Written Answers of 24 May 2000

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Computer Viruses
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department at what precise time his Department became aware of the computer virus known as the Love Bug. [122588]

  Mr. Straw
  Staff supporting the Home Office's main computer networks were first made aware of this computer virus between 09:00 and 09:30 on 4 May 2000.

  Force

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  Avon and Somerset

  503

  536

  568

  712

  770

  651

  688

  759

  621

  547

  Bedfordshire

  137

  122

  167

  199

  192

  189

  189

  182

  186

  154

  Cambridgeshire

  169

  173

  198

  182

  245

  279

  275

  303

  320

  310

  Cheshire

  219

  244

  299

  274

  387

  321

  274

  475

  459

  407

  City of London

  60

  56

  68

  85

  89

  83

  77

  86

  76

  64

  Cleveland

  139

  143

  177

  195

  232

  212

  195

  160

  164

  126

  Cumbria

  210

  193

  246

  230

  248

  241

  201

  189

  198

  204

  Derbyshire

  251

  275

  347

  335

  423

  434

  413

  428

  380

  317

  Devon and Cornwall

  862

  913

  984

  946

  1,067

  1,142

  1,102

  1,148

  1,024

  918

  Dorset

  218

  214

  254

  563

  239

  221

  254

  289

  315

  305

  Durham

  149

  152

  165

  203

  258

  200

  187

  184

  144

  159

  Dyfed-Powys

  189

  210

  315

  260

  271

  302

  314

  283

  254

  237

  Essex

  445

  482

  642

  759

  751

  674

  608

  634

  638

  544

  Gloucestershire

  209

  206

  224

  274

  315

  320

  330

  297

  276

  233

  Greater Manchester

  473

  517

  530

  570

  617

  768

  746

  685

  598

  523

  Gwent

  95

  76

  80

  101

  109

  126

  136

  157

  119

  113

  Hampshire

  362

  369

  529

  587

  611

  598

  564

  611

  698

  760

  Hertfordshire

  203

  206

  202

  247

  294

  320

  315

  297

  306

  238

  Humberside

  249

  273

  316

  422

  446

  427

  391

  340

  324

  269

  Kent

  500

  501

  484

  554

  587

  569

  555

  589

  592

  526

  Lancashire

  432

  377

  474

  539

  565

  608

  531

  483

  489

  449

  Leicestershire

  327

  357

  371

  379

  392

  356

  360

  415

  406

  316

  Lincolnshire

  365

  356

  397

  416

  383

  322

  299

  271

  260

  216

  Merseyside

  296

  295

  340

  367

  389

  384

  333

  401

  419

  458

  Metropolitan Police

  1,353

  1,365

  1,435

  1,489

  1,615

  1,550

  1,850

  1,714

  1,282

  1,138

  Norfolk

  269

  268

  312

  346

  366

  345

  319

  402

  337

  336

  Northamptonshire

  240

  218

  271

  302

  330

  303

  289

  316

  288

  230

  Northumbria

  538

  534

  571

  512

  517

  506

  471

  533

  400

  342

  North Wales

  175

  199

  256

  295

  298

  288

  332

  341

  358

  400

  North Yorkshire

  334

  383

  387

  388

  497

  381

  360

  362

  358

  276

  Nottinghamshire

  486

  470

  556

  593

  551

  552

  537

  620

  558

  461

  South Wales

  261

  257

  352

  432

  541

  477

  461

  361

  366

  338

  South Yorkshire

  316

  317

  371

  412

  473

  452

  381

  308

  281

  246

  Staffordshire

  566

  592

  702

  733

  770

  725

  702

  685

  595

  468

  Suffolk

  329

  354

  373

  386

  414

  409

  407

  379

  397

  420

  Surrey

  174

  215

  214

  251

  232

  238

  260

  297

  235

  224

  Sussex

  530

  495

  571

  548

  512

  527

  511

  472

  442

  393

  Thames Valley

  568

  532

  564

  606

  623

  679

  744

  656

  609

  569

  Warwickshire

  347

  361

  384

  350

  350

  352

  340

  381

  345

  261

  West Mercia

  542

  509

  526

  611

  629

  582

  613

  582

  512

  515

  West Midlands

  673

  743

  843

  955

  918

  818

  897

  945

  889

  731

  West Yorkshire

  568

  562

  735

  613

  708

  777

  709

  690

  589

  559

  Wiltshire

  269

  261

  273

  322

  349

  318

  233

  154

  149

  189

  Total

  15,589

  15,881

  18,073

  19,243

  20,573

  20,026

  19,753

  19,864

  18,256

  16,484

  Joe Wilkins
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his Department has brought extradition proceedings against Joe Wilkins. [123047]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  It is a long-standing policy in matters of this kind not to comment on whether an extradition request for a particular individual has been made.

  Special Constables
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list, for each of the last 10 years for which figures are available, the number of special constables in each police force in England and Wales. [122029]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 12 May 2000]: The figures for the number of special constables in post in each police force area in England and Wales since 1989 were:
  491W
  The figures for the years 1989–1993 were recorded at 31 December of each year. Since 1995, the figures were recorded at 31 March.

  The figures for the years 1989–1995 have been supplied by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary. Those for 1996–99 have been supplied by the Home Office Research Development and Statistics Directorate.

  Higher recruitment standards have been applied by police forces in the last few years to reflect the fact that special constables are being trained and deployed on a wider variety of duties than heretofore. Therefore, while there are currently fewer special constables than in previous years, they are now better qualified, trained and equipped, and offer a better service to both the police and the public.

  Kosovan Refugees
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for(a) an extension of stay and (b) asylum, have been received from Kosovan refugees in the United Kingdom in each of the last 12 months; and what proportion of each have been granted. [122732]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 18 May 2000]: The information currently available relates to the 4,346 Kosovans who were evacuated to the United Kingdom under the Humanitarian Evacuation Programme. Since March 2000, 190 principal applicants have sought an extension of exceptional leave to enter, 45 have applied for asylum and 70 have applied for both exceptional leave and asylum. These applications are currently under consideration.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will make decisions on applications for(a) extensions of leave to remain and (b) asylum, made by Kosovans who went to Scotland on the Humanitarian Evacuation programme and whose exceptional leave to remain expired on 9 May; and if he will make a statement. [123330]

  Mrs. Roche
  We have set in place special arrangements to identify and deal as quickly as possible with applications from Kosovans who came to the United Kingdom under the Humanitarian Evacuation programme, but we do not identify cases on the basis of where applicants have been living in the United Kingdom.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what financial and other assistance is to be given to those Kosovan families returning to Kosovo from Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [123332]

  Mrs. Roche
  The current voluntary return programme from the United Kingdom began on 26 July 1999 and will end on 25 June 2000. The Programme is open both to Kosovans who arrived under the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Humanitarian Evacuation Programme and those who arrived independently. It is open to Kosovans in all parts of the United Kingdom.

  For humanitarian and economic reasons, it was decided to give a relocation grant of 720 Deutchmark (DM) per person (approximately £250), payable on arrival in Kosovo, to all those who chose to go back under the return programme. That grant was increased to 1,300 DM
  492W
  per person (approximately £400) with effect from the flight on 5 May. Arrangements have also been made to transport larger possessions overland to Kosovo. This will enable Kosovans to take back, for example, household goods and building materials, which they have bought or been given, and which they cannot take on an aeroplane.

  In order to benefit from the grant and the overland transport of goods, Kosovans must register for return by 10 June and leave the United Kingdom on one of the organised voluntary return flights by 25 June.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether, during the period prior to an appeal being assessed Kosovans residing in East Lothian and Renfrewshire will be allowed to remain in their current local authority rented accommodation; and if he will make a statement; [123331]

  (2) what financial assistance will be made available to Kosovans who wish to appeal against a refusal of extension to exceptional leave to remain; and if he will make a statement. [123329]

  Mrs. Roche
  We have no plans to set up any special arrangements for support of such cases. Depending on the circumstances of each case, those who appeal against a refusal of further leave will be eligible for support and accommodation in accordance with existing arrangements.

  Tobacco Smuggling
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the(a) longest prison sentence and (b) largest fine imposed on a person convicted of tobacco smuggling into the UK in the last 12 months. [123046]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I refer to the reply I gave my hon. Friend on 23 May 2000,Official Report, column 403W.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) public and (b) private sector accommodation providers have been contracted to provide accommodation for asylum seekers in (i) the North West region, (ii) Pendle, (iii) Burnley, (iv) Rossendale, (v) Blackburn with Darwen and (vi) Hyndburn; and how many units are to be provided in each location. [123032]

  Mrs. Roche
  The accommodation contracts which have been awarded do not require that property be provided in a specific geographical location. To date, a total of 1,189 bedspaces have been provided in the North West Region by four private sector providers. The bedspaces include 80 in Nelson (Pendle) and a further 88 in Burnley. There are no bedspaces in Blackburn and Darwin. Nor are there any recorded in Rossendale or Hyndburn.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in each of the last five years, how many people were recorded as being detained who had sought asylum at some stage, broken down by stage of application and immigration status; at which institutions these individuals were detained; what was the age range
  493W
  and nationality of those detained; and if he will make a statement. [123163]

  Mrs. Roche
  The information requested, on numbers of asylum applicants detained in each of the last five years, is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Number of people recorded as being detained1,2 on 30 December 19983 and 4 January 19993 who had sought asylum at some stage, by stage of application and immigration status

  Stage of application

  Port

  Illegal entrants

  Subject to deportation action

  Total

  Awaiting initial decision

  125

  295

  4

  424

  Awaiting result of appeal

  127

  42

  11

  180

  Awaiting result of further challenge or documentation for removal4

  45

  77

  15

  137

  Total

  297

  414

  30

  741

  1Persons detained solely under the powers contained in Schedule 2 or 3 of the Immigration Act 1971.

  2These figures are approximate because of the delay in recording receptions into, and releases from, detention and the large number of persons detained for a short period.

  3After entry figures obtained at 4 January 1999. Port figures obtained at 30 December 1998.

  4Includes those persons awaiting the result of a further appeal/other challenge or awaiting removal pending documentation.

  Number of people recorded as being detained1,2 on 30 December 19983 and 4 January 19993 who had sought asylum at some stage, by nationality

  Nationality

  Total

  Nigeria

  82

  India

  79

  Albania

  54

  Pakistan

  50

  Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

  38

  Sri Lanka

  38

  Romania

  35

  Algeria

  32

  China

  29

  Poland

  29

  Lithuania

  26

  Turkey

  20

  Ghana

  18

  Ukraine

  12

  Bangladesh

  11

  Sierra Leone

  10

  Kenya

  9

  Iraq

  8

  Bulgaria

  7

  Gambia

  7

  Somalia

  7

  Egypt

  6

  Iran

  6

  Uganda

  6

  Afghanistan

  5

  Ivory Coast

  5

  Jamaica

  4

  Palestine

  4

  Russia

  4

  Columbia

  3

  Congo

  3

  Croatia

  3

  Czech Republic

  3

  Latvia

  3

  Liberia

  3

  Morocco

  3

  Angola

  2

  Cyprus

  2

  Democratic Republic of Congo

  2

  Libya

  2

  South Africa

  2

  Tanzania

  2

  Thailand

  2

  Togo

  2

  Nationality doubtful

  41

  Others

  22

  Total

  741

  494W
  The available information, relating to a snapshot of asylum applicants detained solely under Immigration Act powers as at 30 December 1998 for port applicants and 4 January 1999 for in-country applicants, by stage of application and immigration status, and by nationality, is given in the tables.

  1Persons detained solely under the powers contained in Schedule 2 or 3 of the Immigration Act 1971.

  2These figures are approximate because of the delay in recording receptions into, and releases from, detention and the large number of persons detained for a short period.

  3Port figures obtained at 30 December 1998. After entry figures obtained at 4 January 1999.

  British Board of Film Classification
  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the British Board of Film Classification's Annual report for 1999 will be published; and if he will make a statement. [124077]

  Mr. Straw
  I have today placed in the Library copies of the Annual Report of the British Board of Film Classification for 1999, which gives details of the Board's financial accounts and activities for the year ended 31 December 1999.

  On 16 May, the High Court dismissed the Board's application for Judicial Review in respect of appeals against their decision not to classify seven sexually explicit videos in the restricted (R) 18 category—which are available only in licensed sex shops to those aged 18 and above. The Board had focused their application for Judicial Review on the consideration which they should give, when classifying videos in the R18 category, to the potential harm to children which may result from their exposure to this material. I am very disappointed with the outcome of this case and have instructed my officials to consider whether any additional steps can be taken to protect children from exposure to these sexually explicit videos. I intend to issue a consultation paper on the matter shortly.

  Immigration Legislation
  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to strengthen immigration legislation to tackle abuse of the United Kingdom's immigration control. [124078]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Government are firmly committed to ensuring that those who seek to migrate to the United Kingdom but have no grounds for doing so under the Immigration Rules, are prevented from coming here.
  495W
  From 00:01 hours on Thursday 25 May, we will require nationals of Colombia and Ecuador to obtain a Direct Airside Transit Visa even when they intend to remain airside while in transit through the United Kingdom. We have taken this action following evidence of abuse of the Transit Without Visa concession by such nationals.

  Criminal Proceedings (Prosecution Appeals)
  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the terms of reference are for the Law Commission's review of the law governing prosecution appeals in criminal proceedings. [124079]

  Mr. Straw
  The Law Commission published a consultation document on the law of double jeopardy on 12 October 1999 following my request to them of 2 July 1999 as part of the Government's response to the Stephen Lawrence report. The consultation period ended on 31 January 2000 and the Commission is considering the responses received before making its final recommendations to the Government. As the terms of reference intended, the consultation document did refer to prosecution rights of appeal but not in any detail as to how these might be achieved.

  I have, therefore, today formally asked the Law Commission to undertake a review of the law governing prosecution appeals against judge directed acquittals in criminal proceedings and other adverse rulings by a judge which may lead to the premature ending of the trial. The terms of reference for this review are:
  "To consider

  (a) whether any, and if so, what additional rights of appeal or other remedies should be available to the prosecution from adverse rulings of a judge in a trial on indictment which the prosecution may wish to overturn and which may have resulted, whether directly or indirectly, in premature termination of the trial;

  (b) to what, if any, procedural restrictions such appeals would be subject and to make recommendations".

  Number

  Rank

  Company

  Duration

  May 1997 to April 1998

  1

  Senior Civil Service

  IBM

  8 September 1997 to 7 August 1998

  1

  Grade 7

  Price Waterhouse

  3 September 1996 to 30 June 1998

  May 1998 to April 1999

  1

  Senior Civil Service

  Woolwich Building Society

  1 July 1998 to 1 January 1999

  1

  Senior Civil Service

  Systems Union Ltd.

  1 April 1998 to 31 January 2000

  May 1999 to April 2000

  1

  Senior Civil Service

  National Westminster Bank Plc

  18 January 1999 to 3 December 1999

  1

  Senior Civil Service

  Capita RAS

  1 October 1999 to 30 September 2001

  1

  Grade 6

  British Telecom Plc

  18 October 1999 to present

  Other outward secondments of three months or more recorded centrally in the above periods were predominantly to local government, voluntary and charitable organisations and the European Union.

  Mike Tyson
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assurances he sought from Mike Tyson that while in the United Kingdom he would refrain
  496W
  I should emphasise that the issue here is the question of a prosecution right of appeal against adverse rulings made by the judge, which leads to the ending of the trial before the jury has considered the evidence. The question whether, and in what circumstances, a jury's decision on the evidence to acquit can be challenged is the subject of the double jeopardy consideration by the Commission. Both these issues are entirely separate from the prosecution's right of appeal against an unduly lenient sentence after a jury has convicted a defendant.

  Criminal Cases Review Commission
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the current backlog is of cases being dealt with by the Criminal Cases Review Commission; and what the expected timescale is for considering the application in respect of Mr. Nasir Abbas Choudhary made on 5 April. [123504]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I understand that, at the end of April, the Criminal Cases Review Commission had 462 cases under review, and 921 awaiting review. The Commission screens all eligible new applications, in order to identify and review those cases where this will apparently require a total of five working days or fewer. Subject to any special factors that would justify giving them priority, cases that require a more extensive review then await allocation to a caseworker, on the basis of date order of receipt. The Commission hopes to screen Mr. Choudhary's application as soon as possible.

  Secondments
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff from his Department were seconded to private sector companies in(a) May 1997 to April 1998, (b) May 1998 to April 1999 and (c) May 1999 to April 2000; and if he will list in each case the companies to which staff were sent, the names and ranks of the staff involved and the duration of the secondment. [123423]

  Mr. Straw
  The information is as follows:

  from public appearances other than his boxing match; what assurances he has received; and if he will make a statement. [123571]

  Mr. Straw
  No assurances were either sought from or given by Mr. Tyson, but it was made clear to him that the entry clearance was granted for a three-week visit strictly for the purposes of the boxing match.
  497W
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date his Department first learned of Mike Tyson's proposed visit to Scotland. [123567]

  Mr. Straw
  My Department became aware in March from newspaper reports that Mr. Tyson was intending to make a visit. My hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Baillieston (Mr. Wray) wrote to me on 25 April requesting a meeting to discuss the proposed bout in Scotland. I met with my hon. Friend and his delegation, which included my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mrs. Golding), Lord Brooks of Tremorfa and Stephen Davies, on 3 May.

  Mr. Tyson's application for entry clearance was submitted to the British Consulate General in New York on Friday 12 May 2000. It was then passed to the Home Office who received it on the morning of Monday 15 May.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what account he took of the possibility of subsequent judicial review when making his decision on whether to admit Mike Tyson to the UK. [123566]

  Mr. Straw
  As with all such matters, in making my decision I was concerned to ensure that it was in accordance with the general law and the relevant Immigration Rule. It would be for the courts to decide what grounds existed for judicial review of that decision.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what consultations he has had on the impact on police resources of Mike Tyson's proposed visit to the United Kingdom; [123572]

  (2) between which dates his Department carried out its assessment of the financial and commercial impact of a decision to refuse permission for Mike Tyson to enter the United Kingdom; [123569]

  (3) which persons and organisations he consulted about the financial consequences of a decision to refuse permission for Mike Tyson to enter the United Kingdom; [123570]

  (4) what estimate he made of (a) the financial cost to British business and (b) the number of companies which would have suffered financially, if he had refused Mike Tyson permission to enter the UK for his proposed boxing match. [123565]

  Mr. Straw
  In reaching my decision, I considered all relevant factors and weighed them against the statutory criteria in the Immigration Rules. In doing so, I recognised the potential economic benefits to the United Kingdom, as well as the policing implications. I also took account of the fact that there would be strength of feeling both for and against this entry into the United Kingdom. There is no statutory requirement for further consultation or assessment, and I was able to reach a decision on the basis of the information before us.

  I would also refer the hon. Member to the observations of the Minister of State, Home Office, on 23 May 2000, Official Report, columns 191–98WH. As she told the House, both she and I sought information from the Deputy
  498W
  First Minister, Scottish Executive, as to the possible impact of any visit on the police in Strathclyde before the final decision was made.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many representations he has received about the proposed visit of Mike Tyson to Scotland; how many(a) supported and (b) opposed the visit; and if he will make a statement. [123568]

  Mr. Straw
  In support of Mr. Tyson's proposed visit to the United Kingdom, I received representations from Frank Warren on behalf of Sports Network Europe. On 18 May, I was sent a formal notification from the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament of two parliamentary motions opposing the entry of Mike Tyson, but I was in any event well aware of the strong views felt on both sides on this matter, particularly in Scotland.

