Written Answers of 8 March 2000

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Euro
  Mr. Portillo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money has been spent to date by his Department and by bodies funded by his Department 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. [112140]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 29 February 2000]: I refer the right hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary to the Treasury on 29 February 2000, Official Report, column 233W.

  Senator Pinochet
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many public employees have been involved in legal work relating to Senator Pinochet since October 1998. [113512]

  Mr. Straw
  At any one time two Home Office lawyers had significant involvement in the case. A Treasury Solicitor lawyer had conduct of the case for litigation purposes, and lawyers in the Crown Prosecution Service, the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office were from time to time significantly involved. Lawyers from other Government Departments have also played a role.

  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the total cost to the(a) central and (b) local government of the containment of Senator Pinochet broken down into (a) police, (b) legal and (c) accommodation costs. [113600]

  Mr. Straw
  For the information requested, I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my noble Friend the Under-Secretary on 2 March 2000,Official Report, House of Lords, column WA87.

  Senator Pinochet's accommodation costs were not met from public funds.

  Vivisection Investigation
  Dr. Ladyman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the outcome of his investigation into allegations made by the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection against Harlan-Hill Crest. [113893]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I have today placed in the Library copies of the Home Office investigative report into allegations which were made available to the Home Office by the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) on 29 June 1999. The BUAV's allegations were 662W
  based on the evidence of a sympathiser working undercover at the establishment. The establishment is designated under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

  I received the Chief Inspector's report on 17 December after a thorough investigation into a complex series of allegations. Generally, the establishment was found to be well run and the level of compliance generally good. I did, however, take action against one breach of a condition of certification—that two animal rooms were not identified in documentation as having been checked as required on two dates during the last two years. The Certificate holder received an admonition for this apparent lapse and I sought reassurances from management about staffing levels. These have been given.

  Since Christmas 1999, officials have been arranging with the company, its customers and key staff, to lift confidentiality of material in the report whose disclosure would have been contrary to Section 24 of the 1986 Act, as being provided in confidence. A small number of areas remain censored because they represent commercially sensitive or personnel information which cannot be disclosed.

  The greater number of blocked-out areas in the report stem from the BUAV not lifting the confidentiality of material stemming from the undercover investigator's videotapes, diary and interview with the Inspectorate in time for publication this week. When we indicated that we would publish the document in this form, BUAV then indicated late yesterday that they might be prepared to lift the confidentiality restrictions on some parts of the report. My officials will contact them again today to ask them to lift their restrictions.

  The report was disclosed to the Animal Procedures Committee on 9 February for information. The Committee has not had opportunity to discuss the report, nor are Ministers expressly seeking advice on its content or the action taken since the investigation was completed.

  Immigration and Asylum (Penalties)
  Mr. Paul Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made on the production of a code of practice in relation to the civil penalty provisions of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999; and when implementation of those provisions will commence. [113951]

  Mrs. Roche
  Clandestine entry into the United Kingdom, particularly in road haulage vehicles, has become a major abuse of the immigration control in recent years. The number of clandestine entrants identified is currently running at about 2,000 each month and the Government are determined to take action to tackle this growing problem.

  Part II of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 provides for a penalty for each clandestine entrant carried to be levied on the person or persons responsible. It also provides for the detention in certain circumstances of the transporter or vehicle in which the clandestine arrived against payment of the penalty.

  The civil penalty is an important measure to enable us to deal effectively with an escalating problem. It will be implemented on 3 April 2000 in relation to clandestine entrants arriving in road vehicles.
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  We have consulted widely with a number of representative bodies on a Code of Practice for vehicles to prevent the carriage of clandestine entrants. The draft Code of Practice for Vehicles, which has been amended to take account of comments expressed during the consultation process, was laid before Parliament on 3 March and will come into force on 3 April.

  Drug Dealers
  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of police local drugs units in bringing to court hard drugs dealers. [112259]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The police have a key role in the Government's anti-drugs strategy working with other enforcement agencies to stifle the availability of illegal drugs on our streets. The drug problem will not be the same in each force area, and it is an operational matter for each Chief Officer of Police to decide the most effective way to tackle drug dealing in his or her force area. It is for the Crown Prosecution Service to decide whether to prosecute those charged with an offence.

  Tough targets have been set under the Government's drugs strategy, significantly to reduce access to all drugs among young people, and to reduce access to the drugs which cause the greatest harm—particularly heroin and cocaine—by 25 per cent. by 2005 and by 50 per cent. by 2008. A target for 1999–2000 is to increase by 10 per cent. the number of offenders dealt with for supply offences in respect of Class A drugs.

  The latest available statistics show that the number of persons found guilty at court of "dealing" (possession with intent to supply unlawfully and unlawful supply) in heroin, cocaine and crack increased significantly between 1997 and 1998. Detailed information is given in the table.

  Persons found guilty at court for offences of unlawful supply/possession with intent to supply unlawfully, involving cocaine/crack, heroin (Great Britain)1

  Drug/offence

  1997

  1998

  Cocaine

  Unlawful supply

  218

  354

  Possession with intent to supply unlawfully

  411

  522

  Crack

  Unlawful supply

  88

  137

  Possession with intent to supply unlawfully

  73

  134

  Heroin

  Unlawful supply

  1,009

  1,378

  Possession with intent to supply unlawfully

  1,006

  1,311

  1 As the same person may be found guilty of more than one offence, rows cannot be added together to produce totals

  Source:

  Home Office Statistical Bulletins, RDS. Drug Seizure and Offender Statistics, United Kingdom 1997 and 1998

  Afghan Hijacking
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current status of those passengers on the recently hijacked Afghan airliner who sought asylum. [113575]
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  Mr. Straw
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Gillian Merron) on 1 March 2000,Official Report, columns 289–91W, in which I provided details of my consideration of the 44 applications for asylum.

  Racist Incidents
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the most recent statistics for reported racist incidents for each of England's police forces. [113549]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Information on the number of racist incidents that were recorded by the police, by police force area, was published in December 1999 in "Statistics on Race and the Criminal Justice System", a copy of which is in the Library.

  Racially Aggravated Offences
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what percentage of racially aggravated offences have resulted in acquittals since the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 came into force; and how many defendants this involved, broken down by ethnic group; [113367]

  (2) how many charges relating to racially aggravated offences as defined by section 28 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 have been made since the Act came into force; and how many victims were alleged to be affected by the offences broken down by ethnic group. [113332]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Information collected centrally indicates that 10,982 racially aggravated offences were recorded by the police in the period 1 April 1999 to 30 September 1999. No information is collected on the number of charges made for these offences, the number of victims involved or their ethnic group. 745 defendants were prosecuted in magistrates courts for racially aggravated offences in the period October 1998 to 30 June 1999 of which 261 (35 per cent.) had their prosecution terminated early and 31 (4 per cent.) had their charge dismissed. No information is available on the ethnicity of the defendants.

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many complaints of racially aggravated offences have been made against police officers since the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 came into force. [113335]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Information is not routinely collected centrally on the occupations of people accused of crime. But there were 709 complaints of racial discrimination recorded against the police in 1998–99.

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many racially aggravated offences (1) charged by the police have been discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service(a) before and (b) after the case reached a magistrates court; and how many victims, broken down by ethnic group, were alleged to be affected by the offences charged; [113333]

  (2) have been added as further offences to other charges preferred against defendants by the Crown Prosecution Service since the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 came into effect; and how many victims were alleged to be affected by the offences charged, broken down by ethnic group. [113334]
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  The Solicitor-General
  I have been asked to reply.

  The information sought is not currently available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, the Crown Prosecution Service has been monitoring the prosecution of racist crime since 1995. The monitoring has been substantially revised in order to capture a wider range of information as a result of the new offences of racially aggravated crimes created by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. The first full year of the revised scheme ends on 31 March 2000 and the Crown Prosecution Service aims to publish a report in the autumn. At that time the figures sought regarding charges for racially aggravated offences will, it is anticipated, be available. The monitoring scheme is solely offence based and does not record information about victims of racially aggravated crime either by number or ethnic group.

  Prostitutes' Cards
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what responses he has received to the consultation paper, New Measures to Control Prostitutes' Cards in Phone Boxes; and if he will make a statement. [113331]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  We have received 60 responses to the consultation paper from local authorities, police staff associations, local residents' groups, telephone operators, organisations representing sex workers and members of the public.

  We hope to make an announcement shortly on the outcome of the consultation exercise and our proposals for action.

  Dorset and Hampshire Police
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officers were serving in(a) the Dorset Constabulary and (b) the Hampshire Constabulary on 31 March 1997; and how many were serving on the latest date for which figures are available. [113037]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information is set out in the table.

  Dorset Police and Hampshire Constabulary

  Total police officer numbers

  Year

  Dorset

  Hampshire

  31 March 1997

  1,284

  3,452

  30 September 19991

  1,276

  3,411

  1 Latest available

  EU Justice and Home Affairs
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of state for the Home Department what are the domestic legislative implications of the individual in the Portuguese Presidency's Programme of work in the Field of Justice and Home Affairs. [113070]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  None of the measures specified in the Portuguese presidency Work Programme in the field of Jusice and Home Affairs has been finalised, and most are 666W
  in the early stages of discussion. It is not possible, until an individual proposal has been finally adopted, to identify the extent of any legislative implications in the United Kingdom.

  However, in accordance with the terms of reference of the Scrutiny Committees of both Houses of Parliament, the Government deposit Explanatory Memoranda on all draft European Union proposals. Part of the Explanatory Memorandum covers the possible implications to United Kingdom Law should the proposal be adopted in its draft form.

  Balloting Services
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what ways organisations offering balloting services are regulated; and if he will make a statement. [113032]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is responsible only for legislation affecting the conduct of elections for Westminster parliamentary, European parliamentary and local elections. He has no remit to legislate the way that balloting is conducted by outside organisations, such as trade unions and political parties. This is a matter for them to agree within their own organisation and subject to any existing legislation.

  Leicestershire Police
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers Leicestershire Police Authority area has had in post in each year between 1992–93 and the last year for which figures are available. [113168]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information requested is set out in the table.

  Leicestershire Constabulary Total police officer numbers from 1992–93 to 1999/2000

  Year as at 31 March

  Total

  1992–93

  1,805

  1993–94

  1,825

  1994–95

  1,839

  1995–96

  1,908

  1996–97

  1,949

  1997–98

  1,983

  1998–99

  1,993

  1999–20001

  1,998

  1 As at 30 September

  Asylum
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many appeals against refusal to grant political asylum were waiting to be heard on 1 February. [113084]

  Jane Kennedy
  I have been asked to reply.

  There were a total of 3,825 asylum appeals outstanding before adjudicators as at 3] January 2000.

  There were in addition 2,258 asylum appeals outstanding before the Tribunal as at 31 January 2000.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons genetically-modified winter oilseed rape planted, pursuant to his decision to vary consent reference 98/R19/18 was permitted to remain in the ground after the order of the High Court. [108005]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Consent Order issued by the High Court, which was agreed and signed by all parties, did not order the destruction of the crop. The Government and the consent holder (AgrEvo UK Ltd.) indicated to the Court that the crops, which had been sown in good faith, will be treated as if a valid consent was in place in respect of them. In accordance with the terms of the Consent Order, the Government will continue to regulate the crops on the same terms and subject to the same conditions as if a new consent had been lawfully granted.

  Rural Transport
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how he plans to evaluate the effectiveness of the current three year spending programme on rural transport services. [112513]

  Mr. Hill
  The current three year spending programme on rural transport includes the Rural Bus Subsidy Grant, the Rural Bus Challenge Fund, the Rural Transport Partnership Scheme and the Rural Transport Development Fund.

  We are monitoring on an annual basis the impact of the Rural Bus Subsidy Grant. This analysis has shown that in the first year over 1,800 new or improved services were introduced in England. Monitoring of Rural Bus Challenge projects is based on an analysis of annual progress and end of project reports.

  The Rural Transport Partnership scheme and the Rural Transport Development Fund are administered by the Countryside Agency on the Department's behalf. The Countryside Agency will be evaluating these schemes during 2000–2001.

  Social Security Act 1992
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what reports he has requested under section 139A of the Social Security Act 1992; and if he will make a statement. [112652]

  Ms Armstrong
  None. I refer to the answer given by the Under-Secretary of State for Social Security, my hon. Friend the Member for Wallasey (Angela Eagle), on 7 March 2000,Official Report, column 613W.

  Abandoned Vehicles
  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received calling for reform of the system for removing abandoned vehicles from public highways. [112994]

  Mr. Mullin
  My Department has received letters from a number of local authorities, members of the public and other interested bodies about the system for the removal 668W
  of abandoned vehicles. Correspondents have expressed concern about the financial burden the removal of such vehicles places on local authorities, the period of notice authorities must give before removing vehicles, acts of vandalism associated with abandoned vehicles, and the difficulty of tracing the vehicles' owners. They have also suggested a variety of changes to the current system intended to address these concerns.

  Playing Fields
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many times since May 1997 his Department has overruled the advice of Sport England not to grant permission for the sale of a playing field. [112953]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Sport England are consulted on planning applications for the development of playing fields but have no role in decisions about whether or not playing fields may be sold. Their role in the referral of planning applications to my Department came into effect on 23 December 1998 under the Town and Country Planning (Playing Fields)(England) Direction 1998. Since then, 18 applications have been referred to the Secretary of State. Of these, one has been called in by him for his own determination and 14 have been left to the local authority to determine. The remainder are under consideration. Of the 14 cases which were left to the local planning authority to determine, all but one involved the development of new or expanded educational or sporting facilities at existing schools or colleges. In each of these cases, the area of land which would be developed was a very minor part of the overall playing field provision.

  Travelling Showpeople
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of local planning authorities' local plans or unitary development plans include provision for sites for travelling showpeople, of the type provided for in the guidance contained in paragraph 6 of Department of the Environment Planning Circular 22/91. [113267]

  Mr. Raynsford
  This information is not available.

  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many applications for planning permission for living accommodation for travelling showpeople were received by local authorities in each year since 1985; and how many of the above applications were(a) granted by local planning authorities, (b) turned down by local planning authorities, (c) granted on appeal, (d) turned down on appeal and (e) called in by the Secretary of State, broken down into figures relating to the regions corresponding to each regional planning conference. [113266]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Department does not hold statistics of planning applications or local planning authority decisions on the basis requested.

  The regional breakdown of planning appeals (under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990) relating to living accommodation for travelling showpeople between 1990 and 1999 is set out in the table. In the 10 years for which records are available, our

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  records show a total of 62 appeals. Of these, 28 were allowed and 34 were dismissed. There are no records available for 1985 to 1990.

  No applications relating to living accommodation for travelling showpeople were called in by the Secretary of State during the period for which records are available.

  Regional breakdown of S.78 planning appeals relating to living accommodation for travelling showpeople (1990–99)

  Year/Region

  Decision allowed

  Dismissed

  Total

  1990

  East

  1

  —

  1

  South East

  2

  1

  3

  West Midlands

  1

  1

  2

  Yorkshire and The Humber

  —

  1

  1

  Total

  7

  1991

  West Midlands

  —

  1

  1

  Yorkshire and The Humber

  1

  —

  1

  Total

  2

  1992

  East

  1

  —

  1

  South East

  2

  3

  5

  South West

  —

  1

  1

  West Midlands

  —

  2

  2

  Yorkshire and The Humber

  1

  —

  1

  Total

  10

  1993

  East Midlands

  —

  1

  1

  North West

  —

  1

  1

  South East

  1

  4

  5

  South West

  —

  1

  1

  West Midlands

  1

  1

  2

  Total

  10

  1994

  North West

  —

  1

  1

  South East

  1

  5

  6

  Total

  7

  1995

  East

  1

  —

  1

  North West

  —

  1

  1

  South East

  2

  2

  4

  South West

  —

  1

  1

  Yorkshire and The Humber

  1

  —

  1

  Total

  8

  1996

  North West

  1

  —

  1

  South East

  1

  1

  2

  West Midlands

  1

  —

  1

  Total

  4

  1997

  South East

  2

  1

  3

  South West

  —

  1

  1

  Total

  4

  1998

  NorthWest

  1

  1

  2

  South East

  2

  1

  3

  South West

  —

  1

  1

  West Midlands

  1

  —

  1

  Yorkshire and The Humber

  1

  —

  1

  Total

  8

  1999

  South East

  2

  —

  2

  Total

  2

  Grand Total

  28

  34

  62

  Heathland Habitats (Dorset)
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance his Department offers about resolving conflicts arising from the EU requirement to restore heathland habitats in Dorset and to retain trees as a habitat for woodland birds and as an amenity and landscape feature. [113036]

  Mr. Mullin
  None. However, English Nature, the Government's scientific advisers, and the Forestry Commission are working closely together to ensure delivery of obligations under the Habitats Directive and of the Lowland Heathland Habitat Action Plan. In September 1999, English Nature issued guidance to its local teams on how to resolve such issues. The Forestry Commission has similarly drawn up preliminary guidance as to how its staff should consider the potential conflicts when considering felling licences.

  Asbestos Removal Companies
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many licensed asbestos removal companies are operating in the UK in the last year for which figures are available; and how many had their licence revoked. [113325]

  Mr. Meacher
  At 1 March 2000, there were 751 asbestos licence holders on the database maintained by HSE. Not all licensees are actively engaged in asbestos removal or associated work on a regular basis.

  In the period 1 April 1999 to 1 March 2000, some 20 licensees have been warned that HSE has considered revocation of their licence and will take that step unless there is an improvement in performance. No licences were revoked.

  Railtrack Land (Allotments)
  Mr. Lepper
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the status of land owned by Railtrack and Rail Property Ltd. in use as allotments. [113076]

  Mr. Hill
  Land in use as allotments and owned by Railtrack, a private company, and Rail Property Ltd. has no special status. Statutory protection of allotment land does not apply to privately owned land or land owned by a public body when that body—such as Rail Property Ltd.—is not a local authority.

  Rail Property Ltd.
  Mr. Lepper
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the legal relationship between his Department and Rail Property Ltd. [113075]

  Mr. Hill
  Rail Property Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Railways Board (BRB) which is one of the nationalised industries sponsored by the Department. The British Railways Board now operates as part of the shadow Strategic Rail Authority (sSRA). Subject to the passage of the Transport Bill currently before Parliament the SRA, when formally established, will incorporate the functions of the BRB.

  Air Services
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent steps he has taken to ensure the aircraft flying over London into Heathrow have sufficient fuel on board. [113039]

  Mr. Mullin
  Responsibility for the safety regulation of airlines, including compliance with minimum fuel requirements, lies with the country in which the airline is based. The UK Civil Aviation Authority ensures that UK airlines have effective minimum fuel policies for all flights and checks fuel records when auditing airlines. Regulatory authorities for foreign airlines must ensure that their airlines meet at least the international standards for minimum fuel levels.

  We have procedures in place to check that foreign operated aircraft flying to the UK are being maintained and operated in compliance with international standards. These include targeted inspections by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of aircraft from countries where safety oversight has been questioned. Last summer, following an allegation that one airline had operated into Heathrow airport with low fuel levels on a number of occasions, we targeted a number of inspections on long haul operators from the Far East. We asked the particular operator concerned to provide us with weekly reports of fuel levels of their aircraft on arrival at Heathrow and this has continued as a condition of their operating permit; the reports have been satisfactory. We will investigate fully any reports of problems with other operators.

  Non-departmental Public Bodies
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what requirements exist for non-departmental public bodies responsible to his Department to carry out an environmental impact statement for their respective activities. [113306]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Regulations require environmental impact assessment for certain public and private projects that are likely to have a significant effect on the environment. These apply to activities proposed by non-departmental public bodies responsible to my Department in the same way as those proposed by any other body.

  Combined Heat and Power
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he is taking to encourage the expansion of combined heat and power generation capacity. [113057]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government's action to exempt Good Quality Combined Heat and Power from the Climate Change Levy is the strongest evidence of this Government's commitment to the wider use of CHP. It is also intended to be one of the energy technologies eligible for the proposed Enhanced Capital Allowances scheme under the Climate Change Levy package. The announcement on 6 March that electricity generating plant and machinery in all Good Quality CHP schemes will be de-rated from 1 April 2001, further strengthens Government support for CHP.
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  We are implementing a CHP Quality Assurance programme to enhance the quality of CHP and determine eligibility to a range of benefits, and will shortly consult on a new strategy to achieve our target of at least 10,000 MWe of CHP by 2010.

  We continue to work closely with industry to ensure the fullest support for CHP growth. On 17 May I will be launching the CHP Club, an integrated service under the Energy Efficiency Best Practice programme, to help new and potential CHP users exploit the positive environment which this Government have put in place.

  Rat Infestations
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions further to his answer of 24 January 2000,Official Report, column 130W, on rats, if he will commission a more detailed assessment of the conditions of drains and sewers near dwellings and their relationship to rat infestations as part of the 2001 English House Condition Survey. [113062]

  Mr. Mullin
  The 1996 English House Condition Survey (EHCS) included an assessment of observable faults to the drainage system around the dwelling, which surveyors can reasonably be asked to collect as part of a standard house condition survey. Development work is now under way for the 2001 survey and it is highly likely that this will be repeated. However, the EHCS is not an appropriate vehicle for carrying out more detailed investigative work on the overall condition of drains and sewers.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, further to his answer of 24 January 2000,Official Report, column 130W, on rats, if cracked or defective drain covers would render a dwelling unfit. [113061]

  Mr. Mullin
  Under the current fitness standard a dwelling can be deemed unfit if it does not have an effective system for the draining of foul, waste and surface water. This tends to be based on an overall assessment of a number of features connected with the drainage system. In relation to the collection and analysis of the English House Condition Survey data, dwellings are not deemed unfit solely because of cracked or defective drain covers.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, further to his answer of 24 January 2000,Official Report, column 130W, on rats, if dwellings that are unfit as the result of lack of effective drainage are more likely to have rat infestations than those that are unfit on other counts; and if he will make a statement. [113060]

  Mr. Mullin
  The English House Condition Survey questions related to rodent infestations are analysed in the recent MAFF report "Rodent Infestations in domestic properties in England". Page 11 of the report emphasises that properties with defective drainage systems also tend to be defective in many other aspects. It would not be appropriate to analyse the data to make a distinction between those that are unfit for drainage reasons and those that are unfit for other reasons. This is because the number of dwellings in the sample that are classed as unfit because of problems with drainage is very small, less than 1 per cent. of the total sample.

  Ministerial Meetings
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on what dates in the last year officials and Ministers of his Department have met representatives of the(a) British Road Federation, (b) Road Haulage Association, (c) Freight Transport Association, (d) RAC, (e) AA, (f) Cyclists Touring Club, (g) Pedestrians Association and (h) Transport 2000. [113051]

  Mr. Hill
  Ministers and officials have formal and informal meetings with representatives of these organisations as necessary; a detailed record could be kept only at disproportionate cost.

  Connex
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many Connex train services have(a) run on time, (b) been delayed and (c) been cancelled in the last month. [113173]

  Mr. Hill
  The shadow Strategic Rail Authority (sSRA) does not monitor the train operating companies' performance in these terms. The sSRA publishes quarterly statistics on punctuality and reliability, the next of which will be published shortly and placed in the Library of the House.

  Trafalgar Square (Pedestrianisation)
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action his Department has taken to identify potential sources of funding for proposals to partially pedestrianise Trafalgar Square. [113444]

  Mr. Hill
  The Government fully support the proposal to close the north side of Trafalgar Square to traffic which is included in phase 1 of the World Squares for All Masterplan. We are making up to £2 million available to Westminster City Council for the design of phase 1 of the Masterplan.

  Implementation of phase 1 could begin in 2001 and further funding would be a matter for the Mayor of London. Contributions to the cost of implementation could also be sought from the Heritage Lottery Fund and private sector sponsorship.

  Rural Poverty
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish his Department's consultation document concerning additional funds to deal with rural poverty. [113476]

  Mr. Mullin
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: As part of the consultation for the forthcoming Rural White Paper, DETR published its discussion document "Rural England" in February 1999. This posed a series of questions on a wide range of rural issues. A summary of the themes arising from this consultation has been published on the DETR internet website.

  Rural poverty is one of the issues being addressed in preparing for the Rural White Paper which we expect to publish later this year.
  674W
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish his Department's research into the extent of rural poverty; and what definitions of poverty he has used. [113465]

  Mr. Mullin
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: Poverty is a complex, multi-dimensional issue, affecting many aspects of people's lives—income, health, housing, the quality of the environment, opportunities to work and learn, and access to services. There is no single reliable measure.

  The Countryside Agency, the Government's statutory adviser on social and economic development in rural areas, has been conducting research into indicators of rural disadvantage. The findings of this research are expected to be published in due course. Current information on rural disadvantage is contained in the Agency's "State of the Countryside", a copy of which is in the Library. It is also among the topics covered in The Cabinet Office's "Sharing the Nation's Prosperity" report, which provides information on the economic, social and environmental conditions in the countryside.

  Farm Buildings
  Mr. Ashdown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to facilitate the conversion of disused farm buildings for residential and other purposes; and if he will make a statement. [113145]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) note 7: Countryside, already positively encourages the re-use and adaptation of rural buildings. I shall be considering whether any revised guidance maybe appropriate in the light of the Performance and Innovation Unit's report "Rural Economies".

  China Clay Quarrying
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the extension of china clay quarrying in Dartmoor is an exceptional circumstance in the sense intended by his own guidance; and what examination of proposals for such quarrying he has conducted. [113573]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Whether a planning application for an extension of china clay quarrying in Dartmoor comprises an 'exceptional circumstance', as explained in paragraph 4.5 of Planning Policy Guidance Note 7—The Countryside: Environmental Quality and Economic and Social Development, would depend upon the scale, nature and individual circumstances of that proposal.

  So far as I am aware, no applications have recently been submitted for new or extended china clay quarrying. If they had, the Dartmoor National Park Authority would be responsible for determining them. The Secretary of State would only examine such an application if he called it in for his own determination or if it came before him on appeal.

  I am, however, aware of several applications that have been submitted to both the National Park Authority and to Devon County Council under the old minerals planning permission (OMP) review provisions of the Environment Act 1995. These are for the determination of modern operating and restoration conditions for existing china

  675W
  clay planning permissions within and adjoining the Dartmoor National Park, and not extensions of existing quarrying operations. The local authorities for areas within which these are located are responsible for determining them. As these applications may come before the Secretary of State on appeal, he is unable to comment on their merits.

  A35
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what AADT figures were recorded for the Chideock section of the A35 in 1998 and 1999; and what percentage increases are projected for the years 2000 to 2010. [113576]

  Mr. Hill
  The Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) figures in 1998 and 1999 were 13,186 and 13,618 respectively.

  DETR forecasts indicate that by 2010, a central traffic growth estimate (which represents an average of low and high estimates) would add a further 20 per cent. to traffic levels.

