Written Answers of 14 November 2000

DEFENCE

  Whistleblowers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what procedures exist in his Department for a civil servant to report actions which(a) are illegal, improper, or unethical, (b) are in breach of constitutional convention or a professional code, (c) may involve possible maladministration and (d) are otherwise inconsistent with the Civil Service Code. [135452]

  Dr. Moonie
  A copy of the Civil Service Code was issued to every MOD civil servant in May 1999. The Department's procedures require staff to report any matters of concern within the scope of the Code to their third line manager in the first instance. If the matter cannot be resolved at this level staff have a right of appeal to their Top Level Budget Holder and, ultimately, to the Permanent Under Secretary of State. The procedures also make provision for staff to be able to discuss concerns in confidence with a senior officer outside of their management area if they wish. If, having raised a matter of concern to them within the Department, a member of staff considers that he or she has not received a reasonable response there is a right of appeal to the Civil Service Commissioners.

  These procedures are set out in the Department's Personnel Manual and reiterated in departmental instructions regularly circulated to all staff.

  Departmental Policies
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 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. [136172]

  Dr. Moonie
  There have been no significant effects on the Gorton constituency or the surrounding area. Gorton's Territorial Army centres were retained as a result of the 1998 restructuring review.

  Departmental Employees (New Deal)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many staff his Department employs under the New Deal for Young People. [137952]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on 13 November 2000,Official Report, column 551W.

  Porton Down
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent measures he has introduced to improve the reliability and security of postal services to and from Porton Down. [137686]

  Dr. Moonie
  None, as the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) site at Porton Down has not experienced any problems with the reliability and security of postal services.

  Women (Combat Roles)
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent studies his Department has undertaken of the experience of other countries' armed forces in respect of women in combat roles. [137908]

  Mr. Hoon
  We are currently engaged in a study, announced in the 1998 Strategic Defence Review, to evaluate the impact on combat effectiveness since opening 70 per cent. of posts in the Army to women and of allowing them to serve in specialist billets "attached" to the Royal Marines. The study, which is due to report to Ministers in 2001, will also make an assessment on the armed forces' combat effectiveness of removing the present exclusion of women from the Royal Marines General Service, Royal Armoured Corps (including the Household Cavalry), Infantry and RAF Regiment. As part of this study we have drawn upon other countries' experiences in respect of women in combat roles.

  RAF Dishforth
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what representations he has received on redeployment from Dishforth Airfield to Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, and for disposal or re-use of Dishforth Airfield; [137703]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the long-term future for RAF Dishforth. [137705]

  Mr. Spellar
  The primary occupier of the former RAF Dishforth (now Dishforth Airfield) is 9 Regiment Army Corps (9 Reg AAC), a Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) unit. The JHC is currently engaged in carrying out an estates rationalisation study and one of the options is to re-deploy all helicopters and manpower from Dishforth Airfield to Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton. The study is due to report in autumn 2001 and no decisions on the redeployment of manpower currently based at Dishforth or the disposal or re-use of Dishforth Airfield will be made until then. In the meantime, no representations have been received on the future of Dishforth, except for the hon. Member's own letter to me of 6 November.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many military and civilian posts there are at Dishforth Airfield. [137704]

  Mr. Spellar
  There are currently 383 military posts and 39 civilian posts at Dishforth Airfield. By April 2001 these numbers will rise to 538 military posts and 43 civilian posts. There are a further 58 civilian staff currently employed by Sodexho, the site contractor. Military personnel are also deployed from time to time from RAF Linton-on-Ouse, as requested.

  Ships (Asbestos)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in the removal of asbestos from his Department's ships. [137692]

  Dr. Moonie
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer my hon. Friend, the Member for Liverpool, Walton (Mr. Kilfoyle), the then Under-Secretary of State for Defence, gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Greenock and Inverclyde (Dr. Godman) on 12 January 2000,Official Report, column 166W.

  Good progress is being made on our ongoing 10 years programme to identify safe non-asbestos alternatives and introduce them into service at every opportunity including planned maintenance and refit periods. For example, we are currently trialling replacements in two particularly challenging areas: the ship propeller shaft brakes and high pressure steam system joints. If the trials are successful we shall fit replacements in a much earlier timescale than originally expected.

  Progress on Ministry of Defence asbestos elimination measures, including those for Royal Navy ships, was presented to the Health and Safety Commission in May this year who fully endorsed the approach being taken.

  Berths
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the number and locations of(a) X berths and (b) Z berths available to his Department. [137691]

  Mr. Spellar
  Including all berths and docks, the total number of X and Z berths available is, respectively, 40 and 26. These are principally located in the Naval Bases of Devonport and Clyde, and the privatised facilities at Barrow in Furness, Rosyth and Devonport. The precise locations and numbers are as follows:

  List of the locations of X berths

  Number

  Faslane

  8

  Devonport and Plymouth Sound

  16

  Rosyth

  11

  List of the locations of Z berths

  Number

  Falkland Islands

  1

  Loch Goil

  1

  Rothesay

  1

  Liverpool

  12

  Isle of Skye

  1

  Loch Ewe

  2

  Bermuda

  3

  Devonport and Plymouth Sound

  2

  Diego Garcia

  2

  Portsmouth

  1

  Spithead

  4

  Southampton

  1

  Gibraltar

  2

  Coulport

  1

  1 The use of the berths in Liverpool is currently in abeyance awaiting final resolution of the mechanism for the implementation of the potassium iodate tablets countermeasure distribution plan.

  576W

  Barrow in Furness owned by BAE Systems Marine Ltd.1

  Berths

  Barrow in Furness

  4 x X

  Devonshire Dock

  Barrow in Furness

  1 x X

  Buccleuch Dock

  Barrow in Furness

  2 x Z

  1 The berths listed against Barrow in Furness are owned by BAE Systems Marine Ltd. and have "lapsed". The necessary procedures to revalidate the berths will be instigated 12 months prior to reactor core installation for the Astute Class submarines currently on contract.

  Royal Air Force
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that overspending on defence procurement projects does not affect RAF frontline strength. [138159]

  Dr. Moonie
  There are no current plans to depart from the conclusions reached in the Strategic Defence Review about the frontline strength of the RAF, although these plans are regularly reviewed.

  Training (Foreign Troops)
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the(a) gross and (b) net income derived from the training of personnel from foreign armed forces in the last year for which figures are available. [138315]

  Mr. Spellar
  The information is not held in the format requested. The funds expended training solely foreign personnel cannot be separated from the overall cost of the activity. Furthermore, the amount of receipts generated solely from training foreign personnel is not recorded separately. As a result I can provide only the amount of receipts recovered for the provision of education and training in general. In 1990–2000, this sum was just over £58 million.

  Controlled Substances
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of(a) the Army, (b) the Navy and (c) the RAF tested positive for the use of controlled substances in the most recent testing programme, stating in each instance what percentage of trained strength tested positive for (a) cannabis, (b) cocaine, (c) heroin and (d) other controlled substances; and if he will make a statement. [137861]

  Mr. Spellar
  From 1 January to mid-October 2000, 580 Army personnel tested positive. Of the trained strength, 0.26 per cent. tested positive for cannabis, 0.04 per cent. for cocaine and 0.10 per cent. for other controlled substances as previously described. No one on the trained strength tested positive for heroin.

  During the same period, 41 Naval Service personnel (including Royal Marines) tested positive. Of the trained strength, 0.04 per cent. tested positive for cannabis, 0.01 per cent. for cocaine and 0.03 per cent. for other controlled substances (Ecstasy, LSD, Amphetamines, Benzodiazepines and Performance Enhancing Drugs). No one on the trained strength tested positive for heroin.
  577W
  The corresponding figures for the RAF record that 14 personnel tested positive. Of the trained strength, 0.08 per cent. tested positive for cannabis, 0.03 per cent. for cocaine and 0.03 per cent. for other controlled substances as previously described. No one on the trained strength tested positive for heroin.