  House of Commons (Metropolitan Police Officers)
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review the variation of the contract of employment of Metropolitan Police Security Officers stationed at the House in relation to their compulsory retirement age; what consultations took place prior to the change; and if he will make a statement. [123274]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis tells me that the contractual age of retirement for all civilian staff remains 60, with any extension of service beyond that age being granted at his discretion. The criteria for extension are set out in the Civil Staff Personnel Manual.

  In recent years, some extensions have been made, to help with recruitment difficulties. These have now been overcome and, in order to give staff the maximum opportunity to look for fresh employment after they reach 60, they have been given some six months' notice that no extensions will be expected to be granted from this October. The Security Officers' manager discussed this with their Trade Union representatives before they were notified.

  Police Precept
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is(a) the average national police precept and (b) the Humberside police precept; and how many additional police officers could be employed if the difference between the Humberside and the national average police precept were employed for that purpose. [122798]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The average council tax precept (band D) for police authorities in England for 2000–01 is calculated at £69.29. The average for police authorities in Wales for 2000–01 is £79.84.

  The council tax precept (band D) for Humberside police authority is £60.30.

  The effect of increasing Humberside's precept to the average for English forces would be subject to the impact of Council Tax Benefit Subsidy Limitation and cannot, therefore, readily be translated into additional officers.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  European Union
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the European Union Centres for Study and Research which are funded by the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on their(a) purpose, (b) publications and (c) political neutrality, with special reference to contributions from the United Kingdom Government. [120849]

  Mr. Vaz
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the office of the Commission in London.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many copies of "A New Idea for Europe: The Schuman Declaration 1950–2000" have been published by the European Union; for what purpose; and how many will be distributed in the UK. [121496]

  Mr. Vaz
  "A New Idea for Europe: The Schuman Declaration 1950–2000" was published by the Commission. I therefore refer the hon. Gentleman to the office of the Commission in London.

  European Security
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs where responsibility lies for ensuring democratic oversight of the European Security and Defence Identity and ESDP. [121756]

  Mr. Vaz
  We are committed to parliamentary scrutiny of defence matters. In addition to the work of this House and that of the House of Lords on defence and security matters, Members of this Parliament sit in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and the WEU Assembly. Any new defence arrangements within the EU will constitute part of the Common Foreign and Security Policy. The European Parliament is consulted about the main aspects and basic choices of the CFSP, all of whose decisions are submitted to the Scrutiny Committees of Parliament.

  Chechnya
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contribution he made to the 106th Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 12 and 13 May on war crimes and human rights violation in Chechnya; what response he has made to Recommendation 1456 (2000) of the Parliamentary Assembly; and if he will make a statement. [123295]

  Mr. Vaz
  Due to pressing parliamentary business, no UK Minister was able to attend the 106' session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 10 and 11 May; the UK was represented by our Ambassador, Mr. Andrew Carter. Mr. Carter was closely involved, on the basis of instructions, in the preparation of the influential statement to the meeting delivered by Portugal on behalf of the European Union and in the drafting of the final communique. The Chairman of the meeting, Mr. Brian Cowen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland, has made clear that the formal response to Recommendation 1456 (2000) of the Parliamentary 500W
  Assembly is to be formulated by the Committee of Ministers before the Parliamentary Assembly next meets, from 26–30 June.

  UN Earth Summit
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is his policy to support the bid by South Africa to host the UN Earth Summit 2002. [123432]

  Mr. Hain
  UK Ministers have warmly welcomed South Africa's bid to host the UN Earth Summit 2002. The main UK objective at this stage is to ensure that a venue is agreed as soon as possible, so that the real work of preparing the Summit can begin.

  British Firms (Government Support)
  Mr. Roy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on measures to clarify the Government's support for British firms trading internationally. [123866]

  Mr. Battle
  I am pleased to announce, also on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Minister for Trade, that the Government's support for international trade will in future be delivered under a single brand name.

  Trade Partners UK will be the new name for the Government's network of support for British companies trading in world markets. Trade partners UK will replace the various promotional brands that have been used in the past and will make services clearer, more effective and easier to access. The aim is to encourage more firms—particularly Small and Medium Enterprisesߞto develop an international dimension to their business. We shall continue to provide support for those that are already successful outside the UK and we shall seek out and help UK firms with the potential to develop new opportunities in overseas markets.

  The new brand will make the full range and reach of services much clearer to customers through the launch on 31 May 2000 of a new internet based "gateway"—www.tradepartners.gov.uk. The gateway will provide access to services for people on the move, anywhere in the world. By the end of this year, all the basic information available on international markets and business sectors will be available electronically. These new interactive services will play a crucial part in the Government's plan to make the United Kingdom a world leader in the knowledge economy by 2002.

  Trade Partners UK will also act as a quality standard to show that the services, activities and organisations with which it is associated are endorsed by the Government's international trade development and promotion effort.

  British Trade International will continue to provide the co-ordination for the services which now fall under the Trade Partners UK brand, working in partnership with Government departments, Devolved Administrations and regional bodies. British Trade International will continue to act as a voice within government for exporters and companies investing overseas.

  Secondments
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff from
  501W
  his Department were seconded to private sector companies in (a) May 1997 to April 1998, (b) May 1998 to April 1999 and (c) May 1999 to April 2000; and if he will list in each case the companies to which staff were sent, the names and ranks of the staff involved and the duration of the secondment. [123425]

  Mr. Battle
  There were(a) 19 staff seconded to the private sector between May 1997 and April 1998, (b) 26 between May 1998 and April 1999 and (c) 27 between May 1999 and April 2000. The organisations involved were China Britain Business Council, Rolls-Royce, British Aerospace, International Committee of the Red Cross, Unilever, Shell, Standard Chartered Bank, Glencree Centre, New Millennium Experience Company, London Chamber of Commerce, BOC, PrincewaterhouseCoopers, BP Amoco, British Invisibles, Institute of Exports, Prince's Trust, Halcrow, AMEC, CBI, Smithkline Beecham International, Open Broadcast Network, Andersen Consulting, Oldham Chamber of Commerce, ICL, London First Centre, Fidelity, Reading University and Lehman Brothers.

  The terms of each secondment differ. The rank of the officers varied between junior and senior management. The duration of secondments varied from three to thirty eight months. Please see the table.

  It is not normal practice to name civil servants.

  Staff undertaking a private sector secondment

  Rank

  Total number of officers

  Length of secondments varied between (months)

  May 1997–April 1998

  Junior management

  4

  11–24

  Middle management

  10

  5–36

  Senior management

  5

  5–38

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Secondments of more than three months

  Secondments of less than three months

  Secondments of more than three months

  Secondments of less than three months

  SCS1

  0

  32

  0

  41

  SCS2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Grades 6, 7 and SEO1

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Grades 6, 7 and SEO2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  HEO and EO1

  14

  0

  12

  0

  HEO and EO2

  1

  0

  4

  0

  Below EO1

  2

  0

  1

  0

  Below EO2

  5

  0

  5

  0

  Total

  523

  2

  522

  1

  1Male

  2Female

  3One to Shanks and McEwan Southern Waste Services Ltd. and one to the Halifax

  4To Aon Risk Services Ltd.

  5All to CSL Managed Services Ltd.

SCOTLAND

  Secondments
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many staff from his Department were seconded to private sector companies in(a) May 1997 to April 1998, (b) May 1998 to April 1999 and (c) May 1999
  502W

  Staff undertaking a private sector secondment

  Rank

  Total number of officers

  Length of secondments varied between (months)

  May 1998–April 1999

  Junior management

  7

  10–36

  Middle management

  11

  4–36

  Senior management

  8

  3–38

  May 1999–April 2000

  Junior management

  88

  3–36

  Middle management

  11

  5–26

  Senior management

  8

  3–38

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Secondments
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary Lord Chancellor's Department how many staff from his Department were seconded to private sector companies in(a) May 197 to April 1998, (b) May 1998 to April 1999 and (c) May 1999 to April 2000; and if he will list in each case the companies to which staff were sent, the names and ranks of the staff involved and the duration of the secondment. [123420]

  Mr. Lock
  Figures are available only for the period 1 April to 31 March each year and, for 1997–98 and 1998–99, are given in the table. The only secondments for more than three months were those arising under the terms of a Public Private Partnership with CSL Managed Services for accounting, IT and payroll services. Returns for 1999–2000 have not yet been commissioned but are likely to reflect a significant reduction in numbers now that the seconded staff have either returned to work for the Department or opted to transfer permanently to CSL.

  to April 2000; and if he will list in each case the companies to which staff were sent, the names and ranks of the staff involved and the duration of the secomdment. [123418]

  Dr. Reid
  Staff of the Socttish Office were seconded to private sector organisations for the periods indicated, as follows.
  503W

  Grade

  Company

  Duration

  May 1997–April 1998

  SCS

  Standard Life

  October 1997–June 1998

  B3

  Scottish Financial Enterprise

  February 1997–May 2000

  B3

  Scottish Business in the Community

  February 1997–February 1999

  B3

  Scottish Chambers of Commerce

  February 1997–February 1999

  B2

  Scottish Business in the Community

  June 1997–June 2000

  Trainee Solicitor

  Shepherd and Wedderburn

  April 1998–June 1998

  May 1998–April 1999

  Trainee Solicitor

  Shepherd and Wedderburn

  September 1998–March 1999

  Band A

  Royal Bank of Scotland

  June 1998–December 1998

  For the year May 1999–April 2000, no staff of the Scottish Office were seconded before 1 July 1999, when most staff transferred to the Scottish Executive; and no staff of the Scotland Office were seconded between 1 July 1999 and 30 April 2000.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Open Government
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many applications for information she received under the Open Government: Code of Practice on Access to Government Information in the last parliamentary session; and how many were granted. [121861]

  Clare Short
  I refer my right hon. Friend to the reply given by the Home Secretary on 18 May 2000,Official Report, columns 216–17W.

  Forests Action Programme
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development who is writing the report on the measures needed to implement the Action Programme on Forests to be considered by G8 Foreign Ministers at their meeting prior to the next summit in Okinawa; when the report will be ready; and if she will place a copy in the Library. [123164]

  Clare Short
  A report on the implementation of the G8 Action Programme on Forests agreed by Foreign Ministers at Birmingham in May 1998 has been produced by forest experts from each G8 country. The report will be considered in the run-up to the Okinawa Summit. I expect it to be released either at the Summit or at the prior meeting of Foreign Ministers. I will place a copy in the Library as soon as it is published.

  Secondments
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many staff from her Department were seconded to private sector companies in(a) May 1997 to April 1998, (b) May 1998 to April 1999 and (c) May 1999 to April 2000; and if she will list in each case the companies to which staff were sent, the names and ranks of the staff involved and the duration of the secondment. [123422]

  Clare Short
  During all of the periods referred to, there has been one such arrangement in place, i.e. the secondment of Ms Joan Laurance (sub-band A2—504W
  equivalent to the former Home Civil Service Grade 7) who has been seconded to the consultancy firm Development In Practice. The secondment began in January 1997 and is expected to terminate in September 2000.

  Development Council
  Mr. Jim Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what was the outcome of the Development Council held in Brussels on 18 May; and if she will make a statement. [123440]

  Clare Short
  In his opening statement at the Council, Development Commissioner Nielson made clear that the past record of EC development efforts was poor and that major improvement was needed if the strategic goal of EC development policy should in future be to combat poverty. He was committed to increasing the proportion of EC aid going to the poorest countries and to the poor in Middle Income Countries, although he said that this was constrained by political priorities and the budget process. Mr. Nielson thought that EC aid should focus on a limited number of areas where it could add most value, and that compatibility with internationally agreed strategies was vital. He said that a focal point would be set up in DG Development to analyse coherence between EC development policy and other EC policies affecting developing countries. Mr. Nielson thought that the planned reform of EC aid management would increase the sense of responsibility within the Commission and improve the quality of programming.

  I welcomed the focus on poverty, impact and effectiveness in EC aid. I said that ensuring coherent support for development across EC policy was vital and that it had improved since Seattle. I added that closer integration between development policy and the Common Foreign and Security Policy was needed, and that in a globalising world the EU could no longer be concerned only with the near abroad. I emphasised that reform needed to address issues such as the pressure which drove proposals for unjustified levels of EC funding for the Western Balkans. I said that a strategic and regularly updated Action Plan was now needed to implement the reform process.

  Subsequent annual reports, if they showed significant improvements in line with this plan, would give member states the confidence to reduce their control of individual EC projects. The Presidency concluded that discussion would continue, leading to the adoption by the next Development Council of a joint statement on EC development policy from the Council and the Commission, with the European Parliament involved in the process.
  505W
  At dinner, I led the discussion on Sierra Leone. I said that the international community needed to be more willing to take risks to provide security, which was a prerequisite for development. I added that the UN had the moral authority to promote conflict resolution, but lacked the necessary tools to do so effectively. France and Italy praised the UK's action in bolstering the UNAMSIL operation. There was general agreement that the UN's credibility was at stake in Sierra Leone, that more support should be given to UN peace-keeping forces, that the whole approach to peace-keeping needed reviewing urgently and that Commission funds for the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration programme should be released more quickly in future. Discussion turned to Guinea Bissau, which the Presidency (Portugal) said now merited EU financial support. Finally, France described recent events and the constitutional reform debate in Cote d'Ivoire. It was agreed that the decision on whether or not to suspend EC aid would depend on the forthcoming Heads of Mission report.

  The Council adopted conclusions which recommended further improvements to Operational Co-ordination between the Commission and member states in developing countries. I stressed the importance of wider co-ordination around Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers led by the partner countries. The Council then adopted three items without discussion. The UK supported the resolution on Structural Adjustment (budget and sector support for developing countries), which makes poverty reduction its ultimate objective and incorporates many examples of best practice. The UK also supported the procedural conclusions on integrating the environment and sustainable development into EC development policy, and in particular the link with poverty reduction and reinforcement of the importance of policy coherence. We are now keen to help devise a comprehensive strategy to implement these conclusions. The UK also supported the conclusions on HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis, which call on the Commission to examine what else the EC could do to confront major poverty diseases.

  The Council followed up last year's evaluation of humanitarian aid by adopting a resolution which seeks to guide the Commission without micromanaging them. The proposal that the EC Humanitarian Office should add to its funding role by developing an emergency response capacity was not adopted; the UK view is that the case for this is not proven. This was followed by a discussion of conflict and crisis situations introduced by the Presidency, during which I reinforced my message on Sierra Leone. It was concluded that discussions on more rapid and effective instruments for conflict management should continue under the French Presidency.

  At lunch, Italy opened the discussion on Ethiopia and Eritrea. I, supported by most member states, observed that the moral low ground was alternating between the two countries and that we needed to act firmly now to help resolve the conflict. Belgium then argued for more assistance for Burundi. I said that we should back Nelson Mandela's efforts to facilitate the implementation of the Arusha Accords, including by holding a pledging conference, but added that it would be premature to consider budgetary assistance for Burundi at present. This line met with broad agreement. Denmark then underlined the importance of election monitoring in Zimbabwe. I noted that the land question was currently being used as a
  506W
  smokescreen for terror tactics against the opposition. The Council agreed that the UNDP exercise on land reform should not offer money which was additional to the offers of finance which had been on the table since 1998. I supported the call from Germany and the Netherlands for the Commission to speed up implementation of the European Development Fund contribution to the HIPC trust fund. Ireland introduced the issue of HIV/AIDS, which France said would be a priority for its Presidency. I noted that the cost of anti-retroviral drugs would remain prohibitive, even after the announcement by a major pharmaceutical company of a price reduction for developing countries. The Commission said that this issue would be addressed at the EU-US Summit in Lisbon.

  Under other business, the Presidency said that the outstanding differences between the Council and the European Parliament on the proposed environmental integration and tropical forest regulations would go to conciliation within the next few weeks. The Commission presented an information note on the Third UN Conference on Least Developed Countries in May 2001. Denmark presented a note on development aspects of the Sixth Conference of the Parties of the UN Convention on Climate Change in November.

HEALTH

  Folic Acid
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will issue the consultation document on the conclusions and recommendations of the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy in relation to folic acid and the prevention of disease. [120985]

  Yvette Cooper
  A joint consultation document will be issued shortly by the UK Health Departments and the Food Standards Agency.

  Skin Cancer
  Ms Kingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions she has had with manufacturers of sun protection products, as part of the campaign to prevent skin cancer, on the prices charged for these products. [121520]

  Yvette Cooper
  The pricing of sunscreens is a matter for manufacturers to decide and the Government have no direct influence in the price setting process for these items, which are a commercial product. We would encourage manufacturers and retailers to ensure that sunscreens are affordable for all. In May 1998, my hon. Friend the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Competition and Consumer Affairs (Mr. Griffiths) wrote to the Perfumery and Toiletries Association pointing out that sunscreens should not be regarded as a fashion product. We recommend the use of sunscreens as a back-up measure to other sun protection measures such as wearing protective clothing and staying in the shade in the midday sun.

  Breast Cancer
  Ms Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate (1) how many additional patients per month could benefit from taxanes for the treatment of breast cancer in the NHS; [122470]
  507W
  (2) how many additional lives would be saved per month through use of taxanes to treat all breast cancer patients in the NHS who could benefit from it. [122471]

  Yvette Cooper
  About 35,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and of these between 6,000 and 9,000 will progress to advanced cancer. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence has been asked to review the evidence for the clinical and cost effectiveness of the two taxane drugs (Taxol and Taxotere) in advanced breast cancer, and it would be wrong to pre-empt its advice.

  Vaccination
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to monitor safety of childhood vaccinations; and if he will make a statement. [122158]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 15 May 2000]: The Post-Licensing Division of the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) is responsible for monitoring the safety of all marketed medicines, including vaccines, licensed in the United Kingdom. Prior to licensing, all vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety, efficacy and quality. A manufacturer must demonstrate that the vaccine is safe and effective in preventing disease and that it is manufactured to appropriate standards before a Product Licence is given.

  Suspected adverse reactions to vaccines, and other medicines, can be reported through the yellow card (YC) scheme by doctors, dentists, coroners, and pharmacists. In addition, vaccine manufacturers must submit details of all reports of suspected adverse drug reactions that are of a serious nature to the MCA. Reports received through the YC scheme and from companies are entered onto a specialised computer system called ADROIT (Adverse Drug Reactions On-line Information Tracking). This system allows rapid processing and detailed analysis of reports. Information collected through this system provides additional information on recognised reactions and can act as an early warning system for the identification of previously unrecognised reactions.

  The YC scheme is well established and has been shown to be effective in identifying previously unrecognised adverse reactions. It is the key system for nation-wide surveillance in all age groups and can provide signals for very rare adverse events. The number and pattern of reports are regularly reviewed, and appropriate action initiated if there is indication of a problem.

  Information from the YC scheme, together with information from other sources including published papers, large controlled trials, epidemiological studies, record linkage studies and screening of general practitioners and hospital databases provides comprehensive monitoring of the safety of childhood vaccines.

  The question of vaccine safety is one that we take very seriously and is of the utmost importance. The benefits and risks of vaccination are always carefully considered and kept under constant review. Serious adverse reactions to vaccines are very rare. Reported suspected adverse reactions are carefully monitored both by the Committee on Safety of Medicines and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, independent expert groups which advise the UK health departments. Information on
  508W
  safety issues is considered in detail by the MCA and the Department and by its independent expert advisers on a regular basis.

