Written Answers of 25 May 2000

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Departmental Vehicles
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) cars and (b) commercial vehicles operated by his Department were manufactured (i) in the UK, (ii) in the EU and (iii) elsewhere. [122260]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 17 May 2000]: The position at 1 April 2000 was as follows:

  Cars

  Commercial

  Total

  UK

  179

  361

  540

  EU

  317

  79

  396

  Elsewhere

  118

  42

  160

  Total

  614

  482

  1,096

  Regional Airports
  Mr. Plaskitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he proposes to begin the consultation on proposed changes to planning regulations in relation to small regional airports. [122784]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Department has no plans to change planning regulations for small regional airports. If my hon. Friend wishes to write to me with more details of his concerns in this area, I will provide a substantive reply.

  Local Authority Housing
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the funds required to clear the current backlog of repairs to and modernisation programmes of local authority housing stock; and how much this figure represents per dwelling. [123013]

  Mr. Mullin
  We estimate, on the basis of sample data collected in the 1996 English House Condition Survey, that the backlog of renovation work on the council housing stock amounts to around £10 billion with a further £9 billion being required for improvement/ modernisation work. This equates to an average of between £5,500 and £6,000 a dwelling. The renovation backlog will have been tackled in around a quarter of a million homes by March 2002 as a result of the extra resources we have made available for housing investment.

  Joannou and Paraskevaides Group
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations his Department has received from the Joannou and Paraskevaides Construction Group in the last three years. [123139]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: The Department is not aware of any representations received from the Joannou and Paraskevaides Construction Group in the last three years.

  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what construction contracts his Department has awarded to the Joannou and Paraskevaides Group in the last three years. [123143]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: None.

  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what planning appeals his Department has received involving the Joannou and Paraskevaides Construction Group in the last three years. [123141]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: I am not aware of any planning appeals received from the Joannou and Paraskevaides Construction Group in the last three years.

  Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what studies he has carried out to ascertain the possible contamination by methyl tertiary butyl ether from the discharge of unburned fuel from water craft on inland waters in England and Wales. [123444]

  Mr. Mullin
  I am not aware of any studies currently under way on this issue. Although the Environment Agency considers that the main risk from MTBE is to groundwater and has commissioned research on this, it has also carried out limited monitoring for MTBE in surface waters. Many water craft are powered by diesel fuel which does not contain MTBE.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the(a) terms of reference of and (b) people carrying out, the study on the incidence of methyl tertiary butyl ether in groundwater in England and Wales; and when he expects the study to be completed. [123442]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Environment Agency has commissioned a study to investigate known fuel oxygenate occurrence in groundwater in England and Wales, gathering evidence from(a) Environment Agency regional and area records (b) water companies, and (c) additional bodies and sources of information; to review and evaluate the presence and behaviour of oxygenates in groundwater; to inform the EA's strategic regulatory thinking, the risk assessment process and monitoring strategy, and to recommend any future research directions. The study, which is being carried out by the environmental consultancy firm Komex Clarke Bond, is expected to be available in the summer.

  Fire Safety
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 12 May 2000,Official Report, column 485W, on housing, what plans he has to include guidance to local authorities and fire authorities on the standard of fire safety provision for houses in multiple occupation, in the guidance documents that accompany the draft legislation; and whether that guidance will include reference to the installation of residential automatic fire sprinkler systems. [123532]

  Mr. Mullin
  As we indicated in the Housing Green Paper we are developing a housing health and safety rating system to replace the existing housing fitness standard. Within this we envisage risk-based guidance on

  Site operator

  Site location

  Type of facility

  Waste planning authority area

  Shanks and McEwan

  Brogborough

  Landfill

  Bedfordshire

  Cory Environmental

  Mucking

  Landfill

  Thurrock

  Cleanaway

  Pitsea

  Landfill

  Essex

  Shanks and McEwan

  Stewartby

  Landfill

  Bedfordshire

  Clean away

  Ockendon

  Landfill

  Thurrock

  Greenways Waste Management

  Aveley

  Landfill

  Essex

  Viridor

  Great Blakenham

  Landfill

  Suffolk

  Cory Environmental

  Stanway

  Landfill

  Essex

  SITA

  Godmanchester

  Landfill

  Cambridgeshire

  Shanks and McEwan

  Arlesey

  Landfill

  Bedfordshire

  Lafarge Redland

  Radlett

  Landfill

  Hertfordshire

  Shanks and McEwan

  Dogsthorpe

  Landfill

  Peterborough

  Fenside Waste Management

  Warboys

  Landfill

  Cambridgeshire

  Star Quarry Products

  Hertford

  Landfill

  Hertfordshire

  Anti Waste

  Milton

  Landfill

  Cambridgeshire

  Greenways Waste Management

  Ongar

  Landfill

  Essex

  Cory Environmental

  Barling

  Landfill

  Essex

  Anti Waste

  Buckden

  Landfill

  Cambridgeshire

  Pioneer Aggregates Ltd.

  Ware Quarry

  Landfill

  Hertfordshire

  Hales

  Ugley

  Landfill

  Essex

  Greenham Construction Materials

  Elsenham

  Landfill

  Essex

  Anti Waste

  Feltwell

  Landfill

  Norfolk

  Mick George Haulage Ltd.

  Southorpe Quarry

  Landfill

  Peterborough

  Hales

  Attlebridge

  Landfill

  Norfolk

  Lafarge Redland

  Roxwell

  Landfill

  Essex

  St. Albans Sand and Gravel

  Ware

  Landfill

  Hertfordshire

  St. Albans Sand and Gravel

  St. Albans

  Landfill

  Hertfordshire

  Suffolk Waste Disposal Company

  Lackford

  Landfill

  Suffolk

  M. Dickerson

  Hemingford Grey

  Landfill

  Cambridgeshire

  Housing Associations
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the mechanisms for ensuring the accountability of housing associations for their decisions; and if he will make a statement. [123771]

  Mr. Mullin
  Housing associations (now known as registered social landlords) are regulated by the Housing Corporation, an Executive NDPB of my Department, through published performance standards covering governance, finance, lettings, tenant involvement, development and management. Registered social landlords are expected to meet these standards. Where they do not, the Housing Corporation has regulatory powers to enforce compliance.
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  fire safety precautions for certain high risk houses in multiple occupation. The guidance will include advice on when residential sprinklers might be appropriate.

  Waste Disposal
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list in order of the quantity of waste dealt with the main waste disposal facilities in the east of England. [123383]

  Mr. Mullin
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: The list of main waste disposal facilities in the east of England, in order of quantity of waste dealt with, is given in the table. For the purpose of this response, a main waste disposal facility is taken to mean their taking in excess of 90,000 tonnes of waste per year. The figures relate to 1998–99 (or the nearest available year).

  In the course of this year, the Housing Corporation is reviewing governance arrangements in the registered social landlord sector. It will be issuing revised performance standards, following consultation, in April 2001.

  My Department has also contributed to the work of the Committee on Standards in Public Life in producing its reports on Local Public Spending Bodies.

  Leasehold Reform
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to publish the White Paper on leasehold reform; and if it will contain the draft Bill. [123660]
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  Mr. Mullin
  As was announced in the Gracious Speech given on 17 November 1999,Official Report, columns 4–7, we intend to publish a draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill for consultation during this session.

  Incineration
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which sites in the UK are under consideration for building new incinerators. [123713]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  My Department does not keep a central record of sites under consideration for new incinerators. However, it is the responsibility of individual local planning authorities to consider planning applications for incinerators and they will keep their own records.

  Timber
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Government's procurement policy will include a commitment to buying timber and timber products from certified legal and sustainable sources. [123165]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Government's model policy statement for greening Government operations includes a commitment to purchase sustainably produced timber and timber products by, for example, requiring suppliers to provide documentary evidence that the timber has been lawfully obtained from forests and plantations which are managed to sustain their biodiversity, productivity and vitality, and to prevent harm to other ecosystems and any indigenous or forest-dependent people.

  Rural Services (SSAs)
  Sir Peter Emery
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will increase the level of Standard Spending Assessments of local authorities in respect of costs specific to provision of services in rural areas. [123915]

  Ms Armstrong
  Standard Spending Assessments already include elements that recognise that there are additional costs in providing services in rural areas. In the White Paper, "Modern Local Government—In Touch With The People", we said that we did not expect to make fresh changes to the method of calculation of Standard Spending Assessment while we conduct a review of the system of grant distribution.

  Statistics
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what statistics relating to the responsibilities of his Department are collated by parliamentary constituency, indicating the dates covered in each case. [123843]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Department's statistics are not compiled routinely by parliamentary constituency.

  Abnormal Loads
  Mr. St. Aubyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he 574W
  has to commission a third party to undertake independent verification of the abnormal indivisible loads notification system, with particular reference to evaluating the robustness of the software to analyse the strength of bridge structures; [123022]

  (2) what dates for (a) internal and (b) external implementation for the abnormal indivisible loads notification system were specified when the system was put out to tender; and what is his latest estimate of each of the dates; [123023]

  (3) on what date software was due for final delivery under Highways Agency tender no. 3–276 (Abnormal Indivisible Loads Notification System Trial); and if the software was delivered by that date. [123024]

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

  Letter from Peter Nutt to Mr. Nick St. Aubyn, dated 25 May 2000:
  I refer to the recent questions you asked The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions regarding progress of the Abnormal Indivisible Loads Notification System which is being developed for the Highways Agency under tender number 3/276. The Secretary of State has asked me to provide you with a detailed reply since it concerns an operational matter for the Highways Agency.
  The contractor (W. S. Atkins) has yet to appoint the independent checker to evaluate the structural software associated with the system. However this remains a contractual requirement and will be undertaken prior to the completion of the trial. This element of the system is subject to the Highways Agency's Technical Approval procedures. Consequently, the appointment of the independent checker will be subject to the agreement of the Highways Agency as the Technical Approval Authority.
  It was envisaged that the internal trial of the Abnormal Indivisible Loads computer system would be carried out (in Highways Agency Maintenance Area 2) following a six month development period, and once the system had been checked and validated to the satisfaction of the Highways Agency's Designated Officer. The contract was awarded on 11 October 1999 and is scheduled to run for a period of twelve months. However, amendments to the contract programme agreed by the Highways Agency have resulted in the validation testing being delayed from 10 April 2000 until 10 July 2000 with a start revised date for the internal trial of the 1 August 2000. Final delivery of software was originally due 12 months after contract award, following the development and trial phases. It is now programmed for 11 January 2001.
  A programme for external application (in other Highways Agency Maintenance Areas) of the automated abnormal load system has yet to be finalised. This will depend on the outcome of the trial and agreement between other interests responsible for dealing with abnormal loads including DETR, local highway authorities and other bridge owners.
  I hope this provides you with the information you require. However, should you wish to discuss the project further, our Designated Officer for the contract, Martin Lynch, would be pleased to hear from you. He can be contacted on Tel: 0117 987 8560.

  Hydrofluorocarbons
  Mr. St. Aubyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) which(a) countries and (b) sections of the European Commission his Department consulted before announcing the change in its hydrofluorocarbons policy, referred to in DETR Climate Change Programme-HFC Policy Change; [123025]
  575W
  (2) which countries have indicated their agreement with the change in his policy on hydrofluorocarbons, announced in DETR Climate Change Programme-HFC Policy Change; and which countries have recently announced similar changes in policy; [123026]

  (3) which (a) engineering bodies, (b) industry bodies and (c) manufacturers in the United Kingdom air conditioning and refrigeration industry his Department consulted before announcing the change in its hydrofluorocarbons policy, referred to in DETR Climate Change Programme-HFC Policy Change. [123027]

  Mr. Meacher
  My Department did not hold any formal consultation before the Government's new HFC policy was announced in the draft climate change programme, which was published for consultation on 9 March 2000. However, officials have been involved in meetings that have taken place at international and European level between technical experts, industry representatives, officials from other countries and officials from the environment and enterprise sections of the European Commission on the use and projected trends in emissions of hydrofluorocarbons.

  In addition my Department commissioned a report in 1998 from March Consulting Group to provide updated annual UK emissions data for HFCs, PFCs and SF6 in each user sector. This also covered projects to 2020 and assessed the costs and benefits of options to reduce future emissions. In compiling their report, March Consulting Group consulted many companies within the UK air conditioning and refrigeration industry, and industry was given the opportunity to comment on the report.

  My Department has not formally consulted other countries about the new HFC policy. However, several countries such as France, Italy, Germany and Finland indicated initial broad support at official level. Other countries will be considering their policies on HFCs as part of their development of programmes to deliver their Kyoto targets, but few have yet made clear statements on their position. The Danish Government have recently announced their new HFC policy, which would ban the use of HFCs in many applications.

  Laptops
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many laptop computers used by Ministers, officials and special advisers in his Department have been(a) lost and (b) stolen since May 1997. [123735]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Since May 1997 seven laptop computers have been stolen and one has been lost in transit.

  London Bodies (Transfers)
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement about the programme for transferring existing organisations or parts of organisations to the Greater London Authority, London Transport Users' Committee, Transport for London and the London Development Agency. [124187]
  576W
  Mr. Hill
  The transfers of existing bodies takes place on four main dates. As I announced in response to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Croydon, Central (Mr. Davies) on 1 April 2000,Official Report, columns 420–21W, the London Ecology Committee, London Planning Advisory Committee and London Research Centre were abolished, and their staff, assets and liabilities were temporarily transferred to the Secretary of State.

  On 8 May these staff, assets and liabilities (other than those relating to a small number of London Research Centre staff who will transfer later to Transport for London) transferred to the Greater London Authority (GLA), along with a small number of planning staff from the Government Office for London, and the GLA Transition Team and staff newly recruited for the GLA.

  Transfers to Transport for London (TfL) and the London Development Agency (LDA), and to the London Transport Users Committee (LTUC), will take place on 3 July. On that date the following will transfer to TfL:

  London Regional Transport, excluding London Underground Ltd. and some residual parts of LRT;

  the Traffic Control Systems Unit;

  the staff, assets and liabilities of the Traffic Director for London;

  the Docklands Light Railway;

  the part of the Highways Agency dealing with London roads;

  certain roads from London boroughs and the City of London;

  certain roads in Docklands from the Commission for the New Towns;

  the Public Carriage Office;

  a small number of staff from the Government Office for London, and from the centre of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

  On the same date the following will transfer to the LDA:

  the London region staff of English Partnerships, and associated assets and liabilities;

  some staff from the Government Office for London, together with staff newly recruited for the LDA.

  On the same date the staff, assets and liabilities of the London Regional Passengers Committee will transfer to LTUC, which will report to the Assembly of the GLA.

  Most of the above transfers will be achieved through transfer schemes prepared under powers in section 409 of the GLA Act. In preparing their transfer schemes, predecessor bodies are identifying which of their property, rights and liabilities, such as buildings, contracts, staff or other assets, will transfer to the GLA's functional bodies and which will remain with the predecessor body itself or be transferred elsewhere. Among other things, they will need to consider whether existing contracts can transfer in their existing form or whether changes will be needed to meet the needs of the functional bodies.

  In addition, those predecessor bodies, such as the Highways Agency, which are designated as Public Records bodies under the Public Records Act 1958 will need to review those records which are intended to transfer to the functional bodies to see whether particular records are worthy of preservation in the national archive. Predecessor bodies will also need to identify whether all of their existing records are appropriate for transfer to the functional bodies, on the basis that all relevant records should transfer, unless

  577W
  they identify any papers, such as advice to Ministers of the present and previous administrations, which would be inappropriate for transfer. We expect that each predecessor body will identify very few, if any, papers which are unsuitable for transfer. In conducting this exercise they will need to ensure that they take full account of existing and proposed freedom of information legislation and the openness regime under which the GLA and functional bodies will operate.

  Budgets for the GLA, TfL and LDA are as set out on 17 February 2000, Official Report, column 637W.

  To permit the GlA, TfL and LDA to start functioning immediately on their respective start dates, orders to facilitate the transition have been made under powers in sections 405 and 406 of the GLA Act. These enable the new organisations to make arrangements for their financial operations and, where necessary, to prepare standing orders for their initial meetings. In addition temporary appointments of certain statutory office holders in the GLA, TfL and LDA have been made by the Secretary of State using powers in section 407 of the GLA Act.

  To remove any doubts about the application of the Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 to transfers of staff to the new organisations, an order has been made applying the 1981 Regulations to all transfers of staff by means of transfer schemes or orders under the GLA Act powers. A further order added the new organisations to the list of bodies eligible to be members of the Local Government Pension Scheme.

  Oceans
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what outcome he expects from the forthcoming UN Informal Consultative Process on the Oceans to be held in New York on 30 May to 2 June. [124190]

  Mr. Prescott
  The establishment of a UN Informal Consultative Process is a new and promising development. For a long time, I have been calling for a single global focus for integrating action on the oceans. At the 1999 meeting of the Commission on Sustainable Development, I particularly highlighted the need for better preparation of the annual UN General Assembly debate on Oceans and the Law of the Sea and better implementation by all states of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and Chapter 17, Oceans and All Seas, of Agenda 21. I believe that the new Informal Consultative Process will address both these points.

  The UK has played a leading role in getting the new Process established and we are looking forward to participating in a productive meeting. Although all aspects of the oceans and seas are closely interrelated and need to be considered as a whole, discussion should focus on one or two main areas, to get agreement on the progress to be made. In this inaugural meeting, the issues of tackling illegal, unregulated and unreported fisheries and the economic and social implications of marine pollution have emerged as issues of particular concern. These are important issues and we want to ensure that the new process makes a real difference to progress in tackling them. In particular, there needs to be early entry into force of the UN fish stock agreement and full implementation
  578W
  of that agreement, the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, and the Global Programme of Action against land-based marine pollution. The new Process should promote concerted action for this purpose by all the different international bodies involved.

