Written Answers of 2 May 2000

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Marriage Counsellors
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many marriage counsellors funded(a) partly and (b) wholly by the Government, there were in the UK in (i) 1970, (ii) 1980 and (iii) 1999; and what was the cost. [120660]

  Jane Kennedy
  In the financial year 1999–2000 the Lord Chancellor's Department spent £3.2 million on marriage and relationship support. Grant-in-aid is given to the central bodies of the main marriage support and research organisations towards expenses incurred in the development of training and support to local services, including the selection, training and supervision of counsellors, and administrative costs.

  In line with Sir Graham Hart's recommendations in his report on Marriage Support Funding (November 1999), the allocation is being increased to £4 million in 2001–01; £4.5 million in 2002–02; and £5 million in 2002–03. Figures for 1970 and 1980 are not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  EU Withdrawal
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Solicitor-General, pursuant to his oral answer of 13 April 2000,Official Report, column 498, what was the basis of his statement concerning the policy of the organisation Conservatives Against a Federal Europe toward withdrawal from the EU. [119836]

  The Solicitor-General
  I understand that until recently the CAFÉ website stated that if certain ends were not achieved by negotiations, quite unrealistic in my opinion, the UK must withdraw from the EU.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Sellafield
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the extent to which the site ion exchange extraction and the enhanced altinide removal waste filtration plants servicing the thermal oxide reprocessing plant facility at Sellafield have met their planned operational functions. [119134]
  2W
  Mr. Meacher
  The Environment Agency monitors and assesses the performance of the various effluent treatment plant on the Sellafield site including the site ion exchange extraction plant (SIXEP) and the enhanced actinide removal plant (EARP).

  During 1998 the Environment Agency report concluded that the Enhanced Actinide Removal Plant (EARP) performed satisfactorily in the removal of plutonium and other actinides from liquid effluent streams. In addition, the report considered that the plant has been reasonably effective for the removal of strontium-90 (Sr-90) and caesium-137 (Cs-137). The Agency considers there is scope for optimising the performance of EARP in line with the best practicable means. The Agency will continue to press for improvements in the effectiveness of EARP in reducing radionuclide discharges.

  The Agency also judges that the Site Ion Exchange Plant (SIXEP) has continued to operate satisfactorily in 1998 and has achieved high efficiencies for the removal of both Sr-90 and Cs-137 from the fuel storage pond effluents. The Agency notes that BNFL has made progress in the research and development programme for the optimisation of SIXEP.

  Electrical Goods
  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to phase out stand-by systems on electrical goods. [119288]

  Mr. Meacher
  The approach which the Government have followed, with other EU countries, is not to prevent the inclusion of stand-by systems in such products. In future, more equipment will communicate automatically with other equipment, users and service providers, and this will involve stand-by systems. Therefore, our approach is to ensure that these features incorporate good energy efficiency technology and do not encourage waste. We have been supporting EU initiatives in this field, which recently led to an agreement with manufacturers to reduce stand-by power consumption of new televisions and video cassette recorders. Further initiatives are in hand to reduce stand-by energy consumption in the fast growing areas of "set-up boxes" and power supply packs.

  Birth Certificates
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what purposes his Department requires a birth certificate to be furnished by(a) employees, (b) contractors, (c) those applying for employment and contracts and (d) other persons. [120320]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  A birth certificate or similar documentary evidence may be required for one or more of the following reasons:

  proof of identity

  proof of eligibility under the civil service nationality rules

  proof of age.

  In addition to the purposes listed, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency requires applicants for their first photocard driving licences to produce either a birth certificate or a passport in support of their application.

  Deprivation (Funding)
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what funding sources are available to small pockets of deprivation outside the inner cities. [120124]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) is the main source of government funding for tackling the most deprived areas in England, regardless of whether or not they are in inner-city areas, amounting to some £679 million in 1999–2000. However, 20 per cent. of the SRB resources goes to significant pockets of deprivation in areas which are not in the most deprived areas, such as rural areas, market towns, the former coalfield areas and coastal towns.

  In addition, substantial amounts of European Structural Funds will be available for the period 2000–06 amounting to £1,867 million for Objective 1 areas and £2,370 million for Objective 2 areas. A wide range of Government funding is also available, both as match funding and more generally, and this is set out in the DTI booklet, "Match Funding for European Structural Funds", published in March 2000.

  Waste Management
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the Government's strategy for waste management. [120089]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government published "A Way With Waste", the draft waste strategy for England and Wales, in June 1999. The draft strategy described the need for substantial changes in the way we manage our waste, and the range of actions needed to deliver that change. We will publish the final version shortly.

  Seat Belts
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he is taking to encourage the fitting of seat belts on minibuses and coaches; and if he will make a statement. [120261]

  Mr. Hill
  Since 1998, all minibuses and coaches used to carry groups of three or more children on organised trips, including home to school transport, have been required to have seat belts fitted. The DETR is currently conducting a public consultation exercise on draft regulations which will require seat belts to be fitted to all new minibuses, coaches and buses which do not carry standing passengers. I understand that many minibus and coach manufacturers are already fitting seat belts as standard equipment to their new vehicles.

  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the Government's policy on the introduction of compulsory wearing of seat belts on minibuses and coaches transporting children; and if he will make a statement. [120262]

  Mr. Hill
  All minibuses and coaches carrying children on organised trips must provide a forward facing seat and a lap belt as a minimum. On minibuses with an unladen weight of 2,540 kgs or less, the law already requires that seat belts be worn where fitted.
  4W
  The Government currently have no plans to introduce compulsory seat belt wearing in minibuses above 2,540 kgs unladen weight and in coaches transporting children. The Government recognise the attractions of such a step but problems arise over enforcement and the legal liability of a driver in respect of children under 14. Moreover, the police would not be able easily to enforce seat belt wearing regulations in such large vehicles. Nevertheless, we are keeping this matter under review.

  Road Maintenance
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the results from each local highway authority that were used in the 1998 National Road Maintenance Condition Survey. [120734]

  Mr. Hill
  The National Road Maintenance Condition Survey is designed to produce estimates at the national level but not at the individual local authority level. Accordingly information is collected from local highway authorities on the basis that it is for statistical purposes only and will not be published by the DETR in an identifiable form.

  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the results of the 1999 National Road Maintenance Condition Survey will be published. [120733]

  Mr. Hill
  The Report was published on 26 April (this was the publication date announced in "National Statistics Update" on 29 February). Copies of the Report are available in the House of Commons Library.

  Whitley Way, Hampshire
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what representations he has received on the building of Whitley Way in Hampshire; [120271]

  (2) what estimate his Department has made of the costs of purchasing land to build Whitley Way in Hampshire. [120270]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  As the Whitley Way is proposed as a local distributor road it is for the local planning and highway authorities to decide whether it should be built. This Department has therefore made no estimate of the associated costs. The Department has received a small number of representations about this road.

  Traffic-free Areas
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what procedures his Department has laid down to be followed when local authorities intend to introduce traffic into pedestrian areas or town centres; and if he will make a statement. [120386]

  Mr. Hill
  Local authorities have powers under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to regulate traffic on local roads by making traffic regulation orders. These powers can be used to allow traffic into pedestrian areas or town centres. Access can be restricted to certain classes of vehicles and/or times of day. Local authorities are required to follow statutory procedures laid down in "The Local Authorities' Traffic Orders (Procedure)
  5W
  (England and Wales) Regulations 1996", which include consultation with interested parties and publication of their proposals in a local newspaper. The Department has also published guidance on introducing pedestrian zones in Local Transport Note 1/87 titled "Getting the Right Balance—Guidance on Vehicle Restriction in Pedestrian Zones".

  Royal Train
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 19 April 2000,Official Report, columns 489-90W, on the Royal Train, what steps are being taken to increase the non-royal use of the Royal Train. [120615]

  Mr. Hill
  Under the arrangements establishing the Royal Travel grant-in-aid in 1997, the Royal Household and the Department decided to consider proposals for alternate use of the Train, when it was in the national interest to do so and as part of the ongoing policy of reducing the cost of official Royal travel. Government Departments were duly advised that the Train, when not being used for official Royal travel, was available for use on a reimbursable basis. To date, the FCO is the only Government Department to have used the Train.

  Both the Department and the Household have received preliminary inquiries from several organisations about using the Train but none of these has yet put forward any firm proposals.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many times the Royal Train was used by(a) Her Majesty the Queen, (b) the Prince of Wales and (c) other members of the Royal Family in the last 12 months. [120616]

  Mr. Hill
  In the year ended 31 March 2000, the Royal Train was used(a) eight times by Her Majesty the Queen accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, (b) 14 times by the Prince of Wales, and (c) twice by the Duke of Edinburgh and once by the Princess Royal. All these journeys were in support of official Royal engagements.

  House Building (Flood Plains)
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the national planning guidance regarding the building of houses on flood plains; and if he will make a statement. [120219]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  My hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning announced on 13 April 2000,Official Report, columns 249-50W, the publication of a consultation draft of a new Planning Policy Guidance Note 25, "Development and flood risk". This sets out proposals for a strengthening of the existing policy, which seeks to avoid inappropriate development in flood plains or development that increases flood risk. It gives specific guidance on the approach to new housing development. It recognises, however, that there will be occasions when other considerations outweigh flooding issues in favour of development proceeding. In such cases, it emphasises the need for development to be made safe through the adoption of appropriate protection or mitigation measures.

  Wembley Stadium
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the proposals for improvements to the road and rail links to Wembley Stadium and the costings for such improvements. [120634]

  Mr. Hill
  The Wembley Task Force is in the process of developing proposals for road and rail improvements to Wembley Stadium, in conjunction with the local authority, rail operators and Wembley National Stadium Ltd.

  Regional Development Agencies
  Mr. Stevenson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Manchester, Central (Mr. Lloyd) on 17 April 2000,Official Report, column 317W, on regional development agencies, for what reason the West Midlands regional development agency received no increase in funds. [120500]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The West Midlands Development Agency received an increase in funds of £1.0 million between 1999–2000 and 2000–01. Six of the Agency's seven main budgets have increased, by a total of £12.4 million. The seventh, for Land and Property, has decreased by £11.4 million as a result of year-on-year variation in legally-committed expenditure and in income derived from sales.

  Pet Cremation
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact on pet cremation services of current and proposed waste incineration and animal waste rules. [120605]

  Mr. Hill
  Expert consultants reported to my Department on the impact of the proposed waste incineration directive, including for pet crematoria, at the beginning of 1999. The report, "Regulatory and Environmental Impact Assessment of the Proposed Waste Incineration Directive" (Entec UK Ltd.) is in the House Library.

  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultation has taken place with those offering pet cremation services on the implementation of the Waste Incineration Directive Common Position 7/2000. [120606]

  Mr. Hill
  As part of the preparation of their report to my Department on the impact of the proposed waste incineration directive, expert consultants at the end of 1998 consulted two pet crematoria direct, including a site visit, and consulted the UK Private Pet Cemetery and Crematoria Association. A copy of the report, "Regulatory and Environmental Impact Assessment of the Proposed Waste Incineration Directive" by Entec UK Ltd. is in the House Library.

  We now expect the proposal to be adopted as a Directive in the autumn, subject to the progress of the final stages of negotiation. The deadline for transposition into UK law will be two years after adoption. The proposal is therefore likely to apply to new plant from autumn 2002. Existing plant will not, however, have to comply until 5 years after adoption, ie autumn 2005.
  7W
  We are looking at implementation options, which will minimise the burden on pet crematoria while ensuring that there are appropriate environmental safeguards.

  Parish Councils
  Ms Ward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to change the role and powers of parish councils. [120625]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Parish councils are an essential part of the structure of local democracy. They will continue to play a key role in the governance of many of our towns and villages. As part of the preparation for our forthcoming Rural White Paper we are looking at ways of strengthening the contribution that parish councils can make.

DEFENCE

  Prisoners of War
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will announce his decision on a special gratuity for former Far East prisoners of war or their widows. [120033]

  Dr. Moonie
  I met with representatives of the Royal British Legion, along with the Prime Minister, on 10 April to discuss this issue. The matter is being given careful consideration; however, no decision has yet been made.

  Atomic Weapons Establishment
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of Lockheed Martin's safety record in nuclear work undertaken in the United States; and if he will list the identified shortcomings. [116240]

  Mr. Spellar
  In the assessment process for the AWE contract, bidders were required to provide information to demonstrate their safety record. AWE ML provided full information on its parent companies including Lockheed Martin. This information was assessed not only by the Department but by the independent regulators, the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII) in the context of AWE' s existing safety regime, and by the Environment Agency (EA). The NII confirmed before the contract was signed that it was satisfied. The EA confirmed its satisfaction on 9 March when it issued revised discharge authorisations for the AWE sites.

  After the contract was placed on 1 December, there was an incident at the Oak Ridge Y12 facility in Tennessee which resulted in the publicity of a number of alleged shortcomings in Lockheed Martin's safety record in the US. As a result the Secretary of State asked the Chief of Defence Procurement to carry out a further review to ensure that none of the Lockheed Martin nominees to AWE ML was connected with the criticisms made. In addition, the Department consulted with the US Department of Energy concerning Lockheed Martin's safety performance, and both of the UK's regulatory
  8W
  authorities were again consulted about the suitability of Lockheed Martin to act as a shareholder in AWE ML.

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the criticality non-compliances recently reported to his Department for which Lockheed Martin was responsible in the USA which his Department deemed significant. [116243]

  Mr. Spellar
  Incidents at nuclear facilities in the US are the responsibility of the US regulators and therefore are not routinely reported to the Department. However, as part of the bidding process for the contract to manage and operate AWE, each consortium had to provide information to demonstrate the safety performance of their parent companies, including Lockheed Martin. Furthermore, the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII) routinely review significant safety events even if they take place outside the UK to see if there are any implications for safety at UK nuclear facilities. The Department also took account of the opinions of the US regulators in assessing the review of policies and procedures at the Oak Ridge Y12 plant carried out by Lockheed Martin.

  I would like to add that following the incident at the Oak Ridge facility in early December, an amendment was inserted into the new AWE contract by which Lockheed Martin, and its partners in AWE ML, are required to notify MOD of occurrences that might have a bearing on operations at AWE within 48 hours.

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date he was informed of Lockheed Martin's safety record at the sites it managed for the Department of Energy in the USA. [116241]

  Mr. Spellar
  As part of its bid for the new contract to manage and operate AWE, the AWE ML consortium provided the Department with evidence on the safety record of each of its parent companies, including Lockheed Martin. Each bidder was required to demonstrate a proven and successful track record with specific relevant experience in, inter alia, licensed nuclear site operations. Lockheed Martin provided this information to the Department on 1 June 1999.

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to reconsider the decision to award the Aldermaston and Burghfield contract to AWE Management Ltd. [116245]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Reading, West (Mr. Salter) on 29 March 2000,Official Report, columns 159-60W.

  Departmental Property
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what(a) number and (b) percentage of properties in his charge are empty; and what steps are being taken by his Department to reduce the number of such properties. [116917]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 3 April 2000]: At 1 April 1999 there were a total of 13,962 unoccupied properties within the Services married quarters estate in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. This represented some 21 per cent. of total stock.
  9W
  At 1 April 1999 the Defence Housing Executive held a stock of 62,420 married quarters in England, Scotland and Wales, of which 48,852 were occupied and 1,999 were in the course of disposal. Of the balance of 11,569 properties, 2,559 were under offer to Service families and were likely to be occupied within the next two months; 1,035 properties were vacant awaiting future Unit deployments or use as decant accommodation during the refurbishment programmes; 1,931 properties were empty awaiting modernisation and 6,044 were routine empty properties, i.e. a working management margin for some 22,000 family moves each year.

  The majority of empty Service quarters are only temporarily so. The large number of Service family moves a year requires a management margin of empty stock ready for incoming occupants. Additionally, an ongoing modernisation programme and Defence reorganisation also demand that a considerable number of properties are empty while work is undertaken and future plans are clarified. Some 2,000 properties were released in 1999 and some 6,500 properties are planned to be released over the next two years.

  The majority of the MOD housing stock in England and Wales is owned by Annington Homes. Properties identified as having no long term requirement to the Department are released to that company. Surplus MOD-owned properties are sold through Defence Estates.

  In Northern Ireland a further 3,054 Service families quarters were owned by the Ministry of Defence at 1 April 1999 of which 394 were empty.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many properties in the United Kingdom earmarked for Army officers, Naval officers, and RAF officers are empty; how many have been empty for more than six months; what the figures are for Hampshire; and if he will make a statement. [118700]

  Dr. Moonie
  Service Families Accommodation (SFA) is managed on a tri-Service basis and is made available according to entitlement, i.e. by rank and family size. A breakdown by individual Service is not available. At 31 March 2000 there were 2,288 unoccupied officers' SFA in England, Scotland and Wales. Of these, 1,161 have been empty for more than six months. There were 234 unoccupied officers' SFA in Hampshire at 31 March 2000 of which 96 had been empty in excess of six months.

  Overall, 6,500 properties are planned for disposal during the next two years. Most of the MOD housing stock in England and Wales is owned by Annington Homes and underleased by MOD. Properties identified as having no long-term requirement to the Department are released to that company. Surplus MOD owned properties are sold by Defence Estates.

  In Northern Ireland 50 officers' quarters were empty at 31 March 2000 of which 12 had been empty for over six months.

  Principal Anti-air Missile System
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost of the UK's participation in the Principal anti-air missile system. [117848]
  10W
  Dr. Moonie
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Robert Walmsley to Mr. Michael Hancock, dated 2 May 2000:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the cost of UK participation in the Principal Anti-Air Missile System (PAAMS). This matter falls to me to answer within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  As I said in my letters to you of 15 and 21 December 1999, the total programme cost for the twelve currently planned Type 45 warships (including weapon systems) is approximately £6Bn. This includes approximately £1.2Bn for the development, design and build of the first of class ship and £1Bn for the development and initial production of PAAMS. The balance of £3.8Bn contains funding for additional missile procurement and allows for the incremental acquisition of the combat system.

  Troop Strengths
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the(a) trained strength and (b) trained requirement of the UK (i) regular armed forces, (ii) reserve forces and (iii) Territorial Army. [118789]

  Mr. Spellar
  The latest available figures on a consistent basis across all services are as follows:

  (a) UK Regular Forces trained strength and trained requirement as at 1 February 2000:

  UK Regular Forces1 trained strength—186,317

  UK Regular Forces2 trained requirement—194,661

  (b) UK Volunteer Reserve Forces strength and post-SDR establishment as at 1 February 2000 (all figures include trained and untrained personnel):

  UK Volunteer Reserve Forces3 current strength (includes Territorial Army strength4 of 44,387)—50,224

  UK Volunteer Reserve Forces5 post-SDR establishment (includes Territorial Army post-SDR establishment of 41,204)—48,288

  1 Excludes trained strength of 3,259 Gurkhas.
  2 Excludes trained requirement of 2,945 Gurkhas.
  3 Includes volunteer reserve forces only. These comprise the Royal Naval Reserve, the Royal Marine Reserve, the Territorial Army and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force.
  4 Excludes strength of 1,408 non-regular permanent staff.
  5 See note3.

  Defence Evaluation and Research Agency
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consultation process has been carried out involving staff of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency on its future. [119033]

  Mr. Hoon
  Following the announcement in 1998 of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), consultation has been an important and regular feature of the process.
  11W
  We have consulted directly with staff on a formal and informal basis and also through trade union representatives, and will continue to do so.

  The mechanisms for PPP consultation to date have included:
  DERA PPP Consultation Documents, published in May 1999 and April 2000, which invited staff, and other stakeholders to comment on the Ministry of Defence's proposals for a PPP structure.
  Regular senior management briefings.
  Team briefings conducted on a monthly basis by departmental managers.
  DERA News, a monthly in-house publication, which regularly updates staff on the progress of the PPP.
  DERA website, which again provides regular updates.
  Informal departmental briefings.

  In addition to direct consultation with staff, Ministers have met on a number of occasions with trade union representatives to discuss the progress of the PPP. Officials have also met with union representatives on a regular basis to discuss their specific issues and concerns.

  Following the announcement in the House, 17 April 2000, Official Report, columns 366-67W, we are now engaged in a period of formal consultation on our revised proposals for the PPP. A consultation document has been made widely available with comments invited by 9 June 2000. A copy of this document has been placed in the Library of the House.

  During this consultation period presentations and discussions with staff and trade unions will also be arranged in order to address any issues and concerns regarding the PPP proposal prior to a final decision being made.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent consultation he has carried out with private sector defence contractors on the future of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. [119034]

  Mr. Hoon
  Following the announcement in 1998 of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), consultation has been an important and regular feature of the process. We have consulted with a wide range of key stakeholders, including private sector defence contractors. This has focused on formal industry bodies such as the National Defence Industry Council (NDIC) and Association of Independent Research and Technology Organisations (AIRTO), although there have been direct representations from individual companies. Last year's consultation exercise on a potential PPP solution produced valuable responses, which have informed the most recent phase of work.

  The current consultation exercise, which I announced in the House on 17 April 2000, Official Report, columns 366-67W, will give all stakeholders the opportunity to submit their views on our revised proposals for the DERA public private partnership. We also plan to
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  hold various consultation events with key stakeholders. I can assure my hon. Friend that views expressed will be taken into account before a final decision is made.

  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of shares in New DERA plc he expects the Government to hold(a) on flotation of the new company and (b) as a minimum public holding. [120502]

  Mr. Hoon
  At this stage of the public private partnership (PPP) process it would be premature to determine the extent of a Government stake in the NewDERA company.

  It is however the Government's objective that the company would be floated on the Stock Market as soon as its potential is judged to be suitably developed, which could be during 2001.

  Initially, MOD is likely to retain a significant financial stake in NewDERA to ensure that taxpayers receive full value for their investment. However, retention of this stake would not be a long term position.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans are in place to ensure that information on experiments and the welfare of animals held at DERA will still be accessible when DERA is part-privatised; and if he will make a statement; [120131]

  (2) what plans are in place to ensure that the welfare of animals held at DERA for experiments will be protected when it is part-privatised; and if he will make a statement. [120134]

  Mr. Hoon
  Animal Welfare within DERA is conducted strictly in accordance with the requirements of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 under which the Home Office licenses and oversees all such activity. These regulations, of course, apply to all private sector organisations, and will therefore continue to govern the welfare of any animals in defence research, whether in the public or the private sector.

  Information held on defence research using animals within MOD will continue to be available as it is at present. However, subject to meeting all the requirements of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, access to information on any such research carried out by the new private sector company will be a matter for that organisation to determine.

  Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his policy in respect of the use his Department, its agencies and public bodies will make of the powers relating to the authorised obtaining of communications data in Part I, Chapter II of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill once the Bill is enacted. [119522]

  Dr. Moonie
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him on 19 April 2000,Official Report, column 509W, by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.

  RAF Staxton Wold
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when RAF Staxton Wold was first identified as a radar station suitable for downgrading to remote operation only; [119161]

  (2) when he was first advised that RAF Staxton Wold should be downgraded to remote operation. [119162]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 18 April 2000]I understand that formal consideration of the possibility of remote operation of the radar at RAF Staxton Wold was first given during the Departmental budgetary planning process which culminated in February 1997. This option was not pursued because a wider review of the then UK Air Defence Ground Environment (UKADGE) was started during the Strategic Defence Review.

  Ministers in this Administration have never been advised that the radar at RAF Staxton Wold should be downgraded to remote operation. My predecessor was, however, advised in July 1998 that it would be possible to draw down the Station to minimum manning. Since the overall review of the UKADGE (now Air Surveillance and Control System—ASACS) was still being carried out at the time, he wished to await the outcome of this work and consider any wider implications before making a decision. I wrote to the hon. Gentleman on 9 August 1999 as soon as I had taken a decision (subject to consultation) on our plans for RAF Staxton Wold.