  The National Institute for Biological Standards and Control tests each batch of vaccine for potency, safety and purity before it is issued for use. Only batches that reach the required standard are released for use. No vaccine is issued in the UK unless it passes the highest standards for quality. As a result, the childhood immunisation programme remains the safest way for parents to protect their children against disease.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice parents are given about the side-effects of the Meningitis C vaccine; whether the vaccine carries a risk of brain-damage or death; and whether all risks are made clear before parental consent is requested. [122913]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 19 May 2000]: A leaflet for parents—"Meningitis C. Reduce the risk. Your guide to the new meningitis C vaccine"—provides information on the possible side effects of the meningococcal Group C conjugate vaccine. The consent form for the meningococcal Group C immunisation tells parents to "Make sure you have read and understood the leaflet". It goes on to advise "Before you fill in the rest of the form, please make sure you have read this leaflet carefully" and then explicitly draws attention to "the possible side effects of the immunisation (read page 6)". Brain damage and death are not recognised risks.

  About 26 million copies of the parents' leaflet have been printed and it has been mailed to general practitioners' surgeries, pharmacies and schools for every parent to receive and also made widely available though high street pharmacies and post offices. Copies of the leaflet and the consent form are available in the Library.

  Breast Implants
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress the Government have made in the introduction of compulsory registration of the details of each breast implant and removal operation on a National Breast Implant Registry. [122553]

  Yvette Cooper
  Registration of each implant and explant operation on the National Breast Implant Registry cannot be compulsory as the entry of information on the registry requires consent of the patient.

  However a number of actions are being taken to increase compliance with registration. These include promoting awareness of the National Breast Implant Registry; guidance to be issued by the Royal College of Surgeons on clinical practice for breast surgery, and the Care Standards Bill.

  Human Papilloma Virus
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the members of the expert advisory group which will oversee the commissioning and running of the pilot sites for human papilloma virus testing. [122786]

  Yvette Cooper
  The membership of the expert advisory group on the pilot for human papilloma virus testing has not yet been agreed. Prospective members will be approached shortly and will include representatives from colposcopy, cyto-pathology, virology, primary care, epidemiology and
  509W
  consumer groups. When the membership is finalised, details will be posted on the United Kingdom National Screening Committee's website at http://www.nsc.nhs.uk/

  Beta Interferon
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects the National Institute for Clinical Excellence to publish its report on the use of beta interferon. [122930]

  Mr. Denham
  The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has been asked to provide authoritative guidance on a range of health topics, of which the appraisal of the drug beta interferon was one. The timetabling of this work is a matter for NICE, although I understand that NICE is intending to disseminate its guidance to the National Health Service during August.

  Race Equality
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to establish NHS race equality units outside London. [123087]

  Ms Stuart
  We have no plans to establish National Health Service race equality units outside London.

  Accommodation (South-East)
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what schemes he plans to introduce to increase accommodation provision for public health care staff in the south-east of England. [123062]

  Ms Stuart
  A national housing co-ordinator for the National Health Service has been appointed from 1 April 2000 with responsibilities for addressing the provision of adequate and affordable residential accommodation for nursing and other key National Health Service personnel.

  Any shortfalls are currently being identified in the south-east region of the National Health Service as well as other areas of the country to target improvement strategies.

  Residential and Nursing Homes
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the number of employees providing nursing care in residential and nursing homes who have recognised nursing qualifications. [123079]

  Mr. Hutton
  The table provides details of the number of nursing staff employed in private nursing homes, hospitals and clinics.

  Number of whole-time equivalent nursing staff in private nursing homes, hospitals and clinics

  England

  1 October 1996 to 31 March 1997

  Number of nursing staff (WTE)

  Of which qualified nursing staff (WTE)

  All establishments1

  136,650

  51,230

  General and mental nursing homes1

  127,280

  43,570

  Private hospitals and clinics

  9,370

  7,660

  1Includes those in dual registered homes

  Source:

  KO36 form
  510W
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to ensure high quality of care in residential and nursing homes in the United Kingdom. [123080]

  Mr. Hutton
  We are reforming the regulatory arrangements for residential care and nursing homes. The Care Standards Bill, which covers England and Wales, will establish a National Care Standards Commission for England to regulate all care homes to national minimum standards to ensure consistency and improve the quality of care and protection for vulnerable people. In Wales, the National Assembly will take on the same regulatory functions as the Commission.

  In Scotland there will be a Scottish Care Commission regulating services on a broadly similar basis to that in England.

  The specific arrangements for Northern Ireland will be a matter for the Northern Ireland Assembly to decide in due course.

  GM Food
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals he is evaluating for introducing product liability for GM food. [123389]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: Manufactured food, which includes all genetically modified food which has been approved to date, is already covered by the product liability provisions of Part 1 of the Consumer Protection Act 1987, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Terry Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will reply to the letters from the hon. Member for Worsley of 17 November 1999 and 4 April 2000, regarding his constituent Lucy Darwell. [123401]

  Yvette Cooper
  I replied to my hon. Friend on 22 May.

  Human Rights Act 1998
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice he has given the National Health Service on the implications for the NHS of the coming into force of the Human Rights Act 1998. [123255]

  Ms Stuart
  We shall shortly be issuing guidance alerting the National Health Service and Social Services to the coming into force of the Human Rights Act on 2 October 2000.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Plutonium Exports
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what were the(a) origin of the reactor, (b) isotopic composition, (c) point of departure, (d) mode of transport and (e) final end-use of the United Kingdom plutonium exported to the United States of America between 1970 and 1988 in (i) the form of fuel elements and (ii) other forms. [119256]
  511W
  Mrs. Liddell
  Whenever the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority or BNFL export United Kingdom plutonium under civil arrangements they keep certain records. These records include the total amount of plutonium exported and the United Kingdom owner of the plutonium. They do not include details of the particular reactor in which the plutonium was produced. This reflects the fact that spent fuel from different UK civil reactors and belonging to different owners may be reprocessed at the same time and that the plutonium arising from reprocessing ceases to have a separate reactor-specific identity. Plutonium is attributed to an owner based on an estimate of the fissile content of the irradiated fuel originally supplied, usually on an annual basis. The specific plutonium atoms allocated to an owner are not necessarily the same atoms that the owner originally supplied.

  All exports of United Kingdom plutonium to the United States under civil arrangements have been subject to relevant bilateral and international arrangements to ensure that the material exported is used exclusively for peaceful, non-explosive purposes. The precise end use to which such exported plutonium has been put is however, a matter for the United States.

  Information relating to the isotopic composition, point of departure and the mode of transport used for each export is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  England

  Scotland

  Wales

  Month

  Respiratory diseases

  VWF

  Respiratory diseases

  VWF

  Respiratory diseases

  VWF

  January

  397

  863

  44

  79

  83

  152

  February

  277

  672

  21

  49

  98

  77

  March

  282

  1,062

  9

  98

  109

  163

  April

  365

  520

  25

  95

  61

  110

  Total

  1,321

  3,117

  99

  321

  351

  502

  With regard to VWF, the Department remains on track to have tested all claims registered to date by summer next year, with interim settlement offers following shortly afterwards. The majority of claimants will receive final settlement offers by summer the following year.

  As for respiratory disease, given the number of claimants—over 104,000 to date—it may take two to three years before all claims are complete. We introduced in March last year a national programme of spirometry, the first state of the Medical Assessment Process, which has seen nearly 50,000 claimants tested, with a further 11,000 invited to make appointments. With nearly 69,000 live claims this means in just over 12 months we have contacted 90 per cent. of claimants.

  By the end of June we expect that 2,000 claimants will have gone through the second stage of the MAP and by September that the number of second stage medical assessments will be up to 4,000 a month. In order to sustain these levels we will of course require similar numbers of completed form packs from solicitors.
  512W
  Export of United Kingdom plutonium to the United States under non-civil arrangements are a matter for the Ministry of Defence.

  BNFL
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place in the Library a copy of the memorandum sent by Rupert Wilcox-Baker of British Nuclear Fuels to Claire Lambert in his Department's Nuclear Industry Directorate, dated 8 March 1996, concerning information about a parliamentary question asked by the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent in respect of plutonium exports to the United States. [120059]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I have placed a copy of the relevant letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Industrial Diseases (Claims)
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many claims for(a) chronic bronchitis and emphysema and (b) vibration white finger have been settled, in each area in (i) January, (ii) February, (iii) March and (iv) April; and when he expects all present claims to be settled. [122817]

  Mrs. Liddell
  In the four months from January the Department had made payments in full or part settlement of claims totalling some £6.7 million to 1,771 respiratory disease claimants and some £30.3 million to 3,940 VWF claimants—broken down as follows:

  National Grid Company
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what permanent derogations have been granted to the National Grid Company; and at what locations. [123434]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Ofgem has issued derogations to the National Grid Company and other system users relating to security standards and the technical rules for connection to the system. Derogations are not permanent as they can be amended or revoked at any time.

  International Organisation of Legal Metrology
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recommendations of the Organisation Internationale de Metrologie Legale in the last five years have(a) been and (b) not been implemented. [123450]

  Dr. Howells
  In the last five years the International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML) has published 31 Recommendations. Of these, 17 deal with measuring instruments which fall within my responsibilities. OIML Recommendations are used as the basis for legislation wherever practicable. The situation on implementation is set out in the table.
  513W

  Number

  Title

  Implementation

  R31

  Diaphragm gas meters

  None. Council Directive 71/318/EEC as amended has not been brought into line with R31. The Directive has been implemented by SI 1988/296

  R49

  Water meters intended for the metering of cold water

  Implementation at the planning stage

  R50 -1 and -2

  Continuous totalizing automatic weighing instruments (Belt weighers). Part 1: Metrological and Technical requirements—Tests; Part 2: Test report format

  Draft legislation in preparation

  R51 -1

  Automatic catchweighing instruments. Part 1: Metrological and technical requirements—Tests

  Draft Regulations sent out for comments on 28 April 2000.(These only cover catchweighers and not checkweighers andweight-graders, on which there is no UK legislation)

  R60

  Metrological regulation for load cells

  No separate UK legislation. These are components of non-automatic weighing instruments and automatic weighing instruments

  R61 -1

  Automatic gravimetric filling instruments. Part 1: Metrological and technical requirements - Tests

  Implemented by SI 2000/388

  R79

  Labelling requirements for prepackaged products(including prohibiting misleading packaging practices)

  None. Council Directives 75/106/EEC and 76/211/EEC as amended have not been brought into line with R79. The Directives have been implemented by SI 1986/2049 as amended

  R81

  Dynamic measuring devices and systems for cryogenic liquids (including tables of density for liquid argon, helium, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen)

  No UK legislation

  R85

  Automatic level gauges for measuring the level of liquid in fixed storage tanks

  No UK legislation

  R106 -1

  Automatic rail-weighbridges. Part 1: Metrological and technical requirements—Tests

  Draft legislation in preparation

  R107 -1

  Discontinuous totalizing automatic weighing instruments (totalizing hopper weighers). Part 1: Metrological and technical requirements—Tests

  Implemented by SI 1996/797

  R117/R118

  R117 Measuring systems for liquids other than water. R118 Testing procedures and test report format for pattern evaluation of fuel dispensers for motor vehicles

  Implemented by SI 1995/1014 as amended by 1998/2218

  R119

  Pipe provers for testing measuring systems for liquids other than water

  No UK legislation

  R120

  Standard capacity measures for testing measuring systems for liquids other than water

  Not yet considered

  R125

  Measuring systems for the mass of liquids in tanks

  No UK legislation

  R129

  Multi-dimensional measuring instruments

  No UK legislation

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much money was spent in each of the last five years(a) subscribing to and (b) supporting the UK's committee representatives on the Organisation Internationale de Metrologie Legale. [123451]

  Dr. Howells
  The UK pays an annual subscription to the Organisation Internationale de Metrologie Legale (OIML). In the last five years the subscriptions paid have been as follows:

  Year

  £

  1995

  35,646

  1996

  40,293

  1997

  36,118

  1998

  33,004

  1999

  30,371

  Support for UK participation in the committees of OIML comes from a number of Government departments and other organisations (including industry associations). It is not therefore possible to quantify the cost of this support.
  514W
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the policy of the Government towards the work of the Organisation Internationale de Metrologie Legale. [123452]

  Dr. Howells
  The United Kingdom is one of more than 100 countries participating in the work of the Organisation Internationale de Metrologie Legale (OIML). The Government support the work of this important organisation, which contributes to the removal of barriers to trade by publishing technical recommendations in the form of draft model laws and through its system of OIML certificates. These help manufacturers of measuring instruments to obtain approval for their products in OIML member countries. The UK participates in those areas of OIML's work where we have a specific interest.

  Recruitment Industry
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received in response to his proposals relating to regulation of Temp to Perm in
  515W
  the private recruitment industry as contained in his Department's draft regulation of 16 March; what assessment his Department has made of (a) the potential effect of these proposals on the permanent recruitment market and (b) the extent to which the proposals may create a disincentive to recruitment firms to train and develop their temporary workers; and if he will make a statement. [123399]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  We have received representations from agencies, workers, unions and employers. There has been general support for the principle that hirers should have the option of a hiring extension of negotiable length, followed by free transfer, as an alternative to a "temp to perm" fee and also that there should be a limit on the period agencies may continue to demand a transfer fee after a hirer has ceased to engage a worker. Some respondents have endorsed our suggested four week limit but others have advocated shorter and longer periods.

  Employers wishing to recruit permanent staff will generally continue to do so from the outset, because they will wish to attract applicants who are looking for permanent work. This is confirmed by our analysis of independent research showing the level of market segmentation between the permanent and temporary sectors.

  Businesses using Business Link

  Quarter

  Number of employees

  England Total

  East

  East Midlands

  London

  North West

  North East

  South East

  South West

  West Midlands

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  1999–2000

  Q1 April–June

  1–9

  40,984

  3,998

  2,762

  4,059

  7,905

  1,839

  7,019

  4,675

  4,890

  3,837

  10+

  46,399

  5,012

  3,407

  4,416

  8,925

  2,219

  6,785

  4,504

  6,562

  4,569

  Q2 July–September

  1–9

  42,811

  3,822

  3,078

  4,927

  7,680

  1,954

  6,482

  5,013

  5,826

  4,029

  10+

  49,802

  5,915

  4,109

  4,502

  9,434

  2,423

  6,881

  3,996

  8,351

  4,191

  Q3 October–December

  1–9

  42,200

  4,033

  3,104

  5,110

  7,558

  1,654

  6,349

  4,199

  5,650

  4,543

  10+

  47,955

  5,577

  3,286

  5,899

  8,568

  2,305

  6,821

  3,333

  7,399

  4,767

  Q4 January–March

  1–9

  42,604

  4,256

  3,627

  4,447

  7,322

  1,845

  6,812

  3,919

  5,710

  4,666

  10+

  47,916

  5,732

  3,979

  4,273

  9,255

  2,059

  6,869

  3,489

  7,180

  5,080

  Average

  1–9

  42,510

  4,027

  3,143

  4,636

  7,616

  1,823

  6,666

  4,452

  5,519

  4,269

  10+

  48,018

  5,559

  3,695

  4,773

  9,046

  2,252

  6,839

  3,831

  7,373

  4,652

  1997–98

  Q1 April–June

  1–9

  39,296

  8,176

  1,693

  2,770

  9,973

  2,126

  4,234

  3,914

  3,748

  2,662

  10+

  36,693

  6,843

  2,186

  2,121

  6,989

  1,378

  3,942

  3,898

  6,864

  2,472

  Q2 July–September

  1–9

  42,140

  7,895

  2,036

  2,770

  8,809

  2,352

  7,116

  4,257

  3,692

  3,209

  10+

  39,243

  7,121

  2,230

  2,599

  7,051

  2,399

  4,954

  3,820

  6,651

  2,418

  Q3 October–December

  1–9

  41,340

  5,933

  2,124

  2,937

  9,121

  3,313

  7,784

  3,972

  3,189

  2,967

  10+

  39,659

  5,714

  2,440

  3,372

  7,781

  3,254

  5,201

  3,613

  5,568

  2,716

  Q4 January–March

  1–9

  44,176

  6,483

  2,264

  3,591

  10,483

  1,686

  7,625

  4,139

  3,960

  3,943

  10+

  42,876

  7,656

  2,341

  4,075

  8,002

  2,075

  4,797

  3,823

  6,476

  3,631

  Average

  1–9

  41,738

  7,122

  2,029

  3,017

  9,597

  2,369

  6,690

  4,071

  3,647

  3,195

  10+

  39,618

  6,834

  2,299

  3,042

  7,456

  2,277

  4,724

  3,789

  6,390

  2,809

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which Business Links Partnerships have developed centres of enterprise, and which business areas are covered by each centre. [123544]
  516W
  We do not believe that a disincentive for bureaux to train and develop temporary workers will be created. Hirers will continue to seek skilled staff, and bureaux will continue to be able to recoup their training costs, in the event of a temporary worker transferring to permanent employment, either through an extension of the hiring period or the charging of a "temp to perm" fee.

  Business Links
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many businesses with more than(a) one employee and (b) 10 employees used the Business Link Service in each region in (i) the most recent available year and (ii) 1997–98. [123535]

  Ms Hewitt
  As part of the Management Information requirement, Business Links provide SBS with total usage data which is broken down to usage by number of employees.

  The data requirement is to count all businesses using Business Link services for non-trivial activity. The table shows that activity for periods 1997–98 and 1999–2000. A business which receives advice twice within a quarter is only counted once, but a business which receives assistance in two separate quarters will be counted in each quarter. It is not possible, because of the risk of double counting, to give precise total usage of businesses being assisted each year.

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  There are currently 22 centres of expertise within the Business Links Partnerships funded specifically for that purpose. The Business Links Partnerships and the 22 centres of expertise are set out in the following table. A number of these projects are not sector specific and are designed to support all businesses.
  517W

  Centres of expertise

  Government office

  Business Links

  Name of project

  Sector

  GO-E

  BL Bedfordshire

  Green Link

  Environment

  BL Hertfordshire

  Benchmarking for the SME

  Benchmarking

  GO-EM

  BL Leicestershire

  East Midlands Business Angels

  All

  BL Southern Derbyshire

  Exploitation of Major Investment Opportunities

  All

  BL Lincolnshire

  Foodnet

  Food

  GO-L

  BL London North West

  Ethnic Minority Business

  Ethnic Minority

  BL London North

  CE Mark Conformance

  —

  GO-NE

  BL Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  Energy Efficiency, Environmental Efficiency and Waste Management

  Environment

  BL Northumberland

  Export Services

  Export

  BL County Durham

  Business Improvement Micro Benchmarking

  Benchmarking

  GO-NW

  BL Chester and Ellesmere Port

  Business and Intelligence Service

  All

  GO-SE

  BL Hampshire

  Improving SME Access to DERA and CLRC Expertise

  Defence

  BL Kent

  Knowledge Management for SME's

  All

  GO-SW

  BL West

  Centre of Expertise for Aerospace/Defence

  Defence/Aerospace

  BL Swindon

  Automotive Centre of Expertise

  Automative

  BL West

  "Print Link"

  Print

  GO-WM

  Staffordshire TEC

  Ceramics Industry

  Ceramics

  Wolverhampton Chamber and Business Link

  West Midlands Overseas Trade Services

  Export

  BL Sandwell

  Centre for Management Excellence

  All

  GO-YH

  Barnsley and Doncaster TEC

  Management Development and Entrepreneurship

  All

  Rotherham Chamber and TEC

  Technology Transfer

  Technology

  Humberside TEC

  Centre of Expertise for Food

  Food

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many businesses in each region have received expert advice on the use of information and communications technologies from Local Support Centres associated with Business Links. [123539]

  Ms Hewitt
  As part of the Management Information requirement, Business Links provide SBS with usage data for the Information Society Initiative Centres (formally known as Local Support Centres).