  Standard Spending Assessments
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the age-related demographic factors used in setting SSAs. [123296]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  A wide range of indicators is used in working out Standard Spending Assessments. The following age-related demographic factors were used in calculations for the 2000–01 settlement:

  Resident population aged 0–4; 5–10; 11–15 11+; 16–24; 0–17; 18–64; 65+; 75–84; 85+

  Household residents aged 65+; 75–84; 85+

  Pupils aged 4; 5–10; 11–15; 16+

  Resident pupils aged 5–10; 11–15

  Children of lone parents

  Children of Income Support/income-based Jobseeker's Allowance claimants

  Country of birth indicator; proportion of household residents under 16 years of age who were born outside the UK and whose head of household was born outside the UK, the Irish Republic, USA or the Old Commonwealth

  Children in one adult households

  Children living in flats

  Children with limiting long-term illness

  Elderly in receipt of Income Support/income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

  Elderly in receipt of Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance

  Pensioners living in rented accommodation

  Pensioners not in a couple and not head of household

  Pensioners living alone

  >Elderly household residents with limiting long-term illness

  Elderly residents with limiting long-term illness

  Young male unemployment-related benefit claimants

  Income Support/income-based Jobseeker's Allowance claimants aged 18 to 64

  Standardised morbidity ratio 18 to 64

  Standardised mortality ratio (constructed using age banded data)

  The proportion of household residents living in a lone parent family with at least one dependent child.

PRIME MINISTER

  Honours (Removal)
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Prime Minister on how many occasions honours have been removed from those who received them, and for what reasons, in the last ten years. [122904]

  The Prime Minister
  In the last ten years, there have been 13 cases of forfeiture of honours for which the Prime Minister is responsible. The reasons leading to these forfeitures are:

  (i) corruption (mis-use of their position): five cases;

  (ii) company fraud: three cases;

  579W

  (iii) sexual offences against children: three cases; and

  (iv) theft: two cases.

  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Prime Minister if a conviction for perjury constitutes grounds for recommending the removal of a life peerage. [122905]

  The Prime Minister
  This would require legislation to be passed by both Houses of Parliament. Once a Peer has been created, neither the Sovereign, the Prime Minister nor the House of Lords alone can cause his or her title to be forfeited.

  Debt Relief
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he had with the Japanese Prime Minister about debt relief at their recent meeting. [123105]

  The Prime Minister
  Prime Minister Mori and I met on 3 May. We covered issues in preparation for the G8 Summit in Okinawa in July, and agreed on the importance of discussing debt issues at the Summit. We are both concerned to see that the debt relief measures agreed at the Cologne Summit last year are implemented.

  Rural Economies
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will place the responses received by his Department to the Performance and Innovation Unit's report, "Rural Economies", in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [123397]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 24 May 2000]: The Performance and Innovation Unit's report, "Rural Economies", asked for comments on the report to be sent to the Rural White Paper Team at the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions by 11 February 2000. Copies of the responses received will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses in due course (except for those which respondents request remain confidential).

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Ethiopia
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he and the Ministers in his Department last had a meeting with the Ethiopian Ambassador to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [123528]

  Mr. Hain
  I last met the Ethiopian Ambassador when he accompanied the Ethiopian Foreign Minister, Atto Seyoum Mesfin, who called on me on 9 December 1999. I saw him again on 23 May when I strongly criticised Ethiopia's renewal of fighting against Eritrea.

  Zimbabwe
  Mr. Anthony D. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has received the report from the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs on the prospects for free and fair elections in Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement. [124185]
  580W
  Mr. Hain
  I understand that a distinguished, international delegation organised by the National Democratic Institute visited Zimbabwe from 15 to 22 May. After over 30 meetings with representatives of government, political parties and civil society the delegation called for "heightened observation" of the elections by the international community. Their findings reflect an atmosphere of anxiety and fear, a news bias in favour of the ruling party, and that the Registrar General has so far failed to establish an open and transparent electoral process. We hope that the delegation's observations are closely heeded in Zimbabwe.

  Burma
  Mr. Anthony D. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes have been made to EU sanctions in place against Burma. [124186]

  Mr. Vaz
  On 26 April the Council of the European Union adopted a Common Position (2000/346/CFSP) which enhanced EU sanctions against Burma by strengthening the existing visa ban, imposing a freeze on the funds of those individuals subject to the visa ban and imposing a ban on the supply of equipment which might be used for internal repression or terrorism.

  Following from this Common Position, the Council adopted Regulation 1081/2000 on 22 May. The Regulation prohibits the sale, supply, export or shipment of goods listed in an Annexe to the Regulation, directly or indirectly, whether or not originating in the Community, to any person or body in Burma or to any person or body for the purpose of any business carried on in, or operated from, the territory of Burma.

  The Regulation also provides that all funds belonging to individual listed in an annexe to the Regulation shall be frozen and that no funds shall be made available, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of those persons.

  The Regulation applies within the territory of the Community including its air space and on board any aircraft or any vessel under the jurisdiction of a member state and, to any person elsewhere who is a national of a member state and any body which is incorporated or constituted under the law of a member state.

  The Regulation entered into force on 24 May and is directly applicable in the UK. Legislation to provide for enforcement, including penalties, will shortly be in effect.

  Laptops
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many laptop computers used by Ministers, officials and special advisers in his Department have been(a) lost and (b) stolen since May 1997. [123736]

  Mr. Battle
  There are three instances of FCO laptops going missing. In two cases, overseas, these are recorded as losses. But every loss may, in fact, be a theft. The third instance was theft, again overseas.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Sporting Opportunities
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what action the Government are taking to increase the level of sporting opportunity in areas of high deprivation and social exclusion. [123524]

  Kate Hoey
  Our recently published sports strategy—A Sporting Future for All—and the report of Policy Action Team 10, recognise the unique contribution which sport can make to tackling social exclusion. As a result, we will be working with other agencies to develop creative and innovative ways of using sport to re-engage people and equip them with the skills and confidence to re-join the main stream of society. We have also asked all funding bodies in sport to ensure that the promotion of social inclusion is a key part of all their work, and have called for a concerted effort to recruit, train and support more women, people with disabilities and people from ethnic minority groups as coaches, officials and sports administrators. All agencies receiving public funding will be required to demonstrate that they have adopted pro-active solutions to any inequities which exist.

  Sport England's Lottery Strategy, which was published in May last year, sets out its commitment to target funding at social inclusion and deprived areas. This means that at least two-thirds of its Lottery funds are invested in community facilities or activities, of which at least 50 per cent. will go to areas of greatest need; young people, recreationally deprived groups and people with disabilities are a priority; and equality of access for all. Specific programmes include the Priority Areas Initiative which targets deprived areas and allows a higher rate of funding and Sport Action Zones, the first 12 of which were announced in January, which aim to provide comprehensive sports development infrastructures aimed at increasing opportunities for participation in some of the most recreationally deprived areas of the country. Sport England will also be using its powers of solicitation to invite applications for funding from schools in Sport Action Zones, Education Action Zones and Excellence in Cities areas.

  Millennium Experience (Financial Support)
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if the Millennium Commission has any further plans to provide financial support to the Millennium Experience at Greenwich; and if he will make a statement. [124339]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  On 22 May the Millennium Commission considered an application for additional grant totalling £38.6 million from the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC). While the Commission had serious reservations about providing further grant, they concluded that it would be foolish to withdraw support when the best of the year for visitor attractions is yet to come. They also felt that the value of the Dome as the centrepiece of the nation's millennium celebrations 582W
  should be recognised and continued. The potential costs to the public sector arising from immediate closure, along with the economic impact on employment and tourism were other factors taken into account.

  In light of this, the Commission announced that a further grant of £29 million, subject to stringent conditions, would be made available to NMEC. The Commission's decision was taken after an independent review of the NMEC's financial systems and business plans. The conditions are that there should be:
  strengthening and restructuring of NMEC's management and governance;
  a revised business plan showing substantial additional cost savings and enhanced marketing plans; and
  an enhanced financial team at NMEC, to be joined by a dedicated member of the Millennium Commission's own financial staff.

  All the Millennium Commissioners expressed confidence in NMEC's Chief Executive, P-Y Gerbeau, and are appreciative of the changes he has made to the operation and running of the Millennium Experience.

  Despite lower than predicted visitor numbers, the Dome is the most popular and highly rated paid visitor attraction in the UK, with a wide range of educational benefits. NMEC is also running a National Programme of events and activities across the UK. In addition, the largest derelict site in southern England has been regenerated and the foundations have been laid for a lasting legacy providing jobs and homes for thousands of people.

  In line with the commitment made by the previous administration that any additional Lottery funds required to support the Dome should not be at the expense of the Millennium Commission's wider programme of work, the Government confirmed that Lottery money would, if necessary, be made available to the Commission to ensure that it's wider programme does not suffer.

  Lottery Grants (Coalfields)
  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how he intends to help coalfield areas to benefit further from the National Lottery. [124188]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I am committed to ensuring that Lottery funding is distributed fairly and equitably both geographically and across all groups of society. On 5 June my Department will be publishing a report which examines the impact of the National Lottery on coalfield areas. Copies of the report will be available in the Library of the House. My Department and distributors will follow up the recommendations in that report in order to help coalfield and other areas of low take-up to benefit.

  Opinion Research
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what was his Department's budget for opinion research in the financial year 1999–2000. [123850]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  None. My Department has no budget set aside for this purpose.
  583W
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will place copies of the results of all market and opinion research carried out by his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies since May 1997, in the Library. [123805]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Given the extensive number of sources and documents, many unpublished, this material could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Statistics
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what statistics relating to the responsibilities of his Department are collated by parliamentary constituency, indicating the dates covered in each case. [123842]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Since 1993 my Department has maintained a database of National Lottery awards, from which a breakdown by parliamentary constituency is available on the DCMS website (http:/www.culture.gov.uk)

  Art Loans
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many indemnity undertakings were given by departments under section 16 of the National Heritage Act 1980 for the six month period ended 31 March; and what was the value of(a) any contingent liabilities in respect of such undertakings given at any time under that section which remain outstanding as at 31 March, (b) non-statutory Government indemnities in respect of loans handled by the Government Art Collection which remain outstanding as at 31 March and (c) non-statutory undertakings to Her Majesty in respect of loans from the Royal Collection which remain outstanding at 31 March. [124189]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The provision for the Government Indemnity Scheme is made by the National Heritage Act 1980. The scheme facilitates public access to loans of works of art and other objects for public display made to museums, galleries and other such institutions by private owners and non-national institutions. It does this by indemnifying lenders against loss or damage to their loan. Loans covered by the scheme must be for public benefit. The scheme also covers loans of such objects for study purposes within borrowing institutions where this would contribute materially to the public's understanding or appreciation of the loan. Examples of this are enhancing interpretation or explanation to the public of objects or bringing into the public domain, the conclusions of any study.

  In the six month period ended 31 March 2000, the following undertakings to indemnify were given under section 16 by the relevant Departments for objects on loan to national and non-national institutions:

  Department

  Number

  Department for Culture, Media and Sport

  626

  Scottish Executive Education Department

  102

  The National Assembly for Wales

  59

  Department of Education for Northern Ireland

  11

  584W
  The value of contingent libilities in respect of undertakings given at any time under section 16 and which remained outstanding as at 31 march 2000 is:

  Department

  £

  Department for Culture, Media and Sport

  1,829,371,639

  Scottish Executive Education Department

  795,068,302

  The National Assembly for Wales

  54,029,174

  Department of Education for Northern Ireland

  4,727,317

  The Value of non-statutory Government indemnities to cover loans handled by the Government Art Collection and which remained outstanding as at 31 March 2000 is:
  Value: £5,475,000.

  The value of non-statutory Undertakings given to Her Majesty in respect of loans from the Royal Collection and which remained outstanding as at 31 March 2000 is:
  Value: £227,307,975.

TREASURY

  Computers within Reach
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what technical specifications he has set for the computers he plans to be leased to people on income support. [123380]

  Mr. Wills
  I have been asked to reply.

  The specification set under the Computers within Reach initiative for low-income learners and families is for a desktop computer with a minimum of a Pentium 1 processor, preferably a 133 MHz processor or faster, or Apple equivalent. The specification also includes a minimum of 32 Megabytes of RAM, 1 Gigabyte hard disk drive, 20-speed CD-ROM drive, V90 56k modem, an operating system and web browser software. The specification is set at a relatively high level given the intended duration of the initiative until 2002.

  Monetary Policy Committee
  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he plans to change the remit of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee. [124311]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  In accordance with Section 12 of the Bank of England Act 1998, I have today written to the Governor restating the MPC's remit and how it will be held accountable for meeting the remit.

  My letter has been laid before Parliament and a copy has been sent to the Chairman of the Treasury Committee. Copies are also being deposited in the Libraries of both Houses.

  National Insurance
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many married women actively revoked their decision to pay the reduced rate of National Insurance contributions in each year from 1977 to the present; [120999]
  585W
  (2) what decision he has reached about undertaking a further information campaign to advise married women paying the reduced rate of National Insurance contributions about their options; [120998]

  (3) if he will estimate, for the latest year for which data are available, the number of married women currently paying the reduced rate of National Insurance contributions who would pay less in National Insurance contributions if they were to pay the full rate of National Insurance contributions; and if he will provide corresponding estimates for 1990; [121199]

  (4) if he will place in the Library a copy of the current version of Form CF383 relating to the certificate of election for married women to pay reduced rate National Insurance contributions, together with a copy of the corresponding form issued in 1978; [122122]

  (5) if he will place in the Library a copy of the mailing which was sent in 1989 to all women still paying reduced rate National Insurance contributions alerting them to the impending reform to the structure of NICs; and if he will estimate the number of such letters which were issued. [123882]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 5 May 2000]: The number of women who actively revoked their election to pay the reduced rate of National Insurance contributions is not available. A series of the number of women paying at the reduced rate is available in Table 11 of "Contributions and Qualifying Years for Retirement Pension 1995/96-Volume 2", a copy of which is in the Library of the House. However, the year on year reductions in the numbers paying at the reduced rate will be due only in part to those actively revoking their election.

  A copy of the 1989 mailshot has been placed in the Library. The mailshot was issued to around 300,000 married women. The coverage went wider than those whose election might have resulted in them paying more NICs at that time.

  A copy of a 1978 CF383 and a current version of CF383 have been placed in the Library.

  I can confirm that a further publicity exercise will be undertaken later this year. It will be aimed at all women who hold a valid election to pay National Insurance contributions at the reduced rate.

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received about working families tax credit; what plans he has to make changes in the working families tax credit system; and if he will make a statement. [123280]

  Dawn Primarolo
  In the Budget, the Government announced their intention to build on the success of WFTC by introducing an integrated child credit and an employment tax credit from 2003.

  The integrated child credit will bring together the support for children in WFTC and IS/JSA and the new Children's Tax Credit to create one payment to the main carer. This will create a seamless and transparent system
  586W
  of support for children which will further help to deliver the Government's commitment to end child poverty within a generation.

  The adult credit element of WFTC will, along with the Disabled Person's Tax Credit and the Employment Credit component of the New Deal 50 plus, form the foundation of a new employment tax credit which will extend the principle of WFTC to people without children. Paid through the wage packet the employment tax credit will form a single visible instrument, underpinned by the national minimum wage, to make work pay.

  The budget paper, "Tackling Poverty and Making Work Pay—Tax Credits for the 21st Century", sets out this next stage of reform in more detail.

  We have received a number of representations regarding the development of the new credits and we will continue to discuss the proposed reforms with interested parties.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 19 May 2000,Official Report, column 294W, on poverty, if the figure of £2.7 billion extra financial support for children from the working families tax credit given in chart 5.2 of the March 2000 Economic and Fiscal Strategy report includes expenditure on the disabled person's tax credit. [123855]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The figure for the extra financial support delivered through the Working Families Tax Credit includes the additional expenditure on the Disabled person's Tax Credit for families with children.

  VAT (Listed Buildings)
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the annual cost of(a) a 10 per cent., (b) an 8 per cent. and (c) a 5 per cent. rate of VAT on restoration work for listed buildings. [123723]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Customs and Excise do not have estimates of the costs of reducing the VAT rate on restoration work for listed buildings because reliable estimates of amounts of VAT which have been paid in the past on such work are not available.

  EU Environmental Taxes
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which environmental taxes he approves under EU proposals for Common EU environmental taxes. [123792]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Any EU proposal on tax is considered by Treasury Ministers, and follows the normal process set out in my reply to the right hon. Member of 9 May 2000,Official Report, column 334W.

  Child Poverty
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 19 May 2000,Official Report, column 294W, on poverty, (a) when 1.2 million children will be lifted above the 60 per cent. of median household income threshold and (b) if this figure is net of those children in households whose income moves below this threshold. [123853]
  587W
  Dawn Primarolo
  On(a), the estimate that 1.2 million children will be lifted above 60 per cent. of median income looks at the effect of all personal tax and benefit changes announced in the past four Budgets; all of these measures will have taken effect by April 2001. On (b), the estimates given in Box 5.1 of the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report are net of any children in households whose incomes move below the income thresholds.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 19 May 2000,Official Report, column 294W, on poverty, if the figure of 1.2 million children to be lifted above 60 per cent. of median earnings includes tapering for (a) housing benefit and (b) council tax benefit. [123854]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The definition of income used in this figure is consistent with that in "Households Below Average Income" and includes Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. The estimate of 1.2 million children therefore includes the effect of the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit tapers.

  Opinion Research
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library copies of the results of all market and opinion research carried out by his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies since May 1997. [123808]

  Mr. Timms
  I regret that this information is not held centrally and can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Landfill Tax
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been paid from the landfill tax to each of the top 20 recipients among independent environmental trusts; and if he will name them. [123753]

  Mr. Timms
  Information about which environmental bodies have received contributions under the Landfill Tax Environmental Bodies Credit Scheme and how much they have received is a matter for the Regulator for the scheme, ENTRUST. I have therefore asked them to provide such data as they hold and I will place a copy of their response in the Library.

  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to make changes to the way landfill tax credits are paid to environmental trusts. [123754]

  Mr. Timms
  My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment will shortly publish the Waste Strategy 2000. This will set out the Government's plans to encourage greater support for sustainable waste management activities through the Landfill Tax Environmental Bodies Credit Scheme.

  State Pension
  Dr. George Turner
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he estimates would be the cost to the Treasury of tax relief for the basic state pension if such relief were(a) restricted to the 10 per cent. tax rate, (b) restricted to the 22 per cent. tax rate and (c) unrestricted. [120547]
  588W
  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The information is not available.