  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the controlled substances that members of the armed forces were routinely tested for in(a) 1996, (b) 1997, (c) 1998, (d) 1999 and (e) 2000; what plans he has to adjust the testing programme with regard to (i) the number of substances tested for, (ii) the interval between testing and (iii) the penalties for service personnel testing positive; and if he will make a statement. [137863]

  Mr. Spellar
  When first introduced by the Army in 1995, the Compulsory Drug Testing (CDT) programme routinely tested for: Cannabis, Cocaine, Amphetamines (including Ecstasy) and one of Opiates, Benzodiazepines or LSD. Since 15 October 1999, the tri-Service programme has tested routinely for: Cannabis, Cocaine, Amphetamines (including Ecstasy), Benzodiazepines and one of other Opiates or LSD.

  If prevailing drug trends change, or a particular risk exists that is not covered by the routine testing programme and where appropriate analytical technology is available, other drugs of misuse can be added, exceptionally, to the testing programmes, e.g. performance enhancing drugs.

  Increasing the frequency of CDT enhances deterrence but a balance must be established between deterrence and minimising disruption to the services operational and training commitments. A recent amendment to the random rolling drug testing strategy has increased the probability of higher risk groups being tested on a more frequent basis, without having a significant impact on the services' ability to meet their operational liability.

  It continues to be service policy that, save in exceptional cases, a positive random test result, or the refusal to provide a specimen, will lead to Army and RAF officers being required to resign and to administrative discharge in the case of an RN officer. Soldiers, ratings and airmen will normally be administratively discharged. Personnel of the rank of lance corporal (and equivalent in the other services) and below may be retained in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of their Commanding Officer.

  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how often are members of(a) the Army, (b) the Navy and (c) the RAF tested for the use of controlled substances; which controlled substances are tested for; which testing kits are used; and if he will make a statement. [137862]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Army aims to test all personnel annually for drugs. Units that are deemed to be at higher risk by nature of their location or their previous Compulsory Drug Testing (CDT) record may be subject to more frequent testing. The Naval Service aims to conduct random testing in every ship and establishment at least annually, with some establishments subject to more regular testing, and this year plans to test approximately 30 per cent. of its personnel. The RAF aims to test 25 per cent. of its personnel annually. The services conduct their random CDT agenda as part of a rolling programme.
  578W
  Currently, the tri-service programme tests routinely for: Cannabis, Cocaine, Amphetamines (including Ecstasy), Benzodiazepines and one of either Opiates or LSD.

  The drug testing process utilises Microgenics Clonable Enzyme Doner Immune-Assay (CEDIA) technology. Previous immuno-assay technologies utilised were Syva's EMTH and Roche' s ONLINE. Samples that screen positive are then confirmed by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). A sample will be reported positive only after the presence of drugs has been verified by the confirmatory GC/MS process.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Drug Trafficking
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Solicitor-General on how many occasions since 21 August he has referred to the Court of Appeal sentences imposed for drug trafficking. [137885]

  The Solicitor-General
  With effect from 21 August 2000 the Attorney-General was given the power to refer sentences passed in the Crown court for drugs trafficking offences. These include offences of production or supply of controlled drugs contrary to ss.4(2) and (3) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, cultivation of cannabis contrary to s.6(2) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1979 in connection with a prohibition or restriction on importation or exportation of a controlled drug within s.2 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The Attorney-General has just referred the first case under these provisions to the Court of Appeal.

  Departmental Employees (New Deal)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Solicitor-General how many people his Department employs under the New Deal for Young People. [137949]

  The Solicitor-General
  I refer to the answer given by the Cabinet Office on 13 November 2000,Official Report, column 551W.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Nitrous Oxides
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what estimate he has made of the number of deaths caused by emissions of nitrous oxides in each of the past three years;. [136098]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the effects on human health of nitrous oxides emissions from waste incinerators; and if he will make a statement; [136100]

  (3) what estimate he has made of the amount of nitrous oxides that will be emitted by waste incinerators in each of the next three years. [136099]
  579W
  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 2 November 2000]: I assume the hon. Member means "nitrogen oxides", often referred to as "nox" (NOx), of which nitrogen dioxide forms a large proportion and which is regarded as the main pollutant of health concern within NOx.

  At relatively high concentrations, nitrogen dioxide causes inflammation of the airways. There is evidence to show that long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide may affect lung function and that nitrogen dioxide may enhance the response of sensitised individuals to allergens. Studies have reported associations between respiratory hospital admissions and nitrogen dioxide levels but it is unclear whether this effect is due to nitrogen dioxide itself or to particles which often increase at the same time as nitrogen dioxide. The source of the nitrogen dioxide is not relevant.

  The Government have not estimated deaths caused by NOx emissions. The 1998 report of the Department of Health's Committee on Medical Effects of Air Pollutants "Quantification of the Effects of Air Pollution on Health in the United Kingdom" (copies of which are in the House Libraries) considered that, although there was some evidence of an effect of nitrogen dioxide on mortality, this was too uncertain to use to quantify numbers of deaths. However, nitrogen oxides contribute to the formation of secondary particles (nitrates) and ozone. Deaths brought forward by ozone and particles were quantified by COMEAP. COMEAP did not ascribe proportions of these deaths to particular ozone precursors such as nitrogen oxides or to particular types of particles such as nitrates.

  NAEI NOx emissions estimates

  Kilotonnes

  Incineration sector

  1998

  2001

  20051

  20101

  20151

  20201

  Sewage sludge

  0.2

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  0.4

  Poultry litter

  0.3

  0.4

  0.3

  0.3

  0.2

  0.2

  Municipal waste

  5.2

  4.0

  12.0

  21.0

  21.0

  21.0

  Total incineration

  5.8

  4.6

  12.6

  21.6

  21.6

  21.6

  All sources

  1,753

  1,559

  1,354

  1,167

  1,068

  1,076

  Percentage from incineration

  0.3

  0.3

  0.9

  1.9

  2.0

  2.0

  1 Projections based on various assumptions derived from 'Energy Projections for the UK (Working Paper)', March 2000, EPTAC Directorate DTI

  Source:

  UK Emissions of Air Pollutants 1970–98, J. W. L. Goodwin, A. G. Salway, T. P. Murrells, C. J. Dore and H. S. Eggleston October 2000 (www.aeat.co.uk/netcen/airqual/)

  Industrial Accidents (Humberside)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) fatal industrial accidents and (b) industrial accidents involving a stay in hospital of over 24 hours have occurred in the Humberside Region since 1 January 1999. [134239]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 2 November 2000]: (a) Fatal Accident. The number of fatal accidents which occurred in Humberside from 1 January 1999 to 16 October 2000 and which have been reported to HSE as required by the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 is 16.

  (b) Injuries involving a hospital stay. HSE only records details of major injuries as defined in RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regs 1995). This includes requiring
  580W
  The assessment of the costs and benefits of the proposed waste incineration directive commissioned by the Department from Entec UK Ltd. (copies of which are in the House Libraries) on the basis of COMEAP data used an assumption about the proportion of ozone attributable to NOx to calculate the marginal health benefits of the NOx limits in the proposal. It concluded that the proposed NOx limit would prevent 46 deaths being brought forward and prevent or delay 91 respiratory hospital admissions as a result of the formation of ozone. Entec UK have very recently recognised a mathematical error in the original calculation, such that the figures given for the marginal health benefits of the proposed NOx limits were overstated. The correct figures for health effects of NOx are in fact significantly lower—0.7 deaths not brought forward and 0.9 respiratory hospital admissions not brought forward as a result of the formation of ozone.