  Balkans
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total cost so far for United Kingdom operations in(a) Bosnia and (b) Kosovo, since forces entered the region; and if he will make a statement. [119166]

  Mr. Spellar
  The additional expenditure incurred each year by my Department in Bosnia and Kosovo is as follows:

  £ million

  Year

  Bosnia

  Kosovo

  1993–94

  26.6

  0

  1994–95

  33.9

  0

  1995–96

  91.0

  0

  1996–97

  247.3

  0

  1997–98

  196.5

  0

  1998–99

  147.1

  13.9

  1999–20001

  c.105

  c.340

  1 Estimate

  Fatal Accident, Mr. Konjic Grad
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what satellite photographs exist of the fatal accident that took place on 7 July 1997 involving a Foden Thompson Carmichael MWD near Mrkonjic Grad. [118431]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 17 April 2000]: The Department does not have any satellite photographs of the accident. However, a number of aerial photographs exist and I am arranging for these to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Relocation
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what relocation companies his Department uses when relocating civil servants and armed forces personnel. [119856]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Department uses Countrywide Mobility (HCR plc) to provide Service personnel with rented family and single accommodation in Great Britain on those occasions when there is a shortage of publicly funded accommodation. The Department uses three relocation companies, Cendant Relocation UK Ltd., Countrywide Mobility (HCR plc) and Morton Fraser Relocation to provide assistance to civil servants who have an entitlement to a move of home at public expense.

  Helicopters
  Mr. Martin Bell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the causes of the uncommanded flying control movements that have been reported on Chinook aircraft since 1994; [120103]

  (2) what visual flying rules applied to support helicopters in June 1994. [120102]

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

  Serle's House
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what public access conditions have been agreed in relation to the sale of the remembrance garden at Serle's House. [119822]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 20 April 2000]: At present, none.

  Plutonium Transfers
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the authorities in the United States which his Department consulted in order to draft paragraph 12 on United Kingdom-United States barter arrangements for plutonium transfers, contained in the report "United Kingdom's Defence Nuclear Programme", published on 14 April. [120253]

  Mr. Spellar
  The US Department of Energy was consulted on this report prior to publication.

  KFOR
  Mr. Donald Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what financial contribution each NATO and EU country has made to the cost of KFOR. [120087]

  Mr. Spellar
  My Department does not hold the information requested. The UK's costs are estimated to be £342 million for the financial year 1999–2000.

  MOD Police (Sickness Absence)
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the rate of staff absences due to sickness for his Department's police for the last three years; and what assessment he has made of the rate relative to that of other public services. [120631]
  15W
  Mr. Spellar
  Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) sickness figures have been collected in hours since 1 April 1997 in order to give a truer measure of lost output. Since then the figures have been:

  Per annum

  Average number of sickness hours per officer

  1997–98

  1113.08

  1998–99

  114.86

  1999–2000

  120.85

  1 The figures for 1997–98 includes civilian staff. The police and civilian support staff figures were collected separately only from 1 April 1998

  The figures for 1998–99 and 1999–2000 are equivalent to 14.4 and 15.1 respectively days absence per officer per year. In 1998–99, the last year for which complete figures are available, the average number of working days lost to sickness per Home Department Police Officer in England and Wales was 11.7. It should be noted, however, that comparisons between forces are problematic owing to differences in methods of counting sick absence.

  In recognition of the level of sick absence within the MDP, a sickness strategy was put into place early last year aimed at significantly reducing productive hours lost through sickness.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on his policy in respect of the use his Department, its agencies and public bodies will make of the powers relating to the authorised obtaining of communications data in Part I, Chapter II of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill once the Bill is enacted. [119521]

  Mr. Ingram
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Secretary of State for the Home Department on 19 April 2000,Official Report, column 509W.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much his Department spent (i) directly and (ii) indirectly on asylum seekers in(a) 1995, (b) 1996, (c) 1997, (d) 1998 and (e) 1999; and what estimate has been made of expenditure in the year 2000. [119488]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The Home Office will be responding to this question on behalf of the Government as a whole, using information that we have provided to them.

  RUC/Army Base (Fermanagh)
  Mr. Peter Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the estimated repair cost is in respect of damage to the joint RUC/Army base at Annaghmartin, Roselea, County Fermanagh, as a result of the attack on 2 April. [119030]
  16W
  Mr. Spellar
  I have been asked to reply.

  We estimate that £70,000 is the minimum amount necessary to repair the damaged base.

PRIME MINISTER

  Active Aging
  Ms Perham
  To ask the Prime Minister when he intends to publish the report on Active Aging. [118008]

  The Prime Minister
  The Performance and Innovation Unit's report "Winning the Generation Game" was published on 27 April. Copies of the report have been placed in the Vote Office and the Libraries.

  Cabinet Joint Consultative Committee
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to the oral statement by the Secretary of State for the Home Department on 5 April 2000,Official Report, columns 1021–29, concerning advice to Ministers, what impact the statement will have on the availability of information about the Cabinet Joint Consultative Committee, with particular reference to the dates of future meetings; the names of those invited to participate; and the topics to be discussed. [118930]

  The Prime Minister
  In the passage referred to, my right hon. Friend was speaking about factual and background information which has been used, or is intended to be used, to provide an informed background to decision-taking. In particular he clarified that further amendments would be made to clause 13 to ensure that there was a significant route for the release of such information.

  The Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) is a deliberative committee. It does not have a decision-making role within collective Cabinet responsibility.

  The release of information relating to discussions of the JCC would be subject to the proposed exemption in Clause 34 2(b) (ii) of the Bill, if its disclosure would inhibit the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation. It would then have to be considered, under clause 13 of the Bill, whether the public interest in disclosing the information outweighed the public interest in maintaining the exemption.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  World Athletics Championships
  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if it remains his policy that a venue suitable for staging the World Athletics Championships would require a capacity of about 60,000. [114146]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 14 March 2000]: My right hon. Friend does not have such a policy. UK Athletics have confirmed their key aims as being a stadium of 45,000-50,000 seats with support facilities to stage the World Athletics Championships.

  Wembley Stadium
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he made of Brent Council's policy in respect of transport infrastructure investment associated with the planned redevelopment of Wembley Stadium at the time that bids were submitted for the new National Stadium project. [119113]

  Kate Hoey
  None; bids for the new National Stadium project were submitted and consideration of the bids was entirely a matter for Sport England.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 24 March 2000,Official Report, column 708W, on Wembley Stadium, when he expects to receive confirmation from Sport England that they are happy with the appointment process in relation to the contract to build Wembley National Stadium. [119158]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 14 April 2000]: Sport England will not be able to confirm that they are happy with the appointment of a contractor under the terms of the Lottery funding agreement until that appointment has been made. I understand that Wembley National Stadium Ltd. is unlikely to appoint the contractor until planning permission has been secured.

  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues in the DETR about the desirability of new transport infrastructure projects in association with the proposed redevelopment of Wembley Stadium; [119120]

  (2) what advice he has received from the Wembley Task Force about the (a) desirability and (b) cost of new transport infrastructure investment in association with the proposed redevelopment of Wembley Stadium. [119116]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 17 April 2000]: Neither I nor my right hon. Friend have discussed Wembley issues with DETR colleagues as this is a matter under active consideration by the Wembley Task Force. Given that the new Wembley Stadium is playing a major role in the regeneration of the Wembley Area, the Task Force has assessed the infrastructure requirements needed to support a world-class stadium, in a world-class environment, and is holding discussions with interested parties, including the London borough of Brent and Wembley National Stadium Ltd. to find ways in which a package can be put together to secure a successful development. These discussions are continuing.

  No recommendations, views or proposals have been submitted by the Task Force to the Department on these infrastructure issues to date.

  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will place in the Library a copy of the Brent Council planning brief referred to in paragraph 13.4 of the Memorandum of Evidence provided by Sport England to the Culture, Media and Sport Committee in respect of the Committee's Fourth report of Session 1999–2000 (HC 164). [119117]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 17 April 2000]: I am placing a copy of the London Borough of Brent's planning brief in the House Library, today. Copies are also available at www.brent.gov.uk/wembley.
  18W
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what advice he has received from Sport England on whether transport infrastructure investments were required as a condition of their grant of £120 million towards the redevelopment of Wembley Stadium. [119118]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 17 April 2000]: Sport England advises that transport infrastructure requirements were not required as a condition of the Lottery grant to Wembley National Stadium Ltd.

  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when(a) he and (b) officials in his Department were informed of the likely demand by Brent Council for a section 106 agreement for a £30 million transport infrastructure investment in connection with the granting of planning consent for the redevelopment of Wembley Stadium. [119119]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 17 April 2000]: The London Borough of Brent has consistently and publicly made clear its concern on transport and other infrastructure issues relating to the redevelopment of Wembley Stadium. DCMS Ministers and officials have been aware that the London Borough of Brent is seeking up to £30 million in a section 106 agreement for more than two years.

  Athletics Stadium
  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 24 March 2000,Official Report, column 707W, on what date copies of the brief submitted by UK Athletics were placed in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [119042]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 14 April 2000]: I apologise to the hon. Member that owing to an oversight within my Department copies of UK Athletics brief were placed in the Library only on 7 April.

  National Lottery
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what discussions he has had with the National Lottery concerning proposals for a National Endowment Fund for Sport and the Arts using reserve lottery funds; [119664]

  (2) what discussions he has had with the Lottery Promotion Company Ltd. concerning their proposal for a National Endowment Fund for Sport and the Arts; [119665]

  (3) what discussions has he had with the Lottery Promotion Company Ltd. concerning their proposals for allocation of moneys held in reserve. [119666]

  Kate Hoey
  I met Denis Vaughan, Executive Director of the Lottery Promotion Company, on 7 October 1999, to discuss the Lottery Promotion Company's proposals for the use of Lottery funds, including the establishment of a National Endowment for Sport and the Arts. Neither I, nor the Secretary of State, have discussed these proposals with the National Lottery Commission, the National Lottery distributing bodies, or the National Lottery operator, Camelot Group plc.

  Tourism
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions he has had with the English Tourism Council over its(a) inspection charge fees to small hotels and (b) charges made for inclusion in handbooks, directories and other advertising materials. [119719]

  Janet Anderson
  I have not discussed this directly, but I am aware the ETC have reviewed their pricing structure to ensure it strikes a fair balance between charges for large and small hotels. The inspection fees and other charges the ETC levies against small hotels for joining their accommodation grading scheme are operational matters for the ETC, which aims to break even and not make a profit. The hotelier receives back some of the fee when the inspector pays for an overnight stay.

  The ETC's contractors and the other inspecting bodies (the AA and the RAC) now all inspect properties in England to precisely the same standards but each operates an independent inspection operation with its own scale of fees and package of benefits. It is for customers to choose the most appropriate service provider.

  Sports Funding
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much was spent in the United Kingdom on sports provision per capita in 1999. [119724]

  Kate Hoey
  In the financial year 1999–2000, exchequer funding for sport in the United Kingdom, channelled through UK Sport and the four home country sports councils, totalled £69,779,000. In addition, Lottery sports funding drawn down by the five distributing bodies was £316,689,340 during this period. Using the 1998 population census, this amounts to per capita expenditure of £6.52 in 1999–2000.

  Digital Broadcasting
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will set a target date for complete digital television coverage in England; and if he will make a statement. [119759]

  Janet Anderson
  The Government believe that it is possible that as early as 2006, and no later than 2010, all those who currently receive the free-to-air channels on analogue television will be able to receive those services digitally.

  Turf Football Pitches
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 17 April,Official Report, column 321W, what size of population each (a) full-size and (b) half-size (or 5-a-side) synthetic turf pitches is expected to serve. [119988]

  Kate Hoey
  Sport England's initial analysis of gaps in synthetic pitch provision is based on each pitch serving a population of 60,000, within a 20 minute drive time. No work has yet to be carried out, nor is any planned, on the demand for half sized synthetic turf pitches.

  TV Licences
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will examine the(a) practicability and (b) cost of collecting TV licence fees with the council tax. [119818]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 20 April 2000]: We have no such plans. It is not clear what benefits would accrue from collecting the licence fee locally which would outweigh the cost of establishing and running licence fee collection arrangements in each local authority area.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what will be the cost of establishing the free television licence scheme for people aged over 75 years; and how much it will cost to administer in the first full year of operation. [119939]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 20 April 2000]: We estimate that in 2000–01, the cost of the concession will be £344 million, with an additional £23.4 million in administration costs in the first year.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much(a) in total and (b) in addition to currently planned expenditure it would cost in (i) the UK and (ii) Scotland to give free TV licences to households headed by someone aged over 65 years. [119983]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 20 April 2000]: The information requested is not immediately available. I will write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as it is available and will place a copy of the letter in the Library. However, the figure will be for the UK in its entirety as no separate figures are kept for Scotland.

  Birth Certificates
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for what purposes his Department requires a birth certificate to be furnished by(a) employees, (b) contractors, (c) those applying for employment and contracts and (d) other persons. [120324]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  As one of its pre-recruitment checks, my Department requires new employees to the Civil Service either on permanent or short-term contracts to provide birth certificates or similar documentary evidence for one or more of the following purposes: proof of identity, proof of eligibility under the Civil Service nationality rules and proof of age. Contractors are required to produce them only if there are questions about identity.

  Locomotives
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when locomotives based in the National Railway Museum were last out on the Colne to Preston line. [120326]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The National Railway Museum's locomotive "Green Arrow" hauled a special train over the Preston to Blackburn section of the route on 29 December 1999 en route to Carlisle via Settle.

  Film Council
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when the Film Council will announce its strategy. [120792]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The Film Council is today announcing it strategy for the development of film culture and the film industry in the UK. I have arranged for copies of the strategy document to be place in the Library.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact of the minimum wage on summary measures of inequality, with particular reference to the gini coefficient and Atkinson index; by what method the assessment was made; and if he will make a statement. [119826]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The Low Pay Commission looked in depth at the impact of the minimum wage on inequality and income distribution. As it says in its second report The impact of the national minimum wage on household incomes is complex, being affected by the way that statutory wage increases interact with the tax and benefits systems.

  The issues of poverty and inequality are explored extensively in the Commission's Occasional Paper 2, published in June 1999. Overall, it found that the minimum wage, together with other tax and benefit changes, should prove a powerful tool in tackling in-work poverty.

  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many employers have been reported by inspectors for paying less than the national minimum wage in(a) Britain, (b) Scotland and (c) the relevant area of record, which includes the constituency of Paisley, South. [120394]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The number of instances of employer non-compliance identified by minimum wage officers for the year ended 31 March 2000 is as follows:

  (a) 1,280 employers in the UK, including Northern Ireland

  (b) 105 employers in Scotland

  A more localised disaggregation of these figures is not available.

  Websites
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what his Department's policy is on(a) advertising and (b) acknowledging company sponsorship on the websites of his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies; which companies (i) have placed advertisements and (ii) are acknowledged as sponsors on those websites; how much revenue has been received for each financial year since 1997 from such advertisements and sponsorship; and if that revenue has been retained within the budget of his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies. [119542]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 19 April 2000]: The Department of Trade and Industry's policy on advertising on websites follows the guidance in the Central IT Unit's
  22W
  "Framework policy and guidelines for the use, management and design of public sector websites" (published last December as part of the e-government strategy). These state:
  Government sites are permitted to carry advertising. In designing pages, departments and agencies should ensure that advertisers' branding does not detract from the effectiveness and appearance of their own branding or that of government as a whole. Particular attention should be given to avoiding any implications of endorsement of products or services or of contradiction between government messages and those of contractors.

  On sponsorship, the DTI also follows Cabinet Office guidance. The same policy is applied to websites as is applied to other forms of publication. In summary, sponsorship support can be sought where there is going to be a significant net benefit to the Department, at no detriment to the public interest. Any sponsorship arrangements are dealt with in ways that are even-handed and open, and on the basis that they must not conflict with the Department's regulatory and enforcement functions or appear to endorse a particular company, product or service.

  In applying these policies, a number of DTI sites have been prepared in partnership with private sector organisations in return for acknowledgement of this sponsorship on the site. In a number of cases, sites delivering the objectives of the Department are run and financed by private sector companies which are allowed to enter advertising and sponsorship arrangements with others. Compiling a comprehensive list of companies which have been involved in such arrangements to date would incur disproportionate cost.

  No direct revenue has been received to date from either advertising or sponsorship.

  None of the non-departmental public bodies for which the Department is responsible has accepted advertising or acknowledged sponsorship from companies on its website. I have asked the Chief Executives of the Department's agencies to write to the hon. Member separately where they have a substantive reply.

  Letter from J. S. Holden to Mr. Robert Maclennan, dated 2 May 2000:
  I have been asked to reply to your recently tabled Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in respect of Companies House Executive Agency.

  (i) It is Companies House policy not to carry advertising on our web site.

  (ii) Companies House web site is not sponsored.

  (iii) As we have no advertisements or sponsors on our web site, I confirm we have received no revenue from this source for retention within our budgets.

  Letter from Alison Brimelow to Mr. Robert Maclennan, dated 2 May 2000:
  In the Patent Office, the policy is not to accept advertising or company sponsorship on The Patent Office website. No companies therefore have placed advertisements or been acknowledged as sponsors on the website, and no revenue has been received.

  Letter from Peter Joyce to Mr. Robert Maclennan, dated 2 May 2000:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about advertising and company sponsorship on The Insolvency Service web site.

  23W
  The Insolvency Service does not have any advertising on or company sponsorship of its web site. This has been the case since the launch of the web site.

  Letter from Ian Jones to Mr. Robert Maclennan, dated 2 May 2000:
  You tabled a Parliamentary Question on 13 April 2000 to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry concerning the policy on sponsorship, advertising and any resulting revenue, for web sites operated by the department and its executive agencies. I have been asked to reply in respect of the Employment Tribunals Service (ETS) which is an executive agency of the DTI.
  The Employment Tribunals Service provides the administrative support to the Employment Tribunals and Employment Appeal Tribunals. As such, no advertising would be permitted, nor any sponsorship sought, for any site maintained or contributed to by the agency.
  The agency has a small entry on the main DTI web site. The only web site directly maintained by the agency is that of the Employment Appeal Tribunal although a parallel site for the Employment Tribunals is under consideration.
  I hope this information is helpful, please let me know if there is any further information that you require.

  Letter from David Hendon to Mr. Robert Maclennan, dated 2 May 2000:
  The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has asked me to reply on behalf of the Radiocommunications Agency to your Parliamentary Question about advertising and company sponsorship on the RA website.
  It is the policy of Radiocommunications Agency not to accept advertising or company sponsorship on its website.
  No such advertisements or sponsorship have been placed on the RA website and no revenue for such services has been received by the Agency.

  Letter from Seton Bennett to Mr. Robert Maclennan, dated 2 May 2000:
  The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has asked me to reply on behalf of NWML to your question regarding advertising/sponsorship on our web site.
  The NWML website currently does not carry any sponsorship or advertising. The site has been set up to transfer knowledge to NWML's stakeholders-Trading Standards Officers, weighing and measuring equipment manufacturers, DTI, other customers and interested parties.
  If in the future NWML was approached by a potential sponsor or advertiser, the idea would be thoroughly considered because it may provide an opportunity to raise additional revenue, however it would not be at the detriment of the quality of information provided to NWML's stakeholders.

  Letter from David Irwin to Mr. Robert Maclennan, dated 2 May 2000:
  I have been asked to reply in respect of the Small Business Service to your recently tabled Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, about advertising and sponsorship on Departmental websites.
  The SBS website has no plans to allow advertising at present and no adverts have been placed on the site. The site does not carry any references to sponsorship.
  The Enterprise Zone website is a gateway to business information for SMEs. It narrows down the mass of information available on the Internet to the most relevant, providing a single point of access to useful information. Launched in 1997 by the DTI and supported by Business Links, it is maintained and operated by the Dialog Corporation plc. DTI's agreement with Dialog allows the company to enter into normal, commercial arrangements with advertisers—to which the Department is not a party. The financial details of such arrangements are subject to commercial confidentiality.

  Post Offices (London)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many(a) post offices and (b) sub-post offices have closed in the Greater London area during the last five years. [119845]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The Post Office tell me that it does not hold historical data by region, including Greater London, for the numbers of post offices which have closed or opened.

  Land Rover
  Miss Kirkbride
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 14 April 2000,Official Report, column 288W, if discussions on the purchase of Land Rover from BMW by Ford were commercially confidential. [119843]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  I made clear in my earlier reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has many contacts with companies including the Ford Motor Company. The issues discussed are often commercially sensitive and the company's requests for confidentiality respected.

  Council for Science and Technology
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 18 April 2000,Official Report, column 433W, about new appointments to the Council for Science and Technology, what the gender balance is on the new council and whether the gender balance of the expanded council is in line with Government targets for the representation of women on public bodies; how many women candidates (a) were considered for appointment to the Council and (b) met the criteria for appointment to the council; what steps his Department took to increase the pool of women candidates for appointment to the council; when he will next have an opportunity to improve the gender balance on the council; what steps he is taking in other parts of the scientific advisory system to compensate for the low representation of women on the Council for Science and Technology; and what consultation he has had with the Minister for Women on ways to increase women's participation in his Department's scientific advisory system. [120305]

  Mr. Byers
  Of the 16 independent members of the Council for Science and Technology, three are women (19 per cent.).

  Of the 23 candidates considered for appointment to the Council during the most recent round, five were women, two of whom subsequently decided not to pursue their candidacy.

  In identifying these candidates and making the appointments, my Department complied with the guidance of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. We canvassed widely, both internally among other Government Departments and externally among such organisations as the CBI, IoD, TUC, the CVCP, the Research Councils and the Higher Education Funding Councils. Nominations from existing members of the Council were also sought.
  25W
  The next round of appointments to the Council is due to commence in September 2000, when we will continue to seek to increase the proportion of women on the Council, in accordance with my Department's published goal of reaching 33 per cent. representations of women by 2002 in making appointments to our non-departmental public bodies.

  Companies House
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what guidance he has given to(a) Government agencies and (b) Companies House about the hospitality managers may accept from companies with which they are outsourcing contracts. [120190]

  Dr. Howells
  The guidance contained within the Department's Procurement Manual which is available to DTI Agencies including Companies House, sets out advice regarding gifts and hospitality in respect of dealings with contractors. A copy of the Manual is in the Library of the House.

  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what evaluation he has made of Capita's performance in Companies House, Cardiff. [120212]

  Dr. Howells
  Evaluation of Capita's performance is carried out systematically against a range of service levels and targets defined in the contract under which they provide telephone inquiry and search services on behalf of Companies House.

  Export Licences
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what changes have been made in the last three years to the guidelines on end-use assurance required for companies and individuals applying for single individual export licences for strategic goods. [120205]

  Dr. Howells
  There have been some amendments made to the guidelines on end-use assurance in the last three years with regard to information requirements for certain chemicals listed in Schedules to the Chemical Weapons Convention. Other changes have been ones of format rather than substance.

  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if Export Control Organisation guidelines detailing end-use assurance required for export licence applications apply to open individual export licences for strategic goods. [120203]

  Dr. Howells
  The end-use assurance requirements for an open individual export licence are included in the conditions of such a licence. Guidance is provided for compliance with these conditions.

  Disabled People (New Technologies)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to draw upon the experience of internet companies in providing disabled people with(a) access to and (b) training in, new technologies. [120197]

  Ms Hewitt
  As a response to the Social Exclusion Unit's 1998 report, the Prime Minister set up a series of high level action teams to devise a new national strategy for neighbourhood renewal. Policy Action 26W
  Team 15 (PAT15), which was led by DTI, looked at how information and communication technologies (ICTs) can help.

  PAT15's main task was to improve the access to and uptake of ICTs by the most disadvantaged in society. It carried out an in-depth study of projects already operating in poor neighbourhoods to identify best practice which may be replicable elsewhere. It also commissioned papers to examine how issues associated with disability can be addressed. The consultation process included input from the private sector, particularly through representatives from ICT companies working as PAT members.

  Their report indicates that public access facilities, the training provided and the content used should take into account the needs of different audiences, including people with disabilities. The recommendations from the report are being taken forward by the DfEE. The final report is available on the PAT15 website (www.PAT15.org.uk).

  Much work, however, is already under way. £252 million of Capital Modernisation Funding (CMF) has been promised to set up around 700 ICT learning centres within the 2000 most deprived council wards and other areas with special needs, such as isolated rural areas. These centres will be set up from September 2000, to provide hands on learning for people for example with disabilities or from ethnic backgrounds with little or no ICT skills or access to ICT. They will provide a local place for local people and will give people the opportunity to gain ICT skills.

