Ministry of Defence Police

  870

  Naval Recruiting and Training Agency

  13

  RAF Training Group Defence Agency

  41

  Army Training and Recruiting Agency

  116

  Defence Communications Service Agency

  21

  Defence Estates

  79

  Naval Bases and Supplies Agency

  3,080

  Logistics Support Services

  83

  RAF Signals Engineering Establishment

  77

  Defence Clothing and Textile Agency

  1

  Defence Dental Agency

  11

  Medical Supply Agency

  6

  Army Personnel Centre

  1,130

  Ships Support Agency

  151

  Defence Vetting Agency

  6

  Defence Aviation Repair Agency

  350

  Defence Storage and Distribution Agency

  36

  Defence Housing Executive

  99

  Defence Procurement Agency

  227

  Notes:

  1. The data covers UK based permanent civilian personnel counted in the official Ministry of Defence civil service figures. It excludes UK based casual civilian personnel and permanent civilian personnel whose salaries are paid for, or reimbursed by, other non Ministry of Defence organisations such as NATO and USAF.

  2. The data excludes all Defence Evaluation and Research Agency staff on whom reliable location data is not available.

  3. Numbers will not always add up to the total MOD personnel in Scotland.

  Married Quarters (Scotland)
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many married quarters are available to forces families in Scotland; where they are; and what are their occupancy levels. [112837]

  Dr. Moonie
  800 properties are in the course of disposal leaving a working stock of 5,033 properties, 88.5 per cent. of which are occupied. The main locations are:Rosyth (152), Edinburgh (614), Helensburgh (464), Leuchars (621), Kinloss (810), Lossiemouth (761), Glasgow area (272) and other minor locations (760) giving 4,454 currently in occupation.

  HMS Spartan
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when HMS Spartan's refit will be completed; and when the vessel will be operational. [112838]

  Dr. Moonie
  HMS Spartan is planned to complete her refit in the summer of 2001 and to be operational, following trials, in early 2002.

  Clyde Naval Base
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of his Department's civilian personnel are employed(a) at HMNB Clyde, (b) at HMNB Clyde exclusively on maintaining and servicing nuclear
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  propelled submarines, (c) at HMNB Clyde exclusively on maintaining conventional surface vessels and (d) on work on both submarines and surface vessels. [112855]

  Mr. Spellar
  As at 29 February 2000, HMNB Clyde employed a total of 3,277 civilian personnel.

  The Department of Engineering within HMNB Clyde has 198 civilian staff who would be considered to be employed solely on maintaining and servicing both submarines and surface vessels. Due to the re-structuring of the Department in recent years and the flexibility of the workforce that now exists, all would be expected to maintain and service both submarines and surface vessels, to some extent, as might be required.

  For the reasons stated above it is not possible to give a definitive answer to the split of tasks between surface vessels and submarines.

  Faslane
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the maximum number of surface vessels that were accommodated at Faslane at any one time in the past five years; what were the types and numbers of vessels accommodated on that occasion; and when that was. [112856]

  Dr. Moonie
  On 6 June 1999, there were 30 surface ships accommodated at HM Naval Base Clyde (Faslane). They were:

  Two in number Invincible class aircraft carriers

  Two in number Destroyers/Frigates

  12 in Minor War vessels

  Six Fast patrol craft

  One Castle class offshore patrol vessel

  Four P2000 class patrol boats

  Three Support vessels.

  Costs
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what are the costs of salaries for all his Department's civilians in Scotland, by agency and in total; [112853]

  (2) what were the total costs of each of the defence installations, including operating costs, maintenance and civilian and services salaries, in the last year for which figures are available. [112934]

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

  Depleted Uranium
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many veterans he expects to be tested for depleted uranium; what will be the cost; and if he will make a statement. [112968]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]To address Gulf veterans' concerns, on 8 September 1999, the Ministry of Defence offered to arrange independent testing for Depleted Uranium to those Gulf veterans who had their urine tested for Depleted Uranium in Canada. This offer must not be taken as an indication that the Ministry of Defence believes veterans do have high levels of Depleted Uranium in their bodies. Rather it is
  653W
  something the Ministry of Defence would like to do so that we can move forward from a firm scientific basis. A draft protocol under which this testing will take place is with veterans' representatives for comment. If it is agreed, we believe that approximately 30 veterans would be eligible for testing. My Department estimates that the cost of obtaining and testing a sample of veteran's urine will be approximately £3,500 per person, excluding Ministry of Defence overheads.