  In the case of the A35 at Chideock this would mean estimated AADT figure in the region of 16,500 vehicles per day by the year 2010.

  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will monitor kerbside nitrogen dioxide in Chideock on the A35. [113574]

  Mr. Hill
  Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 requires local authorities to review and assess the current and likely future air quality in their areas. Local authorities are required to consider whether one or more of the national air quality objectives, as prescribed in regulations, are unlikely to be met by the required date. Objectives have been set for a number of air pollutants including nitrogen dioxide. The Secretary of State has issued guidance on how to undertake such reviews and assessments, including on where and when monitoring of air pollutants is needed. I understand that West Dorset district council will consider monitoring the kerbside nitrogen dioxide in Chideock on the A35, in addition to their existing monitoring sites throughout the area.

  Regional Assemblies
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers he plans to give to regional assemblies. [113599]

  Ms Armstrong
  The eight regional assemblies and chambers already established are voluntary bodies. We have no plans to give them statutory powers but we have provided them with important roles specifically in relation to Regional Development Agencies, regional planning guidance, and regional sustainable development frameworks.

  Housing Stock
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those local authorities in England which (i) have completed an LSVT of housing stock and (ii) are currently undertaking an LSVT. [113598]
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  Mullin
  I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 22 Febtruary 2000,Official Report, columns 923–25W. Report, columns 923-25W.

  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the average turn around times between tenants of local authority housing stock for each authority in England. [113597]

  Mr. Mullin
  Local authorities in England provide estimates of the average time taken to relet their housing stock on their annual Housing Investment Programme (HIP) Operational Information returns. Information reported for lettings during 1998–99 is given in the table. There are variations in the way local authorities maintain lettings records and compile these estimates, and comparisons between authorities should be treated with caution.

  Average time to relet local authority housing stock1, 1998–99

  Days

  North East

  Alnwick

  35

  Berwick-upon-Tweed

  9

  Blyth Valley

  25

  Castle Morpeth

  28

  Chester-le-Street

  55

  Darlington

  31

  Derwentside

  16

  Durham

  63

  Easington

  66

  Gateshead

  32

  Hartlepool

  31

  Middlesbrough

  68

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  34

  North Tyneside

  33

  Redcar and Cleveland

  31

  Sedgefield

  28

  South Tyneside

  19

  Stockton-on-Tees

  40

  Sunderland

  30

  Teesdale

  30

  Tynedale

  24

  Wansbeck

  33

  Wear Valley

  58

  Yorkshire and the Humber

  Barnsley

  35

  Bradford

  52

  Calderdale

  50

  Craven

  18

  Doncaster

  68

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  53

  Hambleton2

  0

  Harrogate

  13

  Kingston upon Hull

  43

  Kirklees

  31

  Leeds

  42

  North East Lincolnshire

  63

  North Lincolnshire

  77

  Richmondshire

  35

  Rotherham

  73

  Ryedale2

  0

  Scarborough

  23

  Selby

  14

  Sheffield

  42

  Wakefield

  11

  York

  25

  East Midlands

  Amber Valley

  22

  Ashfield

  37

  Bassetlaw

  82

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  Average time to relet local authority housing stock1, 1998–99

  Days

  Blaby

  26

  Bolsover

  28

  Boston

  86

  Broxtowe

  32

  Charnwood

  48

  Chesterfield

  18

  Corby

  50

  Daventry

  54

  Derby

  33

  Derbyshire Dales

  16

  East Lindsey2

  0

  East Northamptonshire

  53

  Erewash

  41

  Gedling

  31

  Harborough

  55

  High Peak

  29

  Hinckley and Bosworth

  35

  Kettering

  34

  Leicester

  40

  Lincoln

  37

  Mansfield

  50

  Melton

  52

  Newark and Sherwood

  32

  North East Derbyshire

  39

  North Kesteven

  53

  North West Leicestershire

  52

  Northampton

  42

  Nottingham City

  25

  Oadby and Wigston

  12

  Rushcliffe

  26

  Rutland

  24

  South Derbyshire

  25

  South Holland

  24

  South Kesteven

  33

  South Northamptonshire

  31

  Wellingborough

  57

  West Lindsey

  49

  East of England

  Babergh

  25

  Basildon

  35

  Bedford2

  20

  Braintree

  14

  Breckland2

  0

  Brentwood

  35

  Broadland2

  0

  Broxbourne

  26

  Cambridge

  52

  Castle Point

  44

  Chelmsford

  33

  Colchester

  15

  Dacorum

  51

  East Cambridgeshire2

  0

  East Hertfordshire

  25

  Epping Forest

  51

  Fenland

  30

  Forest Heath

  32

  Great Yarmouth

  27

  Harlow

  49

  Hertsmere2

  0

  Huntingdonshire

  25

  Ipswich

  22

  Kings Lynn and West Norfolk

  23

  Luton

  38

  Maldon2

  0

  Mid Bedfordshire

  3—

  Mid Suffolk

  34

  North Hertfordshire

  45

  North Norfolk

  23

  Norwich

  37

  Peterborough

  53

  Rochford

  31

  South Bedfordshire

  29

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  Average time to relet local authority housing stock1, 1998–99

  Days

  South Cambridgeshire

  35

  South Norfolk

  19

  Southend-on-Sea

  67

  St. Albans

  27

  St. Edmundsbury

  30

  Stevenage

  33

  Suffolk Coastal2

  43

  Tendring

  30

  Three Rivers

  14

  Thurrock

  63

  Uttlesford

  22

  Watford

  49

  Waveney

  41

  Welwyn Hatfield

  50

  Barking and Dagenham

  51

  Barnet

  54

  Bexley2

  0

  Brent

  39

  Bromley2

  0

  Camden

  52

  City of London

  18

  Croydon

  33

  Ealing

  45

  Enfield

  77

  Greenwich

  55

  Hackney

  78

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  43

  Haringey

  64

  Harrow

  46

  Havering

  32

  Hillingdon

  30

  Hounslow

  46

  Islington

  162

  Kensington and Chelsea

  37

  Kingston upon Thames

  64

  Lambeth

  38

  Lewisham

  50

  Merton

  35

  Newham

  53

  Redbride

  57

  Richmond upon Thames

  110

  Southwark

  54

  Sutton

  56

  Tower Hamlets

  35

  Waltham Forest

  70

  Wandsworth

  46

  Westminster

  28

  South East

  Adur

  27

  Arun

  50

  Ashford

  25

  Aylesbury Vale

  52

  Basingstoke and Deane2

  0

  Bracknell Forest

  34

  Brighton and Hove

  53

  Canterbury

  27

  Cherwell

  26

  Chichester

  20

  Chiltern2

  0

  Crawley

  46

  Dartford

  28

  Dover

  54

  East Hampshire2

  0

  Eastbourne

  21

  Eastleigh2

  0

  Elmbridge

  45

  Epsom and Ewell2

  7

  Fareham

  20

  Gosport

  30

  Gravesham

  50

  Guildford

  51

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  Average time to relet local authority housing stock1, 1998–99

  Days

  Hart2

  0

  Hastings2

  0

  Havant2

  0

  Horsham

  38

  Isle of Wight2

  21

  Lewes

  31

  Maidstone

  38

  Mid Sussex2

  0

  Milton Keynes

  40

  Mole Valley

  58

  New Forest

  22

  Oxford

  36

  Portsmouth

  4

  Reading

  28

  Reigate and Banstead

  58

  Rother2

  0

  Runnymede

  38

  Rushmoor2

  0

  Sevenoaks2

  0

  Shepway

  22

  Slough

  29

  South Bucks2

  0

  South Oxfordshire2

  0

  Southampton

  46

  Spelthorne2

  0

  Surrey Heath2

  0

  Swale2

  0

  Tandridge

  40

  Test Valley

  15

  Thanet

  30

  The Medway Towns

  42

  Tonbridge and Malling2

  0

  Tunbridge Wells2

  14

  Vale of White Horse2

  46

  Waverley

  33

  Wealden

  30

  West Berkshire2

  8

  West Oxfordshire

  35

  Winchester

  15

  Windsor and Maidenhead2

  2

  Woking

  28

  Wokingham

  25

  Worthing2

  18

  Wycombe

  20

  South West

  Bath and North East Somerset2

  0

  Bournemouth

  46

  Bristol

  22

  Caradon

  27

  Carrick

  19

  Cheltenham

  52

  Christchurch2

  0

  Cotswold2

  0

  East Devon

  33

  East Dorset2

  0

  Exeter

  22

  Forest of Dean

  30

  Gloucester

  20

  Isles of Scilly

  7

  Kennet2

  0

  Kerrier2

  0

  Mendip

  14

  Mid Devon

  27

  North Cornwall

  18

  North Devon

  17

  North Dorset2

  0

  North Somerset

  27

  North Wiltshire2

  0

  Penwith2

  0

  Plymouth

  4

  Poole

  38

  Purbeck

  25

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  Average time to relat local authority housing stock1, 1998–99

  Days

  Restormel

  39

  Salisbury

  19

  Sedgemoor

  12

  South Gloucestershire

  33

  South Hams2

  0

  South Somerset2

  3

  Stroud

  26

  Swindon

  15

  Taunton Deane

  14

  Teignbridge

  29

  Tewkesbury2

  0

  Torbay

  26

  Torridge

  29

  West Devon2

  0

  West Dorset2

  0

  West Somerset2

  0

  West Wiltshire

  3—

  Weymouth and Portland

  17

  West Midlands

  Birmingham

  47

  Bridgnorth

  40

  Bromsgrove

  34

  Cannock Chase

  28

  Coventry

  35

  Dudley

  115

  East Staffordshire

  46

  Herefordshire

  13

  Lichfield2

  0

  Malvern Hills2

  0

  Newcastle-under-Lyme

  47

  North Shropshire

  40

  North Warwickshire

  35

  Nuneaton and Bedworth

  71

  Oswestry

  45

  Redditch

  20

  Rugby

  10

  Sandwell

  69

  Shrewsbury and Atcham

  26

  Solihull

  35

  South Shropshire2

  0

  South Staffordshire2

  0

  Stafford

  39

  Staffordshire Moorlands

  41

  Stoke-on-Trent

  46

  Stratford-upon-Avon2

  0

  Tamworth

  25

  Telford and Wrekin2

  35

  Walsall

  42

  Warwick

  30

  Wolverhampton

  49

  Worcester

  25

  Wychavon2

  0

  Wyre Forest

  28

  North West

  Allerdale2

  44

  Barrow-in-Furness

  33

  Blackburn with Darwen

  56

  Blackpool

  37

  Bolton

  44

  Burnley

  83

  Bury

  58

  Carlisle

  74

  Chester

  35

  Chorley

  45

  Congleton2

  0

  Copeland

  16

  Crewe and Nantwich

  41

  Eden2

  0

  Ellesmere Port and Neston

  34

  Fylde

  30

  Halton

  83

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  Average time to relet local authority housing stock1, 1998–99

  Days

  Hyndburn

  37

  Lancaster

  26

  Macclesfield

  55

  Manchester

  24

  Oldham

  44

  Pendle

  35

  Preston

  36

  Ribble Valley

  21

  Rochdale

  40

  Rossendale

  50

  Salford

  54

  South Lakeland

  23

  South Ribble2

  0

  Stockport

  37

  Tameside

  30

  Trafford

  40

  Vale Royal

  35

  Warrington

  37

  West Lancashire

  35

  Wigan

  28

  Wyre2

  0

  Knowsley

  25

  Liverpool

  68

  Sefton

  44

  St. Helens

  38

  Wirral

  44

  1 Excludes dwellings let after major works, mutual exchanges and tenancy successions.

  2 Denotes authorities which had transferred all or most of their housing stock, under Large Scale Voluntar Transfer arrangement, by 31 March 1999

  3 Not available

  Source:

  DETR Housing Investment Programme returns 1999

  A27
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what funds will be available for the study of traffic congestion on the A27 in the Worthing area due later this year; and when the study will be carried out. [113596]

  Mr. Hill
  The A27 Worthing-Lancing Integrated Transport Study is to be funded as part of the Department's programme of Multi Modal Studies. Tenders will be issued shortly to invite consultants to the bid for the commission to undertake the Study.

  Climate Change Programme
  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish the Government's draft climate change programme. [113826]

  Mr. Prescott
  I will publish a draft climate change programme for the UK on Thursday 9 March. This will set out how we plan to deliver the UK's emission reduction target from Kyoto and move towards its domestic goal. I will also be publishing a consultation paper on a new Energy Efficiency Standard of Performance scheme which would start in 2002.

  Copies of the report and the consultation paper will be available from the Vote Office and be placed in the Libraries of the House at 11.00 am tomorrow morning.

  Housing Benefit
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact on the housing benefit budget of the judgment in the Court of Appeal in Rv. Secretary of State ex parte Spath Holme Ltd. [113339]

  Angela Eagle
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Court of Appeal judgment means that we can no longer factor in the capping arrangements in our forecast of rent allowance expenditure which relates to tenancies with a registered rent in England and Wales. As a result, our forecast will need to be increased by £8 million and £15 million for the years 2000–01 and 2001–02 respectively.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Debt Relief
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the impact of the Government's policy on debt reduction on her target of halving world poverty by 2015. [113495]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The Government have continually emphasised that the purpose of debt relief is to enable countries to make greater progress on reducing poverty and achieving the international development targets. Our submission to the review of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative set out ways in which the impact of debt relief on poverty reduction could be increased, and I welcome the improvements to the HIPC framework that have been agreed internationally and are now being implemented. The revised HIPC initiative both provides deeper and faster debt relief to qualifying countries, and ensures that a poverty reduction strategy is put in place so that all development resources, including those freed up by HIPC debt relief, can be invested effectively in anti-poverty programmes.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Balloting Services
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will ensure that organisations offering balloting services to(a) trade unions and (b) political parties which involve contested elections count votes in the presence of the candidates should they wish this. [113031]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The Government have no plans to do so.

  Trade union election ballots are regulated by the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, which requires elections to be held for appointments to certain positions in trade unions and governs the conduct of those elections. In particular, the Act requires that votes should be fairly and accurately counted, an independent scrutineer should be appointed to monitor and report on the conduct of the election, and voting papers should be stored, distributed and counted by the scrutineer or another independent person. A union member or candidate who

  683W
  believes that there has been a breach of the Act's requirements can apply for a remedy to the Certification Officer or the court.

  The procedure for the selection of candidates by political parties is a matter for the parties themselves.

  Utilities Bill
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to remove the provisions relating to(a) telecommunications and (b) water from the Utilities Bill; and if he will make a statement. [113324]

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his plans for the regulation of telecoms and water. [113280]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]: I announced during Oral Questions on 2 March 2000, Official Report, column 555, that the provisions relating to telecommunications and water will be removed from the Utilities Bill.

  International Price Comparisons
  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 international price comparisons, for what reason his Departmental Press Notice of 11 February stated that the survey report was to be published on 11 February. [113129]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]: The Department Press Notice did not say that the survey report was to be published on 11 February.

  Petrol (Fair Competition)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Director General of Fair Trading began the present review of the petrol undertakings given by oil companies in 1966; when the review will be completed; and if he will publish the results of the review. [113532]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: The Director General of Fair Trading began the present review of the 1966 petrol undertakings in July 1998. He expects to complete the review this month and will advise me on whether the undertakings should be retained, removed or amended. I will announce my decision in due course.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact of changes in the number of petrol supplier and petrol retailers in the downstream market from 1997 to date on competition. [113535]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: Under UK competition legislation, the Director General of Fair Trading has responsibility for monitoring markets. He completed a major review of the petrol market in 1998. He concluded that competition in the petrol retailing market was strong and working to the benefit of consumers.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will ensure that voluntary agreements between petrol suppliers and petrol retailers not covered 684W
  by the undertakings given by oil companies in 1966 are subject to equivalent scrutiny by the Office of Fair Trading to ensure fair competition. [113533]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: The Director General of Fair Trading has powers to investigate such agreements if they appear to raise competition concerns.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry who has the responsibility for ensuring adherence to the petrol undertakings given by oil companies in 1966. [113534]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: The Director General of Fair Trading is responsible for monitoring markets and compliance with orders and undertakings given under the competition legislation. He has in recent years considered a number of complaints about breaches of the 1966 petrol undertakings but has not so far found that breaches of the undertakings have occurred.

  Latin American Trade Contracts
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list those trade contracts with Latin American countries which have been cancelled in the last 16 months. [113595]

  Mr. Caborn
  I am unable to provide such a list. Companies do not generally advise my Department of contractual disputes which would be regarded as a commercial matter for them.

  Telephone Call Costs
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment the OFT has made of the comparative cost of telephone calls from the UK to(a) India, Pakistan and Bangladesh and (b) the USA, Australia and New Zealand; and if he will make a statement. [113143]

  Ms Hewitt
  OFTEL has the main responsibility for telecoms competition issues. The market for international calls from the UK is competitive with more than 70 operators providing services. Prices for international calls have risen by only 7 per cent. in the last five years and BT's share of the market for international calls has fallen to below 37 per cent. for business users and below 70 per cent. for residential users.

  There is still nevertheless a marked discrepancy in the cost of calling different countries.

  BT's headline retail prices for the routes in question together with the accounting rates are:

  £

  Route

  Retail price per minute1

  Accounting rate

  (a)

  India

  1.20

  0.91

  Pakistan

  1.35

  0.81

  Bangladesh

  1.35

  1.13

  (b)

  USA

  0.24

  0.13

  Australia

  0.49

  0.25

  New Zealand

  0.49

  0.14

  1 Inclusive of VAT

  685W
  The differences in the cost of calls between the two groups of country above arise because of the different stages of liberalisation in these countries and the different charges for terminating incoming international traffic (known as accounting rates). The telecoms markets of group (b) countries are completely liberalised compared to the closed markets of the group (a) countries which have big net inflows of traffic from the UK coupled with high accounting rates. Furthermore, there are much higher call volumes between group (b) countries and the UK compared to group (a).

  The Government and OFTEL continue to participate in international meetings, particularly through the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to put pressure on countries with high accounting rates to reduce them.

WALES

  Teachers' Pay
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what talks he has had with(a) other departments and (b) the First Secretary concerning teachers' pay; and if he will make a statement. [108956]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I meet the First Secretary on a regular basis to discuss various issues including the importance of high standards of teaching in Wales. I have been involved in discussion with the National Assembly and the Department for Education and Employment on the implementation of the recommendations of the School Teachers Review Body in Wales.

  New Public Bodies
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the new public bodies established by his Department since May 1997. [112666]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  No new public bodies have been established by either the Welsh Office between May 1997 and 30 June 1999, or the Wales Office from 1 July 1999 to date.

  Non-departmental Public Bodies
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of candidates for appointment to non-departmental public bodies since 1 May 1997 were not appointed due to their political affiliations. [113308]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Political affiliation is not taken into account when making appointments to non-departmental public bodies.

PRIME MINISTER

  "Sharing the Nation's Prosperity"
  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to update the report entitled "Sharing the Nation's Prosperity". [112253]

  The Prime Minister
  There have been two reports published under the general heading "Sharing the Nation's Prosperity". The first, "Variation in Economic & Social 686W
  Conditions Across the UK", was completed in December 1999; the second, "Economic, Social and Environmental Conditions in the Countryside", was completed in February 2000. Both reports were prepared by the Cabinet Office and reflected relevant conditions and statistics at their time of publication. The Government will keep their findings in mind in developing and delivering future policies, but have no immediate plans to produce updates.

  Leaks
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Prime Minister what recent representations he has received regarding leak inquiries in Government departments. [112265]

  The Prime Minister
  None.

  Operation Horseshoe
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 22 February 2000,Official Report, column 851W, on Operation Horseshoe, if he will place a copy of the statement made by the German Defence Minister on 9 April 1999 in the Library. [113365]

  The Prime Minister
  I have arranged to have placed in the Library a copy of the material concerning Operation Horseshoe made public by the German Defence Minister on 9 April, along with an English language translation.

CABINET OFFICE

  IT (Public Services)
  Mr. White
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what recent assessment she has made of how the use of information technology can improve the delivery of public services. [112263]

  Mrs. McKenna
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what action is being taken to develop a strategic approach to the use of IT in delivering public services. [112272]

  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what action is being taken to develop a co-ordinated approach to the use of IT in delivering public services. [112280]

  Kali Mountford
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps she is taking to develop a strategic approach to the use of IT in delivering public services. [112281]

  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what studies her Office is carrying out into the scope for improving the use of information technology in the delivery of Government services. [112282]

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans she has to increase communications between Ministers and members of the public by means of the Internet. [112277]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  We set out proposals for improving public service delivery by information technology in our draft Corporate IT Strategy, of which I announced the publication in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, West (Valerie Davey) on 14 February 2000,Official Report, column 353W.

  Anti-drugs Strategy
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement on the latest developments in implementing the Government's anti-drugs strategy. [112264]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Government are making good progress towards the tough targets set out in their strategy document, "Tackling Drugs to build a better Britain".

  On 3 February, my right hon. Friend announced the joint funding of over £500,000 with the Department of Health and the Home Office to recruit up to 300 extra specialist treatment workers. This will help to ensure we have enough properly skilled staff to provide a high quality treatment service to those who need it.

  We are also providing a further £7.5 million of support this year and in 2000–01 to assist all schools to deliver effective drug education.

  Ms Dari Taylor
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what role the drug action teams are playing in the delivery of the Government's anti-drugs strategy. [112271]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  Drug Action Teams have a crucial role in the delivery of the National Drugs Strategy. They consist of agencies for Probation, Health, Education, Police authorities and local authorities. They are the main mechanism for delivery on the ground. All Drug Action Teams are required to plan and deliver an effective programme of anti-drug activities in their area, which is in line with the National Strategy.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when she last met the Anti-drugs Co-ordinator to discuss future policy on the control of illegal substances entering the country. [112269]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  I met with the Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator at the Ministerial Steering Group for Drugs meeting on 23 February.

  I hold regular meetings with the Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator to discuss all aspects of the Government's anti-drug strategy.

  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what assessment she has made of the Drug Awareness Resistance Education Programme; and if she will make a statement. [112273]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  I am aware of the contribution made by the Drug Awareness Resistance Education Programme to drug education schemes in a number of areas. I know also that it has enjoyed strong support from a number of hon. Members, particularly in the Nottinghamshire area.

  Social Exclusion
  Mr. Hopkins
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement about the implementation of policies designed to tackle social exclusion. [112266]
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  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement about the implementation of policies designed to tackle social exclusion. [112275]

  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps she is taking to tackle social exclusion. [112278]

  Mr. Salter
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement about the implementation of policies designed to tackle social exclusion. [112279]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  I can confirm that good progress is being made towards achieving the Government's targets on the four reports from the Social Exclusion Unit that have been published. These of course are on School Truancy and Exclusion, Rough Sleeping, Teenage Pregnancy and Bridging the Gap, and 16 to 18-year-olds not in Education, Training or Employment.

  A draft report for consultation, on the National strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal, is due to be launched in early April.

  Better Government (Older People)
  Ms Ward
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans she has to develop the Better Government for Older People projects. [112267]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The pilot phase of the Better Government for Older People programme comes to an end this month. We hope that, given the 28 pilots' great success in delivering better public services to older people, the local authorities leading them continue to support them and develop their work. The Government are looking forward to receiving the programme's final report in June and to putting its lessons into practice to deliver a marked and sustainable improvement in older people's experience of public services.

  Regulation
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans she has to reduce the number of regulations issued by Government Departments. [112268]

  Mr. Stringer
  Each Government Department now has a Regulatory Reform Minister. These Ministers are directly responsible for delivering our regulatory strategy in their Department including:getting rid of unnecessary regulations; and
  consulting with business on any essential new proposals.

  My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office will chair a Regulatory Accountability Panel which will be examining the regulatory performance and programmes of each Department. Together with the requirement to produce regulatory impact assessments, these arrangements will ensure that this Government regulates only where necessary and in the least burdensome way.

  "Modernising Government"
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what recent discussions she has had with(a) trade union representatives and (b) others on the "Modernising Government" programme. [112270]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  I have regular meetings with the trade unions at which developments in modernising government are discussed among other topics.

  I have many other meetings and it would be unusual for modernisation not to feature positively in some way.

  Online Government
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement on the state of preparedness of the United Kingdom for online Government. [112276]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to my reply to him on 20 January 2000,Official Report, column 544W.

  Target

  Subject

  Status

  Key Target 1

  Establish cost of disposals (including internal costs and consultancy fees, but not Works in Aid) as a percentage of disposal receipts and set targets for improvement

  Achieved

  Key Target 2

  Achieve gross disposal receipts of £150m

  Achieved

  Key Target 3

  Complete transfer of title to new owner of 90% of disposals within 3 years of property being passed to DEO for disposal.

  Not Achieved

  Key Target 4

  Complete initial assessment against Business Excellence Model.

  Achieved

  Key Target 5

  Complete Internal Investors in People (IIP) and external customer survey and submit reports to the Owner's Advisory Board, together with proposed targets for improvement:

  a. Internal IIP process

  Achieved

  b. External customer survey

  Achieved

  Key Target 6

  Appointments for external Project Managers for capital works projects:

  a. 99% achievement within 1 month for appointments made through Term Commissions or Partnering arrangements.

  Achieved

  b. 90% achievement within 5 months for all appointments.

  Achieved

  It was not possible to achieve KT3 due to the legacy of sites in the disposal programme. The actual figure achieved for sites sold during 1998/1999, was 77 per cent.
  The 1998/1999 Annual Report & Accounts for Defence Estates was published on 2 November 1999, and a copy placed in the library of the House of Commons on 2 November 1999.
  The Agency's Key Targets for 1998/1999 reflected an organisation in transition. This was a period during which the Agency necessarily committed itself to essential internal restructuring to accommodate the recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR). It was also necessary for the Agency to improve its focus on the needs of its customers and other stakeholders. The 1999/2000 Key Targets reflected this. Specifically, they addressed the need to establish a corporate management strategy for the estate, the development of a new construction procurement model and to improve the process for the disposal of surplus buildings and land.

  The published Key Targets for 1999/2000 are:

  Key Target 1:
  To demonstrate an improvement of 10% (over the figure for 1998/1999) in the level of customer satisfaction with the services provided by the Agency as measured by the 1999/2000 customer survey.

  Key Target 2:
  To achieve net disposal receipts of £235M.

  Key Target 3:
  To let three pilot Prime Contracts by 31 March 2000.

DEFENCE

  Defence Estates Organisation
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Defence Estates organisation 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. [111725]

  Dr. Moonie
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Estates agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the right hon. and learned Member.

