Written Answers of 17 May 2000

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy
  Ms McCafferty
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to discuss sexual and reproductive health policy with her European counterparts at the forthcoming European Council meeting. [122489]

  Clare Short
  I will be discussing a range of development issues with my European colleagues at the forthcoming Development Council meeting, including EC policy on HIV/AIDS.

  Debt Decision Day
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to mark Debt Decision Day on 23 July; and if she will make a statement. [122099]

  Clare Short
  The Prime Minister and the Chancellor have informed the Japanese Presidency of the G7/8 that we would like to use the opportunity of the Okinawa Summit (21–23 July), and the meeting of the G7 Finance Ministers running up to the Summit, to review and encourage progress on the debt relief initiative.

  The Government are committed to keeping up the momentum in the run up to, and beyond, Okinawa, and will make every effort to see that resources are released for the eradication of poverty in HIPC countries.

  Penalty Clauses
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the contracts entered into with private sector companies for the provision of goods or services since May 1997 where penalty clauses were triggered for non-performance; and if she will make a statement. [122012]

  Clare Short
  My Department's standard contracts do not contain penalty clauses. In cases of poor performance we can withhold payment. We do not keep a central record of where poor performance has resulted in payment being withheld and this information could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  Defence Systems Ltd.
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what checks her Department carried out on the suitability of Defence Systems Ltd. prior to awarding the company a contract to clear mines and unexploded munitions in Kosovo. [122129]

  Clare Short
  When NATO troops entered Kosovo in June 1999, we invited a number of mine/unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance organisations to submit 124W
  capability statements so that self-contained rapid response teams could be immediately provided to deal with the mine threat in Kosovo. Five organisations, including DSL, were selected for an initial period of two months, on the basis of experience in stated capabilities, quality of key personnel, experience in humanitarian mine action, ability to deploy quickly the requisite skills, equipment and back-up, value for money and knowledge of the region.

  The United Nations Mine Action Co-ordination Centre (UNMACC) in Pristina later requested the services of these organisations, including DSL, for two further phases: another three months of emergency work; a phase for the year 2000 to address the mine/UXO threat in a more structured way. For the present phase, DSL and the other organisations were invited to submit detailed proposals which were assessed as above, in the light of their earlier performance in Kosovo and their ability to meet UNMACC's future needs. Before entering into a long-term contract with DSL, we consulted a range of Government departments, as is our normal practice in such cases.

  DSL has been accredited by UNMACC for work in Kosovo and has been commended both as a field operator and as a co-ordinator of mine action activities in southern Kosovo.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the supply of(a) food and (b) medical supplies to the Kambia region of Sierra Leone. [122026]

  Clare Short
  Kambia District, situated in the Northern Province, remained volatile after the signing of the peace agreement last July. Although access was, and is difficult, food security assessments were carried out in January and February 2000 by Caritas Makeni and Community Action through Progress (CAP) who are local implementing partners of Children's Aid Direct (CAD). CAD are supported by the Department for International Development.

  The CAD programme began in Kambia in March. So far it has been limited to assessments and targeting and registration of beneficiaries. The distribution of inputs will commence as soon as the security situation allows.

  Halabja
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance her Department is giving to people of Halabja in the current year. [122130]

  Clare Short
  We are supporting the work of Professor Christine Gosden of Liverpool University to develop a prioritised programme, in conjunction with the universities in northern Iraq and the recently established post-graduate school at Halabja. This will benefit the victims of chemical and biological weapon attacks on the Kurds, principally at Halabja in northern Iraq. The programme will include developing proposals for palliative care, curative treatment,
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  and neutralising environmental contamination. We shall consider providing more substantive assistance on the basis of these proposals. Other donors such as Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Italy and the Vatican have shown an interest in providing humanitarian and other support.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Analogue TV Switch-off
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment has been made of the viability of his Department's timetable for the switching off of analogue television transmitters. [121486]

  Janet Anderson
  We will be making regular assessments of the estimated timescale for the switch-over from analogue to digital transmission in the formal two-yearly reviews which I announced last autumn. The first of these reviews will be in autumn 2001. They will measure progress against the key tests of availability of digital services; affordability; and take-up of digital equipment. The Viewers' Panel, which we are setting up, will provide advice at each review on the extent of progress towards digital television from the viewers' point of view.

  BBC News 24
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what criteria will be used to assess the performance of BBC News 24 in the Government's review; and if he will make a statement. [121487]

  Janet Anderson
  We aim to announce our proposals for the reviews of the BBC's digital services in due course.

  Seaside Resort Regeneration
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures he will take to encourage take up of Lottery funds to regenerate seaside resorts. [122364]

  Kate Hoey
  As a result of the National Lottery Act 1998 and Policy Directions issued by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, distributors are already doing much to ensure Lottery money is distributed more equitably. Research into the impact of the National Lottery on the coalfields and other areas, soon to be published, should help to identify what more can be done to ensure that those in every area, including seaside resorts, have access to grants from the National Lottery.

  Television Licence
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the total cost was of administering the television licence system(a) in cash terms and (b) as a percentage of BBC licence fee revenue in each of the last 10 years. [122451]
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  Janet Anderson
  The cost administering the television licensing system in the 10 years to 1998–99, the latest year for which figures are available, was as follows:

  Cost of administering the television licensing system

  Year

  £ million

  As a percentage of licence fee revenue

  1989–90

  81.0

  6.6

  1990–91

  84.3

  6.2

  1991–92

  91.5

  6.2

  1992–93

  92.5

  5.8

  1993–94

  89.2

  5.3

  1994–95

  91.0

  5.2

  1995–96

  95.0

  5.2

  1996–97

  96.9

  5.1

  1997–98

  109.5

  5.5

  1998–99

  133.1

  6.1

  Concessionary Television Licences (Rotherham)
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many concessionary television licences have been withdrawn in Rotherham in(a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999 in (i) council-run old peoples' homes and (ii) privately-run old peoples' homes. [122450]

  Janet Anderson
  Since 1991, the BBC has had statutory responsibility for the administration of the television licensing system, including the Accommodation for Residential Care concessionary licence scheme. The day-to-day management of the scheme is carried out by TV Licensing as agent for the BBC. I understand from the BBC that information on the concessionary scheme is not held in the form requested.

  Communications White Paper
  Ms Keeble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on consultation on the Communications White Paper. [123002]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and I have already announced an invitation for any comments on the Communications White Paper to be submitted to us by 23 June. As a further contribution to the debate and discussion on the issues at the heart of the White Paper, we have also asked a number of external experts individually to prepare policy papers on a variety of related subjects, which will form the basis for discussion at a seminar in July and which will be published on the internet.

  The experts are:

  Quentin Thomas (Chair)

  David Cleevely

  Elizabeth Forgan

  Andrew Graham

  Janice Hughes

  Mark Oliver

  Damian Tambini

  George Yarrow.

HEALTH

  Motor Neurone Disease
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what support the Government provide to research into motor neurone disease; what involvement the Motor Neurone Disease Association has had in the channelling of Government resources into this research; what support the Government provide to the Motor Neurone Disease Association; what the level of Government funding will be for research into motor neurone disease in the next three years; and if he will make a statement. [120735]

  Mr. Denham
  The Government support research into motor neurone disease through the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Department of Health.

  The MRC is the main Government agency through which we support research on the causes and treatment of disease and receives most of its income via grant-in-aid from the office of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. In 1999–2000, the MRC spent approximately £1.6 million on motor neurone disease and on basic work on the function of motor neurones. They are also funding relevant underpinning research, for example on nerve function and damage. The MRC involve the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) whenever they consider an application for clinical trials in motor neurone disease.

  The Department funds research to support policy development in health and social care, and to support effective practice in the National Health Service. The Department also provides NHS support funding for research sponsored by charities, such as MNDA, and by the MRC that takes place in the NHS. The current commitment of centrally commissioned research projects relating to motor neurone disease is approximately £241,000. Information about expenditure on NHS service support and devolved Departmental research in the NHS are not held centrally. The total level of Department of Health support for motor neurone disease may therefore be higher than the expenditure for centrally commissioned research.

  Project details of Department funded research can be found on the National Research Register (NRR). This is available in the Library and most medical libraries on CD Rom, and on the Internet: http://www.doh.gov.uk/nrr.htm.

  It is not possible to predict what the future level of Government expenditure will be on specific areas of research as new research proposals are regularly being considered and commissioned.

  The Government do not provide financial support directly to the MNDA.

  Beef (Cattle over 30 Months)
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if there is a ban on the import of meat and meat products from cattle of over 30 months into this country; [121434]

  (2) if the ban on the sale of meat products from cattle over 30 months old includes gelatine and other edible by-products; [121433]
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  (3) what checks are carried out on imports of meat and meat products to the United Kingdom to ensure that they are not from cattle over 30 months old. [121435]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 9 May 2000]: I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that there is no restriction on the import of meat and meat products from cattle over 30 months, but the ban on sale of beef for human consumption from cattle aged over 30 months at slaughter applies to both home produced and imported supplies. The only exceptions to this ban are for meat from specialist grass-reared United Kingdom herds under the Beef Assurance Scheme (BAS) and meat from 14 non-EU countries that traditionally supplied the UK and have no history of BSE. As far as home supplies and meat imported into licensed premises are concerned, the ban is enforced by the Meat Hygiene Service. The carcase or part of a carcase of any bovine animal that is found to be more than 30 months old at slaughter (or over 42 months for BAS animals) is sterilised or stained immediately as an animal by-product. Local authorities are responsible for enforcement at other points in the supply chain.

  Imported gelatine and other edible by-products are not subject to the over 30 months rule. However, they are subject to controls on the use of specified risk materials in their production. The UK introduced these national SRM controls from 1 January 1998, pending the implementation of Community measures. Imports of gelatine and other edible by-products must be accompanied by a certificate confirming that they are SRM-free or that they are from animals born, reared and slaughtered in Australia or New Zealand.

  Specified Risk Material
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the recommendations of the Scientific Steering Committee about extending the Specified Risk Material regulations in force in Britain to all EU member states. [121439]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 9 May 2000]: The Scientific Steering Committee advises the European Commission on matters relating to the risks from BSE. It is for the Commission to decide, in the light of that advice, whether any proposals for measures to manage those risks at European Union level need to be made.

  Harefield Hospital
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his plans are for the future of Harefield Hospital; and if he will make a statement. [121708]

  Mr. Denham
  Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster Health Authority has undertaken formal public consultation over proposals to move inpatient paediatric services from Harefield Hospital to the Royal Brompton Hospital. A decision to pursue these proposals has been contested by Hillingdon Community Health Council and it will, therefore, be referred to Ministers for a final decision. Any decision on the future location of Harefield Hospital's paediatric transplantation services would require the consideration of the National Specialist Commissioning Advisory Group.

  These proposals must be set in the context of longer term plans. Following detailed planning and assessment by National Health Service organisations in West London

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  and the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, a preferred option has been identified for the future of specialist inpatient services in West London, including cardiothoracic services. This would see services that are currently provided at Harefield Hospital located in a new building on the Paddington Basin site, alongside other West London specialist cardiothoracic services currently provided at the Royal Brompton and St Mary's Hospitals.

  An Outline Business Case is due to be submitted to the London Regional Office of the NHS Executive assessing a number of options, including that for the Paddington Basin. Full public consultation will be held in the summer of 2000 before any decisions are made.

  NHS Dentistry (Cheltenham)
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the adult population in Cheltenham are registered with an NHS dentist. [122006]

  Mr. Hutton
  Information on dental registrations in individual constituencies is not collected by the Department. In the Gloucestershire Health Authority area 31 per cent. of the adult population was registered with a National Health Service dentist at 31 March 2000.

  In Cheltenham patients who are not registered with a NHS dentist can receive treatment under the personal dental service scheme. On Monday to Friday emergency patients can access treatment via the health authority's dental helpline. Gloucestershire Health Authority has submitted proposals for a dental access centre in Cheltenham. A decision about this scheme will be made shortly.

  Violence against NHS Staff (Shropshire)
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps each health trust in Shropshire is taking to reduce the incidence of violence against NHS staff; and if he will make a statement. [121761]

  Mr. Denham
  We are determined to ensure that National Health Service staff are never faced with intimidation and violence, which is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. In addition to the national 'NHS Zero Tolerance Zone' campaign, each of the three local trusts in Shropshire are taking independent action to protect staff from violent and aggressive behaviour.

  The Royal Shrewsbury Hospitals NHS Trust have introduced the People Management Standards Document, which states that all staff in high risk areas will receive prevention of violence training by an approved organisation.

  The Princess Royal Hospital NHS Trust have recently updated their Dealing with Violence and Aggression Policy. Measures include logging abusive incidents, and the use of a 'Safe Haven' room for patients showing extreme aggression.

  Shropshire Community and Mental Health Services NHS Trust have carried out risk assessments in all work areas, to identify potential areas of weakness. Areas of activity resulting from this include additional staff training, and issuing mobile phones, pagers and personal alarms where appropriate.

  Hospital Care Beds
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many acute hospital care beds there are in NHS hospitals in the Greater London area. [122077]

  Mr. Denham
  The average daily number of available acute hospital care beds in the London region in the financial year 1998–99 was 17,022.

  Bed data are not collected by general geographical area. The area covered by London Regional Office has been used as the closest approximation of Greater London.

  General Social Care Council
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to establish the General Social Care Council; and if he will make a statement. [122766]

  Mr. Hutton
  We propose to establish the General Social Care Council on 1 October 2001.

  Originally we had intended to establish the new Council on 1 April 2001. However, the GSCC Advisory Group, set up to consider the requirements for a well functioning Council, has recommended October 2001 as a more appropriate start date. This will allow sufficient time to complete the many tasks that have to be undertaken for the Council to begin its important work. The Care Standards Bill, which is currently before this House, proposes vital functions for the GSCC that will increase the level of safety offered to the public. We see it as being in the best interests of the public and the GSCC itself that sufficient time is allowed in order to deliver a Council that is ready and able to take forward these vital functions.

  The GSCC Advisory Group will be continuing its role until the Council is established in shadow form.

  Female Circumcision
  Ms McCafferty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department issues to chairs of local authority social services committees concerning the operation of the Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act 1985. [122492]

  Mr. Hutton
  As well as being illegal, female circumcision is an extremely unpleasant practice with lasting mental and physical effects on those girls on whom it is carried out. We have issued no specific guidance on this matter to chairs of social services committees but our wider advice, set out in "Working Together to Safeguard Children" on child protection procedures is clear. The Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act 1985 makes female circumcision, excision or infibulation (female genital mutilation (FGM)) an offence, except on specific physical and mental health grounds. A local authority may exercise its powers under section 47 of the Children's Act 1989 if it has reason to believe that a child is likely to be or has been the subject of FGM.

  Departmental Vehicles
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) cars and (b) commercial vehicles operated by his Department were manufactured (i) in the UK, (ii) in the EU and (iii) elsewhere. [122258]
  131W
  Ms Stuart
  This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Dystonia
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have been diagnosed as having dystonia in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [119914]

  Mr. Denham
  The table shows a count of finished consultant episodes (FCEs) in National Health Service hospitals in England where the primary (main) diagnosis was dystonia, for the years 1994–95 to 1998–99.

  FCEs where the primary dianosis was dystonia—;NHS hospitals England 1994–95 to 1998–99

  Data year

  FCEs

  1994–95

  1,414

  1995–96

  1,953

  1996–

  1,967

  1997–98

  2,477

  1998–99

  2,709

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many employers, broken down by size of firm, have been fined for paying less than the minimum wage. [122534]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The National Minimum Wage (NMW) Act provides for officers to issue a financial penalty against an employer who does not comply with an enforcement notice. So far, 141 enforcement notices have been issued. Only one of these has required follow up action with a penalty notice fining the employer for each day of non-compliance with the enforcement notice. The company concerned employs between 0–10 people.

  It is also a criminal offence to refuse or wilfully neglect to pay the NMW. So far it has not been necessary to use these criminal powers, though we will do so in appropriate circumstances.