  Laptops
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many laptop computers used by Ministers, officials and special advisers in his Department have been(a) lost and (b) stolen since May 1997. [123747]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Of the laptops used by HM Treasury, one was reported as lost and six as stolen, since May 1997.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Statute Law Database
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what progress has been made with the Statute Law Database; and if he will make a statement. [123598]

  Mr. Lock
  Subject to a few exceptions, the Statute Law Database currently holds electronic versions of all public general statutes that were in force on 1 February 1991 as well as all statutes and printed statutory instruments, both general and local, enacted since that date. The Statutory Publications Office is editing statutes on the database, grouped together according to subject matter, bringing them fully up to date by the application of amendments made by subsequent legislation. During the course of the year 2000, successive groups of statutes will become available to end users in a fully updated form. The inquiry facility is currently available to selected Government users.

  Civil Justice Review
  Mrs. Fitzsimons
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he intends to publish the Review of Civil Justice in Northern Ireland. [124191]

  Mr. Lock
  The final report of the Civil Justice Reform Group will be published on 16 June with a consultation period until the end of September. Copies will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Laptops
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many laptop computers used by Ministers, officials and special advisers in his Department have been(a) lost and (b) stolen since May 1997. [123741]

  Mr. Lock
  Figures for lost or stolen laptop computers within the Lord Chancellor's Department and associated offices since May 1997 are shown in the table.

  Lost or stolen computers—Lord Chancellor's Department and associated offices

  Lost

  Stolen

  1997

  0

  0

  1998

  0

  1

  1999

  0

  2

  2000

  0

  1

  Sentence Committals
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many committals for sentence there were at the Crown court by magistrates in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [123864]

  Mr. Lock
  The total number of cases committed for sentence to the Crown court by magistrates courts for the last five years are:

  Years

  Number

  1995

  8,757

  1996

  9,287

  1997

  11,835

  1998

  26,090

  1999

  27,086

  Opinion Research
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will place copies of the results of all market and opinion research carried out by the Lord Chancellor's Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies since May 1997, in the Library. [123811]

  Mr. Lock
  Copies of all published items relating to market and opinion research since May 1997 will be placed in the Library.

  Statistics
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what statistics relating to the responsibilities of his Department are collated by parliamentary constituency, indicating the dates covered in each case. [123831]

  Mr. Lock
  No statistics relating to the responsibilities of the Lord Chancellor's Department are collated by parliamentary constituency.

HEALTH

  Meat Hygiene Service
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if an Office of Veterinary Services contract has been awarded by the Meat Hygiene Service in respect of the new meat plant at Merthyr Tydfil; and if he will make a statement. [121218]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 10 May 2000]: I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) has yet to put out to tender the contract for the provision of Official Veterinary Service (OVS) duties to the new abattoir currently being built at Merthyr Tydfil. This plant has yet to be licensed by the Food Standards Agency and has not commenced operations.

  The contract for the provision of OVS duties to the licensed cutting plant that is currently operating from the same site was awarded to the Abbey Veterinary Centre at Abergavenny.
  590W
  The MHS makes extensive use of contract OVSs which it obtains by means of best practice competitive tendering procedures.

  Private Health Care
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health in what ways he intends the provisions of the Care Standards Bill [Lords] will affect the regulation of private hospitals. [123130]

  Mr. Hutton
  Our plans for the regulation of private hospitals and other independent health care establishments were published in "The Way Forward" in December last year, following a wide-ranging consultation exercise. A further paper, "Developing The Way Forward", was published in March this year. This outlines how we envisage regulation of independent health care by the proposed National Care Standards Commission, to be established by the Care Standards Bill, will work in practice. These documents have been placed in the Library and are available on the Department's website at:

  "The Way Forward"—www.doh.gov.uk/regulate2.htm

  "Developing The Way Forward"—www.doh.gov.uk/regulate4.htm

  The regulation of the private and voluntary health care sector in Wales, including private hospitals, will be the responsibility of the proposed new care regulatory arm of the National Assembly.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what policies his Department has to protect the interests of consumers of private health care; and if he will make a statement. [123635]

  Ms Stuart
  Independent sector health care establishments are currently regulated under the Registered Homes Act 1984. Our proposals for the future regulation of private hospitals and other independent health care establishments were published in "The Way Forward" in December last year, following a wide-ranging consultation exercise. A further paper, "Developing The Way Forward", was published in March this year. This outlines how we envisage regulation of independent health care by the proposed National Care Standards Commission, to be established by the Care Standards Bill, will work in practice. Ensuring safeguards and quality assurance for patients will be addressed. These documents have been placed in the Library and are available on the Department of Health website at:

  "The Way Forward"—www.doh.gov.uk/regulate2.htm

  "Developing The Way Forward—www.doh.gov.uk/regulate4.htm

  Social Services Inspectorate
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the reports he has received from the Social Services Inspectorate about the implementation of Circular HSC1999/162: LAC (99) 28; how many of them indicate that the Circular is being implemented properly and fully at local level; and if he will make a statement. [123081]

  Mr. Hutton
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) on 20 April 2000,Official Report, column 624W.

  Disabled People (Care at Home)
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people with(a) physical and (b) mental disabilities are cared for at home by their families. [123291]

  Mr. Hutton
  The requested information on the number of people cared for at home by families is not available.

  However, the General Household Survey (GHS) indicates that there are around 5.7 million people who are carers in Great Britain. The table shows the percentage of people who are acting as carers by the type of disability of the dependant. The number of carers who are looking after people by disability of dependant can not be estimated accurately because of small sample sizes.

  Disability of main dependent by whether that dependant lived in carer's household, 1995 Great Britain

  Percentage

  Carers with main dependant

  Dependant's disability

  In the same household

  In another private household

  Total

  Physical only

  66

  57

  60

  Mental only

  7

  7

  7

  Physical and mental

  22

  12

  15

  Old age

  5

  23

  17

  Other

  0

  1

  1

  Source:

  1995 GHS

  Dioxins
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent research the Government have commissioned to assess dioxin levels in meat and dairy products(a) produced in and (b) imported into the United Kingdom. [123490]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 3 May 2000]: I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that it has a continuing programme of surveys on dioxins in food consumed in the United Kingdom, including meat and dairy products. The results show the levels of dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls in food are continuing to fall. The average dietary intake of these chemicals in the UK is below the Tolerable Daily Intake recommended by the UK Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment. Details of all surveys are available on the Agency's website at www.foodstandards.gov.uk.

  Ambulances
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate has been made of the effect on the cost of ambulances of the recent EU Directive relating to ambulances; and which European producers make ambulances consistent with the Directive. [123326]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: No estimate of the potential costs to National Health Service Ambulance Service trusts has been made of introducing the standards recommended by the Comité Européen de Normalisation (CEN) and adopted by the British Standards Institute (BSI). The NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency is working with the ambulance services
  592W
  and manufacturers to determine the costs. Currently no European manufacturers make ambulance vehicles to the new CEN/BSI standards.

  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement setting out the implications of the EU Directive on ambulances; what the object of the Directive was; and what was the policy of Her Majesty's Government on it. [123325]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: Following a period of consultation with manufacturers and users, two new European standards for ambulance vehicles and their equipment were recommended by the Comité Européen de Normalisation (CEN) in August and September last year. Membership of CEN is wider than European Union member states and their recommendations have force only through the Public Procurement Legislative Programme. The object of this programme is to reduce technical barriers to trade throughout the European Free Trade Area.

  The British Standards Institute adopted the CEN recommendations as national standards in January 2000. New ambulance vehicles and their equipment will be expected to conform to these standards in the future. We recognise that good purchasing practice by the ambulance services requires the inclusion of agreed standards in specifications where these exist.

  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many ambulances in the United Kingdom are consistent with the requirements of the EU Directive. [123327]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: The new British Standards for ambulance vehicles and equipment were adopted in January this year and apply only to new vehicles specified and purchased after that date. The National Health Service Purchasing and Supply Agency is currently working with NHS Ambulance Services trusts and vehicle manufacturers to identify those elements of the standards with which they are currently able to conform and the time scale for full compliance with the standards.

  Teenage Pregnancy
  Mrs. Heal
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress he has made on setting up an independent national advisory group on teenage pregnancy. [124314]

  Yvette Cooper
  I am pleased to announce that the Independent Advisory Group on Teenage Pregnancy has now been established, and that the first meeting of the Group will take place today. It will be chaired by Winifred Tumim, who is currently Chair of the National Council of Voluntary organisations.

  The Group's role will be to provide advice to Government and to monitor the overall success of our strategy to cut teenage pregnancy rates and reduce the risk of long term social exclusion for teenage parents and their children.

  Children's Homes
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which institutions housing young offenders come within the definition of a children's home in section 1 of the Care Standards Bill [Lords]; what discussions he has

  593W
  had with the Home Office and the Youth Justice Board regarding the definition of a children's home; and if he will make a statement. [123599]

  Mr. Hutton
  Clause 1 of the Care Standards Bill defines what is a children's home for the purposes of the Bill. In relation to institutions housing young offenders, the current definition of a children's home will not be altered. For that reason, we have had no discussions with the Home Office or the Youth Justice Board regarding the definition of a children's home, as institutions housing young offenders do not come within the definition of a children's home.

  Wheelchairs
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list how many(a) electronically powered indoor/outdoor wheelchairs and (b) wheelchair vouchers were issued by each health authority in (i) 1997, (ii) 1998 and (iii) 1999; and what was the cost to each health authority. [123505]

  Mr. Hutton
  Table 1 shows the totals for numbers of electrically powered indoor/outdoor wheelchairs issued to users and numbers of people issued with a voucher for 1997–98 and 1998–99, along with forecasted outturn figures for 1999–2000, in England.

  Table 2 shows the totals for the total committed spend on electrically powered indoor/outdoor wheelchairs, and total actual spend on vouchers for 1997–98 and 1998–99, along with forecasted expenditure figures for 1999–2000, in England.

  A breakdown by each health authority of these national figures has been placed in the Library.

  Table 1

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Numbers of electronic indoor/outdoor wheelchairs issued to users

  4,464

  4,033

  3,263

  Numbers of people issued with a voucher

  560

  5,010

  6,217

  Table 2

  £

  Total committed spend on powered indoor/outdoor wheelchairs

  Total actual spend on vouchers

  1997–98

  6,428,468

  764,000

  1998–99

  8,098,511

  3,457,516.51

  1999–2000

  6,936,225.91

  3,968,668.66

  Notes:

  1. Data are based on National Health Service financial accounting years.

  2. Figures for 1999–2000 are based on forecasted returns for quarter 4 1999–2000.

  3. As health authorities were required to have voucher schemes in place by 1 April 1998, data returns on numbers of people issued with a voucher were not compulsory during 1997–98.

  4. In February 1998–99 health authorities were authorised to transfer any voucher scheme underspends to mainsteam or powered wheelchair provision. This expenditure is not reflected in the report of expenditure on actual vouchers.

  Mobile Telephone Emissions
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when Sir William Stewart first indicated the likely contents of his report and the conclusions of the inquiry into mobile telephone emissions to officials in his Department; and when this information was made known to ministers. [122334]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 16 May 2000]: From 1 November 1999, the Government publicly stated that,
  "Officials of the Department of Health and the Department of Trade and Industry are observers at the Group's meetings while it is taking evidence and may also be observers when the Group considers, in private, its conclusions and recommendations for the report. Such information will not be released outside Government".

  Officials saw draft conclusions and recommendations which were being formulated by Sir William Stewart and members of the group during the period to 23 March. Ministers did not see these drafts, nor were they briefed on their contents. Officials were not present for the final deliberations of the Group nor did they see the final set of conclusions and recommendations. Ministers and officials took receipt of the completed report on 3 May 2000.

  Pensions (Part-timers)
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what effect the European Court of Justice's ruling on pensions for part-timers will have on NHS pensions; and what estimate he has made of the maximum and minimum cost to NHS pension funds of the ruling. [123263]

  Mr. Rooker
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the hon. Member to my written answer on 23 May 2000, Official Report, column 484W.

  Grazing Land
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to implement the recommendation of SEAC that the spreading of liquid condensate on grazing land should cease; and if he will make a statement. [118536]

  Ms Quin
  I have been asked to reply.

  We are actively considering how to take forward the SEAC advice and hope to consult on proposals shortly.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Civil Servants
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the average percentage increase in salaries of non-industrial civil servants, excluding members of the senior civil service, in his Department for 1999–2000; and to what extent the pay awards were staged. [121680]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 18 May 2000]: The headline pay settlement was 2 per cent. on the paybill and, together with the additional funds from staff turnover, staff in post received in total performance related increases averaging 4 per cent. The increases were not staged.

  Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 3 April 2000,Official Report, column 325W, if he will list the companies and sites in the United Kingdom that manufactured methyl tertiary butyl ether in 1999. [123453]

  Mrs. Liddell
  One company, TotalFina Great Britain Ltd., manufactured methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) in the UK in 1999, at Lindsay Oil Refinery, South Killingholme, Humberside.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 3 April 2000,Official Report, column 325W, what large-scale manufacturing processes in the United Kingdom other than in the petroleum industry include the use of methyl tertiary butyl ether. [123449]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is used in small amounts by the oil refining industry, with the average concentration of MTBE in UK petrol about 1 per cent., well below that permitted under EU law. The chemicals and pharmaceuticals industries also use MTBE in small amounts.

  Northern Region (Relocations)
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the executive agencies, non-departmental public bodies and local public spending bodies for which his Department is responsible that(a) have been transferred since 1992 and (b) are planned to be transferred (i) to and (ii) from the Northern Region. [123408]

  Dr. Howells
  None of the Department's executive agencies or non-departmental public bodies has relocated since 1992 either to or from the area covered by the North East and North West Government Offices. There are no current plans for such relocations.

  Coal Industry Pension Schemes
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to reduce the percentage of the surpluses from the Mineworkers Pension Scheme and British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme taken by the Government. [123438]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Since 1994, the DTI has acted as guarantor to the former British Coal pension schemes. In doing so it underwrites 100 per cent. of any downside risk to guaranteed benefits in the event of scheme deficits. The guarantee means that basic pensions will always rise at least in line with inflation and will never fall in cash terms. In return the Government receive 50 per cent. of any actuarial scheme surpluses—the remaining 50 per cent. being available to the scheme Trustees for distribution among their memberships. The Government have no plans to re-open the guarantee arrangements, but it is discussing with the Trustees whether there are opportunities to build upon them to the mutual benefit of Scheme members and Government.

  Ms Squire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he next plans to meet trade unions to discuss the use of the surplus in the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme and the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme. [123126]
  596W
  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 24 May 2000]: Decisions on the allocation of the members' share of any surpluses in the coal pension schemes are principally issues for the Trustees of the schemes. I meet representatives of the mining unions regularly and I am always prepared to discuss a broad range of issues including the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme.

  Manufacturing Industry
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action the Government are taking to support manufacturing industry in the north-west; what related discussions he has had in the north-west during the last year; and if he will make a statement. [123527]

  Mr. Caborn
  Support for manufacturers is listed at Annexe A of the DTI report, "Manufacturing in the Knowledge Driven Economy". This report provides contact details for further information and can be found on the DTI website: www.dti.gov/comp/knowledge.htm.

  In addition there are a number of initiatives which will assist in the creation and development of manufacturing companies—Regional Capital Venture Funds; a Phoenix Fund, the UK High Technology Fund and the Innovative High Growth Start Up Initiative which will be open to companies across the whole of the North West. As part of the Government's response to the financing problems of SMEs, we have introduced the new Enterprise Grant scheme. It is proposed that this will cover 64 per cent. of the population in the north-west.

  We are also consulting Regional Development Agencies on the potential for the development of Regional Centres for Manufacturing Excellence and Productivity.

  Ministers have regular discussions on regional matters. As my hon. Friend is aware, I am due to be in the region on 2 June to meet him and my hon. Friends the Members for Rossendale and Darwen (Janet Anderson) and for Hyndburn (Mr. Pope).

  Regulations
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many regulations have been repealed by his Department since May 1997; and what estimate he has made of the resulting cost savings. [123302]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: My Department revoked seven regulations between May 1997 and the end of March this year. In most cases the effects were cost neutral. In the period between May 1995 and May 1997 only four regulators were revoked. These were cost neutral.

  Regional Selective Assistance
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to submit an application to the European Commission for the approval of £25 million of regional selective assistance for the proposed new Marconi site at Ansty; and if he will make a statement. [123307]
  597W
  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: The Government's offer of Regional Selective Assistance for this high quality project is, like any such offer, subject to the rules governing state aids. Individual notification of the project to the European Commission will not be required.

  Opinion Research
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will list opinion research projects undertaken on behalf of his Department in the financial year 1999–2000, broken down into(a) focus group research, (b) quantitative surveys and (c) other market research surveys; and if he will list in each case where and when the results were published; [123308]

  Surveys involving an element of opinion gathering carried out during the 1999–2000 financial year

  Title

  Purpose

  Regular surveys

  Census of hospital-treated firework injuries

  Advertising campaign evaluation

  Survey of gas suppliers

  Quantitative research

  EMIC user satisfaction questionnaire

  Customer satisfaction

  Business information security survey

  Programme evaluation

  Tracking study on business support needs

  Customer satisfaction

  Benchmarking and awareness tracking (EMRS)

  Programme evaluation

  Subtotal (6)

  Ad-hoc Surveys

  Survey of school science teachers

  Programme research

  Evaluation of the Renewable Energy Programme in the UK

  Programme evaluation

  Survey of small firms awareness, knowledge and access to information on individual employment Rights

  Programme evaluation

  Market research into the introduction of automated payroll service

  Programme evaluation

  Supply and availability of facilities to manufacturing bio

  Market research

  Measurement, requirements, awareness and practices of SMEs

  Programme research

  UK business potential for virtual reality

  Programme research/state of industry

  Central Accounting Unit Customer Survey

  Customer satisfaction

  Assessment of centres of expertise

  Programme research/state of Industry

  Evaluation of small firms publications

  Programme evaluation

  New minimum wage ethnic campaign

  Programme evaluation

  British trade international branding customer survey

  Programme evaluation

  EuroPlanner evaluation

  Customer satisfaction

  Evaluation of the Link Programme on hydrocarbon reservoirs

  Programme evaluation

  Update of unwanted computer equipment: A guide to re-use

  Campaign evaluation

  Survey of local authority enforcement of the Working Time Regulations

  Programme evaluation

  Subtotal (16)

  Queen's Awards
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the impact of the Queen's Awards to Industry. [123547]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 24 May 2000]: The Queen's Awards for Export, Technological and Environmental Achievement (formerly The Queen's Award for Industry) were reviewed in 1999 by a Committee under the chairmanship of HRH The Prince of Wales. The Review Committee made 16 key recommendations including a new generic title, "The Queen's Awards for Enterprise", with broader criteria for the three categories: International Trade, Innovation, and Environmental Achievement. The Committee also recommended further work to define criteria for a Queen's Award in the field of sustainable development to be incorporated into the Awards in 2001. The Committee's recommendations were accepted in full by Her Majesty The Queen and the Prime Minister in September 1999.
  598W
  (2) how much his Department spent on opinion research in the financial year 1999–2000. [123309]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answers 23 May 2000]: (i) The following table lists all surveys carried out by the DTI and it's agencies in the financial year 1999–2000, which involved an element of opinion research, and which are subject to survey control. All of the surveys listed are considered to contain an element of opinion research, but it is not possible to break these down further into Focus Group, Quantitative and other sub-divisions with any accuracy. Details of where and when results have been published can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  (ii) The total cost to the department for all surveys carried out in the financial year 1999–2000 containing an element of opinion research was about £578,000.