  Businesses using Information Society Initiative Centres (1999–2000)

  Q1 April–June

  Q2 July–September

  Q3 October–December

  Q4 January–March

  Average

  England total

  3,126

  4,969

  4,141

  5,587

  4,456

  East

  46

  105

  136

  246

  133

  East Midlands

  594

  467

  544

  471

  519

  London

  577

  937

  579

  557

  663

  North West

  639

  755

  617

  1,015

  757

  North East

  118

  144

  209

  62

  133

  South East

  303

  554

  384

  1,111

  588

  South West

  145

  337

  358

  449

  322

  West Midlands

  516

  1,126

  901

  536

  770

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  188

  544

  413

  1,140

  571

  Skills Training
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the members of the group developing a best practice model for large businesses to work with suppliers and customers to improve the skills of their workforce. [123564]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The group working on this Competitiveness White Paper commitment were: Mike Kinski, then at Stagecoach; Howard Bentley from Sainsburys; Jerry Cope from Post Office Counters; Stephen Dunn from Scottish Power; Barrie Oxtoby, then at Rover; and Les Shearn from British Aerospace.
  518W
  We do not collect national records of the nature of every assistance given, in order to minimise the management requirement of Business Links. However, we do ask them to omit trivial activity. The table shows activity for the period 1999–2000. The figures given are the numbers of businesses assisted in each quarter. A business which receives advice twice within a quarter is only counted once, but a business which receives assistance in two separate quarters will be counted in each quarter. It is not possible, because of the risk of double counting, to give a precise total number of businesses being assisted each year.

  Learning through Business Networks—the final output from this work—was published in September 1999.

  "Fit for the Future" Campaign
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many partner organisations and champions have been recruited to the "Fit For The Future" campaign. [123552]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  Currently there are 52 organisations involved as partners within the campaign and 103 individuals have been identified as best practice champions.

  National Campaign for Enterprise
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress of the National Campaign for Enterprise. [123546]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The DTI is supporting the business-led Enterprise Insight, the formal name for the National Campaign for Enterprise, which aims to create a more entrepreneurial culture throughout the UK. So far we have committed funding towards the costs of setting up the Campaign office and organising an 'ambassador' programme.

  Enterprise Insight was launched by the Prime Minister on 11 May. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry attended, taking part in discussion groups with entrepreneurs, business leaders and young people.

  Two young people's forums have already been held in Hull and Wales and further regional activities are currently being co-ordinated by the Enterprise Insight team.

  200 entrepreneurs and business people have signed up to the Campaign so far. These 'ambassadors' will participate in a range of activities to raise awareness and understanding of the role and value of enterprise in the community.

  "Creating a Great Place to Work"
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the booklet, "Creating a Great Place to Work", has been distributed to business. [123563]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The leaflet has been distributed to a large number of businesses, business support organisations and business representative organisations.

  Management Training and Development
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the Departments which are involved and the nature of their involvement in developing a national strategy for the delivery of management training and development. [123553]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  My right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the Secretary of State for Education and Employment have jointly sponsored the formation of the Council for Excellence in Management and Leadership to undertake the development of a national strategy for Management and Leadership Development. The Council was officially launched on 4 April 2000.

  The aim of the Council is:
  "To ensure that the UK is able to develop the managers and leaders of the future to match the best in the world. To sustain the UK's competitive performance, this must be achieved in both the public and private sectors".

  The Council proposes to pursue this aim by:

  (a) identifying key issues for management and leadership in England in consultation with the Management Councils established in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and to make proposals to address them;

  (b) identifying key stakeholders and challenging them to take action on the basis of the investigations undertaken by the Council and its members;

  520W

  (c) articulating a vision for management development, in particular by developing a management development strategy for the UK, which incorporates leadership issues and specifically addresses the needs of SMEs;

  (d) reviewing the quality, relevance and support for management and leadership education and training;

  (e)monitoring progress on issues identified by the Council as in need of action; and

  (f) reporting annually to Government and to stakeholders on the progress of those responsible for taking action.

  People Skills Scoreboard
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made in extending the People Skills Scoreboard to a wider range of sectors. [123554]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  In addition to the People Skills Scoreboard for the engineering sector (published by the Engineering and Marine Training Authority), Scoreboards are being developed, in partnership with National Training Organisations, in a range of manufacturing and service sectors, such as Clothing, Textiles and Footwear, Information Technology, and Computer Services, Multimedia and Steel.

  The objective is to publish and disseminate the Scoreboards to raise business awareness about the importance and value of training.

  Late Payment of Commercial Debts
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will estimate how many businesses have benefited from the provisions of the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998. [123562]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  Small firms responding to a survey in late 1999 by the Credit Management Research Centre at Leeds University Business School were asked if they had used the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 since its introduction.

  5 per cent. of small firms who responded stated that they had used the legislation, up from 3 per cent. in the previous six months. 11 per cent. stated that they were planning to use it.

  We are also monitoring the effect on the Act on payment times in the UK. Recent research published in the Grant Thornton European Business Survey confirms that the average payment period for sales invoices in the UK now stands at 45 days, against an EU average of 54 days, identifying a downward trend in UK payment times in recent years.

  Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (Internet)
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many small and medium-sized enterprises have gained the ability to buy and sell over the Internet with the help of Local Support Centres associated with Business Links in each year since 1997(a) in each region and (b) as a percentage of all businesses. [123538]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  Usage figures for Information Society Initiative (ISI) Centres associated with Business Links are published quarterly as part of Business Link
  521W
  Management Information, copies of which are placed in the Library of the House. Figures are not available prior to 1998. Since 1 January 1998 ISI Centres associated with Business Links in England have provided support to thirty seven thousand (37,016) businesses.

  The International Benchmarking Study (DTI/Pub 4108/3k/4/99/NP URN 99/797) provides data on uptake of information and communication technologies among small and medium sized companies. However, such uptake cannot be attributed to any single provider of advice.

  Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact of the Enterprise Fund on(a) the availability of venture capital for very early stage high technology firms and (b) the delivery of the small firms loan guarantee scheme. [123548]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  One of the key elements of the Enterprise Fund is the UK High Technology Fund which is being established to address an acknowledged weakness of the venture capital market in this area. On 3 April David Irwin announced that the fund manager, Wesport Private Equity, had been successful in raising £57 million from the private sector, alongside £20 million of Government money, for the UK High Technology Fund. The Fund has been set a final closing target of £125 million, of which £105 million will be from the private sector. Wesport Private Equity continues to raise money from the private sector towards this closing target.

  The Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme has been running since 1981 and is periodically evaluated by independent consultants. A report of the most recent study, which looked at all aspects of the scheme including its delivery, was published in March 1999. The recommendations of this report are currently being considered.

  Enterprise Fund
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact of the Enterprise Fund on(a) (i) local and (ii) regional provision of equity on smaller amounts to growing businesses and (b) finance for a wider range of new products and services. [123550]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  One of the key elements of the Enterprise Fund is the support available from Regional Venture Capital Funds, which will specialise in the provision of small scale equity to businesses with growth potential. Bidding guidance for potential sponsors of new regional funds was issued on 22 December 1999 and 21 notifications of intention to bid have subsequently been received. Should all of these come forward, all of the English regions will have access to at least one new, viable fund.

  The Enterprise Fund was established to address gaps in the markets providing finance to SMEs. New programmes will be developed under the Fund in response to market needs.

  Business Starts
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the growth in the number of business start-ups since the launch of the Public Service Agreement. [123533]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  Since the Public Service Agreement was launched in December 1998 it is estimated that there have been 549,000 business start-ups in England and Wales.

  Competitiveness Objectives
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list his(a) national and (b) regional competitiveness objectives. [123545]

  Ms Hewitt
  My Department's aim is to increase competitiveness and scientific excellence in order to generate higher levels of sustainable growth and productivity in a modern economy. To achieve that, we have set ourselves four over-arching national objectives: to promote enterprise, innovation and increased productivity; to make the most of the UK's science, engineering and technology; to create strong and competitive markets; and to develop a fair and effective legal and regulatory framework. Specific targets in pursuit of these objectives are set out in the DTI Public Service Agreement, which is in the Library of the House.

  At regional level, our objective is to raise the economic performance of all regions, working with other Government Departments and Regional Development Agencies. My Department pursues its policies in ways which recognise regional differences. Regional competitiveness strategies have been developed by the Regional Development Agencies, and the Department works closely with them to ensure that its regional policies, including Regional Selective Assistance, the Assisted Areas map, EU Structural Funds and new initiatives such as the enterprise grant scheme contribute towards achieving the objectives set out in these strategies.

  Secondments
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many staff from his Department were seconded to private sector companies in(a) May 1997 to April 1998, (b) May 1998 to April 1999 and (c) May 1999 to April 2000; and if he will list in each case the companies to which staff were sent, the names and ranks of the staff involved and the duration of the secondment. [123457]

  Dr. Howells
  From the information that is held centrally within the Department, the details we have on outward secondments are as follows:

  DTI Outward secondments from 1 May 1997–30 April 1998

  25 outward secondments, made up of:

  3 @ R6

  1 @ R7

  9 @ R8

  1 @ R9

  9 @ R10

  1 @ Fast stream

  1 @ Senior Civil Service.

  523W

  DTI outward secondments from 1 May 1997–30 April 1998

  Company name

  Grade

  Length

  Cambs Tech

  R8

  10 months

  Nat West

  R7

  4 months

  Warwick Manufacturing Group

  R10

  8 months

  London First Centre

  R10

  1 year 11 months

  Business Link Sussex

  R10

  8 months

  Mobil North Sea Ltd.

  R10

  6 months

  SMMT Industry Forum

  R10

  3 years

  BG Plc

  R10

  2 years 2 months

  Nat West

  R8

  5 months

  Mezzo Studios

  R6

  6 months

  Sheffield Tec

  R10

  6 months

  Independent Television Commission

  R10

  1 year 8 months

  Northern Development Company

  R8

  5 months

  British Footwear Association

  R8

  2 years 3 months

  Chemical Industries Association

  R10

  2 years 2 months

  MG Telecommunications

  R6

  4 months

  Northern Development Company

  R9

  4 months

  European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

  R8

  6 months

  INWARD

  R8

  6 months

  Sachetpack Ltd.

  R8

  3 months

  British Standards Institute

  R8

  2 years

  BP Exploration

  FS

  4 months

  Ernst and Young

  R8

  7 months

  British Council Kuala Lumpur

  R6

  6 months

  Lloyds TSB Group

  SCS

  6 months

  DTI Outward secondments from 1 May 1998–30 April 1999

  19 outward secondments, made up of:

  1 @ R6

  1 @ R7

  5 @ R8

  1 @ R9

  6 @ R10

  3 @ R11

  1 @ Fast stream

  1 @ Senior Civil Service.

  DTI Outward secondments from 1 May 1998–30 April 1999

  Company name

  Grade

  Length

  British Standards Institute

  R10

  1 year 3 months

  Financial Services Authority

  R10

  6 months

  Committee for Middle East Trade

  R8

  6 months

  Financial Services Authority

  R10

  5 months

  Interregnum Venture Marketing

  R11

  1 year 1 month

  Financial Reporting Council

  SCS

  4 years 9 months

  Action 2000

  R10

  1 year 8 months

  London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

  R6

  9 months

  Nat West

  FS

  4 months

  National Physical Laboratory

  R11

  2 years

  British Industries Printing Federation

  R7

  6 months

  Action 2000

  R11

  1 year 3 months

  The Centre for Tomorrow's Company

  R9

  1 year 5 months

  Asia House

  R8

  2 years

  SITPRO

  R10

  3 years

  Pritchitt Foods

  R8

  2 months

  British Executive Service Overseas

  R8

  1 year

  BG Plc

  R10

  1 year 3 months

  Latin American Trade Advisory Group

  R8

  7 months

  DTI Outward secondments from 1 May 1999–30 April 2000

  25 outward secondments, made up of:

  3 @ R6

  2 @ R7

  7 @ R8

  2 @ R9

  5 @ R10

  524W

  4 @ R11

  1 @ Fast stream

  1 @ Senior Civil Service

  DTI outward secondments from 1 May 1999—30 April 2000

  Company name

  Grade

  Length

  BP Gas Marketing Ltd.

  FS

  6 months

  The ILB Partnership Ltd.

  R6

  6 months

  Pritchitt Foods

  R10

  7 months

  Times Newspaper

  R10

  1 year

  Partnership Sourcing Ltd.

  R10

  1 year

  London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

  R6

  1 year

  ICL

  R7

  2 years

  ICL

  R7

  2 years

  The British Council

  R8

  2 years

  Civil Service Sports Council

  R8

  3 years

  University for Industry

  R11

  3 years

  British Invisibles

  R10

  2 years

  Manchester City Council

  SCS

  5 years

  Confederation of British Industry

  R9

  1 year

  Eureka Secretariat

  R9

  2 years

  British Standards Institute

  R10

  2 years

  Gas Consumer Council

  R11

  7 months

  British Standards Institute

  R8

  2 years

  China Britain Business Council

  R6

  2 years

  Gas Industry Safety Group

  R11

  1 year 3 months

  G. F. Design

  R8

  1 year

  University for Industry

  R11

  1 year 6 months

  BP Amoco Plc

  R8

  8 months

  Enterprising Britain Ltd.

  R8

  1 year 8 months

  Gas Consumer Council

  R8

  7 months

  British Trade International and the Invest in Britain Bureau
  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the relationship between British Trade International and the Invest in Britain Bureau. [124030]

  Mr. Caborn
  I am pleased to announce, also on behalf of the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, West (Mr. Battle), that the Invest in Britain Bureau will move alongside Trade Partners UK (the new brand for the Government's trade services) under the British Trade International umbrella, with Sir David Wright as the single Group Chief Executive of British Trade International. The Board of British Trade International will remain under the chairmanship of DTI and FCO Ministers and its responsibilities will be enlarged to cover inward investment. This will lead to more coherent presentation—and, over time, management—of the Government's international trade and investment activities at home and overseas. It builds on an issue which was identified in the Cabinet Secretary's 1999 review of export promotion.

  The Invest in Britain Bureau will retain a distinct identity within the enlarged organisation and will continue to have its own Chief Executive. We plan to review the IBB brand, building on work which has already been undertaken following the 1998 Competitiveness White Paper. The name of the umbrella organisation will also be reviewed in the light of these changes.

  This announcement heralds important advantages for business. The new, combined organisation will focus on the single goal of developing business competitiveness in the UK, as it interfaces with the global marketplace. Working under one umbrella the two operations will

  525W
  focus on investment into the UK from overseas, on opportunities for business growth from investments abroad and on the broad spectrum of trade development and support at national, regional and local levels.

  The new arrangements will strengthen and better co-ordinate the relationship between investment and trade activities in central Government, devolved Administrations and Regional Development Agencies, each of which will continue to be represented on the Board of British Trade International. The enlarged responsibilities of British Trade International will further strengthen the close relationship between trade and investment work in the network of commercial offices in overseas posts, focusing them on economic advantage for the UK, whether through new opportunities for international trade or for investment in this country by overseas firms or partnerships.

  Petrol Undertakings Review
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what the reasons are for the delay in the completion of the Review of the Petrol Undertakings; when the review will be completed; and if he will publish the results of the review; [122942]

  (2) what discussions he. his officials and the Office of Fair Trading have held with (a) the major oil suppliers, (b) the United Kingdom Oil Producers Association and (c) the Institute of Petroleum, to discuss the Review of the Petrol Undertakings since January 2000; and what the outcome of those meetings was. [122943]

  Dr. Howells
  DTI Ministers and officials have not held discussions with the parties mentioned regarding the Office of Fair Trading's review of the petrol undertakings. During the course of the review the Office of Fair Trading have had discussions with, or invited views from, all sides of the industry. This has included major oil companies and retailers associations. Industry views have helped to inform the Office of Fair Trading's review.

  The completion of the review has been delayed because of consultations with the industry and because the Office of Fair Trading has had to allocate resources between several areas of high priority including the investigation of fuel prices in the Highlands and Islands.

  The Office of Fair Trading expect to advise ministers shortly on whether the undertakings should be retained, removed or amended. Policy advice from the Director General of Fair Trading to Ministers is not published. However, Ministers will announce their decision on the matter in due course.

TREASURY

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will identify on what basis, and in what numbers, those receiving working families tax credit(a) are and (b) are not, entitled to passported benefits; and what advice is given to those on working families tax credit on the category to which they belong. [119322]
  526W
  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 18 April 2000]: Working Families Tax Credit can be used as a "general passport" to various benefits so that those benefits are made available to everyone receiving Working Families Tax Credit. Other benefits, for example, help with NHS charges, are targeted on families receiving Working Families Tax Credit who have net incomes of £11,370 per year or less. At the end of March around 900,000 families were passported this way.

  Lending Rates
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the average(a) interest rates and (b) mortgage interest rates in each year since 1992. [123286]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The table lists the average 2-week repo rate, 10 year UK gilt rate, and the average mortgage interest rate in each year to May since 1992.

  2-week repo rate

  10-year gilt rate

  Building society average mortgage rate

  Year ending May

  1992

  10.8

  9.6

  11.7

  1993

  8.1

  8.5

  9.7

  1994

  5.7

  7.2

  7.9

  1995

  5.9

  8.5

  7.8

  1996

  6.6

  7.9

  7.5

  1997

  5.9

  7.7

  6.6

  1998

  7.0

  6.4

  7.4

  1999

  6.7

  4.9

  7.4

  2000

  5.4

  15.3

  16.5

  110-year gilt estimates for May 2000 year provided by Bloomberg (average of year till May 2022). Average mortgage rate includes data up till March 2000.

  Source:

  ONS. Repo rate data provided by the Bank of England.

  The figures show that by aiming to secure low inflation and sound public finances, the macroeconomic policy framework has helped keep interest rates historically low while meeting the Government's objectives of achieving high and sustainable levels of growth and employment.

  Taxation (I-E Formula)
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the tax yield has been from financial instruments or products whose taxation is subject to the I-E formula in each of the last eight financial years. [123394]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The information requested is not available.

  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list(a) the financial (i) instruments and (ii) products whose taxation is subject to the I-E formula, (b) the relevant composite rates of tax applied to each such instrument and product and (c) the rates of tax used in each of the last eight financial years in respect of each such instrument and product. [123395]

  Dawn Primarolo
  There are no statutory restrictions on the type of financial instruments that an insurer may invest in to provide funds to meet payments due to policy holders. The funds that are subject to the I-E treatment are those held to meet payments due to policy holders in respect of policies of life insurance, life annuity contracts and capital redemption policies other than those relating to pension business, overseas life assurance business,
  527W
  individual savings account business and life reinsurance business. The rates of tax payable on the income and profits from those investments broadly reflect the tax that policy holders might have paid had they held the underlying investments directly.

  The tax paid by the insurer under I-E is treated as satisfying the basic rate tax liability of the policy holder. Policy holders will have no further tax to pay when they obtain the proceeds of their policies unless the policy is not a qualifying policy and they are themselves liable to tax at the higher rate. Qualifying policies are broadly those with regular premiums and a substantial death benefit that last for at least 10 years.