  Cosmetic Surgery
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the operation of regulations pertaining to advertising of cosmetic surgery. [122307]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 16 May 2000]: I am satisfied that the powers given to the Director General of Fair Trading by the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988, together with the self-regulatory system operated by the Advertising Standards authority, are effective in controlling advertising in the United Kingdom. However, the Government recognise that advertising controls alone may not be sufficient in the field of cosmetic surgery to ensure that the information patients receive is of an acceptable standard and my colleagues in the Department of Health are therefore considering how best to take this matter forward.

  Chief Scientific Adviser
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 11 May 2000,Official Report, column 445W, what engineering skills and qualifications will be required of the Government Chief Scientific Adviser. [122496]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Government's Chief Scientific Adviser will need to have a first class international reputation in science or engineering. Candidates for the post are likely to be Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering or of the Royal Society. In addition to being excellent in their own disciplines candidates will need to have an understanding of a wide range of science and engineering issues.

  Post Office
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has set the financial target for the Post Office for 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [122924]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The Government are setting the Post Office a return on capital employed target of 13 per cent. in 2000–01 and this translates into an operational pre-tax profit target of £392 million in 2000–01. This target excludes the network of post offices, where the PIU report is awaited, and the non-operational interest arising from past surpluses held on the Post Office's balance sheet. This target will be subsumed within the overall post-tax profit target for the Post Office as a whole, as described in the White Paper.

  As already announced, the 'dividend' that the Government effectively take out of the Post Office is set at 40 per cent. of the post-tax profits of the business as a whole. This is subject to a dividend floor payment which this year will be raised from 80 per cent. to 90 per cent. of the dividend that would be paid if the Post Office meets its overall profit target.

  In order to help the Post Office to plan for the medium term, the Government are also setting an indicative financial target for 2002–03 of 13 per cent. return on capital employed (ROCE) in the Post Office's operational business, excluding the network of post offices and any non-operational interest arising from past surpluses. Return on capital employed is defined as profit before interest payable and tax, but after operating interest receivable, divided by operating capital employed.

  I have set the Post Office's financial target and dividend floor for 2000–01, and the indicative financial target for 2002–03 in the light of external benchmarking, the likely regulatory environment, market expectations, the Post Office's approved Strategic Plan for 1999–2004, and other projections from the Post Office.

  Communications White Paper
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on consultation on the Communications White Paper. [123003]

  Mr. Byers
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and I have already announced an invitation for any comments on the Communications White Paper to be submitted to us by 23 June. As a further contribution to the debate and
  133W
  discussion on the issues at the heart of the White Paper, we have also asked a number of external experts individually to prepare policy papers on a variety of related subjects, which will form the basis for discussion at a seminar in July and which will be published on the internet.

  The experts are:

  Quentin Thomas (Chair)

  David Cleevely

  Elizabeth Forgan

  Andrew Graham

  Janice Hughes

  Mark Oliver

  Damian Tambini

  George Yarrow.

  Export Credit (Military Goods)
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many times countries which have been granted export credit for military goods have defaulted on their repayments in each of the last 10 years. [122246]

  Mr. Caborn
  [holding answer 16 May 2000]: The following list details the countries on which ECGD has paid claims in each of the last 10 years as a result of payment defaults in relation to export credits for defence equipment.
  1990–91

  Algeria

  Argentina

  Brazil

  Egypt

  Jordan

  Kenya

  Nigeria

  1991–92

  Argentina

  Brazil

  Egypt

  Jordan

  Kenya

  1992–93

  Brazil

  Egypt

  Jordan

  Kenya

  Venezuela

  1993–94

  Brazil

  Egypt

  Jordan

  Kenya

  Venezuela

  1994–95

  Algeria

  Egypt

  Jordan

  Kenya

  Venezuela

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  Algeria

  Egypt

  Jordan

  Kenya

  Venezuela

  1996–97

  Algeria

  Egypt

  Jordan

  Kenya

  1997–98

  Algeria

  Egypt

  Jordan

  Kenya

  1998–99

  Indonesia

  Jordan

  Kenya

  1999–2000

  Indonesia

  Zimbabwe.

  Gas Transporters
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the companies, organisations and public bodies he has consulted over the removal of geographic exclusivity of licensed areas for gas transporters. [122324]

  Mrs. Liddell
  In October 1998. my Department published a consultation paper on the future of gas and electricity regulation. Among other things, this paper invited views on the abolition of geographic exclusivity. In October 1999, the Government's proposals for legislation in this area were published. That document set out the Government's decision to abolish geographic exclusivity. It also contained a list of those who had responded to the consultation paper, leaving aside only those who had requested confidentiality. Copies of that document were placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  British Energy and AES
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the reference to the Competition Commission of British Energy and AES. [122330]

  Dr. Howells
  This reference has been made by the Director General for Electricity Supply under the terms of the Electricity Act 1989 and the Competition Commission will report to him at the end of their inquiries.

  Parental Leave
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the terms of reference of the Parental Leave Monitoring Group and the review of maternity pay and leave and parental leave. [122360]
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  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The Parental Leave Monitoring Group will assess the impact of parental leave and look at the take-up of the new right by men and women. We are currently considering the terms of reference of the group in the light of the review on maternity pay and parental leave. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State made an announcement on 9 May setting out the scope of the review on maternity pay and parental leave.

  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Parental Leave Monitoring Group will meet. [122359]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  We are currently considering the terms of reference of the group in the light of the review on parental leave and maternity pay and a meeting will be convened in due course.

  Domestic Fuels
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will investigate the sales methods used by suppliers of domestic gas and electricity for new residents who are taking over previous contracts. [122353]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) is responsible for regulating the activities of gas and electricity suppliers. It imposes a licence condition in respect of sales and marketing practices, which has recently been extended to 31 March 2002. Ofgem closely monitors the sales and marketing activities of suppliers, and is working with the industry to ensure that abuses are avoided. Where necessary it will take formal action against individual suppliers under the licence condition.

  Genes (Patents)
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many UK patents have been granted for(a) human genes, (b) animal genes and (c) plant genes. [121305]

  Dr. Howells
  Patents are only available for inventions for new technical solutions. Under the Patents Act 1977 and a recent EC Directive on the legal protection of biotechnological inventions, genes as they exist in nature cannot be the subject of patent rights. However, material—including genes—isolated from its natural environment by means of an inventive technical process may be subject to patent rights. To be patentable, such inventions would have to satisfy the general criteria for patentability that the invention is new and would not be obvious to someone in the technical field.

  To date, approximately 50 patents relating principally to human genes or variants thereof; approximately 10 patents relating to animal genes or variants thereof; and, approximately nine patents relating to plant genes or variants thereof have been granted by the United Kingdom Patent Office.

  Animal Welfare
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to promote the development of internationally-agreed animal welfare standards in the context of the WTO negotiations building on existing work in the Council of Europe. [120123]
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  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 20 April 2000]: I have been asked to reply.

  We strongly supported the requirement in Article 8 of Directive 98/58/EC for the European Commission to report on the scope for developing wider international acceptance of EU farm welfare standards. Their report—which is overdue—will be a key element in defining how to approach this issue. For our own part, we have argued for the Office International des Epizooties to extend its activities to animal welfare: and we will take all opportunities offered by international gatherings such as the Animals 2000 World Congress of the World Society for the Protection of Animals to make contracts and advance this question.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  DVLA
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the differences between DVLA's procedures for processing applications for vehicles purchased from(a) car importers and (b) traditional dealers. [121316]

  Mr. Hill
  When presented with an application for the registration of a new vehicle the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) needs to be satisfied that(a) the vehicle is new (b) it meets type approval requirements and (c) VAT has been/or will be paid. Longstanding arrangements allow franchise dealers to register new vehicles without producing documentary evidence. This facility is not currently available to independent commercial importers.

  The Agency is developing similar arrangements for importers. It is intended that a revised manual system of registration which will not require documentary evidence will be available to them by the end of the summer. An electronic system should become operational in 2001.

  Sub-post Offices
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the documents and publications produced by his Department and Agencies that are available at sub-post offices. [121627]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, my hon. Friend the Member for Hull, West and Hessle (Mr. Johnson), on 15 May 2000,Official Report, column 23W.

  Tunnels (Fire Resistance)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what initiatives are being pursued to introduce fire-resistant materials in new tunnels. [121722]

  Mr. Hill
  For roads, there are a number of initiatives directly or indirectly concerned with fire and safety issues in tunnels. They are being undertaken by European and other international expert bodies. If these initiatives
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  indicate it is appropriate that more fire resistant materials should be introduced into tunnels, they will be included into the UK's current tunnel design standards.

  Following the fire in the Channel Tunnel, research has been done into increasing the resistance of concrete tunnel linings under conditions of extreme and prolonged heat. This research has been adopted by the designers of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) and fire protected concrete will be used in the new rail tunnels under London and the Thames.

  Penalty Clauses
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the contracts entered into with private sector companies for the provision of goods or services since May 1997 where penalty clauses were triggered for non-performance; and if he will make a statement. [122011]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  It is not the policy of the Department of the Environment Transport and the Regions to use penalty clauses in its contracts as they are not legally enforceable. Legally valid clauses which require the contractor to make payments when in default have been invoked in 17 contracts since May 1997.

  Jet-skis and Water Bikes
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the Government's policy is on bringing in new legislation to give local authorities control over jet skis and wet bikes; and if he will make a statement. [121926]

  Mr. Meacher
  Local authorities have the power to regulate personal watercraft, such as jet-skis and water bikes, through local byelaws. For instance, strict speed limits may be imposed to exclude watercraft from specific areas. My Department's Review of Byelaw Powers for the Coast recommended, among other things, that local authorities should be given a new power to create bathing-only zones and more general powers to regulate activities on the coast which affect the wider environment, such as the use of personal watercraft. We shall introduce legislation where it is needed to implement the Review's recommendations. In the meantime, we have published a voluntary code of best and safe practice for leisure craft users, and we are exploring options for a voluntary boat registration and identification scheme, which would include jet-skis.

  Mersey Basin Campaign
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the role of the Mersey Basin campaign in relation to youth and community involvement in the North West Region. [122071]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Secretary of State is aware of the achievements of the campaign in involving local communities in the care and maintenance of watercourses through the Mersey Basin Trust initiatives such as Stream Care, Waterside Revival and Green Action Grants. In addition through its Water Detectives resource packs for schools, the Campaign involves young people in the caring for their local rivers and streams.

  A612
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions his Department has had with Nottinghamshire County Council about the impact of a Gedling relief road on the A612 Nottingham to Burton Joyce at the junction of Shearing Hill and Burton Road.[122151]

  Mr. Hill
  There have been no discussions on this subject so far. The junction lies within the area of the Greater Nottingham Local Transport Plan which is being prepared jointly by Nottinghamshire County and Nottingham City Councils and will be submitted to Government by the end of July. It will form the basis for Government funding allocations for local transport initiatives and major local road schemes for the five year period 2001–06.

  Climate Change Levy
  Mrs. Fiona Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received in relation to the proposed Climate Change Levy being applied to combined heat and power where electricity sales made to licensed suppliers are subsequently sold on to business consumers; and what representations he has received on the effect on future investment in combined heat and power by commercial investors. [122150]

  Mr. Meacher
  Thirty-five responses to the Government's proposals in the consultation document, "A Quality Assurance Programme for Combined Heat and Power", commented on the proposed arrangements for sale of electricity from combined heat and power installations to other users, in relation to the Climate Change Levy. One company has informed the Government that it has decided to defer its decision to proceed with two CHP proposals, citing a number of factors including the proposed provisions for the operation of the Climate Change Levy.

  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to extend the number of industrial sectors able to enter into negotiated agreements with Government in respect of the Climate Change Levy; and what particular plans he has to extend negotiated agreements to those manufacturing sectors currently excluded. [122123]

  Mr. Meacher
  In his Budget statement on 21 March 2000, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer confirmed that negotiated agreements will be open to those installations operating processes covered by Parts Al and A2 of the forthcoming Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations.

  A final consultation paper on these Regulations was recently published, by the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions, with the objective of laying the Regulations in Parliament before the summer recess. As part of these wider consultations on the Regulations, and as is set out in the consultation paper, the Government are considering which processes currently covered by Part B of the PPC Regulations should, given their environmental effects, be more appropriately regulated under Part A2. Any processes that do move to regulation under Part A2 will become eligible for entry into the agreements.
  139W
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the compatibility of the principle of rebates contained in the Climate Change Levy negotiated agreements with the European Commission's draft guidelines on state aid for environmental protection; and if he will make a statement. [122124]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Climate Change Levy agreements seek to deliver significant improvements in energy efficiency in exchange for a reduction in the standard rate of levy. This reduction counts as operating aid and is the subject of a current State Aids notification. The Government have linked the availability of the aid to helping to achieve an important environmental policy objective that the Commission shares: ie, the need to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. The Government believe they have prepared a robust, balanced case which will deliver significant environmental benefits while also helping to safeguard international competitiveness.

  In parallel, the European Commission's draft revised guidelines on State Aids for environment protection are being discussed with member states. The UK is playing a full part in these discussions and I understand the current draft is being revised further in the light of member states' comments.

  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what decisions he has come to following the Government's consultation on the proposed CHP Quality Assurance programme, in relation to the exemption of Good Quality CHP from the Climate Change Levy; and if he will make a statement. [123005]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Chancellor announced in the pre-Budget Report in November 1999 that Good Quality CHP was to be exempted from the Climate Change Levy. The Government's proposals for determining 'Good Quality' were set out in the consultation paper "CHPQA—A Quality Assurance Programme for Combined Heat and Power", issued in January.

  Over 130 detailed responses to the proposals were received. There was general agreement that the proposed Quality Index (QI) approach provided a sound basis for measuring the thermal efficiency and environmental quality of the range of CHP installations of different sizes, type and fuel use, and for determining eligibility for exemption from the Climate Change Levy, and for other purposes. The consultation also identified a number of detailed improvements to the proposals.

  There was also general agreement that a QI score of 100 was the appropriate level at and above which installations should be eligible for full exemption from Climate Change Levy—that is to say, exemption of all heat and of all generated electricity used on site or sold directly to other users. There will be an interim commissioning period of 12 months for industrial installations, and 24 months for community heating installations, during which the threshold will be a QI of 95.

  There was also agreement that the proposed CHP Equivalent Generation Limit (CHP EGL) methodology provided a robust basis for determining the entitlement to partial Levy exemption for installations with a QI of less than 100. But respondents argued that the datum used in
  140W
  the calculation of CHP EGL for a scheme should be 100, rather than the figure of 110 in the consultation proposals, and the Government accept the case for this.

  Special provisions for simplified metering and monitoring arrangements for small-scale CHP schemes will apply to installations of 2 MWe or less, representing almost 90 per cent. of installations, rather than 1 MWe as previously proposed.

  The operation of CHPQA will be reviewed in the light of experience. Any changes made will apply to subsequent CHP developments, and will not be applied retrospectively to existing CHP schemes.

  The provisions for exemptions from the electricity supply licensing requirements are relevant to the operation of direct sale of electricity from Good Quality CHP. The Department of Trade and Industry's document, "Electricity (Class Exemption from the Requirements for a Licence) Order 1997 Proposed Amendments" sought views on possible changes, to facilitate CHP and other embedded generation. DTI are now considering responses, and will announce their conclusions shortly.

  I am grateful for the valuable contribution from CHP users and suppliers and other interested parties in developing these arrangements for the detailed operation of CHP's exemption from the Climate Change Levy—a measure which gives crucial recognition to the environmental, climate change and other benefits of CHP, alongside the exemption of Good Quality CHP from business rates and Government's other supporting initiatives.

  My Department will shortly publish a detailed consultation response, setting out the decisions in full. Meantime, I have placed a note with further details of the key elements in the Library.

  Aviation
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will he seek access to(a) cabotage rights and (b) ownership of US carriers by UK carriers in the forthcoming UK-US bilateral aviation negotiations. [122080]

  Mr. Mullin
  This Government will continue to press for the removal of all barriers to fair competition in the UK-US aviation market, including the refusal of cabotage rights and the restrictions on foreign ownership of US carriers. However, as cabotage and foreign ownership and control are banned by US law, it would require a change in US law to remove these barriers. The timetable for their removal must therefore extend beyond the horizon of the current round of negotiations.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received regarding the problems experienced with the theoretical knowledge examinations for the JAA Air Transport Pilot Licence; and what action he intends to take as a result of these representations. [122483]

  Mr. Mullin
  [holding answer 16 May 2000]: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is responsible for the day-to-day aviation safety regulation, including the licensing of pilots. The CAA shares the concern of those in the aviation industry and other interested parties over the recent disappointing results of those candidates who

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  participated in the Joint Aviation Requirements Flight Crew Licensing (JAR-FCL) examinations. It is also aware of the importance of achieving a smooth transition to the new JAR-FCL examinations, but this change has been less smooth than originally was hoped. The CAA is keen to maintain a high level of standards within the UK, but none the less is looking closely into the failure rate of these examinations. I shall write to the hon. Member shortly with details of the CAA's findings and actions.