  The Review commissioned market research into perceptions of the Queen's Awards among a structured sample of businesses across a wide range of sectors of business activity. Almost 90 per cent. of all respondents said that British business continued to attach importance to the Queen's Awards; over 90 per cent. of organisations said that people employed in Award winning units continued to be enthusiastic about the Awards and that the Awards provided recognition of outstanding achievement; 74 per cent. of respondents said that the Queen's Awards were the most prestigious awards for achievement in the UK economy; and 78 per cent. of Award winners said that the Awards provided an incentive to outstanding achievement.

  Since the Awards were first introduced in 1966, a total of 45,534 applications have been submitted with a total of 4,282 applicants being granted a Queen's Award. Each year many previous Award winners reapply because of the highly positive effect on their marketing of the use of the Queen's Awards emblem on their products, stationery

  599W
  and advertising material. They also cite the enhanced morale and team spirit among their staff which flows from the company winning such a prestigious accolade.

  SMART and SPUR
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will estimate the ratio of(a) sales and (b) profit to Departmental grant under the SMART and SPUR schemes in each year since the inception of the schemes. [123537]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  [holding answer 24 May 2000]: The data are not available to provide all the information requested. However, an evaluation of SMART in 1991 forecasted a grant:profits ratio of 9:20 resulting from awards made in 1988. A second evaluation of SMART in 1994 calculated a grant:sales ratio of 1:6. An evaluation of SPUR in 1994 concluded that it was too early to assess the grant:profit ratio, given that SPUR had only started in 1991. A further evaluation of Smart is planned for later this year.

  Ilisu Dam
  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which Middle East countries have informed him of their support for Turkey's planned Ilisu dam project. [123797]

  Mr. Caborn
  No Middle East countries have notified us that they support the project.

  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent assessment he has made of the impact of the proposed Ilisu dam on the built heritage in the area to be inundated. [123826]

  Mr. Caborn
  We are currently awaiting the updated Environmental Impact Assessment Report, which is expected to cover, among other issues, the impact on heritage, and the Turkish plans for mitigating this.

  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry against what environmental consideration the Ilisu dam will be assessed in relation to ECGD support. [123775]

  Merger referred

  Date referred

  BA/CityFlyer

  January 1999

  Johnston Press/Portsmouth & Sunderland Newspapers

  February 1999

  News Communications and Media/Portsmouth and Sunderland Newspapers

  February 1999

  Newsquest/Portsmouth and Sunderland Newspapers

  February 1999

  Air Products/DeVilbiss Medequip

  February 1999

  Hepworth/Naylor Industries

  March 1999

  Trinity/Minor Group

  March 1999

  RIM /Mirror Group

  March 1999

  NTL/Newcastle United

  April 1999

  Whitbread/Allied Domecq

  July 1999

  Alanod Aluminium/Metalloxyd

  July 1999

  Universal Foods/Pointing Holdings

  August 1999

  CHC Helicopter Corporation/Helicopter Services Group

  September 1999

  NTL/CWC

  November 1999

  Vivendi/BSkyB

  November 1999

  Newsquest/News Communications and Media

  December 1999

  Johnston Press/News Communications and Media

  December 1999

  600W
  Mr. Caborn
  ECGD support for Ilisu will be assessed on the basis of the updated Environmental Impact Assessment Report, which will be reviewed in the light of internationally accepted standards.

  Fuel Market
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what evidence he has of smuggled petroleum products being offered to petrol retailers in the North West of England since 1999. [122946]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 24 May 2000]: There is no substantiated evidence of smuggled products being offered to petrol retailers in the North West of England.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the size of the road transportation retail fuel market in England and Wales for(a) diesel and (b) petrol in (i) 1998 and (ii) 1999. [122945]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 24 May 2000]: Retail sales for all types of petrol in England and Wales were 19,662 thousand tonnes in 1998 and 19,444 thousand tonnes in 1999. Retail sales for automotive diesel (DERV) were 6,018 thousand tonnes in 1998 and 6,329 thousand tonnes in 1999. These figures exclude direct deliveries to commercial customers. The 1999 data are provisional.

  Office of Fair Trading
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he plans to appoint a new Director General of the Office of Fair Trading. [123751]

  Mr. Byers
  A successor to John Bridgeman as Director General of Fair Trading is currently being recruited through open competition. My intention is to appoint someone to take over when John Bridgeman's term ends on 30 September 2000.

  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the cases where he has referred mergers to the Competition Commission(a) on the advice of and (b) against the advice of the Director General of the Office of Fair Trading. [123782]

  Mr. Byers
  The table lists all the merger cases that I have referred to the Competition Commission.

  The Director General of Fair Trading (DGFT) does not advise on newspaper mergers. With the exception of NTL/CWC, all other references were made in accordance with the advice of the DGFT.
  601W

  Merger referred

  Date referred

  Trinity Mirror/News Communications and Media

  December 1999

  Carlton/United News and Media

  February 2000

  Granada/Carlton and United News and Media

  February 2000

  Independent News and Media/The Belfast Telegraph

  March 2000

  Air Canada/Canadian Airlines

  May 2000

  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will make a statement on the(a) role, (b) size and (c) powers of the board he is proposing for the Office of Fair Trading; [123750]

  (2) when he plans to introduce legislation to change the structure of the Office of Fair Trading. [123749]

  Mr. Byers
  I have proposed that a new Authority for the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) should be established to increase the breadth of experience and expertise guiding the OFT's work. Recent legislation including the Competition Act 1998 has increased the regulator's powers significantly. The role of the new Authority will be to work under the chairmanship of the Director General of Fair Trading to promote effective and competitive markets which benefit consumers. The Authority will have a minimum of five members. The Authority will have the powers currently vested in the Director General of Fair Trading. We will introduce legislation to create an Authority when parliamentary time allows.

  Vertical Integration (Competition)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what his Department's policy is on vertical integration in relation to competition matters; and if he will make a statement. [123637]

  Dr. Howells
  I examine each merger case that comes before me on its own merits. I reach my decision in the light of the Director General of Fair Trading's advice.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what assessment his Department has made of the views expressed by the OFT in November 1999, concerning further vertical integration of BUPA's private healthcare activities; and if he will make a statement; [123636]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the risks posed by vertical integration in the private healthcare sector in respect of (a) competition in the provision of private medical insurance, (b) competition in the provision of private hospital services, (c) the interests of consumers of medical insurance and (d) the interests of consumers of private hospital care; and if he will make a statement. [123632]

  Mr. Byers
  An assessment of the private medical insurance (PMI) and private medical services (PMS) market was made by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), which under UK competition law in the first instance has the responsibility to investigate allegations of anti-competitive behaviour and possible abuses of a dominant position.
  602W
  The OFT announced the results of its inquiry on 5 November 1999. It cleared the sector of major competition problems, but highlighted the need for much greater clarity and accuracy in the information available to policy holders.

  The OFT said that it would consider very carefully any further vertical integration of BUPA's or PPP's businesses.

  In the specific case of BUPA's proposed acquisition of Community Hospitals Group, I will decide whether or not to refer this case to the Competition Commission in the light of the Director General of Fair Trading's advice. Each case is considered on its individual merits.

  Minimum Wage
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the number of companies in Wales which are not paying the minimum wage. [123935]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The Government have asked the Low Pay Commission to assess the impact of the minimum wage. Their Second Report, published on 15 February, said early indications were that the vast majority of businesses throughout the UK were meeting their obligations to pay the national minimum wage and that the Inland Revenue had made a successful start to enforcement. As at the end of April 2000, minimum wage compliance offices have dealt with 204 cases of suspected underpayment of the national minimum wage in Wales.

  Power Station, Runcorn
  Mr. Roy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will announce his decision on ICI Chemicals and Polymers Ltd.'s proposal to build a combined heat and power station at Runcorn, Cheshire. [124315]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I have today given clearance under Section 14 of the Energy Act 1976 to ICI Chemicals & Polymers Ltd. to build a 250 MW gas-fired combined heat and power station at the ICI Chlor-Chemicals works, Runcorn, Cheshire. The decision has been taken in accordance with the policy set out in the White Paper entitled "Conclusions of the Review of Energy Sources for Power Generation and Government response to fourth and fifth Reports of the Trade and Industry Committee" (Cm 4071).

  The decision to give clearance to the proposal on energy policy grounds is without prejudice to any decision that may be taken on whether or not consent is granted under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989.
  603W
  Copies of the Press Notice and the clearance letter are being placed in the Library of the House.

  Laptops
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many laptop computers used by Ministers, officials and special advisers in his Department have been(a) lost and (b) stolen since May 1997. [123745]

  Dr. Howells
  During the period since May 1997 there have been 10 laptop computers stolen and three lost from my Department. These figures reflect central records for the core Department and exclude Executive Agencies.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Euro
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment which(a) local education authorities and (b) organisations for which his Department has budgetary responsibility (i) have set up and (ii) are setting up projects to prepare for the UK adopting the euro; what these projects are costing each organisation; what the total cost to the Department is; and from which budget sums already spent have come. [122812]

  Ms Jowell
  An update on changeover planning in the public sector was given in the second Outline National Changeover Plan published on 9 March.

  Teacher Re-training
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make available grants for re-training to qualified teachers seeking to re-enter the profession. [123132]

  Employment tribunal statistics for sex discrimination cases

  ACAS arbitration settled

  Heard at tribunal

  Successful at tribunal

  Year

  Total number of applications

  Number settled

  Percentage settled

  Number heard

  Number successful

  Percentage of cases heard

  1976

  243

  35

  14

  119

  24

  20

  1977

  229

  63

  28

  77

  17

  22

  1978

  171

  29

  17

  67

  14

  21

  1979

  180

  46

  26

  61

  16

  26

  1980

  181

  46

  25

  70

  15

  21

  1981

  259

  53

  20

  92

  19

  21

  1982

  150

  42

  28

  56

  24

  43

  1983

  265

  64

  24

  116

  62

  53

  1984

  314

  102

  32

  118

  52

  44

  1985

  414

  124

  30

  150

  39

  26

  19861

  612

  167

  27

  201

  48

  24

  1987

  691

  200

  29

  208

  46

  22

  1988

  935

  366

  39

  250

  78

  31

  1989

  1,046

  384

  37

  280

  86

  31

  1990

  1,078

  335

  31

  298

  78

  26

  1991

  1,104

  378

  34

  268

  90

  34

  1992

  1,386

  504

  36

  369

  127

  34

  1993

  1,969

  824

  42

  461

  176

  38

  1994

  4,052

  1,005

  25

  690

  340

  49

  1995

  3,677

  1,464

  40

  574

  218

  38

  1996

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1997

  2,839

  1,005

  35

  676

  224

  33

  1998

  4,025

  1,791

  44

  797

  270

  34

  604W
  Ms Estelle Morris
  In the current academic year, the Teacher Training Agency is providing funding for 56 courses for teachers who wish to refresh their skills. Course structures and the tuition fees charged by providers vary considerably. Local education authorities have power to make grants to teachers who attend these courses under the local education authority (Post-Compulsory Awards) Regulations 1999.

  College Lecturers (Silver Book Contracts)
  Mr. Illsley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many college lecturers are still employed on Silver Book contracts; and what proposal he has for their assimilation onto new contracts. [123277]

  Mr. Wicks
  Over 95 per cent. of all lecturers have agreed to new contracts which are not based on the Silver Book. Contracts are a matter to be agreed between individual colleges and their staff.

  Equal Opportunities Legislation
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many applications have been made to industrial tribunals under the Equal Pay Act 1970 and the Sex Discrimination Act 1975; and what percentage of such applications were successful through being settled with an award(a) before a hearing and (b) following a hearing. [123466]

  Ms Hodge
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: The following tables show employment tribunal statistics for sex discrimination and equal pay cases since 1976. The percentage of cases each year which were settled through arbitration is given. Information is not available on whether cases were settled before or after a hearing. The percentage of those cases heard at a tribunal each year which were successful is also given.
  605W

  Employment tribunal statistics in equal pay cases

  ACAS arbitration settled

  Heard at tribunal

  Successful at tribunal

  Year

  Total number of applications

  Number settled

  Percentage settled

  Number heard

  Number successful

  Percentage of cases heard

  1976

  1,742

  106

  6

  709

  213

  30

  1977

  751

  56

  7

  363

  91

  25

  1978

  343

  33

  10

  80

  24

  30

  1979

  263

  29

  11

  78

  13

  17

  1980

  91

  10

  11

  26

  4

  15

  1981

  54

  9

  17

  27

  6

  22

  1982

  39

  8

  21

  13

  2

  15

  1983

  35

  5

  14

  15

  9

  60

  1984

  70

  15

  21

  24

  11

  46

  1985

  302

  84

  28

  64

  37

  58

  19861

  517

  71

  14

  161

  44

  27

  1987

  1,043

  89

  9

  24

  7

  29

  1988

  813

  95

  12

  63

  14

  22

  1989

  397

  64

  16

  55

  33

  60

  1990

  508

  64

  13

  35

  10

  29

  1991

  227

  45

  20

  81

  5

  6

  1992

  240

  102

  43

  55

  21

  38

  1993

  780

  50

  6

  43

  19

  44

  1994

  418

  98

  23

  25

  8

  32

  1995

  694

  128

  18

  82

  36

  44

  1996

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1997

  1,483

  253

  17

  91

  18

  20

  1998

  1,530

  517

  34

  316

  7

  2

  1From the end of 1985 the figures were calculated by financial year rather than by calendar year

  2Because of changes to the tribunal handling system in 1996, comparable information for 1996–97 is not available

  Source:

  Collated from Labour Market Trends

  Teachers (Early Retirement)
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many teachers in each local education authority were offered early retirement in each of the last 20 years. [123113]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: The number of teachers taking early retirement from the maintained nursery, primary, secondary and special sector in each local education authority in England for the last 20 years is contained in tables, copies of which have been placed in the Library.

  Astra Group Pension Scheme
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the winding-up of the Astra Group Pension Scheme. [123324]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 23 May 2000]: The process for winding-up the Astra Group Pension Scheme started on 1 April 1999. Since then no new pensions have been awarded as members reach age 60, but payments to existing pensioners have continued to be made. The scheme's administrators still have some outstanding issues about the restoration of members' rights in the state pension scheme. These need to be resolved to establish the amount of money available to buy annuities to protect current pensioners and preserved annuities for members with preserved pensions. Until this process is completed, nobody will know the extent of any shortfall in the scheme's assets to meet its liabilities.
  606W
  I am unable, at this stage, to give any indication of when the winding-up process will be completed.

  Pupil Performance
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent research he has commissioned on the performance of the upper quartile of 15-year-old pupils in(a) comprehensive schools and (b) selective schools; and if he will make a statement. [123503]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 24 May 2000]: The Secretary of State has not commissioned any recent research on this topic. Analytical Services have calculated the comparative performance of 15-year-old pupils in (a) comprehensive schools and (b) selective schools and the statement reflects the comparative performance of the two groups.

  The first group (a) included the top 25 per cent. (or quartile) of 15-year-old pupils in comprehensive schools—based on their total GCSE/GNVQ point score (in order not to include and exclude some pupils with the same point score, the actual percentage of pupils included was 24.5 per cent.). Their results were:

  Percentage/average point score

  Percentage achieving 5+ grades A*-C at GCSE/GNVQ

  100

  Percentage achieving 1+ grades A*-G at GCSE/GNVQ

  100

  Average point score per 15-year-old pupil

  60.9

  607W
  The second group (b) included all 15-year-olds in selective schools. Their results were:

  Percentage/average point score

  Percentage achieving 5+ grades A*-C at GCSE/GNVQ

  96.4

  Percentage achieving 1+ grades A*-G at GCSE/GNVQ

  99.6

  Average point score per 15-year-old pupil

  60.7

  Ofsted Inspections
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what was the average amount paid per day to Ofsted inspectors, and what was the average profit made by organisations carrying out inspections in(a) secondary and (b) primary schools, in the last year for which figures are available; [123787]

  (2) what was the average cost, per pupil, of Ofsted inspections in (a) secondary schools and (b) primary schools in the last year for which figures are available. [123793]

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

  Autism
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what studies he has carried out of the incidence of autistic conditions among the school population; and what guidance he has issued to local education authorities in connection with these conditions. [123162]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 24 May 2000]: Figures are not collected on the incidence of particular types of special educational need. Provisions in the Education Act 1981, now consolidated into the Education Act 1996, require schools to submit information on numbers of pupils with special educational needs. In accordance with the recommendation of the Warnock Committee, there is no requirement for them to record the nature of the disability or learning difficulty and we have no current intention to require them to do so.

  Guidance on meeting children's special educational needs is contained in the "Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs". The Department has established an Autism Working Group which is investigating examples of good practice and will be publishing practical advice on early identification and making provision for children with autism. In its advice the Group will be taking account of the work of the special educational needs regional co-ordination projects, one of which, in the West Midlands, has been concentrating on provision for children with autism.