  The National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory holds data for estimated total UK NOx emissions from three incineration sectors—sewage sludge incineration, poultry litter incineration and municipal waste incineration. This data have been extrapolated to give projected NOx emissions for 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020, using assumptions about changes in capacity, but without taking into account the NOx limits in the proposed waste incineration directive. The figures are set out in the table. On the basis of the projected 2000 total NOx figure from all three sectors, the incineration sectors covered contribute only 0.3 per cent, of the UK total NOx emissions.

  admission to hospital for more than 24 hours along with serious injuries such as a fracture, amputation, loss of sight etc.

  There were 1,217 major injuries logged which came into this category.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) deaths and (b) injuries involving a stay in hospital occurred in premises on Humberside which were under a prohibition notice in the last five years. [134240]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 2 November 2000]There were three deaths which have occurred in premises on or after the date a Prohibition Notice was served.

  HSE only records details of major injuries as defined in RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regs 1995). This includes requiring

  581W
  admission to hospital for more than 24 hours along with serious injuries such as a fracture, amputation, loss of sight etc. There were 78 major injuries logged which came into this category.

  Health and Safety Executive
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many Band 2 and Band 3 HSE inspectors there are in the Hull office. [134241]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 2 November 2000]There are currently two Band 2 and three Band 3 HSE inspectors based in the Hull office. In addition a specialist Band 3 trainee is currently based in Hull for a six month period. The B2 inspectors manage teams of inspectors in the Leeds and Sheffield offices respectively. Currently two of the B3 inspectors are engaged on operational duties working for managers located in the Leeds and Sheffield offices.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many requests for HSE inspectors to make educational and promotional visits to the Humber Region in the past two years were made to the Leeds and Sheffield offices of the HSE; and how many such requests were successful. [134244]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 2 November 2000)Records are not kept of request for educational and promotional visits. Our records show that in the last two years inspectors made a total of 115 educational contacts in Humberside.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 11 July 2000,Official Report, column 502W, on the Health and Safety Executive, what meetings were held with (a) local employers, (b) local trade unions and (c) local authorities before the meeting with the Chairman of the HSC and the Regional Director of the HSE. [134245]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 2 November 2000]The Chair of HSC and the Regional Director of HSE's Yorkshire and North East Region met with Hull trade unionists on 15 May this year. Prior to this, no meetings had been held with local employers, local trade unions and local authorities.

  A419/A417 (Nettleton Bottom)
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 31 October 2000,Official Report, column 387W, on the A419/A417 at Nettleton Bottom, (a) how many (i) fatalities and (ii) serious accidents there were in the last three years on the road and (b) what is the estimated cost of the Highway Agency's safety improvement scheme for the road. [137209]

  Mr. Hill
  There have been one fatal and two serious accidents on the A417 at Nettleton Bottom in the last three years.

  The estimated cost of the Nettleton Bottom Improvement (Phase II) Safety Scheme is £214,180.

  NHS Trusts and Social Landlord Partnerships
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the performance of NHS trusts and resigistered social landlords partnerships; if he will list the locations where such partnership schemes have been initiated; and what plans he has to further extend the partnership scheme. [137230]

  Mr. Mullin
  [holding answer 7 November 2000]We are keen to encourage partnerships between NHS trusts and registered social landlords for the development of affordable accommodation for health service employees. I understand that the Department of Health is currently collecting information of the partnerships which have been formed but I am unable to list their locations at this stage. It will not be possible to carry out any assessments of their performance until information on the partnerships has been collected.

  I expect partnerships to be encouraged further through the Starter Home Initiative the details of which will be announced in the new Session of Parliament. This initiative will provide assistance to key workers in high cost areas to purchase their own home. I expect employees of NHS trusts to be among those who will benefit from this scheme.

  Resettlement Costs (Flooding)
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will assess the benefits of introducing a scheme to provide financial assistance to enable householders to resettle should it prove economically unviable to provide long-term defences against flooding. [137509]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Government's first priority is to see what improvements can be made to flood defences, so that resettlement can be avoided. My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has recently announced that existing funding for flood defence work will be increased by a total of £51 million over this and the next three years. This additional funding will allow more river-based defence schemes to be progressed.

  Departmental Employees (New Deal)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many staff are employed by his Department under the New Deal for Young People. [137960]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The number of New Deal staff employed by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and its Agencies is 51. Of these 14 are in the category of young people (18 to 24 year olds).

  Registered Social Landlords
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it his policy to gather information centrally on the previous employers of the most senior staff of registered social landlords that have taken over former local authority housing stock and the names and relevant financial interests of the chairs of the boards of these organisations. [137707]
  583W
  Mr. Mullin
  Registered Social Landlords are not-for-profit companies independent of the public sector. Therefore I do not believe it would be appropriate for the Department to gather and hold centrally the information suggested by my hon. Friend.

  Affordable Homes
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to ensure that homes for which planning permission is given on the basis of affordability remain affordable on re-sale or reallocation. [137708]

  Mr. Mullin
  We already provide guidance to local planning authorities on this issue. Planning obligations and conditions may be used to ensure that affordable housing provided through planning policy is secured, either initially or in perpetuity, for occupation by people in need of such housing. Detailed guidance is set out in Planning Policy Guidance note 3: "Housing" and Circular 6/98, "Planning and Affordable Housing". All affordable housing provided by Registered Social Landlords using Social Housing Grant must continue to be let at affordable rents as a condition of receiving the grant.

  Directly Elected Mayor
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to increase turnouts in local referenda on directly elected mayors; and what plans he has to provide public funds for this purpose. [138007]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Chapter 13 of the guidance on new council constitutions, placed in the Library of the House on the 26 October 2000, indicates measures for local authorities to maximise turnout at local referendums and states that we are considering the introduction of certain innovations in electoral practice in the proposed regulations on referendums. As stated in the Local Government Bill explanatory notes, published on 26 November 1999, savings arising are expected to offset, or more than offset, any additional costs that may fall to local authorities as a result of adopting new decision-making arrangements including the costs associated with the holding of referendums.

  Executive/Scrutiny Arrangements
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those small district councils which will be exempted from the regime of an executive/scrutiny split under the Local Government Act 2000. [138004]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  All councils are required by the Local Government Act 2000 to have separate scrutiny arrangements in their new constitutions. Under the Act these new constitutions for district councils in two tier areas with a population below 85,000 (as estimated by the Registrar General on 30 June 1999) may involve either executive or alternative arrangements. I have placed a list of those councils in the Library of the House.

  Home Energy Efficiency Scheme
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how 584W
  many properties in the Leeds, Central parliamentary constituency have benefited from improvements funded through the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme in each of the last 10 years. [138073]

  Mr. Meacher
  The table identifies the number of properties receiving insulation measures and value of grant for each of the last 10 financial years.

  Financial year

  Number of grants

  Value of grants (£000)

  1991–92

  761

  91.5

  1992–93

  629

  87.8

  1993–94

  1,309

  190.7

  1994–95

  1,298

  206.4

  1995–96

  1,843

  259.2

  1996–97

  1,457

  203.4

  1997–98

  1,377

  191.1

  1998–99

  952

  137.2

  1999–2000

  1,163

  153.3

  2000–2001

  185

  75.8

  1 A further 503 households are awaiting permission from the social or private landlords for work to be carried out

  The new Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) for England was launched on 1 June 2000. It replaced the more basic scheme that operated since 1991. HEES provides packages of insulation and heating measures, linked to the condition of the property and the type of householder. The grant maximum increased from £315 up to £2,000. As a consequence, the average value of work per household has substantially increased.

