Written Answers of 13 November 2000

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  UK Sports Institute
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress has been made on the establishment of the UK Sports Institute. [135647]

  Kate Hoey
  The UK Sports Institute's aim is to provide our best sportsmen and women with the facilities and support services that they need to compete and win at the highest level. It will provide much needed world class facilities and a higher standard of co-ordinated support services than the UK has ever had before.

  Recruitment of the key staff of the UKSI Central Services team has been completed. From November 2000, sports will have access to the technical, operational and programme support provided through the UKSI Central Services Team.

  The UKSI is also made up of a network of Institutes operated by the home country sports councils. The establishment of the English Institute of Sport of the UKSI is on-going. The Badminton Centre in Milton Keynes, the Aquatics Centre and the Velodrome in Manchester and the Ice-Centre in Nottingham are already available to athletes. In May-June 2000, the water-based hockey pitches in Birmingham and Cannock were among the first completed new projects. At Loughborough, Lottery funding of up to £2.1 million has been agreed for the development of swimming facilities, an indoor athletics centre, international hockey pitches, a gymnastic centre, facilities for badminton and netball together with athlete support services. Over £50 million of new Lottery funding has been committed by Sport England to date for additional facilities for the English network. It is expected that the majority of the remaining Lottery applications, representing over £60 million of further investment in network facilities in England, will be made in the next six months. Once the full building programme has been completed, there will be over 80 facilities that go to make up the English Institute of Sport network.

  In addition, the UKSI Scottish Institute of Sport, funded by Sport Scotland, has been established and operating for 18 months and The Sports Council for Wales has been operating and developing UKSI Cymru for sometime. Both have been providing a range of services direct to athletes including technical training and support, conditioning guidance and supervision, preventive and reactive sports medical support and sports science. The Sports Council for Northern Ireland has identified the University of Ulster as their preferred partner to develop in partnership the UKSI network centre for Northern Ireland. Initial principles of agreement have been signed by both parties and work is under way to identify the most appropriate format to operate the network centre.
  448W
  Copies of the UKSI Quarterly Update report for August 2000—produced by UK Sport—have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses to provide further information on progress of the UK Sports Institute.

  National Lottery
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for what reason he has not dismissed the National Lottery Commissioners who were in post at the time of the decision which resulted in the resignation of the Chairman of the Commission. [136243]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I have no grounds for dismissing the National Lottery Commissioners. The former Chairman of the National Lottery Commission, Dame Helena Shovelton, resigned from the Commission for personal reasons. I appointed Lord Burns to take her place on the Commission, and gave him a clear remit, alongside the other Commissioners, to conduct the selection process with absolute fairness and impartiality between the applicants. The Government have every confidence in their ability to do so.

  Millennium Commission
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 1 November 2000,Official Report, column 476W, what undertaking was sought by the Millennium Commission from (a) the Minister of State at the Cabinet Office, Lord Falconer or (b) the New Millennium Experience Company in return for its most recent award of grant. [137222]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 7 November 2000]This is a matter for the Millennium Commission. I will write to the hon. Member in my capacity as Chairman of the Commission, and place copies of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

  Looted Cultural Assets
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what response he plans to make to the proposal of the Vilnius International Forum on Holocaust Era Looted Cultural Assets that Governments establish a central reference point to provide information and help on queries regarding looted cultural assets and claims. [137409]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  My officials are in contact with Resource (the Council for Museums Libraries and Archives) to discuss the outcome of the study they have commissioned into the feasibility of an advisory unit to offer expertise and advice to help museums, galleries, libraries and archives in handling this issue.

  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the timetable is for consultation on the case for legislation to permit national museums and galleries to return human remains and objects which were wrongfully taken during the period 1933 to 1945; and if he will list the organisations which are being consulted. [137410]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I am currently consulting the Chairman of the National Museum Directors' Conference (NMDC), the Chairman of the NMDC's standing Repatriation Committee and the Chairman of the
  449W
  NMDC's Working Group on Spoliation, together with the Director of Resource and the Director of the Museums Association.

  Millennium Dome
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on his plans for the use of the Millennium Dome. [136989]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 8 November 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Cotswold (Mr. Clifton-Brown) on 6 November 2000, Official Report, columns 55-56W.

  Chess
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to designate chess a sport. [137992]

  Kate Hoey
  I have currently no plans. Any decision to recognise chess as a sport would have to be agreed by all four home country sports councils and departments.

  Regional Theatre
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has for funding regional theatre in the areas covered by(a) the South East Arts Board, (b) Waverley district council and (c) Mole Valley district council, with particular reference to (i) the Redgrave Theatre, Farnham and (ii) the Thorndike Theatre, Leatherhead. [137687]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  This is a matter for the Arts Council of England, as the main funding body for the arts in England, in collaboration with South East Arts, as the regional arts board, to decide within the context of their current review of theatre. The Arts Council have already announced additional funding for theatre from 2002–03, and decisions on how this will be distributed will be made in the near future.

  Television Subtitling
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 30 October 2000,Official Report, column 330W, on subtitling for the deaf and hard of hearing on digital, cable and satellite television, for what reason the scope of his Department's review has been extended to include satellite and cable TV; and what other aspects of provision and reception of subtitling, signing and audio description services are also being reviewed. [137919]

  Janet Anderson
  The review was widened to include other aspects of the provision and reception of subtitling, signing and audio description services in order to inform Government in the development of future broadcasting policy and legislation in this area. Other aspects being considered are the possibilities of different targets for different broadcasters, the prioritisation of certain programmes/channels, the costs of providing and receiving these services and the availability of skilled subtitlers, signers and audio describers.

  European Union Baroque Orchestra
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the level of(a) Government and (b) European Communities support for the European Union Baroque Orchestra is. [138084]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The European Union Baroque Orchestra is an official cultural training initiative of the European Parliament and the European Commission, and receives funding from the European Commission's Directorate General for Education and Culture. The orchestra also receives major sponsorship from industry and other organisations and individuals. The level of that funding is for those organisations to determine; no additional support comes from Government.

  Government Sports Strategy
  Mr. Alan Keen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what targets he has for getting more people regularly to take exercise; and if he will make a statement. [134150]

  Yvette Cooper
  I have been asked to reply.

  Experts recommend that all adults should participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity five times a week and children should be active for at least an hour every day. In each case, physical activity can include activities like brisk walking, cycling and swimming.

  The National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease set out key milestones for the implementation of a range of prevention programmes at a local level. These milestones state that, by April 2001, all NHS bodies, working closely with local authorities, will have agreed and be contributing to the delivery of local programmes on physical activity. By April 2002, all local health communities will have quantitative data on implementation of these policies. The Health Development Agency has compiled a guide for implementing the preventive aspects of the NSF. This will be sent to Health Authorities in November and will provide examples of the projects they can set up in order to reach NSF milestones.

  Several Government initiatives are promoting opportunities for people to be more physically active. The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions has made safer roads a priority in their White Paper 'A New Deal for Transport'. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport have outlined their commitment to improve access to services in their 'Sports Strategy'. There is also a joint DH/DfEE programme to implement the objectives of the 'National Healthy School Standard', which includes physical activity as a component.

  Initiatives are in place to promote physical activity among children. The Safe and Sound Challenge, which encourages children to walk or cycle to school along safe routes, has run successfully for two years. In 2000–01, the aim of the scheme will be to offer schools in socially deprived areas the opportunity to develop healthy active modes of travel to school.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Office Furniture
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what the cost is of each item of portable office furniture(a) in offices in Portcullis House and (b) in other offices in the Parliamentary Estate. [136816]

  Sir Sydney Chapman
  This is a matter for the Serjeant at Arms; I have asked him to write to the hon. Member.

PRIME MINISTER

  Biodiversity
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those aspects of biodiversity which are potentially under threat as a result of the use of GM crops, to which he made reference in his speech on environmental policy at the Joint Green Alliance/CBI Forum on 24 October. [135436]

  The Prime Minister
  The Government take a precautionary, evidence-based approach to the possible impact on biodiversity of growing GM crops, whether through the herbicide regime, as a result of gene flow, or some other effect.

  Core Environmental Principles
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the set of common values as part of core environmental principles to which he made reference in his speech on environmental policy at the Joint Green Alliance/CBI Partnership meeting on 24 October. [135435]

  The Prime Minister
  As is set out in the Sustainable Development Strategy, 'A Better Quality of Life', published in May 1999, the Government's core aim is:to ensure a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come.

  Key values are best expressed by four objectives: social progress which recognises the needs of everyone; effective protection of the environment; prudent use of natural resources; and maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment.

  Chapter 4 of the strategy also sets out 10 guiding principles and approaches which provide additional background on our common values with regard to achieving sustainable development.

  More specifically, we need to build a new coalition for the environment that works with the grain of consumers, business and science, not against them, so that we can continue to grow and share the benefits of that growth. However, the negative impact of growth on the environment has to be reduced and a more productive use of environmental resources developed. To do this we need to: address problems at the right level—international, national, regional and local; harness consumer demand, not stifle it; stimulate science and innovation to provide solutions to environmental problems; use environmental resources more efficiently and become a low-carbon, recycling economy; and see protecting the environment as a business opportunity.
  452W
  Our goal is therefore to combine the benefits of continued economic growth with the creation of a fairer society and a cleaner environment.

  Hon. Members' Pay
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Ealing, North (Mr. Pound) of 23 October 2000,Official Report, column 68-69W, what plans he has to include in the forthcoming review a review of pension arrangements for hon. Members and Ministers and the additional costs allowances. [136420]

  The Prime Minister
  The review of parliamentary pay and allowances to which I referred in my previous answer will not cover pensions. That is the subject of a separate review which my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House has asked the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) to conduct and which we expect to receive early in the New Year.

  In addition to its commitment to review Members' pay this year, I have specifically asked the Review Body to look at the Office Cost Allowance because of representations I have received asking that this be done. I have not specifically requested the SSRB to look at other allowances.

  European Federation
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to the answer from the Minister for Europe of 2 November 2000,Official Report, column 557W, on European federation, if he will define the difference between the two types of Government mentioned; and if he will make a statement. [137683]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer 1 gave his hon. Friend the Member for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis) on 1 November 2000,Official Report, column 509W.

  EU Council, Biarritz
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the information EU Council held in Biarritz. [138248]

  The Prime Minister
  A Statement on the Information European Council in Biarritz was made at the earliest opportunity in the other place by my right hon. and noble Friend, the Lord Privy Seal, in a written reply to the noble Lord Faulkner of Worcester, 16 October 2000,Official Report, House of Lords, columns WA63-65.

  I repeated this statement when the House of Commons returned from the Summer Recess in a written answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, North (Mr. Pound), Official Report, columns 69-70W.

  Charter of Fundamental Rights
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his policy towards COM(2000)644. [135578]

  Mr. Vaz
  I have been asked to reply.

  COM(2000)644 is a Commission Communication, published on 11 October, "on the legal nature of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union".
  453W
  The Commission advocates that the Charter should be incorporated in the Treaties of the European Union. The Government reject this view, and incorporation will not happen unless all member states agree.

  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Stone (Mr. Cash) on 2 November 2000, Official Report, columns 555-56W.

DEFENCE

  Baltic States
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what(a) ministerial contacts and (b) military exchange contacts there have been in the past 12 months with (i) Lithuania, (ii) Latvia and (iii) Estonia; and if he will make a statement. [138094]

  Mr. Spellar
  We have well-developed defence relations with all three countries. These include extensive contacts at both ministerial and military levels. During the last 12 months contacts at ministerial level have included meetings between the Secretary of State for Defence and the Latvian and Estonian Presidents, a meeting between my colleague the Minister for Defence Procurement and the Latvian Defence Minister, Mr. Girts-Valdis Kristovkis, and my own meetings with Mr. Kristovkis, the former Lithuanian Defence Minister, Mr. Ceslovas Stankevicius, and the Estonian Foreign Minister, Mr. Toomas lives. In addition, following a very successful visit to the Baltic States in July 1999, the Chief of the Defence Staff has received senior visitors from Estonia and Latvia. The Chief of the Naval Staff visited all three Baltic States in June this year.

  Central to our relationships with all three countries are bilateral programmes of defence co-operation, which form part of our Defence Diplomacy mission. These programmes cover the provision of a wide range of assistance, including advice on defence management, English language training and military training. In addition, my Department supports a number of joint Baltic defence projects, including the Baltic Defence College, located at Tartu in Estonia, the Baltic peace-keeping battalion and the Baltic naval squadron. Our aim is to support the establishment of democratically accountable, cost-effective armed forces capable of contributing to national and regional security and, increasingly, international security through peace support operations.

  DERA Porton Down NBC Training Facility
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list for each of the past three years the military units which have used the DERA Porton Down NBC training facility, indicating how much each unit was charged; [136073]

  (2) what the cost is to a customer of using the DERA Porton Down NBC training facility; and on what basis it is calculated. [136075]
  454W
  Mr. Spellar
  During the past three financial years, the following military units have used the NBC Training facility known as the Battle Run at DERA, Porton Down.

  Financial year

  Military units

  1997

  7 Battalion Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers (71 Aircraft Workshop) 1 Royal Anglian Regiment Joint Helicopter Support Unit 47 Regiment Royal Artillery 16 Regiment Royal Artillery

  1998

  Royal Wessex Yeomanry (Territorial Army) 243 Field Hospital Unit 10 Parachute Regiment

  1999

  Royal Wessex Yeomanry (Territorial Army) 16 Regiment Royal Artillery Royal Household Cavalry

  The charge to customers for the use of the NBC Training Facility at DERA Porton Down, known as the Battle Run, comprises range maintenance and manpower operational costs as well as an element of profit as agreed between DERA and MOD in their Terms of Business Agreement (TOBA). The actual amount of usage and the associated cost are agreed on a yearly basis within an agreed limit of liability which is specified in the contract for use. The basis for the calculation of charges for each of the three years and the current year is the same apart from adjustments for inflation, the amounts of which are also agreed between MOD and DERA. The charges to HQ Land Command, the Ministry of Defence budget holder for these units, for each of the three years were £48,928, £42,118 and £51,715 respectively. Costs are not attributed to individual units. Costs include elements for facility maintenance and improvements to overall capability as well as the actual operational cost for the conduct of the Battle Run training.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in each of the past three years on how many days the DERA Porton Down NBC training facility has been(a) available for use and (b) used for training. [136074]

  Mr. Spellar
  In each of the last three financial years the NBC training facility known as the Battle Run at DERA Porton Down was contracted by HQ Land Command to provide 20 days of training in blocks of two days. The take-up of the sessions was as follows:

  Financial year

  Sessions

  1997

  Six two-day

  1998

  Four two-day

  1999

  One two-day and two four-day

  Ministerial Directions
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury of 23 October 2000,Official Report, columns 73-76W, on ministerial directions, if he will place in the Library the text and supporting documentation of the directions made by Ministers in his Department in 1998 and 2000; and if he will make a statement. [137298]
  455W
  Mr. Spellar
  I have considered this request under the terms of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information and concluded that providing this information would harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion within government. The request therefore falls within the terms of exemption 2 of the Code of Practice.

  Tomahawk Missile
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which variants of the Tomahawk land attack missile have been purchased by his Department; and if his Department has taken steps to purchase further variants. [137689]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Ministry of Defence has purchased only one variant of the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile, the Block IIIC, which has a conventionally armed blast warhead. It is currently deployed in RN submarines. Although we are studying future Tomahawk developments, and joint work with the United States Navy has shown that a Torpedo Tube Launch version is possible, we have made no commitment to buying the next generation Tactom Block IV variant.

  RAF Coltishall
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the future of RAF Coltishall. [137930]

  Mr. Spellar
  Over the next few years, my Department will be carefully considering possible roles for RAF Coltishall once its current task as base for the Jaguar Force comes to an end.

  Islamic Terrorists
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the islamic terrorist threat to(a) Royal Naval ships and (b) British service personnel in foreign ports. [137911]

  Mr. Spellar
  The recent attacks in Yemen highlight the continuing terrorist threat to UK and allied forces and interests. The threat is under constant assessment and prudent measures are in place to ensure the safety of our ships and personnel, wherever they may be.

  Kursk
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date military assistance was first(a) offered to, (b) accepted and (c) provided to Russia in respect of the Kursk disaster; and what the nature has been of the assistance provided since that date. [137925]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Ministry of Defence offered the assistance of the UK Submarine Search and Rescue Service (UKSSRS) to the Russian rescue effort in a letter to the Russian Defence Minister, which was delivered by the British Embassy Moscow on 14 August. With time being of the essence, we approved the forward deployment of the UKSSRS to Norway on 15 August. The Russian Ministry of Defence accepted our offer, through our Naval Attaché in Moscow, on 16 August. On 21 August, Russian authorities confirmed that all on board 456W
  the Kursk had died. Our further assistance was not therefore required and the UKSSRS was withdrawn. The Russians have made no further official requests to the UK for assistance in connection with the Kursk.

  HMS Fearless
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his assessment is of(a) the damage to and (b) the period needed for repairs to HMS Fearless. [137910]

  Mr. Spellar
  HMS Fearless sustained fire damage to her After Machinery Space. The full extent of the damage will not be known until detailed surveys, which are currently under way, have been completed.

  It is planned that repairs will be undertaken during a programmed maintenance period at Fleet Support Ltd., Portsmouth, commencing in December. However, until the full extent of the damage is assessed, the period needed to complete the repairs cannot be given.

  Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Balkans)
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about British unmanned aerial vehicles lost in the Balkans theatre since March 1998. [137906]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Phoenix Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) was first deployed to the Balkans theatre between June-August 1999. No UK UAVs were deployed before this date. At the request of KFOR Headquarters, the system was deployed again in May 2000 and remained in-theatre until 1 November 2000. Since June 1999, some 270 missions have been flown in-theatre. In total there have been 29 occasions where either the airframe and/or the sensor payload has been lost or written off due to damage incurred. Reasons for losses include hostile action, landing damage and equipment failure. The attrition rate, including losses to hostile action, is not inconsistent with that expected during peacetime usage. The costs associated with the losses need to be set against the risks of using alternative means of surveillance and reconnaissance such as manned aircraft or personnel on the ground. Operational reports continue to indicate that Phoenix is both reliable and highly effective as a general reconnaissance and surveillance system with the capability to conduct safe surveillance over areas which might otherwise be inaccessible.

  European Security and Defence Identity
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the proposal under the European Security and Defence Identity on the mechanism for consultation before deployment of British troops. [137837]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 10 November 2000]: The European Council at Helsinki decided that all member states would be entitled to participate fully, and on an equal footing, in all decisions and deliberations of the Council and Council bodies on EU-led crisis management operations. The Council also decided that commitment of national assets by member states to such operations will be based on their sovereign decision.

  Chemical Weapons
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the sites of former(a) chemical weapons factories and (b) chemical weapons stores in the United Kingdom. [137832]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 10 November 2000]I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Pensions (Armed Forces)
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the level of pensions payable to former members of the armed services who retired in the 1970s. [136117]

  Mr. Spellar
  Former members of the armed services who retired during the mid 1970s were affected by policies under which increases in pay were limited, but pensions in payment continued to be fully protected against price inflation. People who retired when price inflation was running at a higher rate than pay increases could therefore receive lower pensions than those retiring before or after them.

  These policies affected all those employed in the public service. The Government have no plans retrospectively to change the pensions of those who retired during this period. The pensions of all such individuals have, like those of other public servants, been fully protected against inflation since their retirement.

  Royal Navy
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what(a) reviews and (b) studies his Department is conducting on the operational capability of the Royal Navy; and if he will make a statement. [138241]

  Mr. Spellar
  The operational capability of the Royal Navy is kept under continual review. This allows the RN to take into consideration changing circumstances. In addition, at any one time, it is likely that a number of more formal reviews or studies with a wider remit will be taking place, any one of which may impact on the area of operational capability. It is the nature of operational issues that much of this work is classified.

  Missile Barge (Brixham)
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the status is of the missile test firing barge at Brixham; and how much has been spent in berthing fees in each of the past three years. [138242]

  Mr. Spellar
  The missile test barge Longbow, previously used for Sea Wolf trials, has been moored at Brixham pending its conversion for use in missile firing trials for the Principal Anti Air Missile System (PAAMS) Programme. Berthing fees paid during 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000 were £23,824, £24,734 and £25,834 respectively. It has been more cost-effective to retain Longbow than arrange for its disposal and then 458W
  have to purchase anew for the PAAMS Programme. The barge is now expected to be handed over to the PAAMS contractor in 2002.

  Sea Harriers
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Sea Harrier aircraft are operationally available. [138225]

  Mr. Spellar
  The requirement for Sea Harrier operational aircraft is 24, of which 14 are in front-line squadrons. As of 9 November 2000, all 24 aircraft were available at the required readiness.

  Foreign Military Equipment
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much he has spent in the last year on the hire and use of foreign military equipment. [138239]

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

  RAF Pilots
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many RAF pilots have indicated that they wish to leave the service in each of the past 12 months. [138226]

  Mr. Spellar
  The number of RAF pilots who have indicated that they wish to leave the Service in each month during the 12 month period from October 1999 are shown in the table.

  Year

  Number of RAF pilots

  October 1999

  8

  November 1999

  3

  December 1999

  3

  January 2000

  6

  February 2000

  8

  March 2000

  8

  April 2000

  4

  May 2000

  9

  June 2000

  8

  July 2000

  3

  August 2000

  3

  September 2000

  4

  Falklands Patrols
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Royal Navy ships are on patrol in Falkland Islands waters. [138238]

  Mr. Spellar
  HMS Dumbarton Castle and Grey Rover are currently on patrol in Falkland Islands waters. The Type 23 Frigate HMS Iron Duke will arrive in the area later this month.

  Harrier Pilots
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Fleet Air Arm Harrier pilots are combat ready. [138224]

  Mr. Spellar
  As of 9 November 2000, there were 18 combat ready Fleet Air Arm Harrier pilots in front-line squadrons. A further 15 pilots were at their planned lower states of readiness.

  UK Regular Forces

  Region

  Naval Service

  Army

  Royal Air Force

  Gurkhas

  Total

  Continental Europe

  826

  24,798

  3,595

  0

  29,219

  of which Germany

  3

  17,135

  2,031

  0

  19,169

  Gibraltar

  365

  87

  115

  0

  567

  Cyprus

  7

  2,543

  1,137

  0

  3,687

  Gulf

  49

  220

  703

  0

  972

  Far East

  681

  213

  24

  1,197

  2,115

  Canada

  3

  3,401

  143

  0

  3,547

  United States of America

  76

  291

  136

  0

  503

  Elsewhere1

  2,958

  1,779

  780

  1

  5,518

  All overseas

  4,965

  33,332

  6,633

  1,198

  46,128

  1 All defence attachés and their staffs are included under "Elsewhere" and not identified within specific areas

  These figures exclude Full Time Reserve Service personnel and reservists mobilised for service in the former Yugoslavia.

  Japanese POWs
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will (1) make it his policy to pay a gratuity to British ex-service survivors of former Japanese prisoner of war camps; [136188]

  (2) estimate the cost of paying a one-off £10,000 gratuity to all surviving former Japanese prisoners of war and their widows. [136189]

  Dr. Moonie
  I refer the hon. Member to my statement in the House on 7 November 2000,Official Report, columns 159-70.

  Anti-tank Landmines
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the stocks of anti-tank landmines which are being refurbished. [137746]

  Mr. Spellar
  Part of the anti-tank stockpile is being refurbished to rectify an identified fault. The refurbishment programme began in March 2000 and is scheduled to be completed by October 2001.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Beef Imports
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the(a) quantity, (b) category and (c) age of beef imported into the UK from France in the last 12 month period for which figures are available. [134513]

  Ms Quin
  The table shows(a) the quantity and (b) the category of beef imported from France for the 12 month period from August 1999 to July 2000, as recorded by the

  HM Forces Overseas
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the number and location of HM forces overseas; and if he will make a statement. [138095]

  Mr. Spellar
  The following table shows the number of UK Regular Forces and Gurkhas overseas at 1 October 2000.

  Overseas Trade Statistics. These statistics do not identify the age of the animal from which the beef was derived, but the sale for human consumption of any meat from animals aged over 30 months at slaughter is prohibited by the Fresh Meat (Beef Controls) (No. 2) Regulations 1996. The country from which these imports originated is not recorded in the Overseas Trade Statistics; therefore not necessarily all beef shown as being imported from France will be of French origin.

  Imports of beef from France August 1999-July 2000

  Description of beef

  Tonnes

  Bone-in, fresh or chilled

  146

  Boneless, fresh or chilled

  504

  Bone-in, frozen

  543

  Boneless, frozen

  1,497

  Offal, fresh, chilled or frozen

  377

  Corned beef

  2,491

  Other meat and offal preparations

  90

  Total

  5,647

  Note:

  The data are provisional and subject to amendment

  School Milk
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to raise the level of take-up of milk in schools. [134400]

  Ms Quin
  While the decision whether to offer subsidised school milk is essentially for the schools themselves or for the LEA, we have had and continue to have contact with local authorities and others interested in the use of the scheme. One barrier to take-up has been the perception that the scheme administration is particularly complicated. We are working with the Commission in its current review of administration to see whether there are ways this can be simplified for schools.

  Farm Bankruptcies
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many bankruptcies of farmers there were in each year from 1990 to 1999; and what percentage this represented of the total number of farmers in England. [136592]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 6 November 2000]: Data on bankruptcies are available only for England and Wales combined, and are given in the table. Estimates of the number of farmers in England and Wales are not directly available. Instead, bankruptcies have been expressed as a proportion of the number of registered agricultural holdings.

  Number of bankruptcies1 in the agricultural and horticultural sector:

  England and Wales 1990–99

  Year

  Bankruptcies of self-employed individuals

  Company2 insolvencies

  Total

  Bankruptcies as a percentage of number of holdings3

  1990

  198

  111

  309

  0.2

  1991

  266

  135

  401

  0.2

  1992

  313

  191

  504

  0.3

  1993

  277

  157

  434

  0.2

  1994

  231

  166

  397

  0.2

  1995

  218

  99

  317

  0.2

  1996

  168

  89

  257

  0.1

  1997

  155

  51

  206

  0.1

  1998

  157

  65

  222

  0.1

  1999

  149

  75

  224

  0.1

  1 Source: Department of Trade and Industry

  2 Including partnerships

  3 Source: June Agricultural and Horticultural Census

  Fertilisers
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received about the effect of import tariffs on ammonium nitrate upon the price of fertilisers for agriculture; and if he will make a statement. [136963]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 6 November 2000]I have received representations from the Fertiliser Manufacturers Association and the National Farmers' Union on this matter. We have registered concern with the Commission at the possibility that it may seek to impose anti-dumping measures on a range of fertiliser products and have called for an assessment of the wider state of competition in the fertilisers market.

  Cattle Passports
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the unit cost is of each passport issued by the British Cattle Movement Service. [136844]

  Ms Quin
  The unit cost of each passport issued by the British Cattle Movement Service is £7.73.

  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many replacement passports have been issued by the British Cattle Movement Service; and what income has been received from charges for these replacements, since the establishment of the service. [136843]
  462W
  Ms Quin
  The British Cattle Movement Service has re-issued 380,779 passports since it was established on 28 September 1998. 4,133 have been charged for, generating an income of £206,650. BCMS does not charge for replacement passports that are reported as lost in the post within one calendar month of being issued.

  Eggs
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the extent of the United Kingdom's self-sufficiency in egg production. [137581]

  Ms Quin
  In 1999 the United Kingdom produced 94 per cent. of its egg market requirements.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many registered egg producers have traded in each of the past 10 years. [137579]

  Ms Quin
  Under EC egg marketing legislation egg producers are required to register their premises only if they intend to use any of the Special Marketing Terms such as Free Range or Barn. Producers of eggs from cage systems are not included in the table.

  Financial year

  Number of premises

  1992

  1,168

  1993

  1,162

  1994

  1,046

  1995

  1,057

  1996

  1,027

  1997

  1,055

  1998

  1,081

  1999

  1,161

  2000

  1,252

  In 1998, MAFF data show over 25,000 holdings with laying hens.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what volume of eggs was imported into the United Kingdom in each of the last 10 years. [137582]

  Ms Quin
  The quantity of eggs imported into the United Kingdom in each of the last 10 years is as follows:

  Million dozen

  Year

  Number of eggs imported

  1990

  73

  1991

  50

  1992

  41

  1993

  49

  1994

  67

  1995

  66

  1996

  72

  1997

  70

  1998

  64

  1999

  69

  Data include shell egg equivalent of whole (dried, frozen and liquid) egg, egg yolk, and albumen.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the trend in ex-farm prices for fresh eggs over the past 10 years. [137580]
  463W
  Ms Quin
  The average ex-farm price for all egg types for each of the last 10 years is as follows:

  Pence per dozen

  Year

  All egg type average

  1990

  42.6

  1991

  36.3

  1992

  36.8

  1993

  41.9

  1994

  42.4

  1995

  38.3

  1996

  45.8

  1997

  39.6

  1998

  36.3

  1999

  34.2

  Wheat
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the average(a) market price and (b) cost of production, per tonne of wheat in the last 12 months. [136965]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 6 November 2000]The average farm-gate price of bread-making wheat in the UK during the last 12 months was £82.39 per tonne. The average price of feed wheat was £68.86 per tonne. Current prices are, however, lower than this. In addition to receipts from the sale of the crop, most producers received revenues from area payments and straw sales.

  Estimates of production costs are published in "Farm Incomes in the United Kingdom". The latest published information relates to the 1998–99 marketing year. Estimates for the 1999–2000 marketing year will be published in the next edition in March 2001. The publication does not include information on fixed costs, because of the difficulty of allocating these items between commodities.

  BSE
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will publish the results of research involving embryos from BSE-affected cows fertilised by BSE bulls, implanted into heifers imported from New Zealand. [137575]

  Ms Quin
  Preliminary results from this research project have already been published1. All of the post mortem results obtained to date for implanted heifers and their offspring have been negative for BSE. The experiment is still on-going and will continue until June 2001 when the offspring will have reached seven years of age. Full results will be published once the analysis of the data is complete.
  1 Wrathall, AE(2000): Livestock Production Science 62,287-316

  Swine Fever
  Mrs. Shephard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce legislation to provide for a levy from pig farmers as part of a package of compensation for swine fever. [138098]

  Ms Quin
  The industry is about to begin consultations on a levy-based Development Scheme that will be used to top up Government payments under the Pig Welfare 464W
  (Disposal) Scheme. On completion of that consultation exercise, including addressing any objections, Ministers will be asked to decide whether to put a scheme before Parliament for approval. I cannot anticipate the outcome of these procedures, but in general terms we support efforts by the livestock industry to protect itself from the consequences of outbreaks of exotic animal diseases.

  Closed Circuit Television
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many rural communities have been provided with Government funds for CCTV since 1997; and how many of such communities have populations of(a) less than 5,000 and (b) less than 2,000. [136757]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [holding answer 6 November 2000]I have been asked to reply.