  Vulnerable People (Support)
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement about Government plans for providing support for vulnerable people; and how he intends to take forward, "Supporting People". [122566]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Britain is fortunate in having an effective and valuable stock of supported and sheltered housing, providing much-needed help to people such as older people, the mentally ill, the disabled and those with drink and drug problems.

  As with most services, things can always be improved. The Government value the supported housing sector and through "Supporting People" we want to improve how supported housing is funded to make sure the highest quality of services are given, in the areas it can be most effective.

  The "Supporting People" programme offers vulnerable people the opportunity to improve their quality of life through greater independence. It promotes housing-related services which are cost-effective and reliable, and which complement existing care services. It is a working partnership of local government, service users and support agencies.

  Users will benefit from the increased range and focus of support services that will be provided through the partnership of councils and support agencies under "Supporting People". The programme will raise the priority of support services and encourage councils to take a more strategic approach to provision, integrating it fully with social and health services, housing, neighbourhood renewal and community safety.

  While stakeholders broadly welcomed "Supporting People" in initial consultation, there are many challenges to be faced, and many complex issues to be worked through.

  Today I have published a short document, "Together towards 2003", with an Action Plan of clear goals that must be achieved in order to prepare for the full roll out of "Supporting People" in April 2003. These are:
  May 2000
  Consultation paper on Phased implementation
  Consultation paper on Managing the changeover
  July 2000
  Consultation paper on Administrative arrangements and decision-making processes
  Consultation paper on Charging for services
  October 2000
  Consultation paper on Quality and monitoring
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  November 2000
  Announcement on Phasing
  Initial guidance to local authorities on administration arrangements
  April 2001
  Consultation on the principles of the Distribution Formula
  October 2001
  The Complete Package of guidance on implementing "Supporting People". This will include guidance on administrative structures, financial arrangements, continuation arrangements, needs assessment methodology and supply assessment. It will ensure diversity and equality of service delivery and enable authorities to plan their resource allocation
  April 2002
  First allocations to authorities based on the Distribution Formula, including transfer arrangements from current spending to new formula
  December 2002
  Readiness review—this will provide data on the main problem areas which will inform the provision of additional guidance.

  The process of implementation has started today with the publication of two short consultation papers on phased implementation and managing change. Implementing the programme is a demanding task, which can be effectively achieved only by drawing on the knowledge and experience of local authorities, registered social landlords and other providers of support services.

  I want to reassure providers and users that there will be no sudden changes to the support services as a result of the shift to "Supporting People".

  We will be providing advice and support to councils, agencies and users throughout the transition period through the publication of guidance, a series of conferences and a quarterly newsletter. We will be disseminating results from research, pilot projects and advisory groups. People will also be able to refer to a dedicated website and helpline for more advice.

  I am placing the consultation papers and a summary booklet about "Supporting People" in the House Library. They are also available on the DETR website at www.supporting-people.detr.gov.uk.

  GM Trial Sites
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultations he had with(a) organic growers and (b) the Soil Association in Herefordshire about the siting of the GM trials at Kempley, Gloucestershire and Preston Wynne, Herefordshire; and if he will make a statement. [122038]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 15 May 2000]: There has not been any specific consultation with organic growers or the Soil Association about the siting of farm scale evaluations of GM crops at Kempley or Preston Wynne.

  However, my Department and the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food have been in dialogue with UKROFS (United Kingdom Register of Organic Food Standards) and the Soil Association about the Farm Scale Evaluations. MAFF has also been encouraging discussions between organic farmers and the GM industry

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  body, SCIMAC, and have established a forum aimed at finding ways that the two systems can operate successfully alongside one another.

  National Air Traffic Services
  Mr. Temple-Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to publish further information on the design of the NATS public-private partnership. [122974]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Government have today published an information brochure on the NATS PPP. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House and will shortly be available on the DETR website.

CABINET OFFICE

  Departmental Vehicles
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many(a) cars and (b) commercial vehicles operated by her Department were manufactured (i) in the UK, (ii) in the EU and (iii) elsewhere. [122267]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Government Car and Despatch Agency operates a fleet of vehicles, in the following table, for the Government as a whole. Seven of these vehicles are own by GCDA but operated by the Cabinet Office (Infrastructure Division).

  (a) Cars

  (b) Commercial vehicles

  Total

  (i) UK

  60

  16

  76

  (ii) EU

  130

  41

  171

  (iii) Elsewhere

  0

  0

  0

  Total

  190

  57

  247

  In addition, one vehicle is leased by the Cabinet Office (Infrastructure Division) from Lex, which is made in the UK.

  Statutory Instruments (Wales)
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many statutory instruments have been referred by Government departments to the National Assembly for Wales; and if he will list the dates on which a response was received from the Assembly in each case. [122456]

  Mr. Stringer
  There is no general provision for statutory instruments to be referred by Government Departments to the National Assembly for Wales. The Government of Wales Act 1998 and the National Assembly for Wales (Transfer of Functions) Order 1999 both contain provisions which require that certain instruments are either subject to consultation with the National Assembly for Wales, or are subject to their consent being obtained.

  Other contacts takes place on an information basis, as covered in the bilateral concordats between Government Departments and the National Assembly for Wales. No central record is kept of such informal contact in relation to statutory instruments; and the information could only be collected at disproportionate cost.

  Regeneration Initiatives
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list the number and value of(a) bids and (b) grants made in each of the last three financial years for which figures are available, for each (i) area-based and (ii) other regeneration-related initiative for which her Department is responsible. [119802]

  Mr. Stringer
  The Cabinet Office is responsible for the Better Government for Older People programme and the Drug Action Teams listed by DETR as under (ii) other regeneration-related initiatives.

  For the Better Government for Older People (BGOP) programme it is not possible to distinguish between direct/indirect government grants, redirected existing LGA provision, local partner funding and other contributions without incurring disproportionate costs. The Cabinet Office provides a small grant each year to help support the central co-ordination of the BGOP pilots and this figure is included in the expenditure totals.

  Better Government for Older People (BGOP)

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Total

  Bids for pilot project

  64

  —

  64

  Accepted

  28

  —

  28

  All expenditure (£)

  322,154

  597,285

  919,439

  Notes:

  1. The BGOP was launched in 1998–99 and ends in 2000–01. All pilots were approved in 1998–99.

  2. The Local Government Authorities concerned, together with their local partner organisations, meet all the costs of their pilot projects.

  The Home Office's Drugs Advisory Service award grants to the Drugs Action Teams (DATs) for development. These grants are awarded on the basis of population, not bids.

  Drug Action Teams

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Total

  Number of Durg Action Teams

  98

  106

  Development Funding 'Grants' form Central Government

  2,989,700

  5,035,000

  8,024,700

  Notes:

  1. Development Funding began in 1996–97. The expenditure is provided through the Drugs Advisory Service part of the Home Office. However details of expenditure for 1997–98 are not readily available.

  2. In addition to grants the Drugs Action Teams (DATs) receive funding and resources from a variety of sources including local agencies.

  3. There are 111 DATs to be funded in 2000–01.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list for each(a) area-based and (b) other regeneration-related initiative for which her Department is responsible (i) the amount budgeted and (ii) the total expended in each financial year for the planned lifetime of each initiative. [119794]

  Mr. Stringer
  The Cabinet Office is responsible for two of the programmes listed by DETR under 'other regeneration-related initiatives'—The Better Government for Older People and The Drug Action Teams. It is not possible to provide information as specifically requested. The Cabinet Office does not have accounting responsibility for the majority of expenditure made on these two initiatives.
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  The Better Government for Older People programme was launched in 1998 and runs until end of 2000. The pilot projects are fully paid for by Local Government Authorities and their partners. The Cabinet Office contributes a small grant toward the central co-ordination of the pilots. Total cost of the programme for each financial year is as follows: 1998–99 (£322,154), 1999–2000 (£597,285), and expected expenditure in 2000–01 (£500,000).

  The Drugs Action Teams (DATs) receive funding and resources from a variety of sources, including local agencies and it is not possible to provide total expenditure figures that would be on a consistent basis. DATs receive 'development funding' from central Government, based on population data and paid through the Drugs Prevention Advisory Service at the Home Office. Information available for expenditure on development is for 1998–99 (£2,989,700) and 1999–2000 (£5,035,000). Expenditure forecasts for 2000–01 will be no lower than in 1999–2000. Resources for 2000–01 and beyond are subject to the Cross Cutting Review on Drugs as part of the 2000 Spending Review.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  War Pensions
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) men and (b) women are in receipt of a war pension. [121477]

  Mr. Bayley
  The administration of the war pensions is a matter for the Chief Executive of the War Pensions Agency, Mr. Gordon Hextall. I have asked him to write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Gordon Hextall to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 17 May 2000:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many (a) men and (b) women are in receipt of a war pension.
  The latest data available is from 30th November 1999. The total number of war pensions in payment at that date was 299,124. This is comprised as follows:

  Number

  War Disablement Pensions

  Women

  9,201

  Men

  234,390

  Widows/Widowers pensions

  Widows

  54,714

  Widowers

  7

  Others

  812

  Total

  299,124

  The number of "others" include: 52 war orphans' pensions; 163 war parents' pensions, 23 adult dependants' pension; 1 unmarried dependant's pension; and 573 child allowances paid alone.If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

  Housing Benefit (Scotland)
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the total estimated expenditure was 146W
  on Housing Benefit in Scotland in (a) 1998–99 and (b) 1999–2000, for (i) public sector tenants, (ii) housing association tenants and (iii) other private sector tenants. [122089]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is in the table.

  Total Housing Benefit expenditure in Scotland for public sector tenants, housing association tenants and other private sector tenants

  £ million

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Local authority tenants

  700

  709

  Registered social landlord tenants

  167

  188

  Private rented sector tenants

  167

  163

  Total Housing Benefit

  1,033

  1,060

  Note:

  The figures for 1998–99 are an estimate and those for 1999–2000 are based on the latest forecast.

  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list, for(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98 and (c) 1998–99, the gross expenditure on (i) rent allowances and (ii) rent rebates for each local authority in Scotland. [122088]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is in the table.

  Gross expenditure on rent allowances and rent rebates for each local authority in Scotland

  £000

  Local authority

  Rent allowance expenditure

  Rent rebate expenditure

  1996–97

  Aberdeen

  8,085

  16,176

  Aberdeenshire

  6,213

  10,432

  Angus

  4,795

  5,677

  Argyll-Bute

  6,439

  6,728

  Clackmannanshire

  1,699

  5,269

  Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar

  817

  2,391

  Dumfries and Galloway

  8,250

  13,371

  Dundee

  14,621

  27,654

  East Ayrshire

  4,380

  13,929

  East Dunbartonshire

  2,635

  5,117

  East Lothian

  5,310

  7,024

  East Renfrewshire

  2,653

  3,675

  Edinburgh

  48,826

  50,486

  Falkirk

  4,409

  15,078

  Fife

  16,406

  35,550

  Glasgow

  75,549

  164,076

  Highland

  10,440

  19,617

  Inverclyde

  4,798

  12,865

  Midlothian

  5,341

  3,679

  Moray

  3,836

  5,019

  North Ayrshire

  6,994

  15,896

  North Lanarkshire

  10,096

  47,042

  Orkney

  1,074

  881

  Perth and Kinross

  6,999

  6,834

  Renfrewshire

  8,130

  22,295

  Scottish Borders

  6,384

  5,413

  Shetland

  306

  1,504

  South Ayrshire

  6,033

  12,346

  South Lanarkshire

  9,389

  39,587

  Stirling

  2,801

  9,404

  West Dunbartonshire

  3,875

  16,205

  West Lothian

  8,222

  11,790

  Cumbernauld1

  0

  1,819

  Irvine1

  0

  1,653

  Livingston1

  26

  3,009

  Scottish Homes

  358

  41,134

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  Gross expenditure on rent allowances and rent rebates for each local authority in Scotland

  £000

  Local authority

  Rent allowance expenditure

  Rent rebate expenditure

  1997–98

  Aberdeen

  7,404

  17,421

  Aberdeenshire

  6,045

  10,684

  Angus

  6,257

  6,171

  Argyll-Bute

  5,650

  6,894

  Clackmannanshire

  1,921

  5,408

  Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar

  808

  2,492

  Dumfries and Galloway

  8,806

  13,075

  Dundee

  17,181

  30,072

  East Ayrshire

  5,573

  14,786

  East Dunbartonshire

  2,247

  5,557

  East Lothian

  4,991

  7,395

  East Renfrewshire

  2,807

  3,830

  Edinburgh

  47,593

  55,280

  Falkirk

  4,675

  17,643

  Fife

  17,933

  38,334

  Glasgow

  78,171

  174,654

  Highland

  10,242

  21,009

  Inverclyde

  6,450

  14,211

  Midlothian

  5,783

  4,156

  Moray

  3,898

  5,142

  North Ayrshire

  8,054

  17,359

  North Lanarkshire

  10,801

  50,268

  Orkney

  975

  871

  Perth and Kinross

  7,190

  7,257

  Renfrewshire

  8,931

  24,913

  Scottish Borders

  6,377

  5,692

  Shetland

  282

  1,572

  South Ayrshire

  6,023

  13,550

  South Lanarkshire

  10,018

  44,003

  Stirling

  2,716

  8,986

  West Dunbartonshire

  4,339

  16,457

  West Lothian

  9,785

  15,593

  Cumbernauld1

  —

  —

  Irvine1

  —

  —

  Livingston1

  —

  —

  Scottish Homes

  0

  33,145

  1998–99

  Aberdeen

  7,250

  20,372

  Aberdeenshire

  6,028

  10,670

  Angus

  6,318

  6,562

  Argyll-Bute

  6,638

  7,241

  Clackmannanshire

  3,144

  5,546

  Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar

  686

  2,390

  Dumfries and Galloway

  8,945

  12,823

  Dundee

  19,334

  29,911

  East Ayrshire

  6,265

  16,055

  East Dunbartonshire

  2,411

  5,807

  East Lothian

  5,195

  7,862

  East Renfrewshire

  2,770

  3,936

  Edinburgh

  45,229

  55,264

  Falkirk

  2—

  2—

  Fife

  18,716

  39,517

  Glasgow

  79,115

  177,905

  Highland

  9,832

  21,083

  Inverclyde

  6,472

  14,983

  Midlothian

  5,894

  4,434

  Moray

  4,136

  5,229

  North Ayrshire

  8,652

  18,189

  North Lanarkshire

  11,556

  51,860

  Orkney

  994

  832

  Perth and Kinross

  7,278

  7,199

  Renfrewshire

  13,144

  25,637

  Scottish Borders

  6,827

  5,872

  Shetland

  281

  1,734

  South Ayrshire

  6,389

  12,762

  South Lanarkshire

  10,663

  46,490

  Stirling

  2,565

  8,964

  West Dunbartonshire

  4,425

  16,314

  West Lothian

  10,742

  17,394

  Cumbernauld1

  —

  —

  148W

  Gross expenditure on rent allowances and rent rebates for each local authority in Scotland

  £000

  Local authority

  Rent allowance expenditure

  Rent rebate expenditure

  Irvine1

  —

  —

  Livingston1

  —

  —

  Scottish Homes

  0

  23,225

  1No data available for Falkirk for 1998–99

  2These authorities ceased to exist from 1997–98. Cumbernauld was absorbed into North Lanarkshire, Irvine into North Ayrshire and Livingston into West Lothian

  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what account he will take in his reform of Housing Benefits of the differences between the English and Scottish housing systems; what plans he has to ensure that(a) tenants on the lowest incomes and (b) vulnerable households do not suffer financial loss from any changes to the Housing Benefit system; and what measures he plans to ensure that changes to Housing Benefit take account of other benefit and social policy reforms. [122086]

  Angela Eagle
  In our recent Housing Green Paper "Quality and Choice: A Decent Home For All" we acknowledge the importance of making sure that Housing Benefit and housing policies work together, and that the Government are sensitive to the housing policy aims and objectives of the devolved administrations.