  The development of this initiative has included input from the private sector through externally commissioned work or through representatives of ICT companies sitting on the project's management board.

  More details about the initiative can be found on the ICT Learning Centres website on www.dfee.gov.uk/ict-learning-centres.

  Social Exclusion (Internet)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what initiatives he will implement to encourage internet businesses to assist in tackling the problems of deprived areas. [120198]

  Ms Hewitt
  Following the Social Exclusion Unit's (SEU) 1998 report on deprived neighbourhoods, 18 high level action teams were set up to help devise a new national strategy for neighbourhood renewal. Their main conclusions have now been drawn together in a framework document for consultation (available on the SEU's website: www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/seu).

  The report identifies that business has a crucial role and much to contribute in helping to turn around deprived neighbourhoods. It also points out that businesses need recognition and encouragement to become actively involved in projects which aim, for example, to raise education standards, improve health, tackle crime, and help to build communities in deprived areas. The Government are keen to see an increase in the number and range of businesses, including internet businesses, which are actively engaged in addressing the problems of deprived neighbourhoods. The consultation paper seeks views on what the Government could do to encourage business engagement in the community.
  27W
  There are, however, a number of initiatives already under way. In particular, the DTI has:
  Established a Ministerial Champion for Corporate Social Responsibility, to improve Whitehall understanding of what this means and how it can best work. This role has been added to the portfolio of the Minister for Consumer and Corporate Affairs in DTI;
  Sponsored the Business in The Community Examples of Excellence Awards, which highlight outstanding achievements in the field of CSR;
  Sponsored a project on 'Innovation Through Partnership'. This project will analyse how through engagement in partnerships with the voluntary and public sector, businesses can become more innovative organisations;
  Undertaken a project to identify the benefits to businesses from forming a relationship with a local school or college; and
  Examined the intangible assets of business including the role of ethics in contributing to value creation in companies of all sizes;
  Committed itself to providing enhanced business support for the disadvantaged through the Small Business Service; the Business Volunteer Mentors Association; and the Community Finance Initiative Challenge.
  Working with Business in the Community's 'community' programme to engage business in supporting the community's use of information and communication technologies (ICTs).

  Ilisu Dam
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on progress made on the full environmental impact assessment report for the Ilisu Dam. [120264]

  Mr. Caborn
  Work is proceeding on the Environmental Impact Assessment Report; however the Report is now not expected to be complete until July 2000 at the earliest. The overall project timetable is similarly delayed.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with the Turkish Government concerning consultations with those directly affected by the Ilisu Dam. [120265]

  Mr. Caborn
  While I have had no direct contact with the Turkish Government concerning the consultations, I understand that consultations are on-going with those who are affected by the Ilisu Dam and that detailed surveys of the local population are to take place.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with Balfour Beatty concerning the provision of export credit for the Ilisu Dam. [120272]

  Mr. Caborn
  I have had no discussions, although my officials do continue to discuss details of the case with Balfour Beatty and the other interested Export Credit Agencies concerning the provision of export credit for the Ilisu Dam. No decision has been taken regarding the availability of ECGD support for this project.

  Regional Assistance
  Judy Mallaber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many applications have been submitted in each of the years since 1993 to date for(a) regional selective assistance and (b) enterprise grant in each region; and how many have been successful. [120653]
  28W
  Mr. Caborn
  This information is published in the Industrial Development Act 1982, Annual Report, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.

  Employment Tribunals
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many(a) women and (b) black people applied to be lay advisers in the last round of appointments for the employment tribunals in England and Wales; and how many of those in (i) and (ii) applied to serve on the Cardiff tribunal. [120374]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  In the 1999 exercise to recruit new lay members to the employment tribunals in Great Britain, applications were received from 3,728 women and 336 people who described their ethnic origin as black-African or black-Caribbean. No separate figures are available for England and Wales. There were 85 women and three black-African or black-Caribbean applicants to serve on the Cardiff employment tribunal.

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many(a) women and (b) black people serve on employment tribunals in England and Wales; and how many serve on Cardiff tribunals. [120373]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  644 women and 51 people who describe their ethnic origin as black-African or black-Caribbean serve on the employment tribunals in England and Wales. 43 women and one black-African/black-Caribbean serve at the Cardiff employment tribunal.

  P. W. Allen and Company
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will make a decision on whether to allow Export Licence Application QX 96/00 to P. W. Allen and Company in Tewkesbury. [120614]

  Dr. Howells
  Export licence application QX 96/00 has been approved, and the licence was issued on 20 April 2000.

  Milk Marque
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the prospects for vertical integration available for the three organisations that replaced Milk Marque. [120327]

  Mr. Byers
  Following the voluntary decision by the members of Milk Marque to break up into three independent successors, I asked the Director General of Fair Trading (DGFT) to monitor the operation of the market this winter, and report his conclusions by Easter.

  That advice has now been received. The DGFT has advised that Milk Link, Axis and Zenith, the three successors to Milk Marque, have been operating independent arrangements for the marketing and selling of their members' milk this winter.

  I can announce today that, on the basis that the assurances given last year of independent operation will continue to be observed, I can see no reason why Milk Link, Axis and Zenith should not establish or extend their processing activities if they choose to do so.
  29W
  The assurances given were that all policy making and selling of milk would be carried out independently by each of the successors with no joint ventures between the new businesses in marketing or processing milk, with no common directors and no shareholdings by any one of the new businesses in either of the others. Milk Marque also stated that they would not supply to the successor bodies, after 31 March 2001, central services which could not be split prior to the reorganisation which took place last year. Should the new businesses choose to extend their processing activities through acquisition they will of course be subject to the merger provisions under competition law in the same way as any other company. In addition, Milk Link, Axis and Zenith must, like all undertakings, operate their businesses in accordance with both domestic and European competition law.

  Gordon and Innes Ltd.
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the financial accounts for Gordon and Innes Ltd. of Huntly, Aberdeenshire were due for filing; and if they have been received. [120647]

  Dr. Howells
  The accounts due to 31 October 1998 for Gordon and Innes Ltd., now registered at 8 West Street, Fochabers, IV32 7DJ, were due to be filed by 30 November 1999, but to date they have not been received.

  The company has been reminded of its obligations to file its accounts and the consequences if they are not received.

  Sudan
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with BP Amoco concerning its investment with Talisman Energy and the China National Petroleum Corporation operating in Sudan. [120269]

  Mr. Caborn
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has not had the opportunity to meet with BP Amoco to discuss their investment with Talisman Energy and the China National Petroleum Corporation operating in Sudan.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with(a) Weir Pumps of Glasgow, (b) Allen Power Engineering of Bradford and (c) Angus Fire of Oxfordshire concerning the manufacturing of parts for oil exploration in Sudan. [120268]

  Mr. Caborn
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has not had the opportunity to meet any of the aforementioned companies to discuss the oil industry in Sudan.

  My Department, in conjunction with our colleagues at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, have offered, and will continue to offer, full and frank advice to British companies who are interested in the oil industry in Sudan.

  Internet
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to protect the names of cities, towns, villages and private houses from being registered as Internet domain names by 30W
  commercial organisations for trading purposes without permission of the legitimate bearers; and if he will make a statement. [120263]

  Ms Hewitt
  Domain Names in the UK are managed by Nominet UK, an independent not-for-profit body. The Government are discussing with Nominet the way forward on this issue. Nominet is consulting with the Scottish Parliament on this subject, and will shortly be consulting with other regional bodies. Civic organisations and other non-profit groups who wish to register domain names incorporating place names should be able to do so in the org.uk Second Level Domain. They can do this by contacting an Internet Service Provider or if necessary they can contact Nominet directly at www.nominet.org.uk.

TREASURY

  Tax System
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what(a) initiatives relating to and (b) reviews of, the tax system he has launched since May 1997; on what dates each (i) was completed and (ii) is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement. [118857]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 17 April 2000]: The information has been placed in the Library.

  Cancer Statistics
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will(a) list and (b) make a statement on the incidence of and death rates from (i) cervical cancer, (ii) breast cancer, (iii) prostate cancer and (iv) testicular cancer in each of the last three years in each health authority. [119728]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Alan Goldsmith to Dr. Jenny Tonge, dated 2 May 2000:
  The Director for the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has been asked to reply to your recent question asking for a statement and list of death rates for (a) cervical, (b) female breast, (c) prostate and (d) testicular cancer by health authority for the three latest years available. I am replying in the Director's absence.
  The data relates to all the 99 health authorities in England, the tables are very large and so will not appear in the Official Report. I will arrange for a copy to be made available in the House of Commons Library.

  Personal Services Companies
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what factors account for the change from the initial estimate of annual forecast revenue receipts from IR35. [120329]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Croydon, South (Mr. Ottaway) on 5 April 2000,Official Report, column 494W.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the additional amount of tax that will be collected in each of the next three years as a result of the introduction of IR35; and if he will make a statement. [120366]
  31W
  Dawn Primarolo
  The estimate of extra tax and National Insurance Contributions generated from the pre-announced measure to tackle avoidance through the use of personal service companies is provided in Table A2.1 of the March 2000 "Financial Statement and Budget Report".

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the development of a database of small businesses who breach IR35 rules. [120365]

  Dawn Primarolo
  We expect intermediaries involved in contracts affected by the legislation to comply with the rules, and the Inland Revenue will provide information and support to enable them to do so. Those who do not will be identified and reviewed by Inland Revenue compliance officers using existing compliance methods.

  A separate database of intermediaries who breach the rules will not be needed.

  Double Taxation Relief
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will publish details of the methodology used by the Inland Revenue to calculate the increase in tax yield that will result from the proposed changes in tax legislation as it affects offshore mixer companies; [120291]

  (2) if he will publish details of the calculations undertaken by the Inland Revenue to determine the level of tax yield arising from his proposals in the Finance Bill dealing with controlled foreign companies and tax mixing arrangements. [120290]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The expected yield from these changes as set out in Table A.13 of the 2000 "Financial Statement and Budget Report" is based on accepted methodology used by all Governments.

  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the feasibility of tax mixing onshore. [120288]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The issues concerning a system of onshore pooling were fully discussed in the paper "Double taxation relief for companies" published by the Inland Revenue in March 1999.

  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which G7 and OECD countries allow tax mixing to take place. [120285]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Just as overall tax systems vary from country to country, so do their respective mechanisms for relieving double taxation. It is not likely that any two countries will have double taxation relief systems that are identical. Direct comparisons are therefore of limited value and can be misleading.

  Unfair Tax Competition
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the policy of(a) the Government and (b) the European Commission is on the level of (i) income tax and (ii) corporation tax which should be treated as constituting unfair tax competition. [120359]

  Dawn Primarolo
  General rates of corporation tax and income tax do not constitute unfair tax competition.

  Family Benefits
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 3 April 2000,Official Report, column 340W, on family benefits, how many of those families claiming working families tax credit in each month since its introduction would have been entitled to family credit. [120617]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer my right hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 19 April 2000,Official Report, column 580W.

  VAT
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the Government's policy is on the proposal for VAT to become an EU levied tax. [120356]

  Dawn Primarolo
  In July 1996 the Commission published a programme for creating a common system for EC VAT. The Government see no case for VAT reform along those lines, and such a system could not be agreed without the UK's consent.

  Insurance
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to(a) repeal and (b) amend the Industrial Assurance Act 1923. [120211]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I refer the hon. Gentlemen to the answer given by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, Central (Mr. Cousins) on 18 April 2000,Official Report, column 438W.

  Small Hotels (VAT)
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the advantages and disadvantages of introducing a graduated VAT threshold for small hotels. [120627]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Customs and Excise has been working with small businesses and representative bodies, including representatives of the tourist industry, to explore ways to ease the impact of VAT for all small businesses once their turnover reaches the VAT registration threshold, including graduated VAT relief.

  Family Statistics
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the life expectancy of someone whose parents have(a) been divorced and (b) remained married. [120668]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The information requested is not available.

  Retired People
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of people retiring in(a) 1985, (b) 1990, (c) 1995, (d)(e) 1997, (f) 1998 and (g) 1999 have taken a tax-free lump sum from (i) defined contribution schemes and (ii) defined benefit schemes; and how much tax revenue was forgone as a result. [120361]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The information requested is not available.

  Child Support
  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to include CSA payments in calculating eligibility for working families tax credit. [120656]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Maintenance payments, claimed through the CSA, are not currently included in calculating eligibility for the Working Families Tax Credit. There are no plans at present to alter this treatment.

  Tax Law Rewrite Project
  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further progress has been made on the Tax Law Rewrite project. [120795]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I am pleased to be able to tell the House that the Tax Law Rewrite project is continuing to make very good progress. The Inland Revenue have today published the project's tenth Exposure Draft, containing draft rewritten clauses on trading income of individuals. Copies of the Exposure Draft will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Climate Change Levy
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated cost of extending the 80 per cent. discount on the climate change levy to horticulture for the financial year 2001–02. [119916]

  Mr. Timms
  The 80 per cent. discount on the climate change levy is available only to sectors covered by the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive (IPPC) who enter into negotiated agreements to deliver additional improvements in energy efficiency. This reflects the additional regulatory burden on such firms, who must implement all cost-effective energy saving measures in order to qualify for a discount.

  The horticulture industry is not covered by IPPC and is therefore not eligible for the 80 per cent. discount. Nevertheless, the Government recognise the unique position of horticulture as an energy intensive sector exposed to international competition, and where there is scope for energy savings to be made.

  The Government therefore intend to give a package of support from the £50 million 'energy efficiency' fund to improve the sector's energy efficiency, and have included thermal screens, which are used in glasshouses, in the list of technologies eligible for the enhanced capital allowance. And the Government intend to offer a temporary 50 per cent. discount to protect the competitiveness or horticulture firms while these energy efficiency measures take effect.

  Initiatives started on or after May 1997—Benefits Agency (BA)

  Initiative/project

  Cost (£ million)

  Start date

  End date

  AQLAD (ABR/QST)

  0.2

  April 1999

  Continuing

  ABR

  16.24

  September 1997

  Continuing

  BA/CSA

  1.6

  1997

  Continuing

  BA/LA Liaison

  1.0

  1997

  Continuing

  Card Fraud Investigation

  0.04

  1997

  February 1999—Cancellation of the payment by card process

  Child Benefit Initiatives

  2.4

  1997

  Continuing

  34W
  Final decisions on the exact design of the package of support to horticulture have yet to be taken. It is therefore not possible to quantify exactly the cost of the package.

  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library the economic impact studies which he has conducted on the climate change levy. [120287]

  Mr. Timms
  Copies of the Regulatory Impact Assessment of the climate change levy are available in the Library.

  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to local authorities of the climate change levy with particular reference to(a) street lighting, (b) leisure services and (c) housing; and what support he plans to make available to local authorities to meet such costs. [120630]

  Mr. Timms
  The Government believe that all sectors of the economy must play their part in helping meet the UK's targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

  It is not possible to say with precision what the effects of the climate change levy on local authority services will be since that will depend on, among other things, future energy use in this sector. However, local authorities will be overall net gainers from the climate change levy package, since they will gain more from the associated cut in employer NICs than they will pay in climate change levy.

  Public Bodies (Overpayments)
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will assess the practicability of introducing a 90-day limitation period for the recovery of overpaid sums by public bodies. [120353]

  Mr. Timms
  We have no plans to review the current rules on recovery of overpayments. The rules are designed to protect the public purse while also ensuring that the recipients of overpayments are treated fairly.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Fraud Savings
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 7 April 2000,Official Report, column 627W, on fraud, if he will list (a) the cost and duration of each initiative since 1 May 1997, (b) estimate the contribution in fraud savings each initiative has made and (c) estimate the fraud savings for each of the last three years for each benefit affected by such initiatives. [119216]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is in the table. I refer my right hon. Friend to the written answer on savings I gave on 7 April 2000,Official Report, column 627W.
  35W

  Initiatives started on or after May 1997—Benefits Agency (BA)

  Initiative/project

  Cost (£ million)

  Start date

  End date

  Closer Working with East of Scotland

  0.1

  April 1999

  Continuing

  FAMC London Project

  0.23

  1997

  October 1999—Migrated to IR

  Habitual Residency Test

  0.3

  July 1999

  November 1999—Recommendation for full implementation across the Agency

  Housing Benefit Matching Service

  2.35

  1997

  April 1999—Now part of BA core

  IS/JSA Premiums

  0.04

  July 1999

  Continuing

  JSA Initiatives

  0.02

  April 1999

  Fixes implemented

  NCA/TR Central Team costs

  2.5

  1997

  April 1999—Now a core activity

  NCA/TR Training

  0.4

  1997

  April 1999—Now a core activity

  Operation Rattle

  0.18

  1997

  Continuing—As a Child Benefit initiative

  Overpayment of Legal Aid

  0.22

  September 1999

  Continuing

  Potential Debt

  0.11

  1997

  August 1999—Continuing as the Strategic Debt solution

  PPE measurement

  0.79

  1997

  April 1999—Contributed to the performance indicators

  Production of regs 113 by electronic media

  0.02

  July 1999

  Continuing

  Professionalism in Security

  2.88

  July 1998

  Continuing

  Programme Expenditure Analysis

  0.16

  April 1999

  Continuing

  Risk management

  1.46

  1997

  Continuing

  RMS

  0.42

  1997

  31 March 1998—Now part of core

  SAST

  0.10

  1997

  Continuing

  Search by address enhancements

  0.13

  1997

  Continuing

  Securing Family Credit

  1.23

  1997

  October 1999—Migrated to IR

  Security Projects Group

  0.27

  1997

  April 1999—Transferred into core MIDAS function

  Social Fund—off Benefit recovery

  0.22

  August 1999

  Continuing

  Chilterns Secure Payments Initiative

  0.74

  May 1997

  Continuing

  National Fraud database

  0.30

  June 1999

  Continuing

  Gateways

  0.52

  Oct 1998

  March 2000—Migration papers under development

  Payroll Cleanse

  0.82

  April 1998

  April 2000—Migrated into core

  Customer Account Security (Operational)

  0.85

  October 1998

  Continuing

  Construction Industry Scheme

  0.36

  May 1998

  March 2000—Migrated into core

  National Intelligence Unit

  0.51

  October 1998

  Continuing

  Controlled Risk Self Assessment

  0.06

  April 1999

  March 2000—Now operating Certificate of Conformance

  Fraud and Security Strategy

  1.5

  April 1999

  Continuing

  LA Verification Framework

  34.50

  March 1998

  Continuing

  Weekly Benefit savings

  0.002

  12 January 2000

  Continuing

  Electronic Transfer of Data

  0.83

  August 1999

  Continuing

  Remote Access Terminals

  7.00

  August 1998

  Continuing

  LA Prosecution Pilot, England and Wales

  0.04

  November 1998

  Continuing

  Scampion

  0.09

  February 1999

  Continuing

  National Housing Benefit Accuracy Review

  2.0

  April 1997

  October 1998—Findings published by GSS

  Large Scale Local Review project

  2.0

  April 1997

  Continuing

  Child Support Agency
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what budget the CSA allocates towards welfare assessment; in which of the last six years there has been an underspend; and how much. [119570]

  Angela Eagle
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Mrs. Faith Boardman to Ms Oona King, dated 2 May 2000:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the Child Support Agency.
  You ask about the Agency's budget allocation towards welfare assessments and I have taken the term 'welfare assessment' to mean child maintenance assessments. Unfortunately the information you require is not available.
  The main role of the Agency is the accurate assessment and collection of child support maintenance and we aim to do this in the most efficient and cost effective way and to ensure that children receive the financial support to which they are entitled.
  The Agency is funded on outputs that reflect our targets and focus on customer service. The Secretary of State requires the Agency to live within its allocation of cash resources and this has been
  36W
  achieved. In addition, over the past three years the Agency has improved overall efficiency by 48 per cent. and expects to exceed this figure by 1999–2000.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the cost of running the Child Support Agency in each year since its establishment; and how much money was recovered in each year from absent parents. [119765]

  Angela Eagle
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Mrs. Faith Boardman to Mr. Gerald Howarth, dated 2 May 2000:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the Child Support Agency.
  You asked for details of the cost of running the CSA since its establishment. Details of running cost expenditure are summarised in the attached annex. These figures are based on the Appropriation Account for the Administration and Miscellaneous Services Vote (Vote 3) for each year.
  You also asked for details of maintenance recovered in each year from non-resident parents. Details of the amount of maintenance collected and arranged are also summarised in the annex. These figures take into account maintenance collected from non-resident

  37W
  parents and maintenance assessed by the Agency but paid directly by the non-resident parent to the parent with care. You will see that we have been unable to provide figures for 1993/94 and 1994/95. This was because in those years the focus of the Secretary of State's targets was upon annual benefit savings and the total amount of maintenance collected and arranged was not then a target.

  CSA running costs (from inception)

  £ million

  Financial year

  Gross amount

  Net of VAT

  Collected and arranged

  1993–94

  104

  —

  —

  1994–95

  169

  —

  —

  1995–96

  180

  —

  301

  1996–97

  205

  203

  400

  1997–98

  209

  208

  574

  1998–99

  201

  —

  661

  Notes:

  1. All figures include an element for repayment to DHSS Northern Ireland in respect of Belfast CSAC.

  2. Figures for 1996–97 and 1997–98—in accordance with HM Treasury instructions information was reported in the Appropriation Account net of VAT but for information both gross (which compare year on year) and net figures have been provided.

  Civil Servants (Relocation)
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security which relocation companies his Department uses when relocating civil servants. [119857]

  Mr. Rooker
  This Department has, since June 1998, had a three year contract with Cendant Relocation UK Limited to provide a homesale service to employees. When a transfer attracting relocation expenses has been agreed it is the officer's decision to use the homesale service or try to sell their properties themselves.

  Inter-ministerial Group on Countering Fraud
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Crosby (Mrs. Curtis-Thomas) of 17 April 2000,Official Report, column 403W, on the Inter-ministerial Group for Older People, if he will publish the same information for the Inter-ministerial Group on Countering Fraud. [120243]

  Mr. Rooker
  The membership of the Inter-Ministerial Group on Welfare Fraud is as follows:The right hon. Jeff Rooker—Minister of State, Department of Social Security
  Nick Raynsford—Minister of State, Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions
  The right hon. Tessa Jowell—Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment
  The right hon. Richard Caborn—Minister of State, Department for Trade and Industry
  Mike O'Brien—Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department
  Lord Hunt—Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health
  David Lock—Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department
  Dawn Primarolo—Paymaster General, Her Majesty's Treasury
  Brian Wilson—Minister of State, Scotland Office
  David Hanson—Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales.
  38W
  The Group's remit was set out in the Green Paper "Beating fraud is everyone's business" published in July 1998.

  We do not routinely reveal dates of meetings or the content of discussion between groups of Ministers as this could inhibit the necessary free and frank exchange of views within Government. However, we will do so where such an exchange of views would not be inhibited.

  I refer my right hon. Friend to my Written Answer on 17 April 2000, Official Report, columns 403-04W.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the cost would be of increasing the earnings disregard for people in work claiming housing benefit by(a) 10 per cent., (b) 15 per cent. and (c) 20 per cent. in (i) Scotland and (ii) the UK. [119979]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 20 April 2000]: The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.

  Cost in 2000–01 of increasing the earnings disregard for people in work claiming Housing Benefit by 10 per cent., 15 per cent, and 20 per cent, in Scotland and Great Britain

  £ million

  Per cent.

  Scotland

  Great Britain

  10

  2

  18

  15

  3

  27

  20

  3

  37

  Notes:

  1. Based on the 1997–98 Family Resources Survey and Housing Benefit Administrative data for May 1998.

  2. The figures are rounded to the nearest £1 million. The level of rounding reflects the fact that some of the figures are based on small samples and may be subject to a high degree of variability.

  3. The Family Resources Survey only covers households in Great Britain, so figures which include Northern Ireland cannot be provided.

  Birth Certificates
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for what purposes his Department requires a birth certificate to be furnished by(a) employees, (b) contractors, (c) those applying for employment and contracts and (d) other persons. [120313]

  Mr. Rooker
  This Department and its Agencies require new employees to provide proof of identity and their date of birth, and the provision of their birth certificate is one means of doing this. However, a birth certificate is only required in the absence of other documentation, usually a passport. The Department and its executive Agencies do not ask for birth certificates from contractors or from those seeking a contract.

