Written Answers of 10 March 2000

WALES

  Press Releases
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales for the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000 what was(a) the number of occasions on which couriers were used to distribute news releases from his Department and
  (b) the total cost of using couriers to distribute news releases. [113978]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  None.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the(a) national, (b) regional and (c) local newspapers and media bodies to which his Department sent news releases during the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000. [113988]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The Wales Office deals with a variety of newspapers and media bodies, with distribution relying on the subject and content of the specific press release. Furthermore, all media outlets can request press releases. All press releases issued are available on the Wales Office website.

  Non-departmental Public Bodies
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on how many occasions(a) he and (b) his predecessors met with (i) the Chairperson and (ii) the board of non-departmental public bodies in Wales since May 1997; and on how many occasions a press statement was issued on the matters discussed and agreed at the meeting. [113312]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  There are currently 14 non-departmental public bodies in Wales sponsored by the National Assembly, but the list of such bodies has changed since May 1997 and the frequency of meetings with the Chairpersons and boards of these organisations varies considerably from one body to another.

  The information requested is not held centrally, and because of the factors outlined above, could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Appointments Commission
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the President of the Council when she expects to appoint the chairman of the House of Lords Appointments Commission. [112813]

  Mrs. Beckett
  A five-strong selection panel chaired by the Secretary of the Cabinet, Sir Richard Wilson, and including an independent assessor will determine the final shortlist for both the position of chairman and the positions of independent members; the Prime Minister 826W
  will then make the formal appointment. The procedure will follow the principles of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

  We hope to have the House of Lords Appointments Commission in place by April. However, these are important appointments and we do not intend the process of making them to be skimped to meet a self-imposed artificial deadline.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the President of the Council for the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000 what was(a) the number of occasions on which couriers were used to distribute news releases from her Department and (b) the total cost of using couriers to distribute news releases. [113974]

  Mrs. Beckett
  There were no occasions on which couriers were used to distribute news releases from my Department. No cost was involved.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the President of the Council if she will list the(a) national, (b) regional and (c) local newspapers and media bodies to which her Department sent news releases during the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000. [113982]

  Mrs. Beckett
  This question cannot be answered without incurring disproportionate costs.

  Press Releases are available to all press via the news distribution service managed by the Central Office of Information and are also available on the Internet. Targeted distribution will rely on the subject and content of the specific press release.

DEFENCE

  Anthrax Vaccine
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when his Department last(a) purchased and (b) issued for use new supplies of anthrax vaccine. [113001]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Ministry of Defence last purchased supplies of anthrax vaccine in 1991 from the Centre for Applied Microbiological Research, the sole manufacturer in the UK. No new vaccine has since been supplied. The anthrax vaccine issued from 1993 onwards has had its shelf-life extended by the Medicines Control Agency.

  Gulf War Illnesses
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the membership of the Independent Panel on Gulf War Illnesses, including the term of appointment in each case and any changes to the membership; how often it meets; and if he will make a statement. [113958]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Independent Panel on Vaccines Interactions was established to scrutinise all aspects of proposals for research into the potential adverse effects of interactions between the vaccines and tablets which could have been administered to Service personnel at the time of the Gulf conflict. The Panel is chaired by Professor Donald Davies. The other Panel members are: Professor J. E. Banatvala, Professor P. Beverley, Dr. J. Bird,
  827W
  Dr. A. Boylston, Dr. P. Fawcett, Professor A. Grossman, Professor Malcolm Hooper, Dr. Ian Kimber, Dr. Norman Jones, Professor Stafford Lightman, Dr. Christopher Martyn, Dr. Elizabeth Miller, Dr. David Ray, Professor E. M. Sedgwick, Professor A. Silman and Dr. Geoffrey Schild.

  The Panel has met on four occasions since December 1997. The frequency of the meetings is dictated by the research programme. Professor Davies was appointed chairman in January 1999. Professor Hooper, Dr. Schild and Dr. Kimber have all joined the Panel since the first meeting. Panel members are not appointed for a specific term.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason no minutes were taken of the meeting on 29 March 1999 between Professor Hooper and the Independent Panel on Gulf War Illnesses; if he will place copies of the presentations made at the meeting in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [113898]

  Mr. Spellar
  On the evening of 29 March 1999, the Head of the Gulf Veterans' Medical Assessment Programme gave a presentation on Gulf veterans' illnesses to the Independent Panel, of which Professor Hooper is a member. Only personal notes were used and, as the presentation was informal, no minutes were taken.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the(a) national, (b) regional and (c) local newspapers and media bodies to which his Department sent news releases during the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000. [113984]

  Dr. Moonie
  The information requested is not recorded. All media outlets can request press releases—current or archive—at any time. In addition, all MOD press releases are made available on the Internet. Targeted distribution of press releases relies on the subject and content of the specific press releases.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000 what was(a) the number of occasions on which couriers were used to distribute news releases from his Department and
  (b) the total cost of using couriers to distribute news releases. [113972]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence uses the Central Office of Information (COI) News Distribution Service. Until April 1998, we subscribed to their courier service. For the period 2 May 1997 to 31 March 1998 we used the couriers on 240 occasions at a total cost of £9,600 (240 x £40).

  From April 1998, MOD has distributed press releases electronically and by fax only, through the COI News Distribution Service. Press releases are also posted on the Internet.

  Peat Compost
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 2 March 2000,Official Report, column 325W, on peat compost, what percentage of the compost used in his Department's estate gardens
  828W
  is peat; when use of peat compost will be phased out on his Department's estates; and if he will make a statement. [114144]

  Mr. Spellar
  The information on what percentage of the compost used in my Department's estate gardens is peat, is not held centrally and can be provided only at disproportionate cost. All indications are, however, that such use of peat is infrequent. My officials are currently assessing the full impact of phasing out the use of peat on the MOD estate and it is anticipated that an action plan will be in place by the summer.

  Select Committees
  Mr. Bruce George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Select Committees, other than the Defence Committee, Ministers in his Department have(a) submitted memoranda to and (b) appeared before in the present Parliament. [112402]

  Mr. Hoon
  In the present Parliament, Defence Ministers have not given evidence to any Select Committee of the House of Commons other than to the Defence Committee inquiring on their own or when acting in partnership with other Select Committees. However, I have just agreed to give oral evidence to the International Development Select Committee as part of that Committee's inquiry into Mozambique.

  Memoranda have been submitted by the Department to the Foreign Affairs Committee, Transport Sub-Committee, Agriculture Committee, Treasury Sub-Committee, Environment Sub-Committee, Environmental Audit Committee, the Science and Technology Committee, and the Public Accounts Committee.

PRIME MINISTER

  Tuition Fees
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Prime Minister what discussions(a) he and (b) No. 10 policy advisers have had with the Committee of Vice Chancellors on the subject of top-up tuition fees. [113919]

  The Prime Minister
  None.

  Seals
  Mr. Howard
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will raise the killing of baby seals during his forthcoming discussions with Acting President Putin. [114101]

  The Prime Minister
  This has been raised with the Russian Ambassador. The Russians are not in breach of any international agreements but are aware of our concern.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Mozambique
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what additional funding for the years 2000–01 and 2001–02 over and above the bilateral
  829W
  country programme for Mozambique contained in the Departmental report 1999 is to be made available for Mozambique following the recent flooding crisis. [113927]

  Mr. Foulkes
  In the light of the current major disaster we are reviewing urgently with others the needs of Mozambique, to help restore livelihoods, rehabilitate infrastructure, and maintain economic growth and poverty reduction.

  Meanwhile, we have already allocated £20 million for immediate humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation needs, and £10 million is planned for emergency budgetary support to help the Government cope with the immediate crisis.

  Local Sourcing
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to use companies in local recipient countries to provide the advice and products necessary for UK aid projects. [113488]

  Mr. Foulkes
  Far too little attention has been paid to local procurement in the past. Sound local procurement of goods and services gives a substantial development benefit. DFID is taking steps to increase both our use of local resources and our capacity to carry out local procurement effectively. We have recently appointed two procurement advisers with the remit of increasing the use of local consultants in Africa and India. We are increasingly working with our development partners to strengthen their own capacity to undertake procurement competently. Over the last two years the percentage of consultancy services which we purchased locally rose from 5 per cent. to 12 per cent.

  Crown Agents
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which UK companies received(a) the greatest number and (b) the greatest value of contracts from the Crown Agents in the past three years in respect of their procurement activities on behalf of her Department. [113490]

  Mr. Foulkes
  From January 1997 to date, the UK suppliers to receive the greatest number of contracts from Crown Agents in respect of their procurement activities on behalf of the Department were:

  Number of contracts

  Globe Microsystems

  108

  Landrover Exports

  32

  Ko-Ed

  29

  The UK suppliers to receive the greatest value of contracts were:

  £

  Mabey and Johnson

  12,578,000

  Qualter Hall

  4,054,000

  KSB Exports Ltd.

  3,044,000

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Asbestos Removal Companies
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many Health and Safety Executive inspections were made to sites operated by licensed asbestos removal companies in the last year for which figures are available; and how many were found to be breaking the law. [113326]

  Mr. Meacher
  In 1998–99 HSE's Field Operations Directorate inspected 961 sites. 41 enforcement notices were issued and seven prosecutions taken where inspectors considered that there was a breach of the law.

  Railway Inspections
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Health and Safety Executive's Railway Inspectorate will carry out inspections on services between Shrewsbury and Birmingham; and if he will make a statement. [113272]

  Mr. Hill
  The Health and Safety Executive's (HMRI) Railway Inspectorate monitors and enforces safety on Britain's railways. Responsibility for the safety, welfare and convenience of passengers rests with railway operators.

  The HMRI has a planned inspection programme, including inspections of Central Trains Ltd. The last inspection of the activities of Central Trains, Railtrack and the track maintenance contractor between the Birmingham and Shrewsbury line was on 7 March 2000.

  The inspector was generally content with the drivers' competence and the track layout and condition on the Birmingham to Shrewsbury line. HMRI are pursuing some matters with the maintenance contractor regarding the condition of certain sections of track, where drainage appeared to be a problem.

  Landfill
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review the distribution of resources generated by the landfill tax; and if he will make a statement. [113290]

  Mr. Mullin
  Landfill site operators may claim landfill tax credits for voluntary contributions to support specified environmental objectives. As we said in response to the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Select Committee's report on the operation of the Landfill Tax, we are discussing with industry the setting of indicative guidelines for the distribution of funds to each objective under the credit scheme, in line with the priorities we set out in our draft waste strategy "A Way with Waste".

  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those items of(a) special, (b) toxic and (c) liquid wastes that will be excluded from landfill sites when the new directives are introduced in 2005. [113287]
  831W
  Mr. Mullin
  The EC Landfill Directive will prohibit from disposal in landfill sites special wastes which are infectious clinical wastes or which, in the conditions of landfill, are explosive, corrosive, oxidising, or flammable. The Directive will allow the disposal of other special and toxic waste to landfills, provided that the waste meets the acceptance criteria in Annexe II of the Directive. The Directive prohibits the landfill of all liquid wastes.

  Tour Buses
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many tour buses are registered to operate in(a) London, (b) Oxford, (c) Cambridge, (d) Bath and (e) Stratford upon Avon; and how many are entitled to a fuel-duty rebate. [113440]

  Mr. Hill
  Local bus service registrations outside London do not identify tour buses as a separate category. It is not therefore possible to supply the information requested for items(b) to (e). In London, around 68 London Local Service Licences have been granted by the Traffic Commissioner for excursions and tours.

  Fuel Duty Rebate is paid on bus services which are registered with the Traffic Commissioner as a local bus service, and which meet the requirements of the relevant Regulations, designed to ensure that, among other things, they are available to the general public. Fuel Duty Rebate claims do not separately identify tour buses.

  Recycling
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he plans to take to increase the income from Packaging Recovery Notes to ensure the continuing recovery and recycling of glass and other waste materials; and if he will make a statement. [113423]

  Mr. Meacher
  The main purpose of the Packaging Waste Recovery Note (PRN) is to enable those obligated under the packaging Regulations to demonstrate compliance with their obligations. In addition, the PRN is intended to direct the necessary resources at increasing collection and reprocessing capacity in the UK and developing end-use markets for recyclate. The PRN system is a market-based system and PRN prices are therefore affected both by the balance between targets and available capacity and by developments in the international market. Prices for both virgin and recycled materials are currently low.