  Housing Benefit provides valuable support so that those with low incomes can meet their rent. A basic principle of any reform is that those who are most in need should continue to be able to afford reasonable rents.

  We are determined to modernise Housing Benefit to improve customer service, tackle fraud and error and improve incentives to work. The Housing Green Paper contains proposals and ideas to reform Housing Benefit, and seeks the views of interested parties by 31 July 2000. We will take these views into account as we continue to work to improve Housing Benefit.

  State Pension
  Dr. George Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 8 May 2000,Official Report, column 275W, on the state pension, if he will identify separately the costs of (a) a £5 increase at 75–79 years and (b) a £10 increase at 80 years, if each increase were to be implemented without the other. [122251]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is in the table.

  £ million

  £5 increase at 75

  £10 increase at 80

  Gross cost

  1,100

  1,200

  Net cost after income-related benefits offset

  750

  800

  Net cost after income-related benefits offset and taxation

  700

  700

  Notes:

  1. Part (a) of this question has been interpreted as a £5 increase for all those aged 75 and above rather than 75–79, otherwise people would receive a £5 increase at 75 then lose it again at age 80.

  2. All costs are in £ million, rounded to the nearest £50 million, and are for 2000–01. Figures may not sum due to rounding.
  149W
  3. Other benefits, whose rates are linked to the basic State pension, are not included.

  4. Gross costs estimated by the Government Actuary's Department.

  5. Income-related benefits offsets estimated by Analytical Services Division, Department of Social Security.

  6. Income tax receipts estimated by the Inland Revenue.

  Departmental Vehicles
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) cars and (b) commercial vehicles operated by his Department were manufactured (i) in the UK, (ii) in the EU and (iii) elsewhere. [122254]

  Mr. Bayley
  The Department has a total of 2,753 cars and commercial vehicles currently on its fleet.

  Breakdown of the place of origin

  Cars

  Commercial vehicles

  Total

  UK

  1,1717

  61

  1,778

  EU

  883

  26

  909

  Elsewhere

  60

  6

  66

  Total

  2,660

  93

  2,753

  Note:

  Some caution should be exercised with the figures in the table. The largest single make of car owned by the Department is Vauxhall and the totals for the UK above include 397 Astras and 60 Cavaliers. There is no guarantee that every one of these cars was built in UK—some may have been built elsewhere in the EU. This is true of a further 114 cars of other makes on the fleet also shown above as built in UK. Disproportionate cost would be involved in trying to establish individually where all these units were manufactured.

  For information on cars provided by the Government Car and Despatch Agency I refer my hon. Friend to the Written Answer which will be provided by my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Decommissioning
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of when the decommissioning section of the Belfast agreement will be implemented. [121150]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The Government regard the recent IRA statement as a very significant development, including for the first time a definite commitment to put weapons completely and verifiably beyond use.

  We believe we can now build on this announcement so that the Good Friday Agreement can be implemented in all its aspects.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of when he expects the decommissioning provisions of the Belfast agreement will be implemented. [121155]

  Mr. Mates
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made on the decommissioning of illegally held arms and explosives. [121157]
  150W
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in the process of decommissioning illegally-held weapons and explosives. [121163]

  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the state of the peace process with regard to decommissioning. [121166]

  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made on the decommissioning of illegally held arms and explosives. [121168]

  Mr. Forth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made on the decommissioning of illegally held arms and explosives. [121170]

  Mr. Ingram
  I refer the right hon. Member and the hon. Members to the answer given earlier by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.

  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the current status is of the de Chastelain commission; and if its role will be extended beyond 22 May. [121161]

  Mr. Ingram
  The role of the IICD will continue to be as stated in the joint declaration by the two Governments on 5 May:The IICD will continue its task under the Agreement. The Governments will now ask the IICD to consider urgently, in consultation with representatives of the paramilitary organisations, whether there are any further proposals for decommissioning schemes which offer the Commission greater scope to proceed in a more effective and satisfactory way with the discharge of this basic mandate, and to report. The Governments will make further reports as necessary. Those reports will be published promptly by the two Governments.

  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his policy is towards the inclusion of political representatives of paramilitary groups in the Northern Ireland Executive without the decommissioning of illegally held arms and explosives. [121165]

  Mr. Mandelson
  Our policy is to achieve both devolution and decommissioning on terms consistent with the Good Friday Agreement. With the British and Irish Governments' Joint Statement on 5 May and the IRA statement of 6 May, I believe there is now a basis for making progress in achieving both objectives.

  EU Structural Funds
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last met European Commissioners to discuss EU structural funds allocated to Northern Ireland. [121152]

  Mr. Ingram
  On 25 November 1999 I met with Commissioner Neil Kinnock (Vice President Administrative Reform) over dinner at Hillsborough Castle but was unable to meet Commissioner Barnier (DG Regio) during his visit on 4 February 2000 due to political developments in relation to the suspension of devolution.

  I hope to have the opportunity to meet Commissioner Barnier on 18 May in London.

  Devolution
  Sir Raymond Whitney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps have been taken to re-establish the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly. [121153]

  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps have been taken to re-establish the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly. [121159]

  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the prospects for re-establishing the Executive in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [121171]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I refer the hon. Members and my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Ruislip-Northwood (Mr. Wilkinson).

  Peace Process
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the current state of the peace process. [121154]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to my statement to the House on 8 May.

  Mr. John Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last met the Irish Prime Minister to discuss progress towards peace. [121158]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last met the Irish Prime Minister to discuss progress on the peace process. [121160]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I last met the Irish Prime Minister during an intense period of negotiations at Hillsborough on 4 and 5 May.

  Exiles
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take further steps to gather statistics on the numbers of those exiled from their homes in Northern Ireland by paramilitary organisations. [121156]

  Mr. Ingram
  Currently the RUC record figures relating to reported intimidation but paramilitary expulsions cannot be separately identified. Figures on exclusions are particularly hard to calculate, since those affected are often reluctant to notify the police. Exclusions can also vary from temporary decisions to leave a town or area within it and total "exclusion" from Northern Ireland. We would be prepared to explore ways with the police in which the quality of these statistics could be improved, but it is not easy to gather accurate statistics in this area.

  Security
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the security situation in Northern Ireland. [121162]

  Mr. Ingram
  The main paramilitary groups are maintaining their ceasefires and the recent IRA statement reflects a real reduction in the threat from that quarter. There remains a threat from dissident paramilitaries who 152W
  are opposed to the Good Friday Agreement, and the security forces will continue to thwart attempts by these groups to undermine the peace process.

  Victim Support
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the impact of the Government's programmes for victim support. [121164]

  Mr. Ingram
  Victim Support, which is funded by £737,000 from Government, dealt with 33,000 referrals of victims of crime during 1999–2000. The Government have also committed more than £6.25 million over three years to support victims of the Troubles. An evaluation of the Small Grants Scheme operated by the Community Relations Council is currently under way, and we have agreed to review the Core Funding Programme for victims groups, which is being administered by the Northern Ireland Voluntary Trust, during the 2001–02 financial year.

  Goidelic Languages
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has to promote tuition in Goidelic languages. [121167]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 gave the Department of Education the power to fund a body which has as its objective the encouragement or promotion of Irish-medium education. Work is currently in hand to establish a new body, Comhairle Na Gaelscolaiochta, for this purpose. An Irish-medium curriculum materials unit has been established in St. Mary's University College, a College of the Queen's University of Belfast, under the auspices of the Education and Library Boards' Curriculum Advisory and Support Services, to provide a central source of Irish-medium expertise to support schools throughout Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment provides GCSE and GCE A level examinations through the medium of Irish in subjects as required.

  Giant's Causeway
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the destruction by fire of the facilities at the Giant's Causeway. [121169]

  Mr. Ingram
  The fire at the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre destroyed 80 per cent. of the building. Senior Government officials met Moyle District Council on 4 May to discuss the development of a permanent replacement and the provision of temporary buildings in the interim so that services to visitors can be maintained. The Council has been asked to liaise with Government on a way forward.

  British-Irish Council
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how often he has attended meetings of the British-Irish Council. [121151]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I attended the first and only meeting to date of the British-Irish Council on 17 December 1999.
  153W
  Further meetings will follow the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive.

  Belfast Port
  Mr. Borrow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the future of Belfast Port. [121143]

  Mr. Ingram
  A proposal by Belfast Harbour Commissioners involving the transport of the Port of Belfast to the private sector, with a view to establishing a public/private partnership, with Government retaining a 'golden' share interest, is under consideration. A further option, involving the restructuring of the Port while retaining its trust port status, is also being examined at present.

  Given the vital role of the Port in relation to the Northern Ireland economy, its future is a matter of considerable importance not only to the port authority and port users, but also to those in industry and commerce in Northern Ireland. I am hopeful that the Executive will be restored before the end of this month and I am sure that the future of the Port of Belfast will be high on its agenda.

  Sheltered Accommodation (Burglaries)
  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the number of burglaries at sheltered accommodation complexes in Northern Ireland from January 1997 to date; how many within the control of each housing association have been burgled; what has been the total number of occasions on which burglaries have occurred; how many residents have lost property; and what has been the estimated total value of property stolen. [121231]

  Mr. Ingram
  The information requested is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about window and double-glazing installations in sheltered accommodation complexes which make them vulnerable to burglars; and if he will require housing associations to take immediate measures to improve security at their properties. [121232]

  Mr. George Howarth
  It is deplorable that burglars are targeting the elderly in this way. The problem with certain window and double-glazing installations is not, however, confined to sheltered accommodation complexes. It applies to other housing, residential and non-domestic premises where such glazing was used. Those double-glazed windows most at risk were probably installed in the late 1980s/early 1990s, and it would appear that some window types may be more vulnerable than others. Where problems are identified, additional measures can be incorporated in the existing frame to enhance security. Housing associations have already undertaken a number of modifications. In 1991, the Department introduced a new requirement for housing association developments that "the design of doors and windows minimise the risk of forced entry". The Department will write to all associations drawing attention to the current situation. It will consult with the Northern 154W
  Ireland Federation of Housing Associations on whether any additional guidance is needed, and if the programme of identification and modification can be accelerated.

  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will ensure that elderly residents within sheltered accommodation do not suffer financial loss as a result of burglaries arising from structural or glazing installation inadequacies at these complexes. [121233]

  Mr. George Howarth
  No. Housing Associations are required to insure property against structural damage and it is the responsibility of individuals to insure the contents of their properties against theft or damage.

  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions the RUC has had about appointing a co-ordinated task force to deal with burglary from sheltered accommodation; how many individuals have been charged with burglary from sheltered accommodation since January 1997; what convictions have been achieved; and what penalties have been imposed in each case. [121234]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Royal Ulster Constabulary is not aware of a problem specific to burglaries from sheltered dwellings. If the hon. Member would care to provide me with more details I would be happy to look into the matter.

  The information requested on detection and convictions is not readily available and could be provided only at a disproportionate cost.

PRIME MINISTER

  Interception of Communications Act
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Prime Minister what arrangements have been made to appoint a Commissioner under section 8 of the Interception of Communications Act following the expiration of Lord Nolan of Brasted's appointment on 10 April; and if he will make a statement. [122801]

  The Prime Minister
  Lord Justice Swinton Thomas has accepted an appointment as the Interception of Communications Commissioner for a period of three years from 10 April 2000. I thank his predecessor, Lord Nolan of Brasted for the great contribution he made during the six years he spent as Interception Communications Commissioner.

  Sanctions
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will discuss with Kofi Annan the allowing of sanctions against(a) Serbia and (b) Iraq to be lifted on goods relating to bona fide scientific and technological work, essential to food testing and civil manufacturing industry. [121302]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him by the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the hon. Member for Neath (Mr. Hain) on 8 May 2000,Official Report, column 258W.

  Engagements
  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 17 May. [122108]

  The Prime Minister
  This morning I had meetings with Ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in the House I will have further such meetings later today.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  eEurope
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which targets announced following the European Council meeting in Lisbon on eEurope in March and agreed to by the United Kingdom have been fully implemented; and what is the timetable for implementing the remaining targets. [122444]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I have been asked to reply

  The Special European Council in Lisbon in March reached a number of conclusions under the heading of "An information society for all". The chief conclusions with targets were:
  The adoption as rapidly as possible during 2000 of pending legislation on the legal framework for e-commerce, on copyright and related rights, e-money, distance selling of financial services, jurisdiction and the enforcement of judgments, and the dual-use export control regime; and also the promotion of consumer confidence in e-commerce, in particular through alternative dispute resolution systems;
  The conclusion as early as possible in 2001 of work on legislative proposals following the Commission's 1999 review of the EU's telecoms regulatory framework; meeting the frequency requirements for future mobile communications systems in a timely and efficient manner; and completing fully integrated and liberalised telecommunications markets by the end of 2001;
  Work towards introducing greater competition in local access networks before the end of 2000 and unbundling the local loop;
  Ensuring that all schools in the EU have access to the Internet and multimedia resources by the end of 2001, and that all teachers needed are skilled in the use of the Internet and multimedia resources by the end of 2002;
  Ensuring generalised electronic access to main basic public services by 2003;
  With the support of the EIB, making available in all European countries low cost, high-speed interconnected networks for Internet access and fostering the development of state-of-the-art information technology and other telecom networks as well as the content for those networks, with specific targets in the eEurope action plan.

  The Special European Council asked the Commission to produce a comprehensive action plan with targets as part of its eEurope initiative, which identifies ways to reinforce a digital culture among European businesses, schools, individuals and public administrations. The Commission is expected to publish shortly a draft action plan with targets, for agreement by Heads of State and Government at the Feira European Council in June. We expect the action plan to include these and other areas related to developing the information society.
  156W
  As the earliest of the targets identified above is the end of this year, most of the related activity is still in progress. However, the Council and the European Parliament have given an important lead by fast tracking the adoption of the E-Commerce Directive, which sets the legal framework for e-commerce in Europe by removing barriers to cross-border electronic business and providing legal certainty on issues such as the liability of intermediary service providers, e-contracts and information to be provided to consumers. Adoption is expected in the next few weeks, with implementation in all member states to follow within 18 months.

  Treaty of Nice
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the dates in 2000 for(a) negotiating sessions and (b) other meetings on the draft Treaty of Nice. [120808]

  Mr. Vaz
  [holding answer 5 May 2000]: A timetable for the intergovernmental conference negotiations until the end of the current Portuguese Presidency is available in the Library of the House of Commons. The French Government have yet to publish a timetable for their Presidency, which runs from 1 July until the end of the year.

  British Embassy Vehicles
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 2 May 2000,Official Report, column 68W, on British Embassy vehicles, what the (a) cost, (b) make and (c) model was of the motor vehicles leased for use by British diplomatic representatives in Germany since 1 May 1997. [121508]

  Mr. Vaz
  [holding answer 11 May 2000]: Posts in Germany currently spend a total annual cost of DM 438,005.52 (£136,876.73 @ 3.20) on leased vehicles. The annual costs since 1 May 1997 would not be too different. The make and model of the vehicles currently being used are:

  Berlin/Bonn/BTO Leipzig

  Rolls Royce—Silver Seraph

  Jaguar—XJ8

  Rover—75 2.0 Ltr

  Rover—75 2.0 Ltr

  Rover—75 2.0 Ltr

  Rover—75 2.0 Ltr

  Rover—600 2.0 Ltr

  Rover—600 1.8 Ltr

  Rover—600 1.8 Ltr

  Rover—600 1.8 Ltr

  Rover—216 1.4 Ltr

  Mercedes Lorry—7.5 Ton

  Ford—Courier

  Ford—Courier

  VW—Minibus

  Land Rover—Discovery

  Frankfurt

  Roverx2014;825 SI LUX

  157W
  Munich

  Rover—825 SI LUX

  Rover—600 2.0 Ltr

  Dusseldorf

  Jaguar—XJ6

  Rover—825 SI LUX

  Rover—600 2.0 Ltr

  Rover—400 1.6 Ltr

  Stuttgart

  Rover—75 2.0 Ltr.