  Waste
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce legislation to prevent the importing of waste into the United Kingdom for disposal. [138186]

  Mr. Meacher
  The UK already prohibits most imports of waste for final disposal. Under the legally binding United Kingdom Management Plan for Exports and Imports of Waste, which came into effect in June 1996, the UK accepts wastes only from those countries which cannot reasonably be expected to deal with specific wastes in an environmentally sound manner. This is because we have the necessary treatment facilities which meet tough environmental standards. This policy is designed to encourage countries to become as self-sufficient as possible in waste disposal.

  Consistent with European law, however, the UK cannot prohibit imports of wastes for recovery, which could include shipments of municipal wastes for incineration with energy recovery. However, shipments of municipal waste still require the prior consent of the UK enforcement authorities and would have to meet specific criteria set out in the UK Plan. There may be grounds for objecting to individual shipments if the primary purpose of the importing facility is to treat local wastes and those wastes will be displaced by the proposed imports. Available data show that no imports of municipal waste have taken place since the existing UK Plan came into effect in 1996.

  UK policies and procedures on the acceptance of waste imports are being considered as part of the current review of the UK Plan.

  Loop Railway Lines (Hatfield)
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what reports he has received about movement in the loop railway lines around Hatfield since 17 October. [137822]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 10 November 2000]: After the accident at Hatfield on 17 October, services were diverted on to the line via Hertford. The Hatfield line has now re-opened, with the first passenger service on Friday 10 November.

  Freight Vehicles and Buses
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) freight vehicles and (b) buses have converted to (i) LPG and (ii) CNG since May 1997. [138237]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 13 November 2000]: DVLA statistics show that from the end of June 1997 to the end of June 2000, the number of goods vehicles (over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight) running on gas increased by 126 to a total of 175. Over the same period, the number of buses running on gas increased by 62 to a total of 103. DVLA's figures do not distinguish between the road fuel gases liquid petroleum gas and compressed natural gas.

  Incineration
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to ensure relevant information in respect of incineration is drawn to the attention of Ministers in his Department. [137539]

  Mr. Mullin
  None, as Ministers are as a matter of course kept fully in touch with waste management policy issues through the Department.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the information made available to Ministers in the last six months relating to anticipated deaths and pollution-related illnesses associated with proposed incinerators. [137540]

  Mr. Mullin
  Ministers have been kept fully in touch with work on the health effects of incinerators. Most recently, information provided to Ministers has included the correction by the consultants Entec UK Ltd. to their estimate of benefits of the proposed waste incineration directive1, showing that some of the figures for health effects currently in circulation are very significant over estimates. (The error is explained in EM 10417/00 on the proposed waste incineration directive).
  1 Regulatory and Environmental Impact Assessment of the Proposed Waste Incineration Directive Final Report February 1999 (in the House Library).

  Frogs
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the letter to the hon. Member for Linlithgow of 12 October CM/23437/00, what information as to the basis of his policy he has received from English Nature and their 586W
  contacts with those in other countries, undertaking research into frog disease and mortality; and if he will make a statement. [136223]

  Mr. Mullin
  English Nature, our statutory advisers, regularly review the work undertaken within the international scientific arena on issues that may affect native species, including amphibians, and will shortly be meeting with the Declining Amphibian Populations Task Force (a specialist group that co-ordinates and funds work on amphibian diseases) to discuss a contingency plan should significant pathogens be detected in British frog populations.

  Retrospective Planning Applications
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to strengthen the powers of local authorities to require retrospective planning applications. [136450]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  None. Local planning authorities can already invite a retrospective planning application in respect of unauthorised development where they judge that there are no planning objections to it. Otherwise, authorities already have wide ranging enforcement powers to control development undertaken without planning permission. We have no current plans to strengthen these powers further.

  Housing Density
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was housing density, as measured by homes per hectare, in(a) 1996, (b) 1997, (c) 1998, (d) 1999 and (e) from January.

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  New dwellings in England were built at an average density of 25 per hectare between 1994 and 1998. Figures for individual years have not yet been published. My Department is conducting research looking at this and other aspects of the publication of these statistics. This research should be completed next year.

  Liverpool Street-Norwich Line
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment. Transport and the Regions what recent representations regarding delays to trains on the Liverpool Street, London to Norwich line, since 17 October have been(a) received by his Department and (b) made by his Department to Railtrack plc. [138415]

  Mr. Hill
  We have received one representation from a member of public about delays on the London Liverpool Street to Norwich line. We have made no representations to Railtrack specifically on delays to trains on this line but we are meeting regularly with Railtrack and the Association of Train Operating Companies to discuss progress with the national track recovery plan.

  Capping Powers
  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to use the reserve capping powers for 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [138469]
  587W
  Ms Armstrong
  It is the Government's policy that local authorities should accept greater responsibility for setting their own budget and council tax increases. That is why we abolished crude and universal capping. However, we retain reserve powers to protect council tax payers from excessive increases. We identified three authorities whose council tax and budget increases in 1999–2000 and 2000–01 were at the top end of the range of increases for all authorities in England. I met those authorities in July. I have considered carefully the points they put to me. I have also taken account of the fact that the average council tax increases in England fell in 2000 for the second year running. On balance, I have decided not to use the new reserve powers this year. Against a background in which the Government have announced a significant increase in funding for local authorities for the next three years, all local authorities should budget responsibly.

  Climate Change
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his objectives for the forthcoming climate change negotiations in The Hague. [138611]

  Mr. Prescott
  The Sixth Conference of the Parties (COP 6) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change will aim to agree a detailed framework for the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol.

  The Government want to negotiate an agreement which can be endorsed by all countries; pave the way to ratification by sufficient numbers of countries for the Protocol to enter into force by 2002; and will lead to action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by developed countries which are currently responsible for 60 per cent. of the world's emissions. We will work for an agreement that safeguards the environmental integrity of the Protocol, taking into accounts its economic impacts and providing certainty for business.

  Health and Safety Laboratory
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Health and Safety Laboratory will publish its annual report and accounts for 1999–2000. [138695]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Health and Safety Laboratory has today published the 1999–2000 Annual Report and Accounts, and copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Business-Government Links
  Maria Eagle
  To ask the President of the Council what progress has been made in improving the Government's links with the business community through the business communications unit. [136378]

  Mrs. Beckett
  The Business Coordination Unit in my Department is making a significant contribution to improving Government contact with all sectors of 588W
  business across the UK. Business representatives have warmly welcomed the work of the Unit and I look forward to further progress.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Oral Questions
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the President of the Council if she will bring proposals to the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons to allow for greater topicality in oral questions to Ministers. [136374]

  Mr. Tipping
  There is a matter which has concerned Committees of this House over several decades. The Modernisation Committee are currently reviewing their work programme—I will ensure that this issue is raised as a potential area for consideration.

  House of Commons (Maintenance)
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chairman of the Finance and Services Committee what has been the total sum spent on repairing, improving and maintaining the House of Commons buildings over the past 12 months. [136376]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  The House of Commons spent some £25 million on repairing, improving and maintaining the House of Commons buildings in the last full financial year.

  Commission Minutes
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Chairman of the Finance and Services Committee to ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, if he will undertake to publish notes of minutes of the meetings of the House of Commons Commission within two weeks of each meeting. [136377]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  The Commission's meetings are deliberative. The Commission does publish considerable details about the House's management and services for Members in its annual report, the last of which was published on 19 July 2000 (HC 808).

  I can tell the hon. Member that we are considering ways of providing hon. Members with information on a more regular basis, including information on the parliamentary intranet, in line with recommendations of the Braithwaite review of management and services. As soon as decisions about this are made, I will ensure that the House is informed.