  Instructors
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will break down by subject the instructors in service in maintained schools in England in January, as referred to in Statistical First 608W
  Release 13/2000; and how many of these instructors have the same basic maths and English qualifications as qualified teachers. [123589]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Information is not available centrally on instructors' basic qualifications or subject taught.

  Pensions (Part-timers)
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the maximum and minimum costs to teachers' pension funds of the European Court of Justice's ruling on pensions for part-timers. [123262]

  Mr. Rooker
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the hon. Member to my written answer on 23 May 2000, Official Report, column 484W.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  RUC Mobile Support Unit, Mahon Road
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list by rank the number of officers within the Royal Ulster Constabulary Mobile Support Unit based at Mahon Road, Portadown. [119712]

  Mr. Ingram
  There are two Mobile Support Units based at Mahon Road, Portadown. In 1997, the establishment of each MSU was:One Inspector; four Sergeants; and 21 Constables and Reserve Constables.
  One Inspector; four Sergeants; and 23 Constables and Reserve Constables.

  Both units are not normally on duty at the same time.

  Travellers
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in effecting the transfer of responsibility for traveller accommodation to the Housing Executive. [123061]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Responsibility for providing housing for those travellers who wish to move into settled accommodation already rests with the Housing Executive and many traveller families have been provided with homes in existing Housing Executive estates. In addition, work to provide three pilot group housing schemes, specifically tailored for extended traveller family groups, is due to commence in the current financial year.

  It is proposed to transfer responsibility for serviced sites from District Councils to the Housing Executive and provision for this will be included in future legislation.

  Prisoners (Reintegration)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland further to the undertakings given in the 6 May letter jointly signed by the Prime Minister and the Irish Taoiseach,(a) what measures are being taken to facilitate the reintegration of prisoners into the community, (b) what related issues are being addressed and (c) what body has been tasked with responsibility for implementation of each measure. [123058]
  609W
  Mr. Ingram
  The Government are committed to meeting their obligations under the Good Friday Agreement. Government policy is that prisoners should be given every assistance to enable them to play a full and active role in society, and that they should have full, though not preferential, access to the range of social support generally available to members of the public.

  The Government are conscious that the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 has resulted in the release over a relatively short period of significant numbers of long-term prisoners, many of whom will not have been able to prepare for release in the normal way. In order to meet its overall aims within these special circumstances, the Government set up a co-ordinating group to ensure that released prisoners had proper access to support services, and that services themselves were aware of and geared to cope with the likely patterns of release. Potential difficulties in both immediate and longer-term provision for prisoners have been addressed in a manner consistent with ensuring that there is no differential in provision between ex-prisoners and the general public.

  Many wider reintegration issues would involve changes to current practices or laws. The Government are reluctant to make changes to existing legislation without the support of the Assembly, given the particular sensitivity of reintegration and the fact that many of the matters of concern are the responsibility of the devolved administration.

  I have had meetings with Assembly party representatives to discuss reintegration issues prior to devolution. The Government are committed to working co-operatively with the devolved administration on these issues.

  Irish Language TV and Film Production
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what body has been tasked with drawing up a two-year implementation plan for the Irish language TV and film production pilot announced to start by April 2001. [123059]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure is currently considering with other Departments how to give effect to the undertaking to begin an Irish language, television and film pilot by April 2001.

  Maze Prison
  Mr. Donaldson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who was the duty governor in charge of HMP Maze on 27 December 1997. [123231]

  Mr. Ingram
  On security grounds, I am not prepared to name the governor in question.

  Rate Collection Agency
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what performance targets have been set for the Rate Collection Agency in 2000–01. [124427]
  610W
  Mr. Ingram
  For 2000–01, the following performance targets have been set for the RCA:Output
  To collect 97.55 per cent. (or the 1999–2000 outcome if higher) of the Gross Domestic Collectable Rate (excluding late assessments) by 31 March 2001.
  To collect 98.80 per cent. (or the 1999–2000 outcome if higher) of the Gross Non-Domestic Collectable Rate (excluding late assessments) by 31 March 2001.
  Efficiency
  To achieve a forecast unit cost of £11.56 (representing a 2 per cent. improvement in the real value of the unit cost) for collecting rates per hereditament by 31 March 2001.
  To achieve a forecast unit cost of £18.54 (representing a 2 per cent. improvement in the real value of the unit cost) for processing Housing Benefit cases by 31 March 2001.
  Quality of Service
  To process 98 per cent. of Housing Benefit claims free from error.
  To achieve an average turnaround time of 28 working days for 1regular non-annual Housing Benefit applications.
  To issue all 2eligible rate refunds within 14 days of approval.
  To achieve by 31 March 2001 a satisfied rating for overall service from at least 75 per cent. of those customers responding to the annual survey.
  Financial Management
  To live within budget allocations for 2000–01.
  1Where the Agency is not required to seek any additional information to determine the outcome of the application.
  2Where the Agency has all the necessary relevant information to enable the refund to be processed.

SCOTLAND

  New Deal
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will assess the success of the New Deal in creating opportunities for employment and training in Glasgow and across Scotland. [121472]

  Dr. Reid
  The success of the New Deal is making a significant contribution to increasing employment in Glasgow and across Scotland. Employment in Glasgow rose by 11,000 in the year to February 2000 and across Scotland by 26,000 in the year to March 2000, and is at around its highest level since 1966.

  Shipbuilding (Clyde)
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what actions he has recently taken to help retain shipbuilding on the Clyde. [121807]

  Dr. Reid
  This Government are firmly committed to improving the competitive position of the shipbuilding industry not just on the Clyde but across the whole of the UK. I have had recent meetings with ministerial colleagues, trade unions and management of the Govan shipyard and continue to promote the strengths in shipbuilding that exist on the Clyde.

  Penalty Clauses
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the contracts entered into with private sector companies for the provision of goods or
  611W
  services since May 1997 where penalty clauses were triggered for non-performance; and if he will make a statement. [122013]

  Dr. Reid
  The information requested is not held centrally and could be collated in respect of the period before 1 July 1999 only at disproportionate cost. Procurement by the Scottish Executive since 1 July 1999 is a matter for the Scottish Parliament. There have been no requirements to trigger penalty clauses in the Scotland Office since 1 July 1999.

  Assisted Areas
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 9 May 2000,Official Report, column 378W, how many responses received by his Department in respect of the revised assisted areas map (a) objected to and (b) supported the removal of Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey from the proposed map. [122149]

  Dr. Reid
  The responses received are not readily capable of analysis in the form requested by my hon. Friend.

  Copies of the consultation responses received by my Department will be placed in the Library of the House in due course.

  Departmental Vehicles
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many(a) cars and (b) commercial vehicles operated by his Department were manufactured (i) in the UK, (ii) in the EU and (iii) elsewhere. [122255]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 17 May 2000]: My Department does not operate any cars or commercial vehicles. Details of vehicles operated by the Government Car and Despatch Agency, for the Government as a whole, were given in the reply from my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Cabinet Office on 17 May 2000, Official Report, column 141W.

  Ferry Services
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with the European Union over the future of the Highlands and Islands ferry services; and if he will make a statement. [123072]

  Dr. Reid
  My hon. Friend the Minister of State, Scotland Office, recently met in Brussels with representatives of the European Commission to discuss a wide range of issues affecting transport in remote and peripheral regions in Scotland and elsewhere in Europe. Responsibility for ferry services operating within the Highlands and Islands is a matter for the Scottish Executive who have been kept fully informed of the Commission's views as they affect these services.

  Skye Bridge
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the DTZ Pieda Economic Impact Assessment on the Skye Bridge will be published. [123283]
  612W
  Dr. Reid
  The Scottish Office commissioned the Economic Impact Assessment of the Skye Bridge, by DTZ Pieda, which was carried out between May 1998 and June 1999. The publication of the results of this assessment are now a matter for the Scottish Executive.

  Statistics
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what statistics relating to the responsibilities of his Department are collated by parliamentary constituency, indicating the dates covered in each case. [123838]

  Dr. Reid
  Monthly statistics on unemployment and New Deal figures are allocated on a constituency basis.

DEFENCE

  Serbia
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment the Government have made of the views recently expressed by NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe concerning use of electronic methods against Serbia as an alternative to aerial assault. [122637]

  Mr. Spellar
  I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the comments made by the previous SACEUR, General Clark, at the Senate Committee on Armed Services on 21 October 1999. No formal assessment has been made by MOD of the views he expressed then. However, we agree that co-ordinated international pressure on all fronts, diplomatic, economic (trade and financial) as well as military, is an important factor during crises. Electronic methods on their own would be unlikely to have achieved the desired result against Serbia.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the number of Federal Republic of Yugoslavia tanks and armoured personnel carriers destroyed during the war in Kosovo. [122636]

  Mr. Spellar
  NATO's assessment of the number of Federal Republic of Yugoslavia tanks and armoured personnel carriers destroyed during the Kosovo conflict was made public by the then Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Wesley Clark, on 16 September 1999. General Clark's analysis, based on access to a wide range of sources, concluded that 93 tanks/self-propelled artillery pieces were successfully struck (in other words destroyed or damaged), with physical evidence of 26 such vehicles having been destroyed (14 tanks and 12 self-propelled artillery pieces) remaining on the ground after NATO had entered Kosovo—the remainder of the assessment is underpinned by evidence from other sources. NATO assessed there to have been 153 successful strikes against Armoured Personnel Carriers, with the destruction of 12 such vehicles confirmed by evidence on the ground. The methodology used to put together the NATO assessment is explained in detail in the transcript of General Clark's presentation, available on the internet at the NATO website: www.nato.int/kosovo/press/p990916a.htm. Battle Damage Assessment is not an exact science, but these are the most comprehensive figures available.

  Royal Artillery Radar
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost of procurement of the Mobile Artillery Monitoring Battlefield Radar for the Royal Artillery; what is the time scale for this programme and the total cost; and if he will make a statement. [122375]

  Dr. Moonie
  The MAMBA programme covers the procurement of radar systems to meet the Army's requirement for a lightweight and mobile weapon locating radar. It is currently in the concept stage of the procurement process and it is planned to commence the assessment phase in June 2000 when the procurement options and associated costs will be addressed in detail.

  The current plan is for the radar systems to be in Service by 2008–09. However, in order to satisfy a capability gap identified by the Service Customer, it is planned to provide an initial operating capability by 2002–03 with the balance of deliveries by 2008–09.

  Light Weight Howitzer
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance has been requested from the Ministry of Defence by BAE Systems to develop a US production base for the XM777 Light Weight Howitzer; and if he will make a statement. [123001]

  Dr. Moonie
  XM777 is based on the Ultra-lightweight Field Howitzer (UFH), which was designed as a private venture in the United Kingdom by the then Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd., now part of Royal Ordnance Defence. The UFH won a competition run by the US Marine Corps and became the XM777 Light Weight Howitzer in the US Engineering and Manufacturing Demonstration (EMD) phase of acquisition.

  No request for assistance to develop a US production base has been received by the Defence Procurement Agency.

  ALSL
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's requirements are for the Alternative Landing Ship Logistics; what is the payload breakdown of the ALSL; when the final decisions on awarding contracts for construction will be made; what is the target price; and if he will make a statement. [122980]

  Dr. Moonie
  The ALSLs are required to move men, equipment and stores to wherever they are required in the world and to be able to deploy them as a fighting force. Each vessel's minimum payload will include 350 military personnel, 500 linear metres of vehicles, 106 tonnes of war maintenance reserve plus two Landing Craft Vehicle and Personnel (LCVPs) and two Mexeflote powered rafts. The achievement of greater payloads, within cost constraints, is being sought in the Invitation to Tender.

  Contract placement for the design and build of two new ALSLs is planned to occur later this year. The estimated target price for the construction of the two vessels is approximately £138 million.

  Shipbuilding
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the planned timetable for his Department's shipbuilding orders this year. [122901]

  Mr. Hoon
  We expect to place contracts for two Survey Vessels during this summer, and, by the end of this year, for the Demonstration and First of Class manufacture of the new Type 45 Anti War Warfare Destroyer, and for two Alternative Landing Ships Logistics. These ships will all be built in the UK. We also plan to procure a range of smaller craft during the year.

  It is also intended to procure a strategic sealift under Private Finance Initiative arrangements later this year which will involve the construction of six ro-ro ferries although in this case the vessels themselves would be ordered by the service provider not by the MOD.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Line of Route
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee if the Committee is in a position to advise the House of the likely amount visitors will be charged for a guide in order to undertake line of route tours during the summer Adjournment. [124312]

  Mrs. Roe
  Following negotiations between the authorities of both Houses and organisations able to carry out the booking and guiding arrangements, it has been established that two separate companies will be required for these functions. The result of having to divide these services means that a minimal charge of £3.50, to cover the guide fees and ticketing arrangements, will have to be made. Pre-booked tickets for a timed guided tour will go on sale after the Whitsun Adjournment.

  Pensions (Part-timers)
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what estimate the Commission has made of the maximum and minimum costs to the House of Commons pension fund of the European Court of Justice's ruling on pensions for part-timers. [123288]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  The House of Commons Staff Pension Scheme anticipates very minimal costs, arising from the European Court of Justice's ruling on pensions for part-time staff. The House has always sought to employ part-time staff to work more than the 15 hours per week limit which in the past would have excluded staff from the pension scheme.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Stakeholder Pensions
  Kali Mountford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the stakeholder pensions regulations will be laid. [124340]
  615W
  Mr. Rooker
  Following extensive consultation on the detailed arrangements and the draft regulations, the Stakeholder Pension Schemes Regulations 2000 (SI 2000/1403) have been laid today. Copies are available in the usual way and the regulations will also be available on the internet at www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk.

  State Pension
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the level of the basic state pension if it represented the same percentage of the average wage as it did in November 1982; and if he will estimate what would be the annual cost of raising the basic state pension to that level. [122682]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is in the tables.

  The link between the basic pension and average earnings was broken in 1979. No-one is expected to live on the basic pension alone. Latest figures for single pensioner incomes are £132 a week, 36 per cent. of average earnings.

  Rate of full category A basic state pension, assuming same percentage of average earnings as November 1982

  April 1999

  April 2000

  Average weekly earnings

  £400.10

  1£422.51

  Basic pension rate as a percentage of earnings in November 1982

  23.1

  23.1

  Assumed rate of basic pension

  £92.40

  £97.60

  1Assumed

  Costs of raising basic state pension to levels shown in Table 1

  £ billion

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  Gross

  14.8

  17.3

  Net

  11.7

  13.8

  Notes:

  1. Average weekly earnings figure for April 1999 is for all full-time employees, taken from the New Earnings Survey. An equivalent April 2000 earnings figure is not available. The assumption used to derive April 2000 figure is that April 1999 earnings grow by 5.6 per cent. over following year (based on March 2000 annual growth in the average earnings index).

  2. Basic state pension rates are rounded to the nearest 5p.

  3. Costs are rounded to the nearest £100 million and are in 2000–01 benefit rate terms.

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

  5. Costs net of income-related benefits are estimated using the Policy Simulation Model.

  6. Source of pensioners' incomes figure Family Resources Survey and New Earnings Survey.

  7. The latest data for which pensioners' incomes estimates are available is 1997–98. This is expressed as a percentage of average earnings in April 1997, £368.

  Press Officers
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many press officers his Department employed in(a) May 1997 and (b) May 2000. [122475]
  616W
  Mr. Rooker
  The information is as follows:

  Number of press officer posts within this department and its agencies

  Year

  Number

  May 1997

  128.25

  May 2000

  22.25

  1Includes two posts held in the Contributions Agency which transferred to the Inland Revenue in May 1997.

  Note:

  It should be noted that the structure of the Department has changed during the intervening period. Direct comparison of numbers between the years in question would therefore not be appropriate.

  Parental Leave
  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the gross cost to the Exchequer on an annual steady-state basis of paying parental leave at the rate of(a) £60 and (b) £100 a week, assuming the take-up by fathers is (i) 10 per cent., (ii) 15 per cent., (iii) 20 per cent., (iv) 25 per cent. and (v) 30 per cent. and the take-up by mothers is (1) 30 per cent., (2) 40 per cent., (3) 50 per cent.,(4) 60 per cent. and (5) 70 per cent. [123437]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is in the table.

  The gross cost to the exchequer on an annual steady state basis of paying parental leave for 13 weeks to employees who have a child under five at the specified rates

  £ million

  Take up—percentage

  £60 a Week

  £100 a Week

  Fathers

  10

  30

  55

  15

  50

  80

  20

  65

  110

  25

  80

  135

  30

  95

  160

  Mothers

  30

  75

  125

  40

  100

  165

  50

  125

  250

  60

  150

  250

  70

  175

  290

  Notes:

  1. Take-up is assumed to be the same across the entire earnings distribution. Up to 415,000 fathers, and 315,000 mothers, would become entitled each year.

  2 The assumptions on which these calculations have been made are:

  that the Exchequer meets the full costs of the paid parental leave; that the 13 weeks of parental leave are spread evenly over the first five years of the child's life;

  that every parent has only one child in the age group;

  that qualifying periods by length of service are taken into account.

  Source

  Family Resources Survery 1997–98, uprated to 1999–2000 Prices using March 1999 Treasury Economic Assumptions.

  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the gross cost to the Exchequer on an annual steady-state basis of paying parental leave at(a) full earnings replacement value, (b) 90 per cent. of earnings replacement value, (c) 50 per cent. of earnings replacement value and (d) 30 per cent. of earnings replacement value, assuming the take-up by fathers is 50 per cent. and the take-up by mothers is 90 per cent. [123436]
  617W
  Mr. Bayley
  The information is in the table.

  Gross cost to Exchequer on an annual steady-state basis of paying parental leave for 13 weeks to employees who have a child under 5

  £ million

  Rate of payment

  Mothers

  Fathers

  Full earnings replacement

  745

  1,305

  90 per cent. earnings replacement

  670

  1,175

  50 per cent. earnings replacement

  375

  650

  30 per cent. earnings replacement

  225

  390

  Notes:

  1. Take-up for fathers of 50 per cent., and mothers of 90 per cent. is assumed to be the same across the entire earnings distribution. Up to 415,000 fathers, earning on average £480 a week, and 315,000 mothers, earning on average £200 a week, would become entitled each year.