  RAF Yearbook
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what editorial control the MoD Publications Clearance Branch exercises over the Royal Air Force Yearbook. [112451]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 1 March 2000]The Publications Clearance Branch (Air) does not exercise direct editorial control over the RAF Yearbook. However, contributions to the Yearbook from serving personnel are subject to the normal publications clearance procedure laid down in Queen's Regulations. This requires them to submit potential articles for clearance to the Publications Clearance Branch (Air) in advance of publication.

  The Director of Corporate Communications (RAF) also co-operates very closely with the RAF Benevolent Fund during the production of the Yearbook and will see all the text before publication.

  ASRAAM
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the integration of ASRAAM missiles into Jaguar GR3A to be completed; and if he will make a statement. [112436]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 1 March 2000]Following an assessment of the cost effectiveness and operational benefits of this project, we have decided not to proceed with integration of the ASRAAM onto Jaguar GR3A.

  Asbestos-related Diseases
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total number of service personnel diagnosed to be suffering with asbestosis or asbestos-related diseases in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and how many deaths occurred in each service branch from asbestos-related diseases over the same period. [113327]

  Mr. Spellar
  Since 1 January 1995 there have been no serving service personnel who died or have been reported as having been diagnosed with asbestosis or asbestos-related disease in the last five years.

  HMS Cambridge
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out his proposals for the future of HMS Cambridge, near Plymouth. [111254]

  Mr. Spellar
  Following the cessation of shore-based live firing training from HMS Cambridge due to increased use of computer simulation, my Department has been undertaking a detailed study into the future of the establishment. I have not yet received advice on 654W
  the findings of the study and have taken no decisions about the future of HMS Cambridge, but hope to be in a position to do so in the next few months. Any decision will be subject to formal consultation in the usual way.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many questions to his Department tabled for written answer on a named day during the session 1998–99 were answered(a) on the named day, (b) within one week of a named day, (c) within one month of a named day, (d) within three months of a named day and (e) after three months of a named day. [106480]

  Dr. Moonie
  During the Session 1998–99, 1,004 questions were tabled to my Department for written answer on a named day. Of this total, 552 were answered on the named day, 834 were answered within one week of a named day, 983 were answered within one month of a named day and 994 were answered within three months of a named day. All 1,004 were answered after three months.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Court Closures and Amalgamations
  Mr. Gamier
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many, and which(a) county courts and (b) magistrates courts in England and Wales have been closed since 1 February 1994, indicating the date of each closure; how many and which justices benches in England and Wales have been amalgamated since 1 February 1994, indicating the date of each amalgamation; what were the financial savings achieved by the above closures and amalgamations, identifying the effect in financial terms for the relevant police force, legal representation costs and witness expenses. [112772]

  Jane Kennedy
  Lists of(a) county court and (b) magistrates court closures, and (c) justices bench amalgamations are as set out.

  (a) The list of county court closures and the following paragraph have been supplied by the Chief Executive of the Court Service. Fifty-five county courts in England and Wales have been closed or amalgamated since 1 February 1994. The financial savings to the Court Service are in terms of rent and accommodation charges, running costs such as staff salaries, telephone, postage, maintenance of buildings and judicial expense. There have been no savings in financial terms in respect of police forces as this is not relevant to the county courts. The Lord Chancellor does not keep statistics on what representation costs or witness expenses may have been saved through county court closures. Precise figures on all the savings accruing from county court closures since 1994 are not specifically kept by the Court Service. However, a broad conservative estimate of accommodation charges saved and general running costs would indicate a minimum saving of £6,000,000 over the six year period.

  (b) Eighty-one magistrates courts have been closed in England and Wales since September 1995.

  Magistrates courthouses are owned or leased by the paying authority on behalf of the magistrates courts service. They are not Crown property. The Lord Chancellor's

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  Department has conducted an annual survey of magistrates courthouses since 1995, but holds no records prior to that date.

  (c) Since 1 February 1994, in England and Wales, 181 justices benches (or petty sessions areas) have been amalgamated to form 78 new justices benches.

  Under the provisions of the Justices of the Peace Act 1997, Magistrates Courts Committees are responsible for the provision of an efficient and effective service to court users. When determining the future of its courthouses, it is for each Committee to identify the scope of its own criteria for the number and location of magistrates courts within its area and the possible financial savings. The financial saving achieved by the closures and amalgamations is not collected centrally and could be obtained only from each Magistrates Courts Committee at a disproportionate cost.