  Regional Standing Committee
  Dr. Naysmith
  To ask the President of the Council what progress has been made in setting up the regional Standing Committee. [136379]

  Mrs. Beckett
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Gillingham (Mr. Clark) on 14 November 2000,Official Report, column 799.

  Portcullis House
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee if he will make a statement on progress of the commissioning of Portcullis House. [136367]

  Sir Sydney Chapman
  The first hon. Member moved into the building on 11 September and of the 210 Members' offices over 180 have now been occupied. It is expected that all moves will be completed this month.

  As I indicated in the answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Totnes (Mr. Steen) on 31 October 2000, Official Report, column 352W, the overwhelming response from hon. Members and their staff has been very positive, welcoming the ambience and good working facilities provided in the building.

  The Vote Office, Post Office and Serjeant at Arms Service desk opened in time for the return of the House after the summer adjournment. The meeting and conference rooms were also available, and the Select Committee rooms are now operational.

  The e-Library has been handed over to that Department and should be operational by the State Opening.

  The Refreshment Department's accommodation was handed over on 6 November. I understand that after a period to move in their stock and equipment and conduct staff training, the Department hopes to open "the adjournment" brasserie and "the debate" self service restaurant in time for the State Opening. The refreshment service to the first floor meeting rooms will start operating on a trial basis this week with a view to starting a full operation by 4 December.

  Public Tours (Summer Adjournment)
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what assessment she has made of the operation of arrangements for public tours during the summer adjournment. [136365]

  Mrs. Roe
  A report by the Visitor Manager on the results of the trial opening to visitors from 7 August to 16 September was considered by my Committee at its meeting on 7 November, together with the results of a visitor satisfaction survey conducted by the University of Greenwich Business School. The Committee was pleased, and encouraged, to note that visitor satisfaction level with both the guided tour itself and the performance of the tour guides was exceptionally high. Visitors felt very strongly, and were very positive, about the importance of continuing to offer public tours during the summer recess. My Committee will be considering our draft Report, which, when agreed, will be put before the House for its consideration shortly. I understand a similar assessment of the trial opening is being carried out by the relevant Committee of the House of Lords.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Malawi
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the Government Departments she is funding in Malawi and the amount funded in each case. [136643]

  Clare Short
  We do not fund individual Departments directly. We support a number of sectoral programmes, each of which may be sponsored by one or more Departments. Our approach to this, in common with other donors, is set out in the Departmental Report 2000 (CM4610, e.g. page 14, page 93), a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

  Education Programmes
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action she is taking to encourage Third World countries which benefit from debt relief to use such benefits to develop education programmes for young people. [137383]

  Clare Short
  The reason for debt relief is to assist on poverty reduction. The country-led approach to development embodied in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Programmes (PRSP) process provides a framework for allocating all Government resources, including savings from debt relief and development assistance, so that they make maximum impact on poverty. Investing in education is vitally important for development and poverty reduction. Achieving universal primary education by 2015 is one of the International Development Targets. We and others have repeatedly made it clear that real progress will only be achieved and sustained if education, and basic education in particular, is given the priority it deserves within PRSPs. Since May 1997 we have committed over £400 million to helping Governments in developing countries to put in place sustainable education systems able to provide high-quality primary education to all their children. We will do more.

  Palestinian Schools
  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for International. Development if she will make a statement on the Palestinian Authority's decision to close the schools under their control. [137502]

  Clare Short
  We understand that the Palestinian Authority closed its schools for security reasons but that most of them have now re-opened. This is entirely a matter for the Palestinian authorities.

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much aid Her Majesty's Government have spent on Palestinian education and schools in each of the last six years. [137500]

  Clare Short
  UK development assistance for Palestinian education since 1995–96 has totalled £3,371,925. This
  591W
  includes support to the Palestinian Authority and NGOs. Available information on annual expenditure is as follows:

  Year

  £

  1995–96

  328,943

  1996–87

  561,560

  1997–98

  1,176,306

  1998–99

  757,679

  1999–2000

  547,437

  In addition the UK has provided a total of £47,278,000 to the United Nations Works and Relief Agency, mainly as contributions to the Agency's core budget. This is used to provide education, health and welfare services to Palestinian refugees in the West Bank and Gaza and neighbouring countries. Our annual expenditure has been:

  Year

  £ million

  1994–95

  6.0

  1995–96

  6.666

  1996–97

  8.14

  1997–98

  10.067

  1998–99

  3.371

  1999–2000

  13.034

  Uganda
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance her Department makes available to Uganda to prevent mother to baby transmission of HIV. [137942]

  Clare Short
  We do not currently provide direct funding for the specific prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (MTCT) in Uganda. Steps are being taken to establish a programme for dealing with MTCT, led by UNICEF, working closely with the Ministry of Health, the Uganda AIDS Commission and the UNAIDS theme group, of which the Department for International Development is an active member. We are also providing over £2 million in support this financial year to a variety of AIDS related projects and programmes throughout Uganda.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much her Department spent in development and aid in Sierra Leone in(a) 1999 and (b) so far this year; and what the financial support spent on war. [138018]

  Clare Short
  Development expenditure by the Department for International Development in Sierra Leone in 1999–2000 amounted to £29,914,000. Development expenditure for Sierra Leone so far this year totals £13,645,000. Final expenditure figures will not be available until next summer. Development funds have not been used to support the war against the Sierra Leone rebel factions.

  HIV/AIDS (Caribbean)
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement 592W
  On the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean and the support the UK is providing to local health organisations there. [137737]

  Clare Short
  Recent reports indicate that HIV prevalence in the Caribbean is now second only to sub-Saharan Africa. The Caribbean also has the highest AIDS incidence rate in the Americas. HIV/AIDS is already the leading cause of death in the 15-44 age group within the region.

  We are supporting the work of the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) in its response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We are funding the second phase (£713,564) of a project aimed at the Prevention and Control of AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. This focuses on strengthening the management of public health information strategies for HIV/AIDS, cost-effective STD/HIV/AIDS case management, and improved surveillance systems for STDs and HIV/AIDS within Caribbean countries.

  We are currently examining what further support should be provided to a CARICOM-sponsored regional plan of action for tackling HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean, as presented at a regional conference held in Barbados in September.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Human Rights Commission
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what attempts are made by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to identify or assess the perceived(a) political and (b) religious affiliation of persons seeking assistance from the Commission;. [136520]

  (2) if he will list the occasions on which the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has initiated proceedings, the nature of each such case and the reference number and names of the persons concerned; [136523]

  (3) what efforts are made by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to encourage applications for assistance in bringing a case from sections of the community which are presently under-represented in the number of applications for assistance;. [136521]

  (4) if he will list the applications made to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission for assistance to bring a case, the cost of such assistance in each case in which assistance was given, and also show the cases in which requests for assistance were refused and the reasons for refusal in each case; [136519]

  (5) if he will publish the criteria used by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission for giving assistance to an individual to bring a case;. [136518]

  (6) on how many occasions the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has assisted individuals in bringing cases; what is the reference number of the cases and the names of the individuals concerned; and by what means the outcome of the cases was brought to the attention of the general public;. [136517]
  593W
  (7) if he will list the occasions on which the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has intervened in existing proceedings, indicating the nature of the cases, the names of those involved and the reference number. [136522]

  Mr. George Howarth
  This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission which is an independent body. I have therefore asked the Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to write to the hon. Member. A copy of his letter will be placed in the Library.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Ministerial Directions
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, 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. [137299]

  Mr. Caborn
  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 term of exemption 2 of the Code of Practice.

  Oil and Gas Directorate
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to(a) relocate his Department's oil and gas directorate employment to Aberdeen and (b) create additional oil and gas jobs, indicating where the jobs will be located. [137336]

  Mrs. Liddell
  My Oil and Gas Directorate maintains offices in both Aberdeen and London, reflecting operational needs. There are no plans to change this.