  The rate of tax payable by the company on the underlying investments, so far as they are building up for the benefit of policy holders, for each of the last eight years is shown in the table:

  Percentage

  Rate of tax

  Year

  Dividends on UK company shares and securities

  Income from gilts and corporate bonds

  Capital gains

  Other property1

  2000–01

  2—

  20

  22

  22

  1999–2000

  2—

  20

  23

  23

  1998–99

  2—

  20

  23

  23

  1997–98

  2—

  20

  23

  23

  1996–97

  2—

  20

  24

  24

  1995–96

  2—

  25

  25

  25

  1994–95

  2—

  25

  25

  25

  1993–94

  2—

  25

  25

  25

  1Land, underwriting commissions etc.

  2Not chargeable

  MEP Pensions
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost to his Department of funding the pensions of members of the European Parliament in each of the last three years; to how many beneficiaries these payments are made; and what estimate he has made of the future annual liability for making such pension payments. [119585]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  [pursuant to his reply, 3 May 2000, c. 147W]: I regret that my earlier answer was incomplete.

  MEPs receive two pensions: one from the EU and a national pension. Expenditure on the former is met from the European Parliament section of the EC budget, as my earlier answer noted.

  Number of staff recorded as having been seconded to private sector companies

  Grade

  Number

  Company

  Start date

  End date

  May 1997 to April 1998

  G5

  1

  PA Consulting

  March 1997

  June 1998

  HEO

  1

  National Association of Pension Funds

  April 1997

  April 1999

  G7

  1

  EQUUS Group Consultancy

  April 1997

  March 1998

  G7

  1

  McKechnies Ltd.

  May 1997

  August 1997

  G7

  1

  Ernst and Young

  July 1997

  February 1998

  G7

  1

  British Aerospace

  September 1997

  December 1997

  May 1998 to April 1999

  G7

  1

  Barclays Bank plc

  October 1998

  July 1999

  HEO

  1

  European Foundation for Quality Management

  December 1998

  June 1999

  528W
  Regarding the latter, under the European Assembly (Pay and Pensions) Act 1979, the basic costs of the European Parliament (United Kingdom Representatives) Pension Scheme are met from the Consolidated Fund. Pension increases are funded from the Civil Superannuation Vote. Details of the costs are published annually in the Supplementary Statements to the Consolidated Fund and National Loans Fund Accounts.

  In each of the last three financial years, the basic costs were as follows:

  £000

  Basic pension incl. Widows and dependents

  Lump sums

  1997–98

  202

  0

  1998–99

  219

  135

  1999–20001

  403

  616

  11999 was an election year to the European Parliament, many MEPs who stepped down were of retirement age or above. Resettlement grants totalling £1,364K were also funded from the Consolidated Fund.

  Note:

  As at 31 March 2000, there were 54 beneficiaries in receipt of pensions under the scheme. No estimate has been made of future Percentage annual liabilities.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Secondments
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many staff from his Department were seconded to private sector companies in(a) May 1997 to April 1998, (b) May 1998 to April 1999 and (c) May 1999 to April 2000; and if he will list in each case the companies to which staff were sent, the names and ranks of the staff involved and the duration of the secondment. [123417]

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

  Secondments and attachments are part of the Interchange Initiative, which promotes the exchange of people and good practice between the Civil Service and other organisations. All sectors of the economy are involved: Voluntary, Education, Health, Public and Private. Interchange is a key component of the reform agenda. The Modernising Government White Paper committed us to increasing interchange, in particular by bringing in more people on secondment and sending more of our people out.
  529W

  Number of staff recorded as having been seconded to private sector companies

  Grade

  Number

  Company

  Start date

  End date

  May 1999 to April 2000

  G7

  1

  Oracle

  August 1999

  May 2000

  SEO

  1

  Kazakhstan Central Bank

  October 1999

  December 1999

  2xEO, 9xAO, 1xAA

  12

  Action for Employment

  November 1999

  —1

  15xAO, 1xAA

  16

  Reed Shaw

  November 1999

  —1

  8xEO, 32xAO

  40

  Deloitte Consulting

  November 1999

  —1

  1Continuing

  Note:

  Names of individuals have not been provided in accordance with part II of the "Code of Practice on Access to Government Information".

  Economic Inactivity (Males)
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many men aged 16 to 24 were economically inactive, according to the Labour Force Survey, in each year since 1992, broken down by(a) students and (b) others. [117557]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I have been asked to reply.

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

  Letter from John Pullinger to Mr. David Willetts, dated 24 May 2000:
  The Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has been asked to reply to your recent question about men aged 16–24 who are economically inactive. I am replying in the Director's absence.
  The attached table shows non-seasonally adjusted estimates from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) which is the main source of labour market data on individuals. It gives the percentage of economically inactive men aged 16–24 by whether or not they are full-time students in the spring (March-May) quarter of each year since 1992.
  People aged 16 or over are classed as economically inactive by the LFS if they are not in employment and do not satisfy the criteria for International Labour Organisation (ILO) unemployment. This includes those who want a job but who have not been seeking work in the last 4 weeks, those who are seeking work but are not available to start and those who do not want a job (for example, students not working or seeking work).
  The LFS classifies people as full-time students if they are at school, on a sandwich course or full time at university, polytechnic or college.

  Economically inactive men aged 16–24 by educational status UK, 1992–99 Spring (March-May) of each year Not seasonally adjusted

  Spring each year:

  Aged 16–24 (Thousand)

  Full-time students Rate (%)1

  Others Rate (%)1

  1992

  837

  81.4

  18.6

  1993

  860

  81.1

  18.9

  1994

  865

  83.5

  16.5

  1995

  868

  85.8

  14.2

  1996

  822

  81.9

  18.1

  1997

  833

  84.3

  15.7

  1998

  865

  85.9

  14.1

  1999

  867

  85.3

  14.7

  1Full-time students/others as a percentage of the total

  Note:

  From spring 1997 LFS estimates of the totals of people in education include people who were waiting to start, or restart, a course, and hence the figures for those in (and not in) full-time education are not comparable with earlier periods.

  Source:

  Labour Force Survey, ONS

  Penalty Clauses
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security 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. [122023]

  Mr. Rooker
  Where appropriate DSS contracts are drawn up to incentivise suppliers to provide acceptable or better levels of service.

  Details of all such contracts could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

PRIME MINISTER

  Engagements
  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 24 May. [123070]

  The Deputy Prime Minister
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the hon. member to the reply I gave today to my hon. Friend the Member for Exeter (Mr. Bradshaw), Official Report, column 960.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Jay Abatan
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Solicitor-General if he will call for a report from the Crown Prosecution Service on its actions following the attack on Jay Abatan in Brighton in January 1999. [122482]

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding answer 16 May 2000]: The death of Jay Abatan in Brighton on 29 January 1999 is a tragedy. To his family, his widow and two young children, the criminal justice system appears to have let them down.

  I informed the hon. Member in a written answer on 16 May 2000, Official Report, columns 80–81W, that I was making further inquiries about the criminal proceedings brought against those who were allegedly involved in the incident that resulted in Jay Abatan's death.

  I have now met with the Chief Crown Prosecutor for Sussex, the Branch Crown Prosecutor responsible for the prosecution team, and prosecuting counsel who had

  531W
  the conduct of the case throughout. I am satisfied that everything that could have been done by them to secure a successful conclusion to the criminal proceedings was done.

  I know that the hon. Member attended parts of the trial, which lasted six days. It concluded on 9 May 2000 with the acquittal of two defendants.

  The history of the proceedings is this: two defendants were jointly charged on 1 February 1999 with manslaughter, affray and causing actual bodily harm.

  During the course of preparing the case for committal proceedings the Crown Prosecution Service took the unusual steps of obtaining reluctant witness summonses against two men in an attempt to clarify the sequence of events leading up to the assault on Jay Abatan. In the event they added nothing to the prosecution case and so were not used in evidence.

  The charges related to an incident which occurred in the early hours of Sunday 24 January 1999 when a dispute arose over a taxi outside a nightclub in Brighton. The dispute involved two groups of men. No witness actually saw Jay Abatan being punched. However, as a result of being struck he fell to the ground, sustained a fracture to his skull and died in hospital on 29 January 1999 without regaining consciousness. His death was the basis of the manslaughter charge against the two men.

  Prior to committal a conference was held with prosecuting counsel, the Crown Prosecution Service lawyer with conduct of the case and the police to discuss the evidence against both defendants. It was clear at the end of that conference that there was no evidence of joint enterprise and if both defendants were to be pursued for manslaughter then there was no prospect of a successful prosecution against either of them. Of the circumstantial evidence available the stronger evidence was against the first defendant, who on the evidence available was the closer of the two men to Jay Abatan at the crucial time and who had allegedly made a comment in the taxi after the incident was over: "I only hit him once". The second defendant was further away and had distanced himself from the argument at the time it was taking place in a comment to an independent witness. The decision was therefore made that the manslaughter case against the second defendant would be discontinued, unless the outstanding DNA evidence provided a link between him and Jay Abatan.

  On 24 June, the day of the committal proceedings, the results of the DNA evidence were obtained. The results added nothing to the prosecution case against the second defendant. Consequently, in accordance with the decision reached in conference, the Crown Prosecution Service withdrew the manslaughter charge against the second defendant. It pursued the manslaughter charges against the first defendant. However, the magistrate refused to commit the first defendant for manslaughter because of what he held was insufficient evidence.

  Notwithstanding this decision the prosecution, after taking counsel's advice, decided to pursue the charge of manslaughter at trial in the Crown Court. A draft indictment, which included the manslaughter charge, was therefore lodged at Lewes Crown Court on 22 July 1999.
  532W
  The prosecution wanted to continue with the manslaughter charge against the first defendant and made every effort to ensure that it remained on the indictment. The leader of the South Eastern Circuit, Mr. Michael Lawson QC, was instructed by the Crown Prosecution Service to appear and resist the defence application that the manslaughter count be struck from the indictment.

  However, on 30 September 1999, following legal argument, the resident judge at Lewes Crown Court granted the defence application to have the manslaughter count struck out. In the light of this ruling there was nothing further the Crown could do to pursue the manslaughter allegation.

  The trial of the defendants on the two remaining counts, affray and causing actual bodily harm to Michael Abatan (Jay's brother), commenced on 2 May 2000. During the course of the proceedings the defence applied to the judge that there should be no reference or mention of the fact that Jay Abatan had died in the incident. The Crown resisted this on the basis that the jury would raise questions as to why Jay Abatan was not giving evidence. However, the judge ruled that as the fact of his death could prejudice the jury and the fairness of the trial no reference should be made to it at trial. The judge also ruled that some other evidence obtained by the prosecution was inadmissible. On 9 May 2000 the jury returned a verdict of not guilty on both counts against each defendant.

  I think this case did contain some unusual features. One of these was the proactive course of action adopted by the Crown Prosecution Service in trying to get the count of manslaughter reinstated. As I have said the manslaughter charge against the second defendant was withdrawn because there was no evidence of a joint enterprise and no evidence that this second defendant had thrown the punch that led to Jay Abatan's death.

  Another feature, perhaps less unusual given the rules of evidence that apply in criminal trials, was the decision of the trial judge not to let the jury know that Jay Abatan had died in the course of the alleged affray and assault on his brother, Michael. Counsel for the Crown had argued that the jury should be told of his death because unless they were they would want to know why they were not hearing from Jay. In the event, I understand that the jury did ask to see the hospital notes but as the judge had already ruled that the fact of Jay's death could prejudice the jury and the fairness of the trial they were not told about that aspect of the case.

  The group containing the two defendants were all white. The other group were of white, black and other ethnic backgrounds. On the face of the statements available to the prosecution, many of them made on the day of the incident, nothing was said to indicate that Jay Abatan died as the result of a racist attack. Indeed one witness, who is not white, stated to the contrary. "I do not believe that this incident was a racially motivated attack". This did not mean that the Crown Prosecution Service treated the incident any less seriously. At all stages of the inquiry they were alert to the possibility that this was a racist attack but this has simply not been borne out by the evidence.
  533W
  I understand that the Chief Crown Prosecutor for Sussex will be happy to meet the hon. Member or his constituent to discuss the case in greater detail. As I am sure the hon. Member will appreciate, it would not have been appropriate for the Crown Prosecution Service to discuss the case with a prosecution witness, such as Michael Abatan, when the proceedings were still ongoing since the defence could have claimed that his evidence was tainted as a result.

  The police have not closed the file and the appeal for witnesses and further evidence is continuing. An appeal is scheduled to be made on the Crimewatch UK programme this evening.

CABINET OFFICE

  Electronic Communications Bill
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what use will be made of the powers in the Electronic Communications Bill to remove statutory barriers to the electronic delivery of Government services. [124031]

  Department

  Legislation

  Comments

  Department of Trade and Industry

  Companies Act 1985

  Will allow: companies to communicate electronically with shareholders (e.g. distributing annual reports); appointment of proxies by electronic means electronic incorporation; electronic filing of certain documents/forms. A consultative document on a draft order to amend the law has already been issued.

  Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions

  Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994, section 22

  To allow a statutory off-road declaration to be made electronically. As the process involves signatures, a clause 8 order will not be made until after clause 7 (electronic signatures and related certificates) has come into force.

  Lord Chancellor's Department

  Law of Property Act 1925; Land Registration Act 1925; Settled Land Act 1925; Trustee Act 1925; Administration of Estates Act 1925; Powers of Attorney Act 1971; Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989

  Electronic conveyancing: it is hoped that the first draft order will be issued for consultation later this year with a view to it being made at or around the end of the year.

  Public Record Office

  Public Records Act 1958

  To allow electronic authentication of public records for court proceedings.

  Department for Education and Employment

  A single order will be made to remove barriers to electronic communication and storage in legislation on education.

  Home Office

  Race Relations Act 1976

  To facilitate electronic communication with the Commission for Racial Equality.

  Office for National Statistics

  Statistics of Trade Act 1947

  To facilitate electronic submissions of trade statistics to the Office for National Statistics, and related procedures.

  Department of Social Security

  Social Security Act 1998 Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999

  To facilitate electronic communication between members of the public and the Department on claims to benefit, child support issues, decision-making and appeals. There is significant provision under primary legislation, and the current review of operational requirements will identify any other legislative areas for orders by the end of September 2000.

  Cabinet Office (HMSO)

  Documentary Evidence Acts 1868 to 1895

  To amend the current provision that the official version of legislation is that printed under the authority of the Queen's Printer, so as to make the Official Legislation website version acceptable.

  Statutory Instruments Act 1946 and associated Regulations

  To amend provisions about the admissibility in evidence of printed issue lists, and also how SIs are transmitted to HMSO by Departments after being made. Currently they have to be sent with signed certificates but electronic alternatives to this procedure are being considered.

  534W
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Bill contains in clause 8 a power to amend legislation to authorise or facilitate electronic communications or storage. The use of this power will support the Government's target of making all its services available electronically by 2005. Cabinet Office Central IT Unit will maintain on its website a register of all orders made under the Bill and include a report on the use of the powers under the Bill as part of its six-monthly reports towards meeting the Government's targets for electronic service delivery.

  In its response (HC 168) to the Trade and Industry Committee's report (HC 862) on the Bill, the Government accepted the recommendation that Departments should publish their priorities for using secondary legislation to update statutory requirements currently expressed in the law by the use of such words as 'writing' or 'signature', and timetables for implementation. Some Departments have not identified any such statutory requirements that require updating. Others may use primary legislation to update them. While some Departments have identified many items of legislation to be updated by the Electronic Communications Bill, departmental priorities for the use of the powers in the Bill, or other powers, for this purpose are given in the table:
  535W

  Department

  Legislation

  Comments

  HM Treasury

  Financial Services and Markets Bill

  Consideration is being given to recognition of electronic signatures in order to support the Financial Services Authority's intention to accept applications by electronic means; and to allow for electronic communication of certain notices which the Financial Services and Markets Bill currently requires to be in writing.

  Minority Group Representation
  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what is being done to increase the representation of women, members of ethnic minority groups and disabled people on the boards of public bodies. [124032]

  Mr. Stringer
  I have today placed in the Libraries of the House "Quangos: Opening Up Public Appointments 2000–03".

  This publication details the Government's plan of action together with individual departmental plans for increasing the participation of under-representation groups in public life.

  "Quangos: Opening Up Public Appointments 2000–03" is the third in an annual series of reports setting out the Government's commitments to the equal representation of women and men in public appointments, a pro-rata representation of members of ethnic minority groups, and the increased representation of disabled people in public life.

  Copies are being sent to all hon. and right hon. Members as well as being made available on the Internet.

  Rural Affairs
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list the(a) research and (b) initiatives related to rural issues being undertaken by her Department. [123398]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  My role as Chair of the Cabinet Committees for rural affairs involves co-ordinating the work of other Departments, but I have no direct responsibility for rural policy. For this reason, it is for DETR, MAFF and others as appropriate to commission research or undertake projects on specific rural issues.

  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many staff employed by her Department specialise in rural issues; and what percentage this represents of the total number of staff in her Department. [123396]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  No staff in the Cabinet Office work exclusively on rural affairs. Some staff in the Cabinet Secretariat support me in my role as Chair of the Cabinet Committee on rural affairs, but they have other responsibilities as well. Officials elsewhere, principally in MAFF and DETR, support their Ministers and me on specific rural issues.

  Senior Civil Servants (Salaries)
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the average percentage increase in salaries of members of the senior civil service was for 1999–2000; and to what extent the pay awards were staged. [123415]
  536W
  Mr. Stringer
  The average individual award for 1999–2000 was 4.51 per cent. The awards were not staged.

  Secondments
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many staff from her Department were seconded to private sector companies in(a) May 1997 to April 1998, (b) May 1998 to April 1999 and (c) May 1999 to April 2000; and if she will list in each case the companies to which staff were sent, the names and ranks of the staff involved and the duration of the secondment. [123430]

  Mr. Stringer
  There was one secondee out of the Cabinet Office between May 1997 to April 1998. The secondment was with Coopers and Lybrand and lasted more than a year.

  There were no secondees from the Cabinet Office to the private sector for the period 1 April 1998 to 31 March 2000.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  GE Virus Pesticide
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when and in what form the release of a GE virus at University Farm, Wytham, Oxfordshire (grid ref SP47170884) will take place; and what information he has received regarding the biosafety implications of this type of pesticide. [122513]

  Mr. Meacher
  Larvae of the Cabbage looper(Trichoplusia ni) infected with an insect-specific genetically modified baculovirus that lacks the ecdysteroid glucosyltransferase (egt) gene (responsible for promoting moulting in insects), will be released into netted enclosures this year at grid reference SP 4717 0884 near Wytham in Oxfordshire.

  Baculoviruses are a family of viruses restricted in host range to insects and a number of other arthropods. They are not infectious to man, other vertebrates, plants, non-arthropod invertebrates or other micro-organisms and are routinely used as a naturally occurring insecticide.

  The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment has considered the full risk assessment for the release of this genetically modified baculovirus and advised that the release will pose no risk to human health or the environment. The full application and risk assessment is available on the GMO Deliberate Release Public Register held in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Region's offices at Ashdown House, 123 Victoria Street, London, SW1.

  Task Forces
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many task forces have been set up by his Department dealing with transport since May 1997; if he will list the membership of all such task forces with their qualifications and place of residence; and if he will list the dates on which they are expected to report and their terms of reference. [122593]

  Mr. Hill
  Since May 1997 my Department has set up three task forces dealing specifically with transport issues, the Cleaner Vehicles Task Force, the Shipping Task Force and the Task Force for London Transport. The information requested has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Air Traffic
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what communication he has received from the Commission on proposals to create a European common aviation area, an aviation safety agency, and amendments to regulation 95/93 concerning airport slot allocation, and proposals for strengthening the powers of Eurocontrol air traffic services; and when each of their numbered programme initiatives are due for consideration at(a) UKREP and (b) the Transport Council. [122680]

  Mr. Mullin
  The initiatives are due for consideration at(a) UKREP and (b) the Transport Council. The European Commission was granted a mandate in 1996 to negotiate a European Common Aviation Area with 10 Central and Eastern European countries. The negotiation process is now largely completed and the Commission hopes that it will be able to present a final Agreement for signature at a Transport Council later this year.