  (a)County Courts closed since April 1994

  County Court

  Date of closure

  Devizes

  1 April 1994

  Frome

  1 April 1994

  Clacton

  5 April 1994

  Sevenoaks

  5 April 1994

  Sheerness

  5 April 1994

  Sudbury

  5 April 1994

  Bangor

  4 July 1994

  Portmadog

  4 July 1994

  Stroud

  4 July 1994

  Stockton-on-Tees

  2 November 1994

  Lampeter

  5 December 1994

  Launceston

  5 December 1994

  Liskeard

  5 December 1994

  Ellesmere Port

  5 December 1994

  Axminster and Chard

  5 December 1994

  Shaftesbury

  5 December 1994

  Amersham

  9 January 1995

  Wisbech

  29 September 1995

  Market Drayton

  27 October 1995

  Brentwood

  29 December 1995

  Bargoed

  29 December 1995

  Barry

  29 December 1995

  Cardigan

  29 December 1995

  Llandrindod Wells

  29 December 1995

  Otley

  2 January 1996

  Alfreton

  16 February 1996

  Ilkeston

  16 February 1996

  Matlock

  16 February 1996

  Sleaford

  16 February 1996

  Spalding

  16 February 1996

  Dover

  29 March 1996

  Folkestone

  29 March 1996

  Newton Abbot

  29 March 1996

  Sittingbourne

  29 March 1996

  St. Austell

  29 March 1996

  Chippenham

  30 april 1996

  Goole

  4 November 1996

  Ammanford

  27 March 1997

  Andover

  30 June 1997

  Braintree

  1 December 1997

  Bishop's Stortford

  1 December 1997

  Alnwick

  15 December 1997

  Blyth

  15 December 1997

  Berwick upon Tweed

  15 December 1997

  Bridlington

  24 December 1997

  Rochdale

  7 September 1998

  Holy well

  7 September 1998

  Camborne and Redruth

  24 December 1998

  Hemel Hempstead

  24 December 1998

  West Bromwich

  24 December 1998

  Loughborough

  31 December 1998

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  (a) County courts closed since April 1994

  County Court

  Date of closure

  Corby

  1 March 1999

  Bridgwater

  20 December 1999

  Great Yarmouth

  31 January 2000

  Grays Thurrock

  31 January 2000

  (b) Magistrates Courthouses closed since September 1995

  Magistrates Courthouse

  Closure date

  Nottingham (Guildhall)

  30 November 1995

  Nottingham (Sand Field House)

  30 November 1995

  Bala

  31 December 1995

  Hunstanton

  31 December 1995

  Pembroke

  31 December 1995

  Tywyn

  31 December 1995

  Whitminster

  31 December 1995

  Bromley (South Street)

  28 February 1996

  Mansfield (Commercial Street)

  28 February 1996

  Hornsea

  31 March 1996

  Howden

  31 March 1996

  Market Weighton

  31 March 1996

  Old Street

  12 July 1996

  Halstead

  31 August 1996

  Biddulph

  30 September 1996

  Cheadle

  30 September 1996

  Kidsgrove

  30 September 1996

  Tonbridge

  31 October 1996

  Amlwch

  31 December 1996

  Bedale

  31 December 1996

  Blaenau Festiniog

  31 December 1996

  Easingwold

  31 December 1996

  East Dereham

  31 December 1996

  Ingleton

  31 December 1996

  Leyburn

  31 December 1996

  Llangollen

  31 December 1996

  Thirsk

  31 December 1996

  Pontardawe

  23 March 1997

  Ellesmere Port

  31 March 1997

  Hampstead

  31 March 1997

  Marylebone (185 Marylebone Road)

  31 March 1997

  Otley

  31 March 1997

  Seaham

  31 March 1997

  Bromsgrove

  31 May 1997

  Ledbury

  31 May 1997

  Hebburn

  5 June 1997

  South Shields (Kepple Street)

  5 June 1997

  Bargoed

  30 June 1997

  Chippenham (Market Place)

  30 June 1997

  Monmouth

  30 June 1997

  Pontlottyn

  30 June 1997

  Pontypool

  30 June 1997

  Ashton under Lyne (Manchester Road)

  31 August 1997

  Duckinsfield

  31 August 1997

  Thorne

  31 August 1997

  Braintree

  31 December 1997

  Clacton on Sea

  31 December 1997

  Saffron Walden

  31 December 1997

  Stokesley

  31 December 1997

  Malton

  6 February 1998

  Appleby

  31 March 1998

  Bishop's Stortford

  31 March 1998

  Chertsey

  31 March 1998

  Farnham

  31 March 1998

  Hatfield

  31 March 1998

  Hitchin

  31 March 1998

  Market Rasen

  31 March 1998

  Marlborough Street

  31 March 1998

  Oxted

  31 March 1998

  Lutterworth

  31 July 1998

  Ripon

  1 August 1998

  Barnard Castle

  31 December 1998

  Clerkenwell

  31 December 1998

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  (b) Magistrates Courthouses closed since September 1995