  Given the targets in the EC Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste that the UK must meet in 2001, it is clear that a considerable increase in recovery will be needed between now and 2001 if the targets are to be met and we would expect this to influence PRN prices.

  Seeds Regulations
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will place in the Library his response to the MAFF response to changes to the 1982 Seeds Regulations. [113475]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: The letter from MAFF on the 1982 Seeds Regulations was circulated to Departments for information only. Since the matter was clearly for MAFF, and not a matter for DETR, a response was not necessary.

  Fuel Duty
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate how much it would cost to extend the fuel duty rebate to(a) school buses and (b) dial-a-ride schemes. [113583]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 8 March 2000]: Those school bus services which are registered with the Traffic Commissioner as local bus services, and which are normally available to, and used by, the general public, are already eligible for bus fuel duty rebate.

  Possible changes to the scope of bus fuel duty rebate are currently being considered as part of the Commission for Integrated Transport's review of value for money from public financial support for bus services.

  At this stage no estimate has been made of the cost of extending eligibility for the rebate specifically to dial-a-ride schemes or to those school bus services which are currently not eligible. Any such estimates would depend on the precise definition of the newly eligible services which was adopted for the purpose and a forecast of eligible mileage run by them.

  Housing Green Paper
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions in which month he plans to publish the Green Paper on Housing. [113644]

  Mr. Raynsford
  We will publish a Housing Green Paper in the reasonably near future aimed at ensuring everyone has the opportunity of a decent home. The Green Paper will be fully consultative and we hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to let us know what they think of our proposals on the future of housing in the 21ststcentury.

  North Wales Main Line
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 28 February 2000,Official Report, column 6W, on the electrification of the North Wales main line, if he will place in the Library the evidence arising from the investigation into electrifying the North Wales line that led him to the conclusion that electrification could not be justified. [113631]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 10 February 2000]: The Study which investigated the possibility of electrifying the North Wales main line was produced by Virgin trains to the Franchising Director in March 1998. The Study was produced on a commercial in confidence basis and I am therefore unable to place a copy in the Library.

  Homeowners
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) homeowners and (b) ethnic minority homeowners there were in Britain in each year since 1990. [113885]
  833W
  Mr. Raynsford
  The table shows estimates from the Labour Force Survey of(a) the total number of homeowner households; and (b) the number of homeowner households headed by a member of an ethnic minority, in Britain in each year since 1990.

  Homeowner and ethnic minority homeowner households in Great Britain: 1990–99

  Thousand

  All home owning household

  Home owning households with ethnic minority head of household

  1990

  14,725

  479

  1991

  15,024

  538

  1992

  15,191

  555

  1993

  15,408

  539

  1994

  15,660

  520

  1995

  15,919

  536

  1996

  15,625

  530

  1997

  16,212

  594

  1998

  16,385

  635

  1999

  16,730

  648

  Notes:

  1. Like all estimates from sample surveys, these figures are subject to sampling variability

  2. Data shown are for the Spring quarter (March-May) of each year

  Blight Notices
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he intends to take to amend the eligibility of small business owners to serve blight notices in the light of the 2000 non-domestic rating revaluation; and if he will make a statement. [114488]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Town and Country Planning (Blight Provisions) (England) Order, laid today, will raise from £18,000 to £24,600 the annual rateable value limit at or below which businesses are eligible to serve a blight notice. The change, which will come into effect on 1 April 2000, means that small businesses will not be disadvantaged when the year 2000 non-domestic rate revaluation comes into effect on the same date.

  The new threshold also applies to businesses claiming compensation for loss of value under Part I of the Land Compensation Act 1973 when their premises are affected by physical factors such as noise, vibration, fumes and artificial lighting from the use of new or altered public works such as highways and aerodromes.

  This threshold also applies under the 1973 Act to enable proprietors aged 60 or over to claim disturbance compensation on the basis of the total extinguishment of their business when they are subject to a compulsory purchase order. This allows claimants of that age to retire if they do not want to re-establish their business elsewhere.

  Thameslink 2000
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the public inquiry into Railtrack's applications for orders under the Transport and Works Act 1992 in respect of Thameslink 2000 will commence. [114491]
  834W
  Mr. Hill
  The public inquiry will start on Tuesday 27 June 2000 at 10 a.m. at Bankside House, London School of Economics, 24 Sumner Street, London SE1 9JA. There will be a pre-inquiry meeting to discuss practical arrangements for the inquiry on Monday 10 April at 2 pm at the same venue. The inspector appointed to conduct the inquiry is Mr. D. Ward Bsc. CEng. MICE FIHT. The inquiry will also consider Railtrack's application for various listed building and conservation area consents required for the scheme. All persons who have made representations to the Secretary of State about Thameslink 2000 will be informed of these arrangements.

  Port Marine Operations
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made with the development of a safety code for port marine operations; and if he will make a statement. [114492]

  Mr. Hill
  The Port Marine Safety Code is being published on Monday and copies will be placed in the Library of the House. The Code represents an important waypoint in the development with all parties in the ports and shipping industry of an agreed national standard for the discharge by harbour authorities of their legal functions relating to marine safety. It applies to port marine operations the well-established principles of risk assessment and safety management systems. It establishes a measure by which harbour authorities can be accountable for the legal powers and duties which they have to run their harbours safely. We are asking all harbour authorities with these obligations, to prepare plans to implement the Code by the end of 2001. In the meantime, work will continue with the industry to develop competence standards for all port marine professionals, and associated qualifications. We are also supporting the development of a guide to good practice on port marine operations, which we hope will be completed this year.

  Disabled Motorists
  Mr. McWalter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will introduce the new European model parking badge for disabled motorists. [114549]

  Mr. Hill
  The Regulations have been laid before Parliament today.

  We aim to phase in the new parking badge over three years from 1 April 2000 as existing badges come up for renewal and as new applications are processed. It is, of course, only the design of the badge which is affected. The eligibility criteria and the concessions provided under the parking scheme will be unchanged.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Family Planning Services
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he has taken to promote access to family planning services; and if he will make a statement. [113682]
  835W
  Mr. George Howarth
  [holding answer 9 March 2000]: Family planning services are provided in community and hospital settings throughout Northern Ireland. To improve access provision has also been made for evening and weekend services and for services which meet the needs of particular groups such as young people. In addition 95 per cent. if General Practitioners provide family planning services.

  Paper and Timber Products
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he has taken to ensure that paper and timber products purchased by his Department come from a sustainable source. [110155]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Government Purchasing Agency follows the guidance issued by the Secretary of State in his Policy Statement on Green Housekeeping, which closely follows the model policy statement.

  The Government Purchasing Agency has established contracts for the purchase of paper and timber products on behalf of the NICS, Departments, their Agencies and NDPB's.

  The contracts require that where virgin pulp is used it must come from sustainably managed woodlands.

  More guidance is available to buyers from the DETR's Green Guide for Buyers, which is available to all our staff on the Internet.

  The Agency also issues to all our tenderers, the booklet "Selling to Government—A Green Guide for Suppliers of Goods and Services to the Northern Ireland Civil Service" which sets out the requirements for paper and wood products in more detail.

  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will ensure that paper and timber products purchased by his Department are independently certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as coming from a sustainable source. [110156]

  Mr. Ingram
  The FSC label is accepted by buyers as demonstrating that timber and timber products have come from sustainably managed sources. However, it is not practicable to require that all paper and timber products purchased by the Department are independently certified by the Forest Stewardship Council because this might discriminate against any equally valid schemes and therefore be against procurement rules.

  Specifying just the FSC label might also result in us failing to meet all our requirements as currently only a tiny percentage of timber products are currently FSC certified. That is why the Department's policy statement for greening its operations suggests that evidence of sustainability might take the form of a certificate issued under a credible, preferably independent, verification scheme; or other documents which demonstrate the operation of an environmental management system
  836W
  incorporating forest management criteria that conform with internationally recognised principles such as the Helsinki Guidelines.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Press Releases
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department for the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000 what was(a) the number of occasions on which couriers were used to distribute news releases from his Department and (b) the total cost of using couriers to distribute news releases. [113967]

  Mr. Lock
  My Department did not use any couriers to distribute news releases over the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000. LCD press notices are distributed to the media by e-mail, fax and post. LCD press notices for matters other than judicial appointments are placed on the Central Office of Information's (COI) press notice website and are given wide electronic distribution by the news distribution service which is also managed by the COI.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the(a) national, (b) regional and (c) local newspapers and media bodies to which his Department sent news releases during the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000. [113993]

  Mr. Lock
  Over the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000 my Department issued 1,062 press notices. Targeted distribution relies on the subject and content of each specific press release. Provision of the distribution lists for all press notices issued over the period could only be undertaken at disproportionate cost.

  All LCD press notices for matters other than judicial appointments are placed on the Central Office of Information's (COI) press notice website and are given wide electronic distribution by the news distribution service which is also managed by the COI.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Lottery
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent assessment he has made of the distribution of lottery funding across the regions of the United Kingdom. [113642]

  Kate Hoey
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has directed the Lottery distributors to ensure that all parts of the country have access to funding. My Department regularly monitors the distribution of funding to the regions and to areas of economic and social deprivation and it is clear that some areas have to date benefited less than others. My Department and the Lottery distributors have commissioned joint research into the impact of the National Lottery on coalfield areas which I expect to hold lessons for these and others areas of low take-up.
  837W
  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what was the total Lottery funding made available to the English Sports Council in(a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99; and what is the estimated total Lottery funding to be made available to Sport England in each of the years (i) 1999–2000, (ii) 2000–01 and (iii) 2001–02. [113770]

  Kate Hoey
  The total amount of Lottery proceeds (including interest) allocated to the English Sports Council for 1997–98 and 1998–99 was:

  £ million

  Year

  Amount of lottery proceeds

  1997–98

  307

  1998–99

  255

  The total Lottery proceeds (including interest) to be allocated to Sport England for 1999–2000, 2000–01 and 2001–02 have been estimated using the Lottery income scenarios which the Department sent to Distributing Bodies in October.

  Million

  Year

  Forecast income

  1999–2000

  £206–£211

  2000–01

  £185–£221

  2001–02

  £170–£226

  The forecast for 1999–2000 was calculated by adding the share of Lottery proceeds allocated to Sport England from 1 April 1999 to the end of January 2000 to estimates for February and March 2000 based on the Lottery income forecast scenarios.

  Museum Funding
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to alter the funding arrangements for national museums. [114117]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  I have no such plans.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000 what was(a) the number of occasions on which couriers were used to distribute news releases from his Department and (b) the total cost of using couriers to distribute news releases. [113971]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The Department has not used outside couriers to distribute news releases in that period.

  The Parliamentary Lobby is provided with copies of news releases by the Department's messengers. The cost of this exercise cannot be separately estimated.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the(a) national,
  838W
  (b) regional and (c) local newspapers and media bodies to which his Department sent news releases during the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000. [113998]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  News releases are routinely sent to the Press Association (and if relevant PA Sport), national daily and Sunday newspapers, relevant BBC and ITN outlets, Sky News and IRN.

  All releases are also given to the COI's News Distribution Service, which in turn supplies a copy to the Parliamentary Online Information Service (POLIS), which is available on-line to all hon. Members.

  If releases have a regional angle, copies are either sent direct to local papers and broadcasters, or distributed by the relevant COI regional office. Further distribution depends on the particular news release and we could not, without disproportionate cost, provide a comprehensive list of bodies who have received one or more releases during the period in question.

  New Millennium Experience Company
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will publish the names of unpaid creditors of the New Millennium Experience Company, together with the amount owed in each case and the dates of the relevant invoices; and if he will make a statement. [113510]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: The amount owed to suppliers by the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) is commercially confidential. Disclosure of such information would be in breach of contractual terms between NMEC and the third party.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  National Minimum Wage
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many calls have been received by the Minimum Wage Hotline(a) in his Department's administrative region containing Paisley, (b) in Scotland and (c) nationally; and what action he is taking to publicise the existence of the service. [113552]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  [holding answer 8 March 2000]: Nationally, as at 7 March, the National Minimum Wage helpline had received over 157,000 calls. Information on the total number of calls received by the helpline is not broken down by region. Some calls are anonymous and addresses are not taken. Others are simple inquiries where it would not be appropriate to request such information.