  Since 1 May 1997 the overall composition of the fleet has remained more or less the same.

  Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what factors underlay the decision taken at the Lisbon Summit to involve commissioners Solana and Patten in implementation of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe. [121976]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Lisbon European Council invited High Representative Solana and Commissioner Patten "to enhance co-ordination with the Stability Pact and other efforts of the international community". This is intended to maximise the international community's overall contribution to the Balkans by making co-ordination among the different players as effective as possible.

  The Danube
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what proposal was made by the Regional Funding Conference on 30 March to reopen the Danube for international and local traffic; [121830]

  (2) what grant the European Commission has given to finance removal of obstacles in the Danube. [121831]

  Mr. Vaz
  On 25 January the Danube Commission submitted a proposal for clearance of the Danube to the European Commission. The European Union has provisionally agreed to finance 85 per cent. of the total 24.1 million euro cost of the clearance work, conditional on the Danube Commission providing clarification on outstanding technical questions.

  The Danube Commission proposal was also cleared by the European Investment Bank and included in a list setting out EIB projects at the Stability Pact Regional Funding Conference on 30 March. The EIB has not, however, agreed additional funding for the proposal.

  British Council
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the reduction has been in the number of London-appointed British Council staff serving overseas since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the impact of these reductions on the work of the British Council. [121823]

  Mr. Hain
  The number of London-appointed British Council staff serving overseas has been reduced by 6 per cent. since 1997–98. This reduction has been partly offset by the appointment of skilled local managers in the Council's local offices.
  158W
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to increase the programme funds available to British Council offices in developing countries. [121822]

  Mr. Hain
  The British Council performs a valuable role and should be properly funded. It is already able to bid against a range of FCO programme funds; for example, it manages some 50 per cent. of Human Rights Projects Fund activities. Its freedom to bid for access to these funds will continue.

  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on changing in the funding of the British Council when it is required to operate in additional countries. [121828]

  Mr. Hain
  The British Council is funded through grant-in-aid, voted by Parliament, for its activities world-wide rather than through specific grants for individual countries. We expect the Council to reshape its representation around the world as required, including opening new offices, within the resources it has from the FCO and other Government Departments, the private sector and paid for services. Technology now allows the Council also to reach target audiences in a different way.

  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the(a) percentage reduction in the value of the British Council's DFID-funded contract work since 1996–97 and (b) impact of this reduction on the British Council's work in developing countries. [121821]

  Mr. Hain
  The value of the British Council's DFID-funded contract work has been reduced by 55 per cent. since 1996–97. The resulting drop in income has led to extensive restructuring in overseas directorates in developing countries and a reduction of staff in the UK and abroad. Council operations in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa have been most affected.

  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will restore the British Council's grant in aid to its real terms level before 1995–96. [121827]

  Mr. Hain
  The FCO and the British Council experienced cuts in funding in the period from 1995–96 until this Government had the opportunity, in the last comprehensive spending round, to arrest the decline. It is unrealistic to expect that the FCO and the British Council will receive increases that will recoup these cuts quickly. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is pressing for a much-needed increase in FCO resources across the board. I expect the Council to achieve an increase in its grant in aid broadly in line with the settlement for the FCO as a whole as it performs a valuable role and I always try to visit its offices abroad while on ministerial visits to demonstrate my support.

  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the percentage reduction in the number of UK-based staff at the British Council since 1996–97; and if he will make a statement on the impact of the reduction on the Council's work. [121820]

  Mr. Hain
  The number of UK-based staff at the British Council has been reduced by 23 per cent. since 1996–97. These cuts have resulted in a reduction in the range of services offered to international students in the UK and in
  159W
  the size of the Council's network of regional offices in the UK. Reductions in the number of subject advisers and geographical managers in the Council's London and Manchester offices, and in personnel and finance officers, have affected the support provided to overseas operations.

  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the percentage reduction in corporate overheads at the British Council since 1995–96. [121826]

  Mr. Hain
  Corporate overheads at the British Council have been reduced by 23 per cent. since 1995–96.

  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the British Council country directorates which have no full-time London-appointed staff. [121824]

  Mr. Hain
  The following 16 British Council country directorates have no full-time London-appointed staff: Albania, Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Brunei, Caribbean, Denmark, Eritrea, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malta, Norway, Swaziland and Switzerland.

  Georgia Presidential Visit
  Mr. Bruce George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the President of Georgia will visit the UK. [121802]

  Mr. Vaz
  [holding answer 15 May 2000]: We are looking forward to an early visit by President Shevardnadze. When the Secretary of State visited Georgia in February he invited President Shevardnadze to visit the UK. We have now offered dates to the Georgian Government and are awaiting their response.

  Departmental Vehicles
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many(a) cars and (b) commercial vehicles operated by his Department were manufactured (i) in the UK, (ii) in the EU and (iii) elsewhere. [122259]

  Mr. Battle
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's policy is to purchase vehicles on the basis of value for money. We are also required to comply with the UK's international obligations under the EC Public Procurement Directives. The statistics cover vehicles in the UK and at posts overseas. The majority of our fleet is manufactured in the UK.

  Place of manufacture

  UK

  EC

  Elsewhere

  Home Fleet

  Cars

  13

  5

  0

  Commercial vehicles

  13

  15

  1

  Overseas Fleet

  Cars

  594

  159

  285

  Commercial vehicles

  54

  0

  3

  Totals for Home and Overseas Fleets

  Cars

  607

  164

  285

  Commercial vehicles

  67

  15

  4

DEFENCE

  Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Regiment
  Mr. Anthony D. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the long term location of the Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Regiment currently based at RAF Honington. [123004]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Regiment, which was established as a joint initiative in April 1999, following recommendations arising from the Strategic Defence Review, will be permanently based at RAF Honington.

  The Regiment was established at RAF Honington as a successful joint initiative in April last year, following the recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review, and was fully operational by December. The Regiment's operational capability will comprise nuclear, biological and chemical detection, reconnaissance and survey and will combine these aspects with expertise in decontamination techniques. This is a critical enabling capability—and the Regiment will be invaluable in reducing the risk to our armed forces who deploy in dangerous areas like the Gulf.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many flights by Antonov 124/100 aircraft have been chartered by his Department to West African destinations associated with the crisis in Sierra Leone; on what dates; what loads were carried in each case; and how many refuelling stops were required en route. [122533]

  Mr. Hoon
  As of 1200 hours 16 May, five Antonov 124/100 sorties have been chartered by the MOD to West African destinations associated with the crisis in Sierra Leone: three flights on 8 May 2000; one flight on 9 May 2000; and one flight on 13 May 2000. Each flight carried between 61 tonnes and 82.5 tonnes of store and equipment. Refuelling stops were not required.

  Naval Funding
  Mr. Quentin Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the Royal Navy's budgeted fund allocation for 2000–01; and what was the corresponding budget for the previous five years. [122113]

  Mr. Spellar
  The operating costs of the Ministry of Defence are managed by 11 Top Level Budget (TLB) holders. Major equipment and research programmes are managed separately. Prior to 2000–01 there were three discrete TLBs covering the main activities of the Royal Navy, however, from 2000–01 a new tri-service TLB has been created to manage the Departments logistics activities—the Chief of Defence Logistics (CDL) TLB. This budget includes the costs of the Navy as well as the Army and RAF and it is not possible separately to identify the single service elements; the budget is managed as a whole. Equipment procurement costs are also managed centrally the Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) and are therefore also excluded.

  For 2000–01 the budgets set for the two remaining Navy TLBs is £1,693 million. The total budget for the CDL TLB is £4,854 million.
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  The Navy Budget for the previous five years was as follows:

  Year

  £ million (actuals)

  1995–96

  3,879

  1996–97

  3,761

  1997–98

  3,714

  1998–99

  3,765

  1999–2000

  3,698

  Lord Levy
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 27 March 2000,Official Report, column 25W, if Lord Levy has requested any further defence briefings since 25 March 1999. [118284]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 11 April 2000]: No.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 27 March 2000,Official Report, column 25W, for what reason Lord Levy was given a briefing on Syria by the Chief of Defence Intelligence; and if Lord Levy received security clearance prior to receiving that briefing. [118283]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 11 April 2000]: On 25 March 1999, the Chief of Defence Staff asked the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI) to see Lord Levy, as he judged that this would be of benefit to him prior to his visit to the Middle East carrying messages for the Prime Minister. Lord Levy did not receive security clearance for this specific meeting as he already holds the appropriate clearance.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence from which officials Lord Levy has received briefings on the Middle East. [119671]

  Mr. Hoon
  I refer to my answer of 27 March 2000,Official Report, column 25W. Lord Levy has not been briefed on the Middle East by any other Ministry of Defence officials.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 27 March 2000,Official Report, column 25W, (1) what assistance was offered by Lord Levy to the Chief of Defence Staff during his visit to Israel last September; [118280]

  (2) which meetings Lord Levy attended during the Chief of Defence Staff's visit to Israel; and what was the subject of those meetings; [118279]

  (3) to which Israeli officials Lord Levy made representations regarding the Chief of Defence Staff's visit to Israel; [118305]

  (4) what preparatory work was done in Israel by Lord Levy for the Chief of Defence Staff's visit last September; [118304]

  (5) if the Chief of Defence Staff discussed arms sales during his visit to Israel. [118285]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 11 April 2000]: The British embassy in Tel Aviv prepared and arranged the Chief of Defence Staff's visit to Israel. Lord Levy and HM
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  Ambassador accompanied the Chief of Defence Staff to a call on Prime Minister Barak. A range of matters of mutual interest were discussed. Arms sales were not discussed.

  Bahrain
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Chief of Defence Staff visited Bahrain; whom he met; what topics were discussed; and who was in his accompanying delegation. [118286]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 11 April 2000]: General Sir Charles Guthrie last visited Bahrain between 25 and 27 February 2000. He met the Amir of Bahrain, the Crown Prince, the Prime Minister, the Defence Minister, the Chief of Staff of the Bahrain Defence Force, Vice Admiral Moore of the US Navy and UK personnel deployed in Bahrain. They discussed aspects of the UK's bilateral relationship with Bahrain and a variety of regional issues. General Guthrie was accompanied on the visit by his Deputy Principal Staff Officer and Aide De-Camp. Our Ambassador to Bahrain was present during the calls on Bahraini officials and the Defence Attaché escorted throughout.

  Nuclear-powered Submarines
  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the maximum design accidents assessed by the Nuclear Powered Warships Committee following a near instantaneous loss of primary circuit coolant which are in place for the Swiftsure and Trafalgar nuclear powered submarines in operation near and in the Devonport Royal Dockyard; what is the anticipated frequency of MDA per reactor year; what is the core inventory in terms of the fission products Kr, Xe, I, Te, Cs, Sr, and Ru for the nominated MDA for a reactor that(a) is at Plant State A and (b) has recently been derated to Plant State B on the basis of the Standard Core History for the average reactor in-core life for the currently operational Core Z fuel charge; if he will place in the Library copies of his Department's BR1, BR 3018, BR 3019, BR3020, BR 3025 and BR 3030 documents and where appropriate the documents that have superseded them; and if he will make a statement; [121412]

  (2) if, in relation to the refitting and refuelling of Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarines at Devonport Royal Dockyard, he will provide the Reference, MDA or Design Basics Accidents (a) applicable to periods (i) when the boat is under repair in the dry dock facility, other than when refuelling, (ii) when the boat is being defuelled in preparation for refuelling for the nuclear reactor, including the transition of the irradiated fuel to the dockyard storage locality and (iii) when the boat is out of commission and awaiting decommissioning without and with irradiated fuel in the reactor core and (b) relating to the treatment, packaging and storage of past and present arisings of radioactive waste undertaken and held at the Dockyard; and if he will make a statement. [121348]

  Mr. Spellar
  Response plans for a nuclear accident during submarine operations, including refitting, refuelling, fuel and waste handling, within HM Naval Base and the Royal Dockyard, Devonport are firmly based on detailed analysis and comply with appropriate legislation (in particular the Ionising Radiations Regulations). Probabilistic techniques are employed where appropriate in this analysis.
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  The radioactive inventories and source terms used in this analysis are classified, because they are related to sensitive information about the design of naval propulsion reactors. I am, therefore, withholding this information under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. However, work is underway within my Department to respond to the forthcoming Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulation (REPPIR) which are expected to require that some aspects of the hazard assessments are made available to the public. Some information of this nature is already available in the document DEVPUBSAFE.

  I am placing a copy of Joint Service Publication JSP392 (Instructions for Radiological Protection, which replaced Book of Reference BR3020) together with BR3030 Vol. 1, in the Library of the House. The other documents listed are classified and I am, therefore, withholding them under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Project Allenby Scoping Study
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the Project Allenby Scoping Study Executive Summary. [121942]

  Mr. Spellar
  Yes. I have arranged for a copy of the Project ALLENBY Scoping Study Executive Summary to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Anti-personnel Mines
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many joint operations which took place outside the UK in the last three years involved the use of anti-personnel mines. [122092]

  Mr. Spellar
  UK armed forces were involved in 15 joint operations involving the use of anti-personnel landmines over the last three years, primarily involving operations in the Balkans. However, in no instances were UK armed forces responsible for their use.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Ranger anti-personnel mines are being used for training purposes. [122091]

  Mr. Spellar
  The UK has retained 2,088 Ranger Anti-Personnel Mines for training purposes in accordance with Article 3 of the Ottawa Convention. The retention of these mines is included in the UK's annual return to the UN Secretary General, in the UK Article 7 report for the period 1 August 1999 to April 2000.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which countries retain stocks of Ranger anti-personnel mines. [122090]

  Mr. Spellar
  It is not for the Government to provide information on other countries' mine holdings. Details of APL stocks held by parties to the Ottawa convention can be found, however, on the UN website www.un.org.

  Regional Brigades
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the terms of reference for the Scott review of regional brigades; when it will be complete; and if he will place a copy in the Library. [121941]
  164W
  Mr. Spellar
  The Regional Brigade Study is due to report in June 2000 following which proposals will be put in the CinC LAND and Ministers. I have arranged for a copy of the Terms of Reference to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Type 22 Frigate
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the annual running cost of a Type 22 frigate. [121705]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Mr. Duncan Smith) on 12 May 2000,Official Report, columns 511–12W.

  Naval Vessels
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the two new LPD class ships to enter service with the Royal Navy. [121703]

  Dr. Moonie
  HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, the two Landing Platform Dock (Replacements), are planned to enter service with the Royal Navy in 2003.

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when HMS Fearless and HMS Intrepid were commissioned. [121701]

  Mr. Spellar
  HMS Fearless was commissioned on 25 November 1965. HMS Intrepid was commissioned on 11 March 1967.

  Eurofighter
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost of one(a) Mauser 27mm shell, (b) Advanced Short Range Air to Air Missile and (c) Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile. [121681]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 11 May 2000]: The unit cost of a 27mm Mauser High Explosive round is estimated to be in the region of £63. Based on prices in the most recent MOD contracts, the unit price of an Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile (AMRAAM) is in the order of £380,000 and that of an Advanced Short Range Air to Air Missile (ASRAAM) in the order of £200,000. All figures include VAT and are at September 1999 prices. Unit prices will vary depending on batch sizes, including orders from other customers.

  Departmental Building Costs
  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the projected costs of reconstructing his Department's building in Whitehall; and if he will make a statement. [122310]

  Dr. Moonie
  A contract to carry out the long overdue modernisation of the MOD's London headquarters was signed with Modus Services plc earlier this month. Main Building falls well short of modern standards. The redevelopment will result in the modern flexible working environment needed to provide effective direction and support to the armed forces. The costs to the Ministry of Defence will be some £55 million per annum at March 2000 prices over the 30 years of the Public Private Partnership contract. This encompasses the short-term decant arrangements as well as the long-term provision of
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  a wide variety of services to both the redeveloped Main Building and the Old War Office Building. These two buildings will then be the only buildings containing headquarters staff in the central London area, allowing five other buildings to be disposed of.