  Since 1997, under the Crime Reduction Programme, the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Initiative and the final round of the CCTV Challenge Competition, this Government have awarded nearly £1.7 million to 23 CCTV schemes serving rural communities. These include coverage in small towns and villages and mobile units that can be deployed across wider rural areas. Information is not available as to the sizes of the populations covered.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Volunteers
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will mark next year's International Year of Volunteers by spending a day working as a volunteer. [137434]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The Government fully support the aims of the International Year of Volunteers and in April of this year I volunteered for a day at Hartlepool hospice.

  Mr. Sam Marshall
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received concerning the death of Mr. Sam Marshall in Lurgan; and when he expects an inquest to be held into his death. [134882]

  Mr. Ingram
  This matter was raised by the Irish Government through the British Irish Secretariat. The listing of any inquest is a matter for the Coroner. In respect of the death of Mr. Marshall I understand that consideration is presently being given to the arrangements for a pre-inquest hearing.

  Prisoner Releases
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many prisoners released following the Good Friday Agreement are no longer resident at a permanent address which is known to the authorities. [138189]

  Mr. Ingram
  The only licence conditions imposed on a prisoner given early release is that they do not become a supporter of a specified organisation, do not become concerned in the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism connected with the affairs of Northern Ireland; and, in the case of a life sentence prisoner, do not
  465W
  become a danger to the public. There is no requirement to provide the authorities with a permanent address. Irrespective of residence, arrangements are in place to ensure that the Secretary of State is notified when an individual breaches the terms of his licence.

  Sentence Review Applications
  Mr. Donaldson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many fugitives from justice who have previously been convicted of terrorist-related offences have made an application to the Sentences Review Commission; and if he will list their names. [138101]

  Mr. Ingram
  To date, no fugitives from justice who have previously been convicted of terrorist-related offences have made an application to the Sentence Review Commissioners.

  Dalai Lama (Belfast Visit)
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many(a) uniformed and (b) plain clothes RUC officers were present during the visit of the Dalai Lama to the Springfield road, Belfast. [136036]

  Mr. Ingram
  During the visit of the Dalai Lama to the Springfield road, Belfast, on Thursday 19 October 2000, 119 uniformed police officers and 12 plain clothes officers were present.

  Bomb Scares
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many bomb scares have there been in town centres in each police division in Northern Ireland in each week since 1 April; and, of these, how many were(a) Republican-inspired and (b) Loyalist-inspired. [136040]

  Mr. Ingram
  The table shows the number of hoax bombing incidents recorded in Northern Ireland during the period 1 April to 27 October 2000. These are incidents where an Army Technical Officer (ATO) was in attendance. It is not possible to define a town centre and so the table gives the location of each recorded incident. It is also not possible to give attributions for hoax bombings.

  Week

  Address

  1-7 April

  Nil

  8-14 April

  Dromore Road, Hillsborough

  15-21 April

  20 Abbeyhill Drive, Bangor University Avenue, Belfast Adelaide Street, Belfast Belleek

  22-28 April

  Serpentine Road, Greencastle 43 Ballyhampton Road, Larne

  29 April-5 May

  Drumsurn Road, Limavady Paradise Walk, Templepatrick

  6-12 May

  Fortwilliam, Group Lane, Belfast

  13-19 May

  Junction Workman Avenue/Forth Parade, Woodvale, Belfast Junction Linen Hall/Clarence Street, Belfast

  20-26 May

  Devon Square, Rathenraw, Antrim

  27 May-2 June

  1A Fanad Walk, Larne

  3-9 June

  Balmoral, Black's Road, Belfast

  10-16 June

  Nil

  17-23 June

  Nil

  24-30 June

  Nil

  1-7 July

  Gortnasore Road, Dungannon Edenmore Park, Limavady McClure Street, Sandy Row, Belfast

  466W

  Week

  Address

  8-14 July

  103 Whitehorn Brae, Dromara, BanbridgeGarrison Place, Charlemount, Moy 105 Whitehorn Drive, Dromara M1, Derryadd Bridge, County Armagh 19 Spring Lane, Greyabbey Fortwilliam Roundabout, Newtownabbey Kilmore Orange Hall, Moira Orange Hall, Moira Road, Magheralin Milltown Road, Dungannon St. Comgall's Church of Ireland, Church Lane, Newtownbutler Broadway Tower, Belfast Orange Hall, Whitewell Road, Greencastle Flax Street, Belfast Mayogall Road, Bellaghy

  15-21 July

  Sorting Office, Stormont Castle 4A Mill Road, Clady

  22-28 July

  184 Ballyutoag Road, Clady Mountainview Place, Belfast

  29 July-4 August

  13 Elizabeth Avenue, Larne

  5-11 August

  Nil

  12-18 August

  Nil

  19-25 August

  12 Barra Drive, Ballymena

  26 August-1 September

  Willow Bank Terrace, Stranocum, Ballymoney

  Levan Road, Lurgan

  2-8 September

  Nil

  9-15 September

  Nil

  16-22 September

  Nil

  23-29 September

  New Street, Newry

  30 September-6 October

  Public House, Perry Street, Dungannon

  7-13 October

  Nil

  14-20 October

  Nil

  21-27 October

  57A Kilkeel Road, Annalong

  Police Force
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what assessment he has made of trends in Catholic applications to the police force in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement; [137328]

  (2) what (a) proportion and (b) number of applicants to the RUC/Northern Ireland police force were (i) Catholic, (ii) Protestant and (iii) from other communities from 1995 to date; and if he will make a statement. [137503]

  Mr. Ingram
  The following table provides the information requested, by recruitment competition from 1995. Under the terms of section 31 of the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Act 1989 (now Article 55 of the Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998) this matter is continuously under review and requires the Royal Ulster Constabulary to identify under-representation and establish appropriate affirmative action to address any imbalances. The Royal Ulster Constabulary fully recognises the benefits and the need to be more representative of the communities it serves and its goal is to reflect the composition of those communities. The Government are committed to taking all appropriate steps as are necessary, in line with the recommendations contained in the Report of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland, to bring about an increase in full cross-community representation within the police service.
  467W

  Applications to RUC by community background since 1995

  Percentage

  Year

  CB1

  CB2

  CB3

  Total

  CBI

  CB2

  CB3

  RUC

  CompC 1995

  1,449

  467

  142

  2,058

  70.41

  22.69

  6.90

  CompD 1995

  1,774

  438

  188

  2,400

  73.92

  18.25

  7.83

  CompE 1996

  1,571

  369

  155

  2,095

  74.99

  17.61

  7.40

  CompF 1996

  2,054

  406

  269

  2,729

  75.27

  14.88

  9.86

  CompG 1997

  2,173

  412

  212

  2,797

  77.69

  14.73

  7.58

  CompH 1998

  2,134

  431

  260

  2,825

  75.54

  15.26

  9.20

  CompI 1998

  2,312

  750

  297

  3,359

  68.83

  22.33

  8.84

  Full-time RUC Reserve

  CompB 1995

  1,042

  282

  130

  1,454

  71.66

  19.39

  8.94

  CompC 1996

  1,075

  255

  101

  1,431

  75.12

  17.82

  7.06

  CompD 1997

  1,155

  184

  135

  1,474

  78.36

  12.48

  9.16

  CompE 1997

  612

  106

  55

  773

  79.17

  13.71

  7.12

  CompF 1997

  1,132

  197

  128

  1,457

  77.69

  13.52

  8.79

  Note:

  CB1—Perceived to be Protestant

  CB2—Perceived to be Roman Catholic

  CB3—Non-determined

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Payroll Administration
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the costs of payroll administration in his Department and associated agencies and non-departmental bodies in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [135993]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 1 November 2000]The estimated payroll administration costs for DETR and its agencies for 2000–01 is £2.2 million.

  Payroll administration of non-departmental public bodies is decentralised so the above information could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  London Underground
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when contracts for the Public-Private Partnership for London Underground will be signed; and if he will make a statement. [137038]

  Mr. Hill
  As we have made clear in the past, we have not given specific deadlines. We have learned the lessons of the rail privatisation debacle when best value was compromised by working to a politically driven timetable. The position on the PPP is that bids have been received for the sub-surface lines contract, and best and final offers have been invited for the two deep tube contracts. Contracts will be signed when the bids have been evaluated and negotiations are complete, subject to the bids representing best value.

  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what has been the cost to date of(a) legal and (b) financial consultancy fees incurred in relation to the Public-Private Partnership for London Underground. [137037]
  468W
  Mr. Hill
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 18 May 2000,Official Report, column 252W. I shall shortly be reporting London Transport's expenditure on external consultants for work on the PPP and restructuring London Underground up to the end of the first half of the current financial year, and a forecast of the expected final outturn.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the findings of the Independent Review of the Public-Private Partnership carried out on behalf of the Mayor of London and the Greater London Authority by Mr. Will Hutton; and if he will make a statement. [137009]

  Mr. Hill
  The review contains a wide-ranging discussion of issues relating to London Underground funding, and has a great deal that is positive to say about the PPP. It says,"The PPP will provide a framework in which higher investment can be insulated from Treasury cuts and planned over a 30-year period."
  It goes on to say that,
  "The contract outlines we have inspected offer a workable framework for improved performance for most aspects of the Underground,"
  and that the
  "rewards and penalties together should incentivise investment, cost control and good management."
  I particularly noted its statement that
  "The Review does not subscribe to the argument that the PPP structure is inherently unsafe and it recognises the special effort made by Government in ensuring that safety is managed centrally and rests ultimately in public sector hands."

  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what reports he has received on the quality of service on the Circle Line in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [137046]

  Mr. Hill
  The Secretary of State has received no specific reports in the past 12 months on the quality of service of the Circle Line. However we do monitor the service across the whole network and I meet regularly with London Underground senior management.

  Crematoriums (Emissions)
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research he has(a) undertaken and (b) commissioned into emissions from crematoriums; and what plans he has to conduct further research. [137039]

  Mr. Meacher
  Emissions from crematoriums are regulated under the air pollution control system established by Part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. As such, emissions must be controlled in accordance with the Best Available Techniques Not Entailing Excessive Cost. Guidance on BATNEEC for crematoriums was published in 1991 and revised in 1995. A second review of the guidance by the Environment Agency's Local Authority Unit is currently in progress and the revised guidance will also be applicable when crematoriums become regulated under the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999.

  My Department, on behalf of Government and the devolved Administrations, has established a programme of monitoring levels of airborne lead and heavy metals (cadmium, arsenic, nickel and mercury) in the UK. This includes measurement in the vicinity of the Sutton Coldfield crematorium. Weekly measurements started in October 1999, and interim results will be posted on the internet shortly (www.aeat.co.uk/netcen/airqual/). A fuller report of the work will be published on the internet, at the same internet address, early next year.

  In 1997 my Department commissioned Entec UK Ltd. to carry out tests to investigate the effectiveness of selenium ampoules as a means of abating mercury emissions from crematoria.

  My Department has commissioned a report on sources, sinks and levels of atmospheric mercury from DERA. The report will include a review of knowledge of UK emissions of mercury into the atmosphere, details of all the available sources of data on concentrations of mercury in the atmosphere, and a review of the current state of knowledge on the behaviour of mercury in the environment.

  The DERA report is expected shortly from the research report pages of the National Air Quality Information Archive on http://www.aeat.co.uk/netcen/airqual/. In the light of that and the advice of the Environment Agency's Local Authority Unit, we will consider commissioning further work on whether any action needs to be taken to reduce mercury emissions from crematoriums and what options are available and in line with BATNEEC.

  The most recent air emissions inventory for mercury can be found in the National Air Quality Information Archive at the web address given above.

  You may also like to be aware that the Health and Safety Laboratory has carried out mercury analysis on a small number of urine and dust samples collected in crematoriums, and levels have been found to be low.

  Climate Change
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what strategic measures he is taking to allow for environmental changes induced by climate change. [137180]
  470W
  Mr. Meacher
  We published our first assessment of the impacts of climate change in 1990, and our second in 1995. In 1997, my Department established the UK Climate Impacts Programme to help organisations assess their vulnerability to climate change and assist them in planning responses to adapt to it. In addition actions have already been taken by Government to build adaptation into its own policies, in sectors such as flood defence, land use planning and water resources.

  The Government's forthcoming Climate Change Programme, which presents a strategy for delivering our commitments to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, also considers how the UK might adapt to what is now unavoidable and continues the debate on priorities for adaptation.

  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with other Governments concerning action to reduce the harmful effects of climatic change and global warming, in advance of the Hague summit in November; and if he will make a statement. [138069]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government have continued to play a leading role in the international response to climate change. The Conference of the Parties in The Hague later this month will be a crucial step towards our goal of effective international action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In recent months, the Deputy Prime Minister has discussed climate change with Governments from 14 countries, including China, India, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Algeria, Malaysia and Jamaica, as well as with the Prime Minister of Japan and Vice-President Al Gore. On 7 November, the Deputy Prime Minister and I attended the Special EU Environment Council on climate change. I discuss climate change regularly with my EU colleagues, and take the opportunity of raising it whenever I meet Environment Ministers from around the world. In June and October I also attended preparatory meetings organised by the President of the forthcoming negotiations, Minister Jan Pronk of the Netherlands, in Warsaw and Muiden. These informal consultations were attended by around 30-40 Ministers from key countries in the climate negotiations. Discussions focused on the central issues in the negotiations and a range of possible options for resolving them, in advance of the key political choices which will have to be taken at The Hague summit.

  GM Crops
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from Leicestershire local authorities about farm scale evaluations of GM crops; and if he will make a statement. [137070]

  Mr. Meacher
  Officials from my Department attended a meeting in October, at the invitation of Woodhouse parish council, to explain the nature of the farm scale evaluation of GM oil seed rape being conducted in their parish. The borough of Charnwood, which includes Woodhouse, has also invited an official to attend a future meeting on GM crops.

  Oil Industry
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action
  471W
  his Department (a) has taken and (b) intends to take to address the environmental impact of using oil as an energy source. [137220]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government are taking action to tackle climate change by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, including those from the use of oil and other fossil fuels as an energy source. The climate change programme, which will be published shortly, will outline the scale of the challenge facing the UK and make clear that emission reductions of 60-70 per cent. or more are likely to be needed globally in order to avoid dangerous climate change. The programme will set out the policies and measures that will begin to move the UK towards a low carbon economy. And it will detail how the Government intend to help and assist the development of new, sustainable and renewable technologies.

  One area where oil is still used as a primary energy source is in the transport sector. The Government are taking forward a range of policies that will improve the fuel efficiency and emissions performance of vehicles, encourage people to buy smaller, cleaner and more fuel-efficient cars, and stimulate the development and use of alternative fuels and technologies. The Government are also addressing the environmental impact of traffic growth through the Ten Year Plan for transport and planning policies.

  The use of oil as an energy source can also have serious air quality impacts. The Government and the devolved Administrations published the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in January 2000. This sets out a programme of action that will be taken at international, national and local levels to tackle air pollution from all sources. In the transport sector, the fuels that are used today are significantly cleaner than those used only a few years ago. This is largely the result of progressively tighter European fuel quality standards, but is also due in part to our incentivisation of the use of cleaner fuels (such as ultra-low-sulphur petrol and diesel) across the UK through favourable duty rates. This has led to significant reductions in emissions of the most harmful air pollutants. We will continue to play an active role in discussions at a European Union level on the possible further tightening of vehicle and fuel standards.

  Health and Safety Executive
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the adequacy of the supply of appropriately trained and qualified technical and inspection staff at the Health and Safety Executive; and if he will make a statement. [137370]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regularly and systematically recruits a range of inspection and technical staff. HSE is satisfied with the adequacy of supply for the majority of the posts it seeks to fill. There have been problems filling some very specialist posts where the pool of likely candidates is small, eg Medical Inspectors (Doctors). HSE reviews the outcome of each recruitment exercise and takes whatever steps are necessary to meet its overall professional requirements.

  Construction Directorate (Standards)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list 472W
  the standards laid down by the Construction Directorate, attainment of which is necessary for registration on the Constructionline UK Register of Qualified Construction Services. [137318]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 8 November 2000]Applicants to Constructionline must have three satisfactory technical references for each work category that they are applying to be registered under. They are also assessed for their financial strength, by means of their accounts or other financial documentation. This information is also used to calculate a recommended maximum contract size, or notation value. All applicants must have a valid tax certificate.

  Constructionline has also been piloting in certain sectors a system of devolved technical assessment which is intended to raise the system's technical standards. This procedure is due to be opened up to the whole of Constructionline shortly.

  Neighbourhood Revenue Fund
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the financial settlement for each London local authority would have been if the 1998 Index of Local Deprivation had been used as the key determinator of the allocation of resources under the Neighbourhood Revenue Fund. [137513]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The proposed allocations for the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund cannot be calculated using the old 1998 Index of Local Deprivation in exactly the same way that they have been determined using the new Indices. The new Indices of Deprivation are very different from the old Index. The new Indices are based on ward level information whereas the old Index relied heavily on district level information and did not adequately capture pockets of deprivation. It would not therefore be appropriate to use the same method to calculate the NRF allocations if only the old Index was available.

  Council Tax Regulations
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what mechanisms his Department is using to monitor the changes to council tax regulations; and when he will publish the results of his review of the changes; [137496]

  (2) when he expects to publish the findings of his Department's review of changes to council tax regulations. [137512]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  We carried out a review of the council tax in preparation for our 1998 White Paper "Modern Local Government: In Touch with the People". In this we said that the council tax is working well as a local tax and that we have no plans to make major changes to the council tax during the course of this Parliament.

  We also said that we would keep the operation of the council tax under review and have done this through liaison with key players such as local authorities, the Local Government Association and other interested parties. As a result we have made a number of minor changes to the council tax since the White Paper. The main ones extended relief under the reduction for disabilities scheme to occupiers of band A dwellings;

  473W
  exempted households comprising students and people with a severe mental impairment; restricted the exemption for empty dwellings in need of major repair works to 12 months; and introduced owner liability in respect of certain dwellings occupied by asylum seekers.

  We also invited views on certain aspects of the council tax in the Green Paper "Modernising Local Government Finance", which we published in September. The deadline for responses is 8 December.

  Byker Heat Station
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Environment Agency has completed its investigations into the spreading of toxic ash from the Byker Heat station. [137603]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Environment Agency has completed its investigation into the production and disposal of ash from Byker Combined Heat and Power Plant in Newcastle. A case file has been prepared for submission to the Agency's legal department. The file will be considered in accordance with the Agency's Scheme of Delegation and a decision on enforcement action is expected at the beginning of December.

  Merseyside Objective 1 Programme
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to minimise delays in the Merseyside Objective 1 programme as a result of rulings made by the Competition Directorate in the European Commission. [137523]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  There is no delay in implementing the Merseyside Objective One programme. It is proceeding well in line with the timetable agreed with the European Commission and the first projects to receive funding will be announced in the next couple of weeks.

  Some of the projects intended to deliver part of the programme include substantial physical works involving identified private sector developers. Such projects must adhere to the EC's rules on state aid.

  Proposals for securing approval of projects of this kind have been put to the European Commission. We are in constructive dialogue with the EC on this issue and we expect a positive response to our proposals shortly.

  Ultrasonic Technology
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the efficacy of ultrasonic technology in detecting gauge corner cracking defects; and if he will make a statement. [137486]

  Mr. Hill
  The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE's) Railway Inspectorate has reviewed the relevant ultrasonic rail testing procedures, as described in Railtrack Line Specification RT/CE/S/055 Issue 1A, February 1998. These procedures are highly detailed and appear to be robust. Nevertheless, HSE intends to commission an independent third party review of these procedures as a matter of urgency.
  474W
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of the funding provided to Railtrack by the Government, over what timescale, will be allocated to the further development and introduction of alternatives to ultrasound; and if he will make a statement. [137411]

  Mr. Hill
  Since privatisation, no public money has been paid direct to Railtrack. I understand that Railtrack is considering the procurement of a scoping study to evaluate the suitability for rail inspection of all known forms of non-destructive testing (NDT). The study is to be undertaken by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. Railtrack will fund development of any NDT technique with the potential to improve current techniques for testing rails.

  Mineral Extraction (Bristol Channel)
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish the report, commissioned by his Department and the Welsh Office, concerning extraction of mineral aggregates from the Bristol Channel. [137510]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The research report entitled "Bristol Channel Marine Aggregates: Resources and Constraints", commissioned by my Department and the National Assembly for Wales, was published by Posford Duvivier and ABP Research and Consultancy in October 2000. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Biggin Hill Airport
  Mr. Horam
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take(a) environmental, (b) Green Belt and (c) conservation considerations into account in reaching his decision over Bromley council's request to him to bring into the normal planning regulations the application by Biggin Hill Airport to build a hangar under the permitted use rules. [137337]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  All relevant considerations will be taken fully into account in considering whether to approve the proposed direction.

  Overhead Transmission Lines
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his oral statement of 31 October 2000,Official Report, columns 607-25, on severe weather disruption, when he will write to the hon. Member for the Vale of York on the impact of overhead transmission lines on global warming; and if he will make a statement. [137366]

  Mr. Prescott
  There is no significant connection between global warming and electricity power lines. Some very minor effects on atmospheric particles have however been noted and I am writing to the hon. Member with further information.

  NDPBs (Scotland)
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the non-departmental public bodies responsible to him
  475W
  which have duties relating to Scotland, indicating their budget and staffing in Scotland, the number of Scottish board members and their emoluments. [137487]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The following executive NDPBs sponsored by my Department have duties relating to Scotland: the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Northern Lighthouse Board.

  The remaining information is not all held centrally in the form requested, but information on expenditure, staffing, board members and levels of remuneration is published annually in the Cabinet Office publication, "Public Bodies". Copies of "Public Bodies 1999" have been placed in the library of the House and "Public Bodies 2000" is due to be published next month. Information on board membership and remuneration can also be downloaded from the Cabinet Office's Public Appointments Directory website, "www.cabinet-office.gov.uk".

  Trichloroethylene
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his policy is on listing Trichloroethylene as a Category II carcinogen under the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 1994. [137392]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 9 November 2000]Trichloroethylene is listed as a Category 3 carcinogen in the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 1994. These regulations implement an EC single market directive, and negotiations are in progress which could result in a change to the classification from 3 to 2. The United Kingdom's final position on the full set of proposals is not yet settled.

  Number Plates
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to lay regulations bringing in the new style of number plate for motor vehicles; and what the reason is for the delay in laying the regulations. [137532]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 9 November 2000]It is anticipated that new number plate regulations will be laid before Parliament early in the new year. The delay in laying these regulations has arisen as a result of the need to revise the draft regulations following public consultation in August 1999 and January this year. In accordance with EC Directive 98/34/EC, as amended by Directive 98/48/EC, we have submitted the revised regulations to the European Commission. The regulations may be made after the end of the three-month consultation period with the Commission, which expires on 22 January 2001.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reason details of the font to be used on the new style of number plates for motor vehicles announced in March have not been released to manufacturers of number plates. [137533]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 9 November 2000]Details of the font to be used on the new style number plates, to be introduced from the revised date of 1 September 2001, were included in the Department's original consultation letter issued on 5 August 1999. This was sent to over 476W
  180 organisations and was placed on the Department's website. Copies have also been available from the Department on request.

  Mobile Phone Masts
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to amend the planning law relating to mobile phone masts. [138024]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  A consultation exercise seeking views on possible changes to the planning laws relating to mobile phone masts and associated guidance ended on 31 October 2000. The Department is currently analysing the responses. We shall announce any changes as soon as practicable.

  Drainage
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to encourage the use of sustainable urban drainage systems in new housing developments. [138002]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Sustainable drainage systems (SUDS), which deal with rainwater as near its source as possible, are recognised as assisting in the control of both the quantity and quality of run-off from developed areas, as well as contributing to amenity, biodiversity and good design. My Department is actively encouraging the development of sustainable drainage systems for housing and other developments in a number of ways. Indeed, the Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. Mullin), gave the keynote message at a conference on SUDs earlier this month.

  We consulted earlier this year on new Planning Policy Guidance Note (PPG) 25 "Development and flood risk", which refers to the need for local planning authorities to consider the run-off implications of proposed development and encourage more sustainable drainage systems. This guidance is likely to be confirmed and strengthened when the final version of PPG 25 is issued shortly.

  We are currently also revising PPG 23 "Planning and pollution control". The new version will recognise the potential contribution of SUDS and we hope to consult on a draft next year.

  We are currently consulting on the Review of Part H of the Building Regulations. This includes a recommendation that infiltration drainage be provided, in most situations, to absorb rainwater from buildings within the site.

  The Highways Agency, in consultation with the devolved Administrations is developing advice for inclusion in the "Design Manual for Roads and Bridges" on "Vegetative Treatment Systems for Highway Runoff'. This is expected to be published next year.

  We and other interested parties, including the water industry and house-builders, have also supported research projects in this area, leading to the production of design manuals and a forthcoming best practice manual. We will continue to support research necessary to assist in overcoming any perceived barriers to the implementation of SUDS on a more widespread basis.

  Area Cost Adjustment
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what changes he plans to make to the calculation of the area cost adjustment for local authorities in the south-east; and if he will make a statement. [138005]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Ministers have not yet taken a decision on whether to update the area cost adjustment to reflect the data from the 1999 New Earnings Survey. An announcement will be made in due course.

  Farnborough Airfield
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received about the removal of trees on hills near Farnborough Airfield. [137970]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 10 November 2000]My right hon. Friend received some 125 representations that he should call in for his own determination the planning application for the development of Farnborough Airfield for civil aviation. Of these 25 specifically mentioned the removal of trees and/or the re-profiling of Miles Hill and Eelmoor Hill West, while the other 80 referred more generally to the environmental impact of the planning application. We gave careful consideration to the issues raised by the application but concluded that it did not raise issues which would justify my right hon. Friend's intervention.

  Flood Plains
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what advice he gives to local authorities on the desirability of building new houses on flood plains. [138058]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  In addition to the general guidance at present in Circular 30/92, which is to be updated in PPG25, guidance on housing is given in PPG3 "Housing", published in March 2000. This requires local authorities to assess the suitability of land for housing against a range of physical and environmental constraints, including flood risk, and the fact that such risks may increase as a result of climate change.

  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he gives to local authorities considering a planning application to build on flood plains. [138057]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Guidance is at present given in DOE Circular 30/92, "Development and Flood Risk". This requires local planning authorities to take flood risk considerations into account in determining planning applications. They should also take into account the results of surveys of flood defence issues prepared by the Environment Agency under section 105 of the Water Resources Act 1991, and the views of the Environment Agency on individual applications. This guidance is currently being revised and strengthened in Planning Policy Guidance Note 25. A consultation draft was published in April 2000 and the final text is expected to be published in December.
  478W
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will place in the Library a map showing the flood plain of the Ouseburn/Jesmond Dene, Newcastle upon Tyne, and the location and date of(a) flooding of property and (b) storm sewer overflows in the last 10 years. [138022]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Indicative flood plain maps prepared by the Environment Agency were distributed to all local authorities in 1999. These are currently being revised and the Agency intend to place them on their website in December in a form that will enable searches by postcode. While the Environment Agency could supply the current flood plain map, my hon. Friend may wish to await publication of the revised maps in December.

  My Department does not hold records of flooding of property and storm sewer overflows. Operational flood matters are for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Environment Agency and other drainage authorities. I would expect the information to be available from one or more of the local authorities, the Environment Agency and the sewerage undertaker for the area.

  Workplace Accidents (Children)
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many children were(a) involved and (b) killed in workplace accidents in each of the past 20 years. [137830]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 10 November 2000]The table shows the number of fatal and non-fatal injuries to children in workplace accidents reported to HSE and local authorities for the period 1986–87 to 1999–2000. The figures include both children at work and those not at work, but whose injuries arise out of or in connection with work activities. Data prior to 1986–87 are not available from HSE's databases.

  Injuries to children1 reported to HSE2 and local authorities 1986–87 to 1999–2000

  Year

  Fatal injuries

  Non-fatal injuries

  1986–87

  36

  10,510

  1987–88

  34

  8,651

  1988–89

  39

  8,271

  1989–90

  42

  6,547

  1990–91

  29

  5,716

  1991–92

  24

  6,420

  1992–93

  62

  5,272

  1993–94

  44

  5,626

  1994–95

  45

  6,132

  1995–96

  22

  6,255

  1996–97

  35

  17,200

  1997–98

  30

  13,941

  1998–99

  19

  11,210

  1999–20003

  23

  10,298

  1 Children are defined as individuals aged one year and up to and including 15 years of age. A search criterion of 0 years produces records where age is not known, as well as children under the age of one. These data cannot be dissagregated.

  2 Injuries reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1985 (for the years 1986–87 to 1995–96) and RIDDOR 1995 (for the years 1996–97 to 1999–2000). Data reported to HSE's Field Operations Directorate, Nuclear Safety Division, Hazardous Installations Directorate from 1999–2000 (Chemical and Hazardous Installations Division 1996–97 to 1998–99) and local authorities. Data reported to HSE's Railway Inspectorate can be searched only by passenger or employee and therefore have not been included.

  3 Provisional.

  479W
  Notes:

  1. Non-fatal includes major and over three day injuries as defined by RIDDOR 1995.

  2. Data from 1 April to 31 March.

  3. Injury figures from 1996–97 cannot be directly compared to previous years' figures due to the introduction of RIDDOR 1995.

  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many prosecutions there were involving(a) workplace accidents and (b) workplace deaths involving children in each of the past 20 years. [137831]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 10 November 2000]The table shows the number of prosecutions involving(a) workplace accidents to children and (b) workplace deaths involving children for the period 1996–97 to 1999–2000. Data prior to 1996–97 are not readily available.

  Informations laid by HSE following reportable1 injuries to children 1996–97 to 1999–2000

  Informations laid

  Year

  Following a fatality

  Following a non-fatal injury

  1996–97

  —

  9

  1997–98

  12

  16

  1998–99

  8

  7

  1999–20001

  1

  36

  1Provisional

  Notes:

  1. Reportable means as reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR 1995).

  2. For 1996–97 to 1999–2000 proceedings instituted by HSE's Field Operations Directorate (excluding Railways Inspectorate), Nuclear Safety Division, Hazardous Installations Directorate (Chemical and Hazardous Installations Division before 1999–2000). In the time available, data reported to HSE's Railway Inspectorate have not been included.

  3. Children are defined as individuals aged one year and up to and including 15 years of age. A search criterion of 0 years produces records where age is not known, as well as children under the age of 1. These data cannot be disaggregated.

  4. These data include prosecution action taken between 1996–97 and 1999–2000 following fatalities and injuries occurring between 1996–97 and 1999–2000. All data relating to 1999–2000 are provisional.