  With regard to communication on the establishment of a European aviation safety authority, I refer my hon. Friend to my answer given on 16 May 2000, Official Report, column 83W. At the Transport Council on 28 March 2000, the Council agreed that further analysis should be undertaken of the best legal form for the EASA, with the aim of taking a decision at its June meeting.

  There has been no recent communication on amendments to regulation 95/93 concerning airport slot allocation.

  The Commission's Communication entitled "The creation of a single European sky", to which I also referred in my answer of 16 May 2000, did not include proposals for strengthening the legal powers of Eurocontrol air traffic services. Rather it envisaged measures to strengthen the provision of air traffic control services in Europe. To that extent, it is fully in line with the Government's proposals for a Public Private Partnership for NATS, which will enhance aviation safety through securing the investment needed for NATS' modernisation programme and the injection of key management skills to deliver that programme to time and budget.

  In June 1998 the Transport Council, under UK Presidency, agreed a mandate for the Commission to negotiate Community accession to Eurocontrol. EC membership of Eurocontrol would not strengthen the legal
  538W
  powers of Eurocontrol but would provide the impetus for both the reform of the Eurocontrol organisation, and to compel States to make collective commitments and to implement decisions on measures to improve the European Air Traffic Management System. The terms of Community accession to Eurocontrol are now effectively agreed, but the Commission cannot bring forward a proposal for the Council to authorise Community signature of the Protocol until the UK and Spain reach agreement on the inclusion of Gibraltar within the territorial scope of the Protocol.

  Partnership Investment Programme
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions he has had with the European Commission on gap funding; and if he will make a statement. [122819]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 21 March 2000,Official Report, columns 471–72W. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and the Regions met Commissioner Monti on 2 March to discuss the problems we face in partnership working with the private sector in regeneration, since the Commission's decision that the Partnership Investment Programme breached the state aid rules. These discussions continue at official level.

  DVLA
  Mr. Darvill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many successful claims for compensation for actual financial loss were submitted to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency as a direct consequence of the Agency's maladministration during(a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999; [122827]

  (2) how much compensation was paid to claimants by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency arising from claims for actual financial loss incurred as a consequence of the Agency's maladministration in (a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999. [122828]

  Mr. Hill
  The information requested is as follows. It covers ex-gratia payments made by the Agency where customers have incurred actual financial loss as a result of delays or errors:

  Year

  Number of cases

  Amount Paid (£)

  1997

  262

  7,663.73

  1998

  262

  8,529.95

  1999

  367

  121,423.73

  1The amount excludes 143 Cases, totaling some £5,521.38 where compensation has been paid for missing indentity documents associated with Photocard Licences. DVLA are in negotiation with the Royal Mail to Seek reimbursement of some of the costs incurred.

  Roads (Greater London)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the mileage of(a) red routes and (b) cycle lanes in the Greater London area. [122906]
  539W
  Mr. Hill
  The length of the red route network is 315 miles. There are at present some 865 miles of cycle lanes in the Greater London area comprising 27 miles on the red route network and 838 miles on the London Cycle Network.

  Departmental Properties
  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if his Department or the Highways Agency are the registered owners of the property known as No. 3, Upton Lovell, Warminster, Wiltshire; on what date the property was purchased; and for what reasons. [122929]

  Mr. Hill
  I have asked the Acting Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Peter Nutt, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Nutt to Mr. David Faber, dated 24 May 2000:
  The Transport Minister, Keith Hill has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about Landau Cottage, Upton Lovell, Warminster.
  The Highways Agency owns this property. It was acquired on 16 November 1990 because the former owners served a blight notice requiring us to purchase it. The notice was accepted because the preferred route of the A36 Codford to Heytesbury Improvement scheme affected the property.

  Bus Stop (Bridge Street)
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will call for a report from London Transport on when the stop for southbound buses on the east side of Bridge Street will be reinstated. [123065]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: I understand from London Transport that the stop cannot be reinstated until the completion of road and pavement resurfacing work associated with the Portcullis House and Jubilee Line developments. The work is being managed, on behalf of the Parliamentary Works Directorate, by consultants who estimate that it will be completed by the end of September.

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the risks involved in using genes from the cauliflower mosaic virus in the development and application of genetically modified crop varieties. [122999]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) have considered this issue in detail. A full copy of their advice has been placed in the House Library.

  ACRE conclude that the cauliflower mosaic virus, when used in the development and application of genetically modified crop varieties, represents an extremely low risk to human health and the environment.

  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will instruct SCIMAC to revise separation distances between GM and non-GM crops growing experimentally in the 540W
  United Kingdom following the disclosure of new information on cross-pollination of oil seed rape plants in Canada. [123268]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: We are investigating this and will report soon.

  HFCs
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the contribution which replacing HFCs in refrigeration and air conditioning with non-global warming alternative technologies could make in helping the UK reach its Kyoto targets. [122855]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: The recently published draft climate change programme estimates that emissions of HFCs from refrigeration and air conditioning in 2010 will be the equivalent of around 1.6 million tonnes carbon (0.9 per cent. of total UK emissions).

  Our new HFC policy sends a clear signal to industry and users that they should look closely at all the alternatives and select those that are more environmentally acceptable where they do exist. Safety, technical feasibility and cost effectiveness also need to be taken into account before investment decisions are taken. At the same time we recognise that HFCs are necessary to replace ozone-depleting substances in some applications, and that HFC emissions reduction strategies should not undermine commitments to phase out ozone-depleting substances under the Montreal Protocol.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his policy is with regard to encouraging the use of non-global warming alternatives to HFCs in refrigeration and air conditioning systems which are commercially available. [122857]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government policy on the use of alternative refrigerants to HFCs is encompassed in our new longer-term policy on HFCs set out in the recently published draft climate change programme. It states that HFCs are not a sustainable technology in the long-term
  but recognises that they are necessary to replace ozone-depleting substances in some applications, and that the HFC emission reduction strategies should not undermine commitments to phase out ozone-depleting substances under the Montreal Protocol. HFCs are used in a wide range of applications, and they will continue to be used where they are needed. At the same time our new policy sends a clear signal to industry and users that they should look closely at all the alternatives and to select those that are more environmentally acceptable where they do exist. Safety, technical feasibility and cost effectiveness also need to be taken into account before investment decisions are taken.

  St. John's Wood Station
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will call for a report from London Underground on how long St John's Wood underground station has been without two functioning escalators; what the cost is of the replacement of the two escalators; what additional cost has been
  541W
  incurred as a result of delays in the installation of the second escalator; how many dates have been announced for the completion of the work; for what reason London Underground supplied him with inaccurate information about the completion date for installation of the second escalator; and what action has been taken in respect of the London Underground employees responsible for this situation. [123456]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: These are operational matters for London Underground, who have informed me that the escalator replacement project at St. John's Wood station started on 11 September 1998 and involves complete replacement of both machines. During the works, there has been one 'up' escalator and a staircase.

  The total cost of the replacement of the two escalators is £4,688 million, including the relevant publicity, policing and standby engineers etc. for the cricket matches. There have been extra costs of £150,000 due to the overrun of the project.

  Completion of the second escalator was originally announced for 18 May but has been put back to 21 June 2000. I understand the delay in completion of the project has been due to water entering the mechanism causing a build up of sediment on the steelwork; this meant that repairs had to be made to corroded steelwork and new drainage installed. London Underground's escalator replacement contractors were unable to work on the escalators while this work was taking place (19 January to 17 February 2000).

  Dioxin
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent research the Government have commissioned on dioxin levels in the environment. [123489]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]The UK Government have sponsored substantial research programmes to assess and monitor the levels of dioxins in the environment. Dioxin levels in air have been monitored as part of the DETR Hazardous Air Pollutants Programme since 1991. Work is under way to measure levels in sewage sludge and a new UK soil survey is due to begin shortly. The Food Standards Agency, and formerly MAFF, regularly monitor dioxin levels in a wide range of foodstuffs which are also useful indicators of environmental concentrations. Results from all monitoring programmes are available on the internet.

  Incinerators
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent guidance the Government have given on the disposal of ash produced in incinerators. [123487]

  Mr. Mullin
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: Guidance on technical issues such as this is the responsibility of the Environment Agency.

  The disposal of ash from incineration processes is controlled under the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994. Guidance on the regulations is contained in DETR circular C11/94 and Waste Management Papers 4 and 4a. Some incinerator ash will
  542W
  be classified as special waste. In these cases guidance is contained in the Environment Agency Guidance Note, "Special Wastes: A Technical Guidance Note on their definition and classification" (The Stationery Office, ISBN 0–11–310158–9).

  Secondments
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many staff from his Department were seconded to private sector companies in(a) May 1997 to April 1998, (b) May 1998 to April 1999 and (c) May 1999 to April 2000; and if he will list in each case the companies to which staff were sent, the names and ranks of the staff involved and the duration of the secondment. [123426]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Secondments and attachments are part of the Interchange Initiative which promotes the exchange of people and good practice between the Civil Service and other organisations. All sectors of the economy are involved: Voluntary, Education, Health, Public and Private. Interchange is a key component of the reform agenda. The Modernising Government White Paper committed us to increasing interchange, in particular by bringing in more people on secondment and sending more of our people out.

  From May 1997 to April 1998
  The following numbers of staff were seconded to private sector companies:
  One Grade 5 officer to Tarmac Ltd. for a period of one year five months
  One Grade 3 officer to SBC Warburg for two years
  One Grade 6 (on temporary promotion) to Capita RAS for one year seven months
  From May 1998 to April 1999
  No new secondees—continuation of the above secondments only
  From May 1999 to April 2000
  No new secondees to private sector organisations.

  Rent Act Order 1999
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has(a) to appeal to the House of Lords in relation to the judgment of the Court of Appeal on the Rent Act Order 1999 and (b) to introduce primary legislation relating to the matters in the Order. [122856]

  Mr. Mullin
  We are awaiting the outcome of our petition to another place for leave to appeal the Court of Appeal's decision to quash the Rent Acts (Maximum Fair Rent) Order. If leave is granted we will seek an expedited hearing; if it is refused we will urgently consider all the options open to us.

  Waste Strategy
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review the policies in the United Kingdom Management Plan for Exports and Imports of Waste. [124080]

  Mr. Meacher
  Existing policies on exports and imports of waste are set out in the United Kingdom Management Plan for Exports and Imports of Waste, which came into
  543W
  effect on 1 June 1996. These reflect the long-standing UK commitment to self-sufficiency in waste disposal and the well-established proximity principle, namely that waste should be disposed of in, or as close as possible to, the country of origin.

  Since the Plan has been in force, there have been a number of changes at national and international level which have altered the arrangements for transfrontier shipments of waste. My Department will be issuing tomorrow for public consultation a revised draft of the United Kingdom Management Plan for Exports and Imports of Waste, copies of which will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

  The main proposals for changes to existing UK policies are:
  to permit shipments between Northern Ireland and Ireland for local disposal, provided they are in accordance with waste management plans being drawn up by the Northern Ireland District Councils;
  to permit exports and imports for trial runs provided that strict criteria are met; and
  further limited restrictions on imports of waste for disposal.

  Furthermore, the Plan reiterates the UK's commitment to the self-sufficiency principle. The UK will allow wastes to be imported for disposal in the UK from developed countries only in extremely limited circumstances. Imports from developing countries are not quite so tightly restricted, but the expectation is still that such countries will as quickly as is feasible put in place the appropriate facilities to dispose of their own waste, as far as is compatible with environmentally sound and efficient management.

  This Plan is separate from, but consistent with, the various domestic strategies in the UK, including the England and Wales Waste Strategy which will be launched tomorrow.

  Table 1: Departmental Capital Analysis

  £ million

  Department

  A(i) 1998–99 Actual expenditure

  A(ii) 1999–2000 Project expenditure1

  B(i) 1998–99 Plan

  B(ii) 1999–2000 Plan

  Agriculture

  24

  23

  24

  25

  Economic Development

  142

  144

  147

  158

  Education

  92

  113

  87

  123

  Finance and Personnel

  4

  4

  3

  4

  Health and Social Services2

  -35

  -39

  -30

  -41

  Environment

  195

  189

  203

  146

  Other

  1

  2

  —

  6

  NIO

  30

  35

  35

  31

  Total3

  453

  470

  469

  451

  1Actual expenditure figures for 1999–2000 are not yet available

  2These capital figures include receipts from the Health Trusts Debt Remuneration

  3Due to roundings, individual figures may not necessarily sum to the totals in the tables

  Table 2: Main Programme Capital Analysis

  £ million

  Main programme

  A(i) 1998–99 Actual expenditure

  A(ii) 1999–2000 Projected expenditure1

  B(i) 1998–99 Plan

  B(ii) 1999–2000 Plan

  Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

  24

  23

  24

  25

  Trade, Industry, Energy and Employment

  142

  144

  147

  159

  Roads and Transport

  32

  36

  32

  -26

  Housing

  58

  38

  58

  55

  544W
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish the waste strategy; and if he will make a statement. [124081]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government and the National Assembly for Wales will publish "Waste Strategy 2000—a Waste Strategy for England and Wales" tomorrow, and copies will be placed in the Libraries of the House. The strategy has two aims: to reduce the amount of waste we produce; and to get more value from that which we do produce—in particular through a substantial increase in household recycling.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Public Sector Budget
  Mr. Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the main provisions for the capital budget for the public sector in Northern Ireland, broken down by(a) sponsoring department and (b) main public service function, included in the total of (i) £570 million allowed in 1998–99 and (ii) £575 million allowed in 1999–2000; and if he will publish information under the same headings for the (A) actual and (B) expected expenditure for the same years. [121454]

  Mr. Ingram
  The information requested is shown in the tables.

  It should however be noted that the capital budgets quoted in the question are indicative figures compiled by Her Majesty's Treasury for the purpose of presenting the outcome of the 1998 UK Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) in the CSR White Paper, published in July 1998. These do not reflect the actual capital allocations decided upon by my predecessor in the Northern Ireland Comprehensive Spending Review, which did not conclude until the following December. The relevant capital budgets are reflected in the 1999 Northern Ireland Departmental Report (Cm 4217), published in March 1999 and are set out in the format requested.
  545W

  Table 2: Main Programme Capital Analysis

  £ million

  Main programme

  A(i) 1998–99 Actual expenditure

  A(ii) 1999–2000 Projected expenditure1

  B(i) 1998–99 Plan

  B(ii) 1999–2000 Plan

  Environmental Services

  101

  111

  107

  113

  Law, Order and Protective Services

  34

  39

  40

  36

  Education, Culture and Recreation

  93

  113

  87

  123

  Health and Personal Social Services2

  -38

  -42

  -33

  -43

  Social Security

  2

  2

  2

  2

  Other

  4

  6

  3

  9

  Total3

  453

  470

  469

  451

  1Actual expenditure figures for 1999–2000 are not yet available

  2These capital figures include receipts from the Health Trusts Debt Remuneration

  3Due to roundings, individual figures may not necessarily sum to the totals in the tables

  Paramilitary Violence
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) between Monday 29 November 1999 and Friday 11 February how many violent incidents involving paramilitary groups which took place in Northern Ireland indicating how many involved(a) Loyalists and (b) Republican groups; [122687]

  (2) between Monday 29 November 1999 and Friday 11 February how many punishment (a) beatings and (b) shootings took place in Northern Ireland, indicating how many in each category were committed by (i) Loyalists and (ii) Republican groups. [122688]

  Mr. Ingram
  The number of security incidents during the period 29 November 1999–11 February 2000 are as follows:

  Number

  Deaths

  1

  Shooting incidents

  15

  Bombing incidents

  5

  The number of casualties as a result of paramilitary style attacks during the period are as follows:

  By Loyalist

  By Republican

  Assaults

  18

  2

  Shootings

  8

  0

  Total

  26

  2

  Notes:

  1. Figures may be subject to minor amendment

  2. The Shooting and bombing cannot yet be fully attributed to groupings

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) between Saturday 12 February and the week ended Saturday 13 May how many violent incidents involving paramilitary groups took place in Northern Ireland, indicating how many involved(a) Loyalists and (b) Republican groups; [122686]

  (2) between Saturday 12 February and the week ended Saturday 13 May how many punishment (a) beatings and (b) shootings took place in Northern Ireland, indicating how many in each category were committed by (i) Loyalists and (ii) Republican groups. [122689]
  546W
  Mr. Ingram
  The number of security incidents during the period 12 February to 13 May 2000 are as follows:

  Number

  Deaths

  2

  Shooting Incidents

  70

  Bombing Incidents

  10

  The number of Casualties as a result of Paramilitary style attacks during the period are as follows:

  By Loyalist

  By Republican

  Assaults

  17

  18

  Shootings

  26

  19

  Total

  43

  37

  Notes:

  1. Figures may be subject to minor amendment.

  2. The Shooting and bombing incidents cannot yet be fully attributed to groupings.

  Open Government
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applications for information he received under the Open Government: Code of Practice on Access to Government Information in the last parliamentary session; and how many were granted. [121859]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I refer my right hon. Friend to the answer given by the Secretary of State for the Home Department on 18 May 2000,Official Report, columns 216–17W.

  Police Bill
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to which(a) individuals and (b) political parties he has (i) shown and (ii) given draft copies of the proposed Police Bill for Northern Ireland, indicating what undertakings he has given relating to incorporating (A) the name of the RUC in the name of the new police service and (B) part or all of the present insignia of the RUC or the George Cross in the insignia of the new service. [122799]

  Mr. Ingram
  The drafting of the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill has required consultation and discussion with a wide range of individuals, bodies and parties, as did the consultation process when Patten was published.
  547W
  The Government's position on the name and insignia has been made clear. On the name this was done in the Secretary of State's statement to Parliament on 19 January 2000, Official Report, column 848, and in response to an oral question from my hon. Friend the Member for North-East Derbyshire (Mr. Barnes) on 17 May 2000, Official Report, column 319. On the badge, the Secretary of State said in the House on 19 January 2000, Official Report, column 848, that the badge would incorporate the new name in autumn 2001 and on 6 April 2000, Official Report, column 1221, he told the House that he was not convinced the badge need be entirely free of association with both traditions. The published Bill contains enabling provisions on both issues.

WALES

  Pig Farming
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent representations he has received on state aid for pig farmers in Wales. [122184]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I have received no representations on state aid for pig farmers, who proportionately play a very minor part in the Welsh livestock industry.

  Waiting Lists
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary on the impact of funding on the change in NHS waiting list times in Wales for those waiting over six months since I May 1997. [122185]

  Mr. Hanson
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I regularly meet the First Secretary and the Assembly Health Secretary to discuss health issues in Wales. Discussions often include funding of the NHS in Wales and the issue of waiting lists/waiting times.

  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary and the Welsh Health Secretary with regard to the number of people currently waiting over 18 months for an operation.[122186]

  Mr. Hanson
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I regularly meet the First Secretary and the Assembly Health Secretary to discuss health issues in Wales. Our discussions do, of course, include the subject of waiting lists and times.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary about the number of patients waiting over 18 months for an operation on the NHS. [122195]

  Mr. Hanson
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I regularly meet and discuss health issues with both the First Secretary and the Assembly Health Secretary. Our discussions often include the subject of waiting times and lists.