  Fishery Protection and Patrol Vessels
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the(a) Castle class and (b) Island class fishery protection and patrol vessels by (i) completion date and (ii) lay off date; and what plans he has for their replacement. [122464]

  Mr. Spellar
  (i) The Castle and Island Class patrol vessels were commissioned as follows:

  Commissioned

  Castle Class

  Leeds Castle

  1981

  Dumbarton Castle

  1982

  Island Class

  Shetland

  1977

  Guernsey

  1977

  Lindisfarnce

  1978

  Anglesey

  1979

  Alderney

  1979

  (ii) On current plans these vessels are intended to have ship life of about 30 years and, as part of the normal planning process, the ordering of replacements will be considered as they reach the end of their lives.

  Sea Patrol
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many days from 1 January 1999 to date the patrol ship Atlantic (North) has been on patrol at sea. [122463]

  Mr. Spellar
  A ship is allocated to the Atlantic Patrol Task (North) for 365 days of the year. From 1 January 1999 to 30 April 2000, a ship was actually on patrol in the area on this task for 224 days. This does not include days in transit by ships to or from the area.

  HMS Endurance
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when HMS 'Endurance'(a) left the United Kingdom and (b) will return to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement about the length of this deployment. [122466]

  Mr. Spellar
  HMS Endurance left the United Kingdom on 5 January 2000 and returned on 2 May. The length of this deployment was shorter than normal due to an extended refit period.

  Ballistic Missile Defence Research
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much the UK Government has spent per year since 1991 on ballistic missile defence research; and how much of each year's expenditure was on pre-feasibility programmes. [121793]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 15 May 2000]: The cost of the Pre-feasibility Programme, undertaken in 1994–96, was approximately £4.5 million. The Technology Readiness and Risk Assessment Programme (TRRAP), which
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  emerged from the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) and which is scheduled to run for three years from July 1998, has approved funding of £12 million within MOD's Corporate Research Programme. In addition approximately £500K per annum has been expended since 1991 on technical studies and experiments in collaboration with the US.

  Fleet Air Arms
  Mr. Quentin Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many flying hours were flown by the Fleet Air Arms in(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1997–98, (d) 1998–99 and (e) 1999–2000; and what is the (i) budget and (ii) planning assumption for 2000–01. [122114]

  Mr. Spellar
  The answer is as follows:

  Fleet Air Arm flying hours

  Total hours flown

  1995–96

  57,593

  1996–97

  54,065

  1997–98

  56,679

  1998–99

  53,532

  1999–2000

  55,346

  On current planning, in Financial Year 2000–01, some 63,000 flying hours are expected to be flown by Fleet Air Arm aircraft which now come under Commodore Naval Aviation, Joint Helicopter Command and Joint Harrier Force. The total estimated fuel budget for these aircraft for this year is in the order of £8.8 million. This will of course be subject to adjustment in the light of operational and other considerations.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Select Committees
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the President of the Council when the Government plan to publish their response to the Liaison Committee's First report, Shifting the Balance: Select Committees and the Executive, HC 300. [122923]

  Mrs. Beckett
  I intend to publish the Government's response tomorrow.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Policing (Somerset)
  Mr. Ashdown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to allocate additional cash for policing in Somerset; and if he will make a statement. [121214]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [holding answer 9 May 2000]: Somerset and Avon Police Authority set a budget this year of £181.2 million, an increase of 4.5 per cent compared with last year. In addition, the force will benefit from a number of initiatives to help tackle crime. Distribution of resources between the counties of Avon and Somerset will reflect the Chief Constable's judgment of priorities at different times and is not subject to Government determination.
  167W
  Under the Crime Reduction Programme, over £2 million has been allocated so far to Avon and Somerset for the Reducing Burglary, Targeted Policing and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) initiatives.

  Five Reducing Burglary bids have been approved with programme funding amounting to £0.3 million. Under the latest round of the Targeted Policing Initiative, two proposals with a combined value of just over £1 million have been approved for further development: one combating robbery in central Bristol, the other increasing the use of court confiscation orders against property criminals and drug dealers in Avon and Somerset. Another £1 million has been allocated to fund nine projects in Avon and Somerset under the CCTV initiative.

  Additionally, through the Crime Fighting Fund, Avon and Somerset will receive resources for additional recruits above and beyond the number that would otherwise have been recruited.

  Police Vehicles
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he gives police forces and authorities on the purchase and leasing of vehicles which are manufactured in the United Kingdom. [122153]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  None. It is the responsibility of chief officers in England and Wales, together with their police authority, to determine which vehicles they purchase or lease. Decisions will be based on the operational needs of the force but must comply with European Union procurement law.

  Framework Arrangements, centrally negotiated by Police Information Technology Organisation, enable forces to benefit from agreed discounts. These Arrangements cover a variety of vehicles, including motorcycles, and also vehicle spare parts.

  Child Abuse
  Ms Southworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many criminal convictions have been secured against adults charged in relation to child abuse more than three years after the alleged offences took place in each year since 1990; [122292]

  (2) how many adults employed in a position of trust have been charged in relation to child abuse more than three years after the alleged offences took place in each year since 1990. [122293]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The requested information cannot be determined from the data collected centrally.

  Operation Care
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 24 November 1999,Official Report, column 119W, on Operation Care, as a result of the police investigations into child abuse, how many people who were convicted pleaded not guilty; how many (a) suspects and (b) offenders there were; how many separate complaints of child abuse were received; how many people were acquitted after trial; how many people were arrested but had no further action taken against them; how many persons have been charged and are awaiting trial and how
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  long they have been waiting; how many persons are on police bail; with respect to each investigation how many victims have applied for compensation; how much each individual has received; and how many victims have not applied for compensation. [121698]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I understand that Operation Care is a continuing investigation, and the information which follows is accurate as of 11 May.

  Four people convicted on charges arising from Operation Care had pleaded not guilty. 407 persons were classified as offenders or suspects. The number of separate complaints relevant to this operation is not readily available, but is at least 759. Four people were acquitted after trial; 12 people were arrested but had no further action taken against them; 17 people have been charged and are awaiting trial. Of these latter, four have been awaiting trial for up to one year, a further seven for up to 18 months, a further three for up to two years, and a further three for up to 31 months. (Delays in trial are sometimes due to defence requests.) Twelve people are on police bail. 108 people have applied for compensation to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and 32 people have received awards as shown in the table. The precise number of complainants who have not applied for compensation is not known.

  Amounts paid in compensation

  Number of people

  £500

  2

  £1,000

  5

  £2,000

  7

  £2,500

  1

  £3,000

  7

  £5,000

  1

  £6,000

  2

  £6,300

  1

  £7,500

  3

  £10,000

  1

  £10,750

  1

  £20,000

  1

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 24 November 1999,Official Report, column 119W, on Operation Care, if he will list the forces that (a) have carried out and (b) are carrying out investigations into institutional child abuse; what is the name of each investigation and its terms of reference; when each investigation (i) commenced and (ii) ended; which are continuing; what period of time is covered by each investigation; how many people have been (A) charged, (B) arrested and (C) convicted and sentenced; and how many people who have been convicted and sentenced have appealed. [121697]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Information is not collected on the number of investigations into institutional child abuse or on the numbers of people arrested, charged or convicted as a result. But a survey was carried out last year on behalf of the Association of Chief Police Officers Crime Committee to establish how many forces in England and Wales had been or were currently investigating claims of institutional child abuse. During the period covered by the questionnaire (1 January 1998 to 30 June 1999), 32 forces said they had been, or were, currently investigating such allegations. Many of the remaining forces stated that they had been engaged in such inquiries at other times.

  Police Forces (Funding)
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers in each force area are currently being employed using funding through the(a) single regeneration budget and (b) discretionary local authority funds. [121712]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Information on the number of police officers employed using Single Regeneration Budget funding is not available centrally.

  It is also not possible to determine how many officers are recruited using discretionary local authority funds. Force budgets are treated as a whole and distinctions are not made between those officers financed by local authority and central grant funds.

  Crime Clear-up Rate (London)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the clear-up rate for criminal offences in the Metropolitan police area in the last 12 months. [121975]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The most recent available data from the Metropolitan police relate to the year ending 31 March 2000. This indicates that their clear-up rate for recorded crimes in that year was 16 per cent.

  Wrongfully Convicted Prisoners
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners have been released by the Court of Appeal on grounds of wrongful conviction since the Criminal Cases Review Commission was set up; and how many cases are awaiting consideration. [121938]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  To date, 27 of the cases heard by appellate courts following a referral by the Criminal Cases Review Commission have resulted in the conviction being quashed or the sentence being reduced. Twelve appellants were in custody at the time and were released due to the Court's decision. At present, 45 cases referred by the Commission are awaiting an appeal hearing. At the end of April, the Commission had 462 applications under review, and 921 awaiting review.

  Mr. Johnny Kamara
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the case of Mr. Johnny Kamara and the formal quashing of his conviction by the Court of Appeal on 9 May following consideration by the Criminal Cases Review Commission. [121943]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  It is a matter for the greatest regret when anyone suffers punishment as a result of a miscarriage of justice. I welcome the decision of the Court of Appeal to quash Mr. Kamara's conviction, and that of the Criminal Cases Review Commission to refer the case to the Court.

  Racial Abuse
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of racial abuse were recorded in(a) each police authority and (b) each constituency in the past five years. [121720]
  170W
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Information on the number of racist incidents recorded by the police is published annually by the Home Office in "Statistics on Race and the Criminal Justice System" for each police force area. Information is not collected centrally by constituency.

  It is not possible to identify which of these incidents could be described as racial abuse.

  Racially Motivated Crime
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were(a) charged and (b) convicted of racially motivated crimes in each of the past five years (i) in England and (ii) in Wales. [121726]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  No information is collected centrally on the number of persons charged or on the number convicted of a racially motivated offence.

  Information is available on those cautioned or convicted of any offence identified as racially aggravated by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. The statistics currently available cover the period October 1998 to September 1999 (December 1999 for the Crown court) in England and Wales. These show that 326 persons were cautioned by the police, 486 persons convicted at magistrates courts and 84 at the Crown court.

  Humberside Police
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many anti-social behaviour orders have been issued in the Humberside police area. [121935]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  As I stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Surrey Heath (Mr. Hawkins) on 21 February 2000,Official Report, column 824W, records of the numbers of anti-social behaviour orders applied for are not currently held centrally. We are not aware of any issued in the Humberside police area since the relevant provisions of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 came into force in April last year.

  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the disbanding of Humberside police's Drug Squad. [121934]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  This is an operational matter for the Chief Constable of the Humberside police. Inquiries have established, however, that there are no plans to disband the force's Drugs Squad.

  Penalty Clauses
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the contracts entered into with private sector companies for the provision of goods or services since May 1997 where penalty clauses were triggered for non-performance; and if he will make a statement. [122025]

  Mr. Straw
  It is not my Department's policy to include penalty clauses in contracts. However, available details about contracts my Department has entered into with private sector companies for the provision of goods or services since May 1997 where financial compensation or damages were triggered for non-performance are given in the table.
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  Company

  Contract

  Rebound ECD

  Provision of Secure Training Centre

  Medomsley Training Services Ltd.

  Provision of Secure Training Centre

  Premier Monitoring Services Ltd.

  Provision Of Electronic Monitoring Services

  Premier Monitoring Services Ltd.

  Provision of Electronic Monitoring Services

  GSSC of Europe Ltd.

  Provision of Electronic Monitoring Services

  Securicor Custodial Services Ltd.

  Provision of Electronic Monitoring Services

  NPT Frame work Agreement

  Siemens

  Crime Fighting Fund
  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he intends to accelerate police recruitment under the Crime Fighting Fund; and if he will make a statement. [122564]

  Mr. Straw
  I announced in the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Elmet (Mr. Burgon) on 9 February 2000,Official Report, column 172W, that all 43 forces in England and Wales had successfully bid for a share of the Crime Fighting Fund (CFF) to recruit 5,000 police officers over and above the number they had otherwise planned to recruit over the next three years commencing April 2000. These were to be phased on the basis of 1,000 recruits this year (2000–01), 2,000 in 2001–02 and 2,000 in 2002–03. I also gave details of the number of police officers each force had been allocated.

  Since then, and as a result of the funding decisions outlined by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Budget, I was able to announce in my reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, South (Mr. Cunningham) on 27 March 2000, Official Report, columns 1–3W, that part of the £91 million provided in the Budget for modernising the police service in England and Wales would be used to accelerate the CFF with a view to delivering the 5,000 recruits within the first two years of the scheme.

  I have consulted the police service and police authority representatives and I am now pleased to announce that forces will be able to recruit up to a maximum of 3,000 new recruits in year one of the scheme (2000–01), rather than 1,000 as announced in February, and the remaining 2,000 in year two (2001–02). Tripling the number which can be recruited during the current financial year will cost about £24 million above and beyond the £35 million which has already been provided for the current allocation. Further decisions on funding for the police service for 2001–04 will be announced as part of the Spending Review 2000 in the summer.

  The table shows the revised distribution of officers allocated to each force under the accelerated scheme.

  My officials have today written to each chief constable and each police authority to explain the funding arrangements under the scheme. I have placed a copy of the letter in the Library.

  The funding for each force will be determined once each force has provided a profile of their planned recruitment during the first year. This will help ensure that funding can be maintained for forces to recruit up to the maximum in year one. Forces are also being given the opportunity, by prior agreement, to revise their
  172W
  CFF allocations if they are experiencing difficulty in recruitment by deferring part of their allocation to year two and those who are able to, to accelerate some of their year two allocation into year one. No force will be able to exceed its overall total CFF allocation and any increase may be limited by the total CFF budget for year one.

  Revised share of 5,000 recruits

  Forces

  2000–01 Year 1

  2001–02 Year 2

  Total

  Avon and Somerset

  67

  34

  101

  Bedfordshire

  28

  27

  55

  Cambridgeshire

  37

  5

  42

  Cheshire

  47

  39

  86

  City of London

  8

  0

  8

  Cleveland

  20

  8

  28

  Cumbria

  25

  15

  40

  Derbyshire

  49

  52

  101

  Devon and Cornwall

  77

  61

  138

  Dorset

  29

  17

  46

  Durham

  36

  15

  51

  Dyfed-Powys

  25

  25

  50

  Essex

  70

  33

  103

  Gloucestershire

  29

  23

  52

  Greater Manchester

  186

  192

  378

  Gwent

  31

  12

  43

  Hampshire

  82

  51

  133

  Hertfordshire

  40

  5

  45

  Humberside

  47

  27

  74

  Kent

  82

  64

  146

  Lancashire

  75

  51

  126

  Leicestershire

  46

  37

  83

  Lincolnshire

  29

  12

  41

  Merseyside

  105

  96

  201

  Metropolitan

  663

  450

  1,113

  Norfolk

  35

  31

  66

  North Wales

  34

  28

  62

  North Yorkshire

  20

  5

  25

  Northamptonshire

  32

  21

  53

  Northumbria

  85

  51

  136

  Nottinghamshire

  52

  35

  87

  South Wales

  59

  9

  68

  South Yorkshire

  67

  34

  101

  Staffordshire

  49

  34

  83

  Suffolk

  31

  14

  45

  Surrey

  46

  32

  78

  Sussex

  69

  43

  112

  Thames Valley

  111

  89

  200

  Warwickshire

  21

  9

  30

  West Mercia

  50

  39

  89

  West Midlands

  173

  137

  310

  West Yorkshire

  107

  24

  131

  Wiltshire

  26

  14

  40

  Total

  3,000

  2,000

  5,000

  Metropolitan Police Vehicles
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the average daily number of Metropolitan police vehicles off the road for repairs in each month of this year; and if he will make a statement. [122362]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that the average daily number of vehicles off the road for repairs in each month of this year was as follows: January—532; February—427; March—405; and April—864.
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  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many vehicles the Metropolitan police had in(a) March 1997 and (b) March 2000. [122363]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that in March 1997 there were 4,160 vehicles; in March 2000 there were 3,991.

  Hunting with Dogs
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) by whom it was decided to widen the initial remit of his Department's inquiry into hunting with dogs; and what factors led to this decision; [122527]

  (2) if he will list the persons involved (a) within and (b) outside his Department in drawing up the remit of the Burns inquiry; [122525]

  (3) what was the role of Baroness Jay in determining the remit of his Department's inquiry into hunting with dogs; what role she has played in the inquiry; and if he will make a statement. [122526]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The terms of reference of the Committee of Inquiry into Hunting with Dogs were drawn up by Home Office Officials, in consultation with Lord Burns, and approved by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.