  5. Data from 1 April to 31 March.

  Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning there were in each of the last 20 years. [137825]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 10 November 2000]From the information readily available, the following are the numbers of fatalities from carbon monoxide poisoning from all fossil-fuelled appliances in the UK, from 1985–98:

  Year

  Fatalities

  1985

  46

  1986

  46

  1987

  52

  1988

  39

  1989

  42

  1990

  46

  480W

  Year

  Fatalities

  1991

  51

  1992

  50

  1993

  57

  1994

  55

  1995

  51

  1996

  69

  1997

  42

  1998

  47

  Source:

  Department of Trade and Industry

  Fatalities from carbon monoxide poisoning relating to the supply and use of flammable gas in GB are as follows:

  Year

  Number

  1981–82

  98

  1982–83

  42

  1983–84

  57

  1984–85

  60

  1985–86

  65

  1986–87

  35

  1987–88

  48

  1988–89

  41

  1989–90

  34

  1990–91

  30

  1991–92

  33

  1992–93

  41

  1993–94

  29

  1994–95

  30

  1995–96

  29

  1996–97

  31

  1997–98

  28

  1998–99

  37

  1999–2000

  126

  1Provisional

  Notes:

  1. Mainly piped gas but also includes bottled LPG

  2. Data for fatal injuries involving carbon monoxide under the Gas Act 1972 (for the years 1981/82–1985/86), the Reporting of Injuries and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1985 (for the years 1986/87–1995/96). RIDDOR 1995 (for the years 1996/97–1990/2000). They do not include carbon monoxide fatalities from other sources.

  Source:

  Health and Safety Executive

  Energy Efficiency
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made by Government Departments towards the target of improving energy efficiency by 20 per cent. in the nine years to 31 March. [138406]

  Mr. Meacher
  By 31 March 1999, energy efficiency in Government Departments had improved by just under 19 per cent. since 1990–91, as measured by the Total Cost Indicator.

  Full details for each department are given in the tables. The tables give a summary. All tables include some revisions to figures for earlier years revealing slightly lower performance than previously reported. The last figure announced was 18.1 per cent. to March 1998, but clarification of a misunderstanding with the Navy and data revisions by some other departments have reduced that figure to 17.5 per cent. I expect the figures for 1999–2000, which should be available in the new year, to show that the 20 per cent. has been achieved.
  481W
  Energy management in individual Departments is a matter for those departments and their Green Minister. However, the Government aim to be at the forefront of good practice to improve energy efficiency, and progress is reviewed regularly by Green Ministers under my chairmanship. We have developed new performance indicators which will, for the first time, enable comparisons with independent standards of good practice across the economy, and are now beginning to use these for the larger office buildings on the central Government estate. Once the first year's data have been

  Summary Table 1 Civil Departments:

  Recent performance measured by a range of efficiency indicators (ie per m2); also by total CO21.16

  Performance against energy and cost indicators, relative to 1990–91 (positive figures represent % progress)

  Adjusted for estate and weather changes

  Adjusted for weather changes only

  Fossil fuel

  Electricity

  Total kWh

  Total cost

  CO2

  Total CO2

  Civil Departments, including Agencies

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  MAFF—Main Estate4

  48

  52

  -11

  -11

  35

  38

  14

  16

  21

  23

  25

  22

  MAFF—Laboratories4

  25

  31

  8

  12

  20

  26

  14

  18

  24

  29

  -36

  -31

  Cabinet Office

  15

  50

  -31

  -46

  4

  26

  -13

  -8

  4

  13

  -63

  -47

  Culture, Media & Sport10

  -33

  -32

  -11

  3

  -20

  -12

  -14

  -1

  -14

  -2

  -14

  -2

  Customs and Excise

  32

  28

  -17

  -15

  14

  12

  -5

  -3

  0

  2

  21

  23

  Educ. and Employment

  28

  38

  -22

  -22

  4

  9

  -13

  -11

  -9

  -7

  7

  13

  Employment Service

  23

  21

  -16

  -18

  12

  10

  -2

  -4

  1

  -2

  -5

  -9

  Environment, Transport and Regions5

  31

  43

  3

  4

  22

  31

  12

  16

  17

  21

  37

  37

  DETR-HSE6

  39

  45

  11

  13

  29

  34

  19

  22

  25

  27

  29

  31

  DETR-QEII CC2,6

  -7

  -14

  9

  -17

  3

  -16

  7

  -17

  7

  -17

  7

  -17

  FCO

  -3

  13

  -17

  -10

  -8

  4

  -13

  -4

  -4

  5

  -34

  -22

  Health7

  35

  17

  -83

  -105

  -10

  -30

  -53

  -75

  -39

  -59

  -21

  -38

  Home Office17

  17

  23

  3

  -4

  13

  15

  7

  5

  11

  10

  9

  5

  Home Office—Prisons2

  10

  28

  -19

  -28

  6

  22

  -2

  6

  9

  20

  -7

  15

  Inland Revenue

  -7

  17

  19

  17

  3

  17

  13

  17

  14

  19

  31

  19

  Internat. Development9

  54

  56

  36

  35

  48

  48

  41

  40

  42

  41

  71

  71

  Lord Chancellor's Department

  28

  30

  1

  0

  20

  21

  10

  10

  13

  14

  -9

  -9

  National Savings

  16

  20

  32

  32

  24

  26

  29

  30

  30

  31

  37

  38

  Northern Ireland

  18

  16

  12

  4

  16

  12

  14

  8

  15

  7

  -2

  -10

  Scottish Office8

  30

  40

  -26

  -23

  16

  24

  -5

  1

  7

  13

  24

  29

  Scottish Court Service8

  35

  44

  30

  23

  34

  38

  32

  31

  34

  33

  -2

  -6

  Scottish Prison Service

  15

  16

  -12

  -18

  12

  12

  5

  3

  9

  9

  -2

  -5

  Social Security11

  17

  25

  0

  -1

  12

  18

  6

  9

  9

  13

  -12

  2

  Trade & Industry

  74

  74

  40

  39

  62

  62

  49

  49

  52

  53

  69

  70

  Treasury

  -19

  -15

  -8

  -1

  -16

  -11

  -11

  -6

  4

  8

  -9

  -1

  Welsh Office

  48

  38

  -18

  -17

  19

  13

  -4

  -6

  1

  -1

  21

  20

  Total

  18.0

  28.8

  1.6

  -1.5

  14.0

  21.3

  8.0

  10.3

  13.1

  16.8

  6.2

  12.2

  Summary Table 2 MOD11,12 and Total Government Estate

  Recent performance measured by a range of efficiency indicators; also by total CO21.16

  Percentage reduction relative to 1990–91 (positive figures represent per cent. improvement)

  Adjusted for estate changes and weather correction

  Adjusted for weather change only

  Fossil fuel

  Electricity

  Total kWh

  Total costs

  CO2

  Total CO2

  Ministry of Defence

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Common User Estate13

  50

  50

  -2

  -2

  33

  33

  13

  13

  27

  21

  11

  2

  Navy

  29

  33

  37

  40

  31

  35

  34

  37

  37

  40

  30

  38

  Army

  17

  24

  26

  23

  19

  24

  22

  24

  24

  26

  20

  21

  RAF

  26

  28

  14

  11

  23

  24

  19

  18

  20

  20

  30

  29

  Procurement Executive14

  0

  4

  0

  1

  0

  2

  0

  1

  0

  2

  0

  2

  DERA

  -27

  -29

  8

  8

  -11

  -12

  1

  1

  -4

  0

  -19

  -20

  MOD Total

  21.3

  25.7

  22.3

  21.0

  21.6

  24.6

  21.9

  23.0

  24.1

  24.3

  23.3

  23.2

  Civil Departments Total

  18.0

  28.8

  1.6

  -1.5

  14.0

  21.3

  8.0

  10.3

  13.1

  16.8

  6.2

  12.2

  Grand Total

  20.3

  26.6

  15.5

  13.6

  19.2

  23.6

  17.5

  18.9

  20.6

  21.9

  17.8

  19.7

  1 Progress is expressed as a percentage relative to the 1990–91 base year value of the performance indicator in question. Positive figures represent improvement. The standard indicator, against which the target to improve energy efficiency by 20 per cent. by 31 March 2000 is measured, is obtained by weather-correcting energy consumption and converting to costs using "standard prices" for fuel (6p/kWh for electricity and 1.25p/kWh for all fossil fuels) then dividing by floor area. Conversion to money both reflects the relative costs of electricity and fossil fuel and their environmental impact, and the use of fixed prices eliminates the effects of tariff changes which distort the comparison of fuel bills.

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  collected and analysed, we will consider how best to use them in the new campaign which began in April this year.

  Results for the former Department of the Environment and Department of Transport have been consolidated for earlier years to allow a continuous series for the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. DETR's overall performance in 1998–99 has improved relative to the previous year, which was adversely affected by parallel operation of buildings during merger of the former departments.
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  2 Although figures have been prepared on a consistent basis, caution should be exercised in comparing the energy use of different departments and agencies because of differences in their estate and the nature of their work. For example, the operational needs of prisons and the QEII Conference Centre mean that they have a pattern of energy use which is different from that of a department which has predominantly office accommodation. Expenditure on energy and investment figures are included for information only. Investment figures relate to clearly identifiable energy efficiency measures undertaken by departments. Energy efficiency is an integral part of all major construction projects, including building refurbishment and plant replacement and the figure "0" for some departments does not necessarily mean there has been no investment, just that the investment was not clearly identifiable.

  3 The average performance figure for the civil estate cannot be derived by simply adding together the individual departmental progress and dividing by the number of departments because this does not allow for the large variations in consumption. The correct figure is obtained by calculating the value of the performance indicator for the year in question and the base year, for the civil estate as a whole, and calculating the reduction relative to the base year.

  4 The energy performance for MAFF's "Main estate" and its "Laboratories" continues to improve through on-going investment in energy schemes, monitoring of energy at local level and taking appropriate action as well as central initiatives including continued staff awareness programmes.

  5 The DETR's figures have been compiled from the former Environment and Transport Departments. The Department now has a greater proportion of air-conditioned buildings than in the base year, because of estate rationalisation, relocation to new HQ buildings and inclusion of some Government Offices for the Regions. Performance in 1997–98 was adversely affected by parallel operation of both old and new buildings while staff moved from one to the other.

  6 HSE was removed from the DfEE estate on the formation of that Department. QEII Conference Centre is reported separately because of its business-led demands. The initial sharp rise in consumption following the 1990–91 base year was directly attributable to increased revenue earning activity, which has continued throughout the reporting period, ["and the more recent decline in consumption reflects the effect of energy conservation measures undertaken at the site".]

  7 Rationalisation of the estate since the base year has led to staff moving from several naturally ventilated buildings to more densely occupied air-conditioned buildings, all equipped extensively with information technology equipment. Staff numbers have increased by over 25 per cent. since 1997–98 which has led to a commensurate increase in energy consumption.

  8 Base year is 1991–92.

  9 Base year in 1991–92. Data for Natural Resources Institute no longer included following its transfer to the University of Greenwich in 1996.

  10 Base year is 1994–95 by which time energy efficient lighting and other improvements already installed in buildings which are already fully air-conditioned with intensive IT usage.

  11 The Ministry of Defence (MOD) estate is different from the rest of the Government estate, and has been undergoing more radical changes. It is therefore treated in a slightly different way. In common with the civil estate, it has greatly increased its use of information technology.

  12 In civil departments, the effect of estate changes is allowed for by dividing consumption by floor area. In MOD, floor area is sometimes not meaningful (eg in relation to security or runway lighting) and also not often available. Estate changes are allowed for by being explicitly excluded from the calculations, ie the energy consumption of new facilities is removed, and for facilities no longer part of the estate, the consumption for the last full year of operation is added back. In most cases, such changes are small compared to the total and can often approximately cancel each other out.

  13 No 1998–99 data were available for the Common User Estate part of MOD. 1997–98 results are quoted.

  14 It is almost impossible to produce any meaningful results to date for MOD's Procurement Executive (PE) since it has suffered major estate gains and losses over the past 10 years and now consists largely of one recently built large office. The standard MOD methodology produces a meaningless "no change" result (since the present estate is almost entirely different from the original). Consequently, we have taken 1997–98 as the base year and applied the civil departments' methodology to this office.

  15 This shows the combined results for the whole of the Government estate based on the data in tables 1,2 and 3. It is not a simple average of the data, but reflects the proportion of total consumption represented by each part of the estate (see also note 3). Some departments have a different base year, and the individually agreed base year has been used for the purposes of this table, where appropriate.

  16 In some instances the base year is not 1990–91, but for the purpose of this table the agreed base year has been used in the calculation.

  Fuel Poverty (Pensioners)
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the proportion of pensioners living in fuel poverty aged(a) 65 to 69, (b) 70 to 79 and (c) 80 years and above, broken down by (i) Government offices of the regions, (ii) groups of authorities with similar characteristics and (iii) area types based on the English House Conditions Survey Data for (A) 1991 and (B) 1996. [136221]

  Mr. Meacher
  There are two main definitions of a fuel poor household:

  (a) If, in order to maintain a satisfactory heating regime, it would be required to spend more than 10 per cent. of all income (including Housing Benefit and Income Support for Mortgage Interest) on all household fuel use.

  (b) If, in order to maintain a satisfactory heating regime, it would be required to spend more than 10 per cent. of its income (excluding Housing Benefit and Income Support for Mortgage Interest) on all household fuel use.

  The 1991 English House Conditions Survey (EHCS) was based on a smaller sample of homes, and collected
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  less information on each, compared to the 1996 survey. As a result it is not possible to provide the information requested without undue expenditure, and indeed if at all. The information that is available is shown in the table and is based on the definition at (b) above.

  Number of fuel poor households aged 60 years or more based on data from the 1991 English House Condition Survey

  Household type

  Percentage of households in fuel poverty

  Total number of households (thousands)

  Couple aged 60 or more

  44

  3,096

  One person aged 60 or more

  80

  2,840

  1Based on the definition at (b) above.

  Using data from the 1996 EHCS, the tables set out the breakdown of older fuel poor households by Government office region and also by type of location. In order to be statistically valid, some of the categories requested have been grouped together. A breakdown is not available on the basis of groups of local authorities which have similar characteristics.
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  Number of fuel poor households aged 60 years in each Government office region based on data from the 1996 English House Condition Survey

  Government office region

  Age category (years)

  Percentage of fuel poor using definition (a)

  Percentage of fuel poor using definition (b)

  Total number of households (thousands)

  North East

  60 to 74

  46

  51

  245

  75 or above

  47

  54

  108

  Yorkshire and Humber

  60 to 74

  36

  38

  400

  75 or above

  55

  67

  269

  North West

  60 to 74

  38

  43

  613

  75 or above

  38

  49

  332

  East Midlands

  60 to 74

  32

  36

  381

  75 or above

  45

  51

  189

  West Midlands

  60 to 74

  36

  40

  497

  75 or above

  54

  61

  222

  South West

  60 to 74

  34

  36

  451

  75 or above

  43

  49

  300

  Eastern

  60 to 74

  26

  30

  555

  75 or above

  43

  50

  246

  South East

  60 to 74

  22

  26

  629

  75 or above

  35

  37

  384

  Greater London

  60 to 74

  24

  30

  508

  75 or above

  41

  49

  234

  Number of fuel poor households aged 60 years or more in urban/rural area based on data from the 1996 English House Condition Survey

  Area type1

  Age category (years)

  Percentage of fuel poor using definition (a)

  Percentage of fuel poor using definition (b)

  Total number of households (thousands)

  Urban

  60 to 74

  31

  35

  3,289

  75 to 84

  38

  45

  1,422

  85 or above

  46

  57

  338

  Rural

  60 to 74

  33

  36

  990

  75 to 84

  55

  57

  401

  85 or above

  62

  71

  124

  1Urban includes city centre and suburban residential homes. Rural includes rural residential and village centre homes.

  Green Ministers
  Mr. Geraint Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish the Second Annual Green Ministers' report. [138407]

  Mr. Meacher
  I am delighted to announce that "Greening Government: the 2nd Annual Report of the Green Ministers Committee" will be published tomorrow. It provides a comprehensive account of the work of Green Ministers over the past year, and sets out our future work programme. The report reflects Green Ministers' increasing focus on integrating sustainable development into Government policies, as well as our continuing efforts to improve the environmental performance of Government operations. There is a considerable amount of information at Department level to enable the reader to understand the progress each Department has made in all areas of our work.

  Copies will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Cross-loaded Timber (HGVs)
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will instruct the Road Transport Laboratory to undertake research into the safety of cross-loaded timber on commercial heavy goods vehicles; [136184]
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  (2) when he next expects to issue revised guidelines to road haulage contactors and their trade organisations about the safety requirements of cross-loaded timber on heavy goods vehicles; [136185]

  (3) how many accidents have been reported in the last five years involving heavy goods vehicles carrying cross-loaded timber; [136186]

  (4) what estimate he has made of the potential increase in the volume of timber to be transported from forests in the United Kingdom over the next five years; and how much of such timber he estimates will be carried on lorries using cross-loaded decks. [136187]

  Mr. Hill
  It is estimated that there will be a 13 per cent. increase in timber production over the next five years. It is not clear how much of that increase will be transported as cross-loaded timber.

  There is no detailed statistical information available about accidents caused by insecure loading of cross-loaded timber.

  My Department, in conjunction with those from the Health and Safety Executive, the Forestry Commission and the timber industry, are investigating whether it is safe to carry cross-loaded timber on goods vehicles. The findings of these investigations may result in specific research being commissioned.
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  The conclusions drawn from investigations and any resultant research will be added to the revision of my Department's Code of Practice on the Safety of Loads on Goods Vehicles. The industry has also agreed to amend its own code of practice in line with any conclusions. The review of my Department's code will be widely consulted on and, when complete, will be publicised within the haulage industry generally, including the trade organisations. The timescale will depend on what research, if any, is carried out and is unlikely to run beyond the end of 2001.

  Town Improvement Schemes
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, (1) pursuant to Cm 4917, if he will list the criteria for qualifying as a town improvement scheme; [138199]

  (2) what businesses are to be included under his proposals for a supplementary business rate for funding town improvement schemes; and what the rates will
  be; [138198]

  (3) pursuant to Cm 4917, if he will list the criteria for a local tax reinvestment programme; and how he will evaluate successful regeneration. [138200]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Details of our proposals for a supplementary business rate and for a local tax reinvestment programme are contained in the Green Paper "Modernising Local Government Finance" (19 September 2000). The consultation period ends on 8 December.

  Under our proposals, the supplementary rate would be limited to a maximum of 1 per cent. of the national rate per year, up to a ceiling of 5 per cent. The supplement could be raised from all non-domestic ratepayers in a smaller area such as a town centre, subject to agreement by a majority of the ratepayers affected, for use in ways agreed between the ratepayers and the council. The Green Paper suggests that this could be one way of funding town improvement schemes. The only criterion would be that use of the supplementary rate in this way would need to be agreed between a local council and its ratepayers.

  Possible criteria for establishing and evaluating a local tax re-investment programme (LTRP) are included for consultation in Appendix 2 to Annex F of the Green Paper. A copy of this Appendix will be placed in the House of Commons Library.

  City Growth Strategies
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what funding is to be available to RDAs to develop city growth strategies; and what the scope of these strategies will be. [138244]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Funding has been made available as part of the 2000 Spending Review. Regional Development Agencies and the Small Business Service will have a key role to play in developing City Growth Strategies, as part of their shared purpose to promote enterprise in the regions and across society.

  These strategies will map the economic asset base and develop detailed action plans for business growth in a number of key cities over three years.

  Emergency Tug (Pentland Firth)
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from the Chairman of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency about the all year round siting of an emergency tug in the Pentland Firth; and if he will make a statement. [138019]

  Mr. Hill
  The Chairman of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency wrote to my noble Friend the Minister for Transport about emergency towing vessel provision in the Minches and Pentland Firth on 10 July 2000. I replied to him on 10 November 2000.

  Wetlands
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish further guidance on the protection of sites listed as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. [138408]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government are fully committed to meeting their obligations under the Ramsar Convention. We believe that wetland sites listed under the Convention should be accorded the highest level of protection available. The comprehensive policy statement I have published today on the protection and management of Ramsar sites in England places Ramsar sites on the same footing as sites designated as part of the European Union's Natura 2000 network and gives clear guidance to local planning authorities and other public bodies on how that protection should be delivered

  Ramsar sites in England—A policy statement

  Introduction

  1. The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (the 'Ramsar Convention'), signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, is an intergovernmental treaty which provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources by national action and international co-operation as a contribution to achieving sustainable development throughout the world. In May 2000 there were 121 Contracting Parties to the Convention. The UK ratified the Convention in 1976. The UK Government is fully committed to effective implementation of the Convention.

  2. One of the main means by which the Ramsar Convention seeks to conserve wetlands and wetland interests is through the listing of sites on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. In May 2000 there were 1,027 wetland sites covering over 78 million hectares on the Ramsar List. At that time the UK had listed 157 sites covering almost 738,000 hectares.

  3. The Joint Nature Conservation Committee, the Government's statutory adviser on international conservation matters, is currently carrying out a review of the UK Ramsar site list, taking account of the Convention's Resolution VII.11 (Strategic Framework and Guidelines for the Future Development of the List of Wetlands of International Importance of the Convention on Wetlands). It is the Government's intention to publish a revised site list before the 8th Conference of Contracting Parties (COP) in 2002 and to designate any new sites which meet the selection criteria by COP9 in 2005. This will contribute towards the Ramsar Convention's own target of 2000 listed sites globally by 2005.

  4. This statement sets out the Government's policies for the protection and management of Ramsar sites in England, of which there were 75 covering over 361,000 hectares at the end of May 2000. Matters relating to the management and protection of Ramsar sites in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland fall to the devolved administrations of those countries.

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  Ramsar sites in England—the current position

  5. All terrestrial areas included within listed Ramsar sites in England are currently Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and it is the Government's firm intention that this will continue to be the case. As such they are subject to the same arrangements as for other SSSIs notified by English Nature. The Countryside and Rights of Way Bill currently before Parliament will substantially enhance the protection available to SSSIs and to make it easier for English Nature to create the conditions for their conservation interests to be managed positively. As such the Countryside and Rights of Way Bill changes will make a very substantial contribution to meeting the Government's obligations under the Convention.

  6. Paragraph C7 of the current Planning Policy Guidance on Nature Conservation (PPG9) published in 1994 extends the same protection at a policy level to listed Ramsar sites in respect of new development as that afforded to sites which have been designated under the Birds and Habitats Directives as part of the EU Natura 2000 network.

  7. Article 6 of the Habitats Directive (as transposed into UK law through the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 as amended otherwise referred to as 'the Habitats Regulations') requires that any new development proposal likely to have a significant impact on a Natura 2000 site is assessed for its implications on that site in view of the site's conservation objectives. If that assessment concludes that the project would have an adverse effect on the integrity of the site it can only proceed, in the absence of alternatives, in the overriding public interest. In addition, compensatory measures must be taken to maintain the coherence of the Natura 2000 network. The Government's Outline Position Statement on the Birds and Habitats Directive published in May 1998 (otherwise referred to as the Government Statement) gave further guidance on the application of Article 6.

  8. It is the Government's intention to bring forward revised Planning Policy Guidance on Nature Conservation once the Countryside and Rights of Way Bill has completed its passage through Parliament. It will continue to apply as a matter of policy substantially the same framework to listed Ramsar sites as to Natura 2000 sites. Paragraphs 15-27 of this policy statement draw attention to, and provide further guidance on, how that framework will be applied to Ramsar sites.

  Relationship to Natura 2000

  9. In May 2000 there were 79 Special Protection Areas (SPAs) classified under the Birds Directive and 148 candidate Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) under the Habitats Directive covering almost 990,000 hectares in England. The Government has recently initiated consultation on substantial additions to its list of candidate SACs which will increase the proportion of SSSIs in the Natura 2000 network to around 75 per cent. by area.

  10. Of the 75 English Ramsar sites at the end of May 2000, only 6 were completely outside the Natura 2000 network of sites. The remaining 69 were either coincident with or substantially overlapping SPAs or candidate SACs. The Government does not envisage that the proportion of Ramsar sites outside the Natura 2000 network is likely to change substantially in the light of planned revisions to both site networks.

  Management issues

  11. English Nature, the Government's statutory adviser on nature conservation matters in England, is charged with ensuring promotion of the conservation and wise use of all Ramsar sites through management and various other measures. In May 2000, 70 per cent. of Ramsar sites were in favourable or improving condition. English Nature's objective is to increase this to 75 per cent. by 2002, to 80 per cent. by 2004, and to exceed 95 per cent. by 2010.

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  12. Resolution V.7 adopted by the Ramsar Convention in 1993 requires that all Ramsar sites should have a management plan. All areas included within English Ramsar sites have some type of management plan incorporating conservation objectives for the Ramsar interests. Where the management plan for a site covers more than one designation, English Nature has been asked to ensure that plans adequately cover the Ramsar interests especially where these may be broader than Natura 2000 interests. They have also been asked to ensure that plans are consistent with the international best practice guidance contained in the Ramsar Toolkit (see paragraph 29).

  13. All statutory bodies involved in funding conservation, both on designated sites and in the wider countryside, are encouraged to develop and use schemes to support the positive management of Ramsar sites and their interests.

  Countryside and Rights of Way Bill

  14. The Bill places a new duty on the Secretary of State to notify the statutory nature conservation agencies of Ramsar designations in England and Wales and, in turn, on the agencies to inform owners and occupiers and other specified bodies. This duty will bring the notification procedures for Ramsar sites in line with those for sites designated as SSSI, SAC and SPA.

  Planning policies

  15. Most new development proposals likely to affect a Ramsar site will require an Environmental Impact Assessment under the Town and Country Planning (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1988 as amended. In applying the provisions of the Habitats Regulations to Ramsar sites, PPG9 requires that all development proposals likely to have a significant effect on such a site shall be subject to an 'appropriate assessment' of the implications for the site in view of that site's conservation objectives. This includes any proposal which a statutory body or 'competent authority' proposes to undertake itself. In carrying out an assessment the competent authority is required to consult English Nature and have regard to any representations made. In order fully to meet that policy obligation, the authority will need to ensure that its assessment takes into account the full range of Ramsar interests for which the site has been designated and their vulnerabilities to any effects of the proposed development.

  16. Competent authorities are required by the Habitats Regulations to undertake an appropriate assessment of any plan or project likely to have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site. Where Ramsar sites are coincident with or overlap Natura 2000 sites, authorities also need to ensure that their assessment takes fully into account the Ramsar interests on the site and any additional vulnerabilities that they may have to the effects of the proposal in order to fulfil their policy obligations under PPG9.

  17. Wetland sites are some of the most fragile and vulnerable sites in the SSSI series, often subject to hydrological or other changes which occur both on and off site. Assessments need to take particular care to consider indirect effects as well as direct effects of proposals and the cumulative effects of piecemeal development.

  Special considerations

  18. The Government Statement of May 1998 on the Birds and Habitats Directives gave extensive guidance on the application of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive and relevant factors to be weighed when making judgments about overriding public interest. In reaching decisions on Ramsar sites, it will be necessary to take into account the wording of Article 4 of the Ramsar Convention, which allows a Contracting Party to delete or restrict the boundaries of sites 'in its urgent national interest'.

  19. The general principles expounded in paragraphs 8 to 11 of the Statement on the Birds and Habitats Directives should be followed when applying the provisions of PPG9 to listed Ramsar sites. The Government's view is that a development proposal does not necessarily have to be of national significance in its own right to meet the requirements set out in Article 4 of the Convention. Any benefits arising from

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  the proposal must, however, demonstrably outweigh the acknowledged international conservation value of the site. Projects of limited regional or local significance are thus unlikely to meet this test.

  20. Article 4 of the Ramsar Convention requires Contracting Parties which delete sites or restrict site boundaries to provide compensatory measures for the loss of conservation interests. It is the Government's view that compensatory measures should provide, as a minimum, no net loss to the overall value of the national Ramsar site series either by way of quality or area. It is the Government's view that the principles expounded in paragraph 11 of the Government Statement on the Birds and Habitats Directives should also apply when it comes to compensatory measures for lost Ramsar interests, namely there must be a reasonable expectation that any such measures involving habitat recreation or restoration will be successful and that any such measures will be delivered within a timescale which secures the continuing nature conservation interests of any species present. The Government expects that a suitable package of compensatory measures will normally be a condition of any consent given and that wherever possible the developer will bear the cost of any such measures under the polluter pays principle.

  Other development and consent regimes

  21. Ramsar sites are potentially vulnerable to developments regulated by regimes other than the development control framework. For example, the Environment Agency regulates a wide range of waste management, discharge and water abstraction activities. Ministers expect that those, including the Government themselves, who have responsibility for such regimes should follow the policy approach advocated in PPG9 in respect of developments likely to have significant impacts on listed Ramsar sites.

  Reviews of consents

  22. Regulation 50 of the Habitats Regulations as amended requires the review of extant (i.e. unimplemented or partially implemented) consents on Natura 2000 sites. There are no such provisions for Ramsar sites and it has, to date, been the major difference between the two.

  23. For the overwhelming majority of Ramsar sites, reviews of consents on Natura 2000 sites under the Regulation 50 provisions will normally be sufficient to ensure the Ramsar interests are adequately protected.

  24. Local planning authorities are expected to extend the scope of their appropriate assessments when carrying out Regulation 50 reviews on Natura 2000 sites to consider the effects on coincident or overlapping Ramsar sites. Where the planning authority reaches the conclusion that there would be no adverse effect on the integrity of the Natura 2000 site from allowing the consent to proceed, but there would be an adverse effect on integrity on the Ramsar site, it should consider whether to issue a modification or revocation order using powers available under Section 97 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. In cases where the authority considers modification or revocation is warranted, the Government will consider reimbursing local authorities where the costs were high, where the action taken was no more than necessary to remove the risk to the site, and less costly alternatives have been fully explored.

  25. Local planning authorities are expected to adopt a similar approach where listed Ramsar sites are not within the Natura 2000 network, by carrying out an appropriate assessment analogous to that required by Regulation 50 and by issuing modification or revocation orders under Section 97 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, at the earliest opportunity following the listing of a Ramsar site. Where the integrity of a Ramsar site would be adversely affected by the full implementation of an extant consent and modification or revocation of the consent is warranted, the Government will again consider reimbursing local authorities where the costs were high, where the action taken was no more than necessary to remove the risk to the site, and less costly alternatives have been fully explored.

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  26. The Government expect competent authorities, other than planning authorities, to use whatever review powers are available within the regimes they administer to address any potential adverse effects on the integrity of listed Ramsar sites from extant consents by adopting a general approach analogous to that advocated for planning authorities in paragraphs 24 & 25 above.

  27. It is the Government's view that the additional call on public funds arising from the application of paragraphs 24 to 26 is not likely to be significant given the very high proportion of the Ramsar site series which is already covered by the Natura 2000 network and the review provisions of Regulation 50 of the Habitats Regulations. These existing measures are expected to protect the Ramsar interests in the vast majority of cases.

  Wider issues

  28. Designated sites are to a greater or lesser degree affected by activities which occur away from or adjacent to those sites, as well as those on site. Wetland sites are especially vulnerable to factors such as hydrological change within or adjacent to the site. The Countryside and Rights of Way Bill places a duty on public bodies to 'further the conservation and enhancement' of Sites of Special Scientific Interest. The Government expect that public bodies, in meeting that new obligation, will pay particular attention to the needs of listed Ramsar sites. Where they have not done so already, public bodies will need to incorporate these considerations into their strategic thinking and planning mechanisms.