  The helpline telephone number (0845 6000 678) is given in all National Minimum Wage literature and publicity. Last spring we spent £5 million publicising the minimum wage which included national TV coverage and gave details of the rates and confidential helpline number.

  There will be further publicity in advance of the youth rate increase on 1 June, and the main rate increase on 1 October, and this will also feature the helpline number prominently.

  Utilities Bill
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) when consultation took place with consumer groups between 20 January and 2 March on the decision to remove the provisions concerning telecommunications and water industries from the Utilities Bill; and what responses were received; [113570]

  (2) which consumer groups were consulted on the decision to remove the provisions concerning telecommunications and water industries from the Utilities Bill between 20 January and 2 March. [113571]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 8 March 2000]: Both the National Consumer Council and the Consumers Association made representations to the Department.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will list(a) the meetings and contacts his Department has had with the telecommunications industry in connection with the Utilities Bill between 20 January and 2 March, (b) the telecommunications companies involved and (c) the occasions on which Ministers from his Department attended; [113568]

  (2) what representations his Department received on behalf of the telecommunications industries between 20 January and 2 March in connection with the Utilities Bill; and if he will list the telecommunications companies involved. [113569]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 8 March 2000]: A number of letter have been received from the Other Licensed Operators (OLO) group and from individual companies including BT. The OLO group comprises Atlantic Telecom, Eurobell, Kingston Group, ntl, Telewest, COLT, Cable and Wireless, Energis, GTS, Global Crossing, Global One, Hermes, MCl/Worldcom, Norweb Telecom, Thus, Teleglobe, Telia, Telinco, Telstra, Viatel, Dolphin, One2One, Orange and Vodaphone.

  Officials of the DTI met the OLO group on 15 February for a regular liaison meeting and the Utilities Bill was discussed. No DTI Ministers attended.

  Regional Initiatives
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which of his Department's regional initiatives will come under the remit of the new unit to co-ordinate the Government's approach to the regions. [113157]

  Mr. Caborn
  The work of the Government Offices for the Regions on behalf of the DTI will come under the remit of the new unit to co-ordinate the Government's approach to the regions.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the(a) national, (b) regional and (c) local newspapers and media bodies to which his Department sent news releases during the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000. [113986]

  Mr. Byers
  All DTI News Releases are distributed to the media through the Central Office of Information. The COI's News Distribution Service distributes news releases electronically to all the main national and regional newspapers, news agencies and to broadcasting 840W
  organisations. The COI distribute News Releases via fax and mail to other media organisations who have asked to receive DTI News Releases. The COI's Regional Offices also distribute DTI News Releases via fax and mail to their local media organisations. All DTI News Releases are available on the Internet.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000 what was(a) the number of occasions on which couriers were used to distribute news releases from his Department and (b) the total cost of using couriers to distribute news releases. [113965]

  Mr. Byers
  Between 2 May 1997 and 29 February 2000 the DTI has used no couriers to distribute news releases. All DTI News Releases are distributed to the media through the Central Office of Information.

  Cash Terminals
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assurances have been given by Barclays and other banks committed to installing cash terminals in branch post offices as regards(a) access and (b) charges for customers belonging to banks and mutuals which do not have the same outlets; and what impact the decision of the LINK group of banks to allow ATM charging will have on the assurances. [113179]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  My right hon. Friend considers that the imposition of such charges will impact disproportionately on the socially excluded and those in rural areas. People on fixed budgets, particularly pensioners and the unemployed, should not be charged £2.50 a time to withdraw small amounts of cash. If charges are to be introduced, we will ensure that consumers know what they are before they proceed with a transaction. If the banks will not do this voluntarily, my right hon. Friend has powers under the Prices Act 1974 to compel them.

  Under the new Competition Act 1998, the Director General of Fair Trading can investigate whether the LINK agreement on surcharges is in any way anti-competitive and he now has powers to impose severe penalties for infringements of the prohibitions of the Act.

  I understand that the Post Office does not have a commercial agreement with Barclays regarding the installation of cash machines in post offices. Contract arrangement with the proposed partners have not yet been finalised.

  No assurances have been provided by potential partners, nor have they indicated yet how they will react to the LINK decision on charging which is under review. Access and charging arrangements will, in the first instance, be commercial matters for the Post Office and its partners.

  International Price Comparisons
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the cost to his Department of the survey on international price comparisons. [111638]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: The cost was £88,066 (including VAT).
  841W
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the cost of the AC Nielsen survey into international price comparisons; and what products were included in the survey. [114075]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 9 March 2000]: The cost was £88,066 (including VAT). The report contains a complete list of items for which comparisons were made. The report is available from the Library of the House.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Stakeholder Pensions
  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the draft regulations on stakeholder pensions will be issued for consultation. [114550]

  Mr. Rooker
  The stakeholder pensions draft regulations have been issued today for consultation.

  Copies of "Stakeholder pensions—Consultation on Draft Regulations" have been placed in the Library and the Vote Office.

  Responses to last year's series of consultation papers on stakeholder pensions have been summarised and copies of "Stakeholder pensions—summary of responses to the government proposals" are also available in the Library and Vote Office.

  Departmental Solicitors
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the pilot scheme giving local authorities access to departmental solicitors. [114086]

  Angela Eagle
  The pilot scheme giving local authorities access to Departmental solicitors has been extended and cases are still being referred. The pilot will be assessed when all the information is received.

  Order Books (Bar Coding)
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will list the (i) areas in which pilots of barcoded orderbooks and giros have taken place, (ii) duration of each pilot and (iii) estimated savings from each pilot; [113461]

  (2) what is the monetary value of fraud involving barcoded order books to date; [113626]

  (3) what are the savings to date from the barcoding of order books in each of the pilot areas; [113627]

  (4) if he will list (a) the pilot areas for the barcoding of order books and (b) the duration of each of the pilots. [113628]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: This is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my right hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Frank Field, dated 9 March 2000:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to respond to your recent Parliamentary Questions asking about barcoded order books.
  842W
  Barcoding of Order Books was first used for the Electronic Stop Notice System (ESNS) for post offices within the area of London bounded by the M25. Initially introduced in 1992 in 17 post offices, this was expanded to 180 post offices in 1994 and then to 1460 post offices in April 1995 and has been in continuous operation since.
  Following the introduction of ESNS, the order Book Control Service (OBCS) has been piloted for use in a number of areas. However, you will appreciate that to divulge the exact areas involved could enable fraudsters to avoid detection.
  Implementation of OBCS, which uses the equipment installed by the Post Office as part of its automation under the Horizon Project, began in May 1997 when the system was installed in 204 "live trial" post offices. A further 95 posts offices went live within these areas in May 1999, extending the "live trial" to 299 post offices. These areas are continuing to use OBCS.
  These live trials are intended to test the equipment and processes involved, but were not set up to measure fraud savings. No information is available for individual pilots or of the value of fraud involving barcoded order books.
  There have been no pilots of barcoded girocheques.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Child Benefit
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what checks are routinely made on child benefit claimants to ensure their children are in full-time education; and if he will make a statement on planned reforms in this area. [113816]

  Angela Eagle
  The administration of benefits is a matter for Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my right hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Frank Field, dated 9 March 2000.
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about what checks are routinely made on child benefit claimants to ensure their children are in full-time education; and if he will make a statement on planned reforms in this area.
  When a child reaches age 15 the Child Benefit Centre write and ask the parent or guardian to confirm that the child will be continuing their education after age 16. They write again when the child turns 17 years old asking for confirmation of continuing full time education.
  In addition, parents or guardians of all children are reminded of the need to report changes, including leaving full-time education, whenever, their award is changed or reviewed. In practice, this is at least once a year.
  In addition to these routine checks, the Benefits Agency is currently checking entitlement to Child Benefit in a random selection of cases involving 16 to 19 year old children. This exercise will be completed at the end of March 2000. The findings will be used to inform decisions on measures to prevent fraud in cases where Child Benefit continues to be claimed for a person who has left full-time education.

  Benefits Agency
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if staff calculating benefit entitlement at the Benefits Agency will be able to electronically access information held by the Inland Revenue on each of the tax credits. [113623]

  Angela Eagle
  The administration of benefits is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my right hon Friend.
  843W
  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Frank Field, dated 9 March 2000:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to respond to your recent Parliamentary Question asking if staff calculating benefit entitlement at the Benefits Agency will be able to electronically access information held by the Inland Revenue on each of the tax credits.
  Relevant information held by the Inland Revenue Tax Credit Office can be accessed electronically by Benefits Agency staff to enable them to accurately calculate benefit entitlement.
  There is a mechanism which allows one computer system to access the enquiry dialogues of another. This enables staff within the BA to access the enquiry dialogues of the Tax Credit system and vice versa.

  Fraud
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to improve the medical expertise of the fraud investigators in each of his Department's agencies which execute counter-fraud work. [113815]

  Mr. Rooker
  This is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my right hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Frank Field, dated 9 March 2000:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to respond to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what plans he has to improve the medical expertise of the fraud investigators in each of his Department's agencies which execute counter-fraud work.
  Department of Social Security fraud investigators are trained to a high standard, ensuring all aspects of investigation are carried out professionally.
  At present there is no specific training aimed at improving a fraud officer's medical expertise, neither are there any plans to provide any as fraud officers are not tasked with gathering medical information. Their role is to establish whether the customer's activities are consistent with the circumstances stated in their claim. If the claim involves medical decisions, the fraud officer's role is to establish whether the customer's current activities are consistent with the stated mobility, care needs or incapacity as documented in their claim. They do this by recording information gathered from observation of, and interviews with the customer. Photographic and video evidence is often gathered in these investigations.
  Fraud officers never take decisions on benefit entitlement. Their role is to gather evidence and pass it to the appropriate District Manager. They never make medical decisions and cannot influence the decision making process. The District Manager may choose to pass the case on to an independent "lay decision maker" who can seek medical evidence from a General Practitioner, consultant or hospital. They may also request examination by an Examining Medical Practitioner or seek advice from the provider of Medical Services to the Benefits Agency (Sema Group).
  I hope this is helpful.

  Housing Benefit
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many representations he has received on implementation by local authorities of the Housing Benefit Verification Framework. [113651]

  Angela Eagle
  The Department receives inquiries and comments from a range of sources including individual local authorities, representative organisations, and individuals through correspondence, telephone calls, seminars, working groups and meetings. It is therefore not possible to place a number on the representations we have received about the Verification Framework (VF).
  844W
  We have monitored the live running of the VF from its launch and have already made several improvements to the VF in the light of operational experience. We will continue to monitor the VF and will consider further improvements when we have analysed information from the range of sources available, including any representations we may receive.

  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the impact of implementation of the Housing Benefit Verification Framework on the level of rent arrears for private sector landlords, voluntary housing organisations and housing associations which provide accommodation for the vulnerable and socially excluded. [113649]

  Angela Eagle
  The day-to-day administration of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit is the responsibility of local authorities. We are already working towards driving forward improvements in the benefit services authorities provide to claimants and their landlords.

  From experience gained through the live running of the Verification Framework (VF) we have made several improvements to it. For example, the changes we have made to identity requirements will help vulnerable groups, particularly hostel dwellers and providers. We are evaluating the VF and will continue to learn lessons from its operation.

  The Best Value regime, which will be introduced from April, is a key part of the modernisation of local government and one of the main ways that we will be able to measure LA achievements and secure a programme of continuous improvement in the delivery of Housing Benefit (HB). Best Value performance indicators for HB administration will include the key areas of speed and accuracy so that all claims can be decided speedily and those claiming benefit get the right amount first time round.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what powers are available to him to require local authorities to participate in(a) the Area Benefit Review of Housing Benefit and (b) the Housing Benefit Review. [114004]

  Angela Eagle
  There is no explicit legislative power to require local authorities to participate in exercises to measure levels of fraud and error in Housing Benefit. Currently 195 Local Authorities participate in the measurement of fraud in Non-Standard Housing Benefit through the Benefits Agency's programme of Area Benefit Reviews.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the Area Benefit Review of Housing Benefit will include a representative sample of claims for people who do not claim either(a) income support or (b) jobseekers' allowance. [113999]

  Angela Eagle
  The exercise to measure levels of fraud and error in Housing Benefit through the Benefits Agency's Area Benefit Review programme is currently
  845W
  restricted to the two thirds of Housing Benefit cases where benefit is paid with Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance (Income Support).