  Letter from Ian Andrews to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 6 March 2000:
  The Secretary of State for Defence has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question on the targets set for the Defence Estate Organisation.
  Detailed below are the Defence Estates (formerly the Defence Estate Organisation) published Key Targets for 1998/1999:

  Key Target 4:
  To publish a strategy for the management of the Defence Estate by 31 December 1999.
  I hope this is helpful.

  RAF Signals Engineering Establishment
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the RAF Signals Engineering Establishment 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. [111752]

  Dr. Moonie
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Royal Air Force Signals Engineering Establishment. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the right hon. and learned Member.

  Letter from C. M. Davison to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 6 March 2000:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence in which you ask for details of those targets for the RAF Signals Engineering Establishment for 1998–99 which were, and were not, achieved, giving the factors affecting the outcome in each

  691W
  case, and detailing the action taken by the Agency to improve target achievement in 1999–2000. These matters fall within my responsibility as Chief Executive of the Agency.
  The Agency Key Targets and achievement against each one were published in the Annual Report and Accounts for 1998–99 (Publication HC 677 Page 12 refers). Eight of the nine Targets were achieved. The Target not achieved—the attainment of Investors in People accreditation by 31 December 1998—was revised during the

  Achievement against key ministerial targets

  Targets, outturns and achievements

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Targets for 1999–2000

  Efficiency

  To reduce the cost per task manhour, at full cost, compared with the FY 1996–97 figure

  Target

  Baseline set at £62.50

  Less than 95%

  Less than 93%

  Less than 85%2

  Outturn

  —1

  90.6%

  83.65%

  —

  Reduce the core as far as possible and continue to refine it against the operational need

  Target

  Review and reduce to minimum

  Review and reduce to minimum

  Review and reduce to minimum

  3—

  Outturn

  Achieved

  Achieved

  Achieved

  —

  Throughput

  Maintain core skills needed to support likely operations

  Target

  Maintain skills

  Maintain skills

  Maintain skills

  3—

  Outturn

  Achieved

  Achieved

  Achieved

  —

  Deliver operational tasks on time

  Target

  100%

  100%

  100%

  100%

  Outturn

  100%

  100%

  100%

  —

  Deliver non-operational tasks on time

  Target

  More than 80%

  More than 85%

  More than 90%

  More than 92%

  Outturn

  87.3%

  87.75%

  93.5%

  —

  Quality

  To reduce the number of quality failures in completed tasks

  Target

  Less than 5%

  Less than 5%

  Less than 4%

  Less than 1.5%

  Outturn

  1%

  3%

  1.4%

  —

  Financial Performance

  Develop an improved costing system which will interface effectively with the MOD's overall approach to Resource Accounting and Budgeting

  Target

  No Target

  No Target

  Develop costing system

  3—

  Outturn

  4—

  4—

  Achieved

  3—

  Miscellaneous

  Complete an Action Plan to resolve the Year 2000 IT problem by 30 September 1998

  Target

  No Target

  No Target

  Complete Plan

  5—

  Outturn

  4—

  4—

  Achieved

  —

  Achieve Investors in People Accreditation by 31 December 1998

  Target

  No Target

  No Target

  Achieve by 31 December 1998

  5—

  Outturn

  4—

  4—

  Not achieved6

  —

  1 Previous figures based on cash cost

  2 In real terms

  3 Not a Key Target for this year following revised guidance

  4 Not applicable

  5 Not a Key Target for this year

  6 The target was revised during the year following a mock assessment. The assessment took place in March 1999. We have been informed that a positive recommendation will be made to the assessment panel on 23 July 1999.

  Defence Evaluation and Research Agency
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Defence Evaluation and Research 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. [111726]

  Dr. Moonie
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the right hon. and learned Member.692W
  year following a mock assessment in September 1998 which highlighted the need for further work on the evaluation of training and development taking place within the organisation. The formal assessment was carried out in March 1999, and the Agency was awarded its accreditation in July 1999, well ahead of the overall MoD deadline.
  In the light of revised guidance from the MoD Framework Team, only 4 Key Targets were published for the Agency in 1999–2000, and the evidence to date indicates that each Target will be achieved.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 6 March 2000:
  I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question about the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency's (DERA) targets for 1998/99.
  A list of the key targets for 1998/99 and details of which ones were and were not achieved, together with an explanation of the factors affecting the outcome in each case, is given in Annual Report for 1998/99, a copy of which is available in the House of Commons Library.
  You also asked for details of the action taken by the Agency to improve target achievements performance in 1999/00. The targets for 1999/00 were published in Hansard on 27 July 1999. Again, a copy is attached for ease of reference. As you will see, with the exception of target 7, "To establish at least six Defence Diversification Offices across the UK", they are essentially the same

  693W
  as those for the previous year. The many trading problems caused by continuing declines in some of our core defence business have meant that the first half of 1999/2000 has been extremely challenging. We are, therefore, having to control costs carefully at the traditional technology end of our business in order to optimise our financial performance. Also of vital importance are our nonfinancial targets because these reflect the scientific achievements on which our reputation and hence future income stream will be based. Last year, we experienced difficulties in setting the baselines for one or two of these, but we have taken managerial steps to ensure that our true achievements are recorded this year. It is, nevertheless, too early to predict the outcome of these measures.
  Overall, however, our ability to meet the targets will very much depend on a timely resolution of the debate over the future of DERA and the question of a public-private partnership announced in the Strategic Defence Review in July 1998. Naturally, such strategic uncertainty affects DERA staff and customers alike and, whilst our central direction remains unchanged, we need to establish a firm position from which to address the difficulties of our current trading environment.

  Key Targets for 1999/2000

  In Year Targets
  consistent with Treasury requirements, to achieve at least a 6% Return on Capital Employed.
  to set manpower chargeout rates for 2000/01 which reflect a reduction in DERA overheads compared with 1999/2000 budgeted levels.
  to increase new business income (from customers other than the MOD) to £140 million in 1999/2000.
  to increase the number of staff elected as Fellows of professional bodies by 10%.
  to achieve on time 90% of the agreed milestones on work for MOD customers.
  to increase the level of customer satisfaction, as measured by customer surveys.
  to establish at least 6 Defence Diversification Offices across the UK.

  Three Year Targets
  over a period of 3 years, to achieve a 20% increase in peer reviewed publications per professional.
  over a period of three years to increase by 50% the number of scientific teams assessed as 'world-class' in the technical assessment exercise.

  Army Training and Recruiting Agency
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Army Recruitment and Training 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. [111729]

  Dr. Moonie
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Army Training and Recruiting Training Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the right hon. and learned Member.

  Letter from M. A. Piper to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 6 March 2000:
  I am replying to your questions to the Secretary of State for Defence about the Key Targets for the Army Training and Recruiting Agency (ATRA) and the Defence Animal Centre (DAC) for the year 1998/1999, as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Deputy Chief Executive of the Agency.
  You should be aware that although the DAC was an Agency in its own right in 1998/1999, on 1 April 1999 it became part of the ATRA. For the year 1998/1999 therefore, there were two sets of Key Targets, one for each agency. For 1999/2000 and subsequent
  694W
  years, the DAC targets are subsumed within those of the ATRA and are not separately identified. Neither Agency has yet published their Annual Report and Accounts for 1998/1999. but expect to shortly.

  ATRA Key Targets 1998/1999:

  Key Target 1:
  To meet the Adjutant General's requirement for commissioned officers.
  Requirement: 642, Achievement: 591
  The continuing shortfall was due to insufficient numbers of potential officers recruited in previous years. The demographic trough continues to have an effect. The Agency has introduced an Officers Marketing Action Plan which aims to improve the level of enquiries and firm applications for commissions.
  Potential officers will be targeted in tertiary education as well as the traditional area of secondary education. The Agency has also introduced an improved "nurturing" process to maintain contact with potential officers throughout their education, prior to them joining.

  Key Target 2:
  To meet the Adjutant General's requirements for officers qualified for service in Field Force units following successful Special to Arm training.
  Requirement: 632, Achievement: 580
  The shortfall results from the insufficient numbers being recruited in previous years resulting in lower numbers passing through to Special to Arm training. The action being taken to address the shortfall in KT1 will also address this KT.

  Key Target 3:
  To meet the Adjutant General's requirement for professional development training of officers.
  Requirement: 7,500, Achievement: 7,114
  Achievement of this target is entirely dependent upon release of officers from the Field Army to undertake such training. Exceptional operational commitments prevented officers being released to take up all the places allocated. More tautly defined training programmes have been introduced which resulted in a considerable improvement in performance over 1997/98, and it is anticipated that this will continue.

  Key Target 4:
  To meet the Adjutant General's requirements for soldiers qualified for service in Field Force units following successful Special to Arm training.
  Requirement: 10,140, Achievement: 8,353
  Underachievement in recruiting and higher than anticipated wastage rates in Recruit Training (Phase 1) led to lower numbers entering Special to Arm training and therefore under performance in this KT. The Agency is putting in place mechanisms to improve both the quality of recruits entering the training pipeline and to make the training process more efficient. This is already showing signs of improving performance.

  Key Target 5:
  To meet the Adjutant General's requirement for soldiers' professional development training.
  Requirement: 55,500, Achieved: 52,183
  Again, exceptional operational commitments of the Field Army prevented soldiers being released to take up all the places allocated. More tautly defined training programmes have been introduced which resulted in a considerable improvement in performance over 1997/98, and it is anticipated that this will continue.

  Key Target 6:
  Achieve efficiency savings. During the year develop an Efficiency Index that measures output and associated costs as a baseline to achieve year on year improvements in efficiency.
  Target: £34.7M savings, Achievement: £28M savings

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  The shortfall is due primarily to difficulties experienced with accounting for the pay of all Initial Trainees, for which the Agency assumed responsibility during the year. The development of the Efficiency Index has been achieved.
  Overall, the Agency continued to operate in a difficult environment, the economy has been buoyant, thus increasing competitive pressure on recruiting in the target age group. The effects of the increased level of operational commitment in the Field Army continued to have an effect, principally by reducing the availability of officers and soldiers for career developments courses. The introduction of more tautly defined training programmes has resulted in an improvement in performance in the current year and this is set to continue.
  DAC Targets met in 1998/1999:

  Key Target 1:
  To meet requirements for Military Personnel (MP) and Military Working Animals (MWA).
  Target: 100%, Achievement: 100%

  Key Target 2:
  To meet agreed customer satisfaction for trained quality output.
  Target: 95%, Achievement: 95%

  Key Target 4:
  To meet agreed customer satisfaction in timeliness of delivery.
  Target: 95%, Achievement: 96.3%

  Key Target 5:
  To achieve training success rates for Course Specific MWA.
  Target: 95%, Achievement: 100%

  Key Target 6:
  To achieve training success rates for MP.
  Target: 90%, Achievement: 94.1%
  DAC Target not met in 1998/1999:

  Key Target 3:
  To meet customer satisfaction in numbers of trained output quantity.
  Target: MWA—95%, MP—100%, Achievement: MWA—78.9%, MP—100%
  The shortfall in Military Working Animals was caused primarily by a shortage of suitable dogs being available and was compounded by staff shortages. This latter was caused by recruiting deficits in the past and although there have been improvements in this area, operational commitments by the Field Army are still causing problems. A number of initiatives have been introduced to overcome the shortfall in dogs, principally revised procurement procedures and veterinary screening procedures.

  Service Children's Education Agency
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Service Children's Education 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. [111738]

  Annex A—Service Children's Education—Performance against key targets 1998–99

  KT No.

  Key target description

  Target (Percentage)

  Achievement

  Remarks

  1

  Exceed the 1997–98 UK LEA average percentage pass rate (measured as a percentage of pupil entries) gaining A* to C grade in 5 or more subjects at GCSE by 4 per cent

  44.3%

  47.4%

  —

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  Dr. Moonie
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Service Children's Education agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the right hon. and learned Member.

  Letter from David Wadsworth to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 6 March 2000:
  Key Targets
  The Key Targets for 1998/99 for the Service Children's Education Agency, and our performance against them, are set out in our Annual Report and Accounts 1998/1999 (HC167), a copy of which was placed in the library of the House of Commons.
  In broad terms the performance of the Agency was judged in 98/99 against nine Key Targets; five directly related to education; the remainder covering efficiency, customer satisfaction and response times to enquiries. A final milestone target related to the introduction of an SCE nursery education scheme.
  The performance of the Agency against these targets is set out at Annexes A and B, attached.
  As you will see from those figures, I am pleased to report that, in the main, we met the overwhelming majority of our targets. Those that we did not meet are as follows:
  Key Target 4—The SATs targets at Key Stages 12, 2 and 3 (ages 7, 11 and 14)
  Although 11 of the 18 individual aspects to this target were achieved, 7 were not. These were:

  English—Key Stage 1 Test/Task, and Key Stage 3 Teacher Assessment

  Maths—Key Stage 1 Teacher Assessment and Key Stage 2 Test/Task

  Science—Key Stages 1 and 3 Teacher Assessment and Key Stage 3 Test/Task

  No specific reasons for failing to achieve these targets has yet been adduced. It should be noted that in all assessments at KS I, KS2 and KS3 our achievement scores were higher than English LEAs, sometimes significantly so (on average by +5.8%).
  Key Target 7—The Efficiency Target (reduction in per capita pupil costs, measured on an accruals basis)
  An unexpected drop in pupil numbers combined with increased financial investment in education, for example extra funding for the Literacy and Numeracy strategies, meant that this target was not met in 1998/99. The use of such a blunt measure of efficiency has now been judged to be unrealistic, given the continuing investment in education spending and teaching salaries. It has therefore been proposed that, for 1999/2000 and beyond, the Agency should develop a means to measure the "value added" by SCE. This will require further developments in baseline assessments and in pupil through-life tracking via Unique Pupil Numbers (UPNs).
  With regard to the future, our Key Targets for 99/00 have been modified to achieve an improvement each year on the Agency's performance on the previous year. This should reflect a more realistic but nevertheless challenging target in these subjects. My aspiration to improve our performance in 1999/2000 is being addressed by involving schools more closely in the target setting process, a continued commitment to the literacy and numeracy strategies through intensive in service training for teachers, and the greater involvement of the external advisers to Agency's Owner's, namely DfEE, HMI/Ofsted and the Chief Education Officer of Hampshire Local Education Authority to ensure that the targets are realistic.
  I hope that this is helpful.

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  Annex A—Service Children's Education—Performance against key targets 1998–99

  KT No.

  Key target description

  Target (Percentage)

  Achievement

  Remarks

  2

  Exceed the 1997–98 UK LEA average percentage pass rate (as measured as a percentage of subject entries) at grades A to C level at A level by 2 per cent.

  54%

  60.3%

  —

  3

  Maintain an overall percentage pass rate for GNVQ intermediate level

  92%

  70–96%

  70 per cent. of those who commenced the course completed it in the year. 96% of those who completed it were successful

  4

  Achieve the following results at Standard Attainment Tasks and Tests (SATs) at each of ages 7, 11 and 14

  Please see Annex B

  Please see Annex B

  —

  5

  Achieve as a minimum satisfactory + in each OFSTED school inspection

  Sat+

  Achieved

  —

  6

  Implement the SCE elements of the MoD scheme for the provision of nursery education overseas to be completed by September 1998

  September 1998

  Achieved

  —

  7

  To achieve an overall reduction in per capita pupil costs, measured on an accruals basis

  2.5%

  Failed

  Unexpected drop in pupil numbers and increased spend on DfEE initiatives

  8

  Achieve an index of satisfaction with SCE within the Army Continuous Attitude Survey above 358

  +358

  +371

  —

  9

  Ensure percentage of enquiries and/or requests answered within 10 working days of receipt

  90%

  Achieved

  —

  Annex B—Key Target 4: National curriculum assessment results— 1998

  Percentage

  Subject/Key stage

  Target

  Achieved

  Variation

  English

  KS1

  Teacher Assessment

  87

  87

  0

  Reading Test/Task

  87

  85

  -2

  Writing Test/Task

  89

  89

  0

  KS2

  Teacher Assessment

  68

  71

  +3

  Test/Task

  71

  74

  +3

  KS3

  Teacher Assessment

  67

  64

  -3

  Test/Task

  73

  80

  +7

  Maths

  KS1

  Teacher Assessment

  89

  88

  -1

  Test/Task

  89

  90

  +1

  KS2

  Teacher Assessment

  71

  71

  0

  Test/Task

  73

  68

  -5

  KS3

  Teacher Assessment

  71

  71

  0

  Test/Task

  68

  70

  +2

  Science

  KS1

  Teacher Assessment

  90

  88

  -2

  KS2

  Teacher Assessment

  72

  74

  +2

  Test/Task

  78

  79

  +1

  KS3

  Teacher Assessment

  73

  66

  -7

  Test/Task

  74

  67

  -7

  Meteorological Office
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Meteorological Office 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. [111750]

  Dr. Moonie
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Meteorological Office. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the right hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Ewins to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 6 March 2000:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the Met. Office's performance against its key performance targets in 1998–99. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of The Met. Office.
  Our targets in 1998–99, as announced in Hansard on 24 April 1998 (Col 714), were as follows:

  Key Target 1
  To achieve a value of at least 111.1 index points on 31 March 1999 from a baseline of 100.0 on 31 March 1995, for the global Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) index, which measures the overall forecasting skill of the global NWP model;

  Key Target 2
  To achieve an index level of 104.0 by 31 March 2000 from a baseline of 400.0 at 31 March 1996, and to achieve an increase of at least 2.0 index points during 1998–99 for the UK NWP partial index, which measures the forecasting skill of the NWP model for the UK;
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  Key Target 3
  To increase the index of service quality to at least 104.8 on 31 March 1999 from a baseline of 100.0 for 1996–97, in line with agreed customer requirements. The index covers representative services and products across defence civil aviation, public and business users;

  Key Target 4
  To improve efficiency from a baseline of 100.0 on 31 March 1997 to at least 108.0 on 31 March 1999 as measured by the agreed Efficiency Index;

  Key Target 5
  To achieve an overall return on capital employed (ROCE) of at least 7% taken year on year. For the financial years 1997–98 and 1998–99 to achieve an overall ROCE of at least 11.6% averaged over the two years;

  Key Target 6
  To make a contribution from commercial activities in 1998–99 of not less than £1.1 million, on the agreed basis of measurement.
  Our performance against these targets was published in our Annual Report and Accounts for 1999–99, copies of which are available in the library of the House, and is summarised in the following table:

  Key performance indicator

  Target

  Outturn

  Achieved

  UK NWP Index

  1104.2

  106.3

  Yes

  Global NWP Index

  111.1

  109.9

  No

  Service Quality Index

  104.8

  114.5

  Yes

  Efficiency Index

  108.0

  111.5

  Yes

  ROCE2

  7%

  310%

  Yes

  Commercial Contribution

  £l.lm

  £1.8m

  Yes

  1 The Index score at the end of 1997–98 was 102.2.

  2 The basis of calculating ROCE changed during 1998–99 as a result of the introduction of FRS12, a financial reporting standard that affected the accounting treatment of provisions. ROCE performance in the table is shown pre-FRS12, being the basis upon which the 1998–99 target was set. The post FRS12 outturn was 6.3%.

  3 The average ROCE for 1997–97 and 1998–99 was13.8% pre-FRS12 (13.5% post-FRS12).

  As you will see, we exceeded our financial performance targets by a significant margin and substantially improved our service quality and efficiency. We also improved our UK Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) Index, which is a measure of our underlying forecasting accuracy for the UK, by a significant margin. However, we fell just short of the Global NWP target. Problems with the model's handling of the South Pole region were identifiedand

  Percentage

  Key target

  Target

  Achievement

  1

  To provide operational imagery intelligence (IMINT) support as follows:

  Priority 1 tasks to be completed within 24 hours of receipt of appropriate imagery

  98

  100

  Priority 2 tasks within 48 hours

  92

  100

  Priority 3 tasks within 7 days

  88

  91

  2

  To provide detached Service personnel as required, up to a total of 22 at any one time

  Achieved

  3

  To complete Strategic, non-operational intelligence requirements and other tasks:

  Priority 1 tasks to be completed within 24 hours of receipt of appropriate imagery

  92

  95

  Priority 2 tasks within 48 hours

  88

  95

  Priority 3 tasks within 7 days

  80

  83

  Priority 4 tasks within 6 weeks

  75

  89

  4

  To revise the methodology of measuring the degree of customer satisfaction with the service provided

  Achieved

  5

  To achieve an improvement of efficiency

  2.5

  3.2

  6

  To conduct evaluations of imagery reconnaissance systems for Government departments within agreed times and allocated resources

  Achieved

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  and rectified, and benefits of a higher resolution model introduced in January 1998 began to feed through towards the end of 1998–99. As a result, the target score was achieved less than 2 months into 1999–2000. Moreover, comparison with the performance for global models run by other Meteorological services shows that, despite the failure to achieve our own challenging performance target, we have maintained our position as a world-class weather forecasting centre.
  To improve Global NWP performance in 1999–2000, a number of further enhancements to the model have been introduced, and I am pleased to say that we are currently on course to meet both of our NWP targets this year. We are also on track to deliver greater in-year cost efficiency, part of which has been anticipated in agreed prices for 1999/2000 with the remainder to be passed on to our customers through further price reductions in future years. We have cut the planned level of ROCE substantially, in line with our strategy of investment for growth, which will enable us, inter-alia, to improve service quality (especially forecasting accuracy and responsiveness to customer needs) and, largely through increased automation, generate further down-stream efficiency improvements. We are, however, unlikely to meet our target for commercial contribution, although our commercial business remains profitable. We have already introduced changes to our commercial division, including the appointment of a new Managing Director, which we are confidence will increase both revenue and profitability in 2000–01.

  Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre 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. [111742]

  Dr. Moonie
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the right hon. and learned Member.

  Letter from Steve Lloyd to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 6 March 2000:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about our Agency's Key Targets and whether or not they were achieved for 1998–99. All targets were met in full.
  Details of the achievements are listed below and contained in the Agency's Annual Report and Accounts for 1998–99, copies of which have been placed in the Libraries of the Houses of Parliament.

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  Action taken by the Agency to continue to achieve its targets and where possible improve performance include:

  a. The continuing refinement of the Re-organisation of all areas of the Agency, to give a better focus on satisfying tasking needs.

  b. A methodology for measuring customer satisfaction prototyped during FY 99/00.

  c. The continued pursuit of a clear methodology of true output measurement.

  I hope that you will find that this answer gives you the information that you are seeking.

  Army Technical Support Agency
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Army Technical Support 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. [111747]

  Dr. Moonie
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Army Technical Support Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the right hon. and learned Member.

  Letter from A. D. Ball to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 6 March 2000:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the Key Target achievement for 1998–99 for the Army Technical Support Agency (ATSA), as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the ATSA.
  As reported in the ATSA Annual Report and Accounts 1998/99, copies of which were laid in the Library of the House on 26 July 1999, ATSA did not achieve one part of one of its 7 Key Targets set for 1998–99. The Key Targets, their achievement, the factors affecting their outcome and the action taken to improve performance for 1999–2000 are detailed at Annex A for your convenience of consideration.
  The partial failure to achieve on of the Key Targets is also explained in detail as follows:

  Key Target 4 Part 2: Despatch 90% of routine technical publications within 24 working days of receipt of the demand.

  Although ATSA's cumulative annual achievement for 1998–99 was 85.3% of nearly 70,000 demands, the 90% target was exceeded in 6 of the 12 monthly reporting periods. This was despite an 11% increase in annual cumulative demand due to the operation and roulement of units in the Balkans and further complicated by unforeseen complete reissues of the extensive Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank support publications.

  Performance against the Key Targets for 1999–2000 is monitored by the Chief Executive and Executive Management Board of the Agency on a monthly basis. This performance is reported quarterly to the Agency's Owner and annually to Ministers through publication of the Next Steps Report and the Agency's Annual Report and Accounts. Key Target achievement is also considered by the National Audit Office during the annual submission of the Accounts for external audit.
  As at 31 January 2000, the Agency is on target to achieve all of its Key Targets for 1999–2000.
  I hope that you find this information helpful.

  ATSA Key Targets 1998–99

  Definitions, performance and proposed changes for 1999–2000
  Key Target 1: To influence equipment design by obtaining formal tasking from Project Managers/Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) Managers in 80% of appropriate ILS projects.
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  Result: Achieved: 104 (80%) of 130 appropriate ILS projects receiving tasking.
  Improvement: There is no change to the 80% target for 1999–2000. This list of appropriate projects is reviewed and updated by the Customer every 6 months and thus offers fresh challenge each time this occurs.
  Key Target 2: To recommend at least 10% gross cost saving in Advanced Order Spares purchasing for appropriate non-ILS projects without reducing the equipment sustainability or availability.
  Result: Exceeded: A saving of £3.763M (63%) was recommended against spares listings valued at £5.96M.
  Improvement: Discontinued as a Key Target for 1999–2000 since the proportion of cost savings are determined more by manufacturers' recommendations than factors within ATSA's control. As ILS and off-the-shelf procurement become the normal approach and replace Advanced Order Spares procurement, this area will become progressively less important. Although no longer a Key Target, this process of scrutiny and review is still being conducted.
  Key Target 3: To provide a complete and accurate answer to 92% of ad hoc enquiries within 2 working days.
  Result: Exceeded: 66,818 (96.8%) of 69,030 ad hoc queries received were answered within the period.
  Improvement: The target is increased from 92% to 94% whilst also noting a typical 8% increase in annual demand.
  Key Target 4: To despatch new and reprinted technical publications within the period from receipt of demand as follows:

  For priority demands, 90% within 5 working days

  For routine demands, 90% within 24 working days

  Result: Part Exceeded and Part Not Achieved: 1,386 (99.4%) of the 1,395 priority demands, and 59,542 (85.3%) of 69,542 routine demands were met within the target periods.
  Improvement: The target levels are being maintained in 1999–2000 in recognition of the steady increase in annual cumulative demand over recent years. Resource levels are unchanged. Increased efficiency is continually sought by adjusting batch-processing techniques.
  Key Target 5: To complete at least: 90% of Operational projects and 75% of Priority A projects before the agreed target date.
  Result: Exceeded: 5 (100%) Operational projects and 91 (89.2%) of 102 Priority A projects were completed by the agreed target date.
  Improvement: The target coverage is being extended by the inclusion of an additional target of 60% of Priority B projects; the other targets remain the same. This will increase the measured target scope to 80% of all projects received.
  Key Target 6: To satisfy 90% of customers in the handling of technical projects.
  Results: Exceeded: 1,331 (98.1%) of 1,357 completed projects received a grading of satisfied (or better) by the customer on closure questionnaires.
  Improvement: Target increased to 92% for 1999–2000. In addition, results are validated through sample customer interviews.
  Key Target 7: To provide a considered response to 90% of Equipment Failure Reports (or equivalent) submissions within 10 working days of receipt.
  Result: Exceeded: 22,684 (91.9%) of 24,684 EFRs received considered responses within the stated period.
  Improvement: To be discontinued as a Key Target for 1999–2000. The EFR system is currently under review and major changes are expected. In the meantime the main customer (HQ LAND) has agreed to the introduction of a new, more cost-effective system of consolidated bulletins rather than individual responses.