  In the last three years the number of posts located in Aberdeen has risen from 56.3 to 72.3; a further 14 posts have been transferred from my Department to the Inland Revenue's Aberdeen office. This reflects our policy of maintaining a substantial operational presence in Aberdeen. The future staffing of Oil and Gas Directorate is currently under review.

  SMEs (Wales)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many small and medium enterprises failed by constituency in Wales and England in the last 12 months. [137716]

  Ms Hewitt
  There are no official statistics on the number of small and medium enterprise failures by constituency.

  When a County court hears an insolvency petition they allocate the case to the nearest Official Receiver's office. It is the location of the Official Receiver's office that is recorded, not the location of the business.
  594W
  There were 5,037 insolvencies in England and Wales from 1 October 1999 to 30 September 2000, the latest 12 months available.

  ADSL Services
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will require suppliers of ADSL services to specify to consumers a maximum and minimum expected contention ratio; and if he will make a statement. [138328]

  Ms Hewitt
  Contention ratio is one of a number of fundamental quality of service parameters used to specify ADSL service products, as are other parameters such as data rates and throughput. It is generally accepted that service quality and cost are related and this is certainly true for ADSL services.

  It is likely that contention ratio information will be provided by ADSL service suppliers as part of their service contract with the customers and indeed customers may well request this information if it is not readily available. It is also expected that ADSL service suppliers will offer customers a choice of throughput offerings so that customers will be able to choose which quality performance offering best meets their needs.

  It is therefore for market forces to determine which services consumers are likely to demand and what price consumers are willing to pay for such services based on the overall service quality package.

  Volunteers
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will mark next year's International Year of Volunteers by spending a day working as a volunteer. [137438]

  Mr. Byers
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on 13 November 2000,Official Report, column 531W.

  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.

  My Department fully intends to take up the Prime Minister's challenge. An article to be published in the staff newspaper early in the new year will announce that all staff have the right to take one day's paid special leave per year to take part in voluntary activities in their community. This is in addition to the provisions that already exist to allow staff paid time off for voluntary activities.

  I personally intend to spend a day, working as a volunteer in my own constituency, during 2001.

  Deregulation
  Mr. Page
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 30 October 2000,Official Report, column 228W, on deregulation, what progress his Department has made in identifying the statement referred to and the evidence on which it is based. [138409]
  595W
  Ms Hewitt
  The statement to which I now understand this and the previous question refers is that "Government continues to reduce the burdens caused by too much regulation." It appears in two publications published by the Small Business Service—"Setting up in Business: A Guide to Regulatory Requirements" and "Employing Staff: A Guide to Regulatory Requirements." It also appears on the Small Business Service website.

  There is considerable evidence for the statement. For example, the Government have increased the threshold below which small companies may opt to dispense with having their annual accounts audited from a turnover of £350,000 to a turnover of £1,000,000. This measure alone will produce annual savings of around £90 million for about 75,000 companies. In addition, the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his pre-budget statement has proposed a major overhaul of the VAT system to reduce the administrative burden on small firms. The Federation of Small Businesses said it was
  … delighted with the proposals outlined by the Chancellor on VAT, saying reforms would provide greater simplicity and ease cash flow problems for small firms.

  A number of other measures to reduce burdens are in the pipeline, including reform of the liquor licensing and gambling laws. Further evidence for the statement is the report by the OECD last year that the UK had the lowest level of product market regulation while the CBI has reported that the UK has more flexible labour market regulation than other European countries.

  Sugar Regime
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is(a) the current and (b) the forecast level of restitution payments in each of the EU countries in respect of sugar export. [137549]

  Ms Quin
  I have been asked to reply.

  The following table provides details of export refunds on sugar in each member state for 1998–99. The Commission's latest estimate for the EU's 2000–01 budget is 1,210 million euros for the EU as a whole. No forecast figures per member state are available, as the breakdown of expenditure depends on the port of export.

  Member state

  Expenditure on export refunds 1998–99 (million euro)

  Percentage by member state

  Austria

  14

  1

  Belgium

  299

  19

  Denmark

  96

  6

  Finland

  7

  0

  France

  488

  31

  Germany

  235

  15

  Greece

  4

  0

  Ireland

  5

  0

  Italy

  153

  10

  Luxembourg

  0

  0

  Netherlands

  34

  2

  Portugal

  31

  2

  Spain

  49

  3

  Sweden

  22

  1

  UK

  154

  10

  Total

  1,591

  100

  596W
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received from the British sugar industry regarding the proposed new sugar regime; and if he will make a statement. [137590]

  Ms Quin
  I have been asked to reply.

  As at 10 November written responses to the Ministry's consultation letter of 6 October have been received from British Sugar plc and the Tenant Farmers Association. In addition, a wide range of interests participated in a consultation meeting on 23 October. Copies of the written comments will in due course be made available in the Ministry's library at Whitehall Place.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of the total UK consumption of sugar is satisfied by(a) home production, (b) imports from former colonies and (c) other sources. [137606]

  Ms Quin
  I have been asked to reply.

  The following table indicates the proportion of the total UK consumption of sugar satisfied by each source for the July 1999 to June 2000 marketing year. Home sugar beet production refers to sugar produced within quota only, and does not include over-quota sugar.

  Percentage

  Source

  Proporton of UK consumption

  a) Home sugar beet production

  53

  b) African, Caribbean, Pacific States Work and India

  40

  c) Other sources

  7

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Access to Work
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to inform small and medium sized enterprises about the Access to Work scheme. [135841]

  Ms Hodge
  [holding answer 31 October 2000]: Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its Chief Executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Mark Neale to Mr. Tim Boswell, dated 14 November 2000:
  As the Employment Service is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State for Education and Employment has asked Leigh Lewis to reply to your question concerning the steps being taken to inform small and medium sized enterprises of the Access to Work scheme. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to Mr Lewis as Chief Executive of the Agency. I am replying on his behalf.
  In answer to your specific question, it is encouraging to know that half of the employees who apply for support from the Access to Work scheme work for organisations which employ fewer than 500 people. The Employment Service already invests around £300,000 per year in marketing and publicising its disability services and programmes, through a variety of media including external advertising, exhibitions and marketing events, video and information leaflets, which are available through all Jobcentres. This includes leaflets specifically aimed at employers. Our own promotion is reinforced by a wide range of other organisations, particularly in the

  597W
  voluntary sector, who represent disabled people. We collaborate with them to help publicise Access to Work and our other support for disabled people and employers seeking to employ people with disabilities.
  I am also pleased to be able to tell you that the Employment Service is relaunching its website this autumn. This relaunch will include fuller information about disability services, including much more information about Access to Work for employers and individuals.
  Our promotion of the Access to Work scheme is reflected in growing demand for it. In round figures, 13,000 disabled people were supported in 97–98, 16,000 in 98–99, and 21,000 in 99–2000.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Sickness Absence
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the progress made by his Department since 1999 in reducing sickness absence; what targets he has agreed with the Cabinet Office; and if he will make a statement. [135468]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 30 October 2000]: In 1999, the overall sickness absence rate in the Department for Education and Employment (including the Employment Service) was 10.6 days per staff year. We have agreed targets with the Cabinet Office to reduce this to 9.6 days by 2001, and 8.3 days by 2003. The Department is making significant efforts to meet these challenging targets.

  Asset Management Data
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list by(a) authority and (b) as a total, the results of the asset management plan condition data surveys, breaking the data down according to each of the four levels of priority, as required by the Department. [136751]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 6 November 2000]: We are collecting and validating the data and will publish them next year.