  Our aim is also to measure levels of fraud and error in the remaining third of the Housing Benefit caseload and work is proceeding on the design of a suitable mechanism.

  Fraud and Error
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the savings in fraud and error in(a) jobseeker's allowance and (b) income support if those area directorates with above average levels of fraud and error reduced fraud and error to the current average; and if the achievement of such a reduction by March 2002 would fulfil the relevant departmental public service agreement. [114000]

  Mr. Rooker
  Overpayments in Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support would be reduced by £61 million and £75 million a year respectively, if Area Directorates with higher than average levels of overpayment were to reduce them to the present average level. Assuming that expenditure levels remained constant, this would meet our Public Service Agreement target of a 10 per cent. reduction in losses in these benefits.

  It is in the nature of an average of a set of values that the set will contain some values above the average. Nevertheless, we are paying close attention to how those areas with higher than average losses are planning to reduce them.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the(a) national, (b) regional and

  Estimated numbers not claiming income-related benefits, Great Britain 1997–98

  Percentage of those entitled and not claiming who were:

  Benefit

  Numbers entitled and not claiming

  Single men

  Single women

  Couples

  Income Support

  640,000 to 1,150,000

  25

  58

  17

  Housing Benefit

  0 to 420,000

  23

  43

  35

  Council Tax Benefit

  880,000 to 1,630,000

  18

  40

  42

  Notes:

  1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10,000 and nearest percentage point.

  2. Figures may not add exactly due to rounding.

  3. Figures are based on data from the Family Resources Survey, 1997–98.

  4. Figures are subject to sampling error, response biases and reporting errors.

  5. It is not possible to produce reliable estimates of numbers not claiming their entitlement at constituency or sub-regional levels. The scope for regional estimates will be kept under review; no figures are currently available.

  Benefits (Paisley)
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in Paisley, South constituency are in receipt of(a) Jobseeker's Allowance and (b) Incapacity Benefit. [113175]

  Angela Eagle
  This is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.
  846W
  (c) local newspapers and media bodies to which his Department sent news releases during the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000. [113991]

  Mr. Rooker
  All national, regional and local newspapers and media bodies to which the Department sent news releases between 2 May 1997 and 29 February 2000 are distributed by the Central Office of Information (COI) on behalf of the Department's Headquarters and Agencies. All addresses are listed in the COI New Distribution Service list. A copy of this has been placed in the House of Commons Library.

  The list contains details of organisations to which news releases are faxed and those which are affected by electronic transfer.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000 what was(a) the number of occasions on which couriers were used to distribute news releases from his Department and (b) the total cost of using couriers to distribute news releases. [113981]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Department's Headquarters and Agency Press Offices do not use couriers to distribute news releases.

  Benefit Claims
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the number of(a) men and (b) women who are not claiming the benefits to which they are entitled in the (i) constituency of Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East, (ii) Teesside Region, (iii) Northern Region and (iv) United Kingdom. [114120]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Douglas Alexander, dated 9 March 2000:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions asking how many people in Paisley South constituency are in receipt of (a) Jobseekers Allowance and (b) Incapacity Benefit.
  As at August 1999 there were 2,392 Jobseekers Allowance customers and 3,600 Incapacity Benefit customers in Paisley South Parliamentary constituency.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Benefits Agency Leaflets
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when Benefits Agency leaflet GL24 superseded leaflet NI246. [113080]

  Angela Eagle
  This is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Steve Webb, dated 9 March 2000:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to respond to your recent Parliamentary Question asking when the Benefits Agency (BA) leaflet GL24 superseded leaflet NI246.
  Leaflet NI246, "How to Appeal", is appropriate to appeals being made under the old adjudication system. Leaflet GL24, "If You Think Our Decision Is Wrong", applies to the new rules on decision making and appeals (DMA). These rules were introduced progressively from June through to November 1999. The table attached shows when benefits changed to the DMA procedures.
  Both leaflets are currently in circulation, however, NI246 is no longer produced and should only be available on request by those customers who have appeals outstanding under the old regulations.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Date changed to DMA

  Benefit

  1 June 1999

  Child Support

  5 July 1999

  Child Benefit

  Guardians Allowance

  Industrial Injuries Benefit

  6 September 1999

  Retirement Pension

  Widows Benefit

  Incapacity Benefit

  Severe Disablement Allowance

  Maternity Allowance

  5 October 1999

  Working Families Tax Credit

  Disabled Persons Tax Credit

  18 October 1999

  Jobseekers Allowance

  Disability Living Allowance

  Attendance Allowance

  Invalid Care Allowance

  29 November 1999

  Income Support

  Social Fund

  Winter Fuel Payments
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many Winter Fuel Payments were not made before Christmas(a) for the UK and (b) by region. [113341]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is as follows.

  All 1999–2000 Winter Fuel Payments were issued to eligible customers by three routes direct to home address, by automated credit transfer into a bank account or to the Post Office. All payments were dispatched by Royal Mail to customers by Christmas 1999.

  Approximately 85,000 payments were not collected for a variety of reasons and were returned by the Post Offices. Subsequently, these were investigated and payments made as necessary.

  Cold Weather Payments
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of(a) the number of claimants and (b) the cost of Cold Weather Payments in Paisley, South constituency in (i) 1996, (ii) 1997, (iii) 1998 and (iv) 1999. [113480]

  Angela Eagle
  The administration of the Social Fund is a matter for Peter Mathison the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Douglas Alexander, dated 9 March 2000:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about what estimate he has made of (a) the number of claimants and (b) the cost of cold weather payments in Paisley South constituency in (i) 1996, (ii) 1997, (iii) 1998 and (iv) 1999.
  Cold Weather Payments (CWPs) are triggered when the average temperature is recorded as, or is forecast to be, 0½C or below over seven consecutive days for a weather station area. Temperature information is collected through a network of 72 Met Office weather stations. Each weather station covers specified postcode districts.
  The information is not available in the requested format. This is because data concerning CWPs is collected by weather station areas. These areas do not correspond to Benefits Agency district or constituency boundaries. The attached table details the total estimated number of recipients and estimated total cost of CWPs during 1996 to 1999 for the weather stations serving the constituency area. However, it should be noted that the large Bishopton weather station area includes other constituencies as well as Paisley South.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Appendix One
  From this winter (1999/00) the postcodes within the Paisley South constituency were linked to Bishopton weather station. Prior to this winter, the constituency was served by Abbotsinch (Glasgow Airport) weather station, which closed last year. Schedule 1 of the Social Fund Cold Weather Payments (General) Amendment Regulations 1999, details the post codes covered by the Bishopton weather station.

  Number of estimated qualifying recipients for Bishopton/Abbotsinch weather stations and estimated total cost of Cold Weather Payments (CWP)

  Year

  Estimated qualifiers

  Number of triggers

  Total cost £

  1995–961

  182,660

  3

  4,657,830

  1996–971

  170,835

  2

  2,904,195

  1997–981

  169,399

  0

  0.00

  1998–991

  165,882

  0

  0.00

  1999–2000

  165,060

  0

  0.00

  1 These years were covered by Abbotsinch weather station

  Notes:

  1. Temperatures are monitored between 1 November and 31 March, the following year

  2. The estimated cost has been calculated by multiplying the number of triggers by the number of estimated qualifiers which is then multiplied by the cost per CWP (£8.50).

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Bullying
  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will estimate how many school pupils committed suicide as a result of homophobic bullying in each of the last five years. [112913]
  849W
  Jacqui Smith
  There is no information collected centrally on which to base such an estimate.

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many unemployed recipients of jobseeker's allowance or income support have been sanctioned in each month since May 1992, aged(a) 18 to 24 and (b) 25 and over. [112752]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 2 March 2000]: Sanctions were introduced in October 1996 with Jobseeker's Allowance, so sanctions information is only available from that time. Furthermore, statistics on the number and types of decisions given by Employment Service Officers on labour market questions are recorded on a quarterly rather than monthly basis, and they are not broken down into age groups.

  The total numbers of sanctions imposed on claims to Jobseeker's Allowance in each quarter since the introduction of sanctions in October 1996 are:

  Quarter ending

  Sanctions imposed

  31 December 1996

  21,827

  31 March 1997

  46,192

  30 June 1997

  52,738

  30 September 1997

  53,686

  31 December 1997

  49,960

  31 March 1998

  47,105

  30 June 1998

  37,802

  30 September 1998

  39,020

  31 December 1998

  40,107

  31 March 1999

  44,000

  30 June 1999

  41,556

  30 September 1999

  38,346

  Statistics on the numbers of sanctions and other decisions given by Employment Service Officers are published in a quarterly summary, the "Analysis of Sector Decision Making" (formerly known as the "Analysis of Adjudication Officers' Decisions"), copies of which are held in the Library. The latest quarter for which statistics have been published is the quarter ending 30 September 1999.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many unemployed recipients of jobseeker's allowance or income support have been sanctioned in each of the last five financial years, aged(a) 18 to 24 and (b) over 24. [112753]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 2 March 2000]: I must firstly explain that sanctions were introduced in October 1996 with Jobseeker's Allowance, so sanctions information is only available from that time. Furthermore, statistics on the number and types of decisions given by Employment Service Officers on labour market questions are not broken down into age groups.
  850W
  The total numbers of sanctions imposed on claims to Jobseeker's Allowance in each operational year since the introduction of sanctions in October 1996 are:

  Year ending

  Sanctions imposed

  31 March 1997

  68,019

  31 March 1998

  203,489

  31 March 1999

  160,929

  Statistics on the numbers of sanctions and other decisions given by Employment Service Officers are published in a quarterly summary, the "Analysis of Sector Decision Making" (formerly known as the "Analysis of Adjudication Officers' Decisions"), copies of which are held in the Library. The latest quarter for which statistics have been published is the quarter ending 30 September 1999.

  Job Creation (Shropshire)
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many new jobs have been created since 1 May 1997 in(a) Shrewsbury and Atcham and (b) Shropshire; and if he will make a statement. [110130]

  Ms Jowell
  The information is shown in the table.

  Employment level (Thousand)

  Employment rate (Percentage)

  Shropshire

  March-May 1997

  186

  74.0

  March-May 1999

  218

  78.4

  September-November 1997

  200

  73.8

  September-November 1999

  222

  78.3

  Shrewsbury and Atcham local authority district

  March-May 1997

  48

  78.9

  March-May 1999

  48

  77.6

  September-November 1997

  49

  70.8

  September-November 1999

  52

  81.1

  As these figures are seasonally unadjusted, it is only appropriate to make comparisons over whole years. In the two years to the latest figures (September-November 1999) the number of people in employment has risen by 22,000 in Shropshire and by 3,000 in Shrewsbury and Atcham. In the two years from March-May 1997, the number in employment rose by 32,000 in Shropshire and was unchanged in Shrewsbury and Atcham.

  The Labour Force Survey is a sample survey, and sampling variation is greater the smaller the estimate; all the changes shown here are well within sampling variation.

  Racism
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list those local education authorities in England that have adopted action plans to tackle institutional racism since publication of the Stephen Lawrence inquiry report; what those action plans propose; and what action those local education authorities have undertaken to implement those plans. [111106]
  851W
  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: Our "Social Inclusion: Pupil Support" guidance gives advice to Local Education Authorities; schools and governors about dealing with racial incidents in schools. Local Education Authorities should be able to provide assistance to schools dealing with racial harassment and bullying, within the guidelines we have issued. It is for Local Education Authorities to decide how best to support schools in addressing racism, without imposing additional burdens on them. Information on the action taken by Local Education Authorities to help schools deal with racism is not held centrally.

  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary's Action Plan and first Annual Report set out what the Government have achieved, and action yet to be taken across the public services, to respond to the recommendations of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report. In addition, this Department published a Memorandum on its response to the three recommendations of Inquiry Report which relate to education. Copies have been placed in the Library.