  Defence Transports and Movements Executive
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Defence Transports and Movements Executive 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. [111756]

  Dr. Moonie
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Transport and Movements Executive. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the right hon. and learned Member.

  Letter from P. T. W. Leaning to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 6 March 2000:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence, about the targets for the Defence Transport and Movements Executive, as this matter falls within my area of responsibility, being the Chief Executive of the Agency which replaced the former DTMX in April 1999.
  It is pleasing to report that DTMX achieved all its Key Targets for 1998–99 and the results of that financial year's performance were included in the Annual Report and Accounts which were laid before Parliament on 27 January this year (Library number 132, pages 10–14). For your ease of reference, I am providing extract details of each of the four Key Targets concerned, at Annex A.
  Also included in the DTMX Annual Report and Accounts (page 27) is the background behind the launch of our new Agency, into which DTMX was subsumed. Basically, as part of the Strategic Defence Review it was decided to form one Agency which would be responsible for the provision of surface (road, rail and sea) and air transport and movements support to the Ministry of Defence. The Defence Transport and Movements Agency was, therefore, formed from an amalgamation of DTMX, the Joint Transport and Movements Staff (Northwood) and elements of 38 Gp RAF/Air Movements Executive (London, High Wycombe and Halton).
  DTMA has been able to use the lessons learnt by its former constituent parts but the way that it operates, and the type of support that it provides, is different to that of its predecessors. With that in mind, it has been set new challenging targets, rather than continue with any of the targets set for its predecessors. Again, I am providing details of the four Key Targets for 1999–2000, at Annex B.

  DTMX Key Targets for 1998–99

  Key Target 1
  To exceed 90% of Customers' perceived satisfaction of requirements.
  Results: In conjunction with the Defence Analytical Services Agency (DASA), the DTMX Plans Team developed a survey to both map the customer base and subsequently monitor satisfaction levels. The analysis of the survey results has proved useful and encouraging. Of the 371 surveys sent out, 60% were returned. The overall satisfaction rating was 92%. Desk officers have followed up these results with customers and in particular investigated those where DTMX scored less than the prescribed 90%.

  Key Target 2
  To establish the baseline for the quality of the Unaccompanied Baggage (UB) Service, to enable subsequent measurement of improvements.
  Results: Although DTMX had been given until May 1999 to establish a performance baseline, it was decided that with the incorporation of DTMX into DTMA, a set of results would be compiled for the period January-March 1999 for each of the UB business areas, based on the existing, DTMX compiled, survey data.
  Outside of DTMX a number of different surveys were already in use by the Divisional and District Headquarters. To avoid 'survey fatigue' it was agreed that DTMX would sponsor a single set of common surveys covering the whole gambit of the
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  Unaccompanied Baggage Service. These surveys were taken into general use at the end of 1998 and will, in the future, provide a much wider data set, allowing the Agency to monitor customer perceptions continuously and thereby improve the service.

  Key Target 3
  To exceed 90% satisfaction of Customers' requirements.
  Results: Given that the majority of the service provided is carried out through agents and contractors, it was acknowledged that a system of negative reporting would allow us to concentrate on supplier failure and would best support customer requirements. High volume activities with few complaints have raised the percentage satisfaction rate, but there are areas that have been highlighted which require attention. Overall 210 complaints were recorded during the period and these are summarised as follows:

  The performance of our suppliers to customers' satisfaction exceeded 99%.

  Customers with complaints or problems are required to contact DTMX with the details, these are then confirmed in writing, investigated and if upheld recorded as a supplier failure against the target. In order to improve the capture of complaints data, action is in hand to incorporate a system of complaints logging on CARGONET, the Agency's primary data warehouse and UBMIS which is specifically tailored towards the Unaccompanied Baggage Service.

  Key Target 4
  To establish unit costs per output data to enable the setting of realistic efficiency targets for subsequent years.
  Results: Through the development of the Agency's Activity Based Costing model, it has been possible to identify unit costs down to individual loads. For example it is now possible to identify the average cost of sending 1 tonne of aggregate to the Falkland Islands or of delivering a consignment of ammunition to one of the Ammunition Depots.
  Many of the outputs produced or sponsored by the Agency are conducted under call-off contracts which are casted on a schedule of prices.

  DTMA Key Targets for 1999–2000

  Key Target 1
  To meet the customers' requirements as specified in customer supplier agreements to deliver:

  a. 90% or more of agency transactions within agreed criteria.

  b. 90% or more of the services provided under call-off contracts at a satisfactory level.

  This KT measures the quantity, quality and timeliness of the 36 services of the Agency as specified by its customers through the performance indicators contained in the Customer Supplier Agreements (CSAs). The CSAs have been developed with customers and will ultimately provide the basis for Agency funding. The services provided by DTMA fall into 2 categories: those processed directly by Agency staff and those that are provided as contracted capability against which a user is able to call-off.

  Key Target 2
  To establish baseline data for the administrative unit costs by 31 December 1999.
  The administrative unit cost is defined as the cost of completing an Agency processed transaction. These costs will be obtained through the use of an Activity Based Costing model, which will need to be developed in year one with a target date of 31 December 1999 set to obtain baseline data. Efficiencies will be measured from this baseline in future years.

  Key Target 3
  To demonstrate net added value.
  One of the benefits that DTMA ought to be able to offer its customers is the contract price advantage achieved through its corporate negotiating power and skills. This KT aims to demonstrate that the DTMA operating costs incurred by the provision of contracted services are more than covered by this

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  price advantage and hence add value to the Department as a whole. This will be achieved by comparison with specific indices provided by the Office for National Statistics.

  Key Target 4
  To achieve at least a satisfactory rating in the provision of operational transport and movements support.
  This KT relates to the output in support of planning the deployment, sustainment and recovery of forces on operations that may not be subject to a CSA. It also includes the MOD tasking authority for those assets owned by HQ 38 Group and Commodore Royal Fleet Auxiliary (COMRFA). This activity is a core Agency task supporting military operations and force projection. PJHQ as the principal operational Customer, will be requested to provide a biennial assessment of the Agency's operational performance based on post exercise and audit reports on Defence operational capability.

  Military Survey
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Military Survey 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. [111764]

  Dr. Moonie
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Military Survey Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the right hon. and learned Member.

  Letter from P. R. Wildman to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 6 March 2000:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about Key Target achievement for 1998–99 for the Military Survey Defence Agency, as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Agency Chief Executive.
  As reported in the Agency's Annual Report and Account, Military Survey achieved five of the six Key Targets set by its owner for 1998–99. The sixth was achieved one month behind schedule. This delay was due to the need to complete higher priority work in support of operations. Full details of the Key Targets are attached at Annex A.
  The Agency monitors the performance of its Key Targets and detailed Business Plan Objectives via an electronic reporting spreadsheet, which is supplied to the Directors' Board each month. The Directors' Board Pack is supplemented with a printout containing details of all those objectives which contribute to overall performance together with commentary from the managers responsible. The introduction of these procedures has ensured that appropriate action is taken in a timely manner.
  I hope that you find this information helpful.

  Those targets of the Military Survey for 1998–99 which were achieved

  Key Target 1:
  To satisfy 100% of requirements for geographic support to current operations within the timescale agreed between the Agency and its customers.
  Outcome: Achieved

  Key Target 3:
  To complete the agreed Annual Production Programme (APP) on the time and to cost.
  Outcome: Achieved

  Key Target 4:
  To establish by March 1999 a process for measuring the degree of satisfaction the library service provides.
  Outcome: Achieved
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  Key Target 5:
  To maintain the required readiness state of the required Field Support elements of the Agency as required by the Department.
  Outcome: Achieved

  Key Target 6:
  To achieve a 2.5% improvement in efficiency.
  Outcome: Achieved

  Those targets of the military survey for 1998–99 which were not achieved

  Key Target 2:
  To agree with the Joint Customer Group by March 1999, a process for measuring the degree of customer satisfaction with the service provided.
  Outcome: Achieved at the end of April 1999
  Factors affecting the outcome: Publication of the paper defining the process for measuring customer satisfaction was delayed due to the need to complete higher priority work in support of operations. The paper was agreed at the end of April 1999—a delay of one month.

  Defence Bills Agency
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Defence Bills 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. [111730]

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

  Letter from I. S. Elrick to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 6 March 2000:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence concerning performance against the targets set for the Defence Bills Agency, as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Agency.
  The seven targets set for the Defence Bills Agency for 1998/99 are detailed below and performance was set out in the Agency's 1998/99 Annual Report and Accounts, a copy of which was placed in the library of the House on 13 July 1999. The first six were achieved in full but the seventh only attained 95.7% against a target of 100%.

  1. To pay 97% of correctly presented bills within 11 working days;

  2. To pay 100% of correctly presented bills within 30 calendar days;

  3. To raise 100% of invoices within 5 working days;

  4. To deliver services within the agreed price of £15.587 million for the financial year;

  5. To increase the average number of bills processed annually by each member of staff to 6,555;

  6. To ensure CAPITAL compliance by 1 January 1999.

  7. To meet the criteria contracted for in the Service Level Agreement.

  Performance against this final target was affected by the need, in order to meet higher priorities, to divert Agency resources from the fifteen lower-level performance indicators which are aggregated into a single target. The most significant of these higher priorities was the need to alter the Agency's business processes to accommodate the Statutory Interest on Commercial Debt (Interest) Act in November 1998. The Agency also diverted resources to assist the Department in its development of resource accounting and to undertake preparatory work on the Agency's extensive computer resources to ensure millennium compliance. In addition the Agency

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  assimilated a 6% increase in bill throughput numbers compared to the previous financial year, processing some 3.7 million bills in total.
  To improve performance in 1999/2000 the Agency's targets were redefined following a triennial Prior Options review. This moved the main emphasis of the Agency's targets to the improvement of unit costs which could be independently benchmarked against commercial comparators. There was also a significant tightening of the targets in other areas.
  The Agency has responded to these changed circumstances by preparing a Corporate Plan which is designed to achieve these new and demanding challenges. The main thrusts of the Plan are:
  (i) greater commitment to E-commerce in both internal and external communications;
  (ii) the more effective utilisation of Information Technology in business processes; and
  (iii) the use of European Quality Foundation Excellence Model benchmarking techniques to ensure that best practice is used throughout the Agency.
  The deliberately challenging new targets are not being met fully in this first year of the new Service Level Agreement. However, significant progress towards meeting the overarching outcomes contained in the Service Level Agreement has been achieved during 1999–2000 and measures have been taken to ensure that performance will be improved further during 2000–2001. Whilst some of the key targets are not being met in the current year, bill payments performance is still the highest to date in real terms and puts the Agency in the top 10% of large commercial and public sector enterprises in Europe, as measured in independent benchmarking exercises.

  Army Personnel Centre
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Army Personnel Centre 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. [111746]

  Dr. Moonie
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Army Personnel Centre. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the right hon. and learned Member.

  Letter from G. A. M. Hammond to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 6 March 2000:
  I am replying on behalf of the Chief Executive of the Army Personnel Centre (APC), in his absence on business, to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the performance targets for the APC for the year 1998/99, as this matter falls within the responsibility of this agency.
  I should explain that a copy of the APC Annual Report and Accounts 1998/99, published in July 1999, was placed in the library of the House of Commons. Annex A to the report provides details of APC performance against Key Ministerial Targets. The APC met its Key Targets for 1998/99 with the exception of Key Target 3 (KT3) - Notice of Posting, which is expressed as the percentage of personnel posted by the APC who were given at least six months' notice of their individual move. The achievement against this target averaged 25% suggesting that the target was unrealistic in the changed conditions since the target was set. With the continuing level of operational commitments and Strategic Defence Review (SDR) implementation which started in early 1999, this target has been reviewed in the light of this experience, and subject to Ministerial approval, may be adjusted in the APC Business Plan for 2000–01.
  I hope that this helps to explain the position.

  Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation 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. [111762]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation was disestablished on 31 March 1999.

  Defence Animal Centre
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Defence Animal Centre 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. [111734]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Defence Animal Centre (DAC) ceased to be a defence agency on 30 March 1999. The DAC was absorbed into the Army Training and Recruiting Agency on 1 April 1999.

  General Security Agreement
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place a copy of the 1961 General Security Agreement in the Library. [111485]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: The 1961 General Security Agreement between the UK Government and the US Government is currently a classified document. Before the document can be released into the public domain both signatories must agree to its declassification. We are therefore discussing the possibility of declassification with the US authorities. I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House when these discussions are complete.

  Porton Down
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what age restrictions exist for the military personnel who take part in the service volunteer programme at the chemical and biological defence establishment at Porton Down; [112370]

  (2) on what date the Porton Down volunteers helpline was opened; and how many individuals have contacted it since it was opened; [112374]

  (3) what recent studies have been carried out by the chemical defence establishment at Potion Down to establish whether short-term exposure to (a) the chemical agent BZ and (b) the glycollate MPIPG can cause long-term illnesses; [112372]

  (4) how many times since 1 March 1998 the chemical and biological defence establishment at Porton Down has supplied information about former volunteers to the War Pension Agency when those volunteers have submitted a claim to the Agency; [112376]
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  (5) what is his Department's estimate of the percutaneous lethal dose of liquid sarin (GB) nerve agent for an averagely-built person; [112367]

  (6) how many former service volunteers have visited the chemical and biological defence establishment at Porton Down to inspect records of their experiments and discuss their tests with members of staff since 1 January 1998; [112375]

  (7) how many military personnel took part in the service volunteer programme at the chemical defence establishment at Porton Down during 1999; [112373]

  (8) what work has been carried out by the chemical and biological defence establishment at Porton Down to develop a test to identify the relative sensitivity of different individuals to the effects of nerve agents. [112377]

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

  Letter from Sir John Chisholm for Mr. Matthew Taylor, dated 8 March 2000:
  I am replying to your parliamentary questions about the service volunteer programme at Porton Down since the laboratories at this site are now operated by the Chemical and Biological Defence Sector (CBD) of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA).
  The Porton Down volunteers helpline was opened in February 1998. Since then, some 250 former volunteers and/or their representatives have contacted the line. Ten volunteers have visited Porton Down since 1 January 1998 to view and discuss records with members of the staff. CBD has also supplied information about former volunteers to the War Pensions Agency when those volunteers have submitted a claim to the Agency on 28 occasions since 1 March 1998.
  During 1999, there were 71 military volunteer attendances at CBD Porton Down and 13 at HMS Phoenix, the Naval Nuclear and Biological Centre and fire training school for a study programme carried out under the auspices of the volunteer programme. The age of participants depends on the requirements of the individual study but is generally in the range from 18 to 45 years.
  CBD has not undertaken any work to develop a test to identify the relative sensitivity of different individuals to the effects of nerve agents. No work involving exposure to either the chemical agent BZ or the glycollate MPIPG has been undertaken since the 1970s. None of the pre 1970s work was to establish if short-term exposure resulted in long-term illness.
  I am withholding details of the Ministry of Defence estimates on the toxic doses of nerve agents including sarin (GB) under exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information because their disclosure would cause harm to defence. As required under the Code, due account was taken in reaching this decision of the nature of the information and the possible public interest in disclosure.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Test Pilots
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to transfer test pilots from DERA's Aircraft Test and Evaluation Sector at Boscombe Down to RAF Strike Command; and if he will make a statement. [112450]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 1 March 2000]: The test pilots who support the work of DERA's Aircraft Test and Evaluation Sector at Boscombe Down are currently administered and line managed by RAF Personnel and Training Command. From 1 April 2000, this
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  responsibility will be transferred to RAF Strike Command. This recognises that most of the test pilot output of the Aircraft Test and Evaluation Sector is in support of RAF Strike Command.

  Floods (Mozambique)
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance his Department is giving to aid the flood victims in Mozambique; and at what cost. [113342]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Ministry of Defence is providing four RAF Puma helicopters with around 100 support personnel, and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary FORT GEORGE with five RN Sea King helicopters to assist in the flood relief efforts in Mozambique.

  The overall no loss costs (which exclude salaries and other sunk costs) are yet to be finalised. Assuming a two-week deployment, we expect the additional costs for the Pumas to be up to £1.8 million, and up to £1.4 million for FORT GEORGE. Exceptionally, £615,000 of the costs of the Pumas will be offset by the MOD against the costs of the exercise in Norway from which the helicopters have been withdrawn. The remainder will be borne by the Department for International Development.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many military helicopters have been sent to Mozambique and South Africa to provide humanitarian aid for flood victims. [113300]

  Mr. Spellar
  The UK has sent a total of nine military helicopters to provide assistance to the international relief efforts in Mozambique. This comprises four RAF Pumas and five RN Sea King helicopters on board Royal Fleet Auxiliary FORT GEORGE. The Puma aircraft travelled via South Africa en route to Mozambique.

  Defence Medical Training Organisation
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Defence Medical Training Organisation 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. [111753]

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

  Letter from Brigadier J. R. Brown to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 8 March 2000:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about our targets for 1998–99 as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Medical Training Organisation.
  Our targets for 1998–99 are shown in the following table along with the outturn and achievement for that year. As you will see we achieved or exceeded all but three of our targets. We failed to meet our target to apply a Systems Approach to Training to a minimum of 33% of appropriate courses. This was because we had three vacant posts in the Division responsible for this work during this period. These posts have now been filled and we are on track to

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  achieve our target in this area for 1999/2000. We also narrowly missed our target to deliver 95% of Common Core Course trainees on time as we only achieved 94.3%. Also our target to ensure that

  Ministerial key Targets 1989–99

  Target/ Outturn

  Targets, outturns and achievements 1998–99

  Target for 1999–2000

  Efficiency

  Develop and implement a corporate index of efficiency that will then form a baseline for measuring year on year efficiency improvements

  Target

  By 31 March 1999

  To achieve 1.5% efficiency gain in matching capacity to the AATR

  Outturn

  Achieved1

  Throughput

  Ensure that availability meets the requirements as defined in the Annual Agreed Training Requirement (AATR)

  Target

  100%

  This target has been merged with efficiency

  Outturn

  99.7%

  Quality

  To achieve the following academic success rate for the categories of training shown:

  Common Core Course

  Target

  92%

  94%

  Outturn

  98.7%

  Specialist Registrars

  Target

  95%

  96%

  Outturn

  99.2%

  Pre Registration Nurses

  Target

  96%

  96%

  Outturn

  97.4%

  The following % of trainees achieving academic success to be delivered on time agreed with the customer:

  Common Core Course

  Target

  95%

  96%

  Outturn

  94.3%

  Specialist Registrars

  Target

  96%

  96%

  Outturn

  100%

  Pre Registration Nurses

  Target

  98%

  98%

  Outturn

  100%

  Ensure comprehensive application of a Systems Approach to Training to a minimum of X% of all appropriate courses

  Target

  33%

  33%

  Outturn

  28% this target was missed due to three vacant posts in Training Development Division

  Other

  Establish and agree with customers the baseline requirements for individual baseline services training by X date

  Target

  31 March 1999

  Establish and agree with customers the requirement for external medical services training by 31 March 2000

  Outturn

  Achieved for DMTO course schedule. Target extended to incorporate external training

  Achieve a satisfactory rating of customer satisfaction

  Target

  Satisfaction Customer

  Outturn

  Customers satisfied but no formal rating applied. Customer Satisfaction Survey to be run in 1999

  1 1999–2000 is baseline year for index

  Defence Vetting Agency
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Defence Vetting 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. [111743]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Vetting Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the right hon. and learned Member.
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  availability meets the requirement as defined in the Annual Agreed Training Requirement where we aimed for 100% but only achieved 99.7%.

  Letter from Michael Wilson to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 8 March 2000:
  I have been asked by the Secretary of State, in view of my responsibilities as Chief Executive of the Defence Vetting Agency, to provide a detailed response to your Named Day Written Question 111743.
  The DVA was set 6 Key Targets in 1998–1999, relating to quality, timeliness and efficiency. The performance of the Agency against these is reflected in the Annual Report and Accounts, which is available in the library of the House of Commons. The complete list of Key Targets and their achievement is shown below.
  1. To maintain quality standards to a 95% level through compliance with agreed procedures, and to develop quality improvement targets in the light of a Defence-wide customer survey. Achieved.

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  2. To complete 85% of Security Checks (SC) within 6 weeks. Achieved.
  3. To complete 71% of Counter Terrorist Checks (CTC) within 6 weeks. Achieved.
  4. To complete 85% of Developed Vetting (DV) checks within 6 months. Achieved.
  5. To reduce the 1997/1998 average times for SC, CTC and DV by 5%. SC and CTC achieved. DV not achieved - failed by 6%.
  a. As explained in the Annual Report, this was a new target in 1998/1999, and each of the individual performance indicators was to be reviewed in the light of performance achieved. Thus, there was known to be some uncertainty surrounding these targets from the outset.
  b. Each DV case involves at least one face-to-face interview with the vetting subject, and a number of further interviews with their referees. The number of referees interviewed varies from case to case depending on information available. And the time it takes to arrange and complete all the interviews on any particular case is very variable. For reasons that are not altogether clear, it proved more difficult in 1998/1999 than in 1997/1998 to line up Service personnel in the Army and in the RAF for interview. High turbulence may be a factor.
  c. Failure against the target has not caused undue difficulty for the Services. The same target has been set for 1999/2000, and looks like being met.
  6. To maintain the 1997/1998 Unit Cost of Output. Achieved.
  In 1999–2000 the agency will be preparing to collocate at York from its existing locations in central London, Portsmouth, Woolwich and Corsham. In view of this, no improvement in performance has been anticipated during the period.
  I hope this explains the position. Please let me know if you require further information.

  MOD Police
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the MoD Police 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. [111763]

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

  Letter from W. E. E. Boreham to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 8 March 2000:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about targets for 1998–99 as this matter falls into my area of responsibility as Chief Constable/Chief Executive of the Ministry of Defence Police Agency.
  The Ministry of Defence Police Agency were set the following Key Targets for 1998–99:
  By 31 March 1999 to have completed all remaining Service Level Agreements with the Agency customers.
  By 31 March 1999 to have established an MDP Office Watch initiative at a minimum of 20 MoD locations nation-wide.
  In financial year 1998–99 to have in place Local Policing and Security Plans at each MDP policed Establishment.
  By 31 March 1999, in accordance with Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary's recommendations, to have put in place agreed Area Policing Team (AN') performance indicators which will enable the Agency to set targets for APT performance improvement in financial year 1999–00.
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  To achieve, across Chief Constable MDP's retained element of the MDP budget, an overall efficiency saving of 2.5 per cent.
  To contribute to the achievement of Departmentally Mandated Standards for project CAPITAL (introduction of Resource Accounting and Budgeting).
  All of these Key Targets were achieved in full, as reported in my Annual Report for 1998–99, copies of which are available in the Library of the House. Further demanding targets were put in place for 1999–00, and performance against them is monitored on a regular basis.

  Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) those targets of the Army Base Storage and Distribution 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. [111728]

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

  Letter from Brigadier P. D. Foxton to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 8 March 2000:
  I refer to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence concerning performance against targets set for the Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency (ABSDA) in 1998/99 and what action has been taken to improve performance in 1999–2000. As Chief Executive of the Defence Storage and Distribution Agency (DSDA), the successor organisation to ABSDA, I am replying as this subject falls within my area of responsibility.
  As reported in the Agency's Annual Report and Accounts, which were placed in the House of Commons Library on 26 January 2000, ABSDA performance against its Key Targets for 1998/99 was:

  a. Key Target 1:
  To exceed 95% satisfaction for the processing of Consumers' authorised demands. This target was achieved.

  b. Key Target 2:
  To meet the agreed Customers' requirements for the provision of ammunition Units of Space (UOS) and ammunition processing facilities. This target was achieved.

  c. Key Target 3:
  To exceed Consumers' perceived satisfaction of the Agency. This target was achieved.

  d. Key Target 4:
  To exceed 90% of Consumers' authorised demands within Supply Chain Processing Time (SCPT) Depot Processing Times (DPT). This target was achieved.

  e. Key Target 5:
  To exceed a one day improvement in receipts processing cycle times. This target was achieved.

  f. Key Target 6:
  To establish the unit cost per output baseline to enable subsequent measurement of efficiency improvements. This target was achieved in relation to the available resources. Work on deriving costs of output should be able to follow on from the results of the Activity Based Costing trial at ABSDA sites.
  A series of strategies were introduced to improve performance in 1999/2000. They are Total Quality Management, Business Excellence, Activity Based Management, and Investors in People, together with improved information systems. I am confident that these measures will build on the excellent foundations laid by DSDA's predecessor organisations in delivering improvements in both quality of service and efficiency. An early indication of their success is the selection of DSDA as a finalist in the TNT Modernising Government Partnership Awards.

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  ABSDA ceased to exist on 31 March 1999. The Agency's ammunition functions were transferred to Defence Munitions and its non-explosives tasks were merged with a range of storage and distribution functions from the other Services and the MOD from DSDA.

  Depleted Uranium Ammunition
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent research he has commissioned into a substitute for depleted uranium ammunition. [112840]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: The Ministry of Defence has for many years conducted research into a range of weapon materials and designs. Research continues to include the search for potential alternatives to depleted uranium and to identify and characterise their performance and environmental impact.

  Radiation Monitoring
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy on the carrying out of radiation/contamination monitoring surveys at the entrance of submarine reactor chambers on a 12 hourly basis. [112844]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: All personnel are monitored immediately on exit from the reactor compartment on-board a submarine. As a routine, the entrance to the reactor compartment is monitored for contamination at least on a daily basis. During maintenance periods a radiation survey is undertaken on initial entry to the reactor compartment and repeated as necessary.

  RAF Logistics Support Services
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the RAF Logistics Support Services Agency. [113892]

  Mr. Spellar
  As part of the restructuring taking place within the Defence Logistics following the Strategic Defence Review, the RAF Logistics Support Services Agency will close on 31 March 2000. The Agency's constituent elements will be transferred elsewhere in Defence Logistics Organisation. It is not envisaged that this will result, at least initially, in any geographical relocations or redundancies, and staff will continue to operate from their current locations.

SCOTLAND

  Tuition Fees
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what European Union legislation prevents the Scottish Executive from funding Scottish students at universities in England in the manner proposed by the Executive that funding should be provided for such students at Scottish universities; and what recent advice he has received and from whom, on this matter. [112042]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 28 February 2000]: This is a matter for the Scottish Executive. It is neither the custom nor practice of the UK Government or the Scottish Executive in Scotland to publish their legal advice.

  New Public Bodies
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the new public bodies established by his Department since May 1997. [112667]

  Dr. Reid
  The annual Cabinet Office publication "Public Bodies" provides information on a range of public bodies. The 1997 edition lists those public 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).