  2. The figures above correct the answer given to the Written Answer on 17 May 1999, Official Report, columns 251–52W.

  3. The assumptions on which these calculations have been made are:

  that the Exchequer meets the full costs of the paid parental leave; that the 13 weeks of parental leave are spread evenly over the first 5 years of the child's life;

  that every parent has only one child in the age group;

  that no qualifying periods by length of service are taken into account.

  Source:

  Family Resources Survey 1997–98, uprated to 1999–2000 prices using March 1999 Treasury Economic Assumptions

  Pension Forecasts
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if his proposals to provide all national insurance contributors with annual pension forecasts is on target; and if he will make a statement. [123289]

  Mr. Rooker
  The first combined pension forecasts, which include details of both state and private pension rights, were issued to Prudential customers in April as part of a series of pilots. Other pilot employers and pension providers will issue combined forecasts later this year. We are on course to meet or exceed our target to start the full-scale service from 2002.

  We are committed to providing better pensions information. Combined pension forecasts will, for the first time, provide individuals with a clear indication of what sort of retirement income to expect. This will enable them to make better-informed decisions on what savings they need to make.

  Older People
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) which organisations representing older people the members of the Inter-Ministerial Group for Older People consulted during 1999; and in which regions the programme of public consultation took place; [123033]

  (2) what issues and concerns were raised during the public consultation undertaken by the Inter-Ministerial Group for Older People; [123034]

  (3) how he plans to respond to the results of the consultation undertaken during the past year by the Inter-Ministerial Group for Older People. [123035]
  618W
  Mr. Rooker
  During 1999 the Inter-Ministerial Group for Older People led a programme of listening events across the UK. The events were put on by a partnership between the Inter-Ministerial Group, the UK Secretariat for the International Year of Older Persons and mainly voluntary sector organisations working with older people. The locations where these events took place and representative organisations involved are set out in the newsletter report "Life begins at 50—the 1999 Listening Events" and summarised in the table.

  A number of issues and concerns were raised during the listening events programme. These are covered in the research report "Building a Better Society for Older People—Report on the Listening Events to the Inter-Ministerial Group for Older People" by Annette Boaz and Carol Hayden, Warwick Business School, the University of Warwick.

  We published on 17 May a report "Life begins at 50—A Better Society for Older People" setting out the key points raised by older people at 1999 listening events, the action the Government have already taken to address them, and the action they will take in the future. On the same day the Secretary of State hosted a National Event in London aimed at promoting positive perceptions of older people; feeding back to those people who had been involved in listening events; and setting out plans to help build a better society for older people.

  Copies of all the above publications are in the Library.

  Listening to older people events in 1999

  Date

  Host and location

  25 May

  Age Resource, London/world wide web

  15 June

  Age Concern, Northern Ireland Stormont, Belfast

  5 July

  Belfast Third Age Trust, Newcastle

  20 July

  Age Concern, Leamington

  29 July

  Age Concern Cymru and the Welsh Office, Cardiff

  8 September

  Age Concern, England Harrow

  11 October

  NIACE, Liverpool

  18 October

  Southampton City Council and Meridian TV, Southampton

  25 October

  Help the Aged, Truro

  19 November

  Scottish International Year Committee, Aberdeen

  26 November

  Age Concern and local partners, Wolverhampton

  Minimum Income Guarantee
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners in(a) Shrewsbury and Atcham and (b) Shropshire will benefit from the minimum income guarantee increases in April 2001; and if he will make a statement. [123096]

  Mr. Bayley
  We estimate that some 8,000 pensioner households in Shropshire will benefit from increases to the minimum income guarantee in April 2001. This includes 3,000 in the constituency of Shrewsbury and Atcham.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security of those pensioners who are excluded from gaining the minimum income guarantee because of(a) ownership of excess capital, (b) receipt of an occupational pension and (c) both ownership of excess capital and an occupational pension, however many and

  619W
  what proportion have a total income or calculated income (i) £0–£5 above, (ii) £5 to £10, (iii) £10 to £15 and (iv) £15 to £20 above the minimum income guarantee. [121621]

  Mr. Bayley
  [holding answer 11 May 2000]: The information is in the tables.

  Income in relation to the minimum income guarantee

  Caseload (000s)

  Percentage

  The total number of pensioners who would no longer be excluded if all capital rules were removed, and the percentage in different income bands

  Below MIG levels

  40

  7

  £0 to £5

  40

  8

  £5 to £10

  40

  7

  £10 to £15

  20

  4

  £15 to £20

  20

  3

  £20+

  330

  70

  Total

  480

  100

  The total number of pensioners who would no longer excluded if all income from occupational pensions was disregarded, and the percentage in different income bands

  Below MIG levels

  0

  0

  £0 to £5

  100

  9

  £5 to £10

  80

  7

  £10 to £15

  70

  6

  £15 to £20

  80

  7

  £20+

  790

  70

  Total

  1,120

  100

  The total number of pensioners no longer be excluded if both polices are removed, and the percentage in different income bands

  Below MIG levels>

  40

  2

  £0 to £5

  130

  8

  £5 to £10

  120

  7

  £10 to £15

  90

  6

  £15 to £20

  90

  6

  £20+

  1,120

  71

  Total

  1,580

  100

  Notes:

  1. This question has been answered using the Policy Simulation Model (PSM) for Income-Related benefits, based on 1997–98 Family Resources Survey data This is uprated to 2000–01 prices and benefit levels.

  £ million

  Expenditure1

  1995–96

  1996–99

  1997–99

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Christmas Bonus—contributory2

  124

  129

  123

  124

  120

  Christmas Bonus—non-contributory

  15

  15

  16

  16

  16

  Total

  139

  144

  139

  140

  137

  1Figures are consistent with Table 1 of the Social Security Departmental Report 2000 (Cm 4614)

  2Expenditure paid from the National Insurance Fund

  Notes:

  1 Figures may not sum due to rounding

  Laptops
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many laptop computers used by Ministers, officials and special advisers in his Department have been(a) lost and (b) stolen since May 1997. [123744]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.
  620W
  2. The State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme has been excluded from the calculation of occupational pensions.

  3. Pensioners with incomes below the minimum income guarantee are excluded on other grounds such as full-time employment if appropriate.

  4. Numbers are rounded to the nearest 10,000 and shown in thousands.

  5. Sums may not total because of rounding.

  6. Tariff income is calculated using all capital held by a case above the lower limit.

  Winter Fuel Payments
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will backdate winter fuel payments for 1999 for those who were in temporary respite care over the period 20 to 26 September 1999; [123071]

  (2) what plans the Government have to make eligible those people who will be in temporary respite care for 12 weeks or less from the week commencing 18 September 2000 for winter fuel payments. [123054]

  Angela Eagle
  To ensure that no-one who enters residential care for a temporary period misses out on receiving a winter fuel payment the eligibility rules have been amended from next winter.

  Under the revised regulations, someone who has been in residential care for less than 13 weeks at the end of the qualifying week (week ending 24 September 2000) will be treated as being temporarily in residential care and will be eligible for a winter fuel payment on the basis of their usual home circumstances.

  These revisions can apply only to next winter's payments and future payments. They cannot apply to any of the three previous winters.

  Christmas Bonus
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much has been spent in each of the past five years on the pensioners' Christmas bonus. [122571]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is in the table.

  The Christmas Bonus is not paid exclusively to pensioners. It is also paid to other groups, such as widows and disabled people, who meet the qualifying conditions.

  From the available information, none of these losses/ thefts have been incurred by Ministers or special advisers.

  Number of laptops or stolen April 1997-May 2000

  Date

  Numbers lost or stolen

  1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998

  23

  1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999

  17

  1 April 1999 to 23 May 2000

  12

  Total

  52

  Opinion Research
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will place copies of the results of all market and opinion research carried out by his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies since May 1997, in the Library. [123814]

  Mr. Rooker
  Research commissioned under the Department's Research Programme has included public opinion research to inform the development and evaluation of policy. All such research is published on completion and available in the Library. In addition, the War Pensions Agency carries out a Customer Service Survey annually, the results of which are published.

  The Communications Directorate of the Department commissions research to develop and evaluate publicity campaigns or to inform other presentational issues. All reports are either placed in the Library or are available on request. If a report is not available, this may be because the full research has not yet been completed (i. e. reports not yet finalised by contractors, or the fieldwork is still in progress) or findings are still being employed to inform communications activity.

  Statistics
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what statistics relating to the responsibilities of his Department are collated by parliamentary constituency, indicating the dates covered in each case. [123844]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is as follows:

  Income Support: Figures for this benefit are available at Parliamentary Constituency level on a quarterly basis from August 1998, the latest available being November 1999, with February 2000 due to be published 25 May 2000.

  Jobseeker's Allowance: Figures for this benefit are also available at Parliamentary Constituency level for August 1998, and the two quarters August 1999 and November 1999, with February 2000 due to be published on 8 June 2000.

  Family Credit: These figures are available at Parliamentary Constituency level only for May 1999 and was replaced by Working Families Tax Credit in October 1999.

  Attendance Allowance: Figures at Parliamentary Constituency level, based on a 5 per cent. sample, are available for this benefit on a quarterly basis as far back as November 1995. However, figures based on 100 per cent. data (and therefore more accurate) are available for August 1996, May 1998, and May 1999.

  Disability Living Allowance: Figures at Parliamentary Constituency level, based on a 5 per cent. sample, are available for this benefit on a quarterly basis as far back as August 1992. However, figures based on 100 per cent. data (and therefore again more accurate) are available for May 1998, and May 1999.

  Incapacity Benefit: Figures are not normally published for this benefit at Parliamentary Constituency level, although they are available on request depending on sample sizes.
  622W
  Client Group Analysis of the Working Age: Figures on the number of people of working age claiming a key Social Security Benefit by Parliamentary Constituency, are available on request relating to May 1999 or August 1999. November 1999 figures will become available from 29 June 2000.

  No information is available at Parliamentary Constituency level for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Retirement Pensions, Occupational Pensions, Lifetime Labour Market Database, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Invalid Care Allowance, Child Benefit, and War Pensions. It is hoped however, that information at Parliamentary Constituency level will become available for Child Benefit and War Pensions within the next three months.
  Note:
  Cases are allocated to each Parliamentary Constituency by matching the postcode against the relevant version of the Postcode Directory for the relevant year. Constituency boundaries are represented as at May 1997.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Victim Support
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he is taking to improve the position of victims in the criminal justice system. [124313]

  Mr. Straw
  I shall be announcing tomorrow my plans to give victims and their relatives a greater say in the criminal justice process.

  Stafford Prison
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the 1999 Annual report of the Board of Visitors of HM Prison Stafford, with particular regard to the issue of health care. [123098]

  Mr. Boateng
  Since the Board of Visitors' report was submitted, significant improvements have been made in the standard of health care at Stafford prison. In a recent audit, standards were rated satisfactory. A health needs assessment is currently being conducted by the prison in partnership with the Stafford Health Authority. That assessment will form the basis for developing a health improvement programme.

  I am arranging for a copy of my full reply to the report to be placed in the Library.

  Child Pornography
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) men and (b) women have been convicted and imprisoned for possession of child pornography in England and Wales during the last 12 months. [123377]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The available information, taken from the Home Office Court Proceedings Database, is given in the table.
  623W

  Number of persons convicted and sentenced to immediate custody at all courts for child pornography offences by sex, England and Wales, 1998–991

  Total convicted

  Total given immediate custody2

  Take, make, distribute, show, possess with intent to distribute or show, publish any advertisement conveying the distribution of indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children3

  1998

  M

  82

  37

  F

  0

  1

  19991

  M

  130

  55

  F

  3

  1

  Possession of an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child4

  1998

  M

  104

  32

  F

  1

  —

  19991

  M

  95

  23

  F

  2

  —

  1Provisional

  2Persons sentenced at the Crown Court may have been convicted in an earlier year at the magistrates' court

  3Protection of Children Act 1978 Section 1 and 6 as amended by the Criminal Justice and public order Act 1994, section 84

  4Criminal Justice Act 1988 section 160 as amended by the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, sections 84(4) and 86(1)

  Cyclists (Fixed Penalties)
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cyclists have been fined for riding on pavements since the introduction of the fixed penalty. [123381]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Information on the new fixed penalty offences introduced on 1 August 1999 is not yet available, nor is information on court imposed fines since that date.

  Police forces have been asked to monitor the new fixed penalty provisions and it is hoped to publish the figures later in the year.

  Working Time Directive
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the impact of the Working Time Directive upon fire authorities dependent upon retained firemen; and if he will make a statement. [123298]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Under the Central Local Partnership, the Home Office works closely with the Local Government Association's Fire Service Expenditure Forecasting Group to assess future resource demands. The Group has estimated the cost to the fire service in England of the new arrangements for paid annual leave for retained firefighters, agreed in the light of the Working Time Directive, as £3–£4 million a year, with back pay costs of up to £9 million.

  Green Transport
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the key buildings for which his Department(a) submitted and (b) did not submit green transport plans by March. [122621]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 18 May 2000]: Travel Plans covering the following key buildings have been completed:

  Abell House, London

  Advance House, Croydon

  Apollo House, Croydon

  Aragon Court, Peterborough

  Becket House, London

  Cleland House, London

  Clive House, London

  Forensic Science Laboratory, Chepstow

  Forensic Science Laboratory, Chorley

  Forensic Science Laboratory, Huntingdon

  Forensic Science Laboratory, Lambeth

  Forensic Science Laboratory, Wetherby

  Glasgow Passport Office

  Government Buildings, Sandridge

  Grenadier House, London

  Hampton House, Belfast

  The Hawkhills, Easingwold

  Horseferry House, London

  India Buildings, Liverpool

  Langhurst House, Horsham

  Litherland House, Bootle

  Lunar House, Croydon

  National Police Training, Ashford

  National Police Training, Bramshill

  National Police Training, Bruche

  National Police Training, Cwmbran

  National Police Training, Durham

  National Police Training, Harrogate

  National Police Training, Leicester

  National Police Training, Loughborough

  National Police Training, Ryton

  Norfolk House, Birmingham

  Olympia House, Newport

  Priory House, Birmingham

  Queen Anne's Gate, London

  Quest House, Croydon

  Status Park, Hayes

  Whitgift Centre Blocks B, D and E, Croydon.

  A travel plan has not been submitted from Crown House, Corby or by any Prison Service establishments. A revised target date of 31 December 2000 has been set for the completion of travel plans by Prison Service establishments.

  Police Officers (Funding)
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers are funded(a) in full and (b) in part by parish councils. [122278]
  625W
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [holding answer 15 May 2000]: Parish Councils may provide grants to police authorities under section 92 of the Police Act 1996. They also have powers under Section 31 of the Local Government and Rating Act 1997 to install and maintain equipment for the detection or prevention of crime in their area.

  The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 requires local authorities and the police to work together at district level to develop and implement strategies for reducing crime and disorder in the area. In doing so, they must work in co-operation with a number of other key agencies including parish councils. These partnerships can assist the police in considering how best to deploy existing resources to target local needs.

  No detailed information is available centrally on these forms of support.

  Immigration
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will(a) investigate the immigration status of Sheikh Abu Hamza and Sheikh Omar Bakri Mohammed and (b) request the United States authorities to investigate the immigration status of Muhammed Jameel; and if he will make a statement. [123662]

  Mr. Straw
  The person referred to as Sheikh Abu Hamza was granted British nationality in 1986. Omar Bakri Mohammed was granted infinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom in 1993. The immigration status of any individual in the United States of America is a matter for the United States of America authorities.

  Opinion Research
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place copies of the results of all market and opinion research carried out by his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies since May 1997, in the Library. [123810]

  Mr. Straw
  I refer to the reply I gave the hon. Member on 19 July 1999,Official Report, columns 391–92W, giving details of market and opinion research undertaken by my Department. I propose to write to the hon. Member further as soon as my officials are able to update the available information and I will place a copy of the letter in the Library. I also refer to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Oxford, West and Abingdon (Dr. Harris) on 9 February 2000, Official Report, columns 164–65W, which covers publication of research commissioned by my Department.

  The Department conducts or commissions market or opinion research only when it is justified by the specific needs of a particular policy or programme and this is the most economical, efficient and effective way to achieve the purpose. Consulting and involving the public helps inform both policy formulation and the delivery of better quality public services.

  Probation Service
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when he will roll out a further version of the CRAMS, to be known as 4.6.1, for the Probation Service in England and Wales; [123594]
  626W
  (2) how the proposed probation IT system Copernicus differs from the existing system, known as CRAMS; and if he will make a statement; [123590]

  (3) when Bull Information Systems will set up a Helpdesk to deal with user problems with Probation Service IT; what is the cost of the contract providing this service; and if he will make a statement; [123596]

  (4) if he will list the errors and user difficulties which are currently identified in the Case Recording and Management System for the Probation Service in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement; [123592]

  (5) if the new version of CRAMS will be accompanied by release notes and acceptance certificates; [123595]

  (6) if Bull Information Systems have been given a new contract to maintain and correct faults contained in the Case Recording and Management System for the Probation Service in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement; [123591]

  (7) how many faults have been identified in the Case Recording and Management System version 4.6 for the Probation Service in England and Wales; how those faults are being prioritised; and if he will make a statement. [123593]

  Mr. Boateng
  Bull provides support and maintenance of the Probation Service infrastructure. A replacement contract has recently consolidated a number of previously separate contracts. This does not extend the lifespan of the Bull contract and there is no new provision.

  Within the overall support and maintenance arrangements, there is a process in place for users to bring problems to the attention of Bull and the Probation Unit via a Helpdesk. We keep the overall position, including priorities for action, under constant review. It would not be appropriate to list specific issues as these are commercial in confidence.

  The existing version of CRAMS in use by Services is 4.6.1. There are no plans for further versions of CRAMS. However, outstanding user issues are considered for inclusion in planned maintenance releases of CRAMS. The next is being planned for late summer. This will be known as release 4.7.

  Planned maintenance releases of CRAMS are quality assured and accepted before release. Release notes will accompany the release planned for late summer.

  The Copernicus system is being designed to meet the future needs of Probation Service staff. It will replace CRAMS and be designed specifically to support National Standards and performance management.

  Details of costs are commercial in confidence and, therefore, cannot be disclosed.