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list those local education authorities in England that have established strategies for working with the police in relation to racist incidents committed against or by pupils and students of the LEA. [110368]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 22 February 2000]: Our "Social Inclusion: Pupil Support" guidance, issued in July 1999, makes clear that all Local Education Authorities should receive annual information from school governing bodies on the pattern and frequency of racist incidents in schools. It is for Local Education Authorities to decide how best to develop strategies to support schools, pupils and students in addressing racism, in the light of the information they receive each year. This would include joint working with local police forces, where this is appropriate.

  British Ski Instructors in France
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received on the obstacles to employment of British ski instructors in France; and if he will make a statement. [113918]

  Mr. Wicks
  No representations have been received this skiing season. My officials are continuing to work closely with the British Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI) and the European Commission on this matter.

TREASURY

  Employment Statistics
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many(a) women aged 55 to 60 years and (b) men aged 60 to 65 years were in full-time employment in the Greater London area on 1 February. [113834]

  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.
  852W
  Letter from John Pullinger to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 10 March 2000:
  The Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question on older people in full-time employment in Greater London on 1 February 2000. I am replying in Dr Holt's absence.
  The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the government's main source of labour market data on individuals. The most recent data available from the LFS is for autumn (September to November) 1999. In this quarter, the LFS estimated the number of women aged 55 to 59 in full-time employment in London as 51,000. During the same period, the number of men in full-time employment aged 60 to 64 in London was also 51,000.
  People aged 16 or over are classed as in employment by the LFS if they have done at least one hour of paid work (as an employee or self-employed) in the week prior to their LFS interview or if they have a job that they are temporarily away from. People who do unpaid work in a family business and people on Government supported training and employment programmes are also included according to the International Labour Organisation convention.
  The definition of whether somebody is working full or part-time is based on the respondent's self assessment.

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what has been the average value of the child care component of the Working Families Tax Credit for(a) England and (b) each region; [110546]

  (2) if he will estimate what percentage of average actual child care costs are met by the child care component of the Working Families Tax Credit in (a) England and (b) each region. [110547]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Estimates for the average childcare tax credit and the percentage of child care costs that this represents within awards of the Working Families Tax Credit made by the end of January 2000 are given in the table. The national average childcare tax credit at £31 is 40 per cent. higher than the average amount of extra Family Credit awarded for child care charges at the end of August 1999 at £22.

  Government Office Region

  Average childcare tax credit 1 (£)

  Percentage of actual child care costs

  United Kingdom

  31

  66

  England

  32

  66

  North East

  32

  67

  North West

  29

  65

  Yorkshire and the Humber

  30

  66

  East Midlands

  32

  66

  West Midlands

  30

  66

  East of England

  32

  66

  London

  39

  64

  South East

  32

  65

  South West

  29

  66

  Wales

  29

  67

  Scotland

  28

  68

  Northern Ireland

  35

  66

  1 Calculated as the extra amount of Working Families Tax Credit arising from the Childcare Tax Credit for families with eligible child care costs

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been spent to date on the Childcare Tax Credit of the Working Families Tax Credit; and what is his latest estimate of expenditure in(a) this financial year and (b) in each of the next two financial years. [108761]
  853W
  Dawn Primarolo
  The extra amounts of Working Families Tax Credit arising from the Childcare Tax Credit in awards made by the end of January 2000 will result in expenditure of about £85 million during the 26 week period of award. It is estimated that for 2000–01, the first full year of the credit, the extra expenditure due to the Childcare Tax Credits will be about £275 million. An estimate for 2001–02 is not available.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many parents are claiming the Childcare Tax Credit in respect of children(a) aged under eight years and (b) over eight years; and what is the average payment per (i) family and (ii) child. [108760]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The ages of children relating to the Childcare Tax Credits in the Working Families Tax Credit are not readily available. An analysis based on the ages of all children in families receiving the Childcare Tax Credit is given in the table. These figures are for awards of the Working Families Tax Credit made by the end of January 2000.

  Family composition

  Number of families with Childcare Tax Credit

  All children aged under 8

  47,500

  All children aged 8 or over

  9,500

  At least one child under 8 and at least one child aged 8 or over

  17,000

  Total

  74,000

  Families in receipt of the Childcare Tax Credit received on average an extra £44.50 per week as a result of this credit, or £32.20 per week per child.

  Judy Mallaber
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many families in Amber Valley are(a) eligible to claim and (b) are claiming ChildCare Tax Credit; and how many children are the subject of such claims; [109044]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the average amount by which the incomes of families in receipt of Working Families Tax Credit in Amber Valley have changed as a result of being in receipt of that tax credit; [109043]

  (3) how many families in Amber Valley are receiving Working Families Tax Credit who were not previously eligible for Family Credit; [109042]

  (4) how many families in Amber Valley have benefited from the Working Families Tax Credit. [109041]

  Dawn Primarolo
  It is estimated that 1,200 families in Amber Valley have been awarded the Working Families Tax Credit by the end of January 2000, receiving on average around £23 a week more than they would on Family Credit. A more detailed breakdown of these awards is not available because of the small size.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what is his latest estimate of the take-up of the Childcare Tax Credit of the Working Families Tax Credit; [108752]
  854W
  (2) how many families have so far received the Childcare Tax Credit of the Working Families Tax Credit; and how many he estimates will receive in (a) the course of this financial year and (b) in each of the next two financial years. [108763]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Within awards of the Working Families Tax Credit made by the end of January 2000 there were about 74,000 families in receipt of the Childcare Tax Credit. It is estimated that this figure will rise to about 125,000 for 2000–01, the first full year of the credit. An estimate for 2001–02 is not available.

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of the actual full-time equivalent child care costs of recipients of the child care tax credit are being met on average through the credit in(a) England and Wales and (b) each region. [111271]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Estimates given are for couples who both work at least 30 hours a week and lone parents working at least 30 hours a week. These represent the average childcare tax credit within awards of the Working Families Tax Credit made by the end of January 2000, expressed as a percentage of child care costs.

  Government Office Region

  Average childcare tax credit 1 as percentage of actual child care costs

  United Kingdom

  64

  England and Wales

  64

  North East

  65

  North West

  65

  Yorkshire and the Humber

  65

  East Midlands

  65

  West Midlands

  66

  East of England

  66

  London

  62

  South East

  62

  South West

  63

  Wales

  67

  Scotland

  66

  Northern Ireland

  65

  1Calculated as the extra amount of Working Families Tax Credit arising from the Childcare Tax Credit for families with eligible child care costs.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will reply to the questions tabled by the hon. Member for Regent's Park and Kensington, North on 14 and 15 February (ref. 110547 and 111271) relating to child care costs. [113926]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I have already done so.

  Taxation
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the effect on the net income of each decile group of(a) benefit units and (b) households, of increasing the personal tax allowance to £10,000 per annum for all taxpayers; and if he will estimate the cost of such a policy. [110220]
  855W
  Dawn Primarolo
  The estimated cost of increasing the personal tax allowance to £10,000 per annum for all taxpayers in 2000–01 is estimated to be £27½ billion in the full year. The table shows estimated average gains in net income.

  Average gain in net income (£ per week) of gainers from increasing the personal tax allowance to £10,000 per annum for all taxpayers

  Decile

  Benefit unit income

  Household income

  Lowest

  11

  10

  2nd

  6

  8

  3rd

  8

  10

  4th

  12

  17

  5th

  18

  22

  6th

  23

  28

  7th

  27

  33

  8th

  31

  38

  9th

  36

  42

  Highest

  46

  50

  Notes:

  1. The revenue effect is based on the 1997–98 Survey of Personal Income data projected to 2000–01 and is consistent with the November 1999 pre-Budget Report.

  2. Deciles are defined in terms of equivalised net income on a benefit unit and household net income basis using the McClements scale; decile boundaries are higher for households than benefit units.

  National Insurance
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many employers make national insurance contributions in each of the postal districts in Birkenhead. [113188]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 6 March 2000]: I regret that the information requested is not available. Data are not recorded on that basis.

  Petroleum Products Smuggling
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many successful prosecutions there were in 1998 and 1999 for smuggling petroleum products into Northern Ireland; and what estimate he has made of the tonnage smuggled. [113537]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 7 March 2000]: Customs have made the following successful prosecutions for smuggling petroleum products into Northern Ireland.

  Financial year

  Number

  1998–99

  12

  1999–20001

  11

  1 April to February

  No estimate of the tonnage smuggled has been made.

  Red Diesel
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received from Her Majesty's Customs and Excise requesting increased funding to improve enforcement of regulations pertaining to the use of red diesel. [113606]

  Mr. Timms
  The question of funding for Customs and Excise for this and the Department's other responsibilities will be considered as part of the Spending Review 2000.
  856W
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the efficacy of arrangements for enforcing the regulations pertaining to the use of red diesel. [113612]

  Mr. Timms
  Enforcing the regulations on the use of red diesel is a matter for Her Majesty's Customs and Excise. The efficacy of enforcement arrangements is subject to continuous assessment by Customs.

  EU Regional Funds
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the gross budgetary cost to the Exchequer of the Treasury's funding matching available Objective 1 funding; how much EU funding would be unlocked each year over the planning period; and what the cost to UK public funds would be after taking account of the subsequent impact on the British budget rebate. [113607]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  European Structural Funding is used alongside, and matched by, money already provided at the national and local level. It is a matter for regional partners to identify match funding from existing sources, both private and public. There are a wide range of existing Government programmes from which match funding can be drawn.

  The total allocation to the new UK Objective 1 programmes for 2000–06 is around 4.7 billion euros. The annual allocations profile is likely to be broadly flat. It is not yet possible to determine what the resulting annual expenditure profile will be.

  The effect of the UK abatement is, broadly, to refund around two thirds of the difference between the UK's gross contributions to and receipts from the EC Budget. The size of the abatement for a particular year can only be determined once overall EC expenditure for that year is known. Latest forecasts for the UK's net contributions to the EC Budget up to 2001–02 are contained in the 1999 pre-Budget Report (Cm 4479).

  Prix Niki
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the(a) purpose and (b) running costs in this financial year of the European Communities' Prix Niki. [112349]

  Mr. Vaz
  I have been asked to reply.

  The information requested is readily available from the European Commission.

  Monetary Union (Pension Provision)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on progress made since the 1999 British-Italian conference on considering the effect of EMU on pension provision. [112342]

  Mr. Vaz
  I have been asked to reply.

  The information requested is readily available from the European Commission.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Curfews
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what increase there will be in the number of offenders eligible for release under the home detention curfew scheme if the Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial) (No. 2) Bill is enacted; and if he will make a statement. [112795]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 3 February 2000]: On the assumptions we have made about the overall effect of the Bill, there would be no increase.

  Criminal Injuries Compensation Board
  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will wind up the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board; and if he will make a statement. [114489]

  Mr. Straw
  Under the original criminal injuries compensation scheme, established in August 1964, compensation was assessed by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB) on the basis of common law damages. That scheme was superseded from 1 April 1996 by a tariff-based scheme administered by two new bodies, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeals Panel (CICAP). The Board was then left with the residual task of dealing with all outstanding claims lodged before 1 April 1996. There were some 110,000 such cases.

  By the end of the current financial year, the Board will have resolved over 100,000 of those cases and its work will largely be done. The Board will accordingly be wound up on 31 March 2000. Any residual old scheme cases still outstanding at that time will be transferred for resolution by legally qualified members of CICAP in accordance with the transitional provisions of the 1996 scheme. Present estimates are that around 6,000 cases will be transferred. The Panel will be set the target of clearing them within two years. The Panel is being strengthened considerably to ensure that it can cope with this additional workload without prejudicing its capacity to deal with appeals made under the 1996 scheme.

  I am sure that Ministers in previous Administrations would wish to join me in extending a sincere vote of thanks to all Board members, past and present, for the care and dedication with which they have dealt with claims over the past 35 years.