  A483 Upgrade
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what progress he has made in securing agreement to an upgrading of the A483 north-south Wales road in the mid-Wales and North Shropshire area. [122187]
  548W
  Mr. Paul Murphy
  As the hon. Member is aware, the improvement of Welsh trunk roads is a matter for bilateral discussion between the National Assembly for Wales and the lead Whitehall department in cases such as this where decisions affect communities on the English-Welsh border. I have, however, raised this issue with the First Secretary and written to my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

  Manufacturing Industry
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry about the effect of the value of the pound and the euro on manufacturing industry in Wales. [122188]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I am in frequent contact with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. The Government understand the concerns of businesses, and particularly manufacturers, trading within Europe, about the weakness of the euro. But it is determined to take a long-term view. Short-term fixes would be the biggest threat of all to industry, with the illusion of temporary relief followed by the threat of long-term damage.

  Policing
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he plans to hold with(a) the Home Secretary and (b) the First Secretary on policing in Wales. [122189]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I meet both the Home Secretary and the First Secretary regularly to discuss a range of issues, including policing in Wales.

  New Deal for the Over-50s
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on implementation of the New Deal for the Over-50s in Wales. [122190]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The New Deal 50-plus pathfinder in north-east Wales has been in operation since October 1999 and was launched by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Wales. The all-Wales roll-out of the New Deal 50-plus was launched on 3 April this year at Merthyr College by the Prime Minister.

  Farming
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary about the state of farming in Wales. [122191]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I meet the First Secretary on a regular weekly basis and we discuss a wide range of issues, including the state of farming in Wales. The Government have clearly shown their commitment to the farming industry by the Action Plan announced at the Prime Minister's Summit on 30 March and the package of aid worth £28 million to Wales.

  The National Assembly for Wales meanwhile is taking forward a number of measures to support rural development and diversification in agriculture.

  Learning and Skills Bill
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the National Assembly on the impact of the Learning and Skills Bill [Lords] on skill levels in Wales. [122192]

  Mr. Hanson
  I regularly meet Tom Middlehurst, Assembly Secretary responsible, to discuss a range of issues including the impact of the Learning and Skills Bill, which will establish a new Council for Education and Training for Wales. The CETW will focus education and training more purposefully and effectively to enable young people and adults in Wales to develop the skills they need in the labour market.

  Health Funding
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary about health funding in Wales. [122193]

  Mr. Hanson
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I meet regularly to discuss health funding issues with the First Secretary and the Assembly Health Secretary. We have both been interested to hear how the Assembly plans to allocate the additional funding for Wales that was announced in the March budget.

  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary about health funding in Wales. [122200]

  Mr. Hanson
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I regularly meet the First Secretary and the Assembly Health Secretary to discuss health issues in Wales. Health funding, of course, forms part of our agenda but it is for the Assembly to decide how health funding is allocated in Wales.

  Airbus (A3XX Project)
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary with regard to the employment implications of the A3XX project coming to Airbus UK in Broughton. [122194]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I meet the First Secretary weekly, and we frequently discuss Broughton. I was pleased to hear that the first orders have been received for the A3XX, and welcome the announcement by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence that the United Kingdom will be placing an order for 25 A400M aircraft.

  Sterling
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the impact of the present level of the pound against the euro on the Welsh economy; and what discussions he has had with the First Secretary. [122196]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I am in regular contact with the First Secretary and we frequently discuss the key issues facing the Welsh economy. The Government understand the concerns of businesses about the weakness of the euro, but is determined to take a long-term view.
  550W
  Short-term fixes would be the biggest threat of all to industry, with the illusion of temporary relief followed by the treat of long-term damage.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the impact of the value of sterling on Welsh manufacturing employment. [122199]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The Government understand the concerns of businesses, and particularly manufacturers trading within Europe, about the weakness of the euro. Nevertheless, recent manufacturing export volumes have been robust across the UK as a whole, growing by 9 per cent. overall and by 6 per cent. to European markets.

  Strategic Trunk Roads
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on discussions he has had with the First Secretary about strategic trunk roads. [122197]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Management of the Welsh trunk road network, including improvements to cross-border links with England, are matters which have been devolved to the National Assembly and are for the First Secretary to consider.

  I have, however, discussed with the First Secretary the A483 at Pant and Llanymynech, particularly the concerns of the hon. Member about road safety.

  New Deal for Young People
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary on the implementation of the new deal for young people in Wales. [122198]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I meet the First Secretary to discuss Welsh employment issues, and my hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales holds quarterly liaison meetings with the Assembly Secretary for Post-16 Education and Training. The New Deal is a Central Government initiative with programmes delivered mainly through the Employment Service, so my hon. Friend and I are also in regular contact with ministerial colleagues on the subject. I am pleased to note that 27,131 young people in Wales have joined the New Deal programme since it was launched in the West Wales Pathfinder in January 1998, and that there has been a corresponding 61 per cent. fall in the number of 18 to 24-year-olds unemployed and claiming Jobseeker's Allowance for six months or more.

  Rail Services
  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with companies providing rail services in Wales. [122201]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I shall be meeting representatives from the rail industry today to discuss services in Wales. In addition, I discuss rail transport with the First Secretary as part of our weekly meetings, as does my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, in his quarterly liaison meetings with the Assembly Secretary responsible for transport.
  551W
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the rail industry in Wales. [122202]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I shall be meeting representatives from the rail industry to discuss services in Wales. In addition, I discuss rail transport with the First Secretary as part of our weekly meetings, as does my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, in his quarterly liaison meetings with the Assembly Secretary responsible for transport.

  European Structural Funds
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on behalf of the National Assembly for Wales concerning provision in the comprehensive spending review of additional funds to match spending under European Structure Fund programmes; and if he will make a statement. [122203]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I meet the Chancellor regularly and discuss a range of issues.

  The importance of the assistance that objective 1 status will deliver to Wales is a key issue which I have discussed with Treasury colleagues. They understand the significance of what this will mean for Wales. That is why the implications for the Welsh Block arising from objective 1 funding are an important feature of the Government's spending review, which is now under way.

  Penalty Clauses
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 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. [122014]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  There is no record of any penalty clause having been triggered for non-performance in either the Wales Office, since 1 July 1999, or the Welsh Office prior to that date.

  Soft Drugs
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary and the United Kingdom Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator about the prevalence of soft drugs in Wales. [122176]

  Mr. Hanson
  I meet the Assembly Secretaries on a regular basis to discuss a range of issues including the misuse of drugs in Wales.

  The Assembly Secretary for Health and Social Services will be launching the refocused Welsh substance misuse strategy on 25 May 2000. This refocused strategy has been developed in the light of the UK Anti-Drugs strategy launched in April 1998.

  Police Funding
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with chief constables about funding of police forces in Wales. [122175]
  552W
  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I met Welsh chief constables on 17 March. We discussed a wide range of issues including developments in modern policing, and manning and funding levels.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Seed Purity
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he plans to introduce to deal with third-party contamination of GM-free seed. [123388]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  As I made clear to the House in my statement of 18 May 2000,Official Report, column 473–80, the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have advised the Government that the possibility that some conventional rapeseed stocks sold to farmers for sowing in 1999 and 2000 may have contained low levels of genetically modified rapeseed presents no risk to human health or the environment. I am placing the advice from ACRE and the FSA in the Library of the House. The Government have also sought the advice of the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs (ACAF) and that advice will also be made public when it is received.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions and I have received, and are now considering, legal advice on the complex legal issues raised by this incident including whether any offence has been committed.

  My officials are in discussion with the National Farmers Union on the practical and legal implications of the incident for farmers whose crops may have been affected.

  My officials have been in contact with the Canadian authorities to obtain more detailed information about the circumstances surrounding this incident. One of my officials is travelling to Canada to follow this up and will report back to me and to the EU Standing Committee on Seeds on 30 May.

  I and my officials have been in contact with the Commission and other EU member states affected with a view to taking a common approach to the issues raised by this incident. I have agreed with the French Minister of Agriculture that we should explore urgently the possibility of joint discussions between ourselves, the other member states concerned and the seed company Advanta. I will be following this up when I meet my colleagues at the informal meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers on 29–30 May.

  My right hon. Friend the Minister of State announced on 17 May 2000, Official Report, column 173W the new measures the Government are taking to ensure seed purity.

  Genetically Modified Seed
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what was the length of the consultation period prior to the addition of Chardon LL maize to the national seed list; and what considerations he took into account in determining the length of the period; [122778]
  553W
  (2) what steps his Department took to publicise the consultation on the addition of Chardon LL maize to the national seed list; [122777]

  (3) what assessment he has made of the adequacy of (a) the publicity given to the consultation and (b) the length of the consultation period on the addition of genetically modified seed types to the national seed list. [122775]

  Ms Quin
  The Seeds (National Lists of Varieties) Regulations 1982 (as amended) require Ministers to publish in the Plant Varieties and Seeds Gazette, a notice indicating their proposed decision, and the arrangements and timing (not being less than 14 days) for making written representations or applying to be heard by a person appointed by them. The Gazette was published on 3 April and gave until 21 April—a period of 18 days—for such submissions to be made. This was subsequently extended administratively to 25 April to allow for delays in making submissions because of the Easter break. These arrangements reflected the normal practice for dealing with National List proposed decisions.

  Given the wide interest in, and the publicity surrounding, the proposed decision, in addition to publication of the statutory notice in the Plant Varieties and Seeds Gazette, Ministers also issued a press notice announcing their decision. Some 4,000 letters were also sent out to those individuals and organisations who had been corresponding with MAFF about GM National List matters, advising them individually of the proposed decision and the procedures for making written representations or requesting a hearing. Information about the proposed decision, including the tests and trials data on which the decision was based, and the arrangements for making representations and requesting a hearing, were also placed on the MAFF internet website.

  EU Agriculture Council
  Mr. Casale
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Brussels on 16 to 17 May; and if he will make a statement. [122768]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  1. I represented the United Kingdom at the Agriculture Council in Brussels on 16 May.

  2. The Council held a brief discussion of the Commission's proposal setting certain CAP prices and amounts for the 2000–01 marketing year, without reaching a conclusion. The Council will consider it further at its June meeting.

  3. The Council discussed EU enlargement on the basis of a report from Commissioner Fischler on current preparations of the agriculture chapter. All Ministers stressed the importance they attached to making enlargement a success, recognising the key role of agriculture, including its veterinary, phytosanitary and food safety elements, in ensuring this. I welcomed the Commission's measured and methodical approach aimed at securing the opening of negotiations with the "Luxembourg Six" countries next month. Along with several other Ministers, I emphasised that a successful enlargement would require action not only by the applicant countries in aligning their legislation and administrative capacity with EU requirements, but also by the present EU in further adapting the CAP as provided for in the Agenda 2000 agreement of March 1999.
  554W
  4. Under Other Business I supported the Swedish Minister's call for a discussion at next month's meeting on evidence gathered by Compassion in World Farming of unsatisfactory implementation of the welfare of animals in transport Directive, an issue I have previously raised myself in correspondence with the responsible Commissioner, David Byrne.

  Hounds (Feed)
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review the controls on the materials that hunts may feed their animals, with particular reference to specified risk material. [123137]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: Specified risk material (SRM) may not be fed to animals. EU-wide specified risk material controls are currently being considered in the Standing Veterinary Committee of the Commission. Any redefinition of SRM is unlikely to result in an exemption to enable SRM to be fed to hounds.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the advice his Department offers to hunts on the dead stock that can be fed to packs of hounds. [123168]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: In Great Britain the rules governing the feeding of animal by-products (which includes dead stock) to packs of hounds are laid down in the Animal By-Products Order 1999. The Order permits only certain categories of material to be fed to recognised packs of hounds in registered premises.

  Rural Development Plan
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what details he has received of the rural development plans of other EU member states, with particular reference to their level of funding. [122961]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: The European Commission has so far produced only a summary of the Rural Development Plan for Finland, which makes full use of their EU allocation.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the projected increase in expenditure on the England rural development plan takes into account official estimates of inflation over the period involved. [122966]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: No. The projected increase in expenditure derives from modulation receipts which will be matched pound for pound, subject to the Spending Review.

  Farm Summit
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the individuals who(a) were invited to and (b)attended the Downing street farm summit on 30 March. [122969]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: The Prime Minister invited a number of representatives of key stakeholders in the food chain to attend the summit on 30 March. All organisations invited to the farm summit attended. A list of names is provided.
  555W
  List of attendees at meeting with farming and food industry leaders, at No. 10 Downing street on 30 March

  Peter Barr, Chairman, IGD Food Project, Hazelwood Foods plc

  Peter Blackburn. President, Food and Drink Federation

  Anthony Bosanquet, President, Countryside Landowners Association

  Right hon. Nick Brown, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Sir Ross Buckland, Unigate plc

  Ewen Cameron, Countryside Agency

  Mike Coupe, Trading Director, ASDA Stores Ltd.

  Donald Curry, Chairman, Meat and Livestock Commission

  Sir Peter Davis, Chief Executive, J. Sainsbury plc

  Ross Finnie, Minister for Rural Affairs, Scotland

  Ben Gill, President, National Farmers Union

  Janet Godfrey, Chairperson, Women's Farmers Union

  John Godfrey, National Pig Association

  Christine Gwyther, Secretary for Agriculture and the Rural Economy, Wales

  David Hanson, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Welsh Office

  Sir John Harman, Chairman of Environment Agency

  Kevin Hawkins, Chief Executive, Safeways Stores plc

  Reg Haydon, National Chairman, Tenant Farmers Association

  Right hon. Adam Ingram, Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office

  Terry Leahy. Chief Executive, Tesco plc

  Lord Lindsay, Chairman of Assured British Meat

  Micael McCoy, President, NI Agricultural Producers Association

  Richard MacDonald, National Farmers Union

  Sir Kenneth Morrison, W. M. Morrisons Supermarkets plc

  Bob Parry, President, Farmers Union Wales

  Nick Raynsford, Minister of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions

  Right hon. Dr. John Reid, Secretary of State for Scotland

  Hugh Richards, Chairman, National Farmers Union Wales

  Peter Small, Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, Northern Ireland

  Will Taylor. President, Ulster Farmers Union

  Jim Walker, National Farmers Union Scotland.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his oral statement of 11 May 2000,Official Report, column 1024, if he will list the points of the 62 point action plan launched during the Prime Minister's summit in March. [122957]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: All 62 points are contained in the "Action Plan for Farming" launched at the Downing street farm summit on 30 March. Copies of the Action Plan have been placed in the House Library.

  Apple Growers
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the decision by the French Government to compensate apple growers for the effect of consumer boycotts in Britain. [122993]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: I am aware that the French Government are providing aid for the horticulture sector but their Press Releases indicate that it is for restructuring, not compensation for the effects of any consumer boycott of French apples. My officials
  556W
  are seeking further information. There are strict rules governing the granting of state aids by member states. It is the responsibility of the European Commission to assess whether state aids comply with these rules. However if there is evidence that the French are paying an illegal state aid we will raise this with the Commission.

  EU Rural Development Policy
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what benefits he has identified from the creation of an integrated European Union rural development policy. [122960]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: The Rural Development Regulation enables member states for the first time systematically, coherently and comprehensively to plan expenditure on rural measures which aim to meet environmental, social and economic objectives for the countryside.

  CAP
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in preparing a strategy for further CAP negotiations, he has made specific provision for the possibility that Britain will retain its own currency for the foreseeable future. [122972]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: In developing agricultural strategy, no assumptions have been made as to whether or not the UK is likely to join the eurozone, or to remain outside.

  Hill Farmers
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his oral statement of 11 May 2000,Official Report, column 1028, if his statement that the England rural development plan would enable support for hill farmers to be continued meant that support for hill farmers would continue at its current level. [122964]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 5 May 2000, Official Report, column 249W.

  BSE
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the BSE Inquiry's report will be completed. [123393]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: The BSE Inquiry requested a six month extension beyond the deadline of 31 March 2000 to complete their task. The Government have agreed this extension. The Report will be published shortly after its receipt by Ministers.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Sure Start
  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what has been the annual cost to date of establishing the Sure Start Scheme; and what estimate he has made of the number of Sure Start places in each year since its establishment and in 2000–01. [122531]
  557W
  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 17 May 2000]: The 60 trailblazers cover approximately 50,000 children aged under four in disadvantaged areas. 57 of these programmes have now been approved and most are delivering services. The total spend in the financial year 1999–2000 was £4,877,000.

  By March 2002, we intend to establish 250 programmes covering up to 200,000 children, around 8 per cent. of children aged under four at one time, and around 20 per cent. of the age group living in poverty in England. We expect most of these programmes to either start operations or start planning by March 2001.

  Post-graduate Certificate in Education Courses
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many physics graduates entered PGCE courses for secondary teaching in each of the last five years. [123036]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The number of new entrants to postgraduate initial teacher training (ITT) courses for secondary teaching in Physics is not collected centrally. The numbers of new entrants to postgraduate ITT courses in England for secondary teaching in Science for the last five years are given in the following table.

  Intake to postgraduate initial teacher training (ITT) in England

  Year

  Intake

  1995–96

  2,530

  1996–97

  2,564

  1997–98

  2,438

  1998–99

  2,058

  1999–2000

  2,149

  Note:

  Data are mid year provisional

  Source:

  TTA Survey of ITT Providers

  Coverage:

  Universities and other HE Institutions, School Centred ITT and Open University

  At 25 September 1999, with Golden Hello incentives, the number of Physics applications for postgraduate ITT was up by 40 per cent. on the previous year. The number of new entrants on postgraduate ITT Science courses in England for 1999–2000 was up by 4 per cent. on the previous year, effectively meeting the overall target for the year. It is too early to predict recruitment to PGCE courses in 2000–01.

  The following table, taken from the Higher Education Statistics Agency's Student Record Survey shows the percentage of those commencing PGCE ITT in England, funded by the Teacher Training Agency (TTA), who were graduates in Physics in the years 1995–96 to 1998–99. These are the subjects of first degree and not necessarily the subjects or phase in which the student is undertaking teacher training. Information for the current year is not yet available. There is a significant proportion of students for whom the first degree subject is unknown. The subjects of first degree do not include combined courses, or closely related courses such as engineering.
  558W

  Percentage of those commencing TTA funded PGCE ITT in England with first degrees in Physics. 1995–96 to 1998–99

  Year

  Percentage with Physics degree

  1995–96

  1

  1996–97

  1

  1997–98

  1

  1998–99

  1

  Source:

  Higher Education Statistics Agency's Student Record Survey

  Early-years Education
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment who has responsibility for the strategic overview of Government policy for the maintenance of pre-school learning provision. [123104]

  Ms Hodge
  The Secretary of State has overall responsibility for the Government's early education policy. The statutory duty to secure free early education places for all four-year-olds rests with local education authorities. Together with their Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships, they have responsibility for planning and monitoring the sufficient supply of high quality early education places in their area.

  Skills Task Force
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list(a) the membership and qualifications, (b) the activities and (c) the reports of the Skills Task Force since its inception. [123459]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: The 19 members of the National Skills Task Force were appointed by the Secretary of State for Education and Employment to serve in a personal capacity. Their names and positions within their respective organisations are listed. The Department does not hold information on members' qualifications.

  The Task Force was remitted by the Secretary of State to assist him in developing a National Skills Agenda. Meeting monthly since its launch in April 1998, the group has considered a range of themes concerned with skill demand and supply, and recorded its conclusions and recommendations in its reports. It has overseen an extensive programme of original research which provides the evidence base for its conclusions. The Task Force has undertaken over 40 formal consultation events, some with a particular sectoral or geographical focus, and has held a series of bilateral meetings with the main agencies involved in education and training.