  Baroness Jay has had no role whatsoever either in drawing up the terms of reference or in the Inquiry itself.

  The remit has always been about hunting with dogs—not shooting or retrieval of quarry with dogs. The question of "widening" the Terms of Reference is a misunderstanding.

  Female Circumcision
  Ms McCafferty
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance his Department issues to chief constables concerning training for the policing of the Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act 1985. [122491]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  New Government guidance "Working Together to Safeguard Children" which is available in the Library and which has been circulated to chief officers of police, recommends that in local areas where there are communities who traditionally practice female genital mutilation, the policy of Area Child Protection Committees (on which the police are represented) should focus on a preventive strategy involving community education.

  Ms McCafferty
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many(a) arrests and (b) convictions have been made under the Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act 1985; [122490]

  (2) how many (a) arrests and (b) convictions have been made under (i) the Children Act 1989 and (ii) the Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Act 1998, in relation to the practice of female genital mutilation in the UK and abroad. [122494]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Arrest data are not collected centrally by individual offence.

  The Home Office Court Proceedings Database show no defendants proceeded against under the Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act 1985. Information collected
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  under the Children Act 1989 and the Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Act 1998 does not distinguish such offences from others within these Acts.

  Departmental Vehicles
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) cars and (b) commercial vehicles operated by his Department were manufactured (i) in the UK, (ii) in the EU and (iii) elsewhere. [122257]

  Mr. Straw
  The information requested is given in the table. It has not been possible to identify the exact origin of all the vehicles as this would require individual chassis numbers which are not readily to hand.

  Home Office fleet vehicles: place of manufacture

  Cars

  Commercial vehicles

  Total1

  Total percentage of fleet

  United Kingdom

  95

  330

  425

  42

  European Union

  295

  81

  376

  37

  United Kingdom/European Union2

  45

  95

  140

  14

  Other

  0

  18

  18

  2

  Not known2

  20

  5

  45

  5

  1Figures exclude any vehicles over 10 years old

  2Some manufacturers (eg Vauxhall) require details regarding individual chassis numbers and model specifications to be able to give this information

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Seed Purity
  Judy Mallaber
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action the Government are taking to address the issue of seed purity. [122925]

  Ms Quin
  We are taking several new steps to ensure seed purity, in addition to the current consultation on the importation and labelling of seeds. These include pressing internationally for agreed standards, testing of seed imports to the UK and working with the industry on a Code of Practice. The need for action in this area is highlighted by the recent information we have received from Advanta Seeds UK that some of its conventional rapeseed sold and sown in 1999 and 2000 in several EU member states, including the UK, contained about 1 per cent. of genetically modified rapeseed. The genetic modification in question has already been assessed and cleared for food use and for field trials in the UK. We have consulted both ACRE (The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment) and the Food Standards Agency who have confirmed the view that there is no risk to public health or the environment.

  Forest Enterprise
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements are being made for the quinquennial review of the Forest Enterprise Executive Agency. [122800]

  Mr. Morley
  As an executive agency, Forest Enterprise is subject to review every five years—part of the process of continuous improvement of Government services
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  promised in the "Modernising Government" White Paper of March 1999. Forest Enterprise was established as an executive agency on 1 April 1996 and its review has now started. Stage 1 is concerned with getting the organisation right, and its conclusions will be reported to Forestry Ministers in July. Stage 2, which is concerned with improving the agency's performance, will be completed in December.

  The review will include wide ranging consultation with Forest Enterprise's customers, visitors and other interested parties, who are invited to contact the Secretary to the Forestry Commissioners, at 231 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 7AT or to visit the Forestry Commission's website at www.forestry.gov.uk/fereview.

  Over-30-months Scheme
  Judy Mallaber
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the weight limit on payments for cattle entering the over-30-months scheme will be removed; and if he will make a statement. [122926]

  Ms Quin
  On 12 May the Beef Management Committee agreed a Commission proposal to remove the weight limit on payments for all cattle entering the over-30-months scheme. This will take effect for all cattle entering the scheme on or after 5 June. This delivers on a key element of the Government's Action Plan for Farming. It is worth £20 million a year in payments to UK farmers and will also increase asset values. It will be of particular benefit to those running suckler heards.

  Pig Industry
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate his Department has made of the number of UK pig slaughterings per week over the last two years; and what are his projections for next year. [121763]

  Ms Quin
  The table gives UK weekly clean pig slaughterings for the past two years. Estimates of slaughterings for future years are not prepared on a weekly basis, but a Eurostat estimate of UK slaughterings for the year 2000 as a whole amount to 13.5 million heads.

  UK weekly clean pig slaughterings

  Unit: thousand head

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2000 weeks

  254.9

  307.1

  246.3

  8 January 2000

  321.1

  313.0

  276.1

  15 January 2000

  320.9

  313.5

  271.3

  22 January 2000

  315.1

  315.7

  268.6

  29 January 2000

  310.0

  297.3

  265.8

  5 February 2000

  304.6

  304.1

  260.9

  12 February 2000

  305.8

  295.9

  256.7

  19 February 2000

  304.4

  285.0

  250.1

  26 February 2000

  305.7

  286.2

  259.0

  4 March 2000

  305.9

  285.4

  250.7

  11 March 2000

  302.2

  277.3

  242.7

  18 March 2000

  295.1

  282.7

  250.9

  25 March 2000

  295.0

  251.0

  250.4

  1 April 2000

  300.1

  252.0

  238.6

  8 April 2000

  265.2

  279.7

  244.8

  15 April 2000

  248.5

  267.5

  218.7

  22 April 2000

  301.7

  270.0

  —

  29 April 2000

  300.7

  245.9

  —

  6 May 2000

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  UK weekly clean pig slaughterings

  Unit: thousand head

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2000 weeks

  259.2

  279.0

  —

  13 May 2000

  299.6

  269.4

  —

  20 May 2000

  301.8

  269.3

  —

  27 May 2000

  262.7

  243.8

  —

  3 June 2000

  302.1

  269.3

  —

  10 June 2000

  301.6

  265.6

  —

  17 June 2000

  299.7

  272.8

  —

  24 June 2000

  288.2

  272.5

  —

  1 July 2000

  296.6

  274.6

  —

  8 July 2000

  292.2

  266.5

  —

  15 July 2000

  279.8

  273.3

  —

  22 July 2000

  293.3

  268.0

  —

  29 July 2000

  297.2

  264.5

  —

  5 August 2000

  297.1

  273.7

  —

  12 August 2000

  299.8

  270.2

  —

  19 August 2000

  308.0

  269.6

  —

  26 August 2000

  308.5

  246.5

  —

  2 September 2000

  267.8

  278.3

  —

  9 September 2000

  318.9

  275.5

  —

  16 September 2000

  315.6

  275.6

  —

  23 September 2000

  317.3

  278.5

  —

  30 September 2000

  324.1

  274.1

  —

  7 October 2000

  316.3

  280.9

  —

  14 October 2000

  321.3

  276.1

  —

  21 October 2000

  317.1

  280.3

  —

  28 October 2000

  322.0

  285.1

  —

  4 November 2000

  320.8

  286.9

  —

  11 November 2000

  324.4

  290.6

  —

  18 November 2000

  322.3

  295.6

  —

  25 November 2000

  325.0

  298.9

  —

  2 December 2000

  331.3

  310.3

  —

  9 December 2000

  335.7

  322.0

  —

  16 December 2000

  360.3

  242.8

  —

  23 December 2000

  194.2

  120.2

  —

  30 December 2000

  192.9

  —

  —

  —

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he will take, with regard to the recently announced aid package for United Kingdom pig farmers, to ensure that the complexity of meeting the scheme's requirements does not deter the industry from accessing the funds available. [121767]

  Ms Quin
  The Pig Industry Restructuring Scheme is being developed in close consultation with the National Pig Association and the Meat and Livestock Commission to ensure as far as is possible that the scheme is relevant to the needs of pig producers. Clearly the scheme must also remain within UK and EU law and meet any financial propriety concerns.

  Agriculture Council
  Mr. Browne
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the outcome of his negotiations at the March Council Meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers in respect of export refunds for the UK spirit industry. [121971]

  Ms Quin
  The EU Agriculture Council on 20 March agreed on conclusions to guide the Commission in its strategy for accommodating budgetary and WTO pressures in the fixing of export refunds for processed products. My right hon. Friend the Minister emphasised to the Council the importance of export refunds to the cereals-based spirit drinks industry, notably Scotch
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  whisky. He urged the Commission to recognise this concern in its implementation of export refund reductions. A statement to this effect was recorded in the minutes of the Council.

  Discussions with the Commission on the implementation of the strategy are continuing at official level. Our aim is to achieve the best outcome possible for all sectors affected, including the spirits sector.

  Move

  Firm

  1. Move of officials between our Whitehall offices, Nobel House on Millbank, and St. Christopher House in Southwark.

  Planned in house with removals by Rockshields Ltd.

  2. Move of officials from Tolworth and St. Christopher House to 1A Page Street, London SW1

  Planned in house with removals by Bishops Move Ltd.

  3. Move from offices at Alphington Road, Exeter to new offices at Clyst St. Mary

  Planned by Vickery Holman with removals by Pickfords Business Services Ltd.

  4. Move from offices at Wistaton, Crewe to Electra Way, Crewe

  Planned by Edmund Kirby with removals by Bishops Move Ltd.

  5. Move of Central Science Laboratory at Slough to Sand Hutton, near York

  Planned by Robert Shanks and Associates with removals by Burton and Smith Moving Ltd.

  Imported Carcases
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the number of imported carcases over the last two years; and what are his projections for next year. [121764]

  Ms Quin
  Although import statistics are not collected in this form, it is unlikely that much pigmeat imported into the UK over the last two years was in the form of pig carcases. In 1998 the UK imported 188,000 tonnes of pork and 231,000 tonnes of bacon and ham. The equivalent figures for 1999 were 212,000 tonnes and 227,000 tonnes.

  Estimates of future imports are not available.

  Animal Slaughtering
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the incidence of animals being illegally slaughtered without pre-stunning in abattoirs. [121957]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 15 May 2000]: Slaughter in an abattoir without prior stunning is not illegal if it is carried out by a religious method and in accordance with the requirements set for religious slaughter. The Government would prefer all animals to be stunned before slaughter, but are committed to maintaining this exemption from the requirement to stun, in recognition of the wish of certain communities to slaughter animals in accordance with their religious beliefs. That does not mean that we do not seek to apply improved welfare standards and we do meet representatives of religious organisations to discuss their issues.

  Departmental Vehicles
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many(a) cars and (b) commercial vehicles operated by his Department were manufactured (i) in the UK, (ii) in the EU and (iii) elsewhere. [122265]

  Civil Servants (Relocation)
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which relocation companies his Department has used when relocating civil servants since May 1997. [122296]

  Mr. Morley
  My Department has used the following companies:

  Mr. Morley
  Country of manufacture is not routinely provided by suppliers and so the information is not readily available. Although it is possible to obtain the information from main dealers it would mean having to extract the chassis number of each vehicle in the Departmental fleet to enable the dealership to trace its country of origin. With some 550 official vehicles in use throughout the Department and Agencies, this could be done only by incurring disproportionate cost.

  Zimbabwe (Import Licences)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations were made to the European Commission concerning permitted maximums in import licences for agricultural products from Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement. [120852]

  Ms Quin
  No representations have been made by the Government. Any other representations are a matter for the European Commission.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Criminal Defence Service
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he will introduce the Criminal Defence Service. [122927]

  Mr. Lock
  The Lord Chancellor has agreed to a request from the Legal Services Commission to postpone the introduction of the Criminal Defence Service from 2 October 2000 to 2 April 2001. This will allow additional time for preparation by the professions and for the implementation of the new arrangements by criminal defence lawyers. The Legal Services Commission is notifying the professions by letter accordingly. This delay will have no substantial effects on the reform programme, including the development of the salaried defender service.
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  Consultation papers on the establishment of the salaried defender service and on the choice of representative will be published shortly.

  Departmental Vehicles
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many(a) cars and (b) commercial vehicles operated by the Lord Chancellor's Department were manufactured (i) in the UK, (ii) in the EU and (iii) elsewhere. [122248]

  Mr. Lock
  The Lord Chancellor's Department operates a total of 636 cars of which (i) 251 were manufactured in the UK, (ii) 373 in the EU, and (iii) elsewhere.

  Eleven commercial vehicles are operated by the Department. Of these 10 were manufactured within the UK. The place of manufacture of the other commercial vehicle, in use by the Northern Ireland Court Service, is unknown and does not therefore appear in the table.

  The breakdown of vehicles operated by the Lord Chancellor's Department is shown in the table.

  Department

  UK

  EU

  Elsewhere

  Cars

  Lords Chancellors Department

  14

  0

  0

  Court Service

  232

  341

  11

  Public Trustee Office

  0

  0

  0

  Northern Ireland Court Service

  0

  0

  0

  Commercial

  Lords Chancellors Department

  0

  0

  0

  Court Service

  1

  0

  0

  Public Trustee Office

  0

  0

  0

  Land Registry

  9

  0

  0

  Public Records Office

  0

  0

  0

  Trials (Health Problems)
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many people who have been(a) brought to trial and (b) involved in a trial as an accused person have in the past 20 years been excused from trial due to (i) physical and (ii) mental ill-health. [122079]

  Jane Kennedy
  The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, figures are available, from 1986 onwards, for defendants who have been found unfit to plead at the Crown court. They do not, however, take into account the nature of the defendant's illness.

  Year

  Found unfit to plead

  1986

  30

  1987

  30

  1988

  36

  1989

  93

  1990

  49

  1991

  36

  1992

  51

  1993

  1—

  1994

  1—

  1995

  32

  1996

  19

  180W

  Year

  Found Unfit to plead

  1997

  38

  1998

  35

  1999

  34

  1Reliable information unavailable due to the introduction of the Crown court IT System.

WALES

  Comprehensive Spending Review
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what meetings he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer in relation to this year's Comprehensive Spending Review. [121740]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I meet the Chancellor regularly and discuss a range of issues, including the Government's Spending Review which is currently under way.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has made on behalf of the National Assembly for Wales in relation to this year's Comprehensive Spending Review. [121739]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I represent the interests of Wales in the Government's Spending Review that is currently under way. This is a very significant part of my job, and I can assure you that I attach a great deal of importance to it. I can guarantee that the Assembly's views will be fully taken into account when the final decisions are made.

  Departmental Vehicles
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many(a) cars and (b) commercial vehicles operated by his Department were manufactured (i) in the UK, (ii) in the EU and (iii) elsewhere. [122252]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer being given to him by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office.

  My Department operates no vehicles other than those provided by the Government Car and Despatch Agency.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Eco-schools Scheme
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the contribution that the eco-schools scheme makes to the teaching of curriculum subjects. [121933]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Eco-schools Programme is managed in the UK by Going for Green, a charitable trust. My Department is aware of the programme and the contribution it can make to environmental awareness in schools, and I recently visited a school to present an eco-schools certificate. We also discuss it as part of our regular liaison with the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions.

  Penalty Clauses
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the contracts entered into with private sector companies for the provision of goods or services since May 1997 where penalty clauses were triggered for non-performance; and if he will make a statement. [122021]

  Mr. Wicks
  There are none to list as the Department for Education and Employment does not include penalty clauses in its contracts.

  Objective 3 Funding
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment which areas of England and Wales are covered by the European Social Fund Objective 3 Funding; when the funding scheme will come into operation; and if he will make a statement. [122101]

  Ms Jowell
  In England, Objective 3 will cover all the English regions, except for the Objective 1 areas of Merseyside, Cornwall and South Yorkshire. I expect the European Commission to approve our plan in June, and for bidding rounds to be held in all regions before the end of July. In Wales Objective 3 will cover the seven unitary authorities outside the Objective 1 area of West Wales and the Valleys. The Welsh plan has been prepared by the National Assembly for Wales, and I understand that approval from the Commission is expected in time for the programme to come into operation either in the summer or in the early part of the autumn.