  Gambling Review Body
  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to announce the membership of the Gambling Review Body. [114490]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Further to the reply my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary gave my hon. Friend the Member for Enfield, Southgate (Mr. Twigg) on 858W
  16 February 2000, Official Report, column 537W, I have today appointed the following people to be members of the Gambling Review Body:

  Mr. David Bishop

  Mr. Mihir Bose

  Professor Jeffrey Gray

  Mr. Peter Dean CBE

  Sir John Hoddinott QPM

  Mr. Anthony Mackintosh

  Ms Phillipa Marks

  Ms Sara Nathan

  Ms Anesta Weekes QC

  Mr. Jonathan Wolff.

  Between them, the members will bring a wealth of experience in many areas relevant to the review, such as business, law, economics psychology, accountancy and law enforcement.

  Chinese President (State Visit)
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will publish the report of the Metropolitan police on the policing of the state visit by the President of China. [113924]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Publication of this report is a matter for the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis. I understand that it will take place shortly.

  DNA Database
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many individuals have their DNA recorded on the DNA national database; [113922]

  (2) what reports he has received concerning inaccurate matches involving the national DNA database and DNA samples; and if he will make a statement; [113921]

  (3) what recent reports he has received concerning DNA evidence matched using the DNA national database being used to correct miscarriages of justice on appeal; and if he will make a statement concerning the number of such cases, the nature of the use of the DNA national database for this purpose and his future plans for its use. [113920]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The National DNA Database holds the DNA profiles, obtained from samples of those suspected, cautioned or convicted of a recordable offence, for intelligence purposes. The Database also holds profiles obtained from crime stains left at the scenes of crime. It is managed and operated on behalf of the police by the Forensic Science Service. It currently holds over 700,000 profiles of individuals.

  The Home Secretary has received no reports concerning inaccurate matches. The DNA Database reports a possible suspect to the Police for further investigation. If as a result, the DNA information is 'likely to be used as evidence, a further sample is taken from the suspect for analysis and a report on a match by a forensic science reporting officer.

  The Home Secretary has received no reports concerning the DNA database and alleged miscarriages of justice. The DNA database would not normally be used for this purpose. If the Criminal Cases Review Commission

  859W
  (CCRC) asked the Forensic Science Service to review DNA evidence in a specific case, the results would be recorded on the individual CCRC case file.

  There are no plans to alter the existing role of the National DNA database. Last year, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced an additional investment of £34 million over the next two years to launch a programme to expand the National DNA Database so that it holds profiles of all active criminals, to be matched against samples taken from crime scenes. This will increase the Database's effectiveness as an intelligence tool.

  Cleveland Police
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the(a) number (b) name and (c) cost of each inquiry into Cleveland police corruption since 1992; and if he will make a statement on the outcome of these inquiries. [114100]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  There have been two major inquiries since 1992 into alleged corruption with Cleveland police, known as Operations Lancet and Teak. The latest available costs of these inquiries are £2.2 million and £314,000 respectively. In Operation Lancet, the final decision as to whether any officer will face prosecution is now a matter for the Crown Prosecution Service. Papers from Operation Teak are currently under consideration by Senior Treasury Counsel.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many units of housing are currently occupied by asylum seekers; and what is the breakdown between(a) privately-rented homes, (b) charity and housing association properties, (c) local authority housing and (d) property which would not otherwise be available for housing. [113881]

  Table 2: Police strength in England and Wales and Wales 1991–99—ethnic minority police numbers

  Police force

  31 March 1991

  31 March 1992

  31 March 1993

  31 March 1994

  31 March 1995

  31 March 1996

  31 March 1997

  31 March 1998

  31 March 1999

  30 March 1999

  Avon and Somerset

  23

  23

  23

  25

  27

  30

  30

  34

  33

  33

  Bedfordshire

  40

  41

  30

  33

  32

  34

  12

  37

  36

  37

  Cambridgeshire

  23

  26

  26

  28

  28

  26

  28

  31

  28

  28

  Cheshire

  5

  2

  2

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  8

  8

  City of London

  7

  8

  9

  13

  15

  17

  19

  20

  17

  17

  Cleveland

  9

  12

  14

  14

  16

  17

  17

  18

  9

  15

  Cumbria

  2

  2

  3

  3

  3

  3

  2

  2

  2

  3

  Derbyshire

  23

  27

  32

  32

  34

  32

  37

  37

  35

  37

  Devon and Cornwall

  2

  2

  3

  4

  4

  4

  4

  5

  6

  7

  Dorset

  3

  3

  3

  5

  5

  5

  5

  5

  6

  6

  Durham

  3

  4

  5

  7

  8

  9

  8

  7

  10

  10

  Dyfed Powys

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  2

  2

  1

  2

  3

  Essex

  18

  22

  26

  27

  28

  28

  31

  36

  32

  36

  Gloucestershire

  12

  12

  12

  14

  15

  13

  12

  12

  12

  12

  Greater Manchester

  118

  126

  129

  130

  139

  154

  161

  164

  166

  167

  Gwent

  8

  7

  9

  9

  9

  12

  14

  13

  14

  14

  Hampshire

  10

  15

  22

  25

  27

  32

  31

  27

  27

  29

  Hertfordshire

  16

  18

  18

  20

  17

  18

  19

  20

  18

  22

  Humberside

  3

  6

  9

  12

  16

  15

  11

  13

  11

  13

  Kent

  9

  11

  11

  12

  21

  19

  18

  34

  37

  33

  Lancashire

  27

  30

  30

  32

  39

  37

  33

  39

  39

  41

  Leicestershire

  49

  54

  60

  65

  66

  74

  77

  89

  89

  89

  Lincolnshire

  1

  3

  5

  6

  6

  6

  5

  6

  7

  7

  Merseyside

  52

  57

  68

  75

  83

  74

  76

  72

  76

  73

  Metropolitan Police

  500

  563

  614

  671

  730

  801

  825

  861

  884

  907

  Norfolk

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  4

  8

  9

  12

  11

  North Wales

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  2

  1

  3

  5

  860W
  Mrs. Roche
  This information is not collected centrally.

  Ethnic Minority Police Officers
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many ethnic minority police officers there were in each year since 1980(a) nationally and (b) in each police force. [113931]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  It is not possible to provide information on the number of ethnic minority officers before 1990. Figures for 1990 can be provided only on an aggregate basis, and on a force basis only at disproportionate cost.

  The tables set out the number of ethnic officers in total, including officers who are seconded to the National Crime Squad (NCS), the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) and central services and show the number of ethnic minority officers by force for each year since March 1991.

  Table 1: Police strength in England and Wales ethnic minority strengh

  Ethnic minority strength

  March 1990

  1,329

  March 1991

  1,480

  March 1992

  1,645

  March 1993

  1,794

  March 1994

  1,966

  March 1995

  2,128

  March 1996

  2,277

  March 1997

  2,337

  March 1998

  2,483

  March 1999

  2,545

  September 1999

  2,607

  Note:

  After 1998, ethnic minority officers on secondment to NCS and NCIS are included in table 1, but are not included in force figures at table 2.

  861W

  Table 2: Police strength in England and Wales and Wales 1991–99—ethnic minority police numbers

  Police force

  31 March 1991

  31 March 1992

  31 March 1993

  31 March 1994

  31 March 1995

  31 March 1996

  31 March 1997

  31 March 1998

  31 March 1999

  30 March 1999

  North Yorkshire

  2

  4

  5

  6

  7

  8

  8

  7

  4

  5

  Northamptonshire

  18

  19

  21

  22

  22

  25

  30

  31

  32

  34

  Northumbria

  12

  13

  17

  20

  22

  24

  26

  33

  32

  31

  Nottinghamshire

  51

  51

  57

  56

  59

  61

  61

  61

  60

  62

  South Wales

  18

  21

  22

  25

  25

  25

  25

  29

  32

  33

  South Yorkshire

  20

  28

  31

  45

  59

  68

  69

  70

  68

  70

  Staffordshire

  18

  19

  25

  29

  28

  27

  27

  33

  32

  33

  Suffolk

  6

  6

  7

  8

  9

  8

  12

  13

  15

  14

  Surrey

  9

  15

  17

  20

  20

  20

  20

  20

  21

  21

  Sussex

  10

  16

  15

  19

  16

  21

  22

  23

  23

  22

  Thames Valley

  51

  57

  61

  63

  68

  69

  73

  78

  81

  80

  Warwickshire

  9

  9

  15

  19

  20

  20

  20

  23

  22

  18

  West Mercia

  17

  18

  22

  23

  24

  25

  26

  26

  25

  24

  West Midlands

  176

  192

  207

  232

  260

  279

  283

  294

  313

  318

  West Yorkshire

  89

  89

  96

  102

  103

  115

  130

  133

  131

  128

  Wiltshire

  10

  13

  12

  12

  12

  11

  13

  10

  10

  11

  Total all forces

  1,480

  1,645

  1,794

  1,966

  2,128

  2,277

  2,337

  2,483

  2,520

  2,567

  Racially Aggravated Assault
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions there have been for racially aggravated assault under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. [113868]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Provisional information available centrally indicates that there were 247 prosecutions for assault (as defined under section 29 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998) in magistrates courts from 30 October 1998 to 30 June 1999.

  City Status Conferral
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when it was decided that towns competing for city status for the third millennium needed a population in excess of 200,000 to qualify. [113848]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  No such decision has been made. Although population size is taken into account by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary in submitting a recommendation to Her Majesty the Queen, the grant of city status is not a right that can be claimed by a town fulfilling certain criteria, but an honour conferred by the Sovereign by Letters Patent.

  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the name of the town to be awarded city status for the third millennium will be announced. [113847]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Thirty-nine applications have been received for the Millennium grant of city status from towns in the United Kingdom; each application is being considered on its individual merits. No date has been set for the announcement of the new city.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000 what was(a) the number of occasions on which couriers were used to distribute news releases from his Department and (b) the total cost of using couriers to distribute news releases. [113970]
  862W
  Mr. Straw
  The Home Office press office does not use couriers to distribute news releases and has no record or recollection of one being used during the period detailed. Press releases are distributed via the Electronic News Distribution Service, e-mail, post and are placed on the Home Office website.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the(a) national, (b) regional and (c) local newspapers and media bodies to which his Department sent news releases during the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000. [113997]

  Mr. Straw
  Home Office press releases are distributed in a number of different ways including electronically, by fax, e-mail and by post. All are now posted on the Home Office website. National media receive all Home Office press releases while others, depending on a range of factors such as subject and content, are distributed to the regional, local or specialist media. Identifying the distribution list of every press release since 2 May 1997 would, however, incur disproportionate costs. If the hon. Member would like to write to me about a particular news release that he has in mind, I would be happy to provide any further information that is available.

HEALTH

  Shipman Inquiry
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will establish the Shipman inquiry under Salmon rules to allow open hearings at which the parties can be represented and cross-examined. [109118]

  Mr. Milburn
  [holding answer 8 February 2000]: I have now placed a letter to Lord Laming of Tewin in the Library, setting out the agreed format and powers for the inquiry into the issues arising out of the case of Harold Shipman.

  Epilim
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of(a) the side-effects of the drug Epilim, (b) the circumstances in which it should not be prescribed to children, (c) the number of cases since 1995 in which children who have been given Epilim have

  863W
  developed (i) fits and (ii) other adverse reactions, (d) the number of cases since 1995 where Epilim has been given to pregnant women and (e) the number of cases since 1995 of pregnant women who have been treated with Epilim and who have then given birth to babies with birth defects; [107571]

  (2) what is the stated recommended dose of the drug Epilim when administering it to (a) adults and (b) children. [107570]

  Ms Stuart
  As with all medicines, the safety of Epilim, the anticonvulsant sodium valproate, is continually monitored by the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) and the independent advisory body, the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) through the Yellow Card Scheme for spontaneous reporting of suspected Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs). A number of articles have been published in the bulletin 'Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance' to draw ADRs associated with Epilim to the attention of health professionals.

  23 suspected ADRs associated with the drug Epilim, all involving children between the ages of 2-11, have been reported to the MCA/CSM from the beginning of 1995 to date. Two of these cases had fits. Reporting of a suspected adverse reaction is not necessarily evidence that the medicine caused the reaction.