  Magistrates Courthouse

  Closure date

  Corwen

  31 December 1998

  Diss

  31 December 1998

  Felixstowe

  31 December 1998

  Haverhill

  31 December 1998

  Lytham

  31 December 1998

  Newmarket

  31 December 1998

  Saxmundham

  31 December 1998

  Sheerness

  31 December 1998

  Stowmarket

  31 December 1998

  (c) Amalgamated Justices Benches in England and Wales since 1 February 1994

  Amalgamated Benches-Old benches forming the new benches

  Date

  Bedford and Mid Bedfordshire—Ampthill, Bedford, part Biggleswade

  1 January 2000

  Luton and South Bedfordshire—Luton, Dunstable, part Leighton Buzzard

  Northern Oxfordshire—Banbury, Bicester, Witney

  1 April 1999

  Oxford—Oxford and Thame and Henley

  East Berkshire—Forest, Maidenhead, Slough and Windsor

  Central Buckinghamshire—Aylesbury, Buckingham, Chiltern

  1 April 1994

  Wycombe and Beaconsfield—Wycombe and Burnham

  Carlisle and District—Carlisle and Wigton

  With effect from 1 April 2000

  South Lakeland—South Lakes and Kendal and Lonsdale

  Eden—Appleby and Penrith and Alston and part of Keswick

  West Allerdale and Keswick—West Allerdale and Keswick

  Stourbridge and Halesowen—Halesowen and Stourbridge

  1 April 1997

  Ceredigion—Gogledd Ceredigion, Ceredigion Ganol and De Ceredigion

  1 January 1999

  North Pembrokeshire—Gogledd Preseli and Cleddau

  Carmarthen—Carmethen North and Carmarthen South

  Dunmow and Saffron Walden—Dunmow and Saffron Walden

  1 January 1996

  South West Essex—Brentwood, Thurrock

  1 January 2000

  North West Essex—Dunmow and Saffron Walden, Epping and Ongar and Harlow

  Mid North Essex—Chelmsford, Malden and Witham and part Braintree and Halstead

  North East Essex—Colchester, Harwich and Tendring and remainder of Braintree and Halstead

  North Gloucestershire—Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and North Cotswold

  1 July 1994

  Ynys Mon—North Anglesey and South Anglesey

  1 October 1995

  North Hertfordshire—North Hertfordshire and Stevenage

  1 January 1995

  East Hertfordshire—Bishop's Stanford, Cheshunt and Hertford and Ware

  1 April 1998

  North Lincolnshire—Scunthorpe, Brigg and Barton, and part Epworth and Goole

  1 June 1999

  Goole and Howdenshire—remainder of Epworth and Goole, Hodwenshire, part of South Hunsley Beacon and Howdenshire)

  South Hunsley Beacon (remainder of South Hunsley Beacon and Howdenshire)

  East Central—West Central and East Central

  31 December 1998

  Channel—Ashford and Tenterden, Dover and East Kent, Fokestone and Hythe

  1 January 1999

  Mid Kent—Maidstone, part Tonbridge and Mailing

  West Kent—remainder of Tonbridge and Mailing, Tunbridge Wells and Cranbrook, Sevenoaks, part Dartford)

  Dartford and Gravesham—Dartford and Gravesham

  1 January 2000

  Blackburn, Darwen and Ribble Valley—Blackburn, Darwen and part Ribble Valley

  1 April 1994

  Burnley and Pendle—Burnley, Pendle and remainder of Ribble Valley

  Lancaster—Lancaster and part Wyre

  Preston—Preston and part Ribble Valley

  Blackpool and Fylde—Blackpool and Fylde

  1 January 1999

  Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale—Burnley and Pendle, and Rossendale