  Female Circumcision
  Ms McCafferty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance his Department issues to local education authorities concerning the operation of the Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act 1985. [122495]

  Jacqui Smith
  Our advice in "Working Together to Safeguard Children", which we published jointly with the Department of Health and the Home Office earlier this year, highlights the importance of focusing on preventative strategies in relation to female genital mutilation. Copies of "Working Together" were sent to all local education authorities. Furthermore, our advice to schools and local education authorities on child protection procedures in Circular 10/95, "Protecting Children from Abuse: The Role of the Education Service" makes clear that, if school staff have reason to believe that a child is at risk from any form of abuse, they should report their suspicions immediately to the school's designated teacher for child protection. The designated teacher will refer any concerns to the appropriate professional agencies to investigate further.

  Institute for Learning and Teaching
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on(a) membership and (b) industrial relations at the Institute for Learning and Teaching in higher education. [122169]

  Mr. Wicks
  The Institute for Learning and Teaching (ILT) is an independent body. 1,100 applications for membership have been received in the six months of recruitment which has taken place so far. The ILT is 182W
  taking steps to increase awareness of the benefits of membership among those eligible to join. I understand that both the AUT and NATFHE have representation on the Transitional Council of the ILT and that their contribution is greatly valued by the Institute.

  Hearing-impaired Children
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance his Department has given to local education authorities about making educational provision for children with a hearing loss(a) over and (b) under the age of two years in order to support their language and educational development. [122249]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs includes guidance on the steps to be taken to identify and meet the needs of children with sensory impairments, including hearing difficulties. The Code of Practice also contains a chapter offering guidance on assessments of special educational needs for children under the age of five, which includes specific guidance on the assessment of children under the age of two. Local education authorities are under a statutory duty to have regard to the Code of Practice.

  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to ensure that take-up of training by teachers wishing to undertake the mandatory training for teachers of the deaf is sufficient to meet national demand. [122250]

  Jacqui Smith
  Prime responsibility for the in-service training of teachers rests with local education authorities and schools, who are in the best position to determine their needs and respond to demand in the light of local circumstances. In recognition of the importance of training, the Department is supporting expenditure of £26 million in the 2000–01 financial year through the Standards Fund to help LEAs with the costs of training teachers of children with special educational needs, including training in the mandatory qualifications. The Teacher Training Agency has also been conducting a review of the courses leading to mandatory qualifications.

  Correspondence
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a substantive reply to his letter of 29 March on behalf of his constituent Dr. Irwin. [122331]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 16 May 2000]: A reply to the right hon. Member's letter was issued on 15 May.

  Connexions
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the optimum mix of delivery of the Connexions Service through private, voluntary and public partners as referred to in paragraph 7.12 of Connexions: the best start in life for every young person. [122454]

  Mr. Wicks
  The Connexions Service: prospectus and specification, which was published on 4 May, invites prospective partner organisations to come together to agree how the Connexions Service can operate most
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  effectively in their area and to produce outline Partnership Proposals. Partnerships will need to ensure that the mix of public, private and voluntary sector provision is appropriate to the needs of the particular area and that these decisions are based on the quality of existing provision. Partnerships will need to demonstrate in their Business Plans to be produced in the autumn that public, private and voluntary sector providers have been given a fair opportunity in each area to offer relevant services, on the basis of the quality of existing provision. The Connexions Service National Unit, through its assessment and approval of partnership Business Plans and subsequent monitoring of service delivery, will ensure that an appropriate mix of public, private and voluntary sector providers are involved.

  Class Sizes
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the average class size in each infant school in Cleethorpes constituency since 1995. [122347]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Information on individual schools is not normally published. Where individual school information is published, as in the School Performance tables, the information is first checked with the schools concerned. The latest available information on infant class sizes in the parliamentary constituency of Cleethorpes is shown in the table.

  Provisional national estimates of infant class sizes in England for January 2000 was recently published in a Statistical First Release "Class sizes in Maintained schools in England: January 2000" on 12 April 2000. Prior to this, information on infant class sizes for September 1999 was published in Statistical First Release "Infant class sizes in England: September 1999" on 21 January 2000. Copies of both publications are available from the Library.

  Average Size of infant classes1 taught by one teacher in maintained primary schools in the parliamentary constituency of Cleethorpes: 1995–20002

  Position as at January

  Average Class size

  20022

  24.7

  1999

  26.5

  1998

  28.3

  1997

  27.5

  1996

  3—

  1995

  3—

  1Key Stage 1 Classes

  2Provisional

  3Not available

TREASURY

  Prudential Assurance Company
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects the talks initiated in March 1996 between his Department and the Prudential Assurance Company regarding a modification of 10 per cent. distributable surplus to reach an outcome. [122487]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 16 May 2000]: When discussions of this kind take place and a conclusion is reached, the company concerned makes an
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  announcement. Information about proposals of this kind may be confidential or price sensitive, and therefore subject to statutory restrictions on disclosure.

  Departmental Vehicles
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many(a) cars and (b) commercial vehicles operated by his Department were manufactured (i) in the UK, (ii) in the EU and (iii) elsewhere. [122264]

  Mr. Timms
  All vehicles operated by the Treasury are provided by the Government Car and Dispatch Agency (GCDA). GCDA are an agency of the Cabinet Office and I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given today by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office.

  NIRS2
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the total cost of the difficulties encountered with the NIRS2 computer system; and what percentage of that cost will be recouped from Andersen Consulting. [122104]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 15 May 2000]: Andersen Consulting has worked with the Inland Revenue to resolve the problems experienced with the NIRS2 system. All the costs in undertaking this work have been met by Andersen Consulting. The cost to Andersen Consulting is approximately £20 million.

  Tax Rates (Businesses)
  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to extend to unincorporated small businesses the new lower 10 per cent. starting tax rate levied on the initial £10,000 business profits. [122357]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Unincorporated businesses are subject to income tax whereas small companies are subject to corporation tax. Income tax rates are applied to total income from all sources; therefore profits from unincorporated business activities are aggregated with an individual's other income, and the appropriate rates charged after deduction of personal allowances. A 10p income tax band was introduced in Budget 1999 and increased in Budget 2000. As with the whole tax system, this band is kept under constant review. Any future changes will be announced in the normal way.

  Press Officers
  Mr. Portillo
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many press officers were employed by the Treasury in(a) May 1997 and (b) May 2000. [122381]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  In May 1997, HM Treasury employed 5 press officers (besides the Head of Communications) and at May 2000 the number is 5.5.

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many households in(a) Scotland and (b) Paisley, South which are eligible for the Working Families Tax Credit are (i) single parent families where the woman is the sole earner, (ii) single parent families

  185W
  where the man is the sole earner, (iii) couples, where the male is the sole earner, (iv) couples, where the female is the sole earner and (v) dual income families. [122371]

  Dawn Primarolo
  It is estimated that 98,800 families in Scotland have been awarded the Working Families Tax Credit to the end of March 2000, of which 1,400 were in Paisley, South.

  The breakdown requested for Scotland is as follows:

  Family type

  Number with Working Families Tax Credit awards at March 2000

  Single Parent—female earner

  61,100

  Single Parent—male earner

  2,100

  Couple—male sole earner

  21,800

  Couple—female sole earner

  8,500

  Couple—both earning

  5,400

  Total

  98,800

  There are too few cases in the 5 per cent. sample used for these analyses to provide a complete breakdown for Paisley, South. It is estimated that 1,100 families with WFTC awards in Paisley, South were single parents where the woman is the sole earner.

  VAT (Renovations and Conversions)
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received in the past six months requesting that value added tax be(a) reduced and (b) removed on building renovations and conversions; and if he will make a statement. [122127]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Treasury Ministers have received about 5,550 letters since last November asking for changes to the rate of VAT on building, renovation and maintenance work. The vast majority of these letters have asked for a reduced rate rather than removal of VAT. The removal of VAT from repairs and renovations is illegal under agreements with our European partners.

  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to reduce the level of value added tax levied on building renovations and conversions; and if he will make a statement. [122121]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government have no present plans to introduce a reduced rate for building renovations and conversions.

  Mortgage Tax Relief (Scotland)
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total cost of mortgage tax relief was in Scotland in(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, and (c) 1998–99; and what was the estimated cost in 1999–2000. [122087]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The estimated costs of mortgage interest relief in Scotland for 1996–97, 1997–98 and 1998–99 are published in Table 5.3 of "Inland Revenue Statistics 1999", a copy of which is in the House of Commons Library. The provisional figure for 1999–2000 is £130 million.

  Economic and Monetary Union
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the estimates covering expenditure on the national changeover plan; and the dates on which they were approved by the House. [121811]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  Details of expenditure on national changeover planning were included in the second Outline National Changeover plan which was published on 9 March. A copy of the Plan is in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what date and in which forum the decision was taken to proceed with a national changeover plan. [121809]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  In his statement to the House in October 1997, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer said that the Government would begin now to prepare ourselves so that, should we meet the economic tests, we can make a decision to join a successful single currency early in the next Parliament.—[Official Report, 27 October 1997; Vol. 299, c. 587.]

  The first Outline National Changeover Plan was presented to the House by the Prime Minister on 23 February 1999.

  Indirect Taxation
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place a copy of the document entitled, "The simulation of indirect tax reforms: the IFS simulation model for indirect taxation", in the Library. [121741]

  Dawn Primarolo
  A copy of "The simulation of indirect tax reforms: the IFS simulation model for indirect taxation", published by the Institute for Fiscal Studies in 1990, has been available in the House of Commons Library since 1995.

  Funding (Wales)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what meetings his Department has had with the(a) National Assembly for Wales and (b) Office of the Secretary of State for Wales in relation to the Comprehensive Spending Review. [121738]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Officials from my Department meet officials from the National Assembly for Wales and the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales regularly to discuss a range of issues.

  Contributions Agency
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes have been made in the past year by the Contributions Agency in its policy on employment of civil servants between the ages of 60 and 65 years. [121321]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Contributions Agency (CA), a former agency of the Department of Social Security (DSS), ceased to exist with effect from 1 April 1999 when, as part of the transfer arrangements with the Inland Revenue, all CA functions and associated staff moved across to the Revenue.
  187W
  Prior to the transfer with the Revenue the CA, in line with other Government Departments and agencies, had delegated responsibility to formulate their own retirement age policy. Their policy, operated under the central DSS policy framework, provided for a normal retirement age of 60 for all staff. As part of the transitional arrangements on moving to this policy, some staff had been granted extensions of service up to a maximum retention date of 31 July 1999.

  As part of the negotiations prior to the transfer, the Revenue undertook to honour any commitments given to staff in respect of extension of service in place at 31 March 1999. This undertaking was embodied in the terms and conditions package negotiated with the relevant trade unions, and accepted by CA staff by way of a ballot. Thus after the transfer any former member of the CA who had been granted an extension of service was able to remain with the Revenue until the expiry of that extension, up to the maximum retention date of 31 July 1999. Where an extension was not agreed at 31 March 1999, then staff would subsequently retire in line with Revenue retirement age policy, which at the time of the transfer was similar to CA policy, in providing for a normal retirement age of 60.

  The Revenue has recently introduced a concession to the normal retirement age of 60, whereby staff with less than 25 years pensionable service at age 60 may be retained until this level of pensionable service is attained, or reach age 65, whichever is the earlier. This concession was part of a package of terms and conditions changes attached to a Modernisation Agreement with the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) accepted as part of the revised 1999 pay offer. The concession took effect on 21 January 2000.

  On a wider front, the Revenue is carrying out a review of its current retirement age policy and, following consultation with the relevant trade unions, any resultant policy changes will be announced in due course.

  Tax
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the aggregate burden of additional taxes on trade, industry and commerce since May 1997. [121351]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Details of the Budget measures can be found in the relevant tables of the July 1997, March 1998, 1999 and 2000 Red Book. Many of these measures are of particular benefit to trade, industry and commerce.

  Barnett Formula
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what Barnett formula comparability factors are being used for(a) Scotland, (b) Wales and (c) Northern Ireland for each Department in the 2000 Spending Review; and if he will make a statement. [121085]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The Barnett comparability factors which were used in the 1998 Comprehensive Spending Review were included in the Statement of Funding Policy published by the Treasury last year. The 2000 spending review is currently underway and will report in due course.

  Mobile Phone Licences
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sum he expects to receive from allocation of licences for the new generation of mobile telephones; and what assessment he has made of the effects of(a) his proposed use of it to redeem national debt and (b) such planned redemption on the maximum annual debt in sterling he can incur under the Maastricht protocol or stability pact. [121076]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The total sum of the completed bids from the auction of licences for spectrum to support third generation mobile services in the UK was £22.5 billion. Within any given level for total public spending, less on debt interest will mean more is available for other public services. Total spending will be unchanged from the spending envelope set in the Budget in line with the Government's neutral view of the economy's trend growth and in line with the fiscal rules. The Budget forecast that the stability and growth pact reference levels of 3 per cent. of GDP for the deficit and 60 per cent. for debt are achieved comfortably throughout the next five years.

  Manufacturing Jobs
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the jobs created in the United Kingdom since May 1997 have been in the manufacturing sector. [120840]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The information requested, the proportion of jobs created in the UK since May 1997 that have been in the manufacturing sector, is not available.

  Household Incomes
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the average income per week per household in the London Borough of Wandsworth. [122384]

  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 John Pullinger to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 17 May 2000:
  The Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has been asked to reply to your recent question asking about the average household income of Wandsworth. I am replying in the Director's absence.
  No household income estimates are available from ONS at London borough level.
  The latest figures published by ONS for household income by region, up to 1997 were published in Regional Accounts 1997: part 2, Economic Trends no. 551, October 1999. This publication is available in the House of Commons Library.
  In this publication income of the household sector is defined on a national accounts basis. In addition to private households, this includes charities, voluntary and other non-profit organisations and quasi-corporations.
  The published figures are normally presented in terms of total annual household income per head of population. Converted to weekly averages published regional estimates for London (the smallest area published that includes Wandsworth) are as follows:

  1994: £268

  1995: £282

  1996: £303

  1997: £312.

  Employment Statistics (Greater London)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many(a) people were unemployed and (b) job vacancies there were in the Greater London area on 1 April. [122078]

  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 John Pullinger to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 17 May 2000:
  The Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has been asked to reply to your recent question on unemployment and job vacancies in the Greater London area. I am replying in the Director's absence.
  190W
  Estimates of economic status are available from the Labour Force Survey (LFS). The measure of unemployment derived from the LFS is defined on a consistent and internationally recognised basis set out by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and counts as unemployed people who are a) without a paid job, b) available to start work within the next two weeks and c) have either looked for work in the last four weeks or are waiting to start a job already obtained.
  The latest seasonally adjusted estimates from the Labour Force Survey covering winter (December–February) 1999/2000 show there were 268,000 ILO unemployed in the Greater London area.
  In the closest aggregation of Jobcentres to the Greater London area there were 36,100 unfilled vacancies in March 2000 the latest date for which data are available. Jobcentre vacancies do not represent the total number of vacancies available in the economy. Latest estimates suggest that about a third of all vacancies nationally are notified to Jobcentres. This proportion may vary between regions.

  Zimbabwe: Arms Exports
  Zimbabwe: Arms Exports
  Young People Held in Adult Prisons
  Young People Held in Adult Prisons
  Young Women Serving Sentences
  Young Women Serving Sentences
  Incitement to Religious Hatred
  Incitement to Religious Hatred
  Detention in Metropolitan Police Cells
  Detention in Metropolitan Police Cells
  Police Recruitment: Crime Fighting Fund
  Police Recruitment: Crime Fighting Fund
  Criminal Defence Service
  Criminal Defence Service
  Falklands and Gulf Veterans: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
  Falklands and Gulf Veterans: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
  Employment Tribunals: Jurisdiction in Claims against DTI
  Employment Tribunals: Jurisdiction in Claims against DTI
  Blood Donation and Variant-CJD
  Blood Donation and Variant-CJD
  Benefit Recipients: Post Office Facilities
  Benefit Recipients: Post Office Facilities
  Waste Incineration: Proposed Directive
  Waste Incineration: Proposed Directive
  Forest Enterprise: Quinquennial Review
  Forest Enterprise: Quinquennial Review
  Seed Purity
  Seed Purity
  Interception of Communications Commissioner
  Interception of Communications Commissioner
  House of Lords Reform
  House of Lords Reform