  The Benefits Agency does not insist on seeing birth certificates of new claimants of Social Security benefits to verify their identity, except when they are claiming certain benefits such as Retirement Pensions and Child Benefit. For other Social Security benefits, other forms of documentation are also acceptable.

  The Child Support Agency will ask for sight of a qualifying child's birth certificate where there is a paternity dispute to establish whether or not the nonresident parent is shown on the birth certificate. It is

  39W
  unlikely for the Agency to request a birth certificate in any other circumstances, as the dates of birth for qualifying children are verified for the purposes of Child Benefit.

  Benefit Payments
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many recipients of benefits have them paid(a) into a bank account and (b) through the Post Office. [120098]

  Mr. Rooker
  As at November 1999, 9.1 million (about 36 per cent.) of all benefit recipients were receiving payment directly into a bank account, and 16.1 million (around 63 per cent.) were collecting payment by order book or girocheque at the post office. The remaining 1 per cent. was paid by other methods of payment into banks, for example, payable orders and a small proportion of girocheques paid into bank accounts.

  Inter-Ministerial Groups
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the names of those Inter-Ministerial Groups whose(a) membership and (b) dates of meetings have been withheld in response to parliamentary questions. [120241]

  Mr. Rooker
  Social Security Ministers chair two Inter-Ministerial Groups; the Inter-Ministerial Group on Older People and the Inter-Ministerial Group on Welfare Fraud. The membership and remit of both these groups are in the public arena.

  We do not routinely reveal dates of meetings or the content of discussion between groups of Ministers as this could inhibit the necessary free and frank exchange of views within Government. However, we will do so where such an exchange of views would not be inhibited.

  Pensions
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the(a) number and (b) proportion of pensioners who at the point of retirement had weekly income from pensions and other sources greater than their basic state retirement pension (i) 30 years ago, (ii) 25 years ago, (iii) 20 years ago, (iv) 15 years ago, (v) 10 years ago, (vi) five years ago and (vii) at the point when the latest available data were collected. [120240]

  Mr. Rooker
  I regret the information is not available.

  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recommendations have been made by the Retirement Income Working Party; and if he will make a statement. [120202]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Retirement Income Working Party is an independent body and has no links with Government. We welcome this report and are studying its recommendations. We understand that both full and summary versions of this report are available on the internet at www.bbk.ac.uk/res/pi/reports.

  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what advice he is giving to people who have no record of a phone-call made reassuring them about future SERPs entitlement in respect of the compensation scheme. [120127]
  40W
  Mr. Rooker
  As our right hon. Friend the Secretary of State said in his statement to the House on the 15 March, we shall put before the House full details of the inherited SERPS scheme, including what information we will require from those wishing to claim and the procedures that will be followed to scrutinise those claims.

  We fully accept the report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Public Administration into inherited SERPS, which concludes at paragraph 32 that the burden of proof in the scheme rests on this Department.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much it will cost in(a) the UK and (b) Scotland to increase the basic state pension for the (i) over 70s and (ii) over 80s by (1) £2, (2) £3, (3) £4, (4) £5 and (5) £10 a week. [119970]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 20 April 2000]: The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.

  Estimates for Great Britain and Scotland

  £ million

  Great Britain

  Scotland

  Annual cost of increasing basic state pension

  Over 70s

  Over 80s

  Over 70s

  Over 80s

  £2

  Gross

  650

  250

  50

  1—

  Net

  500

  150

  —

  —

  £3

  Gross

  1,000

  350

  100

  50

  Net

  700

  250

  —

  —

  £4

  Gross

  1,300

  500

  100

  50

  Net

  1,000

  300

  —

  —

  £5

  Gross

  1,600

  600

  150

  50

  Net

  1,200

  400

  —

  —

  £10

  Gross

  3,250

  1,200

  250

  100

  Net

  2,400

  800

  —

  —

  1 Indicates less than £25 million.

  Notes:

  1. Costs are rounded to the nearest £50 million and are at 2000–01 benefit rates

  2. Costs do not include other benefits whose rates are linked to the rate of basic Retirement Pension

  3. Gross costs are estimated by the Government Actuary's Department. Costs net of means-tested benefit savings have been estimated using the Policy Simulation Model

  4. Net costs are not available for Scotland

  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many pensioners in the last three financial years have switched from weekly cash payments to four-weekly automated credit transfer; and what assessment has been made of the amount that has been saved in administrative costs as a result; [120195]

  (2) what was the average annual cost of administering the payment of retirement pension by cash to pensioners who receive their payment in cash on a weekly basis, in each of the last three years for which figures are available; [120193]
  41W
  (3) what was the average annual cost of administering the payment of retirement pension by automated credit transfer to pensioners who receive their payment by ACT on a four-weekly basis, in each of the last three years for which figures are available. [120194]

  Mr. Rooker
  Information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.

  The estimated customer shift to four-weekly payments

  Year ending April:

  1997

  1998

  1999

  UK Pension Caseload1

  9,545,508

  9,412,145

  9,478,168

  Percentage paid by ACT 4 weekly

  33

  35

  39

  1 Figures exclude pensioners who are in receipt of Income Support and receive a combined payment, or receive payment abroad.

  Note:

  Approximately 2.3 per cent. of pensioners receive payment by ACT 13 weekly or annually.

  The information on administration costs and savings is not available to the detail required. Information on the total annual cost of administering the payment of Retirement Pension is collated but not split by method of payment.

  For information, the total annual cost of administering Retirement Pension in the last three years currently available is:

  £ million

  1996–97

  302

  1997–98

  312

  1998–99

  314

  Mortgages
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to draw up regulations to disregard the value of ISA funds backing a mortgage, where someone with an ISA mortgage has to claim(a) Income Support and (b) income-based Jobseeker's Allowance in the same way the value of an endowment policy backing a mortgage is exempted. [120227]

  Mr. Rooker
  We have no plans to do so.

  Domestic Violence
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what statistics are collected by his Department on evidence of domestic violence in reports prepared by social workers for courts considering issuing child contact orders. [119576]

  Mr. Hutton
  I have been asked to reply.

  Reports on evidence of domestic violence would be prepared by court welfare officers, social workers and other relevant staff at the direction of the judge considering applications for child contact orders. As such, the reports would be documents of the court, and therefore not routinely available (unless at the judge's discretion) for wider circulation or statistical analysis.

HEALTH

  Patient Representation
  Mrs. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to strengthen the system of representation of patients' views in the NHS. [119071]

  Ms Stuart
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth, North (Mr. Rapson),Official Report, column 8.

  Hospital Hygiene
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the Government's plans for improving standards of hygiene in hospitals. [119072]

  Mr. Denham
  Trust Chief Executives are responsible for ensuring that there are high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in hospitals. The infection Control Nurses Association and the Association of Domestic Mangers have recently produced new "Standards for Environmental Cleanliness in Hospitals", which National Health Service Estates will be publishing shortly and sending to all NHS trusts. The controls assurance framework, published on 22 November 1999 has a section relating to infection control, including special reference to cleanliness.

  Commission for Health Improvement
  Mr. Casale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the role of the Commission for Health Improvement. [119073]

  Mr. Denham
  The Commission will provide independent scrutiny of local National Health Service systems to assure and improve clinical quality; provide an expert resource to ensure rapid action is taken to address serious or persistent problems that have not responded to local efforts, and monitor NHS progress in tackling variations in standards of services.

  Health Spending
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is in respect of the proportion of gross domestic product that should be spent on health. [119075]

  Mr. Denham
  In his recent Budget statement, the Chancellor announced the largest ever increase in funding for the National Health Service in England. Over this year and the next three, NHS Expenditure will grow on average by 6.3 per cent. a year over and above inflation. This is nearly twice the historic rate of growth.

  Based on our latest projections total United Kingdom healthcare expenditure will reach around 7.6 per cent. of Gross Domestic Product by 2003–04

  Harefield Hospital, Middlesex
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many letters his Department has received about the proposed closure of Harefield hospital, Middlesex. [119077]

  Mr. Denham
  Between 14 February and 18 April 2000 the Department of Health received a total of 54 letters about the proposals for the future of Harefield hospital.

  Community Hospital
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which community hospitals have closed since May 1996, and how many beds have been lost as a result; and if he will make a statement. [119079]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Assertive Outreach Teams
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many assertive outreach teams have been established since May 1997. [119080]

  Mr. Hutton
  Information about assertive outreach teams was first collected in 1998–99. Sixty-six teams were in existence by March 1999. Data for the year ending March 2000 have not yet been finalised but health authority plans indicated that a further 57 teams were to be established in 1999–2000.

  In the National Priorities guidance for 2000–01 we have set a target for a further 50 teams to be established bringing the total to over 170 teams.

  Local Authority Adoption Services
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to reduce variations in the performance of local authorities in providing adoption services. [119082]

  Mrs. Ann Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to reduce variations in the performance of local authorities in providing adoption services. [119084]

  Mr. Hutton
  We have already put in place the Quality Protects programme to transform the performance of local authority children's services. This includes investing in improved adoption services, in support of our aim of making maximum use of adoption with minimum delay. In addition, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is, with ministerial colleagues, conducting a review of adoption policy, looking at how to improve all aspects of the service.

  NHS Trusts (Board Appointments)
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the timetable is for reviewing the way in which board members of NHS trusts are appointed. [119083]

  Ms Stuart
  I am looking carefully at the best way to implement the new procedures and I hope to have a more detailed timetable in the next few months.

  Waiting Lists (Northamptonshire)
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on current hospital waiting lists in Northamptonshire. [119085]

  Mr. Denham
  At the end of February 2000, the total number of patients on hospital waiting lists in Northamptonshire (inpatient and day case admissions) was 13,503—a 20 per cent. reduction from the total in April 1998.

  Hospital Beds (Worcestershire)
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many hospital beds will be available in Worcestershire after the current hospital reorganisation; [119086]

  (2) how many hospital beds he estimates will be available in Worcestershire following hospital reorganisation there. [109844]

  Yvette Cooper
  The important issue for the health service in Worcestershire is the number of patients who need to be treated and the appropriateness of their care. In line with this, the current estimate is that following hospital reorganisation there will be approximately 1,400 acute and community based beds available across Worcestershire. In addition, there will be more High Dependency Unit and Intensive Care Unit beds in the new acute hospital for Worcester owing to the investment the Government has made to modernise services in Worcestershire.

  The report of the Government's National Beds Inquiry, set up to review assumptions about the demand for inpatient care and the implications for hospital bed numbers, was published for consultation on 10 February 2000. Consultation will focus on how health services, and specifically hospital beds, should be developed over the next 10-20 years.

  The National Beds Inquiry consultation will enable the Government to get the right number of the right sort of beds in the right places.

  Community Health Provision
  Mr. Pond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he proposes to improve community health provision. [119087]

  Mr. Hutton
  We have already introduced primary care groups and primary care trusts to provide more integrated services and to ensure local decisions about community healthcare services are led by local clinicians. We have introduced new flexibilities through the Health Act 1999 to enable better partnership working between the National Health Service and local councils. And we are developing a new tier of intermediate care services to build effective bridges between home and hospital.

  Primary Care
  Liz Blackman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to deliver more services in primary care settings. [119088]

  Ms Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to deliver more services in primary care settings. [119093]

  Mr. Denham
  Our aim is that, in time, all patients will be able to access expanded primary care services. Primary care groups and, particularly, primary care trusts have a key role in developing such services and making them more convenient, faster and responsive. The additional health resources, which the Chancellor announced in the Budget Statement, offer the opportunity to begin to deliver this aim sooner. We intend to work with the professions and others to grasp that opportunity. Accordingly, improved access to services is one of the
  45W
  main themes of the work of the modernisation action Teams, which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State launched on 12 April.

  Domiciliary Care Agencies
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his plans to regulate and inspect domiciliary care agencies. [119089]

  Mr. Hutton
  We are committed to introducing a regulatory framework for home care services, and proposals for this are included in the Care Standards Bill, which was recently introduced in this House.

  All domiciliary care agencies will be required to register, if they provide personal care services, and be inspected annually by the National Care Standards Commission. This will not apply to those supplying solely domestic services, which do not involve personal care, nor to those who provide personal care single-handed.

  A core steering group and a wider reference group have developed draft national minimum standards and a user forum was held in January 2000. A consultation version of the proposed regulations and standards should be published later this year.

  National Institute for Clinical Excellence
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the work of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. [119090]

  Mr. Denham
  The National Institute for Clinical Excellence announced its work programme in November 1999. NICE has an agreed work programme of appraisals, clinical guidelines, clinical audits, and GP referral protocols. So far NICE has completed one fast-track appraisal, on the flu drug Relenza, and full appraisals on wisdom teeth and hip prostheses. We are expecting shortly the results of its appraisals on coronary artery stents and taxanes.

  Waiting Lists (Consultants)
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients are waiting for a first appointment with a consultant. [119091]

  Mr. Denham
  The Department has never collected data on the total number of people waiting for a first appointment with a consultant. The number of people waiting more than 13 weeks after referral by their general practitioner for a first outpatient appointment fell by 16,000 (3.2 per cent.) between September 1999 and December 1999 to 496,000.

  NHS-prescribed Drugs (Access)
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to remove regional variations in access to NHS-prescribed drugs. [119092]

  Ms Stuart
  We recognise and will tackle unacceptable variations in access to care and treatment. That is why we have set up the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE will reduce post-code variations by issuing authoritative national guidance based on evidence of the clinical and cost-effectiveness of treatments.

  NHS Dentistry
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to publish his Green Paper on NHS dentistry. [119062]

  Mr. Hutton
  We intend to publish our proposals for modernising National Health Service dentistry this summer, in conjunction with the National Plan for the new NHS.

  NHS Treatment (Access)
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to deal with regional variations in access to NHS treatment. [119069]

  Mr. Denham
  We are setting standards through the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and the National Service Framework programme; ensuring local delivery through clinical governance; and monitoring delivery via performance assessment framework, the Commission for Health Improvement and a national patient surveys programme. I will be working with relevant parties, utilising the record increases in National Health Service funding announced in the Budget, to improve NHS performance.

  Health Statistics
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to collate comprehensive health statistics on a constituency basis. [119078]

  Mr. Denham
  We have no plans to develop comprehensive data on a constituency basis. For many sets of health data an analysis by constituency is not possible; sub-national analysis reflects either local or health authority responsibilities as appropriate. An extensive range of local health statistics is available and following consultation on the Social Exclusion Unit's report on 'Better Information' this may be further extended.

  Long-term Care
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what date he will announce his complete response to the report of the royal commission on long-term care. [119081]

  Mr. Hutton
  I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health on 2 December 1999,Official Report, columns 444-54.

  Dystonia
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have died of dystonia or dystonia-related complications in each of the last five years. [119833]

  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.
  47W
  Letter from John Kidgell to Mike Hancock, dated 2 May 2000:
  The Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many people have died of dystonia or dystonia-related complications in each of the last five years. I am replying in the Director's absence.
  Information on the numbers of death certificates on which dystonia was mentioned and the number for which it was the underlying cause is given in the Table below.

  Deaths with a mention of dystonia1 occurring in 1994 to 1998, England and Wales

  Year of death

  Total mentions

  Dystonia as underlying cause

  1998

  20

  9

  1997

  18

  5

  1996

  17

  5

  1995

  21

  7

  1994

  10

  2

  1 International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes 333.6, 333.7 and 333.8

  Genetic Data
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the compatibility of his Department's data matching in respect of fraud in the NHS with(a) Article 8 of the Human Rights Act 1998 and (b) medical confidentiality; what representations he has received on this subject; and if he will make a statement. [119523]

  Mr. Denham
  No such assessment has been made since the Department has not used data matching in respect of fraud.

  Mental Health Services
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money he has given(a) Bromley Health Authority and (b) Oxleas Dental Health Trust from the modernisation fund for use in mental health services in Bromley in (a) 1999–00, (b) 2000–01 and (c) 2001–02. [119466]

  Mr. Hutton
  The following funds have been allocated to Bromley Health Authority from the Modernisation fund for mental health services:1999–2000
  £35,000 for adult mental health (£15,000 for new atypical anti-psychotic medication and £20,000 for improved 24 hour access to services)
  £56,000 for child and adolescent mental health
  2000–01
  £25,000 for child and adolescent mental health

  In addition to this, nationally £21.7 million of mental health modernisation fund money was allocated as part of unified allocations to all health authorities

  Further allocations will be made during 2000–01.

  Allocations have not been announced for 2001–02.

  We do not make revenue allocations direct to National Health Service trusts. NHS trusts receive most of their income through service agreements with health authorities and their primary care groups.

  Cerebral Palsy
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of Dysport in the treatment of cerebral palsy. [119467]

  Ms Stuart
  Dysport ("Clostridium botulinum" toxin, marketing authorisation holder Ipsen Limited) has been investigated over a number of years for use as an injection into spastic muscles of children with cerebral palsy, to relieve the muscle spasticity. Cerebral palsy can result in calf muscle spasticity, causing the foot to turn outwards and so interfering with gait and sometimes with the ability to walk. When used in the appropriate dose, injection of botulinum toxin into the calf muscles can improve gait and enable walking.

  The Medicines Control Agency undertook a full assessment of reports of these studies, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Dysport used in this way, in November 1999. On the basis of this assessment the licence for Dysport was varied to allow marketing for the indication
  'Treatment of dynamic equinus foot deformity due to spasticity in paediatric cerebral palsy patients, two years of age or older, only in hospital specialist centres with appropriately trained personnel.'

  Dynamic equinus foot deformity is the result of spasticity in the calf muscle.

  Domestic Violence
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to propose amendments to the Protection of Children Act 1999 to offer greater protection to children subject to child contact orders where there is a history of domestic violence. [119281]

  Mr. Hutton
  We have no plans to amend the Protection of Children Act 1999 in this way because it is aimed at a different set of issues; primarily at preventing those considered unsuitable to work with children from doing so.

  Contact orders are granted under the Children Act 1989 and when there is a history of domestic violence, greater protection may be offered to children through the court specifying that contact takes place within a contact centre. Additionally, contact may take place in such centres on a supervised basis. An inter-departmental group is looking currently at the funding arrangements and provision of child contact centres as part of the Government's programme on domestic violence—documented in "Living Without Fear (1999)".

  The operation of the Children Act is kept under close review and serious consideration is given to any changes that might provide greater protection to children with violent parents.

  Hospital Food
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the cost of providing food to hospital patients, broken down by(a) staffing costs, (b) food costs and (c) other costs, in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [119660]
  49W
  Ms Stuart
  Costs for provisions and kitchen and contract hotel services are collected from the trust financial returns and the latest firm information is for the 1998–99 financial year; this is shown in the table.

  Information on staffing costs and food costs for providing food to hospital patients is not collected centrally.

  £

  Provisions and Kitchen1

  257,633,466

  Contract Hotel Services2

  246,267,545

  1 Provisions and kitchen includes the purchase of provisions, hardware and crockery.

  2 Contract hotel services contains contract catering and laundry contracts.

  Nursing Home Care
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to change the way in which nursing home care is financed; and if he will make a statement. [119661]

  Mr. Hutton
  We are considering all the Royal commission recommendations on the funding of long-term care in the context of the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review. Decisions will be announced later this year.

  Aventis T25 Maize
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 5 April 2000,Official Report, column 502W, on Aventis T25 maize, what was the voluntary scheme under which the application was made; how the application was (a) processed and (b) determined; who were the animal feed experts who advised him on the safety of T25 GM maize for animal feed; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the application, together with copies of the correspondence relating to the animal feed application between himself, his advisers and the company. [119304]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 17 April 2000]: I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that the voluntary scheme related to novel food safety assessment and was operated by the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP). Although there was no equivalent scheme for novel animal feeds, the dossier of information was also considered by officials with expertise on animal feed matters. However, at this time, in the middle of 1996, the application from France under Council Directive 90/220/EEC for European Community marketing consent began to be considered. I am placing in the Library a copy of the advice from the European Commission's Scientific Committee on Plants. This explains, among other things, the animal feed issues considered prior to the granting of EC marketing consent for this crop. I am also placing in the Library copies of correspondence between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the applicant company culminating in the then Parliamentary Secretary's letter which was based on advice from the ACNFP.

  Air Ambulances
  Mrs. Fiona Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations have been made to him regarding the central funding of emergency air ambulances, with particular reference to the one operating in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. [119758]

  Ms Stuart
  While a number of representations have been made on the use of helicopters in the National Health Service, none have been made about the central funding of an air ambulance service in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.

  Community Nurses
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what recent discussions he has had with health trusts and local authorities concerning parking arrangements for community nurses; [119734]

  (2) what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding tax levels on lease cars used by community nurses; [119732]

  (3) what discussions he has had with health trusts regarding mileage rates for community nurses; [119733]

  (4) what plans he has to improve the lease car arrangements for NHS community nursing staff. [119731]

  Ms Stuart
  Mileage and travelling entitlements for National Health Service staff on national contracts are determined by an agreement of the General Whitley Council. A working group of the Council which includes representatives from trades unions and employers is reviewing existing provisions with the aim of recommending new arrangements which are fair to staff, meet service needs and reflect our wider environmental policies. The Inland Revenue have been consulted as part of this review.

  As part of the consultation process for Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions' "Planning Policy Guidance 13", a number of NHS acute and community trusts were contacted to ascertain the likely implications of the proposed maximum car parking standards being applied to NHS hospitals.

  "Fit for the Future?"
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to announce his conclusions based on the responses received to "Fit for the Future?"; and if he will make a statement. [119738]

  Mr. Hutton
  We intend to publish the finalised standards for care homes for older people later this year.

  We are still considering the comments we received on "Fit for the Future?" before finalising the standards and the timetable for implementing them. However, we indicated our initial thinking in some key areas on 15 February 2000, Official Report, column 176WH.

  We believe that some of the 260 proposals in "Fit for the Future?" may only have a marginal impact on the quality of care and it is highly unlikely that this many standards will be needed.
  51W
  We do not accept that fixed ratios are the best means of specifying the number and qualifications of staff to be employed in a nursing home. For qualified nurses, numbers should relate to the assessed needs of residents at any one time. We are considering what models of assessment should be recognised by the National Care Standards Commission for this purpose and how nursing needs are defined so that nurse staffing levels can be set accurately and realistically.

  We are looking very carefully at the proposed standards on the physical environment of care homes. These must take account of the high levels of physical frailty that many older residents in care homes have. In determining room size it is important to bear in mind aspects such as quality of life and safety for residents and staff. However, we do not intend to impose unreasonable physical standards on existing homes. Physical standards will be set at a level already being met by some providers and which other providers should be able to meet over time.

  None of the standards will be introduced until at least 2002 when the Commission takes on its regulatory function. Some of the more challenging standards will not be implemented until some time after that. Providers will be given realistic timescales in which to meet any new standards.

  Mental Health
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans there are for primary care groups to commission mental health services. [120032]

  Mr. Denham
  Health authorities are able to delegate to their primary care groups responsibility for commissioning most hospital and community health services, including mental health services. The range of services which each primary care group is responsible for commissioning is a matter for agreement between it and its health authority. As primary care groups develop, we expect them to take on responsibility for commissioning more services, including mental health.

  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much of the planned increase in health spending in each of the next three years will be spent on mental health(a) in total and (b) in each region (i) in cash terms and (ii) as a percentage of the planned increase. [120031]

  Mr. Hutton
  Last year we announced our vision for mental health services, "Modernising Mental Health Services", with an additional £700 million of funding for health and social services during the comprehensive spending review period (1999–2000 to 2001–02). Since then, in the last budget, significant extra resources were made available to the NHS in each of the next four years. Decisions on the disposition of these resources have yet to be finalised.

  It is therefore not possible to identify all of the additional resources that will be available for spend on mental health over the next four years.