  To date, the Task Force has issued three interim policy reports, covering: a preliminary analysis of skill shortages and gaps, vocational skills for young people, key skills, collection and use of skills and labour market information, upskilling adults and learning in the workplace. Other publications so far are the final report from its IT, Communications and Electronics skills strategy group, a recruitment guide for small businesses, and 19 research papers on various topics. All are available in the Library.
  559W

  National skills task force: Membership

  Name

  Organisation

  Position

  Chris Humphries CBE (Chairman)

  British Chambers of Commerce

  Director General

  Llew Aviss

  Llew Aviss Associates

  Managing Director

  Rita Britton

  Pollyanna (Barnsley) Ltd.

  Director

  Tony Dubbins

  Graphical, Paper and Media Union

  General Secretary

  Eric Drewery

  ABB Ltd.

  Chief Executive

  John Edmonds

  GMB

  General Secretary

  Denise Hall

  BT plc

  Head of Government, Health and Education Services

  Sir Ken Jackson

  AEEU

  General Secretary

  Dr. DeAnne Julius

  Bank of England

  Member, Monetary Policy Committee

  Eddie MacIntyre CBE

  Birmingham College of Food and Tourism

  Principal

  Ashwin Mistry OBE

  Brett and Randall Insurance Brokers

  Director

  Terry Morgan

  BaE System plc

  HRD Director

  John V. Palmer

  Steel Training Ltd.

  Chairman

  Peter Rainbird CBE

  Rainbird Group Ltd.

  Chairman/Chief Executive

  Iain Roxburg

  Coventry City Council

  Chief Executive and Town Clerk

  Sharon Studer

  3 COM Europe Ltd.

  Vice President

  Julia Tinsley

  Pitman Training Centre

  Director

  Adair Turner

  Confederation of British Industry (formerly)

  Director General

  Professor Leslie Wagner

  Leeds Metropolitan University

  Vice Chancellor

  Anne Weinstock CBE

  Rathbone Cl

  Chief Executive (currently on secondment to DfEE)

  Equal Opportunities Legislation
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Equal Pay Act 1970 in reducing disparities in pay between males and females in the last five years. [123465]

  Ms Hodge
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: We welcome the continuing narrowing trend in the gender pay gap, not least the full percentage point reduction from 20 per cent. to 19 per cent. in 1999. It is not possible to determine the precise extent to which the reduction in the last five years can be directly attributed to the Equal Pay Act but it is clear that a sensible statutory framework is an essential component. So too are our wider efforts to ensure improvements in education and skill levels and to help women stay in, or return to, the labour market after having children.

  Online Learning
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what studies he has carried out of the problem of measurement assessment and evaluation of learning conducted on-line. [123161]

  Mr. Wills
  The Department has commissioned the British Educational Communications and Technology agency to evaluate the impact of ICT on children's achievements in school. The project, "ImpaCT2", is focusing on the effect of ICT in attainment in literacy and numeracy and the core subjects of the National Curriculum at Key Stage 2, and a wider subject range at Key Stages 3 and 4. Findings from the interim report will be made available soon. The final report is due to be submitted to the Department in early 2002.

  The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority has commissioned research on the use of ICT in coursework and portfolio evidence. A report on this research project is due to be submitted soon.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Terry Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he will reply to the letters from the hon. Member for Worsley dated 14 September 1999, 4 November 1999 and 4 April 2000, regarding a constituent's inquiry about student grants and higher education fees. [123400]

  Mr. Wills
  A reply to my hon. Friend's letters was issued on 17 May 2000.

  Sixth Forms
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many secondary schools have sixth forms with(a) 0 to 50, (b) 51 to 100, (c) 101 to 150, (d) 151 to 200 and (e) 201 to 250 pupils. [123502]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The latest provisional national estimates for England are shown in the table. For January 2000, provisional figures show that there were 3,550 maintained secondary schools in England, of which 1,834 (or 52 per cent.) had a sixth form.

  Number of maintained secondary schools by size of sixth form in England, January 20001

  Size of sixth form

  Number of schools

  Up to 50

  115

  51 to 100

  319

  101 to 150

  409

  151 to 200

  398

  201 to 250

  295

  251 and over

  298

  Total

  1,834

  1provisional

  Final figures will be published in the Annual Statistical Volume "Statistics of Education: Schools in England (2000 edition)" in September.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  EU Culture Council
  Mr. Casale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what was the outcome of the Culture Council held in Brussels on 16 May; and if he will make a statement. [122767]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  I represented the United Kingdom at the EU Culture Council on 16 May. The Council held a useful exchange of views on the objectives and proposed approach to the MEDIA PLUS programme, the aim of which will be to strengthen the competitiveness of the European audiovisual industry. The Council and the member states adopted Conclusions on principles and guidelines for the Community's audiovisual policy in the digital age. The Council also adopted a Resolution on the conservation and enhancement of the European cinema heritage.

  The Portuguese Presidency presented a report on cultural diversity in the new international environment and on a recent seminar on digital radio, as well as Presidency conclusions on the value of cultural statistics. The French and Portuguese delegations informed the Council of their nominees to serve on the selection panel for the European Capital of Culture 2005.

  In the margins of the meeting I had useful discussions with the new French Minister of Culture, in advance of the forthcoming French Presidency of the EU, and with Commissioner Reding.

  Antiques (Illicit Trade)
  Mr. Pond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what arrangements he is making to ensure that the Government are able to draw on expert advice in considering options for countering the illicit trade in antiquities. [123930]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  I am convening a panel of experts, drawn from the legal, archaeological and museum worlds, and from the art and antiques trade, whose terms of reference will be:To consider the nature and extent of the illicit international trade in art and antiquities, and the extent to which the UK is involved in this;
  To consider how most effectively, through both non-legislative and legislative means, the UK can play its part in preventing and prohibiting the illicit trade, and to advise the Government accordingly.
  To report to the Minister for the Arts by 30 November 2000.

  I am most grateful to the following experts who have agreed to be members of the advisory panel:
  Professor Norman Palmer: Professor of Commercial Law, University College, London (chairman).
  Dr. Peter Addyman: Chairman of the Standing Conference on Portable Antiquities; Director of the York Archaeological Trust.
  Dr. Robert Anderson; Director of the British Museum.
  Anthony Browne: Chairman of the British Art Market Federation.
  James Ede: Chairman designate of the Antiquities Dealers' Association; Director of Charles Ede Ltd., antiquities dealers.
  Joanna van der Lande: former Chair of the Antiquities Dealers' Association; associate director of Bonhams Ltd., and head of the antiquities department.
  562W
  Professor Lord Renfrew of Kaimsthorn: Director of the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge.
  Anna Somers Cocks: Editor, The Art Newspaper.

  The panel will be supported by a working group of officials drawn from all those departments which share responsibility for measures to combat illicit trade.

  English Heritage
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the occasions in each of the last five years on which English Heritage gave grants to(a) members of the board of English Heritage and (b) organisations with which board members had connections. [122635]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Since 1996–97 this information has been made available each year in English Heritage's Annual Report. The information requested for years prior to 1996–97 is not readily collatable in the timescale required.

  Occasions in each of the last four years on which English Heritage gave grants to its Commissioners or organisations with which Commissioners had connections is as follows:

  1996–97
  conservation grant of £25,000 in respect of a Grade II' listed building owned by Lady Gass
  conservation grant of £7,000 in respect of an estate in which Lord Cavendish of Furness had an interest

  1997–98
  conservation grant of £15,000 in respect of an estate in which Lord Cavendish of Furness had an interest

  1998–99
  conservation grant of £2,000 in respect of an estate in which Lord Cavendish had an interest
  conservation grant of £10,000 in respect of an estate of which the right hon. Lord Faringdon is a Trustee and his son a beneficiary

  1999–2000
  conservation grant of £18,000 in respect of an estate of which the right hon. Lord Faringdon is a Trustee
  conservation grant of £24,000 in respect of an estate of which the right hon. Lord Faringdon is a Trustee and his son a beneficiary
  conservation grant of £8,000 to a Trust of which Philip Davis is a Trustee.

DEFENCE

  Naval Vessels
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he plans to withdraw HMS Fearless and HMS Intrepid from service. [121700]

  Mr. Spellar
  On current plans, HMS Fearless and HMS Intrepid are due to be withdrawn from service in 2003 and 2001, respectively. However, these dates are linked to the acceptance of the replacement vessels, the Landing Platform Dock (Replacement)s (LPD(R)s),
  563W
  named HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark. In the light of delays to the LPD(R)s, the dates for withdrawal for Fearless and Intrepid are under review.

  Correspondence
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Rochford and Southend, East of 21 April requesting a meeting. [122572]

  Dr. Moonie
  My noble Friend the Minister for Defence Procurement, Baroness Symons, wrote on 20 May, and has offered to meet the hon. Member.

  Websites
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 3 May 2000,Official Report, column 117W, on websites, if he will list the major service events which satisfy all the conditions (a) for which a related website exists, (b) which were sponsored by one or more companies and (c) on whose website the sponsoring company receives publicity, either by having its logo on the site, or otherwise; and if he will in each case (i) list the sponsoring companies, (ii) estimate

  Major Service event

  Sponsor of event

  Website(s) on which sponsor logo(s) featured

  Army v Navy Rugby match

  Willis Caroon

  Royal Navy—www.royal-navy.mod.uk

  Army—www.army.mod.uk

  Royal Artillery display team

  Main sponsors

  Army—www.army.mod.uk

  Kawasaki Motors(UK)

  Wurth UK

  Royal Military Tattoo

  Amey plc

  Royal Military Tatoo 2000—www.rmt2000.mod.uk

  BAe Systems

  Daily Telegraph

  NAAFI/Warrior

  THUS/Demon Internet

  Service Offshore Regatta

  EDS

  Royal Navy—www.royal-navy.mod.uk

  In addition, the Army has participated in the national Rugby League Silk Cut Challenge Cup. The company name appears in the competition's logo which features on the relevant section of the main Army websitewww.army.mod.uk/sport/events.

  Of those events listed, only the RMT 2000 website features active hyperlinks from a sponsor company's logo to the company's own website.

  ABSV
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the requirement of armoured battlegroup support vehicles will be for transportation by air; what aircraft he plans for transportation of the ABSV; and if he will make a statement. [122977]

  Dr. Moonie
  The full requirements for the Armoured Battle Group Support Vehicle (ABSV) have not been finalised. However, it is likely that the requirements will include comparable deployability to that of the Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle. This equates to its being air-portable by both C-17 and A-400M.
  564W
  the market value of such publicity on the website and (iii) state if this estimate was taken into account in negotiating the sponsorship deal. [122743]

  Dr. Moonie
  My Department's principal websites—those of the central MOD and the three Services—are not sponsored by commercial companies. Where a major Service event has had external sponsorship and a related web page exists on a Ministry of Defence or Service website, the sponsor company's logo has on occasion been featured on that web page as an acknowledgment. In a few cases logos have been hyperlinked to the company's own website. The market value of the logo placements is assessed as negligible in comparison with the value of the overall sponsorship for the separate events, and taking into consideration the estimated number of visitors to the relevant pages and current market rates for website advertising on pages of this type.

  The following table summarises the logo placements for sponsored major Service events on the Department's major websites. Detailed information on the other departmental websites maintained by individual Defence Agencies and units and on other sites maintained by non-departmental public bodies is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Production Bases Abroad
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on giving assistance to British companies seeking to locate production bases outside the UK. [122976]

  Dr. Moonie
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has the lead responsibility for providing advice and assistance to British companies seeking to locate production bases outside the UK. Such assistance is provided through the British Trade International organisation, run jointly by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

  UK civil firms that have decided to invest abroad can obtain assistance by using the "Offset-Investment Brokering Scheme" which is run jointly by British Trade International and the Defence Export Services Organisation. This service connects Defence firms which possess indirect offset commitments, with investors, for their mutual benefit.
  565W
  Where a UK defence equipment manufacturer is successful in winning export business which requires, under industrial participation arrangements, the establishment of local production facilities, the Defence Export Services Organisation will provide additional support and guidance if required.

  Procurement (Fraud)
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate his Department has made of the yearly cost to its budget of fraud in relation to procurement contracts. [122756]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 19 May 2000]: The Department regards the whole of its procurement budget as being at risk from fraud. The cost of detected fraud is, however, difficult to quantify. The process followed is to assume, once an investigation of a potential fraud begins, that the whole contract value is at risk. Values are then revised as the case progresses to completion. On this basis, the Department's estimates of the value of procurement fraud over the last five years are as follows:

  £

  1995–96

  2,700

  1996–97

  No value

  1997–98

  1,000

  1998–99

  14,343

  1999–2000

  11,796,326

  Title

  Type

  National Association of Boys Clubs—Evaluation Post Stage

  Focus group and quantitative

  Office Redesign

  Focus group

  TA Army Medical Service Strategic Development

  Focus group

  Image of Recruit Selection Centres

  Focus group

  Officer Profiling Year 2

  Quantitative

  Be the best Advertising Tracking

  Quantitative

  January 2000 Omnibus

  Quantitative

  Army Ethnic Minority Evaluation

  Quantitative

  Nato Strategy Development Research (in conjunction with FCO)

  Focus group

  Public Attitudes to Defence

  Focus group

  Public Attitudes to Defence

  Quantitative

  Sponsorship of Formula One on Talk Radio

  Quantitative

  Advertising Tracking Research 1999

  Quantitative

  Yorkshire Initiative and Opportunities for all days

  Focus group and quantitative

  Engineer Officer TV Advert Creative Development

  Focus group

  Engineering Graduate Strategy Research

  Focus group

  Spotlight Publicity Evaluation

  Quantitative

  Advertising Tracking

  Focus group and quantitative

  Prisoners of War
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will make an announcement on the question of a gratuity for former far east prisoners of war. [123529]

  Dr. Moonie
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 3 May 2000,Official Report, column 143. to the hon. Member for Tatton (Mr. Bell). This matter is still being carefully considered in consultation with colleagues and no conclusions have yet been reached.
  566W
  1Includes one case estimated at £916,000, one estimated at £500,000 and one estimated at £260,000

  Note:

  The three cases recorded against 1999–2000 are at an early stage of investigation

  Opinion Research
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on opinion research in the financial year 1999–2000. [123246]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: Expenditure on external opinion research carried out in 1999–2000 was £600,272. Some small local studies may not be included as details are not held centrally.

  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list opinion research projects undertaken on behalf of his Department in the financial year 1999–2000, itemising(a) focus group research, (b) quantative surveys, and (c) other market research surveys, in each case stating when and where the results were published. [123232]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: The following table gives information on external opinion research in 1999–2000. Research is carried out to explore public attitudes to Defence and the Armed Forces and the findings are used to assist planning on issues like recruitment to the Armed Forces. Research results are available in accordance with the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Families Associations Representatives
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his letter D/Min(AF)/JS PQ2803J/99 of 18 December 1999, if he will list the(a) names, (b) date of commencement in position, (c) formal employer and line manager, (d) responsibilities of and (e) salary of the Families Association representatives based at (i) HMNB Portsmouth, (ii) HMNB Devonport, (iii) Faslane/Clyde, (iv) HMS Collingwood, (v) HMS Raleigh, (vi) BRNC Dartmouth, (vii) RMTC Lympstone, (viii) HMS Excellent and (ix) RNAS Culdrose; and if he will make a statement. [123243]
  567W
  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: The tables attached with my letter D/Min(AF)/JSPQ2803J/99/P provided data received from the relevant Establishments and Units about welfare and other facilities for which provision was made at the units concerned. I understand, however, that in relation to the list of Families Association Representatives, although the Association of Royal Naval and Royal Marine Families very much hopes in due course to establish local representatives in the bases listed, it has not yet done so. That is because the Association only came into being last year and has only just recruited its first local representative, who is based in Helston, Cornwall. The Association is an independent body, although it does receive some financial assistance from my Department and provision of some accommodation and facilities. The recruitment of local representatives, management arrangements and responsibilities are all matters for the Association.

  Sunday Times (Injunction)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he was consulted about the issue of 568W
  an injunction against The Sunday Times and others preventing publication of information obtained from the person known as Martin Ingram. [122759]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: My right hon. and noble Friend the previous Secretary of State for Defence was first consulted about this matter on 11 August 1999. The current Secretary of State was consulted on 24 November.

  Service Personnel (Divorce)
  Mr. Quentin Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the divorce rates for serving military personnel in(a) the Army, (b) the Royal Navy and (c) the Royal Air Force for the last 12 month period for which figures are available. [120408]

  Mr. Spellar
  [pursuant to his reply, 8 May 2000, c. 263–64W]: I have to advise that due to an administrative error the figure for married strength for the Royal Air Force at 1 April (1998–99) was incorrectly given as 22,417—this was, however, correctly given as the figure for the Royal Navy. The correct figure for the Royal Air Force should have read 34,808.

  Kashmir: Humanitarian Needs
  Kashmir: Humanitarian Needs
  India, Pakistan and Afghanistan: Drought Relief
  India, Pakistan and Afghanistan: Drought Relief
  Epilim
  Epilim
  Financial Services and Markets Bill
  Financial Services and Markets Bill
  Pension Provision: Extension to Survivors
  Pension Provision: Extension to Survivors
  British Potato Council
  British Potato Council
  EU/Russia Summit
  EU/Russia Summit
  Terrorism Conventions: Ratification
  Terrorism Conventions: Ratification
  Trade Partners UK
  Trade Partners UK
  British Board of Film Classification
  British Board of Film Classification
  Channel Islands and Isle of Man: Human Rights Legislation
  Channel Islands and Isle of Man: Human Rights Legislation
  Immigration Control: Colombian and Ecuadorian Nationals
  Immigration Control: Colombian and Ecuadorian Nationals
  Prosecution Appeals in Criminal Proceedings
  Prosecution Appeals in Criminal Proceedings
  Imprisonment for Breach of Community Sentence
  Imprisonment for Breach of Community Sentence
  Overseas Visitors: Financial Bonds
  Overseas Visitors: Financial Bonds
  Royal Ordnance: "Desertised" Ammunition
  Royal Ordnance: "Desertised" Ammunition
  RAF Little Rissington: Glider Flights
  RAF Little Rissington: Glider Flights
  Starling and House Sparrow Populations
  Starling and House Sparrow Populations
  GM Crops: Protection of Bees
  GM Crops: Protection of Bees
  Lead Shot Controls
  Lead Shot Controls
  Aircraft Charters by Government
  Aircraft Charters by Government
  Northern Ireland: Expressway Project
  Northern Ireland: Expressway Project
  Northern Ireland: Rail Safety
  Northern Ireland: Rail Safety
  Northern Ireland Railways
  Northern Ireland Railways
  Northern Ireland: Public Transport
  Northern Ireland: Public Transport
  Northern Ireland: NHS
  Northern Ireland: NHS
  Northern Ireland: Nurses
  Northern Ireland: Nurses
  Northern Ireland: Trainee Teacher Grant
  Northern Ireland: Trainee Teacher Grant
  Northern Ireland: Shipbuilding
  Northern Ireland: Shipbuilding
  Act of Union: Bicentenary
  Act of Union: Bicentenary
  "Tony's New Boy Network"
  "Tony's New Boy Network"
  Prime Minister's Question Time: Briefing
  Prime Minister's Question Time: Briefing
  Lord Rodgers of Quarry Bank: Document
  Lord Rodgers of Quarry Bank: Document