  29. Article 3.1 of the Ramsar Convention requires Contracting Parties to 'formulate and implement their planning so as to promote the conservation of the wetlands included in the List, and, as far as possible the wise use of wetlands in their territory'. The Ramsar Convention has developed and adopted 'Guidelines for the Implementation of the Wise Use Concept'1. It has also recently published The Ramsar Handbooks on Wise Use1, nine handbooks (referred to ask the "Ramsar Toolkit"), embodying the major 'best practice' guidelines developed and approved by the Conference of the Contracting Parties, complete with case studies, illustrations, and other helpful materials. The Government commend these documents to statutory bodies as valuable sources of further guidance and technical assistance on how issues of wise use should be addressed.

  DETR—November 2000
  1Copies of the Ramsar Convention's publications are available on the Convention's website at www.ramsar.org.
  Further information on Natura 2000 is available on the European Commission's website at http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/nature/natura.htm
  The DETR's website can be found at http://www.detr.gov.uk.

  Highway Maintenance
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what resources he proposes to provide to allow local highway authorities to deal with the backlog in local highway maintenance; and if he will make a statement. [138259]

  Mr. Hill
  As set out in "Transport 2010: The 10 Year Plan" we are committed to providing sufficient funds to tackle the backlog of expenditure on carriageway, footway, bridge, and street lighting maintenance, estimated to be £7 billion in the next 10 years. In the forthcoming Local Transport Plan settlement we will provide £535 million to fund capital maintenance works on local highways in 2001–02 and £555 million in 2002–03. These are increases of 103 per cent. and 110 per cent. respectively compared with 2000–01. We have extended the settlement to cover non-principal roads as well as principal roads and bridges.
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  The allocations for local highway authorities in 2001–02 and 2002–03 are shown in the table, with the allocations for the current year for comparison. For the remaining three years of the five years of the Local Transport Plan settlement, authorities will receive at least 75 per cent. of their allocation for maintenance in 2002–03.

  In addition, earmarked resources will be provided for new major maintenance schemes for the Central Motorway East in Newcastle and for the Silver Jubilee Bridge in Halton.

  These capital resources provided through the Local Transport Plan settlement are in addition to the support for local highway maintenance provided through Revenue Support Grant.

  The Local Transport Plan settlement does not cover London. Funding for local highway maintenance in London is a matter for the Mayor and Greater London Authority.

  Local Transport Plan Settlement Capital Allocations for Local Road Maintenance

  £000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  Darlington

  933

  1,329

  1,398

  Durham

  5,240

  8,555

  9,103

  Gateshead

  1,533

  1,533

  1,533

  Hartlepool

  521

  520

  544

  Middlesborough

  492

  877

  734

  Newcastle

  3,657

  3,657

  3,657

  North Tyneside

  600

  1,451

  1,226

  Northumberland

  3,990

  9,312

  9,919

  Redcar and Cleveland

  660

  1,568

  1,621

  South Tyneside

  739

  1,560

  2,332

  Stockton on Tees

  566

  1,194

  1,283

  Sunderland

  2,117

  2,638

  2,770

  Total for North East Region

  21,048

  34,194

  36,120

  Barnsley

  2,453

  2,670

  2,829

  Bradford

  3,699

  5,031

  5,568

  Calderdale

  2,803

  4,592

  4,815

  Doncaster

  1,184

  1,970

  2,078

  East Riding

  2,254

  5,898

  4,861

  Hull

  1,461

  1,501

  1,461

  Kirklees

  4,870

  6,163

  6,405

  Leeds

  4,090

  9,254

  9,896

  North East Lincolnshire

  740

  965

  970

  North Lincolnshire

  1,556

  2,468

  2,598

  North Yorkshire

  5,740

  13,449

  14,361

  Rotherham

  1,809

  3,124

  3,297

  Sheffield

  3,518

  3,518

  3,582

  Wakefield

  2,772

  3,568

  3,762

  York

  712

  1,095

  1,155

  Total for Yorkshire and Humberside Region

  39,661

  65,266

  67,638

  Birmingham

  4,330

  6,245

  6,620

  Coventry

  1,173

  1,232

  1,317

  Dudley

  1,416

  3,158

  3,376

  Herefordshire

  2,372

  4,348

  4,539

  Sandwell

  2,453

  3,558

  2,453

  Shropshire

  3,885

  7,982

  8,548

  Solihull

  674

  1,737

  1,832

  Staffordshire

  4,554

  8,675

  9,315

  Stoke on Trent

  1,161

  1,273

  1,160

  Telford/Wrekin

  1,220

  2,312

  2,464

  Walsall

  2,242

  2,964

  3,072

  Warwickshire

  2,410

  6,774

  5,414

  Wolverhampton

  1,043

  3,466

  2,744

  Worcestershire

  3,161

  7,184

  7,366

  Total for West Midlands Region

  32,094

  60,908

  60,220

  494W

  Local Transport Plan Settlement Capital Allocations for Local Road Maintenance

  £000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  City of Derby

  955

  1,423

  1,549

  City of Leicester

  1,948

  2,764

  4,316

  Greater Nottingham

  1,650

  8,009

  8,604

  Derbyshire

  2,880

  11,034

  11,711

  Leicestershire

  2,185

  6,494

  6,788

  Lincolnshire

  3,385

  10,278

  10,890

  Northamptonshire

  2,291

  5,342

  5,463

  North Nottinghamshire

  6,541

  10,880

  11,323

  Rutland

  407

  751

  783

  Total for East Midlands Region

  22,242

  56,975

  61,427

  Bedfordshire

  1,743

  3,247

  3,491

  Cambridgeshire

  2,817

  6,967

  7,437

  Essex

  5,170

  13,925

  15,001

  Hertfordshire

  4,467

  10,083

  10,586

  Luton and Dunstable

  461

  819

  862

  Norfolk

  5,203

  19,247

  18,973

  Peterborough

  1,082

  1,765

  1.843

  Southend on Sea

  696

  1,608

  1,742

  Suffolk

  4,472

  13,467

  11,808

  Thurrock

  597

  1,146

  1,201

  Total for Eastern Region

  26,708

  72,274

  72,944

  Bath and North East Somerset

  1,868

  2,552

  2,740

  Bournemouth/Poole

  841

  1,662

  1,744

  Bristol

  1,907

  3,847

  4,054

  Cornwall

  3,874

  9,424

  10,210

  Devon

  5,877

  12,139

  12,822

  Dorset

  1,645

  5,807

  6,218

  Gloucestershire

  4.551

  10,076

  10,812

  North Somerset

  895

  3,173

  2,437

  Plymouth

  1,815

  2,324

  2,481

  Somerset

  4,262

  11,496

  12,306

  South Gloucestershire

  1,276

  3,343

  3.505

  Swindon

  958

  1,307

  1,382

  Torbay

  379

  1,161

  1,208

  Wiltshire

  2,255

  9,570

  10,024

  Total for South West Region

  32,403

  77,881

  81.943

  Bracknell

  366

  580

  568

  Brighton and Hove

  1,113

  1,126

  1,199

  Buckinghamshire

  3,821

  8,227

  7,087

  East Sussex

  3,013

  5,661

  6,670

  Hampshire

  4,388

  9,870

  10,524

  Isle of Wight

  1,540

  2,900

  3,018

  Kent

  6,466

  11,513

  12,149

  Medway Towns

  757

  934

  990

  Milton Keynes

  1,279

  2,069

  2,194

  Oxfordshire

  5,793

  8,045

  8,013

  Portsmouth

  579

  803

  835

  Reading

  534

  1,650

  697

  Slough

  312

  312

  312

  Southampton

  581

  1,085

  1,152

  Surrey

  6,972

  11,763

  12,475

  West Berkshire

  900

  1,285

  1,379

  West Sussex

  2,320

  6,389

  6,813

  Windsor

  750

  1,025

  1,096

  Wokingham

  562

  819

  865

  Total for South East Region

  42,046

  76,056

  78,036

  Blackburn

  1,932

  2,274

  2,335

  Blackpool

  468

  952

  991

  Bolton

  2,089

  5,102

  5,236

  Bury

  1,245

  1,929

  2,002

  Cheshire

  8,956

  11,535

  12,204

  Cumbria

  5,544

  9,173

  9,884

  Halton

  2,893

  2,893

  2,893

  Knowsley

  710

  1,038

  1,090

  Lancashire

  6,096

  16,630

  17,782

  Liverpool

  2,152

  4,184

  3,991

  Manchester

  2,442

  5,569

  5,679

  Oldham

  1,448

  1,784

  1,887

  Rochdale

  1,496

  2,677

  1,751

  495W

  Local Transport Plan Settlement Capital Allocations for Local Road Maintenance

  £000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  Salford

  1,008

  1,871

  1,746

  Sefton

  1,217

  2,073

  2,185

  St. Helens

  1,317

  1,790

  1,861

  Stockport

  1,108

  1,815

  1,905

  Tameside

  1,069

  2,178

  1,501

  Trafford

  884

  1,127

  1,213

  Warrington

  1,755

  2,357

  2,474

  Wigan

  1,394

  3,420

  3,559

  Wirral

  971

  2,079

  2,502

  Total for North West Region

  48,194

  84,450

  86,671

  Total for England, excluding London

  264,396

  528,004

  544,999

  Notes:

  1. The allocations for 2000–01 covered only principal roads and bridges. The allocations for 2001–02 and 2002–03 cover principal roads, non-principal roads, and bridges.

  2. There is an element within the Standard Spending Assessment used to distribute Revenue Support Grant which covers revenue expenditure on local road maintenance, e.g. clearing snow, cleaning drains, grass cutting, etc.

  3. These allocations are part of the overall Local Transport Plan settlement to be announced in December.

  4. These figures do not include earmarked resources for ongoing major maintenance schemes in Bedfordshire, Devon, and Portsmouth or for new major maintenance schemes in Newcastle and Halton.

  Funding for these schemes will amount to £7 million in 2001–02 and £10 million in 2002–03.

  Global Warming
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the contribution of the aviation industry to global warming. [137748]

  Mr. Mullin
  We have not produced a UK assessment. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change published their report, "Aviation and the Global Atmosphere", in December 1999. UK experts made significant contributions to the report on both science and technology. It considered all potential effects on the atmosphere and climate, up to 2050, from aviation emissions and identified the present and future impacts, on the basis of a range of scenarios, as well as remaining areas of uncertainty. The Government continue to support research to reduce these scientific uncertainties, and to improve technology.

  Aircraft Detritus
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions he has had with the CAA concerning frozen effluent falling from aeroplanes over residential areas. [137747]

  Mr. Mullin
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply of Thursday 25 November 1999,Official Report, column 171W.

  The Secretary of State has not had any recent discussions with the CAA over such incidents. However the CAA is continuing to investigate icefall incidents whenever possible.
  496W
  I understand the hon. Member met CAA staff on 18 May specifically to discuss icefalls, following which the CAA wrote to her on 26 May 2000 providing comprehensive details of icefall incidents. In the period 1 January 2000 to 1 November 2000, 36 incidents of icefall and 21 incidents of other falling objects were recorded. The average number of incidents recorded over the five-year period 1995–99 was 31.

  The CAA places the primary emphasis on prevention, and both the Authority and airlines are putting a great deal of effort into eliminating icefalls by checking water systems for leaks. The CAA has also issued reminders to UK operators, by way of Airworthiness Directives, emphasising the importance of regular checks.

  Trunk Roads
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the proposal of a link road between a new junction 18a on the M4 and the Avon Ring Road was(a) first included and (b) removed from the Government's trunk road programme. [138229]

  Mr. Hill
  The proposal for a new link road and a new junction on the M4 was first put forward by the former Avon County Council in 1985. This was accepted in principle by the then Department of Transport, but was never included in the Government's trunk road programme.

  Responsibility for the scheme passed to South Gloucestershire Council, following local government reorganisation. The Council subsequently carried out a review of a number of major road schemes in their area in the context of current Government transport policy and emerging development plan policies. As a result, they decided in 1999 not to pursue this particular scheme.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Recreational Craft Engines
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the implications of EC Directive 94/25/EC on small businesses engaged in the modification, upgrading and conversion to LPG of recreational craft engines. [137294]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  No specific assessment has been made at present. EC Directive 94/25/EC on recreational craft (RCD) is principally concerned with the design and construction (in terms of safety) of such craft, as well as certain specified components for incorporation into craft (including fuel tanks and fuel hoses), when they are placed on the market or put into service for the first time in the European Economic Area (EEA). The RCD became mandatory on 16 June 1998. The object of the RCD is to allow the free trade in recreational craft and the specified components, while maintaining a high level of product safety. Any person placing those products on the EEA market, or putting them into use, since that date is obliged to meet the essential safety requirements covering for example hull strength, stability and buoyancy, as well as safety requirements concerned with the installation of the engine, fuel systems and fuel tanks. Meeting the requirements of the RCD and properly applying the CE
  497W
  marking confers the right to sell the craft anywhere in the EEA. Any subsequent modification, upgrading and conversion of a craft, concerned with the engine installation, is not currently within the scope of the RCD unless that modification, upgrading or conversion of the craft was so extensive that it amounted (in effect) to a "new" craft being produced for the purposes of the RCD. However it may be the case that, depending on where the craft is used, local "in use" safety regulations would need to be met as part of or following an engine modification.

  The Commission has recently issued a proposal for the modification of the RCD which would (if adopted) include, in particular, requirements related to engine exhaust and noise emissions: the former would include propulsion engines subject to a "major engine modification" and the latter to recreational craft with engines that are subject to a "major craft conversion". Businesses are aware of this proposal but will be consulted as negotiations progress: A regulatory impact assessment is being commissioned. A public meeting has been arranged at the DTI on 15 January 2001, to which interested parties will be invited.

  Mobile Telephones
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what independent research the Government have commissioned on the health aspects of using mobile telephones and the level of radiation from hands-free kits. [137773]

  Ms Hewitt
  The DTI commissioned independent tests, published in August, on the use of personal hands-free kits with mobile phones. The tests showed that use of hands-free kit reduced exposure when compared to normal use of the phone.

  Generator

  Site name/location

  NFFO-3

  Associated Energy Projects plc

  Portsmouth Incinerator, Quartremaine Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire

  European Development Corporation plc

  Copyhold Works Incinerator, Nutfield Road, Redhill, Surrey

  Enterprise Energy Ltd.

  Brentwood Steel, Beacon Hill Industrial Estate, London Road, Purfleet, Essex

  Pyrogen (Durham) Ltd.

  Easington Colliery Incinerator, Easington, County Durham

  Yorkshire Generation Company Ltd.

  Hampole Quarry Incinerator, Wakefield Road, Hampole, Nr Doncaster, South Yorkshire

  Energylinc Ltd.

  Boston Waste to Energy Plant, Slippery Gowt Lane, Wyberton, Boston, Lincolnshire

  Sheffield Heat and Power Ltd.

  Bernard Road Incinerator, Bernard Road, Sheffield South Yorkshire

  Pyrogen (Notts) Ltd.

  Silverhill Colliery Incinerator, Silverhill Lane, Teversal, Ashfield, Nottinghamshire

  Associated Energy Projects plc

  Lamby Way Incinerator, Lamby Way, Cardiff, South Glamorgan

  Pyrogen (Merthyr) Ltd.

  Taff Merthyr Colliery Incinerator, Trelewis, Mid Glamorgan

  Cleveland Waste Management Ltd.

  Haverton Hill Incinerator, Site B, Process Plant Park, Billingham, Cleveland

  Wolverhampton Waste Services Ltd.

  Wolverhampton Waste Incinerator, Corporation Yard, Crown Street, Wolverhampton, West Midlands

  Dudley Waste Services Ltd.

  Dudley Incinerator, Lister Road, Dudley, West Midlands

  Associated Energy Projects plc

  Ardwick Railway Goods Yard Incinerator, Ardwick, Greater Manchester

  Associated Energy Projects plc

  Marchwood Incinerator, Bury Road, Marchwood, Hampshire

  Pyrogen (Kent) Ltd.

  Betteshanger Colliery, Northbourne. Betteshanger, Nr Deal, Kent

  Tyseley Waste Disposal Ltd.

  Tyseley Incinerator, Tyseley Waste Disposal Site, James Road, Tyseley, Birmingham, West Midlands

  Associated Energy Projects plc

  Marchwood Power Station, Normandy Way, Marchwood, Hampshire

  Hanford Waste Services Ltd.

  Stoke-on-Trent Incinerator, Stoke-on-Trent Waste Incinerator Plant, Campbell Road, Sideway, Stoke-on-Trent

  Associated Energy Projects plc

  Chineham Incinerator, Reading Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire

  NFFO-4

  London Waste Ltd.

  Edmonton B CHP Plant, Angel Road, London

  City Energy Ltd.

  City Energy Manchester CHP, Ardwick Goods Yard West, Manchester

  City Energy Ltd.

  City Energy Portsmouth CHP, Fratton Park Goods Yard, Portsmouth, Hampshire

  Heron Trust Ltd.

  Start Regen, Start, St. Erth, Hayle, Cornwall

  City Energy Ltd.

  City Energy Sheffield CHP, Warren Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

  498W
  These tests were consistent with other tests that have been carried out internationally, but have been contradicted by studies commissioned by the Consumers' Association.

  Both the Department and independent scientists have expressed reservations about the methodology employed in the Consumers' Association tests.

  We are working with the Consumers' Association and urgently seeking to reconcile these conflicting test results.

  Small Business Programme
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will ensure that assets of the Learning and Business Link Company, Kent, including computers and servers, formerly the property of Business Link Kent and currently used by the chambers of commerce and enterprise, will be retained by the latter for use in the Small Business Programme. [137738]

  Ms Hewitt
  It is our objective that the transition from the existing BL network to the new SBS local network should be conducted in such a way as to ensure publicly funded assets continue to be used for the purposes for which they were intended. My officials are working with the organisations concerned in each area to ensure that this outcome is achieved to the greatest possible extent. I do not feel it would be appropriate to comment on the individual commercial negotiations concerned.

  Renewable Energy
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the waste incineration projects which have been approved under the terms of Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation, but which have yet to be built. [137394]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 9 November 2000]: A list of these projects is shown in the table.
  499W

  Generator

  Site name/location

  Greater Manchester Waste Ltd.

  Stockport FBP, Bredbury Park Way, Stockport, Cheshire

  Greater Manchester Waste Ltd.

  North Manchester FBP, Reliance Street, Newton Heath, Greater Manchester

  Greater Manchester Waste Ltd.

  Salford FB Plant, Cobden Street, Salford, Greater Manchester

  Kent Enviropower Ltd.

  Hailing Energy from Waste, Rugby Cement Works, Hailing, Kent

  Kent Energy Ltd.

  Newhaven Energy from Waste Plant, North Quay Road, Newhaven, East Sussex

  Kent Energy Ltd.

  Matford Park Energy from Waste Plant, Bad Homburg Way, Exeter, Devon

  NFFO-5

  Gent Fairhead Environmental Services Ltd.

  Rivenhall Airfield, Woodhouse Farm, Near Braintree, Essex

  Cleanaway Ltd.

  Cleanaway Project 3, Pitsea Hall Lane, Pitsea, Basildon, Essex

  Cleanaway Ltd.

  Cleanaway Project 2, Rugby Cement, Hindmans Way, Dagenham, Essex

  Energy Developments (UK) Ltd.

  Rainham, Ferry Lane, Rainham, Essex

  Energy Developments (UK) Ltd.

  Pitsea, Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon, Essex

  Northumbrian Environmental Management Ltd.

  Vange, High Road, Fobbing, Essex

  Energy From Waste Kesteven Ltd.

  Energy From Waste Kesteven Ltd., Honeypot Lane, Colsterworth, Grantham, Lincolnshire

  British Sugar plc

  Allscott Energy Recovery Centre, Allscott Sugar Factory, Telford, Shropshire

  Energy Developments (UK) Ltd.

  Foxyards Waste to Energy Plant, Foxyards Site, Bean Road, Coseley, West Midlands

  N.E.M. Ltd.

  Sleekburn Energy From Waste Plant, East Sleekburn, Bedlington, Northumberland

  N.E.M. Ltd.

  Teesside 3 EFW Plant, Haverton Hill Road, Billingham, Teesside, Cleveland

  N.E.M. Ltd.

  Blyth EFW Plant, Cambois, Blyth, Northumberland

  S.I.T.A. (GB) Ltd.

  Ridham Dock, Iwade, Sittingbourne, Kent

  Energy Developments (UK) Ltd.

  Shelford WTE Plant, Broad Oak Road, Canterbury, Kent

  Energy Developments (UK) Ltd.

  Dimmer MRF & Electricity Generation, Castle Cary, Somerset

  Energy Developments (UK) Ltd.

  Portfield MRF & Electricity Generation, A27, Chichester Bypass, Chichester, Sussex

  Energy Developments (UK) Ltd.

  Silent Valley WTE, Waun Llwyd, Ebbw Vale, Gwent

  Energy Developments (UK) Ltd.

  Withyhedge WTE, Bowling Farm, Rudbaxton, Haverfordwest, Pembroke, Dyfed

  Energy Developments (UK) Ltd.

  Poole MRF, Poole Landfill Site, Wellington, Somerset

  N.E.M. Ltd.

  Avonmouth EFW, Off King's Weston Lane, Avonmouth, Bristol

  British Sugar plc

  Brigg Energy Resource Centre, Scawby Brook, Brigg, South Humberside

  N.E.M. Ltd.

  Hessle EFW Plant, Tranby Lane, Hessle, Kingston Upon Hull, Humberside

  Global Environmental Ltd.

  Eastcroft Third Line CHP, Cattle Market Road, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire

  Gent Fairhead Environmental Services Ltd.

  Nine Elms CHP, Stewart Lane Rail Depot, Nine Elms, Battersea, London

  Acorn Energy Supplies Ltd.

  Acorn Energy Supplies, Heighton Lane, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham

  Compact Power Ltd.

  Philadelphia Power Project, Philadelphia Complex, Houghton Le Spring, Tyne and Wear

  Onyx Aurora Ltd.

  Chapel Renewable Energy Centre, Endle Street, Southampton, Hampshire

  Atlantic Energy Ltd.

  Windwhistle Energy Project, Cooksland Road, Bodmin, Cornwall

  Atlantic Energy Ltd.

  Dolcoath Energy, South Crofy, Dudnance Lane, Pool, Redruth, Cornwall

  Two further NFFO-4 projects are under construction:

  Slough Heat and Power Ltd.

  Fibrepower (Slough) Greenock Road, Slough Trading Estate, Slough, Berkshire

  United Waste Ltd.

  Huddersfield Incinerator, Vine Street, Huddersfield West Yorkshire

  Conoco Humber Refinery
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will announce his decision on Conoco Global Development UK Ltd.'s proposal to build a combined heat and power station at the Conoco Humber Refinery at South Killingholme. [138420]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I have today granted consent under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 to Conoco Global Power Developments UK Ltd. for the construction of a 475 megawatt gas-fired combined heat and power station at the Conoco Humber Refinery at South Killingholme in North Lincolnshire. The station has also today been given clearance as a gas-fired station under section 14 of the Energy Act 1976 and planning permission for the station has been deemed to be granted subject to 47 planning conditions agreed with the North Lincolnshire Borough Council.

  The station will supply the energy requirements of the Conoco Humber Refinery and the Lindsay Oil Refinery and is the largest combined heat and power station given approval by the Government. This demonstrates our continued support to promote CHP stations, wherever practicable, and our commitment to reducing emissions of carbon to fulfil the promises we gave at Kyoto.

  Copies of the Press Notice and decision letters are being placed in the Library of the House.

  Green Technologies
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on progress made by his Department's Joint Environmental Markets Unit in securing sales of British green technologies and services abroad. [137873]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Joint Environmental Market Unit's (JEMU's) role—working with others such as Trade Partners UK—is to promote the UK's environmental industry's capabilities and to help provide market access to relevant suppliers. JEMU has made good progress in implementing specific initiatives identified in its three year Business Plan, published in 1998. A key achievement has been the development of the first online database of UK environmental capabilities, providing a world wide shop window which enables companies to be contacted directly from one site. Representatives of the UK environmental industry have recently acknowledged JEMU's contribution to trade promotion as being relevant and effective.

  MOX Fuel
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representation his Department received at the Plutonium 2000 Conference held in
  501W
  Brussels in October; and what assessment he has made of the presentation made on the business viability of BNFL's plutonium MOX fuel plans. [137870]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Officials from my Department attended the Plutonium 2000 Conference but received no formal representations.

  Presentations made at the Conference will be considered in the context of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions' forthcoming consultation document on Radioactive Waste Management as appropriate.

  £ million

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  (a) On-shore wind

  3.4

  2.5

  1.2

  1.0

  0.9

  (e) Off-shore wind1

  (b) Biomass energy

  3.4

  2.7

  1.4

  1.2

  1.6

  (c) Wave power

  0.08

  0.14

  0.06

  0.17

  0.15

  (d) Solar energy2

  1.9

  2.0

  1.7

  1.0

  1.3

  1 Historically data are not broken down between on-shore and off-shore wind technologies.

  2 Up to 1998 the solar programme was focused on passive solar design of buildings. Since then work has primarily focused on photovoltaics.

  Oil
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on the environmental impact of using oil as an energy source. [137218]

  Mrs. Liddell
  A number of representations have been received, including from business organisations.

  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action his Department(a) has taken and (b) intends to take to address the environmental impact of using oil as an energy source. [137219]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Environmental issues related to the extraction of oil are regulated in the main according to the Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipe-lines (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1999. Other environmental legislation such as the Prevention of Oil Pollution Act 1971 also applies. The environmental aspects of oil production are kept under review and it is planned to introduce further legislation to deal with specific aspects.

  UK refineries have invested heavily in recent years to meet rising environmental standards, influenced—among other requirements—by the EU's Auto-Oil programme. They are regulated under the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control regime. All oil-fired Large Combustion Plant will be controlled through the revised EU Large Combustion Plant Directive. In addition, the UNECE Gothenburg Protocol and the proposed EU National Emissions Ceiling Directive will set annual emission ceilings for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds from 2010.

  Emissions attached to the final use of oils in transport are the responsibility of the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions.

  Much of the industrial use of oil will come under the requirements of the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control regime.
  502W
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much he has spent on the development of(a) on-shore wind generated power, (b) biomass energy, (c) wave generated power, (d) Solar energy and (e) off-shore wind power in each year since 1995. [137213]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The DTI's new and renewable energy programme supports research, development and demonstration, as well as technology transfer and export promotion activities. The breakdown of net expenditure on specific technologies is as shown.

  Compensation Claims
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he is taking to speed up the process of settling outstanding compensation claims. [136961]

  Mrs. Liddell
  In relation to claims for respiratory disease, progress has been too slow. However, in September I announced a twin track approach.

  Firstly, we are making offers of increased amounts as expedited payments to thousands of miners and are extending expedited offers to some claimants not previously eligible, without them undergoing further tests. To date we have already made some 9,720 additional and new offers totalling £32.4 million. Altogether we hope to make over 19,000 offers totalling around £100 million before Christmas.

  In addition, I announced an increase in the numbers of medical testing centres and record scanning teams. We are also seeking to streamline the Medical Assessment Process and records collection, and these proposals are being taken forward with the claimants' solicitors.

  On Vibration White Finger, we aim to have carried out initial assessments on all the existing claimants by the end of next year. A further assessment may be required for those claimants seeking compensation for loss of services but this is still under consideration.

  In total, this Government have now paid out some £250 million in respect of the liabilities we inherited from British Coal.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Physical Education
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the average time is spent by each pupil per week on physical education in(a) primary and (b) secondary schools. [134709]
  503W
  Jacqui Smith
  The total number of hours spent on Physical Education is not available as the length of the school week varies from school to school. However, recent research by MORI confirms that the most popular out-of-school hours learning activity was participating in sport. It shows that the vast majority of schools have increased their extracurricular activities over the last two years. We have set an aspiration that all schools should provide two hours of curricular or extracurricular activities a week, and we are working to encourage schools and partners in the sports sector to deliver this through the Sports Strategy, an important part of which is promoting team games.

  Individual Learning Accounts
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on progress in developing Individual Learning Accounts. [137369]

  Mr. Wicks
  According to the latest figures, people in England had opened around 400,000 Individual Learning Accounts. This represents good progress towards meeting the UK target of 500,000 accounts opened by March 2001 and of one million accounts by April 2002.

  Higher Education
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many higher education places were available in each of the past 20 years; and how many will be available in the next three years. [137829]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 10 November 2000]: Available data are provided in the table. The Department has funded additional planned higher education places: 36,000 in 1999–2000; 35,000 in 2000–01 and 45,000 in 2001–02. Of these additional places, 7 per cent. were for full-time undergraduates doing first degrees and the rest were for part-time students, post-graduates and students studying for courses below first degree level. Part-time undergraduates, who are mostly mature students, accounted for 57 per cent. of the additional places. Places beyond 2001–02 have not yet been decided. A complete time series is not available, but the table shows the recent trend and the projected impact of additional funded and non-funded places.

  Home and EU domiciled higher education students in England

  Thousand

  Year

  1994–951

  1,342

  1995–961

  1,409

  1996–971

  1,449

  1997–981

  1,487

  1998–9922

  1,514

  1999–20033

  1,556

  2000–014

  1,599

  2001–024

  1,654

  1 Actual

  2 Estimated outturn

  3 Provisional

  4 Projected

  School Standards
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what his assessment is of the 504W
  recent research commissioned from the London School of Economics and Exeter University about the effect of (a) class sizes and (b) good teaching on school standards. [137913]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The report commissioned from the London School of Economics and Exeter University into the relationship between resource allocation and educational attainment confirmed our view that a number of factors have an effect on pupil attainment. These include smaller infant classes and better quality teaching, both of which we were elected to deliver. The review also concluded that the quality of existing UK research is poor. This is why the Value for Money Unit is pursuing further research into the relationship between resource allocation and educational attainment.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Rolls-Royces
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 17 July,Official Report, column 23W, what criteria are used when deciding whether to acquire a Rolls-Royce for HM missions overseas. [134980]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: At present the FCO has purchased Rolls-Royces for official use by Heads of Mission at three of our key Posts, Washington, Tokyo and New Delhi. We also lease Rolls-Royces at eight other Posts where this provides value for money.

  Employment Directive
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many letters he has received alleging that there was a threat to religious freedom posed by the EU directive on employment agreed between the Governments of the EU on 17 October. [135067]

  Mr. Vaz
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Employment, Welfare to Work and Equal Opportunities on 6 November 2000,Official Report, column 39W.

  China
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if human rights concerns were raised during the recent United Kingdom/China Forum held in Beijing. [135770]

  Mr. Battle
  The UK/China Forum is a nongovernmental group. It provides a framework for building a network of influential high-level personal contacts between Britain and China, and aims to develop initiatives to build stronger UK/China links in the specific areas covered by its seven sub-committees: Environment, Media, Culture, Education, Industry, Finance and Law.