  New Deal (Hendon)
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many clients of the New Deal in Hendon in each New Deal category have(a) found a job, (b) found a subsidised job, (c) found training and (d) found work on an environmental task force. [136951]

  Ms Jowell
  The following table shows latest figures (to the end of August 2000) for the number of young people gaining jobs from the New Deal for Young People in Hendon parliamentary constituency.

  In answer to (a)-(d), figures on starts to each New Deal option are shown. All options include an element of training

  Type of option

  Number

  Employment option

  19

  Full time education/training

  148

  Voluntary sector

  31

  Environment task force

  8

  Total into options

  206

  Number into jobs

  347

  Special Educational Needs
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance has been issued to adjudicators and school organisation committees on the policy of inclusion for children statemented with special educational needs. [137229]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 7 November 2000]: In March 2000 the Department issued guidance on statutory proposals for changes in schools. This included guidance for adjudicators and school organisation committees on the factors to be considered when determining proposals for the reorganisation of special schools and special educational needs provision in mainstream schools.

  The following extract highlights factors to be considered in relation to standards of provision:

  whether the proposals will enable pupils' special educational needs to be met

  whether the proposals will improve educational standards in the area

  how the proposals will support increased inclusion

  whether the proposals will improve standards of accommodation

  whether the proposals will ensure the delivery of a broad and balanced curriculum including all the elements of a basic curriculum

  how the proposals will address any specific health, safety and welfare requirements

  how the proposal will contribute to the efficient use of resources

  the impact of the proposal on other special educational needs provision within the area.

  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what research his Department has undertaken into the loss of SEN teachers due to increased delegation of spending by LEAs. [138029]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Department has not commissioned research specifically into the effect of increased delegation of funding to schools on teachers employed in LEA central services. We have, however, jointly funded with NASEN research to look at the ways in which SEN Support Services are developing. The early findings from this work suggests that posts are increasing or remaining stable in the vast majority of LEAs. A final report on this research will be published early in 2001.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received on the questions of whether statements of special needs should in future(a) specify or (b) otherwise set out assistance from a local authority in the proposed code and regulations on special needs. [138323]

  Jacqui Smith
  We have received representations from a range of individuals, parents' groups, voluntary organisations, and some hon. Members.

  Holocaust Memorial Day
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what measures his Department is taking to publicise the Holocaust Memorial Day Education Pack; and if he will make a statement;. [137631]

  (2) what measures his Department has taken to distribute copies of the Holocaust Memorial Day Education Pack to schools and colleges; and if he will make a statement;. [137632]
  599W
  (3) what guidance his Department has issued to schools and colleges on how to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day; and if he will make a statement. [137633]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) Education Pack was launched on 9 November as part of the build up to the Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January. The Pack has been publicised through the Department's Spectrum publication which goes to all schools, and through the HMD website run by the Home Office.

  The Pack has been produced by a working group of experts from non-government organisations who have a vast range of experience and knowledge in the area of holocaust education, including the Holocaust Education Trust who, on behalf of the working group, are making the Pack available to all schools. I am very grateful to all those organisations who have been involved in its production. Members of the national and community press, a number of survivors and representatives from those organisations involved in the Pack were present at the launch.

  The Pack is a valuable cross-curricular resource and includes a number of suggestions for activities and assemblies to support the commemoration of the Memorial Day.

  Carlisle Jobcentre
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress has been made in the relocation of the jobcentre in Carlisle; and if he will make a statement. [137709]

  Ms Jowell
  Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its Chief Executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Richard Foster to Mr. Eric Martlew, dated 13 November 2000:
  As the Employment Service is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State for Education and Employment has asked Leigh Lewis to reply to your question concerning the progress of plans to relocate Carlisle Jobcentre. This is something which falls within responsibilities delegated to Mr Lewis as Chief Executive of the Agency. I am replying in his absence.
  We have been asked to vacate the premises we now occupy in Lowther House. Our estates team are involved in commercial negotiations to lease alternative premises which will meet the needs of all our customers. We are exploring a number of options in the city centre.
  I will provide you with details of premises once negotiations have been concluded.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Teachers' PRP
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to open up teachers' performance-related pay threshold training and external assessment procedures to special service establishments which wish to mirror the threshold system in payments to their staff. [137851]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 13 November 2000: We are currently considering what support we might give to educational establishments who are interested in mirroring the threshold assessment
  600W
  procedures for their teaching staff. We are consulting on a new provision for the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document to allow such assessments, if carried out in accordance with the system explained in the document, to count in maintained schools.

  Value for Money Unit
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement about the work of the Value for Money Unit in his Department. [137912]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The Value for Money Unit was set up last year to give advice on various aspects of value for money in schools. The Unit works on enabling schools to benchmark their expenditure against similar schools; conducts and sponsors research on the effect of resources on educational outcomes; provides good practice guidance for schools; and advises schools and LEAs about best value in education.

  Out-of-hours School Activities
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what support his Department is offering for out-of-hours school activities. [138063]

  Jacqui Smith
  Out of school hours learning activities are high on this Government's education agenda. We believe that all young people can benefit from these additional opportunities to learn and succeed. In addition to the £205 million of lottery money available through the New Opportunities Fund for these activities, my Department has made available, through the Standards Fund, £20 million this financial year and £60 million for 2001–02.

  My Department is also running a two-year, £2.5 million programme of partnership projects between schools and a wide range of partner organisations, such as businesses and youth, community and voluntary organisations. The 138 projects in the programme will focus on engendering partnership and on evaluating the benefits for both schools and partners.

  In addition, the Department has published a wide range of practical guidance and good practice example for providers of out of school hours learning activities; most recently the "Study Support Toolkit", a suite of good practice and training materials, and "Safe Keeping", a good practice guide for health and safety in out of school hours learning activities.

  European Institutions
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the(a) purpose and (b) running cost of (i) the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, (ii) the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions and (iii) the European Training Foundation. [138079]

  Mr. Wicks
  The three organisations referred to are agencies of the European Union.
  601W
  European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training

  The purpose of the Centre is to provide information on member states' vocational education and training systems. It promotes and supports research on specific education and training themes, produces descriptive reports and identifies developmental trends of interest to member states and the European Commission.

  In 2000 the running costs of the organisation are 12.9 million Euros.

  European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions

  The Foundation was established to provide policy makers with research-based information on the improvement of living and working conditions. This includes comparative cross-European research on employment and unemployment, equal opportunities, social inclusion, health in the workplace and employee relations. As well as commissioning research through open tender the Foundation is active in disseminating research-based information through publications, conferences and seminars throughout the member states.

  In 2000 the running costs of the Foundation are 15 million Euros.

  European Training Foundation.

  The purpose of the Foundation is to act as a centre of expertise in human resource development to assist the countries of central and eastern Europe, the new independent states and non EU Mediterranean countries. It provides analysis and advice to these countries on vocational education and training, disseminates information on EU best practice, assists in the design and development of vocational education and training projects and in monitoring and evaluation of initiatives in these countries. The Foundation is playing a particularly active role in assisting those countries seeking accession to the European Union to develop their vocational education and training expertise.

  In 2000 the running costs of the Foundation are 16.2 million Euros.

  Jeff Joseph Sale Moor Technology College
  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when officials from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority will meet the headteacher of the Jeff Joseph Sale Moor Technology College to discuss the proposed development of an ICT training course. [138169]

  Mr. Wills
  Officials of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) would be pleased to meet with the headteacher of Jeff Joseph Sale Moor Technology College. Officials of the Department for Education and Employment, with colleagues at QCA, will arrange a meeting.