  Primary Care Group Board
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many Primary Care Group Board members are from the Professions Allied to Medicine. [120064]
  52W
  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 20 April 2000]: The composition of primary care groups governing boards reflects the need to ensure that general practitioners and nurses are in the driving seat for the shaping of local health care services. Professions Allied to Medicine may become co-opted members on the boards of local primary care groups but that information is not held centrally.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 16 March 2000,Official Report, column 306W, for what reason the completion of equal opportunities forms by primary care group board members is not compulsory; and if he will make their completion compulsory. [120061]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 20 April 2000]: Committees of National Health Service organisations are not statutory bodies and therefore members of such committees are not subject to the same requirements to submit equal opportunity information as are board members of NHS organisations. A primary care group is a committee of a health authority.

  There are no plans to introduce compulsory equal opportunity forms for primary care group board members.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many primary care group board members are nurses, midwives or health visitors from ethnic minority backgrounds. [120062]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 20 April 2000]: Based on the information provided by primary care groups last year, there are 12 primary care group board nurse, midwives or health visitor members from ethnic minority backgrounds. This information is currently being updated to reflect any changes in primary care groups and the creation of 17 primary care trusts from 1 April 2000.

  Nurses and Health Visitors
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many(a) health visitors and (b) district nurses are aged 55 years old and over; and what proportion of the current workforce in each case they represent; [120006]

  (2) how many (a) health visitors, (b) school nurses and (c) district nurses are currently in training; and what numbers in training are planned for 2001–02. [120060]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 20 April 2000]: The available information is shown in the tables. 2000–01 training figures are forecast and 2001–02 are not available.

  NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): All health visitors and district nurses, who are 55 years of age and over, within England, as at 30 September 1998

  Whole-time equivalents

  Health visitor

  District nurse

  Staff 55 years of age and over

  1,330

  1,270

  Percentage of staff 55 years of age and over

  13

  11

  Total staff

  10,070

  11,430

  Notes:

  1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

  2. Figures exclude learners and agency staff.

  3. Percentages were calculated from numbers of staff expressed as whole-time equivalents.

  Source:

  Department of Health Non-Medical Workforce Census
  53W

  NHS funded pre-registration training commissions forecast figures for 2000–01

  Commissions

  Health visitor

  662

  School nurses

  162

  District nurses

  619

  Sources:

  Department of Health Financial and Workforce Information return

  Year

  Total

  White

  Black

  Asian

  Other

  Unknown

  1995

  100

  69

  18

  4

  5

  4

  1996

  100

  68

  20

  4

  5

  3

  1997

  100

  63

  22

  4

  7

  3

  1998

  100

  59

  26

  4

  5

  6

  Notes:

  1. Figures are expressed as percentages.

  2. Information as at 30 September each year.

  3. Percentages were calculated from numbers of staff expressed as whole-time equivalents.

  Source:

  Department of Health Non-Medical Workforce Census.

  Speech Therapists
  Dr. Brand
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many speech therapists are employed by region; and how many vacancies there are for speech therapists. [120308]

  NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): All speech and language therapy staff by Regional Office Area, in England as at 30 September 1998

  Whole-time equivalent

  All speech and language therapy staff

  Manager

  Therapist

  Tutor

  Student/trainee

  Helper/assistant

  England

  4,130

  100

  3,730

  1—

  1—

  300

  Northern and Yorkshire

  480

  20

  430

  0

  0

  30

  Trent

  360

  10

  330

  0

  0

  20

  Anglia and Oxford

  380

  1—

  350

  0

  0

  20

  North Thames

  700

  10

  640

  1—

  0

  40

  South Thames

  650

  10

  590

  0

  0

  50

  South West

  490

  10

  450

  0

  1—

  30

  West Midlands

  480

  10

  420

  0

  0

  50

  North and West

  590

  10

  520

  0

  0

  50

  Other

  1—

  0

  1—

  0

  0

  0

  1 Five or less and greater than zero

  Note:

  Figures are rounded to the nearest ten

  Source:

  Department of Health 1998 non-medical work force census

  Department of Health Recruitment, Retention and Vacancies Survey—total and three month vacancies in NHS Trusts by region—speech and language therapy staff at 31 March 1999

  Whole-time equivalent

  Total vacancies

  Three months vacancies

  England

  180

  50

  Northern and Yorkshire

  20

  10

  Trent

  20

  1—

  Anglia and Oxford

  10

  0

  North Thames

  40

  10

  South Thames

  30

  10

  South West

  20

  1—

  West Midlands

  10

  1—

  North and West

  30

  10

  1 Five or less and greater than zero

  Health Visitors (Ethnicity)
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the breakdown was by ethnic origin of health visitors employed in London by NHS trusts in each of the last four years. [120063]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 20 April 2000]: The data requested for each of the last four years for which information is available are given in the table:

  Mr. Denham
  Information on how many speech therapists are employed by region; and how many vacancies there are for speech therapists are set out in the tables.

  Notes:

  1. Figures are rounded to the nearest ten.

  2. Total vacancies are the total posts that Trusts were actively trying to fill at 31 March 1999.

  3. Three month vacancies are those posts that had been vacant for three months or more at 31 March 1999.

  4. All figures rounded to the nearest whole number.

  Dr. Brand
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many speech therapists are employed by the NHS by region who have special training in communication aids. [120309]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Dr. Brand
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many speech therapists are in training. [120307]
  55W
  Mr. Denham
  There are currently 825 National Health Service funded speech and language therapists in training. This figure reflects those who have entered training since 1 September 1998 (the date on which the Department assumed responsibility for supporting new entrants on pre-registration speech and language therapy courses). Students who started their training prior to this date are funded under mainstream student support arrangements, which are a matter for the Department for Education and Employment.

  Nurse Consultants
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the breakdown is by(a) gender and (b) ethnic origin of the newly-appointed nurse consultants. [120005]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 20 April 2000]: On 18 January approval was given for National Health Service bodies to establish 141 new nurse, midwife and health visitor consultant posts. The appointment process is under way but has not been completed. Data on the gender and ethnic origin of those appointed are not yet available.

  Birth Certificates
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what purposes his Department requires a birth certificate to be furnished by(a) employees, (b) contractors, (c) those applying for employment and contracts and (d) other persons. [120318]

  Ms Stuart
  All those working for or on behalf of the Department may be called upon to produce a birth certificate, or other similar documentation, to prove their identity, eligibility under Civil Service nationality rules or age.

  Working Time Directive
  Mrs. Dean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in implementing the working time directive within the NHS. [120237]

  Mr. Denham
  Good progress is being made. Agreements have been reached with the General Whitley Council and the British Medical Association, to cover all National Health Service staff on nationally negotiated terms and conditions, other than junior doctors who are currently exempt from the working time regulations. The aim of these agreements is to make maximum use of the available flexibilities to allow local arrangements to be established so that the Directive can be implemented smoothly without adversely affecting service provision.

  In addition, the NHS Executive issued supporting guidance in November 1998 (Health Service Circular 1998/204). Further advice was issued on 20 December 1999, to clarify certain legal aspects, and continued support and advice is available to help local managers resolve practical issues that arise.

  We expect all NHS employers to be in a position to implement the regulations in their entirety shortly.

  Children (Physical Punishment)
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to ensure public awareness of his document, entitled "The Physical Punishment of Children". [120186]

  Mr. Hutton
  We launched the consultation paper "Protecting Children, Supporting Parents: A Consultation Paper on the Physical Punishment of children" at a press conference on 18 January. It received extensive media coverage that day, and was widely reported in the media subsequently. The document was also made available on the DH website.

  In addition, a number of children's organisations have run campaigns associated with the consultation throughout the consultation period and a number of publications with specialist and family interests have featured articles about the issues involved.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the Government will allow a longer time for public response to their consultation on the document, entitled "The Physical Punishment of Children". [120185]

  Mr. Hutton
  The consultation paper "Protecting Children, Supporting Parents: A Consultation Paper on the Physical Punishment of Children" was issued on 18 January and responses were asked for by 21 April.

  While we are not proposing any formal extension to the consultation period we will take account of any responses received before the analysis of the responses is completed.

  Residential and Nursing Homes
  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what financial provision is made to local authorities in respect of residents who have placed themselves in residential or nursing homes and whose capital has declined to £16,000. [120073]

  Mr. Hutton
  Residential and nursing home care services are funded through the Revenue Support Grant. We do not make any specific financial provision in respect of residents who have placed themselves in residential or nursing homes and whose capital has declined to £16,000. At this point the local authority can undertake an assessment and, if necessary, step in to take over arrangements to ensure that the resident is not forced to use up capital below £16,000 beyond his assessed level.

  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many residents in residential or nursing homes in each shire county in England, who placed themselves in such homes, are now funded by the local authority; and if he will estimate the cost to each local authority in the current financial year. [120075]

  Mr. Hutton
  Information in the form requested is not collected centrally. However, the number of residents supported by local authorities is at Table S3 in the Statistical Bulletin "Community Care Statistics 1999 Residential Personal Social Services for adults, England". Copies of this publication are available in the Library.

  Aspartame
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what mechanisms are in place to monitor the number of people suffering an adverse reaction to aspartame. [120498]
  57W
  Ms Stuart
  The scientific data on aspartame are kept under continual review by scientific experts within the Food Standards Agency and, when necessary, independent expert advice is sought. In fact the safety of aspartame has been extensively reviewed by independent experts both in the United Kingdom and other European Member States and is considered safe to use for the general population. However, it is a legal requirement for all foods containing aspartame to be clearly labelled as containing a source of phenylalanine.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to reply to the letter from the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed of 4 January, concerning the length of time a constituent is waiting for treatment for angina. [120591]

  Ms Stuart
  My right hon. Friend will reply to the right hon. Member's letter as soon as possible.

  NHS Appointments
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) on how many occasions since the publication of the Fritchie report on NHS appointments hon. Members have been asked to comment on shortlists for appointments to(a) health authorities, (b) NHS trusts and (c) primary care trusts; [120283]

  (2) how many councillors of each party affiliation have been short-listed for appointments to (a) health authorities, (b) NHS trusts and (c) primary care trusts since the publication of the Fritchie report on NHS appointments. [120284]

  Ms Stuart
  Since 22 March when the Fritchie report was published, 56 submissions for 101 posts have been received by Ministers.

  These included recommendations for 11 chairs and shortlists for non-executives which included 24 councillors.

  The selection process at regional level had already been largely completed before 22 March so it is fair to assume that hon. Members were consulted on all 11 chair appointments in the usual way.

  Drug Companies
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what checks he makes on the financial contributions made by drug companies to organisations that make representations to him. [120376]

  Ms Stuart
  It is neither practicable nor appropriate to check on the sources of income of every organisation that makes representations to the Department. In cases where the Department is contemplating financial support for an organisation, checks of this kind are made. It should be noted that the pharmaceutical industry offers support to organisations or their objectives in various ways other than direct financial contributions, and these must also be taken into account.

  Nurses
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many qualified nurses left the profession 58W
  within one year of completing their initial training in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on the impact of this loss of trained nurses on patient care. [120398]

  Mr. Denham
  This information is not collected centrally. We recognise the contribution nurses make to patient care and we are therefore committed to encouraging them to stay in the National Health Service once they have qualified. NHS employers are becoming more flexible with the working patterns they are offering, thus allowing nurses to balance their lives at work and home. The number of qualified nurses working in the NHS increased by over 5,500 between September 1998 and September 1999.

  Health Authority Allocations
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each health authority in England in rank order its allocation for 2000–01, including the expenditure announced on 28 March, expressed(a) per head of population, and (b) per household. [120274]

  Mr. Denham
  The average allocation per household in England for 2000–01 is £1,631. The number of households in each health authority is not available.

  The allocation per weighted head of population in each health authority is given in the table.

  All figures include the additional £660 million announced on 28 March.

  £

  Health authority

  2000–01 allocation per weighted head of population

  Isle of Wight

  736

  Bexley and Greenwich

  729

  Redbridge and Waltham Forest

  714

  Wirral

  710

  Morecambe Bay

  710

  Camden and Islington

  710

  Sefton

  709

  Gloucestershire

  708

  Kingston and Richmond

  706

  West Surrey

  706

  East Kent

  705

  East Sussex, Brighton and Hove

  705

  Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham

  705

  Manchester

  704

  Brent and Harrow

  704

  East Surrey

  703

  Liverpool

  702

  South Lancashire

  702

  Wiltshire

  702

  Salford and Trafford

  701

  Dorset

  701

  South Humber

  701

  Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

  701

  Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth

  700

  Warwickshire

  699

  Sheffield

  698

  South and West Devon

  698

  North and East Devon

  697

  Newcastle and North Tyneside

  696

  Leeds

  694

  North Cheshire

  694

  West Kent

  694

  Northamptonshire

  694

  59W

  £

  Health authority

  2000–01 allocation per weighted head of population

  Barking and Havering

  694

  Suffolk

  694

  South Cheshire

  694

  North and Mid Hampshire

  693

  Birmingham

  693

  Wakefield

  693

  Worcestershire

  692

  Enfield and Haringey

  691

  Somerset

  691

  West Hertfordshire

  691

  Stockport

  691

  North Cumbria

  691

  Barnet

  691

  Solihull

  690

  East Riding

  689

  North West Lancashire

  688

  Southampton and South West Hampshire

  688

  Bromley

  688

  Doncaster

  688

  Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow

  688

  Portsmouth and South East Hampshire

  688

  Norfolk

  688

  Northumberland

  687

  Bury and Rochdale

  687

  North Essex

  687

  Calderdale and Kirklees

  687

  South Staffordshire

  686

  Herefordshire

  685

  West Sussex

  684

  North Derbyshire

  684

  Hillingdon

  684

  North Yorkshire

  684

  St. Helens and Knowsley

  684

  Sandwell

  684

  Bradford

  684

  East Lancashire

  683

  Sunderland

  682

  Gateshead and South Tyneside

  682

  Rotherham

  682

  Tees

  682

  Lincolnshire

  681

  Croydon

  681

  Avon

  681

  Walsall

  679

  East and North Hertfordshire

  679

  Shropshire

  678

  North Staffordshire

  678

  Wolverhampton

  677

  Dudley

  677

  South Essex

  677

  South Derbyshire

  677

  West Pennine

  676

  County Durham

  674

  Nottingham

  673

  North Nottinghamshire

  672

  Oxfordshire

  672

  Cambridgeshire

  671

  Leicestershire

  670

  Coventry

  669

  Barnsley

  669

  Buckinghamshire

  668

  Wigan and Bolton

  667

  East London and the City

  666

  Berkshire

  666

  Bedfordshire

  663

  Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster

  637

  England total

  688

  NHS Savings
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the net savings made from replacing the NHS internal market by the arrangements introduced in April 1999. [120330]

  Mr. Denham
  Savings from replacing the National Health Service internal market have played a major part in ensuring that the Government are on course to achieve their commitment to save £1 billion from the cost of bureaucracy in the NHS. Savings have accrued through a series of measures including:abolishing the internal market and ending competition;
  introducing new primary care groups in place of general practitioner fundholding;
  replacing yearly contracts within the NHS with long-term agreements;
  abolishing the wasteful "extra-contractual referral" system pooling services and functions;
  merging NHS trusts to save at least £500,000 in each case.

  These and other savings related to abolition of the NHS internal market and other cost reducing measures have contributed to an overall saving in management costs of £0.5 billion up to the end of March 2000.

  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to(a) monitor and (b) measure the net savings arising from replacement of the NHS internal market. [120331]

  Mr. Denham
  The cost of managing the National Health Service has been monitored in a consistent way since 1995–96 and change in the quantum of management costs is used as the basic measure of savings accrued. No additional steps have been taken to monitor and measure the net savings arising specifically from replacement of the NHS internal market.

  Monitoring of NHS management costs is carried out quarterly and annually for health authorities and primary care groups. Monitoring of management costs in NHS trusts is carried out annually.

  Savings in total management costs are calculated annually from the information supplied by individual HAs and NHS trusts. Information to identify the level of savings accrued from mergers of NHS trusts is collected separately.

  Electronic Health Records
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the progress made by(a) health authorities in Shropshire and (b) nationally to develop Electronic Health Records as set out in the report, "Information for Health". [120367]

  Ms Stuart
  The information strategy for the Modern NHS 1998–2005 "Information for Health", called for a number of demonstrator sites to be set up to explore the issues associated with the creation of electronic records. The setting up of these sites is a key component of supporting the delivery of electronic health records throughout the National Health Service.

  I announced the names of the four Electronic Health Record (EHR) demonstrators on Monday 17 April during my visit to Burton hospitals, South Staffordshire. The

  61W
  sites chosen are Cornwall, South Staffordshire, County Durham and Tees. Work will commence once the deliverables have been agreed with each of the sites, on developing the concept of longitudinal care and 24-hour emergency access to clinical records. The sites will also consider emerging issues such as areas of personal rights to control over medical information (European context) and e-health agenda.

  A larger number (up to 12) of Electronic Patient Records (EPR) demonstrators will start working in June on specific areas that have been identified as priorities by their local health community. These will include how information can be shared more effectively among members of the primary health care teams and between different organisations for the benefit of patient care. They will also closely support the concept of how information will actually support the delivery of the local Health Improvement Programme. The names of the successful sites will be announced in the next few weeks.

  The demonstrator sites will be subject to national evaluation and will run for two years.

  Shropshire local health community has developed a full Local Implementation Strategy for Information for Health. This was submitted to the Regional Office on 31 March 2000 and is currently being evaluated. It sets out a clear vision of the way in which the Shropshire local health community will achieve the targets set out in "Information for Health" in the period between 2000–05. The vision is supported by detailed investment proposals for the organisations involved in the planning and delivery of health and social care services to patients and the public in Shropshire.

  Medical Laboratory Science Officers
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the average amount of(a) paid and (b) unpaid time a medical laboratory science officer is expected to set aside for studying for a continuing professional development certificate. [120337]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not collected centrally. Health Service Circular 1999/154, "Continuing Professional Development: Quality in The New NHS", supports National Health Service employers to develop locally managed arrangements for continuing professional development (CPD) to ensure that CPD programmes address the personal and career development needs of individuals and meet local service objectives and the needs of patients.

  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in allowing medical laboratory science officers to join the Pay Review Body; and if he will make a statement. [120335]

  Mr. Denham
  Our proposals for modernising National Health Service pay, which were published in February 1999 in "Agenda for Change", include bringing some groups of highly qualified staff within the scope of the Nursing Pay Review Body, without changing its fundamentally professional character.

  Initial discussions with NHS trade unions on pay modernisation resulted in a joint Framework of Principles and Agreed Statement on the Way Forward which was published on 8 October 1999, Para 7.2 of the joint
  62W
  Framework sets out the following starting point for more detailed discussions with trade unions on the qualifying criteria for groups to come with the scope of the NPRB:
  Professions with a minimum entry requirement of three years educational study (or equivalent) to diploma level or higher, in a health specific area (other than medicine or dentistry) and which are state registered and have a substantial majority of members employed in health care.
  Exceptions might be agreed for staff groups which met the majority but not all of these conditions.
  Staff groups which support professions added to the NPRB remit, and who have a direct connection with the transferred groups similar to that between nursing auxiliaries and registered nurses, would also need to be considered for transfer.

  I am sure my hon. Friend will appreciate that, as this is part of continuing confidential discussions with NHS unions aimed at reaching agreement by summer 2000, I am unable to comment further at this stage.

  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what records are kept by his Department of death rates among medical laboratory science officers. [120338]

  Mr. Denham
  Information on death rates among medical laboratory science officers is not collected centrally, but may be held locally by individual National Health Service employers.

  Health Workers
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on(a) recruitment and (b) retention among health workers not covered by the Pay Review Body. [120334]

  Mr. Denham
  We recognise that National Health Service staff are the key to delivering its ambitious programme to modernise the service, and we are taking a number of steps which will help to address the issue of recruitment and retention of all NHS staff.

  We are modernising services and modernising employment practice in the NHS: developing more supportive, flexible and family friendly working practices; extending and improving investment in lifelong learning and professional development; tackling violence and racism in the workplace; involving staff in the way services are delivered and in the changes and developments that affect their working lives. Pay is also being addressed.

  In addition, we are developing the interactive service "NHS Careers" which will cover all NHS staff in due course.

  Psychologists and Child Psychotherapists
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the recruitment of clinical psychologists and child psychotherapists. [120328]

  Mr. Denham
  We recognise that National Health Service staff are the key to delivering its ambitious programme to modernise the Service, and we are taking a number of steps which will help to address the issue of recruitment and retention of clinical psychologists and child psychotherapists.
  63W
  The recently published National Service Framework for mental health demands concerted local action through health improvement programmes, using local mechanisms for workforce planning, education and training, and continuing professional development and lifelong learning. The standards set out will require properly trained and supported additional staff across all groups to provide modern health care.

  The Department has established an action team, chaired by Sue Hunt, an experienced mental health services chief executive, to deliver a nationally co-ordinated programme of support to help local health and social services authorities meet their complex workforce needs.

  We are modernising services and modernising employment practice in the NHS: developing more supportive, flexible and family friendly working practices; extending and improving investment in lifelong learning and professional development; tackling violence and racism in the workplace; involving staff in the way services are delivered and in the changes and developments that affect their working lives. Pay is also being addressed.

  In addition, we are developing the interactive service "NHS Careers" which will cover all NHS staff in due course.

  GP Lists
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons United Kingdom nationals are removed from their GP's list following periods of work abroad exceeding three months. [120377]

  Ms Stuart
  General practitioners' lists need to be kept up to date in order to reflect accurately the numbers of patients that they are responsible for. GPs have duties to provide continuity of care to their patients, and also to be able to visit them outside the surgery should the need arise. These responsibilities cannot be fulfilled if patients are resident abroad.

  Appointment Waiting Times
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the average waiting time for patients from first referral until their first appointment with a consultant. [119074]

  Mr. Denham
  The average waiting time for patients from general practitioner referral to being seen by the consultant for their first appointment is seven weeks.

  European Food Authority
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the proposed European Food Authority will be able to overrule the UK's Food Standards Agency. [120496]

  Ms Stuart
  No such formal role has been proposed. The relationship between the proposed European Authority and agencies in member states is not clearly defined in the Commission's communication. However, we expect any recommendations from the proposed Authority to be based on full consultation and careful analysis of the best available scientific information. The United Kingdom's Food Standards Agency will wish to be involved at an early stage and to participate closely in the work of the Authority.

  Beef Imports
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what tests are undertaken to ensure the safety of beef imported into the United Kingdom from countries where BSE infections have been notified. [117708]

  Ms Quin
  I have been asked to reply.

  There are no tests available for the detection of BSE in meat. The three tests recently approved by the European Commission have been approved for the purposes of surveillance and are not suitable for testing imported beef.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his policy in respect of the use his Department, its agencies and public bodies will make of the powers relating to the authorised obtaining of communications data in Part I, Chapter II of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill once the Bill is enacted. [119508]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on 19 April 2000,Official Report, column 509W.

  Online Services
  Mr. Robert Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the services which(a) his Department and (b) the executive agencies responsible to his Department (i) provide on-line and (ii) expect to be deliverable on-line by 2002. [119441]

  Mr. Hain
  We are currently collecting data on our progress on delivering 25 per cent. of Government services electronically by 2002 to be included in the Cabinet Office's Spring 2000 report monitoring progress towards delivery of all Government services electronically by 2005. We currently provide a range of services electronically via our websites, including country Travel Advice notices, seven separate visa application forms, consular services and embassy contact details. Over 60 British diplomatic missions also offer a range of information and services via their own websites, linked from the main Foreign Office website. In the future, it is hoped to set up regional electronic 'contact centres' for British consular and visa services abroad.