  Blantyre House
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many day releases were authorised at HMP Blantyre House during 1999. [123639]

  Mr. Boateng
  The exact figure is not available, but it is estimated that there were approximately 16,000 day releases in connection with work and community placements. The available information is that there were
  627W
  15,118 releases on temporary licence between 1 April 1999 and 31 March 2000. However, this figure includes authorised absences for periods of less than a whole day and also for longer periods, while for prisoners involved in work or community placements, a single licence may cover a number of daily absences.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners at HMP Blantyre House are on work and community placements. [123640]

  Mr. Boateng
  The numbers fluctuate slightly from day to day. On 23 May, there were 19 prisoners on community placements, five on work experience and 38 at work.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many assaults were registered at HMP Blantyre House in 1999. [123643]

  Mr. Boateng
  None.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons a search was authorised by the Prison Service at HMP Blantyre House on 5 May; how many staff were used on 5 May to search and secure HMP Blantyre House; what was the outcome of the search and if he will list those items found; what were the results of the drug tests on prisoners taken following the search; and if he will make a statement. [123644]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Director General of the Prison Service authorised the search in the light of intelligence suggesting that some prisoners on the working out scheme might be engaging in criminal activity.

  Sixty-two officer grades (prison officers, senior officers and principal officers) from other establishments were involved in the operation. This included 28 officers in specialist control and restraint teams who were primarily on hand in case of any indiscipline on the part of prisoners. In the event, they were not required for this role and were redeployed to expedite the completion of the search.

  The search made 98 finds of unauthorised articles, including cash to the value of £370, nine mobile telephones, 25 bank and credit cards and banks' books, a small quantity of illicit drugs, 12 cameras, two computers, two televisions, a set of building tools, seven examples of hard core pornography, tattooing equipment, computer disks, screwdrivers and blank visiting orders for Elmley prison.

  Blantyre House carries out important resettlement work with long-term prisoners. I do not expect this operation to lead to any change in Blantyre House's ethos and role, but it was necessary to maintain the confidence in the establishment without which its valuable work could have been jeopardised.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the reconviction rate for prisoners discharged from HMP Blantyre House in the latest 12 months for which figures are available. [123641]

  Mr. Boateng
  The two-year reconviction rates for prisoners discharged from Her Majesty's Prison Blantyre House in 1995 was 20 per cent. The reconviction rate has been derived by analysing a stratified random sample of 628W
  discharges from all prisons during the year; the sample contained just 12 offenders who were discharged from Blantyre House.

  There is a selection criteria for inmates of Blantyre House which means that the reconviction rates for this prison are not directly comparable with reconviction rates for other prisons.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many drug tests were positive at HMP Blantyre House in 1999. [123642]

  Mr. Boateng
  The available information is for the 12 months to 31 March 2000. In this period, there were two positive drug tests at Blantyre House.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average population was at HMP Blantyre House in 1999. [123638]

  Mr. Boateng
  Provisional information shows that the average population at Blantyre House Prison in 1999 was recorded as 115 persons.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to publish the next HM Inspectorate of Prisons report on HMP Blantyre House; and if he will make statement. [123645]

  Mr. Boateng
  The last inspection of Blantyre House took place on 21–25 January this year. No publication date for the report has yet been set.

  Under the protocol on the publication of inspection reports, the Prison Service is given the opportunity to check the report in draft for any factual inaccuracies. The Director General of the Prison Service is currently discussing a number of points from the draft with the Chief Inspector.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many senior staff have been removed from HMP Blantyre House since 4 May; and if he will make a statement. [123646]

  Mr. Boateng
  The governing governor, Eoin McLennan-Murray, was transferred to the post of deputy governor at Swaleside prison on 5 May. Another governor grade was also moved on detached duty to fill an essential specialist post elsewhere.

  Reoffending Rates
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent research his Department has conducted into(a) short-term and (b) long-term reoffending rates for criminal offences; and if he will place copies of that research in the Library. [123862]

  Mr. Boateng
  Reconviction rates for offenders discharged from prison during 1995 and those sentenced to community penalties during 1995 were published in Home Office Statistical Bulletin issue 19/99 on 25 October 1999. Further information on reconviction rates for prisoners appears in chapter 9 of "Prison Statistics England and Wales 1998". Copies of both publications have been placed in the Library.

  There are several ongoing research projects on offenders participating in various crime reduction programmes. Reconviction rates are used as one of the measures of

  629W
  success for many of these projects, which include evaluations of Welfare to Work and the effectiveness of probation programmes via the Pathfinder and other projects. Copies of the latest findings from these research projects will be placed in the Library upon completion.

  Offences against Children
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) in the latest year for which figures are available, how many people were convicted of, and what was the(a) average prison and (b) maximum sentence received for, (i) offences against children listed in paragraphs one, two and three of Schedule 4 to the Criminal Justice and Court Services Bill, (ii) assault occasioning actual bodily harm committed against a child, contrary to the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 and (iii) unlawful supply of drugs to a child, contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971; [123863]

  (2) how many persons were convicted in the last five years for which figures are available of (a) offences under section 54 of the Criminal Law Act 1977, (b) offences under section 1 of the Indecency with Children Act 1960, (c) offences under section 1 of the Protection of Children Act 1978, (d) offences under section 160 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 and (e) offences under the following provisions of the Sexual Offences Act 1956 committed against persons (i) under and (ii) over the age of 16 years (1) section 1 (rape), (2) section 5 (intercourse with a girl under 13), (3) section 6 (intercourse with a girl between 13 and 16), (4) section 10 (incest by a man), (5) section 11 (incest by a woman), (6) section 12 (buggery), (7) section 13 (gross indecency), (8) section 14 (indecent assault on a girl), (9) section 15 (indecent assault on a boy), (10) section 16 (assault with intent to commit buggery), (11) section 23 (procuration of girl under 21) and (12) section 28 (causing or encouraging prostitution of, intercourse with, or indecent assault on, girl under 16); and what was the average sentence (A) received and (B) served for each offence. [123600]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Kudlip Sander
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Government's response to the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Kudlip Sander. [123601]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The court's judgment, which was limited to the facts of this case, means that in future similar cases where the judge is aware of evidence of jury bias it may be necessary to discharge the jury to achieve a fair trial. The Judicial Studies Board, which includes training on equal treatment issues in its core training for judges, is currently considering the training implications of this judgment. Notices will also be placed in jury retiring rooms, reminding jurors of their duty to be impartial in trying the case.

  Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial) Bill
  Sir Nicholas Lyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer to the right hon. Member for Maidstone and The Weald (Miss Widdecombe), of 2 March 2000,Official Report, column
  630W
  377W, on the Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial) Bill, (1) what proportion of the total number of Crown Court defendants in either way cases is represented by the 14,000 defendants who would be tried in the magistrates courts, indicating (a) the total assumed number of such defendants, (b) the proportion of the total who are assumed to plead guilty, (c) the proportion of the total that are assumed to have been tried according to the evidence, (d) the proportion of the 14,000 assumed to have pleaded guilty in the Crown Court, (e) the proportion of the 14,000 assumed to have been fully tried in the Crown Court, (f) the proportion of those fully tried which it is assumed would have been convicted and (g) the average sentences which it is assumed those convicted would have received; [123856]

  (2) of the 14,000 defendants assumed to have remained in the magistrates court, what proportion (a) would have pleaded guilty, (b) would have been fully tried and (c) would have been convicted; what is the average length of trial assumed in the magistrates court; what legal prosecution and defence costs are assumed in the cases of (i) plea of guilty and (ii) full trial; what proportion of those convicted are assumed to have received a custodial sentence and of what length; what profile of sentences of non-custodial sentence is assumed in relation to what proportion of the remainder; and on what basis assumptions as to the relevant length of sentence have been made; [123857]

  (3) what average remand times have been assumed in respect of Crown Court cases, and magistrates court cases in relation to savings from shorter sentences; what profile of offences has been assumed and what average sentence has been assumed in relation to each such offence in the Crown Court and the magistrates court; and how many relevant previous convictions have been assumed in each case; [123858]

  (4) how many separate hearings have been assumed in the Crown Court, and in the magistrates court, in relation to each case; [123860]

  (5) what has been taken as the average length and costs of a contested trial in (a) the Crown Court and (b) the magistrates court; and what are the equivalent figures in each court in respect of cases where the defendant eventually pleads guilty. [123859]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  In 1997, some 63,000 defendants were committed for trial at the Crown Court in either-way cases; 14,000 represents about 22 per cent. of that number. In 1998, the proportion of defendants pleading guilty to either-way offences in the Crown Court was 66 per cent., but, for costing purposes, our model assumes a higher guilty plea rate of 80 per cent., which has the effect of minimising the savings which might be expected from the reform. About 38 per cent. of defendants contesting either-way offences in the Crown Court were convicted, and a similar rate was assumed for costing purposes.

  The savings for the Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial) (No.2) Bill were measured using the flows and costs model which was developed by the Home Office in collaboration with the Lord Chancellor's Department and Crown Prosecution Service to estimate the cost of initiatives in the criminal justice system. The costs are

  631W
  based on a theft and handling case in the Crown Court and an average indictable case in the magistrates courts. The particular assumptions made in relation to the 14,000 defendants who would be tried in the magistrates courts as a result of the Bill are given in the table:

  Assumption

  Remand time avoided

  9 weeks

  Timeous guilty plea rate

  80 per cent.

  Late guilty plea rate

  10 per cent.

  Not guilty plea rate

  10 per cent.

  Appeal against mode of trial decision

  25 per cent.

  Average sentence imposed at the Crown Court

  10.9 months

  Average sentence imposed in the magistrates courts

  3.6 months

  Custodial sentence rate in Crown Court

  46.5 per cent.

  Custodial sentence rate in the magistrates courts

  22.5 per cent.

  It has also been assumed that these cases involve no more and no fewer hearings then equivalent cases in their class and venue. There are a number of other variables, such as length of trial, which are not specifically included in the costing exercise but which were reflected in the costs and flows model. Assumptions have been made about remand time avoided rather than about average remand times. No information is available on the cost of proceedings and sentences by number of previous convictions.

  The background to the costs and flows model is available on the internet at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/areas/econpf.htm

  Animal Welfare (Circuses)
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received on the welfare of animals used in circuses. [122415]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  This year, the Home Office has received 50 letters about the welfare of circus animals from individual members of the public and Members of Parliament. There have been six Parliamentary Questions on the subject. In addition, over 1,500 pre-printed letters have been received as part of an Animal Defenders campaign connected with elephants in a particular circus. A large Animal Defenders petition to the House of Commons, seeking a ban on the use of animals in travelling circuses and the licensing of circus winter quarters, has also recently been passed to the Home Office. I met representatives of Animal Defenders and the Captive Animals Society on 31 January.

  Terrorist Training
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement about the activities of Al-Muhijiroon; [123661]

  (2) what action he proposes to take in respect of the activities of Salina Security Services relating to British Islamic fundamentalists and firearms and explosives training in the United States; and if he will make a statement; [123666]

  (3) if he will raise with the United States enforcement authorities the activities of Muhammed Jameel and Salina Security Services; and if he will make a statement; [123664]
  632W
  (4) if he will make a statement about links between Sheikh Omar Bakri Mohammed, Sheikh Abu Hamza and Salina Security Services run by Muhammed Jameel; and if he will make a statement; [123663]

  (5) if he will make a statement about the Internet advertisement, The Ultimate Jihad Challenge. [123665]

  Mr. Straw
  I have seen the recent report about alleged terrorist training of United Kingdom nationals overseas. The investigation of any illegal criminal activity is, of course, a matter for the police. I understand that they are aware of these latest allegations and are looking into them. The police meet with their United States counterparts on a regular basis to discuss matters relating to terrorism.

  Criminal Justice and Court Services Bill
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the average cost to public funds of a drug abstinence order made under part III of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Bill; what estimate he has made of the number of orders that will be made annually; what estimate he has made of the number of other community orders that will include drug abstinence requirements; if magistrates courts will be able to make such an order; and if he will make a statement.[115823]

  Mr. Straw
  [pursuant to his reply, 22 March 2000, c. 560W]: In referring to piloting the Drug Abstinence Order and Drug Abstinence Requirement, the correct estimate of numbers receiving either, should have been 225 each year. The figure of 3,500 offenders, included in my reply, is the estimate for national roll-out.

  Institutional Racism
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the extent to which(a) his Department and (b) other Government Departments, non-departmental public bodies and executive agencies are institutionally racist; what criteria he uses to define institutional racism; and if he will make a statement. [121996]

  >Mr. Straw
  [pursuant to his reply, 12 May 2000, c. 519W]: The information contained in the third paragraph was incorrect. That paragraph of the reply should have read:
  The Government are determined that the public sector should lead on race equality. The legislation currently going through Parliament will, when enacted, outlaw discrimination in public functions not currently covered by the Race Relations Act 1976, place a positive duty on all public authorities to promote race equality, and prove a key lever in tackling institutional racism.

  Pensions (Part-timers)
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the maximum and minimum cost to police and fire service pension funds of the European Court of Justice's ruling on pensions for part-timers. [123265]

  Mr. Rooker
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the hon. Member to my Written Answer on 23 May 2000, Official Report, column 484W.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Serious Fraud Office
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Solicitor-General how many prosecutions were pursued by the Serious Fraud Office in 1997 and 1998; what percentage of those resulted in convictions; and if he will make a statement. [122435]

  The Solicitor-General
  In the year 1997–98 the Serious Fraud Office obtained 37 convictions from the 39 defendants tried, a conviction rate of 94.9 per cent. In 1998–99, it obtained 34 convictions from the 42 defendants tried, a conviction rate of 81.0 per cent.

  CPS
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Solicitor-General what steps are being taken following the recent stress survey to ensure that the views of Crown Prosecution Service staff at all levels are taken into account as the reforms of the Crown Prosecution Service are implemented. [122436]

  The Solicitor-General
  CPS staff are being consulted on the findings of the staff survey and stress audit. An action plan is being drawn up by a steering group which includes Area staff and representatives of the main departmental trades unions. The action plan will be presented to the CPS Board shortly. The network of Area Sounding Boards will provide feedback from staff at all levels on the results of the survey and audit as well as on the wider reform programme. As I explained to my hon. Friend the Member for South Thanet (Dr. Ladyman) on 13 January 2000,Official Report, columns 420–21, the CPS has an extensive consultation programme in place which provides regular feedback from staff on progress with the reforms.

  Travellers
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement on the Government's policy concerning the prosecution of offences arising from travellers' trespassing. [122437]

  The Solicitor-General
  The principles applied by the Crown Prosecution in relation to offences involving travellers trespassing, as with any other offence, are governed by the Code for Crown Prosecutors. In order to prosecute, a Crown Prosecutor must be satisfied that the evidential and public interest tests set out in the Code are met.

  UK/Scotland Liaison
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Solicitor-General what arrangements he has for consultation with the Advocate-General before providing advice to the Government on matters which may affect both UK and Scottish legislation. [122439]

  The Solicitor-General
  The Attorney-General, Advocate-General and I consult frequently on matters of mutual interest, such as matters which may affect legislation both in Scotland and England.

  Laptops
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Solicitor-General how many laptop computers used by Ministers, officials and special advisers in his Department have been(a) lost and (b) stolen since May 1997. [123740]

  The Solicitor-General
  No laptop computers used by Ministers, officials and special advisers in my Department have been either lost or stolen since May 1997.

  Mr. Bernard Griffin
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Solicitor-General for what reason the Northern Ireland Director of Public Prosecutions dropped charges against Mr. Bernard Griffin. [123561]

  The Solicitor-General
  The Department of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland issued a direction of no prosecution in relation to charges brought against Mr. Griffin and his brother Mr. Kenneth Griffin because it was concluded that notwithstanding the provisions of section 13 of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996 there was insufficient evidence to afford a reasonable prospect of conviction of either person for those offences.

  The Department wrote to the solicitors acting for Mr. Griffin and his brother giving the reasons for the decision in general terms on 19 January 2000. Following a request for detailed reasons, the Department provided further information explaining the decision on 12 May 2000.

  Road Accidents (Prosecutions)
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Solicitor-General how many drivers were prosecuted in the last five years for which figures are available in relation to fatal road accidents involving cyclists; and with what offences they were charged. [123588]

  The Solicitor-General
  The Crown Prosecution Service holds no central records in respect of specific offences. The information is held on individual case files and could only be obtained by examining every relevant file in each CPS office. The cost of this exercise would be prohibitive.

WALES

  Opinion Research
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place copies of the results of all market and opinion research carried out by his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies since May 1997, in the Library. [123816]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  For the former Welsh Office for the period from May 1997 to the end of June 1999, this information could be provided only at disproportionate cost, as explained in the reply to the hon. Member's previous question on 6 July 1999,Official Report, column 505W.

  The Wales Office does not have any agencies or non-departmental public bodies, and has not carried out any market or opinion research since it was established on 1 July 1999.

  Laptops
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many laptop computers used by Ministers, officials and special advisers in his Department have been(a) lost and (b) stolen since May 1997. [123746]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  From May 1997 to 30 June the Welsh Office had(a) no recorded cases of lost laptop computers and (b) two reported thefts of laptop computers.

  From 1 July 1999 to date, the Wales Office has not recorded any cases of either lost or stolen laptop computers.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  GM Crops
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what advice the Commissioners have received about the growing of GM crops on their land; how they intend to monitor the result of the current round of trials; and if he will make a statement. [123048]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  Following extensive study and wide consultation, the Church of England's Ethical Investment Advisory group has recommended to the Commissioners that new agricultural tenancies should contain a clause restricting the use of genetically modified seeds. Therefore genetically modified seed could only be grown on church land with the express consent of the Church Commissioners. The Commissioners have considered and accepted this advice. Currently no GMO crop trials are taking place on Church land.

  The Advisory Group is currently establishing a process to monitor the GMO crop trials programme in collaboration with government agencies and respected plant science organisations. The Commissioners will therefore continue to receive expert advice as the GMO testing trials proceeds.

  The Ethical Investment Advisory's Group guidance is published in full and is available on request and on the Church of England's website at www.cofe.anglican.org. I am also arranging for a copy to be placed in the House of Commons Library.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Laptops
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many laptop computers used by Ministers, officials and special advisers in her Department have been(a) lost and (b) stolen since May 1997. [123739]

  Clare Short
  (a) No laptops have been lost.