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  BSE and CJD
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the French Minister for Agriculture on the increased incidence of BSE and CJD in France. [109850]

  Ms Quin:
  [holding answer 14 February 2000]: The latest European Commission report, dated 21 January 2000, stated that the French government had reported a total of 77 cases of BSE, including one case imported from Switzerland. We are aware of two cases of vCJD in France.

  These issues are primarily for the Commission and individual member states, rather than for bilateral discussion between member states.

  Farm Repossessions
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many farmers in the last three years have lost their businesses because of repossession of their farms by lenders. [110444]

  Ms Quin
  There are no statistics on farm repossessions but I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy (Mr. Llwyd) on 6 March 2000,Official Report, column 528W.

  Primate Exports
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the countries to which the UK exports primates; and what species of primates are imported to the UK other than macaques. [111150]

  Ms Quin
  During 1999 my Department issued health certification for the export of primates to the following countries:

  Australia

  Croatia

  Czech Republic

  Denmark

  Finland

  France

  Gabon

  Germany

  Hungary

  Indonesia

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  Israel

  Poland

  Republic of Ireland

  Russia

  South Africa

  Spain

  Sri Lanka.

  In 1999 import licences were issued for the following species of primates:

  Crab-eating Macaque (Cynomolgus Macaca Fascicularis)

  Red Bellied Lemur (Lemur rubriventer)

  White Fronted Brown Lemur (Eulemur fuluus albifrons)

  Humboldt's Woolly Monkey (Lagothrix lagothricha)

  White Collared Lemur (Eulemur Fulvus albocollaris)

  Crowned Lemur (Lemur coronatus)

  Western Gentle Lemur (Hapalemur griseus occidentalis)

  Pale headed Saki (Pithecia pithecia)

  Dusky Titi Monkey (Callicevus moloch)

  Owl Faced Monkey (Cercopithecus hamlyni)

  Geoffroy's Marmoset (Callithrix geoffroyi)

  Western black and white Colobus (Colobus Polykomos Polykomos)

  Golden Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia rosalia)

  Capuchin Monkey (Cebus albifrons)

  Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri sciureus)

  Tamarin (Saguinus midas)

  Binturang (Artictis Binturang)

  Emperor Tamarin (Saguinus imperator)

  Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta)

  Ring Tailed Lemur (Lemur catta)

  Colombian Black Spider Monkey (Ateles fusciceps robostus)

  Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)

  Golden Headed Lion Tamarin (Leontideus chrysomelas)

  Sclater's Lemur (Lemur flaurifrons)

  Red Ruffed Lemur (Vercia variegata rubra)

  Siamang (Syndalactus)

  Moloch Gibbon (Hylobates moloch moloch)

  Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla)

  Gelada Baboon (Theropithecus gelada)

  Lesser Slow Loris (Nycticebus pygmaeus).

  Agriculture (Somerset)
  Mr. Ashdown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many(a) pig units, (b) dairy units and (c) poultry units there were in Somerset in (i) 1990–91, (ii) 1996–97, (iii) 1997–98, (iv) 1998–99 and (v) 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [111962]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 28 February 2000]: The table shows the number of main holdings in Somerset with (a) pigs, (b) dairy cattle and (c) poultry.

  Holdings with pigs

  Holdings with dairy cattle

  Holdings with poultry1

  1990

  473

  1,724

  950

  1991

  463

  1,685

  927

  1996

  350

  1,422

  n/a

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  Holdings with pigs

  Holdings with dairy cattle

  Holdings with poultry1

  1997

  371

  1,371

  n/a

  1998

  382

  1,326

  815

  1999

  372

  1,289

  851

  1 Fowls including layers and broilers

  Source:

  Agricultural and Horticultural Census

  Pig Industry
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what recent informal discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to discuss state aid for the UK pig industry; [111719]

  (2) what recent discussions he has had with HM Treasury regarding schemes to compensate pig farmers for BSE-related costs. [111720]

  Ms Quin
  My right hon. Friends the Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer discuss many issues, both formally and informally. The Government are well aware of the current market conditions in the UK pig sector and of the representations which have been made for the introduction of some form of aid to compensate for the costs of BSE control measures falling on the pig sector. The scope for providing state aid is an issue which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has looked at very closely and will continue to do so. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has made clear, any investment by Government must be linked to the long-term strengthening of the industry as part of an agreed overall strategy. To this end, my officials are in close touch with the National Pig Association and others.

  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he had with representatives of the pig industry in January regarding schemes to compensate pig farmers for BSE-related costs. [111708]

  Ms Quin
  We have had a number of meetings with representatives of the pig industry in recent months which have included BSE-related costs. This is an issue which my right hon. Friend the Minister has looked at very closely and will continue to do so. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has made clear, any investment by Government must be linked to the long-term strengthening of the industry as part of an agreed overall strategy. To this end, my officials are in close touch with the National Pig Association and others.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what progress his Department has made in respect of state aid to restructure the UK pig industry; [113162]

  (2) what requests he has made to the EU Commission in respect of state aid for restructuring the United Kingdom pig sector; [113160]

  (3) what measures he is proposing to reduce the impact of the BSE-equivalent levy on UK pig farmers. [113161]

  Ms Quin
  As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said on 1 February, any investment by Government must be linked to long-term change in the structure of the industry. It must also be part of an agreed overall strategy; to this end, my officials are in discussion with the National Pig
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  Association and others. Discussions on this topic are also taking place with the European Commission, including direct contacts between my right hon. Friend the Minister and the Agriculture Commissioner.

  BSE Inquiry (Costs)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the estimated public costs of the BSE Inquiry up to the date of expected reporting of the inquiry; of those costs, what has been spent during the inquiry(a) by the inquiry team and its staff and (b) within
  (i) the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food,
  (ii) the Department of Health and (iii) other departments and in support of their current and ex-civil servants, (c) supporting current or previous external Government advisers and (d) supporting the relatives of people with vCJD. [112441]

  Ms Quin
  The estimated public cost of the BSE Inquiry, including the costs of liaison units and legal support for witnesses from the main departments involved, up to the date of expected reporting is about £27 million. This includes:(a) The BSE Inquiry, including reimbursement of direct costs incurred by relatives of people with vCJD attending the hearings: £16 million;
  (b)(i) Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Liaison Unit, including support to current and former officials, former Ministers and current and previous external government advisers: £7.63 million;
  (ii) Department of Health Liaison Unit, including support to current and former officials and former Ministers: £2.73 million;
  (iii) Other administrations and departments sponsoring the Inquiry—liaison units including support to current and former officials and former Ministers: £0.5 million.
  (c) Costs of support for current or previous external government advisers cannot be fully separated out and are therefore included in (b) (i) above;
  (d) Reimbursement of direct costs incurred by relatives of people with vCJD attending the hearings: £70,000, included in (a) above.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the total amount of public money spent to date in the BSE Inquiry on fees for lawyers not directly employed by the Civil Service; and of these how much has been spent(a) on fees for (i) the Inquiry Chair, (ii) the solicitor to the inquiry and (iii) the main counsel to the inquiry, (b) in support of external Government advisers,
  (c) in support of employees or ex-employees of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and (d) in support of employees or ex-employees of the Department of Health. [112442]

  Ms Quin
  The total amount of public money spent to date on the BSE Inquiry for lawyers not directly employed by the Civil Service is about £9.1 million. Further costs are still being incurred.(a) The Chairman of the Inquiry and the solicitor to the Inquiry have been paid their normal salaries as public servants while involved in the Inquiry. The Counsel team to the Inquiry has so far cost around £1.7 million. It is not appropriate to provide an indication of fees for individual Counsel;
  (b) In support of external government advisers: £0.33 million;
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  (c) In support of employees or ex-employees of MAFF: £4.95 million;
  (e) In support of employees or ex-employees of DH: £1.41 million

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the direct and opportunity costs met by(a) witnesses to the BSE inquiry and (b) their employers; and what level of reimbursement for such costs has been made from public funds. [112439]

  Ms Quin
  We are not in a position to estimate the direct and opportunity costs to witnesses or their employers of the Inquiry. Serving civil servants have participated in the Inquiry as part of their employment and relevant direct costs—travel and subsistence—are met from local budgets. Reimbursement from public funds of direct costs incurred by witnesses, who are no longer serving officials, in preparing and giving evidence to the Inquiry which have been paid by the Inquiry, MAFF, DH and other sponsoring departments, amounts to about £60,000.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to evaluate the relationship between the costs and outcome of the BSE Inquiry. [112438]

  Ms Quin
  Questions about the relationship between the costs and outcome of a public inquiry can only be addressed once the Report has been received by the Government and assessed by all the parties concerned.

  Cattle Passports
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of cattle passports issued in 1999 contained herd number errors; and if he will make a statement. [112429]

  Ms Quin
  Of the 3,026,837 cattle passports issued in 1999, 0.007 per cent. contained herd number errors.

  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of cattle passports needed to be corrected after their initial issue in 1999; and if he will make a statement. [112428]

  Ms Quin
  Of the 3,026,837 cattle passports issued in 1999, 5.44 per cent. needed to be corrected after their initial issue.

  Hop Producers
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent advice he has received from the European Commission with regard to payments to hop producers under special temporary measures under Regulation 1098/98; and when he expects such payments to be made. [113504]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: We have received various advice from the Commission since the special temporary measures for hops were introduced in 1998. The Intervention Board Executive Agency, which administers the scheme in the UK, made payments to producer groups in respect of the 1999 harvest by end December last.

  Day-old Chicks
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what is his policy on the methods used for slaughtering day-old chicks; and if he will make a statement; [112638]

  (2) how many male day-old chicks were destroyed in the last year for which figures are available; what method was used for killing; and if he will take action to end the use of the present method and level of slaughtering. [112637]

  Mr. Morley
  The methods permitted for the killing of surplus chicks and embryos in hatchery waste are specified in EU Council Directive 93/119/EC and "the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter and Killing) Regulations 1995". The following methods are permitted in the UK: (a) the use of a mechanical apparatus producing immediate death; (b) exposure to gas mixtures; and (c) dislocation of the neck. The majority of surplus chicks are killed using one of the first two methods listed above, but no figures on the total numbers killed, or the method used, are available centrally.

  These methods were approved after careful consideration. The Farm Animal Welfare Council assessed the mechanical destruction method, and recommended its use in preference to 100 per cent. carbon dioxide. There are currently no plans to change the permitted methods for disposing of surplus chicks.

  The number of surplus male chicks disposed of annually is largely dependent on the demand for laying hens: being market-led, it is not a matter on which the Government would wish to legislate. However, research is continuing into the possibility of producing single sex eggs to help reduce the number of unwanted chicks.

  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 3 February 2000,Official Report, column 721W, on day-old chicks, if he will list each of the countries within and outside the EU from which day-old chicks were imported in 1999, and the numbers imported from each country. [113186]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]: The following table list the import of day-old chicks into the United Kingdom from countries within and outside the EU in 1999.

  1999

  Number of chicks imported

  EU Countries

  Austria

  9,270

  Belgium

  45,121

  Germany

  34,816,225

  Denmark

  411,000

  France

  4,633,625

  Republic of Ireland

  58,025,730

  Netherlands

  1,073,968

  99,014,939

  Non-EU Countries

  USA

  174,328

  Canada

  17,798

  Total

  192,126

  722W
  The total for imports from other member states has been revised and therefore varies from the figure given in my reply of 3 February. The figures given in the table are still provisional and subject to further validation.

  Genetically Modified Maize Products
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those members of the Food Advisory Committee whose participation was limited in its consideration of the labelling of genetically modified maize products placed on the market by Agrevo (T25), Monsanto (Mon 810), Novartis (Bt 11) and Pioneer (MON 809), indicating the manner in which it was limited. [113354]

  Ms Quin
  [Holding answer 6 March 2000]: No members were limited in their participation.

  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will place in the Library a copy of the(a) scientific information which the Food Advisory Committee considered before coming to its view in respect of the labelling of genetically modified maize products placed on the market by Agrevo (T25), Monsanto (Mon 810), Novartis (Bt 11) and Pioneer (MON 809), and (b) correspondence in respect thereof passing between the Food Advisory Committee and the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes. [113356]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]: (a) Summaries of the scientific information considered by the Food Advisory Committee are available in the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes Annual Report for 1996, which is lodged in the Library of the House.

  (b) I have arranged for these papers to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Fisheries
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the reduction in grant-in-aid to the Environment Agency for fisheries work. [112554]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]: 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.

  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the grant-in-aid from his Department for fisheries work by the Environment Agency for each of the last three years in(a) current prices and (b) constant prices. [112553]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]: Grant-in-aid paid by MAFF to the Environment Agency

  723W
  for salmon and freshwater fisheries work (all figures in £ million) are as follows:

  £ million

  (a) Current

  (b) Constant

  1997–98

  7.4

  7.4

  (England and Wales)

  1998–99

  122.1

  121.6

  (England and Wales)

  1999–2000

  4.8

  4.6

  (England only)

  1 In 1998–1999 there was a temporary change in the rules whereby all revenue from licence fees was returned to Treasury but with an equivalent increase in grant-in-aid. The underlying figure for MAFF grant-in-aid is £7.9 million, which included a one-off additional payment of £0.5 million to assist with the enforcement of the salmon conservation byelaws.

  Tree Felling Licences
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on how many occasions in each of the last five years breaches of tree felling licences have been brought to the notice of the Forestry Commission; and what enforcement or remedial action has resulted. [113034]

  Mr. Morley
  The Forestry Commission has investigated 13 breaches of felling licences in the last five years, as set out in the table.

  Year ending 31 March

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  20001

  Number of breaches

  5

  3

  2

  1

  2

  Successful prosecution and restocking notice

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Successful prosecution only

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Unsuccessful prosecution

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Warning letter sent

  2

  1

  1

  —

  2

  Advice given or no further action

  1

  —

  1

  1

  —

  1 Year to date

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what tree felling licences have been granted in respect of Avon Heath Country Park; how many trees are affected; how many trees have been felled; and how many have been felled in breach of the licence; [113033]

  (2) what action the Forestry Commission is taking in response to reports that the RSPB is in breach of a tree felling licence granted in respect of Avon Heath Country Park in Dorset; and if he will make a statement. [113035]

  Mr. Morley
  The Forestry Commission has granted one felling licence in respect of Avon Health Country Park. This allows the owner to fell 86,000 trees by selectively felling and thinning 78 hectares of woodland. The Commission is currently investigating reports that the RSPB has felled trees which were not included in the licence.

  Peat Compost
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 28 February 2000,Official Report, column 19W, on peat compost, (a) what percentage of and (b) how much compost used in his Department's estate gardens is peat; when peat compost will be phased out by his Department's estates; and if he will make a statement. [113346]
  724W
  Mr. Morley
  Records are not kept centrally detailing the amount of peat (if any) and peat substitutes that are used on the Ministry's gardens. To find this information would be time consuming and expensive because many contractors, subcontractors and suppliers would have to be approached for their records. Having said that, the Ministry does not have a large acreage of gardens; rather, we have smaller areas of landscaping and flower-beds around buildings.

  As I said in my answer of 28 February, since 1993, the Ministry has had a policy that environmentally acceptable alternatives should be substituted for peat. We will, though, be issuing reminders shortly in line with our Greening Operations Strategy which was revised and reissued in June 1999.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Falkland Islands
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions the Government have had with the new Argentine administration about the Falkland Islands. [113340]

  Mr. Battle
  We have established a good working relationship with the new Argentine Government. The Prime Minister has met President De la Rua twice. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has met Rodriguez Giavarini. I attended the Argentine Presidential inauguration and the Secretary of State for Defence has met the Argentine President and Defence Minister.

  On these and other occasions both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to the Joint Statement of July 1999 and to continue our dialogue on issues of common interest.

  This does not affect our sovereignty over the Falkland Islands or our commitment to the Islanders' right to determine their own future.

  Sri Lanka
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka last visited(a) the northern area of Sri Lanka and (b) Jaffna; and what reports he has made of his visit. [113429]

  Mr. Hain
  The British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Ms Linda Duffield, last visited the north of Sri Lanka from 17–20 January when she visited Vavuniya, Mannar and Trincomalee. She reported on the difficulties faced by those displaced by the conflict and has discussed this with the Government of Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner will be visiting Jaffna from 21–24 March.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which Ministers in his Department have visited Sri Lanka since 1 May 1997. [113433]

  Mr. Hain
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 20 January 2000,Official Report, column 579W.
  725W
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had within the European Union on the involvement of that organisation in the resolution of the conflict in Sri Lanka; and if he will make a statement. [113432]

  Mr. Hain
  The ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka is discussed frequently in EU forums.

  International Labour Organisation Convention
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Her Majesty's Government have ratified the International Labour Office Convention C138; and if he will make a statement. [113434]

  Mr. Hain
  We are taking steps to ratify ILO Convention 138. After a period of consultation between Government Departments, legislative amendments, necessary before ratification can be carried out, are being drafted. We will ratify the Convention as soon as Parliamentary procedures are completed.

  Great Lakes Region
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the implications for the Great Lakes Region of UN Security Council Resolution 1291. [113425]

  Mr. Hain
  The adoption of Security Council Resolution 1291, providing for the establishment of a substantial UN observer force in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is an important step forward. It is a clear demonstration of the Security Council's readiness to provide practical support to the Lusaka Agreement. It provides the framework for the UN and the international community to play a significant role in bringing peace to the Great Lakes region.

  Britain wants to see results. That is why we want the observer force to deploy quickly so that it can begin its work, which includes drawing up an action plan for the comprehensive disarmament, demobilisation, resettlement and reintegration (DDRR) of all armed groups listed in the Lusaka Agreement. A credible DDRR plan is vital to the success of Lusaka and to lasting peace in the region.

  And, as I made clear at January's special Security Council meeting, Britain is ready to consider a full UN peacekeeping force if the observer force deploys successfully, and the Lusaka signatories carry through their commitments.

  Burundi
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress of the Burundian peace negotiations in Arusha. [113424]

  Mr. Hain
  The Arusha talks remain the key to lasting peace in Burundi. Nelson Mandela's arrival as Facilitator has increased the chances of a peace settlement. But many difficult problems remain and the situation on the ground is deteriorating.

  In discussions with President Buyoya and other Heads of State attending the Burundi Summit in Arusha, I reaffirmed Britain's strong support for Nelson Mandela's
  726W
  facilitation and the peace process. The presence of many international leaders in Arusha attests to the strong international support for the talks.

  We continue to urge all parties to tackle the difficult issues: a ceasefire, military reform, amnesties, and the transition to a broad based democratic government. We will continue to back the peace process.

  St. Helena
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place the report containing the Wallace recommendations on the constitution of St. Helena in the Library. [113593]

  Mr. Battle
  I have arranged for copies of Mr. Wallace's "Review of the Constitution of St. Helena", 1987, to be placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Zimbabwe
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received from Zimbabwe of wide-scale incursions by squatters on to white-owned farms; what assessment he has made of the extent of Government involvement in these incursions; and if he will make a statement. [113579]

  Mr. Hain
  We have been following events closely, and have been concerned at the lack of action on the part of the police. The High Commissioner has spoken of our concern to a number of senior Cabinet Ministers. On 6 March I spoke to the Vice President who assured me that the Government were taking action to remove the trespassers from the farms.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy to allow registered social landlords to verify new tenant claims for housing benefit. [112623]

  Angela Eagle
  We have no plans to make it our policy to allow registered social landlords to verify evidence for Housing Benefit claims on behalf of the local authority.

  While landlords can assist their tenants by collecting the necessary evidence and forwarding it to the local authority, there is a potential conflict of interest in any landlord certifying evidence on behalf of a tenant in order that the tenant's rent may be paid by way of Housing Benefit.

  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy to provide housing benefit to tenants of registered social landlords on the same basis as tenants of local authorities; and if he will make a statement. [112622]

  Angela Eagle
  Cases involving Housing Benefit claims from local authority tenants are not subject to rent officer controls over the amount of Housing Benefit payable
  727W
  because local authority rents are subject to rules set by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. In these cases, as landlords, local authorities provide Housing Benefit simply by rebating their tenants' rent accounts.

  Cases involving Housing Benefit claims from tenants of registered social landlords are not referred to rent officers unless it appears to the local authority that the level of rent charged is unreasonably high or the accommodation is over-large.

  Payments of Housing Benefit are made either directly to registered social landlords or to their tenants. We have no plans to empower registered social landlords to administer the Housing Benefit scheme in respect of their tenants.

  Savings Limit
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 28 February 2000,Official Report, column 172W, to the hon. Member for Colchester, what the level of the savings limit set at £3,000 in April 1998 would be now if it had been uprated since then in line with the retail prices index. [112993]

  Mr. Bayley
  If the lower capital limit of £3,000, set in 1988, in the income-related benefits had been uprated in line with the retail price index it would be £4,878 at April 2000.

  Winter Fuel Payments
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will estimate the number of people entitled to winter fuel payments who have yet to receive them; [112947]

  (2) if he will estimate the number of appeals against (a) failure to award and (b) level of winter fuel payments that (i) his Department has received, (ii) were successful and (iii) are still outstanding. [112948]

  Numbers of people in families where one or more adults were in paid work and where the income is below half contemporary mean income, excluding the self-employed Before housing costs

  Million

  Year

  Total people

  Total Children

  Total people in lone parent families

  Children in lone parent families

  Total people in couple families

  Children in couple families

  FES

  1981

  1.1

  0.6

  0.1

  0.0

  1.0

  0.6

  1987

  1.5

  0.6

  0.1

  0.0

  1.1

  0.6

  1988–89

  1.9

  0.7

  0.1

  0.1

  1.3

  0.7

  1990–91

  2.3

  0.9

  0.3

  0.2

  1.5

  0.8

  1991–92

  2.4

  1.0

  0.3

  0.2

  1.6

  0.8

  1992–93

  2.3

  0.9

  0.2

  0.1

  1.5

  0.8

  1993–94

  2.1

  0.9

  0.2

  0.1

  1.4

  0.8

  1994–95

  2.3

  0.9

  0.3

  0.2

  1.5

  0.8

  1995–96

  2.4

  1.0

  0.3

  0.2

  1.5

  0.8

  FRS

  1994–95

  1.9

  0.7

  0.1

  0.1

  1.2

  0.7

  1995–96

  1.8

  0.7

  0.1

  0.1

  1.2

  0.6

  1996–97

  2.6

  1.1

  0.2

  0.2

  1.7

  0.9

  1997–98

  2.8

  1.1

  0.3

  0.2

  1.8

  0.9

  728W
  Angela Eagle
  At the end of January 2000, it was estimated that around 99 per cent. of customers who qualified under the existing arrangements had received their full entitlement to a Winter Fuel Payment. The remaining 1 per cent. were those customers whose girocheques had been returned, uncollected, from the Post Office or who queried the amount paid.

  Following the European Court's ruling in the Taylor case, we have announced our intention to extend help through the Winter Fuel Payment scheme to men as well as women aged 60 and over. At the same time we also announced our intention to make backdated payments to all people who will be included within the scope of the scheme in respect of the previous three winters (i.e. 1997–88, 1998–99, 1999–2000).

  We are carefully considering what arrangements need to be made in order to issue payments accurately and securely to customers not already within the scope of the existing scheme. An announcement will be made as soon as possible once plans are further advanced.

  A total of 43,000 customers have queried the level of their entitlement to a Winter Fuel Payment. Each claim was reconsidered in line with the Decision-Making and Appeal rules, resulting in the issue of a "top-up" payment to some customers. Where the original decision was not changed by the reconsideration, an appeal was sent to the Appeals Service. The total number of appeals to date is 255, but information on whether these have been successful or are still outstanding could only be obtained at a disproportionate cost.

  Low-income Households
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 20 December 1999,Official Report, column 333W, on low-income households, if he will publish tables as in the answer which show the position for households which do not include a self-employed adult. [112808]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is available for the years shown in the tables. The latest information relates to the financial year 1997–98.
  729W

  Numbers of people in families where one or more adults were in paid work and where the income is below half contemporary mean income After housing costs

  Million

  Year

  Total people

  Total Children

  Total people in lone parent families

  Children in lone parent families

  Total people in couple families

  Children in couple families

  FES

  1981

  1.6

  0.8

  0.1

  0.1

  1.4

  0.8

  1987

  2.1

  0.8

  0.1

  0.0

  1.5

  0.8

  1988–89

  2.3

  0.9

  0.2

  0.1

  1.6

  0.8

  1990–91

  3.1

  1.2

  0.3

  0.2

  2.1

  1.0

  1991–92

  3.2

  1.3

  0.3

  0.2

  2.1

  1.1

  1992–93

  3.1

  1.2

  0.3

  0.2

  1.9

  1.0

  1993–94

  3.0

  1.2

  0.4

  0.2

  1.9

  1.0

  1994–95

  3.2

  1.3

  0.5

  0.3

  1.9

  1.0

  1995–96

  3.4

  1.4

  0.5

  0.3

  2.0

  1.0

  FRS

  1994–95

  2.6

  1.0

  0.3

  0.2

  1.7

  0.9

  1995–96

  2.8

  1.1

  0.3

  0.2

  1.7

  0.9

  1996–97

  3.6

  1.4

  0.4

  0.2

  2.2

  1.2

  1997–98

  3.8

  1.5

  0.5

  0.3

  2.3

  1.2

  Notes:

  1. The information comes from the 'Households Below Average Income' (HBAI) series. The estimates are presented on household income both Before Housing Costs and After Housing Costs in line with HBAI conventions. All the estimates in the table relate to families with an adult in paid work rather than households with an adult in paid work, but exclude households where there is a full-time self-employed adult.

  2. The column headed "Total people in couple families" does not include couples without children.

  3. The estimates based on the Family Expenditure Survey (FES) are for the United Kingdom. For 1988–89 and subsequent years, two years' data have been combined to improve the robustness of the results. For 1994–95 onwards, estimates are available from the larger Family Resources Survey (FRS) and relate to single financial years. The FRS results are for Great Britain.

  Asbestos-related Diseases
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the total number of disablement awards made in the UK to sufferers of asbestos-related diseases over the last five years for which figures are available broken down by(a) region and (b) occupation. [113329]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available has been placed in the Library.

  Income Support
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the total cost, in the latest financial year for which figures are available, of the provision of income support for persons from abroad. [113073]

  Mr. Bayley
  The estimated cost for 1998–99 of Income Support paid to people from abroad was approximately £150 million.

  Notes:
  1. Estimated annual expenditure figures are rounded to the nearest five million pounds.
  2. Estimates may include a number of non-persons from abroad who receive Urgent Case Payments for other reasons.
  3. Annual expenditure figures for Income Support have been based on an average of four quarters for the financial year, using numbers of cases and average weekly amounts.
  4. Estimate does not include costs of administering the benefit.