  "Your Britain, Your Europe"
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reason the "Your Britain, Your Europe" campaign includes events commemorating UK participation in the Council of Europe; for what reason the questionnaire from the roadshow refers to Europe rather than specific European institutions; and what is his policy on clearly identifying EU institutions in this campaign. [119813]

  Mr. Vaz
  My engagement at the Council of Europe on 1 December had nothing to do with the "Your Britain, Your Europe" roadshow. The aim of the questionnaire was to pose general questions about Europe rather than focus on the specific institutions of the European Union.
  65W
  During the "Your Britain, Your Europe" campaign I will want to cover all aspects of our involvement in the EU, including its institutions.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 22 March 2000,Official Report, column 601W, on the European Union, if he will list those companies and educational institutions to which the "Your Britain, Your Europe" leaflet was distributed; and if he will make a statement explaining the basis for their selection. [119838]

  Mr. Vaz
  We distributed 7,000 copies of the leaflet during the week to passers-by and those at the establishments we visited. It is impossible therefore to measure how many educational institutions and companies may have received copies of the leaflet. During the roadshow I called on the following schools and universities: Woodham Comprehensive School (County Durham), St. Joseph's Secondary School (Tyne and Wear), the University of Hull, De Montfort University (Leicester), Queen Elizabeth Hospital School (Bristol), Bath University, Kings Edward VI College (Nuneaton) and St. John's Primary School (Birmingham). I called on the following companies: Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK, CORUS Engineering Steels and Kwik Strip Eco Solutions.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will estimate the proportion of(a) serving and (b) former (i) FCO and (ii) DFID Ministers' constituencies as part of the total number of constituencies visited by the first "Your Britain, Your Europe" tour; if he will list those constituencies so visited; and if he will make a statement. [119812]

  Mr. Vaz
  I visited 13 constituencies during the "Your Britain, Your Europe" roadshow. Two of these (Gateshead and Warrington, East, and Birmingham, Ladywood) are held by recent or current FCO and DFID Ministers. Information about former MPs in each constituency is not held centrally. As it is information about former Ministers, I suggest the hon. Member utilises the excellent facilities of the Oriel Room.

  Fundamental Rights Charter
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress made regarding preparation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, with special reference to its(a) contents (b) justiciability and (c) inclusion in the Treaty of Rome. [119816]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Charter Convention drafting body has now met seven times. There has been a first discussion of draft articles covering civil and political rights, citizens' rights (ie rights from the EU and EC Treaties), and some economic and social rights. Some civil and political rights have been discussed a second time. The next meeting on 27-28 April will include hearings of non-governmental organisations and continue the discussion of economic and social rights. The question of justiciability will depend upon the Charter's legal status which, together with inclusion in the Treaties, are beyond the Convention's mandate and will be considered by heads of government at the Nice European Council in December.

  Gibraltar
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he proposes to take in response to the refusal of the Spanish authorities to allow Commonwealth Parliamentarians access to Malaga Airport from Gibraltar on Friday 14 April as a result of the closure of Gibraltar Airport owing to bad weather. [119808]

  Mr. Vaz
  Spain, like other EU member states, is obliged to impose visa regimes on nationals of countries listed on the EU Common Visa List. Beyond this, the visa policy of other member states is not a matter for the UK.

  In response to the problems faced by six members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association on 14 April, as a result of their lack of a Schengen visa, our Embassy in Madrid asked the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs for assistance in ensuring that these CPA members could travel to Malaga to catch the later flight if that, too, was diverted. Once apprised of the problem, the Foreign Ministry took the necessary action with the Spanish regional authorities. In the event, their assistance was not needed as the flight was able to land in Gibraltar.

  Parliamentary Answers (BNFL)
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list each of the(a) oral and (b) written parliamentary answers Ministers in his Department have provided since May 1997, which were based on (a) information and (b) a draft provided by British Nuclear Fuels. [120045]

  Mr. Hain
  Internal advice and the source of such advice is not made public in line with exemption 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  DTI Staff (Secondment)
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Department of Trade and Industry staff are currently on secondment to his Department; from which sections in the DTI they have come; and in which sections in his Department they are working. [119915]

  Mr. Hain
  There are 51 Department of Trade and Industry staff currently on loan to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

  These staff were deployed from the following DTI Directorates: Consumer Affairs, Communications and Information Industries, Communications, Deregulation, Environment, Employee Relations, Invest in Britain Bureau, Management Best Practice, Nuclear Industries, Office of Science and Technology, Trade Policy, Warren Spring Laboratory, Export Control and Non-Proliferation and several regional Government Offices.

  Since May 1999, British Trade International (a joint FCO/DTI Department) has had lead responsibility within Government for trade development and promotion on behalf of British business. This joint operation covers UK and overseas activity. Many of the DTI staff on loan to the FCO are deployed in British Trade International posts overseas. The majority of these staff took up their postings from what are now British Trade International UK operations.
  67W
  Of the 51, there are currently 38 DTI staff in the following FCO and British Trade International posts overseas: Almaty, Amman, Bonn, Budapest, Buenos Aires, Cairo, Chicago, Dhaka, Gibraltar, Hanoi, The Hague, Houston, Johannesburg, Karachi, Kuwait, Lagos, Los Angeles, Moscow, Munich, New Delhi, Oslo, Ottawa, Paris, Peking, Seoul, Tokyo, UKMis Geneva, UKRep Brussels, Washington.

  In London, the remaining 13 DTI staff are working in the following FCO departments: Aviation, Maritime, Science and Energy; Latin America and Caribbean; Near East and North Africa; North America; Resource Planning, and the Diplomatic Service Language Centre (undertaking full-time language training).

  Iraqi Oil Sanction Breaches
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what assessment he has made of whether the Governments of(a) Iran, (b) Turkey and (c) Jordan have acted to stop the sale in breach of UN sanctions of Iraqi oil through their territories; [120041]

  (2) if he will make a statement on his Department's assessment of the volume of oil sold by Iraq in violation of UN sanctions (a) during 1999 and (b) since the start of the current year; [120039]

  (3) what assessment he has made of which countries Iraqi oil is being smuggled through in breach of UN sanctions. [120040]

  Mr. Hain
  We remain concerned at the large amount of Iraqi oil being smuggled through the Gulf and across Iraq's land borders in breach of UN sanctions. That oil should be funding food, medicine and other humanitarian relief for the Iraqi people through the UN programme, not going into the pockets of the regime and middlemen. We therefore regularly stress the need to crack down on sanctions-busting in contacts inside and outside the region, most recently with Turkey, Iran and the UAE. We ourselves remain committed to the Multinational Interception Force in the Gulf. I welcome Iran's recent action against a number of vessels containing smuggled Iraqi oil. We want Turkey to do more: last year we proposed that the trade across its borders be brought into the UN humanitarian programme. The Jordan/Iraq oil/trade protocol, which is acknowledged by the UN in recognition of the importance to Jordan of trade with Iraq, allows Jordan to import Iraqi oil at half the market price in exchange for Jordanian civilian goods. Excluding oil sold under this Jordanian protocol, we estimate that in 1999 Iraq sold approximately 3.2 million metric tonnes of oil in breach of sanctions; for this year we estimate the figure to be approximately 2.2 million metric tonnes.

  European Union
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 10 April 2000,Official Report, column 77W, on the European Union, if he will list the responses referred to in his reply to question 118022; how many leaflets have yet to be distributed; what was the printing cost for the undistributed leaflets; and what analysis he has made of the cause of the small number of responses. [119863]
  68W
  Mr. Vaz
  [holding answer 20 April 2000]: As we received only a small number of replies to the questionnaire, we did not keep a record of responses. We have distributed most of the leaflets and will distribute the remainder over the next few months. We have not drawn any conclusions about the small number of responses.

  The Gambia
  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of The Gambia with regard to the recent deaths of demonstrators in pro-democracy marches. [120303]

  Mr. Hain
  The High Commissioner in Banjul called the Secretary of State for the Interior on 11 April to express our concern at the high number of casualties and urged the Government to ensure the security forces exercised maximum restraint, and not to fire on demonstrators. He stressed the need to maintain full respect for human rights.

  On the initiative of the UK, the EU issued a declaration on 17 April seeking assurance from the Government of The Gambia that the incidents leading to these disturbances are dealt with through dialogue and in a peaceful and orderly manner. The President of The Gambia ordered a Commission of Inquiry later that same day.

  The UK and the EU will continue to urge the Government of The Gambia to restrict the use of force; ensure persons detained as a result of these disturbances enjoy the protection of the law and that their rights are respected; and ensure that the inquiry is transparent, independent and free from political interference.

  Israel
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Israeli Government concerning their obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and their arrest and imprisonment of Palestinian children aged under 15 years. [119917]

  Mr. Hain
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has made no representations to the Israeli Government about their obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Red Cross have confirmed to our Embassy in Tel Aviv that Israel does not hold any children under the age of 15 in prison.

  British Embassy Vehicles (Germany)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the(a) cost, (b) make and (c) model was of the motor vehicles purchased for use by the British Embassy in Berlin since 1 May 1997. [120550]

  Mr. Vaz
  Neither the British Embassy in Berlin, nor (prior to September 1999) the British Embassy in Bonn, nor the British Embassy Berlin Office, have purchased any motor vehicles since 1 May 1997. All vehicles acquired in recent years have been leased.

  EU Business
  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list(a) the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for May and (b) the major European Union events for the next six months. [120680]

  Mr. Vaz
  The information is as follows:

  Monthly Forecast of EU Business: May 2000
  This calendar is primarily concerned with European Union matters, but certain other relevant events are also included. Events and dates quoted are based on the information available on the date of issue.

  May 2000

  2 May—Brussels—Telecommunications Council

  1. Adoption of the agenda

  2. (poss.) Approval of the list of "A" items

  3. Commission communication entitled "The European positions for the World Radiocommunications Conference 2000 (WRC-2000)"

  Council conclusions

  6981/00 ECO 54 AVIATION 7 TRANS 37

  7788/00 ECO 89 AVIATION 14 TRANS 58

  4. Conference on Digital Terrestrial Television (DVB-T) on 17 and 18 February 2000 in Lisbon

  Presidency briefing

  7527/00 ECO 72 AUDIO 13

  5. Review of the electronic communications regulatory package: outcome of the public consultation

  presentation by the Commission

  policy debate

  7754/00 ECO 87

  6. (poss.) Postal services

  Commission briefing

  7. Other business

  (a) Outcome of the public consultation on the "EU" Oral presentation by the Commission

  5971/00 ECO 26

  (b) Commission communication on the organisation of the management of the Internet

  Presentation by the Commission

  (c) Recommendation and communication from the Commission on access to the local loop, including local loop unbundling

  Presentation by the Commission

  Date

  Venue

  Event

  May

  2

  Brussels

  Telecommunications Council

  3-4

  Brussels

  European Parliament Plenary

  5-7

  San Miguel, Azores

  Informal Meeting of Foreign Ministers

  8

  Brussels

  ECOFIN Council

  8

  Lisbon

  EU/New Zealand Ministerial

  11

  Brussels

  Health Council

  15-16

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  15-16

  Oporto

  WEU Council

  15-19

  Strasbourg

  European Parliament Plenary

  16

  Brussels

  Culture Council

  17

  Moscow

  EU/Russia Summit

  18

  Brussels

  Industry Council

  70W
  3-4 May—Brussels—European Parliament Plenary
  (poss.) Proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion on behalf of the European Community on the Food Aid Convention 1999
  (poss.) Proposal for a Council regulation laying down certain control measures in respect of vessels flying the flag of non-contracting parties to the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO)
  (poss.) Proposal for a Council regulation amending the fifth time Regulation (EC) No 850/98 of 30 March 1998 for the conservation of fishery resources through technical measures for the protection of juveniles of marine organisms
  Codecision procedure

  First reading
  (poss.) Proposal for a European Parliament and Council regulation (EC) amending Regulation 5EEC No 3528/86 on the protection of the Community's forests against the atmospheric pollution
  Proposal for a European Parliament and Council regulation (EC) extending Regulation (EC) No 443/97 on operations to aid uprooted people in Asian and Latin American developing countries

  8 May—Brussels—ECOFIN Council

  Commission recommendation on the broad economic policy guidelines—Orientation debate

  (poss.) Amendment to the UCITS Directive

  (poss.) Amendment to the Money Laundering Directive

  (poss.) Directive on the reorganisation and winding-up of credit institutions

  Draft EU budget 2001—Orientation debate

  Any other business

  11 May—Brussels Health Council

  15-16 May—Brussels—Agriculture Council

  15-19 May—Brussels—European Parliament Plenary

  16 May—Brussels—Culture Council

  17 May—Brussels—EU/Russia Summit

  18 May—Brussels—Industry Council

  18 May—Brussels—Development Council

  22-23 May—Brussels—General Affairs Council

  23 May—Brussels—EEA Council

  23 May—Brussels—Association Councils With Slovakia and Slovenia

  23 May—Brussels—Peace Implementation Council

  25 May—Brussels—Internal Market Council

  29-30 May—Brussels—Justice and Home Affairs

  30 May—Brussels—Energy Council

  No agendas currently available

  European Calendar: May-October 2000
  This calendar is primarily concerned with European Union matters; but certain other relevant events are also included. Events and dates quoted are based on the information available on the date of issue.
  71W 72W

  Date

  Venue

  Event

  18

  Brussels

  Development Council

  22-23

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  23

  Brussels

  Association Councils with Slovakia and Slovenia

  23

  Brussels

  EEA Council

  23

  Brussels

  Peace Implementation Council

  25

  Brussels

  Internal Market Council

  25-26

  Lisbon

  EuroMed Foreign Ministers Meeting (Informal)

  28-30

  Evora

  Agriculture Council (Informal)

  29-30

  Brussels

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  30

  Brussels

  Energy Council

  June

  5

  Luxembourg

  ECOFIN Council

  6

  Luxembourg

  Social Affairs Council

  7

  Fiji

  ACP/EU Ministerial

  8

  Fiji

  Signing of post Lomé convention

  8

  Luxembourg

  Education Council

  13-4

  Luxembourg

  General Affairs Council

  13-6

  Strasbourg

  European Parliament Plenary

  15

  Luxembourg

  Research Council

  16

  Luxembourg

  Fisheries Council

  19-20

  Luxembourg

  Agriculture Council

  19-20

  Sta. Maria da Feira

  European Council

  21-3

  Cyprus

  3rd Euro-Mediterranean Conference of the Ministers of Industry

  22-3

  Luxembourg

  Environment Council

  26-27

  Luxembourg

  Transport Council

  28

  Lisbon

  EU/India Summit

  July

  3-7

  Strasbourg

  European Parliament Plenary

  6-7

  Lille

  Culture Council

  7-8

  Paris

  Social Affairs Council (Informal)

  10-11

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  15-16

  Paris

  Environment Council (Informal)

  17

  Brussels

  ECOFIN Council

  17-18

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  24

  Brussels

  Budget Council

  27

  Bangkok

  ASEAN Regional Forum (AFR) Ministerial

  28-29

  Bangkok

  ASEAN Post Ministerial

  28-29

  Arles

  Justice and Home Affairs Council (Informal)

  August

  There are no Councils scheduled for this month

  September

  1-2

  Evian

  Gymnich

  3-5

  Biarritz

  Agriculture Council (Informal)

  6

  New York

  EU/Ukraine Summit

  9-10

  Paris (tbc)

  ECOFIN Council (Informal)

  18

  Brussels

  Telecommunications Council

  18-19

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  25-26

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  28

  Brussels

  COFIN Council

  28

  Brussels

  Internal Market Council

  28-29

  Marseilles

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  October

  2

  Luxembourg

  Transport Council

  9-10

  Luxembourg

  General Affairs Council

  10

  Luxembourg

  Environment Council

  13-14

  Biarritz

  European Council

  16

  Paris

  EU/S Ministerial meeting

  16

  Paris

  EU/Canada Ministerial meeting

  17

  Luxembourg

  ECOFIN Council

  19

  Luxembourg

  Fisheries Council

  19-21

  Seoul

  Europe/Asia Summit

  23

  China

  EU/China Summit

  23-24

  Luxembourg

  Agriculture Council

  25

  Luxembourg

  Education Council

  India
  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Indian Government concerning the recent caste-related violence aimed at the Dalit community. [120300]

  Mr. Hain
  We deplore all forms of discrimination, including that based on caste. We are also concerned by incidents of caste-related violence. We and our High Commission in New Delhi continue to follow this issue closely.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he received about Kashmir prior to his visit to India. [120556]

  Mr. Hain
  We are aware of the concern of many people in the UK regarding the current situation in Kashmir. We hope that India and Pakistan can resume their dialogue and find a just and lasting solution to this issue.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he had in India about the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. [120554]

  Mr. Hain
  We take every opportunity to urge India to sign and ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, including during the Foreign Secretary's visit to India last month.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about India's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. [120555]

  Mr. Hain
  The Government are committed to early enlargement of both the permanent and the non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council, including the creation of a new permanent seat for the Asian regional group. It would be for the Asian group to decide who would occupy any permanent seat allocated to them. India would clearly be a contender.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he had about defence exports while in India. [120553]

  Mr. Hain
  Defence exports were among a wide range of issues discussed during the Secretary of State's visit to India.

  Sudan
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received concerning violence near the Heglig oilfield north of Bentiu, southern Sudan; and if he will make a statement. [120266]

  Mr. Hain
  We continue to receive reports of fighting around and south of Bentiu in Unity State. We will maintain our efforts to push for a peace settlement which would end the suffering of those in the Sudan.

  Export Controls (Macau)
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what strategic export controls the United Kingdom will apply to the Macau Special Administrative Region. [120681]
  74W
  Mr. Battle
  Following the return of Macau to Chinese sovereignty, we have reviewed our policy on the control of strategic exports to the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR).

  We shall consider applications for licensing strategic exports to the MSAR on a case-by-case basis. We will not, however, issue licences for strategic exports to the MSAR for goods which we do not licence for export to mainland China. Our policy on strategic exports to mainland China is as set out by my late right hon. Friend, Derek Fatchett, on 3 June 1998, Official Report, columns 246-47W.

  The Department of Trade and Industry will be removing Macau as a destination for Open General Licences which allow the export of Military List goods. Transhipment of goods on the Military List to the MSAR via the United Kingdom without a licence will also be prohibited. Schedule 3 of the Export of Goods (Control) Order (1994) will be amended accordingly.

  HM Government's policy on strategic exports to Hong Kong remains as announced by my late right hon. Friend on 14 January 1998, Official Report, column 221W.

  Iraq
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what recent representations he has received concerning the bombing of non-military targets in Iraq; [120610]

  (2) what recent representations he has received concerning the bombing of military targets in Iraq; [120273]

  (3) what plans he has to assess the effects of the continued bombing of Iraq; and if he will make a statement. [120611]

  Mr. Hain
  As I have told the House on many occasions, we are not conducting a bombing campaign against Iraq. UK and US aircraft continue to patrol the No Fly Zones, established in 1991 and 1992 in response to a situation of overwhelming humanitarian necessity, and in support of UN Security Council resolution 688 which called on Iraq to end its repression of the civilian population. They stop Saddam Hussein using his aircraft against his own people, as he did with such horrific consequences in the past. Since late 1998, Iraq has waged a systematic campaign to shoot our aircraft down. Direct threats against our aircrew have included missile attacks and heavy anti-aircraft fire. Our aircraft only take action when they are forced to do so to defend themselves. I am aware of claims, chiefly from the Iraqi Government, that our aircraft deliberately target civilians and civilian facilities. That is a lie. Only military targets clearly connected with the threat to our aircraft are targeted, and even then only when we are wholly satisfied that the associated risks are minimal. I am confident that our patrols prevent Saddam Hussein from adding yet more crimes to his appalling human rights record.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Sex Offenders
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 6 April
  75W
  2000, Official Report, columns 599-600W, (i) how many prisoners released on the Home Detention Curfew scheme were released on the scheme before the end of the requisite period referred to in Section 34A(3) of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 as inserted by Section 99 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, (ii) if any of these prisoners have been recalled to prison to serve the remainder of the requisite period, (iii) if any of these prisoners committed a further offence (a) between the date of their release and the end of the requisite period and (b) subsequently while on the scheme, and (iv) if he will place in the Library the procedure laid down by Ministers for the release of sex offenders on the Home Detention Curfew scheme. [118806]

  Mr. Boateng
  [holding answer 12 April 2000]The available information shows that, since the Home Detention Curfew scheme commenced in January 1999, 12 prisoners have been released in error before their Home Detention Curfew eligibility date. This figure includes the sex offender subject to the Sex Offenders Act 1997 referred to in the reply given to the right hon. Member by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on 6 April 2000,Official Report, columns 599-600W.

  I deeply regret all of these errors, but the right hon. Member should note that they represent only 0.06 per cent. of the total of 18,736 prisoners who have been released on the scheme as of 31 March 2000.

  All but one of these errors occurred before the introduction in October 1999 of the new improvements to the local inmate data system on which Home Detention Curfew eligibility and release dates are recorded by establishments. In five cases, the early releases were due to an error in manual calculation. In seven cases they were due to the prison's failure to amend the original eligibility date to take account of additional days awarded as a result of a prisoner breaching the prison disciplinary code.

  Only one of these prisoners was recalled to prison to serve the remainder of the requisite period. The Prison Service has not been notified of any further offence committed by any of these prisoners either between the date of their release and the end of the requisite period or subsequently while on the Home Detention Curfew scheme.

  The procedures for dealing with sex offenders subject to the Sex Offenders Act 1997 and other sex offenders are set out in paragraph 2.4 of the current Home Detention Curfew Prison Service Order 6700, issued in January 2000, a copy of which is available in the Library.

  Kosovan Refugees
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on reimbursing local authorities for the stay of Kosovan refugees. [119220]

  Mrs. Roche
  We have had a number of meetings and exchanges of correspondence with local authorities over the reimbursement of additional costs related to the care of refugees evacuated from Kosovo. Local authorities were consulted on the provisions of the Special Grant (the mechanism by which we make reimbursement payments) and all who put in their interim claims (for the period to 31 December 1999) by the due date have now been paid.

  Extradition
  Mr. Donaldson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the legal causes upon which consent certificates were granted in extradition proceedings on account of(a) the extradited person making known an outstanding offence not known to the requesting authority, (b) the requesting authority discovering an offence which was not known to them at the time of the initial extradition request and (c) other reasons, in the past three years. [119715]

  Mr. Straw
  It is very rare to depart from the rule of specialty in respect of extradition proceedings. Formal certification to waive the rule is required only in relation to our extradition arrangements with Ireland. In the past three years I have signed four certificates. The details are as follows:specialty was waived to allow an individual to be questioned in relation to a suspected murder following return for possession of offensive weapons. The Irish authorities had insufficient information to include it with the other offences listed in the request for the individual's return;
  in the same case, a second specialty consent certificate was signed to allow the individual concerned to be proceeded against for murder, intent to rob, entering as a trespasser with intent to steal and false imprisonment:
  in another case, specialty was waived to allow for an individual to be proceeded against for sex offences following return in respect of larceny and fraud-related offences. The Irish authorities had insufficient information to include it with the other offences listed in the request for the individual's return; and
  specialty was waived to allow an individual to he proceeded against for a number of summary offences, following his return for causing death by dangerous driving. The summonses for these lesser offences were transmitted at the same time as the warrant for the offences of causing death by dangerous driving however they were not served on the individual for operational reasons.

  Figures relating to other countries are not recorded. It is estimated that there have been three or four specialty waivers in the past three years, but exact numbers, and the reasons for them, could be obtained only with disproportionate cost.

  Sopley Camp, New Forest
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans his Department has to make use of Sopley Camp in New Forest District. [119720]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 19 April 2000]My Department holds no legal interest in Sopley Camp in New Forest District and has no plans to acquire it.

  Errol Flynn
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make available to the public in the Public Record Office the intelligence files relating to Errol Flynn; and if he will make a statement. [120048]

  Mr. Straw
  It is long-standing Government policy neither to confirm nor deny whether the security or intelligence agencies hold records on any individual.

  The Security Service is systematically reviewing and where appropriate releasing historical records in accordance with the criteria agreed with the Public Records Office and endorsed by the Advisory Council. The Security Service has now reviewed and released all

  77W
  its files from its archive covering the period of the First World War. The second phase of the programme of release relates to the Security Service's records covering the Second World War. The third tranche of files from this period has just been made public. The Security Service will also be reviewing in due course its inter-war records in preparation for further releases. If there was a Security Service intelligence record relating to Errol Flynn it would be reviewed as part of this process.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, in a Written Answer on 12 February 1998, Official Report, column 324W, confirmed that the records of the Secret Intelligence Service are not released and set out the reasons for this.