  In the same period in the United Kingdom, 22 cases of birth defects for women exposed to the drug Epilim during pregnancy were reported to the MCA/CSM. The product information for Epilim contains detailed advice about use in pregnancy and the prescribing physician should weigh up the risks and benefits in the individual woman's case. The number of cases since 1995 where Epilim has been given to pregnant women is not available.

  Epilim is contraindicated in all patients including children where there is allergy to sodium valproate, active liver disease or family history of severe liver disease.

  The daily dose of the drug Epilim as stated in the Marketing Authorisation for adults and children over 20 kilograms is gradually increased until control of fits is achieved, usually to within the range 20–30 milligrams/ kilograms body weight per day. For children under 20kg, the daily dose of 20 mg/kg of body weight per day may be exceeded in severe cases when plasma levels can be closely monitored. Full guidance on prescribing and monitoring is in the summary of product characteristics published in the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry Compendium of Data Sheets and Summaries of Product Characteristics.

  Power Lines
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received this year and in the past three years on the health effects of power lines; and if he will make a statement. [108589]

  Yvette Cooper
  A number of letters have been received from hon. Members, research organisations and pressure groups and individual members of the public, concerning the possibility of health effects associated with proximity to power lines. Results of the United Kingdom Childhood Cancer Study published in December 1999 found no evidence to link childhood cancer with exposure to magnetic fields from electricity supply. The 864W
  Department has funded work on the impact of electric fields which will report later this year. The National Radiological Protection Board's Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation keep the relevant research under review and will be publishing a comprehensive overview later this year.

  MRI Scanner (Walsall)
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) on how many occasions his Department has discussed a MRI scanner in Walsall with the New Opportunities Fund; [112760]

  (2) when his Department gave advice to the New Opportunities Fund over the provision of a MRI scanner in Walsall. [112759]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 2 March 2000]: During the months leading up to the announcement of funding from the New Opportunities Fund for cancer equipment in September 1999, there were numerous discussions between officials at the Department and the New Opportunities Fund about where equipment for cancer should be allocated. This built on discussions between officials within the Department and the National Health Service regional offices. This regular and ongoing dialogue will have included discussions about the possibility of funding an MRI scanner in Walsall.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health who makes the final decision on whether finances would be available for a MRI scanner in Walsall. [112758]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 2 March 2000]: The final decisions on whether finances would be available for a MRI scanner in Walsall were made by the Board of the New Opportunities Fund, based on the advice they received from the Department. This will have followed discussions between officials within the Department and the West Midlands Regional Office.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the petition handed in to the New Opportunities Fund on 16 February for an MRI scanner in Walsall has been received by his Department. [112821]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 3 March 2000]: The petition handed into the New Opportunities Fund on 16 February was, on that same day, passed by the Chief Executive of the New Opportunities Fund, Stephen Dunmore, to the Department.

  Clinical Negligence
  Mr. Horam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much each NHS trust paid to the NHS Litigation Authority's clinical negligence scheme in(a) 1998–99 and (b) 1999–2000; what was each trust's total budget; what proportion the clinical negligence scheme payment was of each trust's total budget in each of those years; and what are the estimated figures for 2000–01. [113151]

  Ms Stuart
  A table containing available information has been placed in the Library.

  Ambulance Travel Times
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what standard his Department sets as the maximum acceptable travel time for an ambulance to reach the nearest accident and emergency department. [113264]
  865W
  Ms Stuart
  There are no standards set for travel time from incident to accident and emergency department. All ambulance services will be required to meet the response time targets set out in Health Service Circular 1999/091 "Modernisation of Ambulance Services" in 2001.

  Contraceptive Drugs
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of the prescriptions for emergency contraceptive drugs made during 1997–98 he estimates to have prevented unwanted pregnancies. [113164]

  Yvette Cooper
  In 1997, 760,000 prescriptions were issued by general practitioners or family planning clinics for emergency contraception pills. Guidance issued in October 1999 by the Faculty of Family Planning states that the overall risk of pregnancy, after a single act of unprotected sex on any day in the menstrual cycle is 2–4 per cent. but can be as high as 20–30 per cent. in the days before and just after ovulation. These figures are for all ages and include older women whose fertility is declining. An accurate estimate of the number of pregnancies expected without treatment is not possible without the menstrual and coital histories of the women concerned.

  It is generally understood that use of Schering PC4 (the only hormonal product licensed for emergency contraception use in 1997) prevents 75 per cent. of potential pregnancies that would otherwise occur.

  NHS Trusts
  Dr. Stoate
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what financial arrangements are being made in respect of the NHS trusts dissolved on 1 April 1999, 1 May 1999 and 1 October 1999 in connection with new NHS trusts established on those dates. [114548]

  Mr. Milburn
  Pursuant to the dissolution of 48 National Health Service trusts on 1 April 1999, 1 May 1999 and 1 October 1999, and their reconfiguration through the establishment of 23 new trusts on those dates, I propose to create originating capital for the new trusts equal to the net assets transferred to them and therefore to remit the outstanding debt of the dissolved trusts.

  These operations will involve no overall loss to the Exchequer. Her Majesty's Treasury has today presented a minute to the House of Commons giving particulars and circumstances of the proposed remission which it has approved in principle.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000 what was(a) the number of occasions on which couriers were used to distribute news releases from his Department and (b) the total cost of using couriers to distribute news releases. [113980]

  Ms Stuart
  As is common practice among many Government Departments, the Central Office of Information News Distribution Service issues press releases on behalf of the Department. Couriers are unlikely to be used purely to distribute press releases. It is however impossible to separate the times when 866W
  couriers were used as the only practical means of sending out sensitive material which may have had news releases attached.

  There were 1,656 press releases issued and the cost of this distribution was £75,365, for the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the(a) national, (b) regional and (c) local newspapers and media bodies to which his Department sent news releases during the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000. [113996]

  Ms Stuart
  The cost of compiling the lists of national, regional, local newspapers and media bodies is disproportionate. The Department ensures press releases are made available to the press via the news distribution service managed by Central Office of Information; and the Internet.

  Targeted distribution will rely on the subject and content of the specific press releases.

  Mr. Bruce (Cancelled Operation)
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will investigate the circumstances which led to the second cancellation of a rotator cuff repair operation for a constituent, Mr. Bruce, at the Avon Orthopaedic Centre on 7 March. [114143]

  Ms Stuart
  Continuing high numbers of medical admissions have necessitated the postponement of a number of orthopaedic operations. Decisions about the postponement of operations are taken by clinicians on the basis of clinical priority.

  The trust is taking action to maintain its elective capacity by the use of weekend operating lists, the use of local independent hospitals to enable routine surgical operations to be performed by national Health Service surgeons operating in NHS time, and buying places in private nursing homes to facilitate the discharge of medical patients.

  NHS Staff
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list, for each year since 1992 to date, the number of(a) nurses, (b) doctors and (c) consultants employed by the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital; and if he will make a statement. [114124]

  Mr. Denham
  The table illustrates that the number of nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff employed by the Royal Shrewsbury Hospitals National Health Service Trust declined between the years 1994 and 1997. However, numbers remain constant for 1998, and the numbers of hospital medical doctors employed within the trust steadily increased since 1994, demonstrating our commitment to increase the number of doctors and nurses working within the NHS. It should be noted that inflated figures for nursing staff in 1994 are not comparable with later years, due to a new classification system introduced in 1995 (see notes).
  867W

  NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): Nursing, Midwifery and hospital visiting staff, employed by Royal Shrewsbury Hospital NHS Trust, as at 30 September of each year

  Nursing, Midwifery and health visiting staff

  Hospital medical staff and consultants

  Whole-time equivalents

  Numbers (headcount)

  Numbers (headcount)

  Of which medical consultants

  1994

  850

  1,130

  160

  70

  1995

  750

  950

  170

  70

  1996

  730

  940

  190

  70

  1997

  710

  900

  190

  70

  1998

  720

  900

  200

  80

  Notes:

  1. The Royal Shrewsbury Hospitals NHS Trust came into being on 1 April 1994. Data from earlier years cannot be disaggregated from health authority returns.

  2. Figures are rounded to the nearest ten.

  3. 1994 figures include agency staff and exclude learners, 1995 to 1998 figures exclude agency staff and learners.

  4. A new classification of the non-medical workforce was introduced in 1995, therefore information based on this classification is not comparable with earlier years.

  5. Before 1996, some hospital medical staff were employed directly by the Regional Health Authority and so may not be included in these figures.

  Source:

  Department of Health Non Medical Workforce Census

  Department of Health Medical and Dental Workforce Census

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  BSE Inquiry (Costs)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the maximum amount spent to date on legal fees at the BSE Inquiry in support of an individual serving or former civil servant in(a) Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and (b) the Department of Health; and how much has been spent to date in supporting Sir Richard Southwood and his working party. [112440]

  Ms Quin
  All witnesses have had legal support available to them, under the procedures established by the BSE Inquiry, to assist in presenting their involvement in the BSE story to the Inquiry. To protect the privacy of individuals we consider it inappropriate to provide figures for the legal support of any individual or advisory group.

  Greyhounds
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many licences have been issued for the export of racing greyhounds to Vietnam in the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [112390]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 1 March 2000]: Licences are not issued for the export of greyhounds to Vietnam or any other destination.

  This Department is responsible for the issue of export health certificates to accompany dogs to Vietnam and other destinations. These are provided at the request of the Vietnamese authorities. The health certificate for the export of dogs to Vietnam provides guarantees to the Vietnamese authorities and the importer that the animals are free from signs of disease and are vaccinated against rabies. Export health certificates are signed by
  868W
  government appointed veterinarians. The certificates do not contain information on the breed of dogs being exported.

  In the last three years two such animal health certificates for Vietnam have been issued—one for 1997 and one for 1999.

  The above figures are not sub-categorised by breed. It is not therefore possible for me to state whether either of these animals were greyhounds or the purpose for which they were intended, for example racing.

  This Department provides advice on request to all exporters that they must ensure that exported animals comply with the requirements of the relevant importing country. Where there is a requirement for an export health certificate to accompany a consignment of animals this advice is given.

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are(a) the growing season for genetically modified herbicide tolerant winter oil seed rape in UK field trials and (b) the prohibited period for the use of the herbicide glufosinate ammonia in the UK; and on what research evidence the prohibited period for glufosinate ammonia is based. [111353]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 28 February 2000]: Genetically modified herbicide tolerant winter oil seed rape is sown at the end of August and the beginning of September; the crop is harvested in the following July or early August.

  Approvals for the commercial use of glufosinate ammonium on oil seed rape all prohibit its use for weed control from 30 September to 1 March. This is because data submitted do not support its use on oil seed rape during that period.

  However, experimental approvals have not imposed this prohibition.

  Fertiliser Regulations
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his latest assessment of the adequacy of the Fertiliser Regulations, following the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee's recommendation on the use of liquid condensate as a fertiliser on grazing land. [113041]

  Ms Quin
  The Fertiliser Regulations were introduced originally to complement the ban on Mammalian Meat and Bone Meal in animal feed. Their purpose is to avoid ruminant animals gaining access to a source of potentially recycled disease. We are actively considering the adequacy of these and other controls in relation to the Committee's recommendations concerning liquid condensate.

  Chernobyl (Farming Land)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what acreage of farming land has restricted use as a result of the Chernobyl nuclear explosion. [113604]
  869W
  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 8 March 2000]: The total area of farming land still subject to restrictions in England as a result of the Chernobyl accident is approximately 2,650 hectares (6,543 acres).

  Biomass (Carbon Dioxide)
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate by how much plantings of biomass would have to be increased on an annual basis(a) to save the equivalent of the horticulture industry's current carbon dioxide output and (b) to save the equivalent of two million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, using the same basis for his calculation as that used in page 7/5 of the England Rural Development Plan 2000–06. [113363]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 8 March 2000]: I will write to the right hon. Member with the information he has requested as soon as possible and arrange to place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Notre Europe
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what EU support has been provided, since its inception, to the Notre Europe organisation; and what contacts his Department has had with that organisation. [112335]

  Mr. Vaz
  The information is readily available from the European Commission.