  The second meeting of the Forum took place in Beijing from 16-17 October. Human rights were not on the agenda for this meeting.
  505W
  The meeting of the Forum coincided with the fifth round of the UK/China Human Rights Dialogue which was held in London from 16-18 October. HMG's concerns on China's human rights record were raised extensively during the Dialogue.

  Departmental Policies
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set out, including statistical information relating as directly as possible to the constituency, the effect on the Manchester, Gorton constituency, of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [136168]

  Mr. Vaz
  We hold no information of the kind sought by my right hon. Friend. The Mission of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is to promote the national interests of the United Kingdom and to contribute to a strong world community. For details of the Government's achievements in meeting its foreign policy targets, the following page of the FCO website may be helpful: http://www.fco.gov.uk/directory/dynpage.asp?Page=108

  Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is his policy that the outer wall of sanctions against Yugoslavia should be lifted. [136969]

  Mr. Vaz
  No "outer wall" of sanctions is operated by the United Kingdom or by the European Union. In common with all countries, the FRY will need to show its commitment to the obligations which flow from the membership of international organisations, including major financial institutions, and to those organisations' values.

  Mr. Alan Keen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent changes have been made to EU sanctions in relation to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. [138419]

  Mr. Vaz
  Following the election of Vojislav Kostunica as President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), European Union Foreign Ministers agreed at the General Affairs Council on 9 October to revise EU sanctions against the FRY and to retain specific targeted measures.

  The EU oil embargo and flight ban were lifted with effect from 9 October.

  On 10 November the Council of the EU adopted a Common Position to restrict financial sanctions and the visa ban to Milosevic and persons associated with him.

  The provisions on financial sanctions were implemented by an EC Regulation adopted on 10 November. This Regulation repeals EC Regulations 1294/99 and 607/2000 as well as Article 2 of EC Regulation 926/98. The Regulation will come into force this week with its publication of the Official Journal of the European Communities

  The new Regulation provides that all funds held in the EU belonging to individuals listed in the annex to the Regulation shall be frozen and that no funds shall be made available, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of any person listed in the annex.
  506W
  Under the new Regulation all EU financial sanctions in relation to FRY companies will be lifted. All EU restrictions on the provision of export credit support finance and on investment in the FRY will also be lifted.

  UK legislation providing penalties for breaches of the financial sanctions will be amended to take account of the new Regulation.

  The individuals subject to financial sanctions are identical to those subject to the EU visa ban, which is the subject of a Council Decision of 10 November.

  The EU arms embargo and embargo on the supply to the FRY of equipment which might be used for internal repression or terrorism are unaffected. The UN arms embargo against the FRY and prohibition on the arming and training for terrorist activities there remain in force.

  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance he is giving to Yugoslavia to help the refugee population in Serbia. [136970]

  Mr. Foulkes
  I have been asked to reply.

  We are providing £10 million for Serbia in immediate bilateral assistance to including medicines, food and essential items for both the general and refugee populations. This includes £2 million for UNHCR to provide fuel, clothing, blankets and winterisation of collective accommodation housing 50,000 refugees.

  Our main contribution to refugees in Serbia is through our share of European Community programmes. The European Community Humanitarian Office (ECHO) programme in Serbia focuses on refugees and on the sick and elderly in the host population. ECHO provided 84 million euros in such assistance in 1999 of which we contributed £9.2 million. Its programme of 73 million euros in 2000 includes 18 million euros, of which we contribute £1.95 million, to assist with winterisation needs of refugees and vulnerable groups. This has been provided from the EC's special programme of 200 million euros immediate humanitarian assistance, which is providing food, medicines, energy and support to schools and municipalities. This aid will provide support to both the refugee and general populations.

  Sudan
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will call for a formal investigation by the appropriate UN authorities into allegations of chemical weapons used by the Government of Sudan against civilians. [137106]

  Mr. Hain
  These allegations relate to alleged attacks in Southern Sudan in late July 1999 by the Government of Sudan against rebel forces during the civil conflict in progress at the time. Samples from the sites of the alleged attacks have been analysed at the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, Porton Down for the most likely CW agents. The tests found no evidence that these agents had been used. We duly informed the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) of our results as the OPCW is recognised by the UN as the competent body for handling CW issues.
  507W

  Kadiatou Balde
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the British Embassy in Dakar has been informed of the decision of the Appeals Tribunal in the case of Kadiatou Balde from Guinea; and if she will be permitted to enter the UK. [137112]

  Mr. Vaz
  [holding answer 7 November 2000]: The British Embassy in Dakar has been informed of the decision. Kadiatou Balde will be able to obtain her visa from the Embassy today, provided that her circumstances have not changed.

  Intergovernmental Conference
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if it is in the United Kingdom's national interest to relinquish the United Kingdom's veto on incentive measures in the cultural field at the forthcoming IGC; [137584]

  (2) if it is in the national interest to relinquish the United Kingdom's veto on proposals relating to social security for migrant workers at the forthcoming IGC; [137586]

  (3) if it is in the United Kingdom's national interest to relinquish the veto on the establishment of European Union agencies at the forthcoming IGC. [137589]

  Mr. Vaz
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr. Redwood) on 30 October 2000,Official Report, column 238W.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is in the United Kingdom's national interest to relinquish the veto on proposals relating to social security at the forthcoming IGC. [137585]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Government have made it clear on numerous occasions that they will not relinquish the veto on social security.

  Schools (Palestine)
  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received about when the Palestinian Authority plans to reopen schools in the areas under its jurisdiction. [R] [137498]

  Mr. Hain
  The Palestinian Authority reopened the majority of its schools, colleges and universities on 7 October. They had been closed from 29 September until 7 October for security reasons. Some establishments have remained closed because of continuing operational difficulties.

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Palestinian Authority regarding the reopening of schools. [R] [137499]

  Mr. Hain
  Most schools were reopened on 7 October.

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received regarding the closure of Palestinian schools in recent weeks. [R] [137497]
  508W
  Mr. Hain
  The Palestinian Authority closed all its schools, colleges and universities from 29 September until 7 October, when the majority reopened. Schools operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) were closed for the same period. Some establishments remain closed because of the continuing operational difficulties.

  Qualified Majority Voting
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will list the issues that have been tabled by EU member states and the Commission for discussion at the IGC relating to qualified majority voting; [137897]

  (2) if he will list those areas of extension of qualified majority voting that are proposed by (a) EU member states and (b) EU bodies; [137966]

  (3) further to his reply of 1 November 2000, Official Report, column 534-35W, on the Intergovernmental Conference, if he will list those minor issues not listed, but which are also on the agenda for the IGC. [137685]

  Mr. Vaz
  I refer the hon. Member to the website www.europa.eu.int, where he will find the official documents relating to the Intergovernmental Conference.

  Lomé Peacé Accords
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 25 October 2000,Official Report, columns 145-46W, on the Lomé Peace Accords, what the nature was of the close touch maintained. [137995]

  Mr. Hain
  Representatives of HMG were present throughout the Lomé Peace negotiations as observers. British observers, along with other international representatives facilitating the negotiations, helped to maintain contact and dialogue between the parties, and between the parties and the Togolese Chair.

  European Federation
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 1 November 2000,Official Report, column 557W, on European federation, which further powers (a) need to be transferred from the United Kingdom Parliament and (b) require QMV decision-making procedures to be applied, to fulfil his Department's policy objectives. [137684]

  Mr. Vaz
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr. Redwood) on 30 October 2000,Official Report, column 238W.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 2 November 2000,Official Report, column 557W, on European federation, if he will list those EU countries which share his policy objective. [137762]

  Mr. Vaz
  All EU Governments support a European Union which respects the national identities of its member states.

  Iraq
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a
  509W
  statement on the Government's policy on the UN arrangements to ensure that goods imported into Iraq under the oil-for-food scheme are for the agreed purposes. [137680]

  Mr. Hain
  The UK Government does all it can to ensure that goods imported into Iraq under UNSCR 986 are used for agreed purposes. Our experts scrutinise all contracts carefully to ensure that they fall within the terms of the relevant UN resolutions. We frequently discuss monitoring of oil-for-food goods in Iraq with the office of Iraq programme and, where goods are of concern, ask for specific in-country monitoring. Of particular concern are goods identified by UNMOVIC as of potential use in weapons of mass destruction programmes. We continually call for the Iraqi regime to allow UNMOVIC into Iraq to verify Iraq's compliance with its obligation to halt its weapons of mass destruction programme.

  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of children in Iraq who are chronically malnourished and the proportion of the total number of children this represents. [137682]

  Mr. Hain
  There are no reliable figures on child malnutrition in the centre and south of Iraq. Despite UN efforts, the Iraqi regime has refused to cooperate with a group of independent experts appointed by the UN to prepare a comprehensive report and analysis of the humanitarian situation in Iraq. In the meantime the UK continues to advocate and support initiatives through the oil-for-food programme to better target the UN's humanitarian effort to help the most vulnerable in Iraq. This has already improved the situation on the ground. In northern Iraq, for example, where the UN rather than Iraqi authorities run the humanitarian programme, infant mortality is now lower than before sanctions were imposed.

  Zanzibar
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the(a) first and (b) second elections in Zanzibar. [137940]

  Mr. Hain
  We have been following the situation in Zanzibar with concern. Commonwealth and other international observers were unanimous in their condemnation of the organisation of the elections on 29 October. We, with EU colleagues, criticised the decision to rerun the elections in only 16 constituencies and under the supervision of the current electoral commission in a statement issued on 3 November.

  We will continue to press the Tanzanian authorities to find a solution to the political crisis that respects the democratic and human rights of all Zanzibaris.

  Rogue States
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the potential threat to(a) the United Kingdom and (b) the NATO area from rogue states. [138009]
  510W
  Mr. Vaz
  The Government continually reviews, in close consultation with our Allies, potential threats to the United Kingdom and to our NATO Allies from all sources.

  Single European Foreign Policy
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 1 November 2000,Official Report, column 536W, on the single European Foreign Policy, if he will list the principal UK national foreign policy objectives which the EU' s Common Foreign and Security Policy is a means of achieving. [137928]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's nine objectives are stated in the department's Public Service Agreement. The EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy has contributed most notably to objectives one and four. Objective one is "A secure United Kingdom within a more peaceful and stable world" and objective four is "A strong international community; leading to an improved quality of life worldwide".

  International Criminal Court
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 1 November 2000,Official Report, column 539W, for what reason the United Kingdom has not ratified the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. [137921]

  Mr. Hain
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock) on 2 November 2000,Official Report, column 565W.

  Chagos Islands and Diego Garcia
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the return of displaced islanders to Diego Garcia. [137915]

  Mr. Battle
  We have decided to accept the ruling of the Court. The Ilois are now able to return to the outer islands of the British Indian Ocean Territory.

  Our first priority is to press ahead with the technical work we have in hand to assess the feasibility of settlement on those islands. In the meantime we will be open to discussion with the Ilois community about the practicalities of any return. We will also be consulting the Governments of the United States and Mauritius about the implications of the judgment.

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his assessment is of the security implications of the return of displaced islanders to Diego Garcia. [137907]

  Mr. Battle
  The Ilois are now free to return to the outer islands of the British Indian Ocean Territory but access to Diego Garcia will continue to be controlled strictly and will be by permit only.

  We will be discussing the security implications of the court case on the US Naval Support Facility on Diego Garcia with the US authorities.
  511W
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the assistance his Department intends to give to the displaced peoples of the Chagos Islands in British Indian Ocean Territory to return home. [137874]

  Mr. Battle
  Our first priority is to continue the work we have begun to assess the physical, financial, social, environmental and economic feasibility of settlement on the outer islands of the territory. Once we have the results of this feasibility study, we will be in a position to consider what further assistance might be appropriate.

  Single European Currency
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had since 29 September with the foreign ministers of(a) France, (b) Germany and (c) Denmark about the single European currency. [137918]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Secretary of State meets other European Union foreign ministers on a regular basis and discusses a wide range of issues.

  Middle East (Terrorist Threat)
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment his Department has made of the terrorist threat to British visitors to Middle Eastern countries. [137916]

  Mr. Hain
  We have revised our travel advice notices to reflect the increased risk to British travellers to the Middle East as a result of heightened tensions in the region. Successive up-dates of travel advice for the countries affected have been available from the Travel Advice Unit and via the FCO website, www.fco.gov.uk.

  International Relations
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's relations with(a) Libya, (b) Iran, (c) Syria and (d) Yemen. [137917]

  Mr. Hain
  The United Kingdom enjoys full diplomatic relations with Libya, Iran, Syria and Yemen. We are constructively engaged with each country, and we continue to encourage them to play a positive role in the international community.

  EU (Co-sovereignty)
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 1 November 2000,Official Report, column 539W, what representations he has made to Germany in respect of the German Foreign Minister's proposal for co-sovereignty between states within the EU. [137904]

  Mr. Vaz
  Ministers regularly discuss EU issues with all EU partners. The Prime Minister made clear our position in his speech in Warsaw on 6 October.

  Israel
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contacts he has had with the Israeli Government and when, to ascertain that 512W
  equipment and components licensed for export to the Israeli armed forces by Her Majesty's Government since 1990 have not been used (a) against civilians in the Occupied Territories and (b) in southern Lebanon. [138071]

  Mr. Hain
  We are, and have been, in regular direct contact with the Israeli Government, including at senior Israeli military official level, as part of our inquiries to confirm that equipment and components licensed for export from the UK have not been used against civilians in the Occupied Territories or southern Lebanon.

  Kosovo
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many United Kingdom police officers are serving with the United Nations International Police Force in Kosovo; how many of these officers are undertaking(a) a six-month and (b) a 12-month tour of duty; and if he will make a statement. [137123]

  Mr. Hain
  There are currently 136 UK police officers serving with the United Nations International Police in Kosovo. Of these, 107 are undertaking a 12-month tour of duty. The remaining 29 have completed a 12-month tour of duty which has, at their request, been extended by a further six months. None of the officers currently deployed is serving a six-month tour of duty.

  Institutional Reform (EU)
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations the Government have made in the Council of Ministers on the proposals in the paper CONFER 4790/00, 'Progress report on the intergovernmental conference on Institutional Reform', relating to the extension of qualified majority voting to Article 191; [138020]

  (2) what representations the Government have made in the Council of Ministers on the proposals in the paper CONFER 4790/00, 'Progress report on the intergovernmental conference on Institutional Reform', relating to procedures for making regulations governing political parties at European level, with particular reference to their funding. [137977]

  Mr. Vaz
  Political parties at European level were first recognised in the Maastricht Treaty. The proposal for a legal base to allow the establishment of a Statute to regulate these parties is intended to ensure the transparency of their funding. We strongly support this aim.

  The details of such a legal base are still under discussion.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have made in the Council of Ministers on the proposals in the paper CONFER 4790/00, 'Progress report on the intergovernmental conference on Institutional Reform', relating to (1) enhanced co-operation measures; 137982]

  (2) the new conditions for enhanced co-operation measures; [137981]

  (3) the abolition of the national veto on enhanced co-operation measures; [137978]
  513W
  (4) the application of enhanced co-operation procedure to Title V. [137983]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Prime Minister set out the Government's position on enhanced co-operation in his Warsaw speech on 6 October.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if it remains the Government's policy that immigration and asylum issues fall within the definition of border controls for the purpose of qualified majority voting; [137980]

  (2) what representations the Government have made in the Council of Ministers on the proposals in the paper CONFER 4790/00, "Progress report on the intergovernmental conference on Institutional Reform", relating to the extension of qualified majority voting to aspects of asylum and immigration policy; [138021]

  (3) what representations the Government have made in the Council of Ministers on the proposals in the paper CONFER 4790/00, "Progress report on the intergovernmental conference on Institutional Reform", relating to items for possible extensions of qualified majority voting. [137976]

  Mr. Vaz
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer 1 gave to the right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr. Redwood) on 30 October 2000,Official Report, column 238W.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have made in the Council of Ministers on the proposals in the paper CONFER 4790/00, 'Progress report on the intergovernmental conference on Institutional Reform', relating to the draft amendments to Article 7. [137979]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Government have made it clear that they are happy to discuss the proposal for a new early warning mechanism to be applied before any decision to take measures against a member state under Article 7 TEU. The details remain under negotiation.

  Charter of Fundamental Rights
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have made in the European Commission on the Commission's paper, 'On the Legal Nature of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union', with particular reference to the European Court of Justice's interpretation of the Charter. [137984]

  Mr. Vaz
  I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave to the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) on 2 November 2000,Official Report, columns 555-56W and today, Official Report, col. 452-53W.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which rights contained in the draft EU Charter of Fundamental Rights are not identical to rights already incorporated in the European Convention on Human Rights. [137898]

  Mr. Vaz
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him and the hon. Member for Stone (Mr. Cash) on 2 November 2000,Official Report, column 555W.

  Child Soldiers
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress towards the ratification of the Optional Protocol on child soldiers to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. [137745]

  Mr. Hain
  The Government are working toward ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. The Ministry of Defence is currently drawing up administrative guidelines for the armed forces to implement this protocol, once they are in place, we hope to ratify the protocol. An initial target t of January 2001 has been set.

  North American Free Trade Agreement
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the economic impact of NAFTA on the UK economy in the last five years. [136401]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Treasury has carried out no assessment of the economic impact of NAFTA on the UK economy over the last five years.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Burundi
  Mr. Browne
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to provide support for the promotion of civil society in Burundi. [136457]

  Clare Short
  The first priority in Burundi is peace. We continue to provide financial assistance to the Arusha Peace Process and also humanitarian assistance through well established non-governmental organisations focusing on emergency healthcare and nutrition. As soon as peace is established we will consider providing further assistance for Burundi.

  Sudan
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent reports she has received concerning the use of oil revenue from Sudanese oil fields for development projects. [135109]

  Mr. Foulkes
  We have seen some evidence that revenue is being directed to investment, especially roads and power generation. The Government of Sudan have also announced Sudanese Dinar 800m (US$ 3.118m) for development in the south through the Southern Sudan Co-ordinating Council. We are pressing for further clarification and will keep the situation under close review.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to review the provision of development aid to southern Sudan. [135108]
  515W
  Mr. Foulkes
  The first priority for the Sudan is a lasting political solution to the conflict. We believe development assistance will not be effective without peace. We need to strengthen the voices for peace among the ordinary Sudanese and are currently stepping up efforts to work more through church and other religious groups in the south and elsewhere. In the meantime, we will continue to give urgent humanitarian need top priority. We will also support and encourage good proposals from non-governmental organisations who can effectively reach the poorest groups in the country.

  St. Helena
  Dr. Marek:
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on progress in developing the new wharf at Jamestown, St. Helena. [138227]

  Clare Short
  A revised Wharf Improvement Project proposal was discussed with officials from my Department when they visited St Helena in July. The project is to be financed by the European Development Fund (EDF) but UK views will be taken into account when the project is considered by the EDF Committee. My officials were satisfied with the technical merits of the revised proposal. However, the St. Helena Government (SHG) have been asked to produce additional information on the health and safety benefits which underpin the economic case for this investment. This information has still to be provided. Subject to agreement on the economic case, we have advised SHG that we will support the project when it is submitted to the Committee for approval.

  Health and Welfare Programmes
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had in the last 12 months with leaders of Third World countries to develop health and welfare programmes. [137384]

  Clare Short
  Health issues have been included in most of my discussions during the past 12 months with leaders of poorer countries, with a focus on how we can assist them achieve the international development targets for health.

  Kosovo
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much her Department has spent to date on clearing unexploded cluster munitions in Kosovo. [137987]

  Clare Short
  We have funded five organisations to carry out emergency clearance of anti-personnel landmines and unexploded ordnance, including cluster bomb units. Two of these organisations have been exclusively tasked with cluster munition clearance, while the other three have undertaken this task as part of a broader programme of unexploded ordnance clearance. We provided over £6 million during the 1999–2000 financial year for the clearance of mines and unexploded ordnance in Kosovo. So far this year we have committed a further £6.6 million.

  NDPBs (Scotland)
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the non-departmental public bodies responsible to her which have duties relating to Scotland, indicating their budget and staffing in Scotland, the number of Scottish board members and their emoluments. [137702]

  Clare Short
  There are no non-departmental bodies responsible to me that have duties relating to Scotland.

  Malawi
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many staff her Department directly employs in Malawi. [136665]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The Department directly employs 34 members of staff in Malawi.

  Mine Clearance (Africa)
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance her Department makes available to African countries which are not in conflict for mine clearance. [137944]

  Clare Short
  We continue to provide assistance for mine clearance to a number of African countries from our humanitarian mine action programme, which totalled some £15 million in 1999–2000. Currently, this includes Chad, Mozambique and Guinea Bissau. This assistance is channelled through the UN (including the United Nations Mine Action Service, the United Nations Children's Fund and the United Nations Office for Project Services) and other international organisations, national Mine Action Centres and NGOs, and includes strengthening indigenous capacity where possible. We also provide support to help countries ratify the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and their Destruction.

  Vietnam
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance her Department has provided for the floods in Vietnam; and what environmental management projects her Department supports in Vietnam. [135061]

  Clare Short
  We have provided a total of £1.15 million in response to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Crescent Societies (IFRC) Emergency Appeal to alleviate the suffering of flood victims in the Mekong watershed of Vietnam. This has contributed to meeting immediate needs (food, plastic sheeting and clothing) and to longer term livelihood support for families that will remain food insecure for some considerable time. Relief organisations placed a high priority on locally constructed boats to provide families with transport and the opportunity to catch and sell fish. This in turn assists families to buy rice and other staples and should reduce immediate dependence and bring medium-term benefits
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  by re-establishing sustainable livelihoods. We have contributed a further £80,000 as our share of the European Commission Humanitarian Assistance to flood relief.

  We have mainstreamed support for the environment rather than supporting specific environmental projects in Vietnam. We recognise that most environmental trends are adverse and have significant detrimental impacts on the health and livelihoods of poor people. Our rural poverty reduction programmes in Vietnam incorporate environmental and sustainability considerations. The Ha Tinh Poverty Alleviation Programme supports the construction of sea dykes, mangrove replanting and integrated pest management (IPM) all of which reduce vulnerability and improve people's livelihoods. Broader rural poverty reduction programmes currently being designed will incorporate environmental and sustainability perspectives, ensuring that rural infrastructure is assessed for environmental impact and seeking better ways of using natural resources in supporting the livelihoods of poor people.

  We are also considering ways of mainstreaming sustainability issues within broader national policy formulation, through, for example, the Poverty Reduction Strategy process.

SCOTLAND

  Volunteers
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will mark next year's International Year of Volunteers by spending a day working as a volunteer. [137436]

  Dr. Reid
  I fully support the aims of the International Year of Volunteers. Everyone benefits from volunteering and the Prime Minister has issued a challenge to employers to give their employees paid time off to work in the community.

WALES

  Prison/Police Services
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will introduce legislation to devolve responsibility for the police service and for the prison service in Wales from the Home Office to the National Assembly for Wales. [138026]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  No. The Government have no plans to transfer additional functions to the National Assembly.

  Volunteers
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will mark next year's International Year of Volunteers by spending a day working as a volunteer. [137439]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I fully support the aims of the International Year of Volunteers. Everyone benefits from volunteering and the Prime Minister has issued a challenge to employers to give their employees paid time off to work in the community. I intend to spend some time volunteering during 2001.
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SOCIAL SECURITY

  Carers
  Barbara Follett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to help young carers. [136120]

  Mr. Bayley
  Social Security benefits are available for carers aged 16 and over. This means that measures recently announced, such as the increase in the Invalid Care Allowance earnings limit, the increase in carer premium and the extension of entitlement to Invalid Care Allowance for up to eight weeks after the disabled person dies, will help young carers, as well as others.

  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what further action he is taking to support carers. [136144]

  Mr. Bayley
  We recently announced steps to improve financial support for carers. We intend to:

  Increase the carer premium in the Income Related benefits by £10 a week on top of next year's inflation uprating;

  increase the earnings limit in Invalid Care Allowance from £50 a week to the National Insurance Lower Earnings Limit, currently £67 per week;

  allow ICA to continue for up to eight weeks after the death of the person being cared for;

  allow claims to ICA to be made from people aged 65 and over which will assist carers whose State pension is less than the rate of ICA and those who receive the Minimum Income Guarantee.

  We will be seeking to introduce these changes as soon as the legislative timetable permits. The changes will help an estimated 300,000 carers at a cost of over £500 million over three years.

  Tribunals
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures he has taken to ensure that tribunals which lie within his Department's responsibility meet the requirements of the Human Rights Act 1998 for independence. [136121]

  Angela Eagle
  My right hon. and noble Friend the Lord Chancellor appoints the panel members who sit on unified appeal tribunals within the Appeals Service. He introduced new administrative arrangements for judicial appointments, including part-time panel members, from 12 April 2000.

  My right hon. and noble Friend the Lord Chancellor and my noble Friend the Lord Chief Justice consider that these arrangements put beyond reasonable doubt the safeguards guaranteeing the independence of judicial appointments.

  Disability Benefits
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many persons have had their disability benefits cancelled over the most recent 12 month period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [136124]

  Mr. Bayley
  About 170,000 awards of Disability Living Allowance and 285,000 awards of Attendance Allowance were terminated in the 12 months ending 30 September 2000. Awards are terminated in a range
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  of circumstances, including when people's condition improves, or they go to live abroad, die, or enter long-term residential care.

  Minimum Income Guarantee
  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people have applied for the minimum income guarantee this year. [136125]

  Mr. Darling
  220,000 pensioners have applied for the Minimum Income Guarantee between January and September this year.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the number of pensioners who are entitled to the minimum income guarantee who do not claim it. [136128]

  Mr. Rooker
  From statistical surveys based on a 1 per cent. sample it has been estimated that around 500,000 pensioners could be entitled to Minimum Income Guarantee but do not claim it. We shall have a better idea of a figure when the present take-up campaign is concluded, during which we are making direct contact with 2.3 million pensioners.

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate how many senior citizens are eligible for the minimum income guarantee. [136130]

  Mr. Rooker
  Some 2 million pensioners either as single people or couples receive the Minimum Income Guarantee. Figures for those who might be entitled but are not claiming were based on a 1 per cent. sample. We shall have a better idea when the present take-up campaign is concluded, during which we are making direct contact with 2.3 million pensioners.

  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to help those pensioners whose small occupational pension schemes prevent them from receiving the minimum income guarantee. [136131]

  Mr. Rooker
  The new Pension Credit will help those on modest incomes with small occupational pensions firstly by introducing a new higher guaranteed income and secondly by rewarding savings income.

  Social Fund
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the operation of the social fund's budgeting loan scheme. [136126]

  Angela Eagle
  The changes we made to simplify the social fund budgeting loan scheme in April 1999 are working well. In its first year the new scheme helped more people on the lowest incomes by way of interest-free loans than ever before.

  Pensioner Tax Credit
  Mr. Lammy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received concerning the proposed pensioner tax credit. [136127]

  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received regarding the proposals for a pensioner tax credit. [136123]
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  Mr. Rooker
  A number of representations have been received on this matter. A consultation paper on our proposals for the Pension Credit was published on 9 November. A copy has been placed in the Library.

  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the forthcoming Pensioner Tax Credit. [136134]

  Mr. Rooker
  We published our proposals for the Pension Credit last week. The plans are subject to public consultation.

  Fraud
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the amount of benefit fraud detected since May 1997. [136129]

  Mr. Rooker
  The estimated loss due to fraud is £2 billion per year. We have now increased the targets for reducing the amount of fraud and error in the system. We are now aiming to reduce the losses from fraud and error in Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance, the two most vulnerable benefits, by 25 per cent. by March 2004, rising to 50 per cent. by March 2006.

  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the progress of his initiatives to tackle Housing Benefit fraud. [136137]

  Angela Eagle
  We continue to give tackling Housing Benefit fraud a very high priority. One of our key objectives is to prevent fraud and error from entering the system. To this end, we are taking initiatives to ensure that information flows freely between local authorities and the Department:We allocated £4 million funding to local authorities to install Remote Access Terminals (RATs), which give staff access to the Department's benefit systems. 404 local authorities have at least one RAT.
  We have funded Electronic Transfer of Data (ETD). This means that many millions of paper forms, previously sent by the Benefits Agency to local authorities through the post, are now sent electronically.

  Links between the Department's benefit systems and local authorities are complemented by other initiatives to prevent and detect fraud and error:
  £100 million has been made available to local authorities to implement the Verification Framework by 2001. We have specified minimum standards for the verification of the identity of claimants, so preventing fraud from entering the system. To date, 253 local authorities have received set-up costs and 185 have been certified as compliant.
  352 local authorities have signed up for the Royal Mail "Do not redirect" service funded by the Department. This prevents fraudsters having benefit mail redirected to a different address.
  Reform of the anti-fraud financial incentive scheme is in progress, to ensure that local authorities can be rewarded for securing the end-to-end claims process.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 9 June 2000,Official Report, column 408W, on housing benefit fraud, if he will provide corresponding data for 1999–2000. [138048]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information requested is not yet available for 1999–2000.
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  Winter Fuel Allowance
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action he is taking to ensure all pensioners receive their Winter Fuel Allowance before the end of this winter. [136132]

  Angela Eagle
  In order to make appropriate Winter Fuel Payments to those newly eligible as a result of the changes made to the scheme following the Taylor ruling, we asked that a claims process be developed as a matter of urgency. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced details of the claims process on 11 April. In parallel an information campaign—which includes national and regional press advertisements, a telephone helpline, leaflets, posters and the internet—aims to make existing and potential customers aware of the changes and what action, if any, is required.

  In May this year we also wrote to around 1.2 million people, identified by the Department as being newly eligible for the payments, inviting them to claim.

  The information campaign will continue to ensure that customers are kept fully informed.

  On current plans, all payments should be made before the end of this winter—the end of March 2001. However, the timing of payments made to those who have to claim will depend upon when the claims are received.

  For this winter—all automatic payments will be made before Christmas as will those in respect of claims that were returned before 22 September. Claims will still be processed if they are received after 22 September but payment before Christmas cannot be guaranteed. Claims for this winter's payments must be made—where necessary—before 31 March 2001.

  For past winters, people must make a claim for each winter for which they think they may now be eligible. As at 6 November, over one million people had chosen to make a claim for payments in respect of previous winters and nearly one million payments have already been issued to people whose claim was successful. Because claims in respect of past winters are not subject to a time limit, and we continue to receive them daily, it is not possible to state categorically that all will be made by the end of March 2001. It all depends on when people choose to make their claim.

  Mr. Forth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of men aged over 60 years will receive their winter fuel payments by March 2001. [136142]

  Angela Eagle
  For this winter, all automatic payments will be made before Christmas, as will those in respect of claims returned before 22 September 2000. Claims will still be processed if they are received after this date but payment before Christmas cannot be guaranteed. Claims for this winter's payments should be made before 31 March 2001. Because people who need to claim their payment this winter can do so up to the end of March 2001, it is not possible to estimate the percentage as requested.

  For past winters, people must claim Winter Fuel Payments for each winter for which they think they may now be eligible. As at 6 November, the number of newly eligible men who have chosen to make a claim stands at around 950,000 and around 930,000 payments have
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  already been issued in respect of successful claims. Because claims for past winters are not subject to any time limit, and we continue to receive them daily, it is not possible to estimate the percentage as requested.