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many tests were carried out using(a) animals and (b) mammals in each of the last five years; and what is the expected number for the next two years. [120292]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Table 1 of the annual Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals Great Britain records the number of scientific procedures by species of animal and primary purpose of the procedure. Figures are given for the number of procedures using birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, cephalopods and octopus vulgaris as well as the number using mammals, listed by species. Overall figures for procedures using animals and mammals are as follows:

  Year

  Number

  1998

  2,659,662

  1997

  2,635,969

  1996

  2,716,587

  1995

  2,709,631

  Figures for procedures using mammals are:

  Year

  Number

  1998

  2,381,712

  1997

  2,380,287

  1996

  2,450,138

  1995

  2,420,944

  Figures for 1999 are in the process of being collated and are due to be published in July.

  It is very difficult to project the number of animals to be used for the next two years. Numbers depend on the type of project licence applications that will be made to progress on current project licences. However, in general terms, there was a slight increase in the number of animals used during 1998 and it is possible that there could be another such increase in the 1999 figures. The main reason for this might be the increase in the use of genetically modified animals owing to current scientific advances. The downward trend in the use of conventional animals is expected to continue.
  78W
  We will continue to ensure that animals are used only where fully justified—where there are no valid alternatives and where the benefits outweigh the costs to the animals involved.

  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent research he has commissioned on carrying out experiments on animals for the purposes of research into cosmetics; and if he will make a statement. [120215]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Home Office itself does not commission scientific procedures involving the use of protected animals. In applying the regulatory regime set out by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, it assesses applications submitted.

  In November 1997, we announced that no more animals would be used in this country for the testing of cosmetic products and ingredients, and we have not issued any new licences for such testing. We have no proposals to do so.

  David Rocky Bennett
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to publish the police report to enable the inquest to be held into the death of David Rocky Bennett in the Norvic Clinic, Norwich. [120137]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Coroner has requested a police report to assist him in carrying out the inquest and any decisions about releasing the contents of such a report will be for him to make. The police investigation is still continuing.

  Election Leaflets
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consult the Direct Marketing Association on the form of words in the leaflet accompanying electoral application forms at the same time as he consults it on the draft regulations covering full and edited electoral registers. [120135]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We are committed to full consultation on both documents. The draft regulations will appear on the Home Office website as soon as they are ready. When the regulations have been finalised but before they come into effect we will consult on the wording of any publicity leaflet.

  Liquor Licensing
  Miss Kirkbride
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to provide additional funding to local authorities in relation to licensing functions which at present are the responsibility of magistrates; and if he will make a statement. [120651]

  Mr. Straw
  The White Paper on the reform of the licensing laws, published on 10 April, makes clear that any new licensing regime should be resourced on the basis of full cost recovery from the fees and charges levied. We intend consulting closely with representatives of the local authorities about the resourcing of the system.

  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans to transfer the responsibility of liquor licensing from magistrates' licensing committees to local authorities. [120220]
  79W
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The arguments for this change are set out in Chapter 11 of our White Paper, "Time For Reform", which was laid before Parliament on 10 April. We shall welcome and take into account comments on the White Paper in working up legislative proposals.

  Efficiency Unit
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library the Cabinet Office Efficiency Unit Comprehensive Spending Review report submitted to the Home Office in 1998. [120275]

  Mr. Straw
  The Comprehensive Spending Review, which set out the Government's new public spending plans 1999–2000, was published in the White Paper 'Modern Public Services for Britain: Investing in Reform', in July 1998. This document is available in the Library.

  Challenging targets were set by this document for a number of key services including the Police and the Fire Service. These included efficiency targets and annual efficiency plans. The Home Office is also committed to meeting a number of efficiency targets as set out in the Public Service Agreements, 'Public Services for the Future: Modernisation, Reform, Accountability—Comprehensive Spending Review: Public Service Agreements 1999–2002'. This document is currently available in the Library.

  The Public Service Agreements and the Output and Performance Analysis for the Home Office are published in the annual Business Plan. The most recent Home Office Business Plan is also available in the Library.

  Electronic Tagging
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer to the right hon. Member for Maidstone and The Weald (Miss Widdecombe) of 17 April 2000,Official Report, columns 375-76W, if he will list the offences that are committed by prisoners who are at the lower end of the offending scale within the category of prisoners eligible for parole, and who will be released earlier than at present, under the provisions of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Bill, how many prisoners received sentences of four years or more for such offences in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [120293]

  Mr. Straw
  There are no provisions in the Criminal Justice and Court Services Bill which require any prisoner to be released earlier than at present. The Bill makes no changes to the date on which any prisoner becomes eligible for release.

  The judgment as to whether a particular prisoner is regarded as being at the lower end of the offending scale within the category of prisoners eligible for parole cannot be determined simply by reference to the index offence. The details of the offence, the length of the sentence, the previous convictions of the prisoner, the impact on the victim (if any) and other factors will all be relevant. It is therefore not possible to list the offences that are committed by prisoners who are at the lower end of the offending scale, nor to list how many prisoners have received sentences of four years or more for such offences in each of the last five years.
  80W
  Equally, it is not possible at this stage to predict which of these prisoners might he granted parole following implementation of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Bill who would not otherwise have received parole. The use of the new licence conditions will be subject to piloting before full implementation. Evaluation of the pilots will include consideration of the impact of the new licence conditions on discretionary release decisions taken by the Parole Board and by the Prison Service, on behalf of the Secretary of State.

  Coroners Courts
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement regarding his review of the workings of coroners' courts. [120217]

  Mr. Straw
  The current Home Office review of death certification procedures includes consideration of a role for coroners in monitoring the proper procedures after death. The work of the review is to be made available later this year to Lord Laming's Inquiry into the issues arising from the trial of Dr. Shipman. There may consequently be a need in due course to review coroner arrangements more widely.

  Asylum Seekers (Torbay)
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what extra provision he plans to make for accommodating asylum seekers in the Torbay Unitary Authority; how many asylum seekers he estimates will be placed in that area in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [120342]

  Mr. Straw
  Since 3 April 2000, any local authority that signs a contract with the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) to provide accommodation for asylum seekers will submit an invoice for payment. The local authority will be reimbursed by the Home Office in accordance with the terms of the contract.

  Although Torbay is considered a potential cluster area to accommodate destitute asylum seekers and their families, there are no immediate plans to disperse asylum seekers to Torbay. The National Asylum Support Service is unable to consider dispersal to a particular area until there is suitable accommodation available.

  City Status
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the timescale of the award of city status in the UK. [120225]

  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 and in the light of all information submitted in its support. No date has yet been set for the announcement of the new city.

WALES

  Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his policy in respect of the use his Department, its agencies and public bodies will
  81W
  make of the powers relating to the authorised obtaining of communications data in Part I, Chapter II of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill once the Bill is enacted. [119520]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on 19 April 2000,Official Report, column 509W.

  Knowledge-based Economy (Deeside)
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary concerning the development of the knowledge-based economy in Deeside. [118186]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I have regular meetings with the First Secretary and discuss a wide range of issues including the knowledge economy.

  The Government and the National Assembly for Wales recognise the importance of putting to productive commercial use more of the knowledge and technologies that lie within our universities and colleges. For example, Wales leads the rest of the UK in introducing the Colleges and Businesses in Partnership scheme, under which businesses undertake strategically important developments with the benefit of access to relevant academic expertise from the further education sector.

  Artefacts
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to seek the return to Wales of historical Welsh artefacts that are located elsewhere. [120294]

  Mr. Hanson
  I have no plans at present to seek the return of historical Welsh artefacts that are located elsewhere. However I am pleased that the people of Wales will have the opportunity over the next few months to see the Pennal letter which is on loan to the Owain Glyndwr Exhibition at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Drought (Kenya and Ethiopia)
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate she has made of the number of people affected by drought in(a) Kenya and (b) Ethiopia. [118818]

  Clare Short
  The World Food Programme estimate that 1.6 million people in Kenya and eight million in Ethiopia may require emergency food assistance owing to drought.

  Ethiopia
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had with her counterparts in European Union member states regarding the provision of food and other aid to Ethiopia; and if she will make a statement. [120216]

  Clare Short
  The EU is the largest single donor of food aid to Ethiopia—more than 400,000 metric tonnes (MT) has been pledged for this year; almost 47,000 MT has already been delivered to Djibouti. Britain contributes 17 per cent. of the cost of this food. My officials are in 82W
  close contact with EU officials to monitor the delivery and distribution of EU food and non-food assistance in the current crisis.

  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on how the food aid she is providing to Ethiopia will be distributed. [120213]

  Clare Short
  Our food aid is targeted at those populations most affected by recurrent rain failures, food insecurity, conflict and environmental degradation. This year we have provided over 22,000 metric tonnes of food aid bilaterally for vulnerable people in both the north and south of the country. This has been channelled through international non-governmental organisations who often work in partnership with the regional offices of the Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Commission.

  Birth Certificates
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development for what purposes her Department requires a birth certificate to be furnished by(a) employees, (b) contractors, (c) those applying for employment and contracts and (d) other persons. [120316]

  Clare Short
  I refer my hon. Friend to the written answer given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary to the hon. Member for Richmond Park (Dr. Tonge) on 6 May 1999,Official Report, column 463W.

CABINET OFFICE

  Websites
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office which companies have placed advertisements on websites funded by her Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies; how much revenue has been generated in each financial year since 1997 from such advertisements; and to what use the revenue raised has been put. [118844]

  Mr. Stringer
  No revenue has been received for advertising or sponsorship on the Cabinet Office website or that of its current agency—Government Car and Despatch Agency (GCDA); or on that of the Central Office of Information (COI). The Cabinet Office has no executive NDPBs and the figures for its NDPBs are included in the Department's return. The Cabinet Office does not take advertising on its departmental website (www.cabinet-office.gov.uk) and currently has no plans to do so.

  Birth Certificates
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office for what purposes her Department requires a birth certificate to be furnished by(a) employees, (b) contractors, (c) those applying for employment and contracts and (d) other persons. [120323]

  Mr. Stringer
  A birth certificate or similar documentary evidence may be required to be furnished by any of the above for one or more of the following reasons:

  proof of identity;

  proof of eligibility under the Civil Service nationality rules;

  proof of age.

  Departmental Running Costs
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what meetings she has had with ministerial colleagues to discuss the increase in the overall running costs of Government Departments. [119955]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 20 April 2000,Official Report, column 638W.

  Anti-drugs Strategy
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what progress the Government are making on their targets for reducing drug abuse by young people. [119975]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  Young people are the main focus of the Government's anti-drug strategy. One of our key objectives is to reduce the incidence of drug misuse among the under-25s in order that they can achieve their full potential in society. The Cabinet Office, through the UK Anti Drugs Co-ordination Unit, is working with the relevant Government Departments to ensure that young people receive the help and advice they need to resist drug misuse.

  For example, £7.5 million from the Standards Fund is spent each year on drugs education in primary and secondary schools and new DfEE guidance on effective drugs education was published in November 1998. Almost nine out of 10 secondary schools now have anti-drugs policies in place. In April 1999 the Drugs Prevention Advisory Service was created to provide expert advice and support to Drug Action teams and in November 1999 the Drugs Prevention Board was established to help co-ordinate prevention work at a national level. In March a new joint initiative between UKADCU, Sport England and the Youth Justice Board was announced, using money seized from convicted drug dealers and traffickers to fund projects which aim to prevent vulnerable young people from becoming involved in drugs and crime.

  Progress against the targets will be measured through the British Crime Survey (16 to 24-year-olds) and the Office for National Statistics schools survey.

  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what progress is being made by the Government in establishing a baseline figure from which progress in meeting its targets on reducing drug abuse among young people can be measured. [119958]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  Baseline figures for the number of young people using drugs will be taken from the British Crime Survey and the new national survey of drug use among young teenagers, which started in September 1999. Baseline figures will be published in the UK Anti-Drug Co-ordinator's annual report in the summer.

  Monitoring Unit
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the cost of the Government Information and Communications Service Media Monitoring Unit was in 1999–2000. [120013]
  84W
  Mr. Stringer
  £535,000, subject to final reconciliation of outstanding invoices. These costs are recovered from a large number of Departments out of their existing funds. The Cabinet Office contribution is £25,000.

  Rural Banking and Postal Services
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what representations she has received in relation to her role as Chair of the Ministerial Group on Rural Affairs concerning the loss of banking and postal services in rural areas. [119981]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  On the issue of banking I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary on 20 March 2000,Official Report, column 445W. I have received a number of representations, which I have discussed with ministerial colleagues as appropriate.

  Centre for Management and Policy Studies
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the cost or net revenue of the International Consultancy Group within the Centre for Management and Policy Studies is planned to be in the current financial year. [120023]

  Mr. Stringer
  In the financial year 2000–01, the International Consultancy Group (ICG) plans to generate a revenue of £2,300,000. The direct cost of the ICG for the same year is planned to be £1,961,000. The contribution to the costs of the Centre for Management and Policy Studies by the ICG will therefore be £339,000.

  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement on the role of the International Consultancy Group within the Centre for Management and Policy Studies. [120022]

  Mr. Stringer
  The International Consultancy Group (ICG) was established in 1996 to co-ordinate the Civil Service College's developing portfolio of international public service assignments. The current role of ICG, now within the Centre for Management and Policy Studies (CMPS), is to work internationally to help create sustainable capacity for the modernisation of public administration.

  ICG' s current priorities include the need to develop the skills and capacities of senior civil services in Accession States as they negotiate with and join the European Union; and technical assistance to emerging democracies and democracies in transition as they seek to strengthen central co-ordination and service delivery in public administration.

  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement on the work of the Centre for Management and Policy Studies. [119935]

  Mr. Stringer
  The Centre for Management and Policy Studies (CMPS), which was established in June 1999 and incorporates the Civil Service College, is integral to the process of modernising government. The CMPS works to ensure that the Civil Service is cultivating the right skills, culture and approaches to perform its task; to ensure that policy makers across government have access to the best research, evidence and international experience; and to help government to learn better from existing policies.
  85W
  Examples of recent CMPS activity include programmes of joint seminars for Ministers and officials; developing a Resource Centre to support policy making, through the use of evidence and research; and comprehensive programmes of training reflecting all aspects of the Modernising Government agenda delivered by the Civil Service College.

  Departmental Targets
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will(a) list the targets set by her Department and (b) make a statement on her Department's work to meet the targets. [119951]

  Mr. Stringer
  The targets set for my Department are all listed in the publication "Public Service Agreements 1999–2002" (CM 4181) which is available in the Library.

  The work carried out by my Department to meet these targets during 1999–2000 is described in Chapter 2 of the Cabinet Office's annual report to Parliament "The Government's Expenditure Plans 2000–01 to 2001–02" (CM 4618) which was laid before Parliament on 10 April 2000. This report also contains summary information of the performance of COI and my Department's only agency, the Government Car and Despatch Agency (GCDA).

  Full details of performance targets for COI, and its progress against them, can be found in COI's annual reports. The last report was published in July 1999 by the Stationery Office (ISBN: 0-10-273199-3).

  Similarly, full details of performance targets for GCDA, and its progress against these targets, can be found in GCDA's annual reports. The last report was also published in July 1999 by the Stationery Office (ISBN: 0-10-280899-6).

  Accommodation
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the objectives are of the Cabinet Office new accommodation project. [120026]

  Mr. Stringer
  The objective of the new accommodation project is to accommodate the great majority of Cabinet Office staff in 70 Whitehall and one other central London building. The inter-connected Admiralty Arch, Ripley Building and Kirkland House will thus become the Department's second London home. Cabinet Office staff are currently accommodated in a number of central London buildings, some of which are on leases nearing expiry.

  The project is an integral part of Sir Richard Wilson's review of the Cabinet Office announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 28 July 1998. As well as providing modern office accommodation, the project also brings into beneficial use three Government-owned buildings (two of which are Grade 1 listed) which had become empty and were in danger of falling into disrepair.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what proportion of Cabinet Office Staff at Grade 7 and above are(a) women, (b) from ethnic minorities and (c) disabled. [120027]
  86W
  Mr. Stringer
  The proportion of Cabinet Office staff at Grade 7 and above who are(a) women is 29 per cent., (b) from ethnic minorities is 2.06 per cent and (c) disabled is 0.3 per cent. Information on whether staff are from an ethnic minority background or are disabled is collected on a voluntary basis.

  "Modernising Government"
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will publish the departmental action plans for corporate human resource systems intended to follow up the "Modernising Government" White Paper. [120007]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The "Modernising Government" White Paper does not mention departmental action plans for corporate human resource systems.

  The White Paper noted that the Government would publish a substantial progress report on modernising the Civil Service later in the year. Sir Richard Wilson's report to the Prime Minister on Civil Service Reform was then published on 15 December 1999.

  A progress report covering the whole Civil Service Reform programme will be published in autumn 2000.

  Advertising
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how much money was spent on advertising by the Cabinet Office in(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1997–98, (d) 1998–99 and (e) 1999–2000. [119974]

  Mr. Stringer
  The Cabinet Office, including its Agencies, spending on advertising over those years is as follows:(a) £114,145 (b) £222,714 (c) £143,870 (d) £138,400 (e) £262,237.

  Expenditure for 1999–2000 does not include advertising by Cabinet Office/Action 2000 on co-ordinating the Millennium Bug Information programmes.

  Ministerial Group on Rural Affairs
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list the meetings she has had in pursuance of her role as Chair of the Ministerial Group on Rural Affairs. [119964]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  Rural issues are discussed during a great many of the meetings I have, including meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Rural Affairs (MISC 8), meetings with national organisations, such as the Council for the Preservation of Rural England and the Countryside Agency, meetings with officials, and meetings with individuals and local organisations in the course of visits.

  Civil Service
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list the additional functions to be carried out consequent upon the planned increase in Civil Service staff in her Department between 1999–2000 and 2000–01. [120012]

  Mr. Stringer
  The planned average manpower figures for my Department and Agencies are detailed in table 6.4 (page 90) of the Cabinet Office's annual report to
  87W
  Parliament (The Government's Expenditure Plans 2000–01 to 2001–02) (CM 4618) which was laid before Parliament on 10 April 2000

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  Change

  Percentage

  Cabinet Office

  1,401

  1,457

  56

  4.0

  Security Facilities Division

  426

  136

  -290

  -68.1

  Centre for Management and Policy Studies

  240

  284

  44

  18.3

  Government Car and Despatch Agency

  305

  307

  2

  0.7

  Total

  2,372

  2,184

  -188

  -7.9

  Central Office of Information

  361

  400

  39

  10.8

  The table in the annual report also included information on the Agencies that transferred to the new Office for Government Commerce (HM Treasury) on 1 April.

  The reasons for the planned 4 per cent. increase in manpower in the central groups of the Cabinet Office, include:
  The establishment of the new Office of the e-Envoy to co-ordinate the Government in leading the UK in its drive to be the best place in the world for e-commerce.
  The development of the Regulatory Reform Bill which was announced in the Queen's Speech and published on 18 April 2000.
  The need to find ways to reduce the regulatory burden on the public sector. Four key areas have been identified, Criminal Justice, Health (GPs), Education (Schools) and local authorities.
  A small additional resource to drive through the Civil Service Reform programme—in particular, a new Mobility Unit to broker interdepartmental moves. The new Senior Adviser on Diversity and Equal Opportunities. And support to the new House of Lords Appointments Commission.
  The development of excellence in public sector websites by developing and implementing the Government Website Guidelines under the E-Government Strategy. Including the development and management of the Citizen Portal programme.
  Additional policy development work arising from the publication of the E-government strategy and the need to embed its provisions and the development of e-business strategies across government and the wider public sector.
  Specialist project management teams to supervise a series of cross-cutting technical projects to be funded by the Capital Modernisation Fund. These projects include the development of gateway and portal facilities to support UK Online and to develop the range of services available and wider interoperability on the Government Secure Intranet business solutions, handling public inquiries and correspondence, IT services, etc.)
  More effective support to Cabinet Committee business, and to continue the Cabinet Committee business, and to continue the Cabinet Secretariat's traditional role of supporting policy development by Cabinet and Cabinet Committees.

  The reduction of 68 per cent. in the planned manpower at the Security Facilities Division is due to the continued run down of this former Agency. The major reduction is due to the contracting out of the Custody Services, the transfer of Assessment and Development Staff to the Home Office and a reduction in Special Services Group (Operations).
  88W
  Between the years 1999–2000 and 2000–01 these show the following planned changes to be:

  The Centre for Management and Policy Studies (CMPS) was formed in 1999–2000 and its manpower was only planned to be fully established with the merger of the Civil Service College from 1 April 2000. The new functions provided by CMPS from this year will include:
  Ministers' Programmes: the design and delivery of induction and development opportunities for Ministers.
  Corporate Development Strategy: the creation and implementation of a strategy for the development of senior civil servants, with an expanded range of programmes.
  Departmental Peer Review: reviews of Government departments by external teams of departments.
  Policy Seminars: the design and delivery of joint seminars with Ministers and senior officials to examine policy issues.
  Policy Evaluation: the identification and promotion of best practice in the construction, development and implementation of policy.
  Policy Research: the design and production of 'Knowledge Pools', drawing together the evidence on which policy is based from diverse sources.
  Policy Resource Centre: delivering an entry point to a government wide knowledge centre drawing upon departmental resources.
  Knowledge Network project; the design and delivery of a system to deliver fast, accurate flows of knowledge, facts and figures on policy across government.

  The number of staff are increasing at the Central Office of Information due to significant increases in the volume of work. The numbers of staff reflect the increased business levels over the last two years. Manpower resources have been trailing behind this increase and the forecast for 2000–01 therefore assumes a similar level of increased business.

  Ministerial Red Boxes
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when she last reviewed the guidance concerning the security of ministerial red boxes on public transport. [120748]

  Mr. Stringer
  Ministers are given security briefings which include guidance on the secure handling of all sensitive Government information. All guidance is kept under continuous review.

  Hotel and Catering Industry
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when Lord Haskins' report on regulations in the hotel and catering industry will be published. [120379]
  89W
  Mr. Stringer
  The Better Regulation Task Force's report on regulation and enforcement in the hotel and restaurant sector will be published in June.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  School Spending (Cumbria)
  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary. of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of spending per pupil in real terms in(a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools in Cumbria in (i) 1997–98, (ii) 1998–99 and (iii) 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [115068]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 20 March 2000]: The following table shows the education standard spending assessment (SSA) per primary and secondary pupil and the DfEE special and specific grant allocations per primary and secondary pupil for the years 1997–98 to 2000–01 for Cumbria Local Education Authority. The special and specific grant totals include the money for schools announced in the Budget on 21 March.

  £

  Standard Spending Assessment

  Special and Specific Grants

  per primary pupil

  per secondary pupil

  per primary pupil

  per secondary pupil

  1997–98

  2,022

  2,644

  36

  29

  1998–99

  2,133

  2,774

  84

  69

  1999–2000

  2,255

  2,887

  143

  98

  2000–01

  2,357

  3,032

  275

  209

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much his Department spent directly or indirectly on asylum seekers in(a) 1995, (b) 1996, (c) 1997, (d) 1998 and (e) 1999; and what estimate has been made of expenditure in the year 2000. [119486]

  Ms Hodge
  [holding answer 17 April 2000]: The Home Office will be responding to this Question on behalf of Government as a whole, using information that we have provided to them.

  Schools Funding
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the separate ringfenced schemes for funding schools directly from his Department. [119744]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Most ringfenced funding, including the Standards Fund and funding for capital work, is paid via Local Education Authorities, not directly to individual maintained schools. Non-maintained special schools and voluntary-aided schools do receive some capital funding direct from the Department. For 2000–2001, around 75 per cent. of the £1.6 billion expenditure supported 90W
  through the Standards Fund must be devolved to schools. In addition, schools will receive a share of the £290 million funding increase announced in the Budget and of the £50 million for general support of school budgets. These additional amounts will be paid to Local Education Authorities but must be fully passed on to schools.

  Special Educational Needs
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the current average cost is of preparing a statement of special educational needs. [119323]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 19 April 2000]: Information on the cost of preparing a statement of special educational needs is not collected centrally. The Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs sets out that LEAs must identify and make a statutory assessment of those children for whom they are responsible who have special educational needs and who may need a statement. However, LEAs and schools do not account separately for special educational provision, including specific information on preparation of statements. The differential between local practices means any estimated costs would be based on assumptions and cost apportionments.