  Sri Lanka
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussion his Department is having with the Government of Norway on the initiative the Norwegian Government are taking to help resolve the conflict in Sri Lanka; and if he will make a statement. [113431]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Neath (Mr. Hain), discussed the Norwegians' role in Sri Lanka with State Secretary Wegger Christian Strommen during the latter's visit to the United Kingdom this week. The Foreign Secretary will also have an opportunity to raise the matter when he sees Norwegian Foreign Minister Knut Vollebaek during his visit to Oslo on 15 March. Our Embassy in Oslo discusses the initiative regularly with Norwegian Foreign Ministry officials.

  Turkey
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he had with the Mayor of Hasankeyf about his proposed meeting in London; and what reasons underlay the decision to cancel that visit. [113561]

  Mr. Vaz
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary had no discussion with the Mayor of Hasenkeyf about his proposed visit to London. The Mayor had scheduled meetings at the Department of Trade and Industry and with the Export Credits Guarantee Department (to be attended by FCO officials).
  870W
  We were informed that the visit had been cancelled because the Mayour's political party had advised him to return to Turkey.

  UK Affiliations
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the regional arrangements and agencies, as recognised under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, of which the United Kingdom is a member. [113747]

  Mr. Hain
  There is no recognised list of regional arrangements and agencies of the kind referred to in Chapter VIII of the UN Charter.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the(a) national, (b) regional and (c) local newspapers and media bodies to which his Department sent news releases during the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000. [113987]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  Most news releases (including the FCO Daily Bulletin) are distributed electronically via the COI news Distribution Service. In addition a number of newspapers and media organisations receive this material by fax. Both distribution lists are attached. Press releases also appear on the FCO website.

  In addition, individual releases are faxed, on request and/or out of hours to other members of the press on an ad hoc basis. Records are not kept of these additional, ad hoc transmissions.

  COI News Distribution Service Media outlets served electronically National Press (Dailies)

  Daily Express

  Daily Mail

  Daily Mirror

  Daily Star

  Daily Telegraph

  Financial Times

  Guardian

  Independent

  Sun

  The Times

  National Press (Sundays)

  Independent on Sunday

  Mail on Sunday

  News of the World

  Observer

  People

  Sunday Express

  Sunday Mirror

  Sunday Telegraph

  Sunday Times

  Regional Press

  Aberdeen Express 1

  Aberdeen Journal 1

  Belfast Telegraph 1

  Birmingham Post 1

  Bolton Evening News 1

  Derby Evening Telegraph 1

  Eastern Daily Press 1

  871W

  Evening Standard

  Exeter Evening Echo 1

  Exeter Express 1

  Gloucestershire Echo 1

  Gloucester Citizen 1

  Hull Daily Mail 1

  Leicester Mercury 1

  Lincolnshire Echo 1

  Liverpool Daily Post 1

  Manchester Evening News

  Middlesbrough Evening Gazette 1

  Newcastle Evening Chronicle 1

  Newcastle Journal 1

  Nottingham Evening Post 1

  Plymouth Herald 1

  Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph 1

  South Wales Echo 1

  South Wales Evening Post 1

  Stoke Sentinel 1

  Western Daily Press 1

  Western Mail 1

  Yorkshire Post 1

  Broadcasting Organisations

  BBC Bush House

  BBC Radio News2

  BBC Television News2

  Channel Five TV

  Channel Four News

  Channel One TV

  Chiltern Radio

  Chinese TV Network3

  GMTV

  IRN2

  ITN2

  Metro Networks (Virgin Radio)

  Sky TV

  World Television News/British Satellite News

  News Agencies

  AFX News

  AP Dow Jones

  Associated Press

  Bloomberg Business News

  Exchange Telegraph

  Bridge News

  Market News Service

  McGraw Hill3

  Network News

  News Limited of Australia

  Newspoint

  Press Association

  Reuters

  Robinsons3

  Universal Pictorial3

  UPI

  872W
  Misc.

  Accountancy Age 3

  The Economist

  House Magazine

  House of Commons POLIS Information System

  Local Government Chronicle

  Reed Business Publishing

  1 Lobby correspondents only

  2 Also cascades press releases to local broadcasting outlets

  3 Receive twice-daily summary

  FCO Press Releases: Fax Distribution List (in alphabetical order)

  AFX News

  Agence France Presse

  Al Ahram

  Al Hayat

  Al Wasat

  Al Majalla

  ANSA

  Arabic News Network

  Australian Broadcasting Corporation

  BBC Leicester

  BBC Public Affairs

  Catholic Herald

  Channel 5

  Chinese Xin Hua News Agency

  Deutsche Presse-Agentur

  Dubai TV

  The Economist

  EFTR Associates

  Emirates News Agency

  European Business News

  Financial Times

  Foreign Press Association

  Hel Financieele Dagbald Elsevier

  The Independent

  Iranian News Agency

  Iraqi News Agency

  Israel Radio

  Israeli News

  Kuwait News Agency

  London Radio Service

  MBC

  Media Services Syndicate

  News Agency of Nigeria

  Newsweek

  Overseas Trade Magazine

  Parliamentary and EU News Service

  Public Sector Information

  Radio Free Europe

  Sabah

  Saudi News Agency

  The Scotsman

  Springer Foreign News Service

  Stars and Stripes

  The Sunday Times

  Survival International

  873W

  Syrian News Agency

  Teacher Magazine

  The Times

  Universal Pictorial Press

  Visnews (Reuters Television)

  Note:

  Many organisations now access the Daily Bulletin and press releases via the FCO website.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000 what was(a) the number of occasions on which couriers were used to distribute news releases from his Department and (b) the total cost of using couriers to distribute news releases. [113975]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  Over this period, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not distributed its news releases to media organisations by courier.

  The FCO Daily Bulletin is distributed to Commonwealth High Commissions in London by courier, as part of regular deliveries of other FCO correspondence. Until September 1999 this service was provided in house. Since September 1999 these services have been contracted out.

  The cost of delivering news releases in this courier service, as distinct from the costs of delivering other mail distributed with them, is not calculated. To provide a separate breakdown of the cost of delivering news releases, as a proportion of the total volume of correspondence distributed to High Commissions, would incur disproportionate costs.

  Restraints (Exports)
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his letter to the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of 2 February concerning his investigation into allegations of a breach of the ban on the export of leg irons, if he will list those US authorities and their departments from whom he enlisted assistance; what form of record was written and to whom in the course of this assistance; and if he will place copies of this material in the Library. [112932]

  Mr. Hain
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 15 February 2000,Official Report, column 490W. We were grateful for the assistance of the US authorities, via the US Embassy in London, in helping us carry out investigations into the allegations in The Independent newspaper on 16 and 17 November. The US Embassy did not provide us with a written report.

  We are not aware of any illegal conduct on the part of UK individuals or companies. Should any evidence be produced, we would of course pass it on to the appropriate investigative authorities.

  Select Committees
  Mr. Bruce George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which select committees, other than the Foreign Affairs Committee, Ministers in his Department have(a) submitted memorandums to and (b) appeared before in the present Parliament. [112403]
  874W
  Mr. Robin Cook
  Our records show that in the present Parliament Ministers have submitted memorandums to the following Select Committees of the House of Commons:

  Culture, Media and Sport

  Defence

  Environmental Audit

  European Legislation/EU Scrutiny Health

  International Development

  Procedure

  Public Accounts

  Public Administration

  Scottish Affairs

  Standards and Privileges, and

  Trade and Industry.

  Ministers have appeared before the

  Defence

  International Development

  Trade and Industry

  Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs, and

  European Legislation/European Scrutiny Committees.

  South Africa
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations were made to the South African Government by Her Majesty's Government about(a) the visit to South Africa en route to Mozambique by members of Her Majesty's forces, (b) the arrangements for Her Majesty's forces personnel to leave the aircraft while at a South African airbase and (c) facilities to be provided for members of Her Majesty's forces to use while on this stopover in South Africa; what responses were received to such representations; and what reply was given to the South African response. [113923]

  Mr. Hain
  Our High Commissions in Pretoria and Maputo held extensive discussions with the South African and Mozambican authorities. I also spoke to President Mbeki's Legal Adviser. As a result, the South African Government agreed, with the approval of the Mozambican Government, that the British military team could use Hoedspruit as a rear base for its operation. We are grateful to the South African Government for the help they are giving to our team and I pay tribute to the fast and effective way in which they have responded to the disaster in Mozambique. Our teams are working closely together in the international relief effort.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of progress made in implementing(a) Stage I and (b) Stage II of UNMIK's general strategy for Kosovo. [113876]

  Mr. Vaz
  UNSCR 1244, which established the international presences in Kosovo, gave the UN Interim Administration Mission (UNMIK) responsibility for: (i) performing basic civilian administrative functions; (ii) developing provisional institutions for democratic self-government; and (iii) transferring responsibilities to these provisional institutions.
  875W
  UNMIK has established a civil administration in Kosovo. It secured the agreement of the Kosovo Albanian leadership to participate in Joint Interim Administrative Structures (JIAS), integrating UNMIK administration with local participation. UNMIK hopes that the Kosovo Serbs will soon agree to join the JIAS. UNMIK plans to hold municipal elections in Kosovo later this year.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in respect of each of the last eight months how many civilian police officers were requested by the head of UNMIK in Kosovo. [113872]

  Mr. Hain
  The UN Secretary General, who is responsible for making recommendations to the Security Council, requested in July 1999 that member states provide 3,110 police officers for the United Nations International Police. This request remained unchanged until November 1999 when the requirement was increased to 4,718.

  Serbia
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the political and security situation in southern Serbia. [113870]

  Mr. Hain
  The political and security situation within the Presevo Valley area of southern Serbia appears to be tense. Clashes have taken place between armed groups and Serbian security forces near the administrative border with Kosovo. KFOR have warned Kosovo Albanians not to export trouble and have tightened control of the boundary with Serbia. Compiling accurate information on the situation within Serbia has been obstructed by the FRY authorities, who refused to co-operate with a 3 March visit to the area by the EU Troika.

  Iraq
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his estimate of the amount of money the Iraqi authorities could have spent on the purchase of medicines since sanctions started. [114122]

  Mr. Hain
  Sanctions have never prohibited the import of medicines into Iraq. Under the UN's "oil for food" programme, which was first proposed in 1991 but rejected by the Iraqi government for five years, over $10 billion worth of revenue has been available for the purchase of humanitarian supplies. It is for the Government of Iraq to decide how it allocates that money between the various humanitarian sectors. It has chosen, for example, to allocate $10 million to purchase bank note counting 876W
  machines under the current phase of the programme. The UN Secretary-General has refused to approve this allocation.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans the Government have to ensure that there is adequate medicine to allow Iraqi civilians to receive the treatment needed. [114119]

  Mr. Hain
  The Government have always worked closely with the UN to ensure that the humanitarian programme is as effective as possible in order to ease the suffering of the Iraqi people. SCR 1284, a UK initiative, contains a raft of measures to make the programme bigger and better, including the removal of the ceiling on the amount of oil Iraq can sell to purchase humanitarian goods. But the government of Iraq is ultimately responsible for deciding how that review is to be allocated. We urge the government of Iraq to take full advantage of the opportunities SCR 1284 offers, and to put the people's needs for food and medicines first when allocating revenue, rather than allocating millions of dollars for bank note counting machines, for example.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports his Department has received of medicine brought into Iraq since sanctions started which has not been used for ordinary Iraqi civilians. [114123]

  Mr. Hain
  We have received reports of widespread official and black-market abuse of medical goods supplied to Iraq under the "oil for food" programme. We are aware, for example that such medicines are being sold by pharmacies in countries neighbouring Iraq. We have passed this information to the UN for further investigation.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the Government's estimate of the number of children in Iraq who are likely to lack adequate medical treatment as a result of UN sanctions. [114121]

  Mr. Hain
  Sanctions have never prohibited the import of medicines into Iraq. While the international community has sought to maximise the relief available to the Iraqi people, the Government of Iraq has refused to put their welfare first. For example, the latest UN report notes that one quarter of all medical goods delivered to Iraq since the "oil for food" programme began have not been distributed. Under "oil for food" the Government of Iraq decides how much oil revenue will be allocated to purchase medical goods. The UN Secretary General has repeatedly observed that Iraq needs to give greater attention to the provision of basic pharmaceuticals, primary and preventive health-care services and material support for more effective distribution.