  Pensioners
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to increase the income of pensioners who have modest second pensions. [136133]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Pension Credit will increase the incomes of those with modest second pensions, by ensuring that these savings are rewarded.

  We published our proposals for the Pension Credit last week.

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on poverty among pensioners living in rural areas. [136136]

  Mr. Rooker
  We know that many pensioners, including those living in rural areas, experience poverty. That is why we have a broad strategy, which includes raising the minimum income guarantee to £92.15 from next April, and an above earnings increase in the basic State pension.

  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of those of pensionable age receive no pension other than their State Retirement Pension. [136141]

  Mr. Rooker
  Just over 60 per cent. of pensioner families receive an occupational or other private pension on top of their State Pension. The remaining 40 per cent. do not, but many of them receive other income instead. in 1998–99, single pensioners in this group had an average net income of £117 a week although the basic State Pension was only £64.70; the figures for couples are £206 and £103.40 respectively. The State Earnings Related Pension Scheme (SERPS) plays a role in increasing State Retirement Pension above the basic State Pension.

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the impact on the standard of living of pensioners having awarded them an additional 75 pence per week. [136258]

  Mr. Rooker
  The increase in the basic State Retirement Pension in April 2000 was based on price inflation during the relevant period. The hon. Member will be aware that the living standard of the poorest pensioners was increased by raising the Minimum Income Guarantee by £3.45 for pensioners aged 60-75. However, pensioners will also receive a Winter Fuel Payment of £200 this year, which equates to just under £2 a week more than the previous year (when it was £100), and pensioners over age 75 will receive a free TV licence, which is worth a further £2 a week.

  In addition, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has just announced a further package of measures for pensioners which, when taken together with changes already in place, will mean that next year, pensioner households will, on average, be £11 a week better off compared with 1997, with the poorest being at least £15 better off in real terms.
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  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of the amounts paid in benefits to pensioners are means tested. [136107]

  Mr. Rooker
  In 2000–01 an estimated 19 per cent. of benefits paid to pensioners were means tested. This compares with over 21 per cent. of benefits in 1996–97.

  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent representations he has received on pensioners' reactions to the Government's 75p per week pension increase. [136138]

  Mr. Rooker
  We have received numerous representations regarding pensions since the uprating statement in November 1999. These have come from pensioners, pensioner organisations, voluntary organisations and right hon. and hon. Members.

  The Government have listened to these representations.

  Savings
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the extent to which the benefit system provides an incentive to those on low incomes to save. [136135]

  Mr. Bayley
  We have introduced a number of measures that demonstrate our commitment to rewarding those people who have worked hard and saved hard.

  These include the new State Second Pension, and stakeholder pensions will give many more people the opportunity to build a good second pension; increases in the capital limits for the Minimum Income Guarantee from next April—benefiting half a million pensioners by
  £5 a week, on average; and our proposals for the new Pension Credit, from 2003, will specifically reward saving with a cash addition—benefiting 51/2 million pensioners.

  Benefits Administration
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what changes he proposes to make to the administration method in housing and council tax benefit cases. [136139]

  Angela Eagle
  We have already introduced measures to bring about improvements in housing benefit administration. Since April, all local authorities have had to set challenging targets to secure year on year improvements in performance standards for housing benefit delivery. Our Housing Green Paper, published in April 2000, set out a range of further proposals for modernising the system. We are currently studying the responses and will announce our decisions shortly.

  Pensions (Self-employed)
  Ms Keeble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to provide pension schemes for self-employed people. [136143]

  Mr. Rooker
  Self-employed people can currently contribute to a personal pension. From April 2001 they will be able to contribute to a stakeholder pension scheme, which will provide a flexible and low cost pension option for them.

  Pensioners (Rotherham)
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners in Rotherham are eligible for(a) the winter fuel allowance, (b) a free television licence for over-75-year-olds and (c) the minimum income guarantee; and if he will make a statement. [136145]

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

  Statistics on pensioners in Rotherham at May 2000

  Thousand

  Number

  Minimum Income Guarantee recipients1

  2.8

  Pensioners over 752,3

  5.2

  Winter Fuel Payments recipients in

  winter 1999–20004

  13.4

  1 Source: Income Support Statistics Quarterly Enquiry, May 2000

  2 Source: Statistical samples held by ASD Information Centre —May 2000

  3 Number of pensioner households who will receive free TV licences is not directly known, but from the Statistical Samples it is possible to produce data on the number of pensioners receiving one or a combination of RP, IS, AA, DLA, IB or SDA by parliamentary constituency and are aged 75 or over.

  4 Source: Matching Intelligence Data Analysis Service Winter Fuels Payment 1999–2000 exercise.

  Notes:

  1. All except Winter Fuels Payment data are based on 5 per cent. samples, therefore subject to sampling error.

  2. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 100.

  3. Cases are allocated to each parliamentary constituency by matching the postcode against the 2000 version 1 of the Postcode Directory supplied by ONS.

  Volunteers
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will mark next year's International Year of Volunteers by spending a day working as a volunteer. [137437]

  Mr. Darling
  The Department supports the aims of the International Year of Volunteers and is currently working jointly with other Government Departments on ways in which employee volunteering can be implemented.

  I can confirm that it is my intention to volunteer during 2001.

  Pensions Expenditure
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the percentage of national income accounted for by expenditure on National Insurance retirement pensions in each year from 1996–97 to 2001–02, taking account of the measures contained in Cm 4917; and if he will provide those estimates to two decimal places. [138231]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is in the table which, for completeness, also shows expenditure on other benefits paid to pensioners. All figures are rounded to two decimal places; for this reason they may not appear to sum to the total, which is also correct to two decimal places.
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  Expenditure as a percentage of GDP1

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  (a) Retirement Pensions2

  4.17

  4.11

  4.14

  4.17

  4.10

  4.24

  (b) Winter Fuel Payments

  0.00

  0.02

  0.02

  0.10

  0.18

  0.13

  (c) Means-tested benefits for pensioners3

  1.13

  1.06

  1.00

  1.00

  1.00

  1.05

  (d) Other benefits paid to pensioners4

  0.02

  0.02

  0.02

  0.02

  0.02

  0.02

  (e) Concessionary TV Licences

  0.00

  0.00

  0.00

  0.00

  0.04

  0.04

  Total

  5.32

  5.21

  5.18

  5.28

  5.33

  5.47

  1 The information is based on expenditure figures consistent with the Pre-Budget Report, and is compared with the latest GDP figures published by National Statistics on 27 September 2000

  2 Includes Retirement Pension basic and earnings-related components

  3 Includes Income Support/Minimum Income Guarantee, Social Fund payments, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit paid to people aged 60 and over

  4 Includes non-contributory Retirement Pension and Christmas Bonus (contributory and non-contributory)

  Income-related Benefits
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he expects to publish his Department' s next estimate of the take-up of income-related benefits. [136549]

  Mr. Bayley
  The next annual statistics on the take-up of income related benefits will be published on 8 December 2000. These will cover the financial year 1998–99, the latest period for which data are available. They will therefore predate the introduction of the Minimum Income Guarantee and Working Families Tax Credit.

  Benefit Payment Methods
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the total savings from paying benefits and pensions directly into bank accounts instead of by cash payments at post offices. [136709]

  Mr. Rooker
  The move to automated credit transfer as the normal method of payment will provide a more modern, secure and efficient payment method and will bring significant savings anticipated to be in the region of £600 million per year. The move will begin in 2003, but full savings will not be realised until the system is phased in, when the transition from current paper-based methods of payment is complete.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many recipients there are of the(a) mobility component and (b) care component of Disability Living Allowance, broken down by levels of benefit, at the most recent date for which figures are available, and in each of the three preceding years. [138220]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information requested is given in the table.

  Recipients of Disability Living Allowance by component

  Component

  19971

  19981

  19991

  20001

  Care component

  Higher rate

  359,400

  381,900

  391,900

  414,500

  Middle rate

  530,100

  564,500

  590,200

  621,600

  Lower rate

  390,600

  439,500

  477,200

  506,600

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  Recipients of Disability Living Allowance by component

  Component

  19971

  19981

  19991

  20001

  Mobility component

  Higher rate

  1,293,300

  1,336,400

  1,352,300

  1,375,100

  Lower rate

  365,000

  407,200

  437,700

  468,400

  1 Figures relate to the number of recipients at 31 May each year

  Source:

  DSS Information Centre: 5 per cent. data

  Benefit Fraud Inspectorate
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans his Department has to change the number of staff working at the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate. [135259]

  Angela Eagle
  The Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI) has streamlined corporate support activities in line with the Department's drive to centralise support functions and focus resources on achieving results. Following these changes, there will be 112 staff working at the BFI, who will complete the programme of inspection activity as planned.

  Mileage Allowance (Medical Examinations)
  Mr. Donald Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he expects to complete the review of the decision to reduce the mileage allowance for attending medical examinations. [135939]

  Mr. Bayley
  The review of mileage allowances is not yet complete. Recommendations to Ministers on this subject will need to take account of the implications of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's announcement of the intention to create a new Working Age Agency, combining the Benefits Agency's responsibilities for working age people with the Employment Service.

  National Insurance
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the impact on the level of the National Insurance Fund and on the rates of contributions in each year from 2001–02 to 2005–06 inclusive, of increasing the Basic Pension in each year by the percentage increase in the general level of earnings. [136051]

  Mr. Rooker
  This information is contained in the "Report by the Government Actuary on the Cost of Uprating the Basic Retirement Pension in line with the General Level of Earnings" Cm4920, which was laid
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  before Parliament on 9 November 2000. Copies of the Report have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses and the Report is available on the Internet at WWW.gad.vov.uk/publication.html.

  Respite Care (Allowances)
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the basis for payment of allowances by his Department to a person receiving respite in(a) a private and (b) a local authority residential home. [136793]

  Mr. Bayley
  Entitlement to the income-related benefits for people in care homes depends on whether the person is admitted to a private or local authority home. The difference reflects the funding responsibilities between central and local government for the different types of home. Entitlement may also reflect any need for continuing payment of housing costs in respect of the person's own home during the period of respite care.

  Where respite care is publicly funded, Attendance Allowance and the care component of Disability Living Allowance are not payable, to avoid duplication of provision, but no adjustment is generally made for the first 28 days. Where people pay for their own care these benefits are paid as normal.

  Most other benefits are not affected by admission to care homes; though a person may have to pay the home for their respite care if privately arranged, or the local authority if that authority has arranged and funded the care.

  Housing Benefit
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action he is taking to equalise the arrangements for paying Housing Benefit to council tenants with those for other tenants. [136812]

  Angela Eagle
  Council tenants are paid by rent rebate. This means their Housing Benefit is credited against their rent account held by the council. Those in the private sector are paid by rent allowance. Payment is made by various means, either to the tenant or, in prescribed circumstances, direct to the landlord. The question of how Housing Benefit is paid was visited in the Housing Green Paper. We are currently studying the consultation responses carefully and will take decisions on how to proceed in the light of them. We expect to announce our decisions in due course.

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people aged 25 years and over had been receiving the Jobseeker's Allowance for more than two years in September 1997; and how many people aged 25 years and over have been receiving the jobseeker's allowance for more than two years currently. [137092]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.
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  Jobseeker's allowance claimants aged 25 and over where claim is two years or more, August 1997 and May 2000

  Year

  Number of claimants (thousand)

  August 1997

  265.0

  May 2000

  145.7

  Notes:

  1. It is not possible to provide figures for September 1997, I have therefore provided for the nearest point in time which is August 1997.

  2. Figures have been rounded to the nearest hundred and quoted in thousands.

  3. Figures based on claimants aged 25 years and over.

  4. Figures based on duration of two years and over.

  5. Based on 5 per cent. sample, therefore subject to sampling error.

  6. Figures include all JSA cases who receive contribution-based and income-based benefit.

  7. Claimants signing for National Insurance credits only are not included.

  Source:

  Jobseeker's Allowance Statistics Quarterly Enquiry, August 1997 and May 2000

  Government Actuary Report
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 30 October 2000,Official Report, column 254W, when he asked the Government Actuary to undertake a report into the basic state pension and different methods of uprating. [137301]

  Mr. Rooker
  Section 36 of the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Act 2000 requires the Government Actuary, or the Deputy Government Actuary, to report to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on the cost of uprating the basic Retirement Pension in line with the general level of earnings. The Act received Royal Assent on 28 July 2000.

  Anglo-Australian Social Security Agreement
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how the Government intends to respond to the termination of the Anglo-Australian Social Security Agreement; [137611]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the effect on social security expenditure of the termination of the Anglo-Australian Social Security Agreement; [137612]

  (3) how many people living in (a) Australia, (b) Britain and (c) elsewhere will be affected by the termination of the Anglo-Australian Social Security Agreement. [137614]

  Mr. Rooker
  People who are already receiving benefit with the help of the agreement when it terminates will not be affected. We are actively considering the full implications of Australia's decision and in particular what we can do to protect the position of those residing in the UK who have previously lived in Australia but not yet retired.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many people living in Australia are earning credits towards British contributory benefits; [137613]

  (2) how many people retired in each of the past five years with part of their pension coming from credits earned while in Australia; and what was the average amount of pension earned by these credits. [137610]
  529W
  Mr. Rooker
  People cannot earn credits while they are resident in Australia. Under the terms of the Social Security Agreement with Australia, when someone who is permanently resident in the United Kingdom claims Retirement Pension, previous residence in Australia can be treated as periods during which Class 3 contributions have been paid.

  We estimate that an average of about 1,000 pensioners have benefited from these provisions each year during the last five years. The estimated average basic pension enhancement under the Agreement was around £15 a week over this period.

  Source:

  Pensions Strategy Computer System

  Earnings Link
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Newport, West (Mr. Flynn) of 2 November 2000,Official Report, column 575W, for how many years the National Insurance Fund will remain in surplus over and above the recommended surplus if the basic state pension was uprated in line with average earnings, contribution rates remained unchanged and contribution thresholds were uprated in line with the average earnings. [138046]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is contained in Tables 4.2 and 5.2 of the "Report by the Government Actuary on the Cost of Uprating the Basic Retirement Pension in line with the General Level of Earnings" Cm 4920, which was laid before Parliament on 9 November 2000. Copies of the Report have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses and the Report is available on the internet at www.gad.gov.uk/publication/publication.html.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Hi-tech Crime
  Mr. Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the resources available to the police in England and Wales to tackle hi-tech crime. [138264]

  Mr. Straw
  The Government are committed to action against hi-tech crime in line with our twin objectives of making the United Kingdom the best and the safest place in the world to conduct and engage in e-commerce.

  I am therefore making £25 million available to the police in England and Wales over the next three years to initiate the implementation of a National Hi-Tech Crime Strategy to enhance the capability of law enforcement more effectively to investigate crime where new technology is used.

  The funding being made available will give impetus to the process of developing the skills within the police to undertake computer network investigations and forensic examination of computer systems. These are skills that are becoming necessary as criminals identify opportunities to use and misuse information and communications
  530W
  technology. It is important to ensure that the police have the proper skills and equipment to support them in this new activity.

  With those skills the police will, at the local level, be able to deliver improved service to the public to investigate reports of computer-related crime and to recover and analyse computer based evidence. The crimes concerned cover a wide spectrum from hacking and financial fraud to obscenity and the unlawful activities of paedophiles. The work of local units will be complemented by a multi-agency National Hi-Tech Crime Unit that will begin operation in April 2001. The national unit will provide advice and support to local units, and to other law enforcement agencies across the United Kingdom, and deal with the most serious and organised hi-tech crime offences, including those which have a transnational impact.

  The Government's commitment to support the development of the capability of law enforcement was made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, when he endorsed the Cabinet Office Performance and Innovation Unit report, "e-commerce@its.best.uk", last summer. That report recommended that the Government improve the technical capability of law enforcement to investigate internet crime and establish an Internet Crime Unit.

  On 11 September the Prime Minister published the UKOnline Annual Report. The establishment of a National Hi-Tech Crime Unit was identified as a specific action, part of the Government's commitment to work with industry to ensure a safe and secure environment for e-commerce and to help people trust the internet.

  I am pleased that with the support of the Association of Chief Police Officers, the National Criminal Intelligence Service and the National Crime Squad, we are able to make progress towards ensuring that the police both locally and nationally are better trained and equipped to deal with hi-tech crime.

  Volunteers
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will mark next year's International Year of Volunteers by spending a day working as a volunteer. [137430]

  Mr. Straw
  The Government fully support the aims of the International Year of Volunteers. The Home Office is contributing £300,000 towards the costs of the International Year of Volunteers English Consortium to cover salaries and other core costs. We would also like to see all employers give their employees a day's paid time off to work in the community. The Home Office has a policy of allowing staff special leave each year to do voluntary work. I intend to spend a day volunteering during 2001.

  Anti-social Behaviour Orders
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what the average cost is of issuing anti-social behaviour orders; [137599]
  531W
  (2) how many anti-social behaviour orders have been issued since April 1999 in (a) England and Wales, (b) the Greater London area and (c) the Royal borough of Kingston. [137598]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Over 100 anti-social behaviour orders have been issued since the measure was implemented on 1 April 1999. At least 30 of these have been made in the Greater London area, but, as far as I am aware, none has been made in the Royal borough of Kingston.

  I cannot yet say what the average cost of issuing an order is. We will be undertaking a review into the operation and effectiveness of anti-social behaviour orders in the New Year. Once the results of the review have been published, we should have a clearer picture of the cost of seeking an order.

  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons registered social landlords do not have the power to apply direct to the courts for anti-social behaviour orders; and if he will assess the benefits of giving such a power to those registered social landlords who have acquired the housing stock of a local authority. [137059]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 recognised the key responsibility of the police and the local authority for tackling problems of crime and disorder on a local basis. The Act created the anti-social behaviour order as a powerful community-based measure to assist the police and local authorities in carrying out that responsibility and gave them the power to apply for such orders. The guidance we issued in June emphasises that registered social landlords should play a full and active part in any anti-social behaviour order case involving their tenants.

  We have given a commitment to review the operation of anti-social behaviour orders within two years of implementation. The review will start in the new year and its findings and recommendations will be published. The review will cover the current procedures and channels for making an application. The review will specifically consider giving registered social landlords the power to apply for anti-social behaviour orders.

  Stasi Agents
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will provide an occupational breakdown of the British Stasi agents investigated since 1989; [137495]

  (2) if the activities of the former Stasi spy controller in the United Kingdom, publicly identified in October, (a) have been, (b) are being or (c) will be investigated; [137494]

  (3) if he will investigate the circumstances of the payment by the Stasi of sums to British Stasi agents between 1985 and 1989 in relation to discoveries made in October on which information has been supplied to him; and if those agents' identities have been discovered; [137493]
  532W
  (4) what assessment he has made of the risks to the safety of defecting former FSB officers if they are returned to Russia. [137490]

  Mr. Straw
  I can add nothing to the reply that I gave the hon. Member about the East German Stasi on 2 November 2000,Official Report, column 610W, and 9 November 2000, Official Report, column 398W.

  Human Rights Act 1998
  Mrs. Ann Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the implementation of the Human Rights Act 1998. [137620]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Human Rights Act 1998 received Royal Assent on 9 November 1998 and came into full effect on 2 October 2000. During that interval Whitehall Departments reviewed legislation, policy and procedures in the light of the Act's provisions and a range of training and awareness raising initiatives were undertaken for the judiciary and public authorities. The Human Rights Task Force played an important part in helping public authorities prepare for the Human Rights Act, issuing guidance and publicity materials and raising awareness of the Act among the general public. Financial provision has been made for dealing with challenges based on the Convention rights, especially in the initial period of operation.

  Private Prisons
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many certified prison custody officers are employed in each private prison in England and Wales. [137846]

  Mr. Boateng
  The number of prisoner custody officers at each privately managed prison is:

  Privately managed prison

  Number

  Wolds

  139

  Blakenhurst

  231

  Doncaster

  249

  Parc

  256

  Altcourse

  292

  Lowdham Grange

  117

  Ashfield

  134

  Forest Bank

  215

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost was of the contracts and competitions group within the Prison Service in each of the last three years. [137845]

  Mr. Boateng
  The costs requested are:

  Year

  £

  1997–98

  939,134

  1998–99

  1,122,844

  1999–2000

  1,379,395

  533W
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the Wilson report on the comparative costs of state and private prisons; and if he will make a statement. [137848]

  Mr. Boateng
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary gave my hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster, Central (Ms Winterton) on 25 June 1998,Official Report, column 587W. The Wilson report is one of the two reviews referred to in that reply.

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average cost is of a prison place in each contracted out prison. [137804]

  Mr. Boateng
  The cost of a prison place in each contracted out prison is:

  Prison

  £

  Wolds

  26,224

  Blakenhurst

  22,622

  Doncaster

  25,335

  Pare

  39,546

  Altcourse

  57,908

  Lowdham Grange

  30,160

  Ashfield

  39,120

  Forest Bank

  28,886

  The figures represent costs at the end of September 2000 annualised over 2000–01. The average cost per place for the eight prisons is £33,725. The costs for Private Finance Initiative prisons include an element for the repayment of the capital financing charge.

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what sum Premier Prison Services has repaid to the Prison Service as a result of the refinancing of PFI schemes for HM Prisons(a) Lowdham Grange, (b) Ashfield, (c) Dovegate and (d) Hassockfield Secure Training Centre. [137798]

  Mr. Boateng
  Premier Prison Services Ltd. (PPS) has not refinanced its Private Finance Initiative (PFI) schemes. In late 1999 the holding companies of relevant PFI projects and their parent companies were restructured. This mechanical change did not alter the charges paid by the Prison Service or its lender liabilities in respect of Lowdham Grange, Ashfield or Dovegate prisons. The same applies to the Hassockfield Secure Training Centre which is a Home Office project.

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much it has cost on average to build a prison place in each of the contracted out prisons. [137803]

  Mr. Boateng
  The capital cost for each Private Finance Initiative (PFI) prison place is:

  £

  Parc

  53,750

  Altcourse

  105,000

  Lowdham Grange

  56,000

  Ashfield

  75,000

  Forest Bank

  62,500

  Rye Hill

  66,667

  Dovegate

  86,250

  534W
  The average capital cost per place for the seven PH prisons is £72,167.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many accredited offender programmes are running in each private prison in England and Wales. [137847]

  Mr. Boateng
  Blakenhurst, Doncaster and Forest Bank prisons each run one accredited cognitive behavioural programme—the Enhanced Thinking Skills programme. Wolds prison runs two accredited programmes: the CALM (Controlling Anger and Learning to Manage It) programme and the Reasoning and Rehabilitation programme. Parc prison is due to introduce Reasoning and Rehabilitation later this financial year.

  Rye Hill prison is due to introduce Reasoning and Rehabilitation later this financial year, and the Sex Offender Treatment Programme within the next financial year. Dovegate prison is due to introduce the Sex Offender Treatment Programme within the next financial year. Altcourse and Ashfield prisons do not run any accredited programmes at present.

  Reoffenders
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the reoffending rates are within two years of completion of(a) one year probation orders without any conditions, (b) one year probation orders with conditions and (c) the pathfinder initiatives. [137849]

  Mr. Boateng
  Information on reoffending rates is not available.

  However, the percentage of offenders who were reconvicted within two years of completing a one year probation order with no additional requirements which was made during the first quarter of 1996 was 54 per cent. The analogous rate for those on a one year probation order with additional requirements was 58 per cent.

  There are no reconviction or reoffending rates available for the pathfinder initiatives, since they have not been running long enough to provide the necessary data. Arrangements are in place for the evaluation of the programmes, which will include the production of reconviction rates.

  Firearms
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many offences involving firearms were recorded by(a) each police force in England and Wales and (b) in total in the year ending 31 March. [137739]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The requested data are not yet available.

  The Verne Prison
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funding his Department provides for the evaluation of the Kainos programme at Her Majesty's Prison The Verne. [137717]
  535W
  Mr. Boateng
  None. The independent evaluation of the work of the Kainos programme in prisons is funded by the Kainos Community, and is guided by a steering group which includes representation from the Home Office Research and Statistics Directorate, the Prison Service and the Kainos Community.

  Home Detention Curfew Scheme
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list, for the period between the commencement of the Home Detention Curfew scheme on 28 January 1999 and 30 September 2000, inclusive, (a) the total number of prisoners released on the scheme, (b) the number of prisoners convicted of each specific offence who were released on the scheme, with as detailed a breakdown as possible of the offences committed, including the specific offences committed by prisoners normally classified under the categories (i) other homicide and attempted homicide, (ii) other violence against the person, (iii) drug offences, (iv) assaults, and (v) other offences, including a breakdown of the prisoners normally classified in the sub-category of other offences called other offences, (c) the average sentence (1) received and (2) served, and the average period spent on the scheme, in respect of each specific offence, (d) the number of prisoners released on the scheme, with as detailed a breakdown as possible of the offences committed, who (A) breached the conditions of the curfew, (B) disappeared and were recaptured, (C) disappeared and remain unlawfully at large, and (D) had their licences revoked, and for what reasons, (e) as detailed a breakdown as possible of the specific offences committed by prisoners released on the scheme while on the scheme including all offences committed by prisoners who committed more than one offence and (f) as detailed a breakdown as possible of the specific offences committed by prisoners released on the scheme who committed a further offence while on the scheme that was similar in character to that for which they were originally convicted, including all offences committed by prisoners who committed more than one offence; and if he will make a statement. [134862]

  Mr. Boateng
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: The information provided in my reply is for the period up to 30 September 2000. As of that date, a total of 26,609 prisoners had been placed on Home Detention Curfew since the scheme commenced on 28 January 1999.

  The original offences committed by prisoners released under the scheme during the period, the number of prisoners convicted of each specific offence, the average sentence received and served for those offences, and the average period spent on the scheme in respect of prisoners convicted of each specific offence, are shown in Table 1. The data are taken from the Prison Service's inmate information system, based on the data recorded by each prison. The table provides as detailed a breakdown as is possible from central records.

  As at 30 September, a total of 854 prisoners placed on the scheme had breached the conditions of their curfew. A breakdown of this number showing the original offences committed by those curfewees is shown in Table 2.
  536W
  Information on curfewees whose licences are revoked and who disappear before being recaptured is not held centrally. However, information is held on the number of curfewees unlawfully at large at any one time. On 30 September there were 44 curfewees who remained unlawfully at large. This represents fewer than 4 per cent. of the total number of revocations.

  Details of the offences committed by those 44 curfewees who remained unlawfully at large on 30 September 2000 can be found in Table 3.

  As at 30 September 2000, 1,294 curfewees had their licences revoked, using the powers available to the Secretary of State under sections 38A(1) and 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991. The reasons for revocation were as follows:
  breach of the curfew (section 38A(1)(a) of the Criminal Justice Act 1991)
  the curfewee's whereabouts could no longer be electronically monitored (section 38A(1)(b) of the Criminal Justice Act 1991)
  it was necessary to protect the public from serious harm (section 38A(1)(c) of the Criminal Justice Act 1991)
  the curfewee had committed an offence or breached any other requirement of probation supervision (section 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991). Curfewees who are charged with a new offence may also be recalled on any of the preceding grounds depending upon the circumstances of the case.

  Prisoners whose current sentence is in respect of an offence committed before 1 January 1999 are not liable to be recalled under section 39 of the Act. In such cases, where the curfewee has breached the requirements of probation supervision or where they have committed a further offence and it has not been possible to revoke their licence under section 38A of the Act, the breach may be referred to the courts under section 38(1) of the Act. The total number of such cases referred to the courts is not held centrally.

  A breakdown of the original offences committed by the 1,294 recalled curfewees, together with a breakdown of the reasons for their recall, is at Table 4.

  Table 5 gives a breakdown of the cases where a prisoner placed on Home Detention Curfew is known to have been convicted, cautioned in respect of an offence committed while on Home Detention Curfew, or where a prisoner is known to be pending prosecution for such an offence. Where a curfewee has been charged with more than one offence, these have been shown separately.

  Table 6 gives a breakdown of cases involving prisoners placed on the scheme who are known to have been convicted, cautioned or have a prosecution pending in respect of an offence committed while on Home Detention Curfew which is similar in character to the index offence or offences for which they were originally convicted.

  The scheme is designed to ensure a better transition for short term offenders between custody and the community. Prisoners are placed on Home Detention Curfew only after a careful risk assessment, and the safety of the public is paramount at all times.
  537W
  Tables 1-6 have been placed in the Library.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individuals convicted of offences of domestic violence have been released under the Home Detention Curfew Scheme. [137813]

  Mr. Boateng
  Domestic violence is not a separate category of index offence. It would not be possible to provide this number, except at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if individuals who have received custodial sentences for offences of domestic violence are eligible for release under the home detention curfew scheme. [137877]

  Mr. Boateng
  Domestic violence is not one of the statutory exclusions from eligibility from the Home Detention Curfew scheme. Providing a prisoner meets the general criteria for eligibility—that they have reached the age of 18 and are serving a sentence over three months but less than four years—they are eligible for consideration for the scheme.

  All prisoners considered for the scheme are assessed specifically in relation to the potential risk, to the victim or to other members of the public, posed by their release. Prisoners who present a clear and immediate threat to either the victim or the public will not be released on the scheme.

  Corporate Killing
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many responses to the consultation on involuntary manslaughter were received from(a) hon. Members, (b) trade unions, (c) employers organisations and (d) members of the public; in each case, how many (i) broadly supported and (ii) broadly opposed the creation of a new offence of corporate killing; and if he will make a statement. [136937]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  We received 166 responses to the consultation paper we published in May this year. Of these, 11 were from hon. Members, five from employers associations, three from trade unions and 27 from members of the public. The remainder were contributions from individual undertakings, pressure groups, other representative bodies, lawyers and other Government Departments.

  Of these, five hon. Members broadly supported the creation of an offence of corporate killing. The other six confined their comments to the reform of the individual offence. Four of the employers associations indicated their broad support; one was opposed to the creation of a new offence. All trade unions that responded were in support of an offence of corporate killing. Of the members of the public who contributed to the consultation, all who commented on corporate killing were in broad support of the proposals.

  We are now carefully considering all responses and will publish a digest of them in due course.

  Crime Statistics
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his most recent estimate is of the level 538W
  of crime per 1,000 of population in (a) rural and (b) urban areas; and which category of crime is commonest in (i) rural and (ii) urban areas. [136832]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Estimates of the number of crimes per 1,000 population in rural and urban areas can be derived from the 2000 British Crime Survey (BCS). The 2000 BCS interviewed a core random sample of 19,411 adults (those aged 16 and over) living in private households in England and Wales about their experience of crime during 1999.

  There is no commonly agreed definition of rural areas. The definition of rural areas used in the BCS is based on those parts of England and Wales falling within A Classification of Residential Neighbourhoods (ACORN) categories 1 to 9, and 27. These categories were developed by CACI Ltd. and classify areas according to the demographic, employment and housing characteristics. They account for an estimated 24 per cent. of the adult population in 1999. Estimated crime rates per 1,000 population are given in table 1. BCS data have been used in this answer, rather than recorded crime data, owing to the better division of rural and urban areas in the BCS.