  (b) Since May 1997, eight laptop computers have been stolen from DFID. Seven of these computers were stolen from DFID premises, and one from a car belonging to a member of staff.
  636W
  The breakdown of these thefts by year is as follows:

  1997: Three unallocated laptops were stolen from Abercrombie House.

  1998: Two unallocated laptops stolen from 94 Victoria Street.

  1999: One laptop stolen from an adviser in 94VS.

  2000: One new, but unissued laptop stolen from 94VS.

  One laptop was stolen from an AH official's car.

  Departmental Vehicles
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many(a) cars and (b) commercial vehicles operated by her Department were manufactured (i) in the UK, (ii) in the EU and (iii) elsewhere. [122266]

  Clare Short
  My Department makes use of three official cars supplied by the Government Car and Despatch Agency. All three are manufactured in the EU.

  Street Children
  Ms McCafferty
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what were the total UK bilateral aid contributions for street children in(a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999; and if she will provide a breakdown by country and region. [123290]

  Clare Short
  Our development support for street children includes programmes in Brazil, Ecuador, Kenya, South Africa, Russia, Bangladesh, India, Tanzania, Zambia, Uzbekistan, Kardistan. In addition to country specific initiatives, we support organisations with programmes for street children in a large number of countries. These include the Consortium for Street Children, UNICEF and the International Programme for the Elimination of Child Labour of the ILO.

  Much of our work in support of street children is done in the context of broader based activities, and it is therefore not possible to provide specific figures for work in this particular area.

CABINET OFFICE

  COI Targets
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what performance targets she has set out for the Central Office for Information for 2000–01. [124338]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  I have set the following key performance targets for the Central Office of Information for 2000–01.
  Financial
  1. To achieve break even on an accruals basis.Efficiency
  2. To achieve a unit cost reduction of 2 per cent.Quality of service:
  To obtain the following results from customer satisfaction feedback:

  (a) an overall customer satisfaction score of at least 8.25 (out of 10);

  (b) at least 96 per cent. of returns to score 6 or more;

  (c) a 5 per cent. increase in the response rate (from 54 per cent. to 56.7 per cent.)

  Pensions (Part-timers)
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what estimate she has made of the minimum and maximum cost to the Civil Service Pension Fund of the European Court of Justice's ruling on pensions for part-timers. [123264]

  Mr. Rooker
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the hon. Member to my Written Answer on 23 May 2000, Official Report, column 484W.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received concerning the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill. [122409]

  Mr. Morley
  In excess of 2,500 representations have been received about the Bill. All but a few have been from members of the public and animal welfare organisations supporting the banning of fur farming.

  Global Warming
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent assessment he has made of the threat of global climate change to low-lying areas of the UK. [122412]

  Mr. Morley
  Low lying areas are already at risk from flooding and depend on flood and coastal defences. They could be at increased risk through climate change. We need to respond to this challenge primarily by ensuing that, where necessary and appropriate, existing defences are replaced and upgraded.

  Fishing
  Mr. Michael Jabez Foster
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to combat the illegal landing of fish in the UK. [122413]

  Mr. Morley
  As I have made clear on previous occasions, the conservation of fish stocks is essential for the long-term future of the fishing industry, and all concerned-fishermen, merchants and processors—have a key part to play in preventing the trade in blackfish. This Government have not flinched from taking tough measures to curb such activity whether at the national level or through the Community.

  Pet Travel Scheme
  Mr. McCabe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the implementation of the pet travel scheme. [122414]

  Ms Quin
  The Pet Travel Scheme has been a radical and welcome change for pet owners throughout Britain and Western Europe. It allows pet cats and dogs to enter the UK without quarantine for the first time in decades without increasing the risk of importing rabies. Over the first 11 weeks of the scheme, 2,243 pets have entered the UK without having to go into quarantine.

  EU Enlargement
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to reform the common agricultural policy with a view to EU enlargement. [122416]

  Ms Quin
  We are pursuing opportunities created by anticipated market pressures, the reviews contained within the Agenda 2000 agreement and the existing commitment to review the sugar regime by 2001 to push for the reform process started at Berlin to be completed. Such an outcome would facilitate enlargement.

  >Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what estimates he has made of the cost to the existing members of the EU of accepting into the Common Agricultural Policy(a) Poland, (b) Hungary, (c) the Czech Republic, (d) Estonia, (e) Malta, (f) Cyprus, (g) Slovakia, (h) Bulgaria, (i) Romania, (j) Slovenia, (k) Latvia, (l) Lithuania and (m) Turkey; [122962]

  (2) what the Government's policy is on the funding of the additional costs involved in accepting (a) Poland, (b) Hungary and (c) the Czech Republic into the Common Agricultural Policy. [122963]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: The Financial Perspective for 2000–06 agreed at the Berlin Council in March 1999 set aside around 12.5 billion euro at 1999 prices to finance the CAP for up to six new member states over the period 2002–06. The Government's aim is to ensure that this ceiling is not breached.

  Farming Business Advice
  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he is taking to provide business advice to farmers. [122417]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  Under the Action Plan for Farming announced on 30 March, farmers in England will benefit from business advice worth in excess of £8.5 million in the current financial year. Additional support will also be provided for farmers involved with diversification projects under the England Rural Development Plan.

  Mrs. Dean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps his Department is taking to help farmers in marketing and product development. [122423]

  Ms Quin
  We have a range of measures to help farmers improve their marketing and better meet the needs of consumers. These include the Agricultural Development Scheme, which is currently open for applications, and new schemes under the England Rural Development Plan, which will be introduced in the summer, subject to clearance by the European Commission.

  Exports
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the value of food and drink exports from the UK to the European Union in the past three years. [122418]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  UK exports of food and drink products to the European Union have exceeded £5 billion in each of the last three years.

  Organic Farming
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what forecasts his Ministry has made for the economic prospects of the organic farming sector over the coming year. [122419]

  Mr. Morley
  Estimates made by the organic sector itself indicate the size of the retail market for organic food to have been just short of £400 million in 1998–99 and project its growth to £1,500 million by 2002–03.

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many farms(a) with registered organic status and (b) in the process of conversion to organic status are likely to lose that status due to the presence of genetically modified crops nearby in the next year. [123076]

  Mr. Morley
  We understand that no organic farmer is currently facing deregistration because of proximity to a GM crop. However, the organic inspection bodies' investigations are not yet complete.

  Countryside Stewardship Scheme
  Helen Jackson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to expand the countryside stewardship scheme. [122420]

  Mr. Morley
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for South Ribble (Mr. Borrow) on 13 January 2000,Official Report, column 239W.

  I announced plans for a major expansion of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme on 7 December. Over the next seven years, spending on agri-environment schemes will double. Of the £1 billion to be allocated during this period to these schemes, £500 million will be for the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. The extra money will bring the total budget in 2000–01 to over £35 million, rising to £126 million in 2006–07. Initial predictions are that when this year's application round closes on 31 May, we shall be able to accept around 3,000 new agreements, more than double the number in 1999.

  Agenda 2000
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the impact on food prices of the Agenda 2000 reform of the common agricultural policy. [122421]

  Ms Quin
  Once the reform has been fully implemented, and provided price reductions are passed on in full to retail, food retail prices will be 2 per cent. lower than otherwise, equivalent to 0.25 per cent. off the All Items Retail Prices Index.

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the benefit to livestock farming of the Agenda 2000 reforms of the CAP. [122406]

  Ms Quin
  Agenda 2000 represents a very good deal for our producers. We forecast that, compared with the position in the absence of Agenda 2000, incomes on cattle and sheep farms will increase once all the reforms are implemented.
  640W
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from his counterparts in non-EU OECD nations in regard to the outcome of the Agenda 2000 negotiations on CAP reform, stating for each nation the nature of its reaction. [122959]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: Since the adoption by the European Union of the Agenda 2000 CAP reforms I have met Ministers from Australia, New Zealand and the USA. They were generally supportive of the direction of CAP reform achieved in Agenda 2000 but would have preferred it to have gone further.

  Common Agricultural Policy
  Dr. George Turner
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the Government' s priorities for further reform of the common agricultural policy on modulation issues. [122422]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  The Agenda 2000 agreement takes us a significant step closer to securing a more competitive and sustainable industry with a stronger market orientation. It lays down the foundation for a new European agricultural and rural development framework in which lower levels of direct support for agricultural production will be complemented by higher levels of targeted assistance for sustainable rural development. The UK is implementing modulation to bring about a limited shift from production support towards rural development measures within this framework.

  We continue to press for the reform process started at Berlin to be completed.

  Dairy Industry
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what current proposals he has to assist the dairy industry; and if he will make a statement. [122424]

  Ms Quin
  The Action Plan for farming announced on 30 March indicated that we would be paying around £22 million in agri-monetary compensation to dairy farmers this year. It also included the removal of dairy hygiene inspection charges in England. Dairy farmers will also benefit from the lifting of the maximum weight limit on payments under the over-thirty-months scheme from 5 June. In addition my right hon. Friend the Minister announced last autumn the deferral of cattle passport charges worth some £12 million in total to dairy farmers.

  Common Fisheries Policy
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list his main objectives for the review of the Common Fisheries Policy due to take place in 2002. [122425]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government wish to maintain key features of the present arrangements such as national quotas based on relative stability and access restrictions within national 6/12 mile limits. At the same time, we want to secure improvements to the Common Fisheries Policy including enhancing the regional dimension and integrating environmental considerations more fully.
  641W
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will assess the effectiveness for the conservation of fish stocks of the European Common Fisheries Policy. [122426]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government believe that improvements are needed in the Common Fisheries Policy to make it a more effective instrument for conserving fish stocks.

  Mrs. Humble
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to secure a greater regional dimension to the common fisheries policy. [122427]

  Mr. Morley
  The Irish Sea cod recovery programme demonstrates the benefits of a regional approach which involves fishermen directly in developing fisheries management measures affecting them. We were instrumental in securing Commission and Council agreement to this. It indicates the direction in which we want the Common Fisheries Policy to develop.

  Rural Development Plan
  Mr. David Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evaluation he has made of the effect on farm incomes of the rural development plan for England. [122428]

  Ms Quin
  The impact of the Plan on farmers is described in section 7 of the England Rural Development Plan, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.

  Animal Welfare
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the implications for animal welfare of further liberalisation of trade in agricultural products.[122429]

  Ms Quin
  The Government's objective is to achieve agricultural trade liberalisation alongside reductions in production-related support. The relationship with farm animal welfare is complex and varies within and between sectors. However, the guiding principle is that liberalisation should be achieved in a way which takes account of animal welfare along with other non-trade concerns.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evaluation the Government have made of the use of the Green Box of the World Trade Organisation Agriculture Agreement to compensate farmers for the extra costs of Britain's animal welfare standards. [122991]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  The Government are pressing for the relationship between farm animal welfare standards and trade rules to be addressed in the World Trade Organisation (WTO). One of these ideas we are currently examining is permitting payments made to offset additional costs associated with farm animal welfare requirements to be included in the "Green Box" under the WTO Agreement on Agriculture. The effect of this would be that any such payments were not included in the aggregate measure of domestic support which is subject to reduction commitments.

  EU Farming Regulations
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with his European colleagues about ensuring uniformity of farming regulations across Europe. [122407]

  Ms Quin
  The Minister and I regularly meet colleagues from the other member states and the European Commission to discuss agricultural legislation. We are committed to the proper implementation of European legislation but also aware of the burdens that regulation can place on farmers. The recent Action Plan for Farming reaffirmed that we will avoid all gold plating of legislation.

  Apiculture
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 16 March 2000,Official Report, column 311W, what steps he has taken to ensure beekeepers take appropriate measures to contain varroa in the current season. [122411]

  Mr. Morley
  In the UK, the Government fund a range of measures costing around £1.5 million annually. The National Bee Unit, in England, provides a free diagnostic and inspection service for the beekeeping industry, and training and guidance for beekeepers.

  Sugar
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his oral statement of 11 May 2000,Official Report, column 1027, what the Government's policy is on the appropriate level of support for sugar. [122965]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: The Government's view is that the EU sugar regime needs to be reformed and simplified. This was also the view of the previous Administration.

  Agri-monetary Compensation
  >Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food from what date agri-monetary compensation has been available to the Government; and what was the maximum amount of agri-monetary compensation available to Britain in each year of the system's existence. [122970]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: The UK has been eligible for agri-monetary compensation since 1997. The following amounts became available (in three year degressive packages) in each year:

  £ million

  1997

  1,036

  1998

  248

  1999

  579

  20001

  291

  1To date

  Hedgerows
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his statement of 11 May 2000,Official Report, column 1036, concerning hedgerows, if the

  643W
  European Commission has abandoned plans to re-interpret IACS rules in a way that would penalise farmers for maintaining hedgerows over a given width. [122992]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: The European Commission has accepted that we should continue for this year to apply our existing rules and practices for measuring field margins. As regards 2001 and subsequent years, MAFF officials are continuing to work with the Commission Services to clarify what types of margins will be acceptable for inclusion in aid claims.

  Over 30-Months Scheme
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the level of expenditure on the Over-30-Months scheme was in each year since its introduction; what the expected level of expenditure is in the current year and in each of the next five years; and, for each annual figure, how much is contributed from(a) UK funds and (b) EU funds. [122994]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: The information is as follows:

  £ million

  Year

  Expenditure

  Contributed from UK funds

  Contributed from EU funds

  1996–97

  858

  389

  469

  1997–98

  432

  230

  202

  1998–99

  380

  195

  185

  1999–20001

  394

  208

  186

  Current forecasts:

  2000–01

  329

  176

  153

  2001–02

  329

  176

  153

  1Provisional

  The forecasts through to 2001–02 are set out in the MAFF/IB Departmental Report 2000. As part of Spending Review 2000 these forecasts together with forecasts for 2002–03 and 2003–04 are being reviewed. They will be announced as part of the SR2000 settlement in the summer.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a request was made by the Government to discuss the lifting of the Over-30-months scheme weight limit at(a) the first and (b) the second Beef Management Committee meetings in April. [121429]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  Officials wrote to the Services of the European Commission on 5 April asking them to make a proposal to the Beef Management Committee on 14 April to remove the weight limit on payments of Over-30-months scheme cattle. The Commission were unable to prepare a proposal in time for submission to that meeting, and there was no second meeting of the Management Committee in April. A proposal to remove the weight limit was agreed at the Beef Management Committee on 12 May.

  Farm Waste Grant Scheme
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answers of 18 April 2000,Official Report, column 333W and 5 May 2000, Official Report, column 245–46W, concerning the Farm Waste
  644W
  Grant Scheme, if he will reconcile the figures for expenditure on the Scheme in 2001–02 given in the two answers. [123017]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 22 May 2000]: The figure which I gave to the hon. Member on 17 April, on the aid measures in respect of the Farm Waste Grant Scheme announced as part of the Action Plan for Farming, represents the new funding which will be made available in 2001–02. The figure, which I gave him on 5 May, is the total amount, which will be available to farmers under this Scheme from 2001–02, including the current provision.

  Secondments
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 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. [123421]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 24 May 2000]: 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.

  The information requested in the question subparts:
  (a) For the period May 1997 to April 1998 two staff were involved in secondments to:
  Coopers and Lybrand, Grade 7 (3 November 1997 to 3 September 1998)
  Capita/RAS. Grade 7 (10 November 1997 to 5 February 2000)
  (b) For the period May 1998 to April 1999 two staff were involved in secondments to:
  Alternative Crops Technology Information Network, HSO (1 June 1998 to 30 November 1999)
  Capita/RAS. Grade 7 (15 September 1998 to 30 September 2000); Grade 7 (10 March 1999 to 9 July 2000)
  (c) For the period May 1999 to April 2000 see (b).

  Websites
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his Department's policy is on(a) advertising and (b) acknowledging company sponsorship on the websites of his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies; which companies (i) have placed advertisements and (ii) are acknowledged as sponsors on those websites; how much revenue has been received for each financial year since 1997 from such advertisements and sponsorship; and if that revenue has been retained within the budget of his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies. [119551]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 19 May 2000]: As far as core MAFF, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies are concerned, the current position is that there is no commercial advertising or sponsorship on websites.
  645W
  The acceptance of advertising and the acknowledgement of sponsors by MAFF Non-Departmental public bodies are matters for the discretion of the Accounting Officer of the Non-Departmental public body concerned.

  The British Potato Council and the Home Grown Cereals Authority both acknowledge their IT consultants as suppliers. No revenue is received.

  The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew acknowledges on its website the following companies, including Trusts and Foundations, who have supported the Millennium Seed Bank Project: Millennium Commission, Wellcome Trust, Orange plc, The Esmee Fairburn Charitable Trust, Glaxo
  646W
  Wellcome plc, The Maurice Laing Foundation, The Rufford Foundation, Tate and Lyle plc and the Philecology Trust. The total revenue received from sponsors since 1997 is as follows.

  Year

  £000

  $000

  1996–97

  1,075

  0

  1997–98

  2,355

  13

  1998–99

  5,569

  100

  1999–2000

  9,045

  100

  The revenue received has been retained to spend on the Millennium Seed Bank Project.

  The Queen Mother's 100th Birthday
  The Queen Mother's 100th Birthday
  Civil Justice Review, Northern Ireland: Publication
  Civil Justice Review, Northern Ireland: Publication
  Joint Committee on Human Rights
  Joint Committee on Human Rights
  Committee on Standards in Public Life
  Committee on Standards in Public Life
  Written Questions: Electronic Answers
  Written Questions: Electronic Answers
  Free Television Licences Concession
  Free Television Licences Concession
  Millennium Dome: Funding
  Millennium Dome: Funding
  Tobacco Smuggling
  Tobacco Smuggling
  A14 Road Bridges, Huntingdon
  A14 Road Bridges, Huntingdon
  Public Footpaths and Bridleways
  Public Footpaths and Bridleways
  Guide Dogs Carried in Taxis: Regulations
  Guide Dogs Carried in Taxis: Regulations
  Right of Access to Countryside: Assessment of Litter Problem
  Right of Access to Countryside: Assessment of Litter Problem
  Prison Service Projects
  Prison Service Projects