  Source:
  Income Support Statistics Quarterly Enquiries, May 1998 to February 1999.

  New Deal (Lone Parents)
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many persons in Wales at the latest available date received assistance under the New Deal for Lone Parents. [113072]

  Angela Eagle
  Since the start of the national NDLP programme in October 1998, 6,450 Lone Parents in Wales have agreed to participate in the programme. They have all been offered help and advice by their own NDLP Adviser, 2,410 have found a job, 590 have entered training or education. Advisers have also provided assistance in finding suitable child care; and claiming in-work benefits.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many lone parents have received letters inviting them to join the New Deal for Lone Parents. [113584]

  Angela Eagle
  454,920 initial letters have been issued telling lone parents about the voluntary New Deal service during the National Programme (October 1998—December 1999). In addition 50,612 initial letters were issued during phase 1 and 2 (July 1997—October 1998). The letters are part of the overall strategy (including advertising locally and nationally, using TV, Radio and the Press) to make lone parents aware of the service available to them through New Deal for Lone Parents.

  Family Credit (Fraud)
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the level of fraudulent claims for Family Credit in the last five years. [113296]
  731W
  Mr. Rooker
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.

  The number of cases of Family Credit fraud detected for the last three years

  Year

  Number of fraud cases detected

  1996–97

  3,366

  1997–98

  5,173

  1998–99

  10,860

  Note:

  We do not have statistically valid figures for the level of Family Credit fraud

  Mortgages
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish, for the last two calendar years(a) the reports furnished to his Department on the

  Changes in standard interest rates 1998–2000

  Date notification received from ONS confirming interest rate change

  Date amending regulations laid before parliament

  Date the regulations came into force

  Interest rate Percentage

  15 April 1998

  1 May 1998

  24 May 1998

  8.34

  9 November 1998

  27 November 1998

  20 December 1998

  8.65

  8 January 1999

  28 January 1999

  21 February 1999

  8.24

  8 April 1999

  24 February 1999

  21 March 1999

  7.75

  5 March 1999

  25 March 1999

  18 April 1999

  7.39

  9 April 1999

  16 April 1999

  9 May 1999

  7.08

  11 May 1999

  26 May 1999

  20 June 1999

  6.66

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Millennium Festival (Scotland)
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the Millennium Festival in Scotland. [111092]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The Millennium Festival in Scotland has been made possible by the Lottery distributing bodies including the Millennium Commission and the New Millennium Experience Company. They have come together to make available a fund of up to £11 million for community groups, large and small, to apply for funding. The variety of events happening in Scotland throughout the Year 2000 is considerable, from the first ever Millennium Commonwealth Youth Games in Edinburgh to a programme entitled "The Rights of Passage" in Dumfries and Galloway celebrating the notable dates in our life. The Unst Millennium Festival will be held during July 2000 and a number of projects are also happening in the Western Isles, Aberdeenshire and in Argyll and Bute—quite literally throughout the whole of Scotland.

  Smaller awards are still available (up to £5,000) through the Awards for All scheme called "Awards for All … celebrating the Scottish Millennium Festival" up until the end of April 2000 and small community groups are still applying for this money. The New Millennium Experience Company has also established a website www.millenniumscotland.co.uk as part of the UK Festival website (www.festival2000.co.uk) and in the Scottish section alone there are already over 400 events which will happen in the Year 2000— a testimony to the work of the distributors and the New Millennium Experience
  732W
  mortgage interest rates charged by the United Kingdom's top 20 lenders, (b) the dates upon which the average of these rates changed by one quarter of one per cent. or more and (c) the date and amount of any changes he made to his Department's own standard interest rate. [113364]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is in the table.

  Information on changes in the interest rates charged by different lending institutions is published monthly in Financial Statistics (Table 7.1L) which is compiled by the Office for National Statistics and published by The Stationary Office. The standard interest rate that is applied to the assessment of mortgage interest to be paid with Income Support and income based Jobseekers Allowance, is based on the average of Building Society rates. The Office for National Statistics notifies the Department each month of any movement in these rates. If there is a change of one quarter of a percentage point, immediate action is taken to amend the legislation to reflect this change in the standard interest rate.

  Company in ensuring that everyone Scotland has an opportunity to benefit from the celebration of the Millennium.

  New Millennium Experience Company
  Mr. Brooke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if the subsequent beneficiaries of the £32 million to be repaid by the New Millennium Experience Company to the Millennium Commission have been advised of these forthcoming benefits. [113026]

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

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will place in the Library copies of correspondence between NMEC and the Millennium Commission relating to the approval of further moneys from the Commission to NMEC on 5 February. [112833]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: This is a matter for the Millennium Commission. I shall write to the hon. Member in my capacity as Chairman of the Commission and place copies of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

  National Lottery
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if it remains the policy of Her Majesty's Government to seek an efficient not-for-profit
  733W
  operator for the National Lottery as set out in his oral statement of 4 February 1998, Official Report, column 1052. [113171]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  We have indeed maintained the policy of seeking (and welcoming) any bids from efficient not-for-profit operators; but the selection of the next operator is of course a matter for the National Lottery Commission. The Government's objective is to maximise the returns to good causes and remove unnecessary profit margins. These aims will best be achieved through a robust competition. This has taken place and it is now up to the National Lottery Commission to evaluate the bids.

  English Heritage Grant offers

  £ million

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–20001

  Historic Buildings and Monuments

  12.0

  11.6

  9.9

  10.8

  14.3

  Churches

  11.0

  9.9

  10.0

  12.2

  10.0

  Cathedrals

  4.3

  3.0

  2.0

  2.6

  3.0

  Conservation Areas

  13.5

  12.4

  9.3

  7.3

  6.3

  Archaeology

  5.7

  5.4

  5.4

  4.7

  4.8

  Gardens grants (other)

  0.4

  0

  0.1

  0.2

  0

  Total

  46.9

  42.3

  36.7

  37.8

  38.4

  1 Budget

  Museums and Galleries
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on progress in negotiations with museums and galleries on the provision of free entry for adults. [113441]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Funds have been made available to permit free access for the over 60s, from April 2000, to the currently charging national museums funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. We are continuing to assess the most effective ways of extending access in 2001. However, decisions will ultimately be taken by the Trustees.

  Museum of the Moving Image
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if the British Film Institute has identified a permanent site for the re-location of the Museum of the Moving Image. [113443]

  Janet Anderson
  The recently announced plans for the South Bank Centre include a potential new home for the Museum of the Moving Image. This will allow for an improved and expanded Museum, to provide an interesting and educational showcase for the BFI's collections.

  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when the British Film Institute's Museum of the Moving Image will re-open. [113439]

  Janet Anderson
  Work on the new BFI Film Centre, which will incorporate the museum of the Moving Image, is scheduled in Phase One of the South Bank master plan, completion of which will depend on the planning process. In the meantime, the BFI is planning a touring exhibition which will greatly increase access to the collection.

  English Heritage
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list those organisations that have received Grants from English Heritage together with the amounts or the purpose of the Grants, in the last five years. [113172]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  A consolidated list of Grants by category offered by English Heritage over the last five years is in the table, including a budget figure for the financial year 1999–2000. A full list of repair grants offered by English Heritage to buildings and monuments of outstanding national importance is published annually by English Heritage, and is available on request.

  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions his Department has had with the British Film Institute on the provision of a new permanent location for the Museum of the Moving Image. [113442]

  Janet Anderson
  The decision to seek a new permanent location for the Museum was taken by the Board of the BFI, and my Department has been kept closely in touch. The BFI proposes that the Museum will be housed at a bigger and better location within the newly developed South Bank. In the meantime, the BFI is planning a UK wide touring exhibition which will greatly increase access to the collection.

  Millennium Commission (Projects)
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many projects supported by the Millennium Commission(a) are fully operational, (b) will be operational during the summer and (c) will not be completed by 1 July. [113438]

  Janet Anderson
  This is a matter for the Millennium Commission. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will reply in his capacity as Chairman of the Commission, and place copies of his reply in the Libraries of the House.

  Trafalgar Square (Pedestrianisation)
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what action his Department has taken to identify potential sources of funding for proposals for the partial pedestrianisation of Trafalgar Square. [113445]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The partial pedestrianisation of Trafalgar Square forms part of the wider "World Squares for All" project, for which the new Mayor for London will take over lead responsibility. Substantial financial support
  735W
  could come from the Mayor. Additional funding could be sought from the Heritage Lottery Fund and private sector sponsorship.

  National Lottery Grants (Tewkesbury)
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will investigate the reasons for the level of National Lottery grants given to organisations in Tewkesbury. [113185]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]: Tewkesbury has received a lower level of Lottery grants than the UK average. The Government wish to see a more equitable distribution of National Lottery funds across the UK. We have introduced a number of changes through the National Lottery Act 1998 and revised Policy Directions to the distributors which have already begun to improve the geographical spread of funding. My Department, jointly with Lottery distributors, has commissioned research aimed at investigating the reasons for the low take up of Lottery grants in certain areas. While the research concentrates particularly on former coalfield areas, we expect that it will also provide a number of valuable lessons about low take up in other areas, such as Tewkesbury. The first phase of this research has been published and copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House; the second phase will be published shortly.

  Free TV Licences
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimates he has made of the number of families in the Elmet constituency who will benefit from the introduction of free TV licences for households with a member aged 75 years or over. [113415]

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will estimate for each Scottish and Welsh constituency the number of households which will be entitled to a free TV licence(a) in total and (b) as a percentage of total households. [112841]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: I refer my hon. Friend and the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave to my right hon. Friend the Member for Alyn and Deeside (Mr. Jones) on 2 March 2000, Official Report, column 350W.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimates he has made of the number of new households which will become entitled to a free TV licence in each of the next 15 years. [112842]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]We estimate that there are currently over three million households which include a person aged 75 or over and will consequently benefit from the introduction of free television licences for the over-75s. Estimates for future years are not available.

  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Department of Social Security regarding the possibility of making a payment of the equivalent value to a TV licence to those aged over 75 years through the benefits system. [112850]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: My right hon. Friend has had no such discussions.

  Film Funding
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list all National Lottery-funded films to date, together with in each case(a) the value of lottery support, (b) the total production cost, (c) the date of lottery grant, (d) the planned or actual release date, (e) the number of screens on which they were released, (f) box office receipts and (g) repayment of lottery funds made. [113511]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: I have today placed the information requested in respect of Lottery awards made in England in the Library of the House. I will write to the hon. Member in due course about awards made by the Arts Council of Wales and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

  In Scotland film policy is a devolved matter and is now the responsibility of the Scottish Executive.

  Television Licence Fee
  Mr. Michael Jabez Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when regulations will be laid to bring into effect the television licence fee increases announced on 21 February and due to come into force on 1 April. [113952]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  On 21 February 2000,Official Report, column 1241, I announced that, from 1 April 1999, the fee for a colour television licence would increase from £101 to £104; the black and white licence fee will rise from £33.50 to £34.50. I have today laid before the House the regulations necessary to bring these fees into force.

  The regulations also contain provisions in consequence of our proposal to introduce free television licences for people aged 75 or over from 1 November this year. Anyone aged 75 or over who needs to renew their licence between April and October will be able to purchase a short term licence at a reduced rate, based on the number of months covered. Similar provisions are included for people who, after 1 November, need to renew a licence less than 12 months before their 75th birthday.

  We have also included in the regulations a provision to remove an anomaly of the existing concessionary licence scheme, for people in residential homes and sheltered accommodation. The effect of this is to include within the scope of the provision retired persons, whether male or female, aged 60 years or more.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Foundation Schools
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many foundation schools are within each of the education authorities identified as failing by the Schools Inspectorate. [112649]
  737W
  Ms Estelle Morris
  There is no specific overall category of failure in inspection reports published by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) on the performance of local education authorities.

  Funding Schemes
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the funding

  Total cost £000

  Internal cost £000

  Percentage

  Objective 1

  Ensuring that all young people reach 16 with the skills, attitudes and personal qualities that will give them a secure foundation for lifelong learning, work and citizenship in a rapidly changing world

  1,701,020

  82,930

  4.88

  Objective 2

  Developing in everyone a commitment to lifelong learning, so as to enhance their lives, improve their employability in a changing labour market and create the skills that our economy and employers need

  10,172,042

  90,776

  0.89

  Objective 3

  To help people without a job into work

  1,704,859

  960,435

  56.34

  Teachers Pension Scheme

  11,484,230

  0

  0

  1 Net cost

  Teacher Training
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what provision for training teachers in IT is being made from the New Opportunities Fund. [112977]

  Mr. Wills
  The New Opportunities Fund is making available £230 million to support the training of serving teachers and school library staff in the maintained sector in the effective use of information and communication technology. The training is available to all teachers in maintained schools.

  Selection Ballot (Trafford)
  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will provide(a) the full list of schools and (b) the total number of eligible parents for each school which has been used to set the petition threshold in connection with a parental ballot on selection in Trafford. [113025]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The information requested is shown in the table.

  Grammar school petition and ballot: threshold for 1999–2000

  Number of school

  Name of eligible parents

  Abbotsford Preparatory

  197

  All Saints RC Primary

  301

  Altrincham C E Primary

  380

  Altrincham Grammar for Boys

  1,302

  Altrincham Grammar for Girls

  1,484

  Altrincham Preparatory

  574

  Ashton on Mersey

  1,691

  Barton Clough Primary

  299

  Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic

  1,153

  Bollin Primary

  297

  Bowden CE Primary

  531

  Bowden Preparatory

  394

  Brentwood School

  92

  738W
  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. [112492]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 2 March 2000]: Total cost of departmental objectives (including the teachers pensions scheme) and the percentage that relates to internal costs, prepared on a resource basis for 1998–99, are as follows:

  Grammar school petition and ballot: threshold for 1999–2000

  Number of school

  Name of eligible parents

  Broadheath Primary

  322

  Broadoak High

  550

  Brooklands Primary

  694

  Broomwood Primary

  190

  Cherry Manor

  245

  Christ the King

  46

  Cloverlea Primary

  335

  Culcetch Hall

  326

  Davyhulme Infant

  379

  Davyhulme Junior

  279

  Delamere

  102

  Egerton High

  39

  Elmridge Primary

  299

  English Martyrs RC Primary

  191

  Firs Primary

  236

  Flixton High

  1,562

  Flixton Infant

  378

  Flixton Junior

  471

  Forest Park

  189

  Forest

  253

  Gorse Hill Primary

  414

  Green Lane High

  1,016

  Hale Preparatory

  265

  Heyes Lane Infant

  525

  Heyes Lane Junior

  624

  Highfield Primary

  421

  Holy Family RC Primary

  257

  Intermediate Education

  41

  Jeff Joseph Sale Moor Tech College

  1,419

  King's Road Primary

  456

  Kingway Primary

  250

  Lime Tree Primary

  131

  Longford Park

  73

  Loreto Convent Preparatory/Grammar

  307

  Loreto Grammar

  1,085

  Lostock Community

  1,282

  Manor High

  227

  Moorlands Junior

  412

  Moss Park Infant

  279

  Moss Park Junior

  405

  739W

  Grammar school petition and ballot: threshold for 1999–2000

  Number of school

  Name of eligible parents

  Moss View Primary

  180

  Navigation Primary

  496

  North Cestrian Grammar

  484

  Oakwood Primary

  155

  Old Trafford Community

  257

  Oldfield Brow Primary

  121

  Ortonbrook Primary

  118

  Our Lady of Lourdes RC Primary

  195

  Our Lady of Rosary RC Primary

  236

  Park Road Primary (M33)

  279

  Park Road Primary (WAI4)

  394

  Partington Primary

  348

  Pictor

  105

  Sale Grammar

  1,609

  Seymour Park Primary

  646

  Southfields

  108

  Springfield Primary

  594

  St. Alphonsus RC Primary

  215

  St. Ambrose College

  1,295

  St. Ambrose Preparatory

  432

  St. Anne's CE Primary

  277

  St. Ann's RC Infants

  307

  St. Ann's RC Junior

  325

  St. Anthony's RC High

  608

  St. Bede's College

  585

  St. Hilda's CE Primary

  363

  St. Hugh of Lincoln RC Primary

  361

  St. Hugh's RC Primary

  700

  St. Joseph's RC Primary

  447

  St. Margaret Ward RC Primary

  198

  St. Mary's CE Primary (M33)

  339

  St. Mary's CE Primary (M41)

  262

  St. Matthew's CE Primary

  233

  St. Michael's CE Primary

  331

  St. Monica's RC Primary

  424

  St. Theresa's RC Primary

  257

  St. Vincent's Infant

  328

  St. Vincent's RC Junior

  336

  Stamford Park Infant

  410

  Stamford Park Junior

  445

  Stretford Grammar

  1,100

  Stretford High

  784

  Templemoor Infant

  292

  Tyntesfield Primary

  498

  Urmston Grammar

  1,011

  Urmston Infant

  400

  Urmston Junior

  542

  Victoria Park Infant

  301

  Victoria Park Junior

  324

  Well Green Primary

  314

  Well Acre High

  1,316

  Well Acre Infant

  215

  Well Acre Junior

  280

  Wellfield Infant

  372

  Wellfield Junior

  406

  Wellington

  1,637

  Willows Primary

  322

  Woodheys Primary

  436

  Woodhouse Primary

  316

  Woodsend Primary

  176

  Worthington Primary

  406

  The list of parent eligible to vote is provided by the schools themselves and includes some duplication where parents have children attending different feeder schools. After entering all the names onto a single computer database the Electoral Reform (Ballot Services) Ltd. remove names entered more than once. The total number of eligible parents from the "cleared" database was 42,590 which resulted in a petition threshold of 8,518.

  GCE and GCSE
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list, for each GCE and GCSE awarding body for each of the last three years, the total number of requests from candidates for(a) re-marks and (b) re-marks with reports, together with the total number of appeals against decisions lodged by individual examination centres. [112036]

  Mr. Wicks
  Following our 1998 review of the qualifications appeals system we introduced for the first time arrangements for the collection and publication of data on the number of requests for inquiries on results, including re-marks, and appeals. The new arrangements were introduced from summer 1999 and the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority is currently finalising the first set of statistics which will be published later this month.

  Nautical Studies
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the contribution of the GCSE course in nautical studies in relation to the understanding and promotion of best practice in sea safety. [113544]

  Mr. Wicks
  We have not made an assessment of how the GCSE in nautical studies may contribute to sea safety.

  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the annual cost of administering the GCSE examination in nautical studies. [113545]

  Mr. Wicks
  The GCSE in nautical studies is offered by the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance. The total costs incurred by the awarding body for offering the syllabus in 1999 were £12,282.

  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many students took the GCSE examination in nautical studies in(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97 and (c) 1997–98; and how many he estimates will take it in 1999–2000. [113547]

  Mr. Wicks
  The number of candidates entered for the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance's GCSE in nautical studies was 144 in 1995–96, 118 in 1996–97, and 105 in 1997–98. An estimate for the 1999–2000 entry will not be available from the awarding body until later in the month.

  Unemployment (Ethnic Minorities)
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what has been the change in the number of unemployed individuals from ethnic minorities between 1997 and the latest date for which figures are available. [113523]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: I have been asked to reply.

  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.
  741W
  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Shaun Woodward, dated 8 March 2000:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question on unemployed individuals from ethnic minorities.
  Latest available non-seasonally adjusted estimates from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) show that in the autumn (September to November) quarter of 1999 the number of ILO unemployed from all ethnic minorities in the UK was 203,000. This compares to 266,000 in the same period in 1997; a reduction of 23,000.
  742W
  People interviewed in the LFS are asked to classify their own ethnic origin. The figures given represent people who did not classify themselves as being of White origin.
  The measure of unemployment derived from the LFS is defined on a consistent and internationally recognised basis set out by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). It counts as unemployed people who are a) without a paid job, b) available to start work within the next two weeks and c) have either looked for work in the last four weeks or are waiting to start a job already obtained.

HEALTH

  Paediatric Intensive Care
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to provide paediatric intensive care facilities in the Royal Bolton Hospital; [104287]

  (2) what plans he has to provide more paediatric intensive care facilities in the Greater Manchester Clinical Directorate. [104283]

  Yvette Cooper
  There are no plans to provide paediatric intensive care facilities at the Royal Bolton Hospital as it would not be appropriate for paediatric intensive care to take place in a District General Hospital setting which would not have either the required skills or bed numbers.

  Any perceived need to increase the number of paediatric intensive care beds in the Greater Manchester area will be examined by the North West Specialist Group in consultation with the Paediatric Intensive Care Commissioning Group and the relevant lead health authority. In the event of a subsequent review then the following areas would be examined as part of that process; number of admissions, number of refusals, average length of stay and occupancy rates in relation to the facilities currently available and level of dependency of the child.

  Childhood Cancer
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases have been reported this year and in the past three years of childhood cancer being caused by electric fields; and if he will make a statement. [108590]

  Yvette Cooper
  It is not possible to attribute any individual cases of childhood cancer to electric fields. The United Kingdom Childhood Cancer Study, published in December 1999 found no evidence to link childhood cancer with exposure to magnetic fields from the electricity supply. Their report on electric fields is expected later this year. In 1992, the National Radiological Protection Board's Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation examined in detail the evidence for an association between the incidence of childhood cancer and exposure to electromagnetic fields. They concluded that there was no clear evidence of an adverse health effect at the levels of electromagnetic field to which the public is normally exposed. A further review which will consider electric and magnetic fields independently, will be published later this year.

  Genetically Modified Crops
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the antibiotics to which marker genes used in the production of genetically modified crops convey resistance and the medical uses of those antibiotics. [108628]

  Yvette Cooper
  Marker genes conveying resistance to a number of antibiotics have been used in the production of genetically modified crops around the world. Those used in the development of Genetically Modified (GM) crops that have been submitted for evaluation in the UK,744W
  either for food use or for release to the environment (either marketing consent or for experimental releases), are listed in the table:

  Gene

  Antibiotic

  Kanr (nptll or neo)

  Amnioglycoside antibiotics including kanamycin, and neomycin

  Strepr/specr (or aad)

  Streptomycin and spectinomycin

  Ampr (or bla)

  Narrow spectrum βlactam antibiotics such as ampicillin and amoxycillin

  Tc

  Tetracycline

  Nptlll

  Amikacin

  Hpt

  Hygromycin

  In some instances marker genes have been used in the early laboratory stages of the development of GM crops but are not present in the final crop plants. In addition, all foods derived from GM crops that are currently available in Europe are highly processed before consumption and the genetic material is no longer viable.

  The medical uses of these antibiotics are as follows:

  Antibiotic

  Medical uses

  Kanamycin, neomycin (aminoglycosides)

  Kanamycin is not commonly used now. Neomycin is used locally for ear or skin infections and may be used to reduce microbial load prior to bowel surgery. It is not used parenterally

  Streptomycin, spectinomycin

  Streptomycin and spectinomycin are of value in the treatment of serious infections such as TB, and for treating gentamicin-resistant enterococcal endocarditis. They are also used in the treatment of gonorrhoea

  Ampicillin, amoxycillin

  βlactam antibiotics are widely used to treat all forms of infection

  Tetracyclines

  Group of broad-spectrum antibiotics used to treat acne, respiratory infections and sexually transmitted diseases. Also used in treatment of infections in penicillin-allergic patients

  Amikacin

  Another aminoglycoside used to treat serious Gram-negative infections, especially those caused by organisms resistant to gentamicin (the aminoglycoside of choice)

  Hygromycin

  Veterinary antibiotic

  The safety of any genetically modified food is carefully and rigorously assessed before it can be marketed in the United Kingdom. This evaluation will include an assessment of any potential adverse effects on health of the novel food, including the health implications of any antibiotic resistance markers that may be present in the food, taking a precautionary approach.

  Global Warming
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to advise health authorities against the installation in hospitals of air conditioning and refrigerant systems which contain substances known to contribute significantly to global warming. [109331]

  Yvette Cooper
  It is the Department's policy to achieve best environmental practice and it is committed to the efficient use of energy and resources. This includes taking action to reduce/minimise pollution or the risk of pollution, including ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases.
  745W
  While formulating the Strategy for 'Greening' the National Health Service, NHS Estates (an executive agency of the Department) will address the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global warming, alongside other environmental factors, such as waste prevention and water conservation.

  Worcestershire Hospitals
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what(a) change of use and (b) additional facilities are planned for the Newtown Hospital site in Worcestershire. [109826]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Newtown Hospital site will be retained for the delivery of mental health services by the newly created Worcester Community and Mental Health National Health Service Trust, which comes into effect from 1 April 2000. The site will also provide some acute services that support the new Worcestershire Acute Hospital as set out in the approved Full Business Case for a New Hospital in Worcester.

  However, I understand options are currently being explored around the suitable use of the main building on the Newtown site.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the new district general hospital at Worcester will be fully operational. [109827]

  Yvette Cooper
  The new £91 million Worcestershire Acute Hospital is due for completion in January 2002 and will be fully operational by the spring of 2002.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what agreement has been reached between Shropshire and Worcestershire health authorities on hospital provision following the re-organisation of hospital services in Kidderminster. [109823]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Government are mindful of Worcestershire health authority's responsibilities to ensure continuity and equity of access to services to neighbouring health authorities like Shropshire.

  Shropshire health authority was consulted on the proposals outlined in "Investing In Excellence" and informed of Ministers' decisions to approve the service changes and the Worcestershire Trust mergers. As soon as the clinical working group's advice on the timing of inpatient service moves from Kidderminster Hospital has been received, and a firm decision made, the two health authorities and the new Trusts will obviously discuss in full the issues for hospital services provision.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when(a) psychiatry, (b) orthopaedics, (c) trauma, (d) gynaecology, (e) urology, (f) medicine, (g) vascular surgery and (h) general surgery services will cease to be provided at Kidderminster Hospital. [109825]

  Yvette Cooper
  There are no firm timescales at present regarding the movement of services from Kidderminster Hospital. Twelve clinical working groups, comprised of consultants from all three acute hospitals in Worcestershire and other healthcare professionals, have been set up to look at how and when it would be appropriate to implement the changes to inpatient services at Kidderminster as outlined in the "Investing In Excellence" strategy.
  746W
  The groups will report back to the new shadow board of the Worcestershire Acute Trust by the end of March 2000. Decisions will then be taken on timescales, following which a comprehensive public information campaign will be implemented across the county.

  Kidderminster residents will still have access to 80 per cent. of the healthcare provided at Kidderminster Hospital, including outpatient clinics, day case surgery and rehabilitation and to comprehensive primary care services.