  Table 1: Estimated number of crimes per 1,000 population1 in England and Wales in 1999

  Number

  Non-rural

  390

  Rural

  235

  All

  350

  1Based on results from the 2000 British Crime Survey. Estimates of adults per household, based on figures supplied by CACI Ltd., have been used in forming these estimates. In both urban and rural areas the estimated average number of adults per household is two in rural areas and 1.9 in non-rural areas.

  Full details of the offences covered by the British Crime Survey are given in Home Office Statistical Bulletin 18/00, which has been deposited in the Library.

  Vandalism and vehicle-related thefts are the most common types of offences against households in both rural and urban areas, according to the BCS. The most common type of crime against the person is common assault, again in both areas. These are assaults in which there is either no injury or at most minimal injury.

  The incident rates for these crimes are shown in table 2. For household crimes, rates are quoted per 1,000 households.

  Table 2: Incident rates for most common crimes per 1.000 population or households1

  Non-rural

  Rural

  All

  Personal crimes

  Incident rates per 1,000 households

  Common assault

  58

  35

  53

  Household crimes

  Incident rates per 1,000 households

  All motor vehicle-related thefts2

  143

  109

  135

  Vandalism3

  145

  84

  130

  1 I Based on results from the 2000 British Crime Survey.

  2 Include theft of or from motor vehicles, including attempts.

  3 Vandalism of motor vehicles is included within vandalism.

  Huntingdon Life Sciences
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review the licence of Huntingdon Life Sciences. [137071]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I have no plans to do so.

  Police Station Closures
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police stations have closed down in(a) England and (b) Wales in each of the last 10 years in areas defined as rural and areas defined as urban. [136720]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [holding answer 6 November 2000]: Estimates by police forces of the number of police stations opened or closed in England and Wales between 31 March 1990 and 31 March 2000 are set out in the table. Overall, it is estimated that 309 new stations have been opened and 939 closed.

  Year end

  Opened

  Closed

  Number change

  Total stations open

  March

  1990

  —

  —

  —

  2,729

  1991

  35

  -47

  -12

  2,717

  1992

  14

  -49

  -35

  2,682

  1993

  29

  -124

  -95

  2,587

  1994

  32

  -145

  -113

  2,474

  1995

  30

  -120

  -90

  2,384

  1996

  31

  -68

  -37

  2,347

  1997

  42

  -95

  -53

  2,294

  1998

  33

  -96

  -63

  2,231

  1999

  44

  -90

  -46

  2,185

  2000

  19

  -105

  -86

  2,099

  Total changes

  309

  -939

  -630

  —

  A table of figures by force area has been placed in the Library. (There is no formal definition of "rural" or "urban" forces).

  The force-by-force analysis suggests significant variations in force policy in relation to police stations. The figures reflect the changing pattern of policing as Chief Constables and Police Authorities have responded to changing patterns of demand for services and have sought improved efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.

  Many police premises which have been closed or replaced will have deteriorated or have been inadequate for the demands of modern policing. Many will have become little used by the public. The Audit Commission report, "Action Stations—Improving the Management of the Police Estate" (1999) makes a strong case for further rationalisation of the police estate.

  I do, however, understand the concern of those who live in areas which have lost a permanent policing presence. Accordingly, I am discussing, with the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Association of Police Authorities, how each police authority might better inform the public about the steps it is taking to maintain and improve police visibility and effectiveness in all parts of England and Wales.

  CCTV
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research the Government have undertaken into the effect of CCTV in towns on crime levels in neighbouring rural areas. [136679]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [holding answer 6 November 2000]: Police operational experience and various research studies show that Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) has significant crime reduction and detection potential, particularly when used as part of a wider strategy. As with any crime reduction measure, there is a possibility of some displacement, but this is by no means inevitable. Schemes funded under the Crime Reduction Programme CCTV Initiative will be evaluated to build up the knowledge base of what works best in what context. The evaluations will address the issue of displacement.

  The deadline for receipt of outline applications for funding under the second round of the £153 million CCTV Initiative has been brought forward to 22 December 2000. The application prospectus for the second round was issued in march 2000. It was amended from the first round to give increased emphasis to bids aimed at reducing crime and the fear of crime in rural areas and small community shopping centres where absolute crime levels may be lower, but fear of crime is having a significant adverse effect on local communities.

  A copy of the application prospectus is available on our website: www.crimereduction.gov.uk.

  Metropolitan Police
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what data he has collated for the Ealing division of the Metropolitan police of the number of ethnic minority officers and civilian staff in each of the past five years and the number of complaints and employment claims of unfair treatment made by ethnic minority staff. [137206]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information requested has been provided by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis and is shown in the table:

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  Police officers from ethnic minority groups

  59

  69

  67

  80

  80

  Civilian staff from ethnic minority groups

  50

  54

  60

  64

  63

  Grievances instigated by ethnic minority staff

  0

  11

  0

  0

  2

  Employment tribunals instigated by ethnic minority staff

  0

  0

  1

  0

  3

  1This grievance relates to a member of the civilian staff at Ealing who raised the issue of an incident that occurred in another division in the Metropolitan police

  Mr. Nick Tucker
  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the Criminal Cases Review Commission to report on the case of Mr. Nick Tucker. [137040]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I understand that an application for review of Nicholas Tucker's case was submitted to the Criminal Cases Review Commission in January 1999. The
  541W
  Commission has determined that the case will require an extensive review. Mr. Tucker's representatives have recently asked that his application should be given priority. The Commission will consider this request and let Mr. Tucker's representatives know the outcome. If the Commission found that there were no special factors that would justify giving it priority, Mr. Tucker's application would continue to await allocation to a caseworker, on the basis of date order of receipt, and the Commission would expect to begin the review by May 2001.

  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received regarding the case of Mr. Nick Tucker; and if he will make a statement. [137043]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I have received various representations from Mr. Tucker's parents, from hon. Members, and from members of the public.

  Entry Clearance
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many EU nationals were refused entry to the UK on grounds of(a) public policy, (b) public security and (c) public health during 1999. [137278]

  Mrs. Roche
  The available information relates to the total number of European Union nationals who were refused leave to enter in 1999. A total of 290 such persons were recorded in that year. There are no separate statistics for the individual categories requested.

  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many non-EEA family members who arrived in possession of entry clearance holding an EEA family permit were refused entry by the immigration officer at a British port of entry during 1999. [137277]

  Mrs. Roche
  I regret the information requested is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Former FSB Officers
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the requests for political asylum made by former FSB officers. [137489]

  Mr. Straw
  All asylum applications are fully and carefully considered on their individual merits, by specially trained officers in the Integrated Casework Directorate of the Home Office. Details of individual cases are not disclosed to third parties for reasons of confidentiality.

  Lieutenant-Colonel Litvinenko
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if former Lieutenant-Colonel Litvinenko(a) has been, (b) is being or (c) will be debriefed on security issues; [137492]
  542W
  (2) what guidance his Department has given to journalists in respect of the defection of former Lieutenant-Colonel Litvinenko. [137491]

  Mr. Straw
  It has been the long-standing policy of successive Governments not to comment on issues of national security. It is also an important principle that we do not ordinarily discuss an individual's immigration status. This has been explained to journalists by my Department's Press Office.

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases are held in the Work in Progress Store of the Immigration and Nationality Department; and how many of these have been outstanding for(a) between six months and one year, (b) between one and two years and (c) more than two years. [136923]

  Mrs. Roche
  As at 3 November, there were 67,018 cases held in the Work in Progress Store. Of these, 6,022 have been outstanding for between six months and one year and 27,483 have been outstanding for between one and two years. The Work in Progress Store was set up at the end of 1998 and no cases have therefore been outstanding in the store for more than two years.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many and what proportion of asylum applicants since April have chosen to refuse the offer of accommodation in dispersal areas. [136791]

  Mrs. Roche
  The information requested is not available.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum cases have been dispersed under the terms of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999; and how many of these were(a) single adults and (b) couples without children. [136922]

  Mrs. Roche
  As at the end of October 2000, 5,6001 asylum cases (not including dependants) were confirmed as having arrived in the accommodation allocated to them under the dispersal scheme. Of these, 4,6001 were single adult asylum seekers, and 3001 were adult asylum seekers with one dependant. Cases where there is only one dependant are not necessarily couples without children.
  1 Figures rounded to the nearest 100.

  Private Psychiatric Hospitals (Prisoners)
  Dr. Brand
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convicted prisoners were transferred to private psychiatric hospitals in each of the last five years. [137289]
  543W
  Mr. Boateng
  The latest available information on the number of convicted prisoners transferred to private psychiatric hospitals under section 47 of the Mental Health Act 1983 between 1995 to 1999 is as follows:

  Number of convicted prisoners transferred to the care of private psychiatric hospitals, 1995 to 1999

  Transfers1 to private psychiatric hospitals

  Total number of transfers1

  Proportion transferred to private psychiatric hospitals (%)

  1995

  12

  254

  4.7

  1996

  23

  268

  8.6

  1997

  22

  251

  8.8

  1998

  15

  258

  5.8

  1999

  22

  276

  8.0

  1 Transfers from Prison Service Establishments under section 47 of the Mental Health Act 1983 including those subject to restrictions under section 49.

  Residence Permits
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) passports and (b) identity documents purported to be issued by an EU member state presented by passengers on arrival in the UK were the subject of inquiries with the authorities of the member state to determine the document's genuineness, and whether issue to the holder was correct, during 1999. [137290]

  Mrs. Roche
  Statistics are not currently compiled for the number of inquiries made with other European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) member states regarding documents issued by them. The Immigration Service National Forgery Section is the nominated United Kingdom contact point for EU/EEA travel document inquiries. Other Immigration Service offices, however, also make certain unilateral inquiries directly with EU member states via established bilateral liaison contacts. Reference is normally made to these authorities only in a restricted number of cases; for instance, when it cannot be determined that the document is a forgery, or to clarify whether or not a document is a stolen blank whose details have not already been circulated via the nominated national contact point. A new system of recording details of the mutual exchange of such information is currently being put in place.

  Comprehensive figures are, however, available for the number of cases of fraudulent passports and identity cards detected by the Immigration Service at United Kingdom ports of arrival during the course of 1999. There were 5,516 such detections, 3,018 of which were non-British EEA documents.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Volunteers
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the President of the Council if she will mark next year's International Year of Volunteers by spending a day working as a volunteer. [137435]
  544W
  Mrs. Beckett
  I fully support the aims of the International Year of Volunteers. I intend to take part in a voluntary activity during 2001.

  The Privy Council Office fully supports the role that employers can play in the voluntary sector. A statement was made to all staff in June of this year confirming the Department's commitment to Volunteer Day and encouraging staff to become involved.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Criminal Injuries Compensation
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the average period of time taken to settle claims dealt with by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority in each of the last three years. [135334]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I have been asked to reply.

  There are no meaningful average times applicable to claims for criminal injuries compensation. Applications range from the very straightforward ones in which a decision may be issued within a few weeks, through to exceptionally complicated cases in which it may take a number of years for the injury to be fully assessed.

  The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority has, however, been able to provide some information about the percentage of cases settled within various time frames under both the current (tariff) scheme and the former (common law damages) scheme. This is summarised in the table.

  Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme1

  1996 (Tariff) Scheme time period

  Number

  Percentage

  Cumulative (Percentage)

  1997–98

  Up to 2 months

  4,523

  6

  6

  Over 2, under 4 months

  9,933

  14

  21

  Over 4, under 6 months

  13,709

  20

  40

  Over 6, under 8 months

  15,844

  23

  63

  Over 8, under 10 months

  10,925

  16

  78

  Over 10, under 12 months

  7,021

  10

  88

  Over 12 months

  8,154

  12

  100

  Total

  70,109

  100

  1998–99

  Up to 2 months

  4,835

  6

  6

  Over 2, under 4 months

  11,983

  15

  21

  Over 4, under 6 months

  15,236

  19

  40

  Over 6, under 8 months

  16,013

  20

  60

  Over 8, under 10 months

  12,112

  15

  75

  Over 10, under 12 months

  7,157

  9

  84

  Over 12 months

  12,378

  16

  100

  Total

  79,714

  100

  1999–2000

  Up to 2 months

  6,812

  9

  9

  Over 2, under 4 months

  14,151

  20

  29

  Over 4, under 6 months

  16,040

  22

  52

  Over 6, under 8 months

  11,988

  17

  68

  Over 8, under 10 months

  7,416

  10

  79

  Over 10, under 12 months

  5,161

  7

  86

  Over 12 months

  10,171

  14

  100

  Total

  71,739

  100

  1 Time taken to process applications (from receipt to issue of decision)

  545W

  1990 (Old) Scheme Time to resolve hearings (appeals)

  Percentage

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Up to 12 months

  21

  6

  4

  Over 12 months

  79

  94

  96

  Queen's Counsel
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) in each of the last 10 years, how many Queen's Counsel there were, broken down by(a) regional circuit and (b) field of practice; [137332]

  (2) in each of the last 10 years, how many Queen's Counsel there were in England and Wales; and how many were appointed each year; [137333]

  (3) in each of the last 10 years, how many Queen's Counsel were appointed by (a) regional circuit and (b) field of practice. [137334]

  Mr. Lock
  The information requested on the number of Queen's Counsel appointed is set out in the table:

  Year

  Total in silk

  Number appointed each year

  2000

  1,072

  78

  1999

  1,043

  69

  1998

  1,006

  60

  1997

  974

  68

  1996

  925

  66

  1995

  891

  71

  1994

  845

  77

  1993

  797

  70

  1992

  760

  69

  1991

  736

  73

  Information relating to the number of Queen's Counsel in practice was provided by the General Council of the Bar. They are unable to provide details regarding the Circuit or the field of practice of Queen's Counsel.

  The information regarding Queen's Counsel appointed in the last five years by a) circuit and b) field of practice is listed below. Information before 1996 is not available.

  Queen's Counsel appointed by circuit and field of practice

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  Circuits

  Midland and Oxford

  5

  1

  5

  5

  4

  North Eastern

  4

  4

  3

  4

  5

  Northern

  4

  8

  3

  10

  3

  Wales and Chester

  2

  —

  1

  4

  4

  Western

  3

  1

  —

  4

  4

  Practice types

  Administrative and Public Law

  —

  —

  3

  2

  6

  Banking and Financial Services

  1

  1

  2

  1

  Chancery

  5

  4

  6

  2

  4

  Commercial and Admiralty

  6

  10

  6

  6

  5

  Common Law

  11

  11

  9

  7

  6

  Criminal

  10

  8

  15

  12

  14

  Defamation

  —

  —

  1

  1

  —

  Employment and Industrial Relations

  —

  3

  1

  1

  5

  European and International Law

  —

  4

  1

  5

  Family

  4

  2

  1

  1

  3

  Human Rights

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Insolvency

  —

  —

  —

  1

  2

  Intellectual Property

  3

  3

  3

  —

  1

  Landlord and Tenant

  —

  2

  —

  —

  2

  546W

  Queen's Counsel appointed by circuit and field of practice

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  Licensing

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Parliament Planning and Local Government

  2

  1

  —

  1

  4

  Pensions

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Revenue

  3

  1

  1

  —

  2

  Technology and Construction

  2

  4

  1

  2

  3

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department which specialist Bar(a) groups and (b) associations he consults over the appointment of Queen's Counsel. [137342]

  Mr. Lock
  My noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor consults the following Bar and solicitors' associations during the consultation process for the appointment of Queen's Counsel:

  Bar Associations

  Administrative Law Bar Association

  Chancery Bar Association

  Commercial Bar Association

  London Common Law and Commercial Bar Association

  Criminal Bar Association

  Employment Law Bar Association

  Family Law Bar Association

  Intellectual Property Bar Association

  Local Government and Planning and Environmental Law Bar Association

  Technology and Construction Bar Association

  Parliamentary Bar Mess

  Personal Injury Bar Association

  Professional Negligence Bar Association

  Revenue Bar Association

  Bar Race Relations Committee

  Bar Sex Discrimination Committee

  Specialist Solicitors Associations

  Law Society Equal Opportunities Committee

  Admiralty Solicitors Group

  Association of Personal Injury Lawyers

  Association of Pension Lawyers

  Commerce and Industry Group

  Criminal Law Solicitors Association

  Educational Law Association

  Employment Lawyers Association

  Housing Law Practitioners Association

  Insolvency Lawyers Association

  Intellectual Property Lawyers Association

  Legal Aid Practitioners Group

  London Maritime Arbitrators Association

  Local Government Group

  London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association

  London Solicitors Litigation Association

  Technology and Construction Solicitors Association

  Solicitors Association of High Court Advocates

  Solicitors European Group

  Solicitors Family Law Association.

  Barristers and Solicitors
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department in each of the last 10 years, how many(a) banisters qualified to practise in court and (b) solicitors there were. [137341]

  Mr. Lock
  My Department does not record the information requested but has obtained it from the Bar Council and the Law Society. The number of(a) banisters, who may practise in all courts, and (b) solicitors, who may practise in the lower courts, and (c) the number of solicitors with rights of audience in the higher courts, in each of the last 10 years, is as follows:

  (a)

  (b)

  (c)

  Barristers in independent practice

  Solicitors holding practising certificates

  Solicitors granted rights of audience in the higher courts each of the years specified

  1990

  6,645

  54,734

  —

  1991

  6,901

  57,167

  —

  1992

  7,271

  59,566

  —

  1993

  7,735

  61,239

  —

  1994

  8,093

  63,628

  231

  1995

  8,498

  66,123

  119

  1996

  8,935

  68,037

  77

  1997

  9,369

  71.637

  101

  1998

  9,698

  75,072

  202

  1999

  9,932

  79,503

  200

  Note:

  The figures for solicitors with higher rights of audience (column c) relate to the number granted rights in each year. The figures are not cumulative as in the preceding columns.

  Magistrates Courts Committees
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what funding his Department provides for magistrates courts committees. [137571]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Lord Chancellor's Department provides separate grants for revenue and capital (buildings and IT) to local authorities for magistrates courts costs.

  Revenue grant is paid at 80 per cent. of expenditure, with the remaining 20 per cent. met by local authorities. In 1999–2000 £329.2 million of grant was provided.

  Capital grant is paid at 80 per cent. of the costs of the scheme or item, with the remainder met by local authorities. In 1999–2000, £26.4 million was paid (£16 million for buildings and £10.4 million for IT).

  Court Houses (Human Rights Act)
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what additional funding he proposes to make available to magistrates courts committees to enable them to make court houses compliant with the provision of the Human Rights Act 1998. [137570]
  548W
  Jane Kennedy
  The Department makes capital resources available for work on court houses and it is open to magistrates courts committees and their paying authorities to apply for such funding in order to make court houses compliant with the Human Rights Act 1998.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations he has received from magistrates courts committees regarding the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 upon court houses. [137569]

  Jane Kennedy
  We have received representations from one magistrates courts committee on the impact of the Human Rights Act upon court houses. A further 13 letters have been received from hon. Members, local authorities and solicitors. The Department has also received a number of requests for funding assistance in 2001–02 to improve facilities in court houses.

  Volunteers
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if the Lord Chancellor will mark next year's International Year of Volunteers by spending a day working as a volunteer. [137432]

  Mr. Lock
  I refer my hon. Friend to the written answer given to him today by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary,Official Report, column 531W.

  The Lord Chancellor fully supports the aims of the International Year of Volunteers. Everyone benefits from volunteering and the Prime Minister has issued a challenge to employers to give their employees paid time off to work in the community. From 1 August 2000 staff of the Lord Chancellor's Department and its executive agency, the Court Service, may take an additional day's paid leave for unspecified general voluntary work. The Lord Chancellor is himself considering possible voluntary activities during 2001.

  Fine Revenues
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much revenue was raised from fines following convictions for(a) littering and (b) abandoning a vehicle in (i) 1998 and (ii) 1999. [137376]

  Jane Kennedy
  The collection of fines is the responsibility of the magistrates courts. Figures at this level of detail are not held centrally and could be obtained from individual courts only at disproportionate cost.

  Mortgage Repossessions
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many mortgage repossessions there were in England and Wales in each of the past 15 years. [137729]

  Jane Kennedy
  Information on the number of mortgage possession actions entered and orders made in England and Wales in each of the past 10 years is available and is set out in the table. Information on numbers before 1990 is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
  549W

  Year

  Number of actions issued

  Number of orders made

  1990

  145,350

  54,718

  1991

  186,649

  73,859

  1992

  142,162

  58,654

  1993

  116,181

  43,017

  1994

  87,958

  32,137

  1995

  84,170

  30,535

  1996

  79,791

  27,777

  1997

  67,073

  22,524

  1998

  79,637

  23,002

  1999

  82,623

  23,590

  Note:

  Not all orders made result in repossession. Parties are still at liberty to negotiate a settlement.

  Judicial Trustees
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many trusts are administered by judicial trustees under the Judicial Trustees Act 1896. [137843]
  550W
  Jane Kennedy
  The Official Solicitor is currently administering 81 cases and the Public Trustee is currently administering three cases under the Judicial Trustees Act 1896 (the Act). Solicitors, accountants, or any other competent person can be appointed as Trustee by the Chancery Division of the High Court and that office has record of an additional current 25 cases. This produces a total of 109 cases currently being administered under the Act.

  Civil Servants (Relocation)
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department which relocation companies hold contracts with his Department for the relocation of civil servants; when the contracts were last renewed; where the contracts were advertised; and what the length and value of each contract is. [137197]

  Mr. Lock
  The Lord Chancellor's Department does not hold contracts with any companies for the relocation of civil servants, and has not done so in the past.

CABINET OFFICE

  Departmental Employees (New Deal)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many staff her Department employs under the New Deal for Young People. [137958]

  Mr. Stringer
  As at 1 October 2000, the information on all Civil Service departments (including their agencies) participating as employers in the New Deal is as follows:

  New Deal starts as at 1 October 2000

  Main department (including agencies)

  Number

  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  58

  Intervention Board

  3

  Cabinet Office

  13

  Privy Council Office

  1

  Charity Commission

  25

  Culture, Media and Sport

  6

  Ministry of Defence

  118

  Education and Employment

  2,182

  Office for Standards in Education

  1

  Environment, Transport and the Regions

  63

  Export Credits Guarantee Department

  4

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  8

  Government Communications Headquarters

  1

  Government Offices for the Regions

  8

  Health

  39

  Home Office

  89

  International Development

  7

  Law Officers' Departments

  15

  Lord Chancellor's Department

  38

  National Assembly for Wales

  36

  Northern Ireland Office

  11

  Scottish Executive

  54

  Department

  Number of ministerial cars

  Petrol costs (excluding VAT) from 1 April to 30 September 2000 (£)

  Cabinet Office, including No. 10 Downing street

  17

  6,231

  Department of Culture Media and Sport

  4

  4,027

  Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions

  8

  5,551

  Department for Education and Employment

  8

  7,812

  Department for Trade and Industry

  5

  3,158

  Department of Health

  6

  5,904

  HM Treasury

  5

  5,441

  Home Office

  4

  4,520

  1 Including reserve cars for Prime Minister

  Figures for earlier years are not readily available and are in archived format. These can only be obtained at a disproportionate cost.

  Volunteers
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will mark next year's International Year of Volunteers by spending a day working as a volunteer. [137422]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given today by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Office,Official Report, column 531W.

  Cabinet Office rules allow paid time off to undertake activities in all areas of volunteer work, for example as a magistrate or school governor, helping out at a local old people's home or assisting with an adult literacy scheme.
  552W

  New Deal starts as at 1 October 2000

  Main department (including agencies)

  Number

  Registers of Scotland

  1

  Social Security

  603

  Trade and Industry

  51

  HM Treasury

  3

  Office of Government Commerce

  1

  HM Customs and Excise

  73

  Inland Revenue

  317

  Office for National Statistics

  10

  Royal Mint

  3

  Total

  3,842

  Ministerial Fleet (Petrol Costs)
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what was the cost for each of the past three years of petrol for the Downing street fleet of cars; and how many vehicles are in that fleet. [135008]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated under the terms of the Framework Document to the Government Car and Despatch Agency. I have asked its Chief Executive, Mr. Nick Matheson, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Nick Matheson to Dr. Julian Lewis, dated 13 October 2000:
  The Minister of State, Cabinet Office, has asked me in my capacity as the Chief Executive responsible for the Government Car and Despatch Agency to reply to your Parliamentary Questions about the number of ministerial vehicles provided to various government departments and the associated petrol costs.
  The figures are as follows:

  I attach a great deal of importance to the benefits which voluntary work brings to both the individual and the organisation. Along with a number of staff in my Department, I will be undertaking a day of voluntary activity next year to mark the International Year of Volunteers. I intend to do so by spending the day with disabled people.

TREASURY

  English Parishes
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of English parishes do not contain settlements of 2,000 or more. [136497]
  553W
  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 6 November 2000]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Tim Yeo, dated 13 November 2000:
  As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question on percentages of English parishes which do not contain settlements of 2,000 or more. (136497)
  There is no information on the populations of settlements within Civil Parishes in England. However, from the 1991 Census, some 8,378 parishes (82 per cent. of all parishes (10,269) in England) had total populations of under 2,000 residents.

  Climate Change Levy
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the annual cost of the climate change levy to the clothing and textile industry. [135564]

  Mr. Timms
  The impact of the levy will depend on a number of factors, including: the future energy consumption by firms; the level of employment in those firms; the number of firms that are eligible to receive a discount on the main rates of the levy by signing up to an energy efficiency agreement; what use they make of electricity generated from "new" renewable sources of energy and in "good quality" combined heat and power plants; and the extent to which they take advantage of the proposed introduction of a system of enhanced capital allowances for energy saving investments.

  Petrol
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the extent to which differential tax rates account for the different cost to the motorist of unleaded petrol and lead replacement petrol. [134965]

  Mr. Timms
  The current difference in the tax rates for unleaded and lead replacement petrol accounts for 2.43 pence per litre (excise duty plus associated VAT). However, as announced in the PBR, subject to consultation on the environmental implications, the duty premium will be removed in Budget 2000.

  Retail price of fuel reflects the influence of a number of variable commercial and economic factors apart from duty.

  Volunteers
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the contribution made to GDP by voluntary workers in the last financial year for which figures are available. [136068]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 6 November 2000]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 13 November 2000:
  As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question on the contribution made to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by voluntary workers. (136068)
  554W
  The contribution of voluntary workers to GDP is included in the National Accounts where the output of the organisations they work for is estimated as part of market activity. For example, the output of a charity shop, which may be staffed by unpaid volunteers, will be included in the output of retailers, and any profit the shop generates will appear in the income estimate of GDP. However, it is not possible to identify separately where this output that contributes to GDP has been produced by voluntary workers.
  The System of National Accounts (SNA) makes provision for information on unpaid work to be compiled in a satellite account. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is currently developing a Household Satellite Account, which will include, amongst other things, an estimate of the volume and value of voluntary work. It is expected that this will be published at the end of 2001.

  Bank Lending
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to Cm 4917, what powers he has to compel banks to disclose their individual lending activities to businesses in under-invested areas. [138243]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  None.

  ISAs
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many investors have opened ISA accounts who did not previously hold a PEP or TESSA; [138245]

  (2) how much money has been invested in ISA accounts by investors who previously did not hold a PEP or TESSA. [138258]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I regret that information based on analysis of administrative data held by the Inland Revenue is not yet available.

  Euratom Safeguards Agency
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was(a) the total annual budget and (b) Her Majesty's Government's annual contribution to the Euratom Safeguards Agency in each of the last five years; and what are the estimated figures for each of the next five years. [137693]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  This information is contained in the Adopted EC budget for 2000, copies of which have been deposited in the House of Commons Library.

  The UK makes its contributions to the EC Budget as a whole and not to specific sections.

  Single Currency
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 1 November 2000,Official Report, column 537W, what constitutional factors were considered in relation to possible British membership of the single European currency, prior to the 27 October 1997 statement concerning British membership of EMU. [138008]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  As the October 1997 statement stated, if the economic benefits are clear and unambiguous, there is no constitutional bar to British membership of EMU.
  555W
  Mr. Bradshaw
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which responsibilities for assessing if membership of the single European currency would be in Britain's economic interest lie with(a) his Department and (b) the Bank of England. [135859]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Treasury will make another assessment of the five economic tests early in the next Parliament.

  Internet (Price Transparency)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what studies his Department has undertaken on the competition effects of increased price transparency due to use of the internet; and if he will make a statement. [137330]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Government believe that the internet and e-commerce are generally beneficial to competition. They increase the range of suppliers for many products and services. Price transparency is just one aspect. HM Treasury has not conducted studies on the competition effects of increased price transparency.

  Petrol Costs (Ministerial Cars)
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the cost was in each of the past three years for petrol for his Department's fleet of ministerial cars; and how many vehicles there are in that fleet. [134966]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  All Treasury ministerial cars are provided under a lease contract with the Government Car and Despatch Agency.

HEALTH

  Cancer Services
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the impact of the Comprehensive Spending Review on(a) cancer research, (b) cancer screening and (c) palliative care of cancer patients. [133844]

  Yvette Cooper
  The National Health Service Plan announced that a substantial increase in funding has been secured for the NHS. As a result cancer services will receive an additional £280 million in 2001–02, £407 million in 2002–03 and £570 million by 2003–04. This will be used to support the implementation of the NHS Cancer Plan, published on 27 September 2000. The plan sets out action to improve the speed, quality and equity of cancer services, and builds on the far-reaching changes for health services set out in the NHS Plan. Specifically resources have been identified for:Cancer research—by 2003 we will be investing an additional £20 million each year in the infrastructure for cancer research and an extra £4 million on prostate cancer research. Basic and medical research, including cancer, will also benefit with
  556W
  £250 million being made available to the research councils for new research activity, particularly in genomics, e-science and basic technology.
  Cancer screening—by 2004 routine invitations for breast screening will be extended to women aged 65 to 70, and the current service will be upgraded by offering two-view mammography at all screening rounds.
  Palliative care of cancer patients—by 2004 the NHS will invest an extra £50 million to end inequalities in access to specialist palliative care and enable the NHS to make a realistic contribution to the cost hospices incur in providing agreed levels of service.

  Further details are available in the NHS Cancer Plan, copies of which have been placed in the Library.

  Breastfeeding
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to encourage breastfeeding of babies. [134563]

  Yvette Cooper
  We are fully committed to the promotion of breastfeeding, which is uniformly accepted as the best form of nutrition for infants. We also firmly believe that it is important that women and their partners are able to make a fully informed choice on how to feed their babies based on accurate and consistent information. This means that women should have access to information about all infant feeding practices through the relevant health care professional to be confident about the choices they make.

  The Infant Feeding Initiative was launched in May 1999 as part of our commitment to improve health inequalities. We have appointed two part-time National Infant Feeding Advisers to act as a focus for developing and implementing strategies for promoting breastfeeding. In particular, their expertise is being utilised to increase the incidence of breastfeeding among groups where breastfeeding rates are lowest, for example, those on low income, and to ensure that all mothers have the information and support they need to make informed infant feeding choices.