  St. Gregory's, Cheltenham
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he expects his Department to make a decision on the disposal of school property at St. Gregory's in Cheltenham. [120038]

  Jacqui Smith
  I am considering this case and expect to be able to make a decision shortly.

  Age Diversity in Employment
  Ms Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he plans to publish the preliminary report on monitoring the effectiveness of the Code of Practice on Age Diversity in Employment. [119844]

  Ms Hodge
  We will shortly be receiving the results from the second wave of research which was carried out earlier this year. We will be publishing the interim findings of the evaluation in early June.

  Teenage Girls Report
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when the Women's Unit will publish its report on teenage girls. [120010]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 20 April 2000): I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 10 April 2000, Official Report, column 41W.

  Nursery Education
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to increase the funding of education for three-year-olds in areas of need outside the inner cities. [120122]
  91W
  Ms Hodge
  Between September 1999 and April 2001 we have allocated £140 million to provide an additional 83,000 free early education places for three-year-olds, on the basis of each Local Education Authority's position on the Government's Index of Local Deprivation. A further £250 million has been allocated for 2001–02 to take the total number of new free places created to 190,000 by March 2002.

  The methodology that will be used to allocate these places in 2001–02 will be decided once we have had an opportunity to evaluate the progress of the scheme across all authorities this year. However, those authorities who have so far received low levels of funding are likely to see increases in their allocation in 2001–02.

  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the availability of funding from his Department for three-year-olds in(a) the maintained and (b) the voluntary sectors. [120138]

  Ms Hodge
  The Government are making available grants of £390 million over three years (from September 1999–March 2002) to almost double the number of three-year-olds in free early education places. In 1999–2000, the first tranche of Local Education Authorities which benefited from £40 million of this new money funded over 80 per cent. of the new free places in the private, voluntary and independent sectors.

  Prior to this new funding being available, as of January 1999, 37 per cent. of three-year-olds were receiving free early education in the maintained sector funded from each Local Education Authority's Standard Spending Assessment budget.

  Children outside Mainstream Education
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how he intends to make further use of information and communication technologies in the education of children unable to attend mainstream schooling through(a) disability, (b) illness, (c) behavioural problems and (d) neglect. [120196]

  Jacqui Smith
  Information and communication technologies (ICT) can facilitate effective communication and give access to resources regardless of the learners' location and individual needs. The Government are committed to exploiting the benefits and advantages of ICT in developing learning in a range of settings, as described.

  The developing National Grid for Learning (NGfL) has a specific remit to encourage the inclusion of all pupils—in particular, those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), the disadvantaged, and any children who, for whatever reason, are not being educated at school. Recent developments include the new Inclusion website which is currently focusing on SEN and provides teachers, parents and other professionals with a catalogue of on-line resources.

  My Department encourages Local Education Authorities to use ICT in supporting sick children. We have also made £95,000 available in 1999–2000 to provide lap tops for hospital and home tuition services.
  92W
  Using the Standards Fund, a number of LEAs are piloting innovative ICT projects to support inclusion and reduce exclusions and the incidence of difficult behaviour. We will be evaluating these projects and will aim to disseminate good and best practice arising from them.

  The Department is sponsoring a pilot project (Notschoolnet) on the use of ICT to support groups of pupils excluded from school. The pilot includes the provision of ICT equipment and facilitators providing on-line support for students at home or other locations. We have also funded major trials of digital broadcast material, which have been taking place in schools and with independent learners over the last few months.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will consult internet companies about providing educational assistance for children unable to take part in mainstream education. [120199]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Government are investing over £1.7 billion in their information and communications technology (ICT). My Department and the British Educational Communications and Technology agency (BECTa) are in regular contact with all those involved in the provision of ICT education materials.

  We have issued a challenge document, "Open for Learning, Open for Business", which calls for a national effort to develop content for the Grid under a framework offering access and education resources for both mainstream and special schools. On 10 April we held a major conference which focused on the ICT content (software) industry to discuss the way forward with companies who are linked to the National Grid for Learning.

  New Deal for Schools
  Mr. Hesford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many schools will benefit from the New Deal for Schools in 2000–01. [120084]

  Jacqui Smith
  Over 6,000 schools will benefit from the £600 million of New Deal for Schools funding announced on 11 April. We would expect most of these schools to benefit in 2000–01.

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) teachers and (b) classroom support staff have been employed by (i) former grant-maintained primary schools and (ii) former grant-maintained secondary schools in each of the last five years. [120258]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The available information on numbers of teaching staff and educational support staff in former grant-maintained primary and secondary schools is shown in the table.

  The Department is currently collecting information on teaching and education support staff in maintained primary and secondary schools for January 2000. These data will be published in a statistical volume in September.
  93W

  Number of schools, full-time equivalent1 number of teachers and education support staff for grant-maintained primary and secondary schools for 1995–99 in England

  Position as at January

  Grant maintained primary

  Grant maintained secondary

  Number of schools

  Number of teachers

  Number of education support staff2

  Number of schools

  Number of teachers

  Number of education support staff2

  1999

  511

  6,141.0

  2,100.7

  668

  39,270.9

  6,003.2

  1998

  508

  6,017.2

  1,925.8

  667

  38,759.4

  5,697.4

  1997

  483

  5,722.4

  1,689.1

  652

  37,527.1

  5,210.2

  1996

  448

  5,266.4

  1,434.2

  642

  36,175.1

  4,725.6

  1995

  410

  4,824.5

  1,173.7

  622

  34,896.2

  4,286.6

  1 Includes full-time and full-time equivalent of part-time staff

  2 Includes nursery assistants, special needs support staff, librarians and technicians

  Education Spending (Stoke-on-Trent)
  Mr. Stevenson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the(a) standard spending assessment and (b) total estimated spending per head in Stoke-on-Trent local education authority in each of the years 1998–99 and 1999–2000; and what estimate he has made of comparable figures for 2000–01. [120397]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The table shows the total education standard spending assessment (SSA), the education standard spending assessment (SSA) per pupil and the DfEE special and specific grant allocations per pupil for the years requested for Stoke-on-Trent local education authority. The special and specific grant totals includes the money for schools announced in the Budget on 21 March.

  Total SSA (£ million)

  SSA per pupil (£)

  Special and specific grant per pupil (£)

  1998–99

  95.93

  2,437

  68

  1999–2000

  99.48

  2,560

  122

  2000–01

  104.17

  2,703

  241

  Ofsted Inspections
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what measures he has in place to reduce the stress to teachers caused by Ofsted inspections; and if he will make a statement; [120221]

  (2) what complaints his Department has received in the last two years from (a) unions and (b) individuals about Ofsted inspections; what response has been made by Ofsted to these complaints; and what changes in inspection practices have been made as a result; [120222]

  (3) what lessons have been learned by Ofsted regarding the suicide of Ms Pamela Relf; and if he will make a statement. [120223]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  These are matters relating to the responsibilities of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools, Chris Woodhead. I have asked him to write to my hon. Friend and to place a copy of his letter in the Library.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Abattoirs
  Sir Peter Emery
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he is taking to assist small and specialist abattoirs in Devon. [118501]

  Ms Stuart
  As responsibility for food safety and standards matters has now passed to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) which reports to Parliament through Health Ministers, I have been asked to reply.

  I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that it recognises the difficulties faced by the meat industry, especially small businesses, as a result of increased veterinary supervision levels and the associated costs. Equally, it understands very well the importance of local slaughtering facilities and it is certainly not its intention to put out of business smaller operations, particularly those specialising in a high quality product.

  A number of measures have been put in place to help small and medium sized abattoirs. These include the freezing of Meat Hygiene Service hourly rates in 1999–2000 at 1998–99 levels (worth £7 million) and restricting the increase in 2000–01 to no more than the rate of inflation (2.2 per cent.), and the deferment of charges for SRM controls for a further two years until 2002–03 at the earliest (worth £44 million). Following advice received from the European Commission, the Meat Hygiene Service is reviewing its levels of inspection in individual low throughput (permanently derogated) premises. In the meantime, no increases in veterinary supervision levels in such premises have been made since the Commission's advice was received last May, nor will there be any changes made until that review has been completed.

  We have accepted, or are giving further consideration to, 32 of the 35 recommendations of the Meat Industry Red Tape Working Group and, as my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister confirmed at the agriculture summit on 30 March, the Government are pressing on urgently with their implementation. Steps are being taken to secure changes in the European Union meat hygiene and charging legislation in line with the Group's recommendations but this will inevitably take time to achieve. In the meantime, a small independent task force has been set up, as recommended by the Group, to explore all the issues surrounding a "capping" approach to meat

  95W
  hygiene inspection charges for low volume abattoirs. The task force, chaired by Colin Maclean, former Director-General of the Meat and Livestock Commission, held its first meeting on 6 April and is due to report by 31 May.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has recently received concerning the future of small abattoirs; and what action he is taking to ensure their survival. [116251]

  Ms Stuart
  As responsibility for food safety and standards matters has now passed to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) which reports to Parliament through Health Ministers, I have been asked to reply.

  Since publication of the Government's response to the report of the Meat Industry Red Tape Working Group, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and, from 1 April, the Food Standards Agency, has received a number of representations from a wide variety of sources about the future of small abattoirs. The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food recently replied to an open letter from 136 organisations about the impact of meat inspection charges on small and medium sized abattoirs, copies of which are available in the Library.

  I am advised that the Food Standards Agency recognises the difficulties faced by the meat industry, especially small businesses, as a result of increased veterinary supervision levels and the associated costs. We also understand the importance of local slaughtering facilities.

  A number of measures have been put in place to help small and medium sized abattoirs. These include the freezing of Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) hourly rates in 1999–2000 at 1998–99 levels (worth £7 million) and restricting the increase in 2000–01 to 2.2 per cent., in line with the rate of inflation and the commitment made by us last year. Charges for enforcement of specified risk Material controls have been deferred until 2002–03 at the earliest (worth £22 million). Following advice received from the European Commission, the MHS is reviewing its levels of inspection in individual low throughput (permanently derogated) premises. No increases in veterinary supervision levels in such premises have been made since the Commission's advice was received last May. No changes will be made until that review has been completed.

  In addition, we have adopted, or are giving further consideration to, 32 of the 35 recommendations of the Meat Industry Red Tape Working Group. We are pressing on with their implementation as was confirmed by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister at the agriculture summit on 30 March. Steps are being taken to secure changes in the European Union meat hygiene and charging legislation in line with the Group's recommendations and discussions are underway in Brussels. The Food Standards Agency has also acted on the Group's recommendation and has set up a small task force to explore all the issues surrounding a 'capping' approach to meat hygiene inspection charges for low volume abattoirs. Its membership and working arrangements were announced in a Food Standards Agency press release on 11 April, copies of which are available in the Library.
  96W
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reason the "Action Plan for Farming", published on 30 March, contains no proposals to assist the re-establishment of abattoir facilities in areas that have lost such facilities; and if he will make a statement. [117697]

  Ms Quin
  Assistance for the re-establishment of abattoir facilities was not included in the "Action Plan for Farming" published on 30 March because the Government have already put in place a number of measures to help this sector.

  Veterinary supervision levels in low throughput (permanently derogated) abattoirs have been frozen at May 1999 levels pending completion of a review of supervision levels in such plants following advice from the Commission (published by the Government in October 1999). The introduction of charges for cattle passports and MHS enforcement of SRM controls has been deferred until at least 2002–03 (worth £44m). Meat inspection charges for 1999–2000 were capped at 1998–99 levels (worth £7m) and will rise by only 2.2 per cent. in 2000–01, in line with the rate of inflation as previously announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister. As recommended by the Meat Industry Red Tape Working Group (the Pooley Report) a small task force has been set to urgently explore alternative ways of recovering the costs of inspection work, within the framework of Community law. This will report and make recommendations to the Food Standards Agency who now have responsibility for meat hygiene.

  Beef
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set a date for the lifting of the ban on over-thirty-month cattle entering the food chain where they are subject to full traceability. [118667]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 11 April 2000]: I have been asked to reply.

  The ban on over-thirty-month cattle entering the food chain is one of a number of BSE controls to be reviewed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). This was announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister at the agriculture summit on 30 March. The FSA has been asked to consider the controls to ensure that they adequately protect the consumer, and their proportionality to the assessed risk. The FSA will submit a published report to UK Health and Agriculture Ministers by the end of October or as soon as possible afterwards taking account of the report of the BSE Inquiry. Ministers will then consider whether there should be any change in the ban on over-thirty-month cattle entering the food chain in the light of the FSA's report.

  Inverdale Gene
  Mrs. Fiona Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the risks from the importation of the Inverdale Gene to the UK, with particular reference to its possible role in causing infertility [118199]
  97W
  Ms Quin
  No formal assessment has been made. The hazard of infertility associated with the Inverdale gene is well understood. It is for the sheep breeding industry to assess whether the benefits of introducing the gene into UK breeding flocks through the importation of semen or animals outweigh the risks of infertility.

  Livestock Compensatory Allowances
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received on the question of modulation in relation to livestock compensatory allowances; and if he will make a statement. [118401]

  Ms Quin
  The only livestock compensatory allowances paid in the UK are paid under the Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowance Schemes. These are to be replaced by new schemes under the EC Rural Development Regulation. As such they would not be subject to modulation and I have received no representations on the issue.

  Sheep Farming
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the effects on sheep farming of(a) the Groundwater Directive, (b) abattoir closures and (c) the costs of the proposed identification scheme. [118332]

  Ms Quin
  The information is as follows:(a) Under the Groundwater Regulations 1998, which implement the Groundwater Directive, sheep farmers wishing to dispose of any listed substance (including sheep dip containing such substances) to land will normally require a groundwater authorisation from the Environment Agency. Under the agriculture strategy package announced recently it is proposed to restrict charges to a single application fee (currently £92) for the first four-year period of an authorisation, rather than for farmers to have also to pay an annual charge. This will result in an estimated saving for sheep farmers of £428 at 1999 prices in respect of the annual charge.

  (b) None. There remains considerable over-capacity in the mainstream sheep-slaughtering sector and as a result there is unlikely to be any measurable effect of abattoir closures on the majority of producers.

  (c) We estimate that the initial cost of tagging all sheep in Great Britain will be a maximum of £12 million; in subsequent years this falls to £6 million. For around 80 per cent. of sheep holdings in Great Britain the cost of tags for the entire flock will be less than £200 in the first year.

  Live Animal Exports
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which member states of the European Union have introduced legislation to give effect to the Live Transport Directive 95/29/EC. [118589]

  Mr. Morley
  Information made available by the European Commission, whose responsibility it is to ensure that EU legislation is implemented, indicates that all member states have implemented Council directive 95/29/EC amending directive 91/628/EC on the protection of animals during transport.

  Lavender Industry
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on support for the UK lavender growing industry. [118590]

  Ms Quin
  The Ministry supports non-food crops through its Agri-Industrial Materials Branch disseminating information, organising events and supporting research and development, although no specific activity relating to lavender is currently taking place.

  Organic Food
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent research he has carried out on the impact on biodiversity of(a) organic and (b) conventional farming methods. [118570]

  Ms Quin
  A number of comparative studies have been funded by the Ministry. A desk study was completed in 1998 which compared the effects on biodiversity of conventional, organic and integrated farming systems. This summarised the results of previous field-based research, and concluded that organic regimes showed an overall benefit for biodiversity at the farm level. A new field-based project started in 1999 to determine to what extent any biodiversity differences between organic and conventional farms are caused by differences in non-crop habitats.

  Other recent research includes projects to assess the impact of conventional agriculture on farmland bird populations, the effects of pesticides on non-target species (including indirect effects on birds), the causes of changes on botanical diversity on farmland, and the causes of changes in brown hare populations. The Ministry is also co-funding the Countryside Survey 2000 project which focuses on an assessment of the extent of changes in botanical diversity on farmland.

  Food Stores
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what foods and in what quantities were in storage within the European Union on 1 March. [118832]

  Ms Quin
  The following foods and quantities were in storage within the European Union on 1 March 2000.

  Amount (000 tonnes)

  Beef

  25

  Wheat

  4,106

  Barley

  5,021

  Maize

  59

  Rice

  495

  Rye

  3,184

  Butter

  57

  Skimmed Milk Powder

  157

  Olive Oil

  25

  Wine

  193

  Research and Development
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was his Department's budget for Research and Development in(a) 1998–99 and (b) 1999–2000. [119007]
  99W
  Ms Quin
  The figures were(a) £139.8 million; and (b) £139.3 million.

  Land Holding Statistics
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many landowners in England and Wales have land holdings in excess of(a) 25,000 acres, (b) 20,000 acres, (c) 15,000 acres and (d) 10,000 acres. [119038]

  Ms Quin
  This information is not available. MAFF holds information on the land area related to agricultural holdings.

  Spongiform Encephalopathies
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of recent studies on maternal transmission(a) of the BSE infective agent in cattle and (b) of related infections in other mammalian species. [119035]

  Ms Quin
  MAFF have funded a large-scale experiment to assess whether embryos collected from cows in the late stages of BSE infection and then transplanted into TSE-free recipient cows from New Zealand, go on to develop BSE later in life. Offspring will be observed for seven years for the development of BSE. The study is due to end next year but so far none of the offspring have shown any signs of BSE. This provides experimental evidence to indicate that BSE is not transmitted to embryos by the maternal route.

  Similar studies have been performed in sheep infected with scrapie but results have been difficult to interpret because of the complex genetic factors that influence scrapie susceptibility in sheep. Epidemiological work is ongoing to investigate the natural routes of transmission of scrapie, however, it is too early to make an assessment of the results obtained so far.

  EU Farming Regulations
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent discussions he has had with his European counterparts on ensuring uniformity of farming regulations in the EU. [118943]

  Ms Quin
  My right hon. Friend the Minister and I regularly meet colleagues from the other member states and the Commission to discuss agricultural legislation. Most recently I attended the Agriculture Council on 17 April to discuss a number of issues including Beef Labelling. It is the responsibility of the Commission to ensure that member states meet their obligations to administer EU legislation properly but that does not necessarily in all cases require complete uniformity as there is scope to apply the principle of subsidiarity where appropriate.

  Milk Imports
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the(a) quantity and (b) value of milk imported into the UK from non-EU countries in the last three years for which figures are available; what tariff such milk attracts; and if he will make a statement. [119656]

  Ms Quin
  The information requested is set out in the table:

  Imports of milk from third countries

  Volume (tonnes)

  Value (£000)

  1997

  2.1

  6.3

  1998

  0

  0

  1999

  6.0

  2.7

  Source:

  HM Customs and Excise

  The import duty paid on imports of skimmed milk in January and February 1997 was 18.9 ecus per 100 kg. The import duty paid on imports of whole milk in October 1997 was 29.1 ecus per 100 kg. The import duties paid in July 1999 on imports of skimmed milk and whole milk were 15.1 euros per 100 kg and 24.8 euros per 100 kg, respectively. These are the only months in the years concerned in which imports were recorded.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what target he has set for Ministers in his Department to reply to letters from hon. Members; in what proportion of cases since 1 October 1999 he has met those targets; in how many cases it has taken his Department(a) more than eight weeks and (b) more than 16 weeks to reply to letters from hon. Members; and if he will make a statement. [118933]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 13 April 2000]: Ministers in my Department aim to answer letters from hon. Members within 15 working days. Between 1 October 1999 and 31 March 2000, Ministers in my Department answered 3,098 letters from hon. Members, of which 987 (32 per cent.) were answered within 15 working days. A total of 562 letters took over eight weeks to answer: of these, 27 took longer than 16 weeks. In 1999 as a whole Ministers in my Department answered 60 per cent. of letters from hon. Members within 15 days.

  The number of staff processing correspondence has been increased to improve our performance in responding to letters from hon. Members.

  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 8 March on behalf of his constituent, Miss Marvin. [119747]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 19 April 2000]: I replied to the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire on 19 April.

  Turkey and Iraq
  Turkey and Iraq
  Zimbabwe
  Zimbabwe
  European Court of Human Rights: Judicial Independence
  European Court of Human Rights: Judicial Independence
  Russian Federation: Human Rights
  Russian Federation: Human Rights
  Zimbabwe: Kuwaiti Oil
  Zimbabwe: Kuwaiti Oil
  Zimbabwe: Travel Advice
  Zimbabwe: Travel Advice
  Speakers of Parliaments Conference, Alexandria
  Speakers of Parliaments Conference, Alexandria
  Turkey: Situation of Minorities
  Turkey: Situation of Minorities
  Kashmir: Massacre of Sikhs
  Kashmir: Massacre of Sikhs
  Kashmir: UN Resolutions
  Kashmir: UN Resolutions
  UN Resolutions and Security Council Membership
  UN Resolutions and Security Council Membership
  India and Pakistan: Line of Control
  India and Pakistan: Line of Control
  Mohammed Yasin Malik
  Mohammed Yasin Malik
  Human Rights Convention and the EU
  Human Rights Convention and the EU
  Overseas Territories Governors
  Overseas Territories Governors
  European Charter of Fundamental Rights
  European Charter of Fundamental Rights
  Iran: Trial of Jews Accused of Espionage
  Iran: Trial of Jews Accused of Espionage
  Council of Europe and EU: Forthcoming Business
  Council of Europe and EU: Forthcoming Business
  Detention in Police or Court Cells
  Detention in Police or Court Cells
  Home Office PFI Projects
  Home Office PFI Projects
  Prisoners: Religion and Language Arrangements
  Prisoners: Religion and Language Arrangements
  Detention Estate: Future Plans
  Detention Estate: Future Plans
  Firearms Act
  Firearms Act
  UN Human Rights Treaties
  UN Human Rights Treaties
  Rural Social Exclusion: Ministerial Network
  Rural Social Exclusion: Ministerial Network
  Duchy of Lancaster: Membership of Magistrates' Benches
  Duchy of Lancaster: Membership of Magistrates' Benches
  Roll-on, Roll-off Ships: MoD Requirement
  Roll-on, Roll-off Ships: MoD Requirement
  Defence Spending
  Defence Spending
  Service Families Accommodation: Mixed Estates
  Service Families Accommodation: Mixed Estates
  Armed Forces: Construction of Barracks and Married Quarters
  Armed Forces: Construction of Barracks and Married Quarters
  Postage Stamp Themes
  Postage Stamp Themes
  Schools: Teaching of Religion
  Schools: Teaching of Religion
  Scottish-domiciled Students: Tuition Fees
  Scottish-domiciled Students: Tuition Fees
  GM Food
  GM Food
  Bovine and Ovine Tissues: Use in Nutritional Supplements
  Bovine and Ovine Tissues: Use in Nutritional Supplements
  Specified Risk Material: Red Deer Antlers
  Specified Risk Material: Red Deer Antlers
  New-variant CJD
  New-variant CJD
  Refusal of Reciprocal Healthcare Benefits to UK Nationals
  Refusal of Reciprocal Healthcare Benefits to UK Nationals
  Diabetes Services
  Diabetes Services
  Medicines Control Agency
  Medicines Control Agency
  Utility Street Works
  Utility Street Works
  Bleach Green to Antrim High Speed Track
  Bleach Green to Antrim High Speed Track
  County Down to Belfast Rapid Transit System Proposal
  County Down to Belfast Rapid Transit System Proposal
  Newry Station: EU Funding Application
  Newry Station: EU Funding Application
  Belfast to Dublin Railway Line
  Belfast to Dublin Railway Line
  Northern Ireland Transportation Task Force
  Northern Ireland Transportation Task Force
  Belfast to Londonderry Railway Line
  Belfast to Londonderry Railway Line
  Northern Ireland Railways: EU Funding
  Northern Ireland Railways: EU Funding
  Northern Ireland Railways: Safety
  Northern Ireland Railways: Safety
  Northern Ireland Health and Social Services Trusts: Working Time Regulation 16
  Northern Ireland Health and Social Services Trusts: Working Time Regulation 16
  Translink Policy on Roadworthiness of Buses and Coaches
  Translink Policy on Roadworthiness of Buses and Coaches
  Northern Ireland Health Trusts and Area Boards: Projected Overspend
  Northern Ireland Health Trusts and Area Boards: Projected Overspend
  Northern Ireland Hospital Services
  Northern Ireland Hospital Services