  Cancer
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish figures showing the composite index for early detection of cancer in(a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99 for (i) England, (ii) East and North Hertfordshire, (iii) West Hertfordshire and (iv) the health authority in the prospering growth area with the (1) lowest figure and (2) highest figure. [109748]

  Yvette Cooper
  The composite index for early detection of cancer consists of the combined coverage figures for the eligible populations for the National Health Service breast screening programme and the NHS cervical screening programme. For the purposes of this answer we have broken down the figures, and the information requested is in the table:

  Percentage

  Breast screening

  Cervical screening

  Coverage at 31 March 1998

  England

  63.9

  85.3

  East and North Hertfordshire

  66.2

  86.6

  West Hertfordshire

  69.3

  86.5

  Buckinghamshire

  77.3

  89.2

  Hillingdon

  61.2

  85.3

  Cambridge and Huntingdon

  66.0

  89.4

  South Essex

  65.7

  83.9

  Berkshire

  71.2

  83.2

  Coverage at 31 March 1999

  England

  1—

  84.0

  East and North Hertfordshire

  1—

  84.1

  West Hertfordshire

  1—

  85.5

  Buckinghamshire

  1—

  87.7

  Hillingdon

  1—

  83.3

  Cambridge and Huntingdon

  i—

  87.6

  South Essex

  1—

  83.1

  Berkshire

  1—

  82.4

  Breast screening figures at 31 March 1999 not yet available

  Note:

  Health authorities defined as 'prospering areas: growth areas' according to the Jarman Under Privileged Areas Score.

  Source:

  Annual Return KC53 and KC63

  At 31 March 1998, the prospering areas: growth areas Health Authority with the highest coverage of breast screening was Buckinghamshire with 77.3 per cent., and the lowest was Hillingdon with 61.2 per cent. For cervical cancer at the same point highest coverage was Cambridge and Huntingdon with 89.4 per cent. The lowest was South Essex with 83.9 per cent.

  At 31 March 1999, the prospering areas: growth areas the health authority with the highest coverage of cervical screening was Buckinghamshire with 87.7 per cent. The lowest was Berkshire with 82.4 per cent.
  747W
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish figures showing the composite index for five year survival rates for breast and cervical cancer in(a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99 for (i) England, (ii) East and North Hertfordshire, (iii) West Hertfordshire and (iv) the health authority in the prospering growth area with the (1) lowest figure and (2) highest figure. [109755]

  Yvette Cooper
  The 1997–98 figures for the cancer survival rates indicator were published in "Quality and Performance in the NHS: High Level Performance Indicators" in June 1999, copies of which are available in the Library. Figures for 1998–99 will be published later this year.

  Doctors (Criminal Records)
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if the General Medical Council is required to notify doctors' criminal records to him; [109943]

  (2) how many doctors currently registered to practise have criminal records. [109942]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not available centrally. The General Medical Council is not able to provide this information as not all convictions are reported to them, for example minor driving offences. However, doctors working in the National Health Service are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and when applying for National Health Service posts are expected to declare all previous or pending prosecutions or convictions, including those considered "spent" under the Act.

  We are taking action to strengthen existing recruitment and selection procedures. In guidance to be issued shortly, NHS employers will be required to include on the application form a declaration by the applicant of any disciplinary or other action taken against them or anticipated by the police, or by any overseas licensing or regulatory body.

  Changes to the regulations governing general practice will require doctors working in general practice, including doctors who work as locums or assistants, to make similar declarations.

  Once the General Medical Council has been made aware of a conviction, normally by the police, the case is considered through the conduct procedures, which may result in sanctions that affect the doctor's registration.

  Influenza Immunisation
  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 3 February 2000,Official Report, column 710W, on influenza immunisation for healthcare workers, which National Health Service trusts included immunising healthcare staff as part of their planning for this winter; and what proportion of healthcare staff in each trust were immunised against influenza. [110183]

  Yvette Cooper
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Advertising Budget
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his Department's advertising budget for(a) 1999–2000 and (b) 2000–01. [110256]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 16 February 2000]: The Department's budget for communications—including campaigns such as the tobacco education strategy—in 1999–2000 is £31 million. There is no separate budget for advertising. No information is available at present on the budget for the year 2000–01.

  Post-natal Clinics
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to improve access to post-natal clinics for people in rural areas. [110778]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Government's strategy for National Health Service maternity services, of which post-natal care is an integral part, is the provision of accessible, responsive user-focused services that offer greater choice, continuity of care and control to women.

  It is, however, for local health authorities and NHS trusts to develop post-natal service provision that best meets the needs of local people in light of competing priorities, available resources and evidence of effectiveness.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many senior civil servants from an ethnic minority background are employed in his Department; and how many of them are(a) men and (b) women. [110685]

  Yvette Cooper
  As at 1 April 1999, 14 members of the senior civil service in the Department were from an ethnic minority background (3.8 per cent. of staff with ethnicity recorded). Of these, there were five women and nine men.

  Plants (Wellington and Skipton Houses)
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how the contract for the provision of plants in Wellington House and Skipton House is managed; and what plans he has to change the contractual arrangement. [110947]

  Yvette Cooper
  The provision and maintenance of plants forms part of the Cleaning Contract for all of the Department's central London buildings, which is managed on behalf of the Department by a Facilities Management Company. There are no plans to change this arrangement.

  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost of the provision of plants in Wellington House and Skipton House was in 1999; and what the budgeted cost for 2000 is. [110948]

  Yvette Cooper
  The cost of the provision and maintenance of internal and external plants is included as part of the overall contract cost for the provision of cleaning services to the Department's central London buildings. It is not budgeted for separately. However, our best estimate is an annual cost to the Department of about £4,000 for Wellington House and £2,000 for Skipton House.

  Peat Compost
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to phase out the use of peat compost in gardens(a) owned and (b) tended by his Department; and if he will make a statement. [110724]

  Yvette Cooper
  There is no record of the Department having purchased peat. However, should the need arise the Department would propose to substitute the use of all slow renewables with organic wastes such as coir, manure, leaf mould or bark chippings.

  Departmental Energy Use
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of the electricity used by his Department is generated from renewable sources; and if he will make a statement. [111038]

  Contractor

  Name of research unit

  Current contract start and end dates

  Date of most recent review

  University of Kent

  Personal Social Services Research Unit

  April 1996-March 2001

  February 1999

  London School of Economics and Political Science

  Personal Social Services Research Unit

  January 1996-December 2000

  February 1999

  University of Manchester

  Personal Social Services Research Unit

  April 1996-March 2001

  February 1999

  Research Unit

  National Institute for Social Work Research Unit

  January 1996-December 2000

  October 1998

  University of York

  Social Policy Research Unit

  January 1996-December 2000

  May 1999

  University of Bristol

  Dartington Social Research Unit

  January 1996-December 2000

  September 1998

  University of London

  Thomas Coram Research Unit

  January 1996-December 2000

  February 1999

  Audrey Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list, in cash terms and at constant prices, his Department's total spending on research and development in each of the last five years and the projected expenditure in each of the next five years; [110944]

  (2) if he will list in cash terms and at constant prices, the spending on his Department's policy research programme in each of the last five years and the projected expenditure in each of the next five years. [110945]

  Yvette Cooper
  The expenditure in cash terms at constant prices (1999–2000) for the policy research programme and National Health Service research and development levy over the last five years are shown in the table. Expenditure in the next five years is expected to continue at a similar level.

  £ million

  Policy Research Programme

  NHS R&D Levy

  Total

  1994–95

  21.16

  1—

  1—

  1995–96

  21.86

  1—

  1—

  1996–97

  26.25

  398

  424.25

  1997–98

  24.81

  403.5

  428.31

  1998–99

  26.70

  417.6

  444.3

  1999–2000

  230.90

  2433.6

  2464.5

  1 The NHS research and development levy was first created in April 1996 and figures for NHS research and development prior to this are not available on the same basis.

  2 Estimate.

  750W
  Yvette Cooper
  Buildings occupied by the Department and its agencies currently purchase energy from utility companies via contracts let by the buying agency. The Department has no information about the proportion of energy supplied by the utility companies that comes from renewable resources.

  Research and Development
  Audrey Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the programmes of research funded under his Department's policy research programme, indicating (i) the organisation holding the research contract, (ii) the research unit undertaking the research, (iii) the start date of the contract, (iv) the end date of the contract, (v) the date of the most recent review of the programme, and (vi) whether negotiations are under way for a new contract and the stage reached in these. [110946]

  Yvette Cooper
  The information is given in the table. Following independent review of the Unit's programmes of research, the Department is currently considering new unit contracts.

  Influenza
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his estimate of the number of cases of influenza per 100,000 of the population(a) in England and (b) in each health authority in England for each winter in each of the years from 1984–85 to 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [110798]

  Yvette Cooper
  The information requested is not collected centrally. Influenza activity in England is monitored through the Royal College of General Practitioners sentinel surveillance scheme, which records the number of first visits to participating general practitioners of patients with influenza-like illness. This allows calculation of a rate for those cases of influenza presenting in general practice at any given point during the year and allows comparisons with other years. It is not possible to estimate a total figure for cases of influenza each winter from these data. The information is not collected by health authority area.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of working days lost due to the recent flu outbreak. [111148]

  Yvette Cooper
  The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which of the measures contained in the Government's pandemic contingency plans were
  751W
  deployed during the recent flu outbreak, with particular reference to use of anti-virals to limit the spread of infection. [111147]

  Yvette Cooper
  We are in the interpandemic period (`phase zero' of the pandemic plan) and were throughout the winter period. The United Kingdom Health Department's Multiphase Contingency Plan for Pandemic Influenza was not implemented. A flu pandemic involves the emergence of a completely new strain of influenza virus and is a global phenomenon. We last saw a pandemic in 1968.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the arrangements that were put in place prior to the recent flu outbreak to protect(a) health workers and (b) at risk groups by means of vaccination. [111146]

  Yvette Cooper
  A record 8.6 million doses of vaccine were available prior to the winter flu season, of which 7.8 million doses have been distributed to meet orders. Data for flu immunisation uptake among the risk groups is derived from the General Practice Research Database by the Public Health Laboratory Service. Recent changes to the database mean it is not yet possible to provide uptake rates for last year. We expect data to be available within the next few months. In the past, vaccine uptake has not been nearly as high as the Department would like and the Chief Medical Officer has already announced that he will be looking at ways of improving uptake in the future.

  National Health Service trusts were advised that they could include immunising healthcare staff as part of their winter planning last year. The decision to offer the vaccine and which groups of staff this should be offered to, were matters for local decision. Employers were not required to collect information on take up.

  Recycling
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of documentation used by his Department is(a) made from recycled paper and (b) collected for recycling. [111601]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Department's environmental strategy supports the aim to achieve best environmental practice with a commitment to conserve paper. The paper used to print documentation contains 20 per cent. post-consumer de-inked fibre.

  The Department has a paper re-cycling scheme but does not record the recycling of documentation in isolation.

  Hospital Waiting Lists
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the money which he has promised to tackle waiting lists represents an additional financial commitment distinct from previous commitments; and if he will make a statement. [111421]

  Mr. Denham
  Baseline allocations to health authorities for 2000–01 were announced on 21 December 1999. The total sum of £34 billion included £276 million to lever performance for waiting lists and times. This is over and above funds given for waiting lists and times in 1999–2000.

  MMR Vaccine
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of children aged 24 months in(a) the United Kingdom and (b) Greater London have had the MMR vaccine; and what level of take-up is recommended to avoid outbreaks of (i) mumps, (ii) measles and (iii) rubella. [111285]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: Quarterly coverage data from the Public Health Laboratory Service's COVER programme shows uptake of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine at age 24 months at September 1999 as 88 per cent. for the United Kingdom. Uptake in the London region was 80 per cent.

  The level of uptake of the vaccine recommended to avoid outbreaks of mumps, measles and rubella is 95 per cent. This level of uptake is sufficient to prevent accumulation of pools of susceptible individuals that provide the opportunity for transmission of these diseases.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the likelihood of a localised measles outbreak in communities with a low MMR vaccine uptake; and what notification he has received of such outbreaks in the last two years. [111286]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: Large measles outbreaks can occur only when the proportion of children susceptible to measles exceeds target levels. These target levels vary by age and have been defined in the World Health Organisation strategy for measles elimination in Europe. The proportion of children susceptible to measles in the United Kingdom can be estimated from vaccine coverage data and from seroprevalence studies which estimate the number of people without protective levels of antibodies to measles.

  The Public Health Laboratory Service routinely uses both sources of data to help to predict the likely emergence of measles outbreaks. If the current levels of vaccine coverage are maintained, large measles outbreaks in schools are not likely to occur until after 2001. Smaller outbreaks among communities with lower than average coverage may occur sooner. The Department of Health is aware of two such outbreaks in communities with low immunisation coverage. These began at the end of 1997 and at the end of 1999 and are described in the Communicable Disease Report of 28 January 2000, copies of which have been placed in the Library.

  Cancer and Heart Disease
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if it is his policy that future increases in funds for primary care groups will be designated for improving cancer services and coronary heart disease care, with particular reference to the most disadvantaged patients; [110359]

  (2) if it is his policy that future increases in funds for health authorities and primary care groups will be designated for addressing inequalities within the National Health Service. [110360]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: The objective of resource allocation is to distribute National Health Service funds fairly through health authorities to primary care groups, based on the healthcare needs of populations.
  753W
  We are committed to modernising all aspects of care and treatment. But the priority is to deal with the biggest killers: cancer, coronary heart disease and stroke. This will help tackle inequalities as the burden of these diseases falls heavily on the most disadvantaged.

  It is for health authorities in partnership with primary care groups and other local stakeholders to determine how best to use their funds to meet national and local priorities for improving health and modernising services. Their local strategies are set out in Health Improvement Programmes. These Programmes bring the Government's national priorities together with local priorities. There is particular emphasis on addressing areas of major health inequality in local communities and investing in primary care.

  Health Improvement Programmes are underpinned by Service and Financial Frameworks. These frameworks set out the levels of resources allocated to support the local contribution to the national and local targets and priorities set out in the Health Improvement Programmes.

  We have asked the Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation to consider how resource allocation can contribute to the reduction of avoidable health inequalities.

  CS Spray
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action his Department has taken following the publication of the report of the Committee on Toxicity, Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment on CS spray, published in September of last year, particularly with regard to those being treated with neuroleptic drugs; and if he will make a statement. [111804]

  Yvette Cooper
  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has considered the Committee of Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment's (COT) report on the operational use of CS spray by police officers, and has concluded that there are no grounds to remove CS spray from police use. The Association of Chief Police Officers has noted the report and accepted its finding that CS spray should be used only within current operational guidelines.

  The COT recommended follow-up studies on individuals treated for the immediate effects of CS spray. The Department of Health is providing technical advice to the Home Office as that Department develops practical ways to take forward this recommendation, which will include gathering information on affected individual's use of neuroleptic drugs.

  Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on links between fluoride in drinking water and irritable bowl syndrome.

  Fluoride
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish the results of the scientific review of fluoride and health commissioned from York University. [112099]

  Yvette Cooper
  The National Health Service Centre for Reviews and Dissemination at the University of York is expected to provide their report to Ministers in the spring. It is intended that this report will be published shortly thereafter.

  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has commissioned on fluoride in(a) food, (b) soft drinks, (c) milk and (d) dental hygiene products. [112098]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food/Department of Health Joint Food Safety and Standards Group (JFSSG) has recently completed a survey of fluoride in the 1997 Total Diet Study, a national survey representative of the main types and proportions of foods making up the typical United Kingdom diet. This will show the amount of fluoride in the diet as a whole and in specific food groups including milk and beverages including soft drinks. The results are currently being processed and will be published in full. In addition a test of urinary fluoride is planned for inclusion in the forthcoming National Diet and Nutrition Survey.

  Surrogate Births
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it a requirement that the NHS should provide for women who have had a radical hysterectomy following cervical cancer, the opportunity to have eggs frozen with a view to surrogate birth at a later stage. [112062]

  Yvette Cooper
  It is the responsibility of clinicians who are providing radical treatments to patients which might affect their fertility, to discuss with them the possibility of storing eggs, embryos or sperm if they feel this is appropriate.

  Whether these stored gametes should then be made available for a possible surrogate birth is a matter for those individuals in consultation with their clinicians. We would of course recommend that health authorities seek legal advice before considering funding a surrogacy arrangement on the National Health Service.

  NHS Logo
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the estimated total cost to the NHS of the changeover to the national logo, broken down by estimated cost per(a) health authority, (b) health trust, (c) regional organisation and (d) other NHS body; and what is the longest timescale envisaged for the completion of the exercise. [111870]

  Yvette Cooper
  Adoption of the National Health Service mark is being undertaken as items come up for replacement in the normal course of business. As a result, no NHS organisation has been required to undertake any additional work and no additional costs to NHS organisations are envisaged. New NHS organizations
  755W
  formed as the result of mergers will save money by adoption of the existing mark rather than having to invest in designing a new logo.

  No deadline has been set for NHS organisations to apply the NHS mark universally. Health Authorities have been asked to adopt the existing NHS mark on stationery by January 2001, and NHS trusts by April 2001.

  Osteoporosis
  Ms Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to improve health education and preventative programmes for older people at risk of osteoporosis. [111995]

  Yvette Cooper
  An Osteoporosis Strategy was launched in June 1998 by the then Minister for Public Health, my right hon. Friend the Member for Dulwich and West Norwood (Ms Jowell) at the Sixth Bath Conference on Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Measurement. The Strategy consisted of a Quick Reference Primary Care Guide on prevention and treatment, a laminated desk top guide, and a local health action sheet. Central to the Strategy was the Royal College of Physicians evidence-based Clinical Guidelines on the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. This has provided a firm basis for health authorities to develop their own strategies.

  Information on all these initiatives is available on the Department of Health's website at www.open.gov.uk/doh/osteop.htm.

  Officials in the Department of Health also work closely with the National Osteoporosis Society (NOS) who are the leading charity in this field. NOS are in receipt of departmental funding to assist them with their work in increasing awareness about this disease among clinicians and members of the public.

  Human Genetics Commission
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what annual budget will be available to the Human Genetics Commission. [111961]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Human Genetics Commission is still establishing its work programme and its budget has not yet been finalised for 2000–01 and subsequent years.

  Tuberculosis
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of tuberculosis there were in(a) the constituency of Hereford, and (b) nationwide, in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.
  [112433]

  Yvette Cooper
  The available information from the Public Health Laboratory Service is given in the table. Notifications data are collected by local authority and are not routinely available by health authority. Data are not available by constituency. The final data for 1999 are not yet available and data for the five years up to 1998 are provided.756W

  Notifications of tuberculosis 1994–98

  Year

  Hereford Local Authority

  England and Wales

  1994

  0

  5,590

  1995

  1

  5,606

  1996

  1

  5,654

  1997

  1

  5,859

  1998

  2

  6,087

  Source:

  NOIDS database, CDSC, 2 March 2000

  The United Kingdom has an excellent record of tuberculosis control and notifications have reached the relatively low levels of around 6,500 cases a year from nearly 50,000 in 1950. This success is against a recent worldwide resurgence in tuberculosis that is having a small but important impact on trends in the United Kingdom, as a result we have recently seen small annual increases in the incidence of tuberculosis.

  To combat these increases we have taken steps to strengthen the surveillance, prevention and control of tuberculosis, including drug resistant tuberculosis within the United Kingdom. Recent developments include:
  the commencement of work on ongoing enhanced surveillance of tuberculosis to improve monitoring;
  the appointment of Regional Epidemiologists to help towards a more co-ordinated approach to surveillance;
  the strengthening of surveillance of drug and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis through a scheme co-ordinated by the Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS);
  the development—by the PHLS—and availability of more rapid diagnostic and drug susceptibility tests for tuberculosis, which can be used where there is a presence of risk factors which might predispose towards multidrug-resistant tuberculosis;
  the co-ordination of the PHLS's activities through the new Tuberculosis Programme.

  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children in Hereford have(a) had and (b) not had the BCG test and vaccination at the usual age in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [112432]

  Yvette Cooper
  Information about the number of children in Hereford Health Authority who have received the tuberculin test and BCG vaccination to protect against tuberculosis is contained in the table together with resident population estimates for children.

  Herefordshire Health Authority: tuberculin tests and BCG vaccinations, and number of children resident by age group

  Number of skin tests

  Found positive

  Found negative

  Number of vaccinations

  Number of children resident1

  Children under one-year-old

  1994–95

  0

  0

  1

  2,000

  1995–96

  0

  0

  9

  1,900

  1996–97

  0

  6

  9

  1,800

  1997–98

  2

  0

  2

  1,800

  1998–99

  0

  5

  5

  1,900

  757W

  Herefordshire Health Authority: tuberculin tests and BCG vaccinations, and number of children resident by age group

  Number of skin tests

  Found positive

  Found negative

  Number of vaccinations

  Number of children resident1

  Children 10 to 15-years-old

  1994–95

  104

  1,637

  1,693

  2,000

  1995–96

  91

  1,554

  1,621

  2,000

  1996–97

  98

  1,527

  1,631

  2,000

  1997–98

  160

  1,636

  1,837

  2,000

  1998–99

  158

  1,491

  1,673

  2,100

  1 Mid-year resident population estimates; figures for 10–15 age group are averages for a single year cohort, calculated as 1/6 of the total resident population aged 10–15 years.

  Note:

  Neonatal BCG immunisation is recommended only in children born in higher risk groups; infants under three months of age do not require prior skin testing.

  Source:

  KC50

  Department of Health: Statistics Division SD2B

  Because of severe manufacturing problems at Medeva Pharma, the only licensed United Kingdom supplier, supply of BCG and Tuberculin PPD vaccines continues to be disrupted. Stocks being received are insufficient to support the United Kingdom's full immunisation programme and the Department has had no alternative other than to suspend the routine BCG immunisation in schools for children aged 10–14 until continuity of vaccine supply can be guaranteed. Vaccine is being issued, therefore, to immunise people in higher risk categories only, such as neonates at higher risk, contacts of cases, new immigrants and healthcare workers.

  The Department is actively seeking alternative supplies of BCG vaccine in consultation with the World Health Organisation.

  Midwives (North West)
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the total number of midwifery vacancies in(a) England and (b) the North West Region. [111816]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 1 March 2000]: The available information is contained in the table.

  Department of Health Recruitment, Retention and Vacancies Survey—Vacancies in NHS Trusts by England and North West Region: midwives as at 31 March 1999

  Whole time equivalents

  Total vacancies1

  3 Month vacancies2

  England total

  810

  370

  North West

  70

  30

  Notes:

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

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

  3. Figures rounded to the nearest 10.

  Source:

  Department of Health Recruitment, Retention and Vacancies Survey 1999

  New Public Bodies
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the new public bodies established by his Department since May 1997. [112663]
  758W
  Yvette Cooper
  The annual Cabinet Office Publication "Public Bodies" provides information on a range of public bodies. The 1997 edition lists those public 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. Copies are also available on the Cabinet Office website (www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/quango).

  General Practitioners
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the number of general practitioners per 1,000 population in(a) Oxfordshire, (b) England and (c) the United Kingdom in each year since 1990. [112647]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is in the table. Issues relating to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are matters for their respective administrations.

  Unrestricted Principals and Equivalents (UPEs1) per 1,000 population as at 1 October each year

  UPEs per 1,000 population

  Oxfordshire2

  1990

  0.55

  1991

  0.55

  1992

  0.57

  1993

  0.57

  1994

  0.58

  1995

  0.58

  1996

  0.59

  1997

  0.59

  1998

  0.59

  England

  1990

  0.53

  1991

  0.53

  1992

  0.54

  1993

  0.54

  1994

  0.55

  1995

  0.55

  1996

  0.55

  1997

  0.55

  1998

  0.55

  1 UPEs includes unrestricted principals, PMS contracted GPs and PMS salaried GPs

  2 Data relate to Oxfordshire FPC for 1990, Oxfordshire FHSA for 1991 to 1995 and Oxfordshire HA for 1996 to 1998

  Source:

  Department of Health General and personal Medical Services Statistics and ONS Population Data

  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the population live(a) within one mile of, (b) over one mile from and (c) over three miles from their nearest GP in (i) urban and (ii) rural areas. [112820]

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

  However, an analysis based on the Exeter family health services database indicates that in urban areas 94 per cent. of patients live within 1 mile of their nearest surgery, 5 per cent. between 1 and 2.5 miles, and 1 per cent. live more than 2.5 miles away. In rural areas, the figures are 72 per cent, 19 per cent, and 9 per cent. respectively.

  It should be noted that in each of these analyses, percentage of patients will not be the same as percentage of population, due to the effects of any local list inflation.

  Nursing Students
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many students started a(a) diploma in nursing and (b) degree in nursing courses in (i) 1997, (ii) 1998 and (iii) 1999; and what was the drop-out rate for each year's intake. [112918]

  Mr. Denham
  Information on the numbers of students commencing nursing diploma and degree courses for the period 1997 to 1999 and attrition rates for 1997 and 1998 are shown in the table. Data on students entering training are published by English National Board in their Annual Report. The numbers entering training in 1999–2000 are based upon the latest forecast from education consortia. It is not possible to provide an attrition rate for the 1999 student intakes since they are incomplete.

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–00

  Nursing diploma intake

  14,162

  15,410

  16,552

  Attrition

  16.1 per cent.

  5.9 per cent.

  n/a

  Nursing degree intake

  1,214

  1,202

  1,805

  Attrition

  13.3 per cent.

  8.2 per cent.

  n/a

  Notes:

  1. Intake data are taken from the English National Board annual report for 1997–98 and 1998–99 and the Financial and Workforce Planning Returns for 1999–2000.

  2. Attrition data are taken from the English National board annual report.

  Vaccines
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the wastage rate of vaccines used by the NHS resulting from poor storage or distribution conditions and the cost of such wastage to the NHS since May 1997. [112995]

  Yvette Cooper
  This information is not collected centrally. However, the issue of vaccine usage, including wastage, is the subject of a review currently being conducted, commissioned by the Department. This study will make recommendations on vaccine storage and usage and on measures to minimise wastage at local level; these recommendations will be issued in due course.

  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many doses of the new meningococcal conjugate vaccine have been discarded because of poor storage or distribution conditions; and what has been the cost to the NHS of discarded doses of the vaccine. [112997]

  Yvette Cooper
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many doses of the new meningococcal conjugate vaccine have been issued under the current immunisation programme; and how many children have been immunised. [112996]

  Yvette Cooper
  By 27 February 2000, 3,301,280 doses of meningococcal Group C conjugate vaccine had been issued for the immunisation of babies, and 2,408,420 doses of vaccine had been issued for the immunisation of schoolchildren aged 15 to 17 years, a total of 5,709,700 doses.

  Data on how many children have been immunised so far are not yet available.