  With effect from 1 April 2000

  Melton, Belvoir and Rutland—Melton and Belvoir, and Rutland

  1 January 1999

  Lincoln District—Caistor, Market Rasen and part Lincoln District

  1 July 1999

  Wolds—part Lincoln District and existing Wolds

  Arfon—Bangor and Caernarfon and Gwyrfai

  1 January 1998

  Flintshire—Flint, Hawarden, Mold and part Rhuddlan

  Rhuddlan—remainder of Rhuddlan

  Colwyn—part of Berwyn, part of Colwyn, part of Dyffryn Clwyd

  1 January 1999

  Denbighshire—part of Berwyn, part of Colwyn, part of Dyffryn Clwyd, Rhuddlan

  Wrexham Maelor—Wrexham Maelor and part of Berwyn

  Claro—part of original area

  1 January 1997

  York—part Claro, part Easingwold, part Selby and York

  Northallerton—part Easingwold and Northallerton

  Ryedale—part Easingwold, Ryedale

  Selby—remainder of Selby

  Harrogate—Claro, Ripon Liberty, part of Northallerton, part of Selby

  1 August 1998

  Scarborough—Scarborough, Whitby Strand and Ryedale and part of Northallerton

  Northallerton and Richmond—Richmond and Northallerton

  658W

  (b)Magistrates Courthouses closed since September 1995

  Magistrates Courthouse

  Closure date

  West Mailing

  31 December 1998

  Abingdon

  31 March 1999

  Christchurch

  31 March 1999

  Henley on Thames

  31 March 1999

  Morley

  31 March 1999

  Pudsey

  31 March 1999

  Windsor

  31 March 1999

  Stow on the Wold

  30 June 1999

  March

  31 December 1999

  659W

  (c)Amalgamated Justices Benches in England and Wales since 1 February 1994

  Amalgamated Benches-Old benches forming the new benches

  date

  Abingdon, Didcot and Wantage—part Thame and Henley, part Abingdon, Didcot and Wantage

  1 July 1994

  Bicester—part Woodstock, Bicester

  Banbury—part Woodstock, North Oxfordshire, Chipping Norton

  Oxford—part Thames and Henley, Oxford and part Abingdon

  Thame and Henley—remainder of Thame and Henley

  Witney—Witney, remainder of Woodstock

  De Brycheiniog—Brecon and Ystradgynlais

  1 Januarv 1999

  De Maldwyn—Machynlleth and Newtown

  Rochdale, Middleton and Heywood—Rochdale, Middleton and Heywood

  1 January 1996

  North Staffordshire—Staffordshire Moorlands and Newcastle under Lyme and Pirehill North

  1 January 2000

  Mid Staffordshire and Rugeley—Mid Staffordshire and Rugeley

  Cannock and Seisdon—Cannock and Seisdon

  Lichfield and Tamworth—Lichfield and Tamworth

  North East Suffolk—Beecles, Lowestoft and Saxmundham

  1 January 1995

  Haverhill and Sudbury—Haverhill and Sudbury

  1 January 1999

  St. Edmundsbury and Stowmarket—St. Edmundsbury and Stowmarket

  Tameside—Ashton-Under-Lyme and South Tameside

  1 April 1994

  Neath Port Talbot—Neath, Port Talbot

  1 April 1996

  Swansea—Swansea, Lliw Valley

  Horsham—Horsham and part Steyning

  1 April 1996

  Worthing and District—Worthing and remainder of Steyning

  North West Wiltshire—North Wiltshire, West Wiltshire

  1 January 2000

  South East Wiltshire—Kennet, Salisbury

  Magistrates (Training)
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what training magistrates receive on sentencing; and if he will make a statement. [112806]

  Mr. Lock
  Training of magistrates is the responsibility of individual Magistrates Courts Committees within a framework set on behalf of the Lord Chancellor by the Judicial Studies Board, an independent, non-departmental public body. Magistrates are trained to approach sentencing in a structured way, taking into account a range of factors including the nature and seriousness of the 660W
  offence. Sentencing is a matter for judicial discretion taking into account the statutory framework, any Court of Appeal sentencing guideline judgments and other relevant case law. Magistrates are encouraged to use the sentencing guidelines published by the Magistrates Association, with the approval of the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice, in reaching their decisions.

  The Human Rights Act 1998 and the revised sentencing powers in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 create new challenges for the magistracy but the Government, which is committed to the lay magistracy continuing to play a significant role in our system of justice, is confident that magistrates will rise to those challenges.

  General Pinochet
  General Pinochet
  Equal Opportunities Commission
  Equal Opportunities Commission
  OFSTED Press Statements
  OFSTED Press Statements
  Chernobyl Disaster and Cancer Deaths
  Chernobyl Disaster and Cancer Deaths
  Long-term Care Insurance
  Long-term Care Insurance
  National Cycle Network
  National Cycle Network
  Millennium Dome Site: Sale Terms
  Millennium Dome Site: Sale Terms
  Midwives: Local Policy Involvement
  Midwives: Local Policy Involvement
  Diazinon: Stabiliser Use in Pesticides
  Diazinon: Stabiliser Use in Pesticides
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