  We have established the National Network of Breastfeeding Co-ordinators to promote breastfeeding at a local level and to share ideas nationally with a view to increasing both the number of mothers breastfeeding and the length of time they continue to breastfeed. Each year the four United Kingdom Health Departments support National Breastfeeding Awareness Week to increase public awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding, which took place this year from 14-20 May.

  We also provide financial support to the four main voluntary organisations in this area, the National Childbirth Trust, La Leche League, Breastfeeding Network and the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers. Close links are also kept with UNICEF's Baby Friendly Initiative (UKBFI) which includes a departmental observer sitting on the Steering Committee of the UKBFI. We offer support for research into breastfeeding through the Quinquennial Surveys of Infant Feeding Practice; a new survey will be undertaken this year. Also, as part of the Department's research initiative on health inequalities, we are supporting a study aimed at identifying the barriers to breastfeeding in low income groups. The Department also receives and publishes expert advice on breastfeeding through its advisory committees.

  Air Pollution
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the health costs of air pollution indicating the health problems of principal concern and the main source of the pollutants. [135392]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Department's Committee on the Medical Effect of Air Pollutants (COMEAP) published a report in 1998 on 'Quantification of the Health Effects of Air Pollution on Health in the United Kingdom'. The report was based on levels of pollutants in 1995. It estimated that the deaths of between 12,000 and 24,000 vulnerable people (mainly those with heart or lung disease) may be brought forward and between 14,000 and 24,000 respiratory hospital admissions and readmissions may be associated with short term exposure to air pollution each year. There was insufficient information to allow quantification of other health effects of air pollution.

  The main pollutants of concern were particles and ozone. Particle levels have decreased since 1995 but there is no clear downward trend for ozone. The main sources of particles are primary particles from combustion sources (mainly road traffic), secondary particles, mainly sulphate and nitrate formed by chemical reactions in the atmosphere and coarse particles such as dust and biological particles. Ozone arises from chemical reactions of pollutants in the atmosphere in the presence of sunlight. The precursor pollutants include nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds form traffic and industry.

  The Department's Ad-Hoc Group on the Economic Appraisal of the Health Effects of Air Pollution estimated that the average cost to the NHS of a respiratory hospital admission was about £1,3901.

  1 For 1994–95 at 1996–97 prices.

  Hepatitis C
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if needle exchange facilities for injecting drug users are monitored with a view to prevention of hepatitis C infection. [135519]

  Yvette Cooper
  By discouraging sharing of syringes and promoting safer injecting practice, needle exchanges contribute to minimising the spread of blood-borne diseases including hepatitis C.

  Needle exchange facilities are generally provided directly through the National Health Service or through voluntary sector agencies under agreement with health authorities, or through community pharmacies. They are subject to the normal monitoring arrangements exercised by health authorities.

  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he has taken to prevent hepatitis C infection in injecting drug users. [135520]

  Yvette Cooper
  We recognise the prevalence of hepatitis C among injecting drug misusers is high, and, in the industrialised world, most transmission of hepatitis C now occurs via injecting drug use.

  Measures to prevent the spread of hepatitis C among drug users include needle exchange facilities, the prescription of oral substitute medication, and health promotion literature.
  558W
  The Department published revised "Drug Misuse and Dependence—Guidelines on Clinical Management" last April and sent these to all doctors. The guidelines include advice on blood-borne diseases and on injecting drug use.

  During 2000–01 it is planned that guidance for professionals will be published, expanding on the information in the Department's clinical guidelines. Regional seminars are to be held for professionals to raise awareness of the guidance, and increase skills in delivering prevention messages.

  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action is being taken to combat hepatitis C within the prison population. [135884]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Prison Service has a strategy for preventing the spread of hepatitis C, and other communicable diseases, in prisons. This includes training for staff, education and information for prisoners and measures to reduce the risk of transmission. Where clinically indicated, a prisoner who has tested positive for hepatitis C would be referred to a National Health Service specialist for expert advice on the clinical management of the case.

  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to combat the spread of hepatitis C; and if he will make a statement. [135517]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Department is continuing to raise awareness of hepatitis C by working with the voluntary sector and others to provide information and advice for the general public and for those groups most at risk, specifically injecting drug users.

  Hepatitis C is spread primarily by contact with the blood of an infected person, and injecting drug users are at increased risk of infection. In this country, there is a robust approach to harm minimisation that includes widespread needle exchange schemes and substitute prescribing, both of which encourage people not to inject and not to share injecting drug equipment. We are currently improving the effectiveness and efficiency of these programmes through shared care schemes. Guidance on hepatitis C and strategies to minimise transmission is being developed and will be backed up by regionally based workshops and seminars.

  The risk of transmission of hepatitis C via blood donations has been virtually eliminated by the screening of blood donors for antibodies to hepatitis C virus and the treatment of blood products. Organs and tissues for donation are also screened for hepatitis C. The risk of hepatitis C transmission in the clinical setting is minimised by adhering to universal infection control procedures. To emphasise this, guidance has been issued to the National Health Service on minimising the risk of occupationally acquired hepatitis C for health care workers. Guidance on the prevention and control of blood-borne virus infection in renal dialysis units, which includes advice on hepatitis C, is currently being finalised. The Advisory Group on Hepatitis C is currently reviewing its advice on hepatitis C infected health care workers.

  The Department is currently considering how to strengthen and develop prevention and surveillance.
  559W
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the occurrence of hepatitis C in the UK population over the period 1995 to 2000. [135886]

  Yvette Cooper
  Current information suggests that the prevalence (current level) of chronic carriage of hepatitis C may be around 0.5 per cent. of the general population. The incidence (new infection) of hepatitis C is not known as the virus is usually acquired without symptoms. Data from surveillance of antibody positive hepatitis C laboratory reports in the United Kingdom during the period 1995–99 are set out in the table. These laboratory reports do not distinguish between new and chronic infections, and reflect current laboratory testing patterns. They do not take into account under-reporting and under-ascertainment of cases.

  Number of laboratory reports of hepatitis C infection

  Year

  England and Wales1

  Scotland2

  Northern Ireland3

  1995

  1,667

  1,125

  58

  1996

  2,544

  1,236

  29

  1997

  3,058

  1,494

  26

  1998

  4,488

  2,052

  38

  1999

  5,561

  2,009

  23

  2000

  3,2244

  Not available

  375

  1 Source: Public Health Laboratory Service

  2 Source: Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health

  3 Source: Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Northern Ireland.

  4 Provisional figures to week 36

  5 To date

  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the availability of harm reduction facilities, with special reference to needle exchange, in the last five years; and what assessment he has made of the effects of needle exchange facilities on the prevalence of hepatitis C among injecting drug users. [135518]

  Yvette Cooper
  Our anti-drugs strategy is clear about the benefits of a policy that discourages drug use but also recognises that some people may still use illegal drugs. It is important to minimise the health risks and harm for those who do so.

  Data from the drug action team template returns for 1999–2000 show a combined total of 322 statutory and voluntary sector providers of needle exchange services. The directory "Drug Problems: where to get help", published by the voluntary sector organisation Drugscope, lists 124 voluntary and statutory agencies which provide needle exchange facilities for injecting drug misusers. These data are not comparable due to their different methods of collection.

  Other measures to minimise the spread of hepatitis C among drug misusers include the prescription of oral substitute medication, and health promotion literature. Guidance on harm reduction for injecting drug misusers, and current carriers of hepatitis C, are included in the Department's clinical guidelines "Drug Misuse and Dependence—Guidelines on Clinical Management", which were published last year and sent to all doctors.

  We recognise the very important role played by needle exchange facilities in helping to prevent the spread of blood-borne diseases, particularly among people who
  560W
  might not otherwise engage with services. It is generally acknowledged that the introduction of needle exchanges have been instrumental in averting an HIV epidemic among drug misusers. The latest report by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction shows that the United Kingdom has the lowest rate of hepatitis C prevalence in the European Union.

  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to attempt to identify the hepatitis C population in the United Kingdom. [135888]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Department will continue to raise awareness of hepatitis C by working with the voluntary sector and others to provide information and advice for the general public and for those groups most at risk, specifically injecting drug users.

  Those who have been at risk of exposure to hepatitis C and who seek testing in the National Health Service should be offered well-informed advice and made aware of the implications of a positive test. Those who test positive will be referred to a specialist for confirmatory testing, further assessment and treatment, if appropriate.

  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will implement a plan for London similar to that established by the Greater Glasgow Health Board to combat hepatitis C infection. [135889]

  Yvette Cooper
  Our approach to hepatitis C is to develop a strategic national programme which involves co-ordination in areas such as public health work on prevention and surveillance; tackling drug misuse; prison healthcare; research; commissioning healthcare services and implementing the recommendations of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence.

  Health authorities in London are best placed to judge the need for specific action to prevent and control hepatitis C infection according to their local situation.

  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for a national strategy on combating hepatitis C infection. [135521]

  Yvette Cooper
  Our approach to hepatitis C is to develop a strategic programme which involves co-ordination in areas such as public health work on prevention and surveillance; tackling drug misuse; prison healthcare; research; commissioning healthcare services and implementing the recommendations of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence.

  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the National Institute for Clinical Excellence will report on the treatment of HIV and hepatitis C infections. [136163]

  Yvette Cooper
  There are no plans at present for the National Institute for Clinical Excellence to produce guidance on drugs for the treatment of HIV. NICE completed appraisals of ribavirin and alfa interferon for hepatitis C on 31 October 2000. This guidance and further information on the NICE work programme can be found on NICE's website at www.nice.org.uk.

  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the National Director of Cancer Care's brief to reduce mortality from cancer includes liver cell cancer secondary to hepatitis C. [136160]
  561W
  Yvette Cooper
  Yes. We recently published the NHS Cancer Plan setting out a comprehensive strategy to tackle cancer and through a major programme of action linking prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care and research. The Plan pledges to cut the death rate from all cancers by one fifth by 2010, this includes the death rate from liver cell cancer secondary to hepatitis C.

  AIDS
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money the Government spent on AIDS research in the financial year 1999–2000; how many new AIDS cases became diagnosed in that year; and how many deaths arising from contraction of AIDS occurred in that year. [135516]

  Yvette Cooper
  In the financial year 1999–2000, we spent £20.2 million on HIV/AIDS research1. During the same period, 3,714 new HIV/AIDS cases were diagnosed in the UK and 418 deaths due to HIV/AIDS were reported to have occurred.

  1 Actual spend by the Department of Health, Scottish Office, Welsh Office, Medical Research Council and other research councils.

  Overhead Powerlines
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received concerning overhead powerlines; and what recent research his Department has undertaken on this subject. [135794]

  Yvette Cooper
  A number of letters have been received from Members of Parliament, research organisations, pressure groups and individual members of the public, concerning the possibility of health effects associated with proximity to power lines.

  The National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) provides advice to us on these matters. In 1992, and again in 1994, the NRPB's Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation examined the evidence for an association between the incidence of cancer and exposure to electromagnetic fields and concluded that there was no clear evidence of an adverse health effect at the levels of electromagnetic field to which the public is normally exposed. There have been continuing concerns about this issue and the Advisory Group keeps the relevant research under review. The Group will be publishing a comprehensive review of the more recent studies in the next few months.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has recently commissioned on the possibility of a connection between overhead powerlines and cancer. [136429]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Department is currently funding both epidemiological and laboratory studies on powerlines and cancer. The Department also contributes to the World Health Organization International Electromagnetic Fields Project and has supported the United Kingdom Childhood Cancer Study.

  In 1992, and again in 1994, the National Radiological Protection Board's Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation examined the evidence for an association between the incidence of cancer and exposure to electromagnetic fields and concluded that there was no clear evidence of an adverse health effect at the levels to
  562W
  which the public is normally exposed. The Advisory Group continues to monitor the issue and will be publishing a comprehensive review of recent research in the next few months.

  Tobacco Additives
  Ms Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish information about tobacco additives by brand in a format readily accessible and available to consumers. [135579]

  Yvette Cooper
  The information on additives by brand supplied by major United Kingdom tobacco companies is published in the Health Select Committee's recent report, "The tobacco industry and the health risks of smoking", Minutes of Evidence and Appendices (Appendix 32 to 36). The Report and evidence of the Committee are published by the Stationery Office of the House and can be accessed by internet at www.parliament.uk/commons/hsecom/htm

  Influenza Vaccine
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he has taken to ensure sufficient influenza vaccine is available this winter; and if he will make a statement. [136154]

  Yvette Cooper
  This year, we have extended the recommended groups for influenza immunisation to include everyone aged 65 and over, irrespective of their underlying health, as well as younger people in established high risk groups. This increase has led to record numbers of vaccine being made available, nearly 11 million this year compared to 7.8 million last year, an increase of 40 per cent.

  The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) wrote to all general practitioners in May informing them of the change in policy and asked them as a matter of urgency to review their list of people eligible to receive the flu vaccine, and, order additional vaccine if required. A further letter was issued from the CMO on 1 August to all GP' s reminding them to order extra vaccine if they had not already done so.

  Latest figures as at 31 October, show that 9.5 million doses of vaccine have already been distributed. This, along with the amount of vaccine still to be delivered, is a sufficient amount to exceed our immunisation target of 60 per cent. for this year.

  GPs order their supply of flu vaccine direct from manufacturers. This year there are five suppliers of flu vaccine. Unfortunately one of the manufacturers, Solvay, has encountered problems in growing a strain of the vaccine which has led to delays in some deliveries. Solvay have been in touch with the affected GPs to tell them details of any delays, but have confirmed that all ordered vaccine will be delivered by the end of November, in time to protect people this winter.

  Beta Interferon
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration the National Institute for Clinical Excellence has given to the social costs of the refusal to supply beta interferon to multiple sclerosis sufferers. [136400]
  563W
  Mr. Denham
  The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) carries out appraisals in accordance with its framework document. This document states that"its task is to assess the evidence of all the clinical and other health-related benefits of an intervention—taking this in a wide sense, to include impact on quality of life, relief of pain or disability etc as well as any impact on likely length of life—to estimate the associated costs, and to reach a judgment on whether on balance this intervention can be recommended as a cost-effective use of NHS and PSS resources".

  Copies of NICE's Framework document are available in the Library.

  nvCJD
  Mr. John Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what proportion of the new variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease care package will be earmarked for assisting in the early identification of the symptoms of the disease; [136278]

  (2) what support he intends to give as part of the NVCJD care package to the families of victims who have been misdiagnosed. [136279]

  Yvette Cooper
  Patients will have access to the full range of services provided by the National Health Service and Social Services departments. The Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) Care Package Fund is intended to ensure that people diagnosed as having CJD have rapid access to comprehensive, appropriate packages of care. The speed of diagnosis in cases of CJD is improving all the time and the CJD Surveillance Unit continues to work towards further improvement.

  Mr. John Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the incidence of misdiagnosis of new variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. [136277]

  Yvette Cooper
  No patient diagnosed as "definite" or "probable" vCJD by the National CJD Surveillance Unit has ever been found to have been suffering from another disease. Since March 1996 the Unit has had a significant number of suspected cases referred to them that, on further investigation, have turned out not to be vCJD cases.

  Mr. John Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to raise the awareness of health practitioners of the early symptoms of new variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease; [136282]

  (2) what recent research he has commissioned into methods of early identification of the symptoms of new variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. [136281]

  Yvette Cooper
  The National Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Surveillance Unit (CJDSU) continues to investigate all cases referred to it as possible variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) and keeps diagnostic criteria under constant review. Expanded criteria which allowed "probable vCJD" to be diagnosed for the first time in patients who are still alive were published in March 2000 in a Department of Health press release (2000/0153). All general practitioners were informed about these criteria in August 2000, through the Chief Medical Officer's Update. In addition, the CJDSU regularly sends reminders and updates on vCJD to neurologists throughout the United Kingdom.
  564W
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what further research into the incubation period of CJD will be undertaken, and by whom, following the contraction of the disease by a 74-year-old. [136654]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Government-funded National Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Surveillance Unit (CJDSU) continues to investigate all cases of variant CJD (vCJD) referred to it and analyses data collected to try and identify any common factors which might shed light on the route of exposure and the possible incubation period.

  The Department has commissioned research to look for vCJD in the elderly population to see if cases may have been missed in this age group.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the(a) groups and (b) individuals who are involved in research into nvCJD. [136619]

  Yvette Cooper
  Details of Government funded research projects on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) including variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) are available on the Medical Research Council's website (http://www.mrc.ac.uk/tse_2c.htm).

  Huntingdon's Disease
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason Huntingdon's disease was selected as a condition which could be the subject of inquiry by insurance companies in deciding whether or not to offer insurance cover; and if he will make a statement. [136553]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Genetics and Insurance committee was established in 1999 by the United Kingdom Government to develop a procedure for assessing the scientific and actuarial relevance of genetic tests currently being used in insurance risk assessment and to evaluate each test against the criteria agreed. The application from the Association of British Insurers for consideration of two genetic tests for Huntingdon's Disease in life insurance was the first application to be received by the Genetics and Insurance Committee. The Genetics and Insurance Committee concluded that the scientific and actuarial evidence was sufficient for the results of these two tests to continue to be taken into account in setting insurance premiums.

  The Human Genetics Commission has been asked to look at the wider social and ethical issues involved in the use of genetic data in insurance. The GAIC decision does not pre-empt that wider consideration.

  NHS Direct
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if individuals will be able to obtain information on(a) abortion, (b) family planning services and (c) access to local NHS services through NHS Direct and the new NHS walk-in centres; and if he will make a statement. [136948]

  Yvette Cooper
  NHS Direct aims to provide information, advice and referrals to appropriate services for most conditions, including abortion and family planning.
  565W
  NHS Direct and the walk-in centres play a central role in providing information and signposting people to appropriate services. They also have a valuable role to play in improving access to local sexual health services.

  The information needs of the population is one of the issues that is being addressed in the sexual health and HIV/AIDS strategy due for launch in the spring.

  Heart Disease
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the implementation of the National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease(a) nationally and (b) in the West Midlands. [136579]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 6 November 2000]: The National Service Framework (NSF) for coronary heart disease sets 12 national standards for improved prevention, diagnosis and treatment and goals to secure fair access to high quality services over the 10 year period. This will include building capacity, increasing specialised workforce, improved prevention and faster access to services.

  The National Health Service Plan of 27 July is providing significant new money for CHD services:
  investment in heart disease services will be increased by an extra £230 million a year by 2003–04. In addition, there will be an extra £120 million of capital funding from the Treasury Capital Modernisation Fund over the next two years to March 2002, to expand capacity and modernise services. Furthermore, an extra £10 million has been announced to increase cardiac operations by a further 3,000 by 2003, in addition to the £50 million announced in October 1999 for an extra 3,000 operations by April 2002.
  Emergency care for heart attack patients is being reformed in a three year programme to train and equip ambulance paramedics to provide thrombolysis safely for appropriate patients. On average, patients will get thrombolysis one hour sooner than if they were taken to hospital first, saving up to 3,000 lives a year once fully implemented.

  Additional investment announced this year includes £49 million new money for early CHD wins, £21 million to speed up ambulance response times, £15 million to support new rapid access chest pain clinics, £10 million for equipment to diagnose and treat CHD, and £3 million for the CHD Partnership programme.

  Actions are under way to implement the NSF in the West Midlands in line with the milestones set nationally. Local delivery plans for implementation of the NSF have been received from the thirteen West Midlands health authorities.

  Particular local initiatives include: 11 rapid access chest pain clinics across the region in the first roll out, including one at the Walsgrave Hospital, Coventry; New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, will be developed as the fourth cardiac surgical centre in the region; the Black Country CHD Collaborative are developing a network of cardiac care; Action Heart at Dudley and Shropshire health authority's Help to Quit are excellent initiatives in cardiac rehabilitation and smoking cessation respectively.

  Rochdale NHS Trust
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to broaden the shortlist of candidates for the position of Chairman of Rochdale NHS Trust, beyond the proposal of the Regional NHS Executive Chair in July. [137004]

  Mr. Denham
  The regional chair considered the names of a number of candidates on the regional register as well as those of serving non-executives from the Rochdale area who were seen to have the necessary qualities for a chair appointment. The candidates subsequently invited for interview included the current chair, Mr. Hermann Jungmayr, but he declined to be interviewed. Two candidates were eventually interviewed, and both their names were recently recommended to Ministers for possible appointment to the post. A decision on the appointment is likely to be made shortly.

  Treatment Withdrawal
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many representations he has received and from whom concerning the legality of the British Medical Association's guidelines for the withholding and withdrawal of treatment. [137041]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Department has received approximately 200 representations concerning the British Medical Association guidelines on Withholding and Withdrawing Life-prolonging Treatment. These include representations from a number of professional, lay and religious organisations, Members of Parliament, individuals and a petition to the Prime Minister from the organisation "Against Legalised Euthanasia—Research and Teaching". Of these representations approximately 25 per cent. raised the issue concerning the legality of the guidelines.

  Screening (Pregnant Women)
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the health authorities that currently offer pregnant women screening for(a) Down's syndrome and (b) cystic fibrosis; and if he will make a statement. [137375]

  Yvette Cooper
  This information is not collected centrally. A Lancet paper surveying the provision and method of antenatal Down's syndrome screening (page 1264, Vol. 154, 9 October, 1999) is available in the Library.

  The United Kingdom National Screening Committee will build on this work to inform its implementation plans for a universal antenatal Down's syndrome screening programme. At present the Committee does not recommend universal antenatal screening for cystic fibrosis.

  NHS Vacancies
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many vacancies there are for doctors at NHS hospitals in the Greater London area. [137385]

  Mr. Denham
  The available information is given in the table. Results from the Department of Health vacancies survey March 2000 were published in September 2000.
  567W

  Department of Health vacancies survey, March 2000. Vacancies in NHS trusts in London region; medical and dental consultants as at 31 March 2000

  London region

  3 month vacancies (whole time equivalents)

  120

  3 month vacancy rate

  3.0 per cent.

  Notes:

  1. Three month vacancies are those posts that had been vacant for three months or more at the date of the survey.

  2. The three month vacancy rate is calculated as three month vacancies (3 month vacancies + staff in post at 30 September 1999).

  3. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

  Sources:

  Department of Health vacancies survey March 2000

  Department of Health annual non-medical workforce census

  Human Genetics
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the letter to the hon. Member for Linlithgow from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Education and Employment, (Ref. 2000/0064758 PODB) when he expects to receive from the Human Genetics Commission their wider study on the uses of genetic information. [137327]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Human Genetics Commission is currently considering the storage, protection and use of genetic information in various contexts and what may need to be done to ensure that concerns over the potential abuse of such information are addressed.

  The Commission aims to submit a report and recommendations to Ministers by late 2001. This will take account of the results of a period of extensive consultation which begins on 27 November 2000.

  Volunteers
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will mark next year's International Year of Volunteers by spending a day working as a volunteer. [137429]

  Ms Stuart
  We fully support the aims of the International Year of Volunteers. Everyone benefits from volunteering and my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has issued a challenge to employers to give their employees paid time off to work in the community. This Department reacted positively to the challenge to support staff in undertaking voluntary activities. Department of Health staff are allowed a minimum of one day's paid leave per year to undertake voluntary activity. Furthermore, definitions of voluntary activity have been broadened, and managers are encouraged to exercise discretion and be flexible when considering requests for leave from work. We intend to undertake voluntary activity for a day during 2001.

  Winter Pressures
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department has taken to ensure closer working practices to help reduce effects of winter pressures between social services and acute NHS hospitals; and if he will make a statement. [137124]

  Ms Stuart
  In May 2000, the Department issued guidance to all National Health Service organisations and Social Services Departments setting out whole system arrangements to ensure that they, together, respond well 568W
  to seasonal pressures, and provide high-quality services for local people throughout the year. In 2000–01, the Government have already invested an additional £63 million in intermediate care beds and staff to prevent avoidable hospital admissions, to facilitate prompt discharges from hospital, and to support independence and independent living, particularly for the elderly.

  Local Winter Planning Groups (LWPGs) are in place across England to ensure that effective service and contingency planning is in place for winter 2000–01. The Department has assessed all LWPG winter plans and has put in place monitoring arrangements to ensure seasonal pressures are identified and addressed immediately. Expert teams of health and social care professionals are also visiting health and social care communities across England to provide support and advice, and to promote and share good practice.

  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department has taken to disseminate best practice in dealing with winter pressures at(a) regional level, (b) health authority level, (c) trust level and (d) primary care group/trust level; and if he will make a statement. [137125]

  Ms Stuart
  Local Winter Planning Groups (LWPGs) have been established across England to ensure effective service and contingency planning for winter 2000–01. LWPGs include representatives of all National Health Service organisations, local councils with social services responsibilities and other local partners including the voluntary and independent sectors.

  Best practice is disseminated through comprehensive guidance, national conferences, and visits by expert teams of health and social care professionals.

  Nurses and Midwives
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many registered (i) nurses and (ii) midwives are aged(a) below 30, (b) 30 to 39, (c) 40 to 49, (d) 50 to 54, (e) 55 to 59 and (f) 60 years and over. [138247]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is shown in the table.

  NHS hospital and community health services qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff by age bands in England as at 30 September 1999

  Whole-time equivalents

  Headcount

  Under 30

  42,990

  45,440

  30 to 39

  85,840

  104,050

  40 to 49

  69,310

  82,160

  50 to 54

  26,380

  30,560

  55 to 59

  12,810

  15,310

  60 +

  3,490

  4,570

  Unknown

  9,830

  28,040

  Total

  250,650

  310,140

  Notes:

  1. Figures exclude learners and agency staff.

  2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

  3. Totals may not equal the sum of component parts due to rounding.

  Source:

  Department of Health 1999 non-medical workforce census

  Spinal Surgery
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many consultant neurosurgeons who specialise in spinal surgery there are in England. [138044]

  Mr. Denham
  From the Department of Health Medical and Dental Workforce Census on 30 September 1999, there were around 140 Consultants in Neurosurgery in the National Health Service. Information about numbers of consultants specialising in spinal surgery is not collected centrally.

  Hospital Drug Dispensing
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what estimate he has made of the impact on the primary care costs were hospital pharmacies permitted to dispense 28 day supplies of drugs to patients; [137752]

  (2) if he will require hospitals to dispense drugs to in-patients from patient bed-side boxes; [137754]

  (3) what plans he has to introduce 28 day original pack dispensing from hospital pharmacies; [137753]

  (4) what plans he has to encourage patients to take with them all medicines they are taking when admitted to hospital. [137856]

  Ms Stuart
  "Pharmacy in the Future—Implementing the NHS Plan" (a copy of which is in the Library) makes clear that we expect National Health Service hospitals in England to review their pharmacy systems to make them efficient, timely and safe, and more patient focused.

  To see that changes are made, NHS Executive regional offices will be rolling out a medicines management performance management framework specifically for hospitals later this year and the Department will be establishing a collaborative programme in order to spread and share best practice. This is likely to include, in appropriate cases, the use of medicines which patients bring into hospital on admission and self-administration schemes on wards (including the use of patient bed-side boxes). Hospitals are also likely to dispense medicines on discharge and to out-patients more frequently in complete original packs. Many such packs are designed by their manufacturers to provide a course of treatment lasting 28 days, although this varies from product to product, and the quantity to be prescribed for any given patient must, of course, reflect their clinical needs.

  Re-engineering systems in this way will reduce waste and improve the cost effectiveness of the NHS's spending on medicines generally. It may well involve spending being incurred within hospitals which was previously incurred within primary care. The size of any such shift will vary from place to place depending on current practice and on the nature of new arrangements agreed locally. Work is under way, co-ordinated by NHS Executive regional offices, to ensure that local health commissioners and hospitals work together to ensure suitable funding arrangements are in place.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to ensure that hospital pharmacies conform with EU Directive 92/27/EEC on patient information; and what the estimated costs of such compliance are. [137751]
  570W
  Ms Stuart
  The Directive was incorporated into United Kingdom law by The Medicines (Marketing Authorisations etc.) Regulations 1994. These regulations apply to all people involved in the supply of medicines, including hospital pharmacies. It is the responsibility of the Medicines Control Agency to investigate suspected breaches of those regulations. We hold no information nationally on the cost to hospitals of meeting their obligations under these regulations.

  Hospital Hygiene
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Government's initiative to improve hospital cleanliness following the distribution of funds directly to hospital trusts for this purpose. [137740]

  Mr. Denham
  Over £30 million was allocated directly to National Health Service trusts at the end of July to start an immediate national clean-up campaign.

  Rapid assessments of all acute hospitals were carried out following initial visits in July. More detailed assessments have been made following further visits to the 400 hospitals by the patient environment action teams (PEAT). Some 300 experienced managers and professionals, drawn from the NHS, private sector and supported by patient organisations were involved in these visits.

  Every trust has prepared an action plan, which has been agreed by the Department. NHS Estates will validate and support the action plans. Each trust has a board member who will take personal responsibility for hospital cleanliness.

  There will be five clean hospital summits in November for senior trust managers to share experiences and good practice.

  Unannounced visits to hospitals will also be made in January, by the PEAT teams, to check that standards of cleanliness in our hospitals have improved, and that procedures are in place to ensure that these improved standards will be maintained. Once these visits have been completed we will be in a position to better assess how effective the initial stage of the programme has been.

  To ensure that cleanliness in hospitals is maintained in the future we are drawing up a standard for cleanliness for all hospitals; these will be incorporated into the National Performance Assessment Framework and will be introduced next year.

  Anticoagulant Clinics
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to set up anticoagulant clinics in community pharmacies. [137855]

  Ms Stuart
  In the "Pharmacy in the Future—Implementing the NHS Plan" (a copy of which is in the Library) we said that by 2004 all primary care groups and primary care trusts will have schemes in place so that people get more help from pharmacists in using their medicines. Monitoring patients' anticoagulant therapy, whether in community pharmacies or elsewhere, is one of many ways in which pharmacists may potentially help people get the most out of their medicines.

  Pharmacists
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to address the pay differentials between community pharmacists and hospital pharmacists. [137741]

  Mr. Denham
  For 1999–2000 lower graded hospital pharmacists were targeted for an enhanced pay award of up to 12 per cent. to help address recruitment and retention problems. Hospital pharmacists in common with other groups of non pay review body staff have been offered a pay increase of 3.25 per cent. for 2000–01, and for 2001–02 a minimum increase of RPIX at December 2000 plus 0.5 per cent. subject to progress on negotiations with the trade unions on proposals for modernising the National Health Service pay system.

  The NHS does not directly employ or determine the pay of pharmacists working in community pharmacies.
  572W
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to introduce postgraduate structured training and experience programmes for pharmacists(a) for newly qualified graduates and (b) for existing community and hospital pharmacists. [137854]

  Mr. Denham
  A range of postgraduate training opportunities is available to both community and hospital pharmacists.

  Hospital-acquired Infection
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on progress in combating hospital-acquired MRSA infections. [137985]

  Mr. Denham
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, South (Mr. Cunningham) on 10 November 2000,Official Report, column 431W.

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  Departmental Cars
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  DTI Web Pages
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  NMEC: Complaints
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