  Animal Experiments (Product Labelling)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce legislation to require that all animal and human medicines and vaccines that have been tested on animals should be labelled with such information so as to enable those who oppose the use of animals in medical and veterinary research to make an informed judgment as to whether they should use these products for themselves and their pets. [112625]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 2 March 2000]: All medicines for human and veterinary use must be tested in animals to provide information about their safety before they can be granted a licence. However, the Government are concerned to ensure that research in animals is undertaken only when necessary to fulfil statutory obligations. There is no statutory requirement for the labels to include a statement to this effect and we have no plans to introduce such a provision.

  Acute Services
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the NHS hospitals offering full acute services which have(a) mixed sex wards and (b) shared toilets; and what targets he has set for the NHS to eliminate mixed sex wards. [113152]

  Mr. Denham
  The data collected on mixed sex hospital accommodation are at health authority level and do not contain detailed information about the position in National Health Service trusts. We have set three specific objectives for the NHS in order to achieve the elimination of mixed sex accommodation:Ensure that appropriate organisational arrangements are in place to secure good standards of privacy and dignity for hospital patients;
  Achieve fully the standard for segregated washing and toilet facilities across the NHS;
  Provide safe facilities for patients in hospital who are mentally ill which safeguard their privacy and dignity.

  We aim to achieve these objectives fully in 95 per cent. of all health authorities by 2002.

  The results of a monitoring exercise published in August 1999 showed that 93 per cent. of health authorities would achieve the objectives by 2002.

  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS hospitals providing full acute services have wards which do not reach the HBN 4 minimum stipulation for(a) bed space in multi-bedded wards and (b) ratio of toilets to patients in 24 bed wards. [113158]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Treatments (Leicestershire)
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) in-patients and (b) out-patients were treated in Leicestershire in each year between 1992–93 and the last year for which figures were available. [113167]

  Yvette Cooper
  The tables show the total number of finished consultant in-patient episodes (FCEs) for patients treated in Leicestershire Health Authority for each year between 1992–93 and 1998–99(a) and also the total

  761W
  number of outpatient attendances and first outpatient attendances for patients in Leicestershire Health Authority for each of the same years (b).

  Table A

  Year

  Total

  1992–93

  161,824

  1993–94

  177,035

  1994–95

  191,032

  1995–96

  192,566

  1996–97

  200,726

  1997–98

  205,196

  1998–99

  225,384

  Notes:

  1. Figures for 1992–93 to 1996–97 are grossed for coverage. 1997–98 and 1998–99 figures are ungrossed.

  2. An FCE is defined as a period of patient care under one consultant in one health care provider. The figures do not represent the number of patients, as one person may have several episodes within the year.

  3.After 1994–95 District Health Authorities changed to Health Authorities.

  Source:

  Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health.

  Table B

  Year

  Total attendances

  First attendances

  1992–93

  584,426

  138,136

  1993–94

  600,394

  152,938

  1994–95

  616,252

  164,717

  1995–96

  627,634

  173,060

  1996–97

  662,124

  185,073

  1997–98

  686,184

  189,419

  1998–99

  690,263

  195,052

  Source:

  Figures are taken from the annual Körner return KH09 'Consultant outpatient attendance activity'

  "Outpatients and ward attenders for England", a copy of which is placed in the Library, contains information for individual National Health Service trusts along with summary tables for England. The returns are made on a financial year basis and the latest year for which data are available is 1998–99.
  £4 million Mental Health Partnership Fund to support innovative service strategies around broader mental health policy initiatives. £12 million support for education and training for doctors and nurses.
  £1 million estimated expenditure on drug treatment.
  £17 million estimated expenditure on drug treatments.

  Allocations to health authorities are through unified allocations and bidding processes. Allocations to local authorities are hypothecated through the Mental Health Grant.

  Money allocated for implementation of the Mental Health National Service Framework across health and social care will be identified thorough Joint Investment Plans and will be robustly scrutinised through performance management systems to ensure full utilisation.

  Births Asphyxia
  Mr. Horam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many payments and interim payments were made for births asphyxia by each NHS trust for(a) 1998–99, (b) 1999–2000, and (c) his estimate for 2000–01; and
  762W
  how much in total was paid out by each trust for this type of claim in (i) 1998–99, (ii) 1999–2000 and (iii) his estimate for 2000–01. [113150]

  Ms Stuart
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Rat Infestation
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the expenditure in each of the last three financial years on controlling and treating rat infestation in(a) hospitals and (b) other NHS premises. [113042]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Department does not collect this information centrally.

  Contraceptive Drugs
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the annual cost to the NHS of paying general practitioners an item of service fee for prescribing emergency contraceptive drugs in each of the years 1990 to 1997. [113165]

  Yvette Cooper
  General practitioners do not receive an item of service fee for prescribing these drugs.

  Cerebral Palsy
  Audrey Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 14 February 2000,Official Report, column 388W, (1) what was the source of his Department's estimate that the risk of cerebral palsy among babies born weighing less than 1,500 grammes is 70 times higher than among babies weighing 2,500 grammes or more at birth; and what was the year and geographical area to which it applies; [113096]

  (2) what steps his Department is taking to monitor trends in cerebral palsy in England, in relation to the rate of low birthweight. [113097]

  Yvette Cooper
  The information was obtained from the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, based on figures from population registers of children and young adults with cerebral palsy in the former Mersey, Northern and Oxford Regions, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The risk estimates provided are based on data from babies born in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

  Data are not collected centrally on the numbers of children with cerebral palsy.

  Births
  Audrey Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 14 February 2000,Official Report, column 387W, what attempts his Department has made to link data from the birth registration system with the data from the Hospital Episode Statistics in order to provide data of the type requested. [113094]

  Yvette Cooper
  Discussions are currently taking place between officials from the Department and the Office for National Statistics and a pilot study has been proposed to investigate the feasibility of linking data from the Office for National Statistics birth registration records to Hospital Episode Statistics birth records.
  763W
  Audrey Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 14 February 2000,Official Report, column 387W, what are the estimated numbers of records in the Hospital Episode Statistics for 1997–98 which relate to a delivery of a baby, the numbers of these which have maternity tails and the numbers of maternity tails which contain the data required; and what steps his Department is taking to ensure that trusts which do not submit complete maternity data do so in the future. [113095]

  Yvette Cooper
  There are an estimated 601,000 National Health Service hospital delivery records in Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES) for 1997–98, of which some 40,000 are thought to be duplicate records. By definition all HES delivery records have a tail; about 351,000 of the tails contain a valid method of delivery.

  It is the responsibility of NHS trusts to ensure that HES data are accurate and complete. To encourage submission of complete and accurate data, the Department is to publish later this year a National Data Quality Indicator, which will include a component to address the coverage of maternity data and, where maternity data are provided, their quality will also be assessed.

  Miscarriages
  Audrey Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 14 February 2000,Official Report, column 387W, what information is recorded by general practitioners on claims submitted to health authorities for fees for giving care to women who have miscarried; and what statistics are derived from this information by (a) health authorities and (b) his Department. [113092]

  Yvette Cooper
  General practitioners record on fee claim forms the following information relating to miscarriage services: patient name (except in cases for emergency treatment where the doctor decides not to ask for the patient's name) date, expected date of confinement, place of treatment or whether the patient was transferred to hospital, date of discharge from hospital, and date of last service provided by the doctor.

  The Department does not routinely collect data on miscarriage statistics from health authorities. Health authorities make their own arrangements for reviewing miscarriage statistics where appropriate.

  Foetal Tissue Banks
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the foetal tissue banks in the UK. [113496]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: The Medical Research Council Foetal Tissue Bank based at the Hammersmith Hospital, London is the main foetal tissue bank in the United Kingdom. The Department is aware of additional banks based at the Institute of Child Health, London and at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

  Smoking
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the additional health risk of smoking cigarettes containing(a) calcium carbonate, (b) cellulose fibre, (c) Di-ammonium
  764W
  (d) hydrogen phosphate, (e) ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, (f) Sorbitol, (g) citric acid and its tripotassium and trisodium salts, (h) menthol, (i) cocoa, (j) sucrose and sucrose syrup, (k) glycerol, (l) liquorice, (m) benzoic acid and/or its potassium salts, (n) caramel, (o) dried extracts and esters of fruits, (p) acetic acid, (q) guar gom, (r) propylene glycol, (s) magnesium oxide, (t) carboxymethyl cellulose, (u) humic acid, (v) triethylene glycol, (w) polyvinyl alcohol, (x) triethylene glycol, (y) methyl hydroxy propyl cellulose, (z) diatomaceous earth, (aa) potassium chloride, (bb) sodium chloride, (cc) cellulose acetate propionate, (dd) glyoxal, (ee) ortho-phosphoric acid and (ff) iron oxide. [113508]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: All the substances listed have been assessed as additives to tobacco products (cigarette, cigars, pipe and hand rolling tobacco) using the guidelines detailed in the report of the Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health (Annex K Appendix 1), copies of which are available in the Library.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had with tobacco manufacturers regarding additives used in cigarettes; if he will list those additives known to be used; and if he will make a statement. [113509]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: None. Officials meet members of the Tobacco Manufacturers' Association twice a year to monitor the Voluntary Agreement on the approval and use of the additives in tobacco products in the United Kingdom. They have also met, both individually and collectively, tobacco company representatives on an ad hoc basis to discuss additives. The list of additives is available in the Library and on the following website:
  www.givingupsmoking.co.uk

  Electro-convulsive Treatment
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to monitor the use of electro-convulsive treatment following his Department's earlier survey; and if he will make a statement. [113361]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: There are no special plans for future monitoring of electro-convulsive treatment. It is expected that more useful and reliable information on ECT will be obtained from the Mental Health Minimum Data Set which is gradually being implemented across all mental health trusts between now and 2003.

  BCG Vaccine
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for how long the BCG vaccine programme in schools in North Essex will remain suspended; and if he will make a statement. [113517]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr. Pickles) on 10 February 2000, Official Report, column 261W.

  Mount Vernon Hospital
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the future of cleft lip and palate surgery and treatment at Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, Middlesex. [113463]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: I understand that following advice from an inter-regional group chaired by Professor John Murray, the National Health Service Executive, London Regional Office and its Regional Specialist Commissioning Group (RSCG) take the view that cleft lip and palate surgery cannot be sustained at Mount Vernon Hospital.

  At its meeting of 6 March the RSCG recommended that centres should be designated at Great Ormond Street Hospital in partnership with St. Andrew's Centre Broomfield and Guy's and St. Thomas Hospitals, in partnership with Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead. If these proposals are accepted by the health authorities, following consultation, their implementation will require Mount Vernon services to transfer to another site.

  My position as a Minister prevents me from commenting further on these proposals at this stage.

  Cleft Lip and Palate Services
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) where in London and the south-east of England he has decided that specialist cleft lip and palate surgical facilities will be located; [113464]

  (2) which specialist cleft lip and palate surgical and treatment units will be closed in London and south-east England during the next five years. [113594]

  Mr. Denham
  The National Health Service is presently undertaking a review of cleft lip and palate services following the report of the Clinical Standards Advisory Group published in 1998, copies of which are available in the Library. Decisions on the designation of specialist cleft centres in London and south-east regions are expected shortly.

  Harefield Hospital
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to close Harefield Hospital; and if he will make a statement. [113572]

  Mr. Denham
  The proposals made by the West London Partnership Forum (WLPF) relating to specialist services in West London are not about closure. They are about improving care for patients of the future. The WLPF wishes to do this by bringing together world leading teams from both hospitals in the best possible environment for patients, clinical services and research. There will be full public consultation on the options for specialist services in west London, starting in the summer 2000. My position as Minister prevents me from commenting further on the proposals at this stage.

  Residence Orders
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many residence orders are in place for children who might otherwise be looked after; and what plans he has to increase such provision for children and young people for whom adoption is not the right answer. [113040]
  766W
  Jane Kennedy
  I have been asked to reply.

  We do not have information about how many residence orders are extant; however in 1998, the latest year for which figures are published, 30,398 residence orders were made.

  Residence orders and adoption orders are not necessarily or usually alternative disposals in the same case. Residence orders are often made in cases in which no question of adoption or any form of state intervention arises, for example to determine which parent a child will live with following the breakdown of a marriage. The Government have no plans to increase the number of residence orders; it is for the courts to determine whether the making of a residence order is in the best interests of the child in any particular case.

TREASURY

  Investment (Indonesia)
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reason the Inland Revenue designated Indonesia as not being a suitable market in which to invest directly.
  [112312]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Inland Revenue has a discretionary power to recognise overseas stock exchanges for the general purposes of the Taxes Acts.

  Government policy is to consider recognition on application by a foreign exchange. So it does not follow from the fact that an exchange is not recognised that it is considered by the Inland Revenue as unsuitable for investors.

  Personal Portfolio Bonds
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what factors are taken into account by the Inland Revenue in determining whether an overseas stock market should qualify as eligible for inclusion in personal portfolio bonds. [112313]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The test of whether shares and securities are listed on a recognised exchange is widely used to characterise tax provisions and to determine eligibility for tax reliefs. The test is therefore not related specifically to any one particular provision, like personal portfolio bonds.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the expected change in after-tax income for single-income families with two children who earn(a) £10,000, (b) £20,000, (c) £40,000 and (d) £80,000 of taxable income as a result of the 1p reduction in income tax to be implemented in April. [111573]

  Dawn Primarolo
  This Government have introduced a range of measures designed to make work pay and to increase support for families with children, including the 10p starting rate of tax, the National Minimum Wage and Working Families Tax Credit. The cut in the basic rate is another of those measures. Families with children will on average be £740 per year better off as a result of measures in the last two budgets.

  Receivers
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to allow the off-setting for tax purposes of the expenses incurred by(a) receivers in furtherance of their official duties and (b) the Public Trust officers' fees, if he will allow these costs to be available for off-setting against the gross income of persons, incapable of dealing with their own affairs, who require the assistance of receivers and the Public Trust Office; and if he will make a statement. [113269]

  Dawn Primarolo
  We have no plans to change the tax treatment of these items.

  Youth Unemployment (Worcester)
  Mr. Michael J. Foster
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the youth unemployment figures on(a) 1 May 1997 and (b) 1 February 2000 for the following wards within the City of Worcester
  (i) St. Johns, (ii) St. Clement, (iii) Bedwardine, (iv) Claines, (v) St. Stephen, (vi) St. Barnabas, (vii) St. Martin, (viii) Holy Trinity, (ix) Nunney, (x) St. Peter, (xi) All Saints and (xii) St. Nicholas; and if he will make a statement. [113271]

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

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Michael J. Foster, dated 8 March 2000:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question on unemployment in Worcester.
  The ONS publishes a monthly count of claimants of unemployment-related benefits. The claimant count consists of all people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance or National Insurance credits at Employment Service local offices. They must declare that they are out of work, capable of, available for and actively seeking work during the week in which the claim is made.
  Information on the levels of computerised claims by age for wards can be obtained from the Nomis database at the House of Commons Library. Computerised claims do not include clerical claims which currently make up about one per cent. of the total claimant count. Claimant count statistics for February 2000 will be released on 15 March 2000.

  Unemployment Statistics
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list for(a) each ward and (b) the total in Shrewsbury and Atcham the number of (i) long-term unemployed, (ii) youth unemployment and (iii) total unemployed for each year since 1992; and if he will make a statement. [113275]

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

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Paul Marsden, dated 8 March 2000:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question on unemployed people in Shrewsbury and Atcham.
  The ONS publishes a monthly count of claimants of unemployment-related benefits. The claimant count consists of all people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance or National Insurance
  768W
  credits at Employment Service local offices. They must declare that they are out of work, capable of, available for and actively seeking work during the week in which the claim is made.
  Information on the levels of claimant by age and duration (computerised claims only) for wards and parliamentary constituencies can be obtained from the Nomis database at the House of Commons Library. Computerised claims do not include clerical claims which currently make up about one per cent. of the total claimant count.

  Israel
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 1 March 2000,Official Report, columns 266–67W, on how many occasions in the past five years Her Majesty's Customs and Excise has referred to the European Commission instances of goods alleged to have been imported under preference as Made in Israel which were produced in Occupied Territories or elsewhere; on how many occasions in the past five years the European Commission had established the origin of the products in question; in how many of these cases the origin was established as (i) within the internationally recognised borders of Israel, (ii) within the Occupied Territories of the West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem or the Golan Heights and (iii) elsewhere; and what was the average time taken by the European Commission to establish the origin of goods referred by the UK Government to the Commission for possible violation of the Protocol on Rules of Origin of the EC Trade Agreement with Israel in the last five years. [113551]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Her Majesty's Customs and Excise has advised the European Commission in relation to four separate products. They have yet to be made aware of the outcome of any investigations conducted by the European Commission.

  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 1 March 2000,Official Report, columns 266–67W, concerning Israel (a) whether he has examined imported goods still held by the consignee to obtain actual evidence of origin, (b) when the imports of wines from (i) the Golan Heights and (ii) the Israeli West Bank settlement of Barkan, were first detected, (c) when details were first passed to the European Commission and (d) whether the Syrian Government have been informed of the detection of imports from Israeli settlements on the Golan Heights. [113417]

  Dawn Primarolo
  (a) Customs will shortly be visiting a consignee identified as being an importer of dates from Israel. The outcome will be notified to the European Commission.

  (b) Information was received on both products in May 1999.

  (c) In June 1999.

  (d) The Syrian Government have not been informed by HM Customs and Excise.

  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 1 March 2000,Official Report, columns 266–67W, (a) when the imports of carpets from the Israeli West Bank settlement of Barkan were first detected, (b) when details were first passed to the European Commission, (c) how many consignments of carpets from the area Barkan have been imported into the UK under preferences, (d) what type of goods were

  769W
  described in the details obtained by the European Commission and (e) when he expects the European Commission to make its assessment. [113550]

  Dawn Primarolo
  (a) November 1999, as a direct result of information received from the European Commission.

  (b) December 1999.

  (c) 1998–12; 1999—None.

  (d) The goods described covered a range of agricultural and industrial products.

  (e) There is no indication as to when the European Commission is expected to make an assessment.

  Windfall Tax
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much of the Windfall Tax Fund has been spent on programmes in Wales to the latest date. [113494]

  Mr. Timms
  Information on the allocation of the Windfall Tax receipts between the different programmes, as currently estimated, is set out in Table 4.1 of the 1999 Pre Budget Report. Many Windfall Tax funded programmes are demand-led, with expenditure allocated by participant and not by country, region or any other geographical area. For this reason it is not possible to provide a reliable and robust estimate of the amount which has been spent in Wales.

  VAT
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to press other EU member states to broaden the experimental arrangement of Council Directive 1999/85/EC (Annex K to Sixth VAT Directive) to provide for the inclusion of repairs to historic and listed buildings. [113562]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Repairs to historic and listed buildings are already included in the experimental reduced rate if they are dwellings.

  Further discussion of the scope of the reduced rate is unlikely until the current experiments have concluded and been fully evaluated. The Commission is due to report at the end of 2002.

  Petroleum Products Smuggling
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many(a) vehicles were seized by HM Customs and Excise for alleged smuggling of petroleum products in Northern Ireland and (b) litres of fuel were seized in (i) 1998 and (ii) 1999. [113538]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: Customs have made the following seizures of petroleum products in Northern Ireland:

  Financial year

  Litres of fuel

  Vehicles seized

  1998–99

  584,000

  39

  1999–20001

  915,691

  98

  1 April to February

  Duchy of Cornwall
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the tax status of the Duchy of Cornwall, with particular reference to the tax exemptions which apply. [112834]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: The tax arrangements for the Duchy of Cornwall are set out in the Memorandum of Understanding on Royal Taxation, attached to the Report of the Royal Trustees published on 11 February 1993 (HC 464).

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the additional cost to the Exchequer of providing the Working Families Tax Credit to couples with children if couples split their total earnings in half and the credit was calculated on each half assuming the 55 per cent. taper started cutting in at(a) £45, (b) £50, (c) £60, (d) £70 and (e) £80. [112475]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The limitations of the data available to model these changes, and the uncertainty over behavioural effects, are such that reliable estimates are not available in the detail required.

  The reply I gave to my hon. Friend on 9 February 2000, Official Report, column 214W, provided a rough indication of the high cost involved in splitting the total earnings of couples in the calculation of Working Families Tax Credits. Lowering the income threshold to the levels specified in the question would reduce the cost but precise estimates which take into account the varying behavioural effects could be provided only at disproportionate costs. As a rough guide, halving the income threshold from the current £90 to £45 per week would still more than double the existing cost of Working Families Tax Credits, before allowing for differential behavioural effects.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate, for each quintile group ranked by equivalised disposable household income, the percentage of gross income accounted for by the Working Families Tax Credit. [112950]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The information requested is given in the table.

  Quintile by equivalised disposable household income

  Estimated percentage of gross income accounted to by the Working Families Tax Credit

  Lowest quintile group

  3.5

  Second

  2.2

  Third

  0.4

  Fourth

  1—

  Highest quintile group

  1—

  1 Sample numbers too small for reliable estimates to be made

  The figures assume 100 per cent. take-up of entitlement and will tend to overestimate the proportion of Working Families Tax Credit going to the higher quintiles. It is also known that some of the types of household containing families now eligible for Working Families Tax Credit are under-represented in the survey data used to model these estimates.
  771W
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many recipients of Working Families Tax Credit are paid at the minimum wage; what proportion this is of total Working Families Tax Credit claimants; how much Working Families Tax Credit is being paid in total to claimants claiming at the minimum wage; and what proportion this is of total Working Families Tax Credit expenditure, all figures for over the latest period for which figures are available and including family credit if applicable; [112756]

  (2) how many recipients of the Working Families Tax Credit and the Disabled Person's Tax Credit are paid at rates above the minimum wage; and how many are paid at the minimum wage. [113581]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 2 March 2000]: The information requested is not available. For each employed claimant, the information captured to the computer system is of gross earnings in each relevant pay period, and a single figure of normal hours worked. These two pieces of information therefore have different coverages, and cannot be used to derive an hourly wage for each case.

  Inflation
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 21 February 2000,Official Report, column 769W, on inflation, if regional price data have been made available to the European Commission for use in calculating regional GDP per head; and what plans the Chancellor has to instruct the Office for National Statistics to publish regional price and real GDP data for the UK. [113470]

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

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Matthew Taylor, dated 8 March 2000:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent question on whether regional price data have been made available to the European Commission for use in calculating regional GDP per head, and any plans the Chancellor has to instruct the ONS to publish regional price and real GDP data for the UK.
  Regional GDP per head is calculated from estimates of regional GDP converted on to a common currency using Purchasing Power Parities (PPPs). The PPPs used in the calculation are based on national average prices and the same average PPP is applied to each region within a country.
  The Office for National Statistics has no plans to publish regional price and real GDP data for the UK.

  Low-income Households
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many earners in the UK earn less than £60 per week; how many households in the UK contain an earner who earns less than £60 per week; and what changes there have been in these numbers since 1980. [113469]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.
  772W
  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Matthew Taylor, dated 8 March 2000:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question concerning people earning less than £60 per week.
  The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the ONS's major source of labour market data on individuals. It can provide information on the earnings of employees and the number and proportion of employees earning below £60. However, LFS estimates on earnings are only available from winter (December to February) 1992/3. Estimates for the autumn (September to November) quarters of 1993, 1997 and 1999 are given in the table below. The figures are for Great Britain and are not seasonally adjusted.

  Employees with gross weekly earnings of less than £60 Great Britain, autumn 1993, 1997 and 1999, not seasonally adjusted

  Autumn

  000s

  1993

  2,466

  1997

  2,254

  1999

  1,849

  Source:

  ONS, Labour Force Survey

  The LFS has no information available on the number of households containing an earner who earns less than £60 per week.
  Estimates from the Family Resources Survey for the period 1997–98 covering Great Britain show that the ratio between the number of households, where at least one earner earns less than £60 a week, and the number of individuals earning less than £60 a week is 96 per cent.

  IR35
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the maximum amount of(a) national insurance and (b) personal taxation that an individual will pay under the changes caused by the introduction of IR35. [112989]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 3 March 2000]: The amount of personal tax and National Insurance Contributions that a personal service company will have to pay following the introduction of IR35 will depend on individual circumstances. It is not possible to provide estimates of the maximum amounts payable.

  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the expected net revenue gain from the introduction of IR35; and what assumptions the Government have made as to the number of business closures and the extent of business migration overseas for the purposes of calculating this figure. [112763]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Estimates of the revenue which will arise from the proposed measure to stop avoidance of tax and National Insurance Contributions using personal service companies were included in the Financial Statement and Budget Report published on Budget Day in March 1999. Information on the assumptions used was included in the Regulatory Impact Assessment on the Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill which was published in October 1999.

  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many contractors operating through personal service companies have moved overseas(a) in each year since 1992 and (b) in the last year for which figures are available; and what is his Department's estimate for each of the next three years. [112764]
  773W
  Dawn Primarolo
  I regret that this information is not available.

  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate, broken down by industrial sectors, the extra taxation that the introduction of IR35 will place on contractors operating through personal service companies(a) next year, (b) in 2001–02 and (c) in 2002–03, assuming current levels of tax rates. [112765]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I regret that it is not possible to provide a breakdown of the tax liability arising from the introduction of IR35 by industrial sector which prevents avoidance of tax and NICs. However, a breakdown of the 50,000 personal service companies that are estimated to be affected by this measure by broad industry group is provided in the Regulatory Impact Assessment on the Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill published in October 1999.

  Mr. St.Aubyn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the extra revenue which will arise as a result of the introduction of IR35. [112858]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Estimates of the revenue which will arise from the proposed measure to stop avoidance of tax and National Insurance Contributions using personal service companies were included in the Financial Statement and Budget Report published on Budget Day in March 1999.

  Mr. St. Aubyn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which sectors of industry benefit most from the rules on national insurance contributions that would be changed under IR35 proposals. [112859]
  774W
  Dawn Primarolo
  All sectors of industry will benefit from the changes we propose. IR35 will prevent avoidance of NIC and right level of tax, allowing us to target support on the real entrepreneurs.

  Government Debt
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answers of 19 January 2000,Official Report, column 516W, on Government debt over the 1975 to 1999 period, what the estimated interest cost of the difference between nominal and gross debt values is; what measures have been undertaken to ensure this will not occur again; and which officials responsible for the debt funding decisions have been disciplined in connection with this matter. [113468]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The answer of 19 January 2000,Official Report, column 516W, on Government debt gave figures for central Government gross debt at (a) nominal and (b) market prices. These are two different valuations of the same debt and so the interest on them would always be the same. The reason for this is that the market values the debt, some of which may have been issued when market conditions for interest rates were different, to reflect current yields. Thus actual interest divided by debt at market valuation is in line with current rates of interest, whereas actual interest divided by nominal debt reflects the mix of historic market conditions when the debt was issued.

  Taxation (Spouses)
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his policy is on the principle of independent taxation of husband and wife. [113580]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Chancellor stated his commitment to the principle of independent taxation of husbands and wives when he gave evidence to the Treasury Committee in March 1999.

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