  EU Council of Ministers
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the outcome of the Education/Youth Council held in Luxembourg on 9 November; and if he will make a statement. [138396]
  602W
  Mr. Wills
  Jane Davidson AM, Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning and I represented the UK at the Council of EC Education/Youth Ministers in Brussels on 9 November. Education Ministers gave political approval to a common position on a recommendation on mobility within the Community for students, persons undergoing training, volunteers, teachers and instructors. Political approval was also given to a Mixed Resolution containing a Mobility Action Plan. The Plan sets out a number of measures, which member states can select from according to national circumstances, to promote the mobility of teachers, academics, students and volunteers across Europe.

  Ministers discussed a preliminary draft report on the future objectives of education systems. Council agreed that the report, which is to be presented by the Education Ministers to the Stockholm European Council in spring 2001, should aim to identify objectives and priorities common to education systems within member states and facilitate the sharing of information and exchange of good and best practice at a national level.

  The Council adopted two opinions for the Employment and Social Policy Council on the Social Policy Agenda and draft employment guidelines.

  Ministers received reports from the Commission and Presidency on: the conclusions of the Leiden seminar, organised by the Netherlands and French Presidency, on open methods of co-ordination and benchmarking of European education systems; follow up to the meeting of the EU and Latin American Ministers for Higher Education in Paris on 3 November; a memorandum on life-long learning; progress reached in the implementation of the European Year of Languages 2001; the renewal of the United States—Canada—EU co-operation agreements in the field of education and training and; the outcome of the Blois seminar entitled "Learn the history of Europe".

  Youth Ministers held an open debate on the follow-up measures which should be taken following earlier consultations with young people in Europe. Council agreed the importance of involving young people at European level and the need to create regular opportunities for consulting with young people—including those not affiliated to recognised youth networks—at both national and European level. The debate was part of the Commission's consultation process linked to developing a White Paper on the future of youth policy.

  Ministers received information from the Commission on the implementation of the Youth Programme and adopted a resolution on the social inclusion of young people.

  The Presidency and the Commission raised the issue of the potential dangers facing young sportsmen and women through over-training, drug abuse and commercial exploitation. The Commission urged the Council to consider taking action to tackle this.

  The Council heard a report from the German delegation on the need to tackle the problem of racism and xenophobia among young people.

  A copy of the Council Minutes will be placed in the Library in due course.

HEALTH

  Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what recent representations he has received about Ehlers-Danlos syndrome; and what provision exists in the NHS for specialist clinical and research facilities for this condition;. [135880]

  (2) what recent discussions he has had with the Minister of Health in the Welsh Assembly about provision for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. [136384]

  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the NHS' s treatment of sufferers of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. [136998]

  Mr. Denham
  The Department has received recent correspondence about the Connective Tissue Genetics Group (CTGG), which is based at the Institute of Medical Genetics in Cardiff.

  The provision of treatment for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome patients is part of the responsibility of health authorities who must make arrangements for the health of their population as they are closest to the people they serve and so best placed to respond sensitively to their needs.

  There have been no recent discussions with the Minister of Health in the Welsh Assembly about EDS services. The National Specialist Commissioning Advisory Group (NSCAG) advises health ministers in England on the identification and funding of services where central intervention into local commissioning of patient services is necessary. NSCAG is working closely with the Specialised Health Services Commission (SHSC) for Wales to consider a national clinical EDS service that includes services of all current providers.

  The Medical Research Council (MRC) has been providing research funding to the CTGG as a five year programme grant that is due to be completed in November 2000. The MRC would consider any new application for further research funding from CTGG. The MRC always welcomes high quality applications for support and these are judged in open competition with other demands on funding. Awards are made according to their scientific quality and importance to human health.

  Chief Dental Officer
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what grounds the former Chief Dental Officer took early retirement. [137574]

  Mr. Hutton
  Personnel records relating to public employment remain confidential under the terms of Part 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Fungal Infection Treatment
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of research into treatment with synthetic human antibodies in order to counter deadly fungal infections; and if he will make a statement. [137412]
  604W
  Mr. Denham
  The Medicines Control Agency has recently assessed an application to conduct a clinical trial designed to evaluate the use of a synthetic human antibody in the treatment of disseminated fungal infection.

  Secure Units (Suicides)
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children and young people committed suicide in local authority secure units in each of the last 10 years. [137811]

  Mr. Hutton
  One child committed suicide in 1998. There have been no other suicides in local authority secure accommodation in the last 10 years.

  Acute Hospital Beds
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many acute hospital beds there are in the Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth Health Authority area. [137795]

  Mr. Denham
  During 1999–2000 Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth Health Authority had on average 1,418 beds available. Since last December, the local health community has opened an additional 89 beds for this winter.

  Agency Nurses
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many agency nurses were employed in the NHS, and at what total cost, in each year since 1979 for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [137120]

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

  NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): Agency nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff in England as at 30 September in each year

  Whole time equivalents

  1979

  4,020

  1980

  4,220

  1981

  3,760

  1982

  3,040

  1983

  2,440

  1984

  3,750

  1985

  4,120

  1986

  5,450

  1987

  6,130

  1988

  6,240

  1989

  7,230

  1990

  1—

  1991

  3,930

  1992

  3,230

  1993

  4,780

  1994

  4,440

  1995

  1—

  1996

  1—

  1997

  1—

  1998

  1—

  1999

  1—

  1 Not available—agency staff not collected in these years

  Notes:

  Figures are rounded to the nearest 10

  Source:

  Department of Health Non-Medical Workforce Census.

  Waiting Times (North Cumbria)
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on out-patient waiting times in the North Cumbria Health Authority. [137710]

  Mr. Denham
  The latest information for North Cumbria Health Authority for the quarter ending 30 June 2000 demonstrates that 82 per cent. of North Cumbria residents with a written referral from a general practitioner were seen within 13 weeks and that 98 per cent. were seen within 26 weeks.

  Child Migrants
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department has taken in respect of the welfare of former British child migrants since the publication of his Department's response to the Third report of the Health Committee, Session 1997–98, HC 755; and what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of such measures. [138171]

  Mr. Hutton
  In the Government's response to the Health Select Committee's Report on the Welfare of Former Child Migrants, a commitment was given to provide practical help to former child migrants.

  We agreed to increase funding for the Child Migrants Trust to £500,000 over three years (1999–2002) to assist former child migrants in tracing their relatives and also to provide counselling services.

  It has also set up a Support Fund (£1 million over three years managed by International Social Services) to enable first time re-unions between former child migrants and their immediate relatives in the United Kingdom through paying travel and subsistence cost. The International Social Services (ISS) have so far received 209 applications, of which 181 have been successful.

  We have also funded a central information index to help child migrants trace their roots. The Index was installed in November 1999 and to date they have received 181 applications.

  Departmental officials met with the Agent General for Western Australia, Clive Griffiths on 17 August 2000 formally to receive a copy of the Western Australian Former Child Migrant Referral Index. This Department reciprocated by handing over those records from the UK Central Information Index which were specific to Western Australia. We will continue to work with Australian colleagues to ensure that maximum benefit is derived for child migrants from the information held on the Index.

  Although no specific assessment has been made of the effectiveness of these measures the Child Migrants Trust and International Social Services along with the National Council for Voluntary Child Care Organisations, who set up the Child Migrant Information Index provide my officials with regular progress reports on the services they are supplying.

  Bed Blocking (Suffolk)
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospital beds are being blocked by patients fit enough to be moved out of hospital(a) in the Suffolk Health Authority and (b) in the West Suffolk NHS Hospital Trust. [138411]
  606W
  Ms Stuart
  The quarterly monitoring figures for second quarter of 2000 show that Suffolk Health Authority had 165 patients over the age of 75, who were ready for discharge but still occupying a hospital bed.Source: Common Information Core Quarterly monitoring returns based on health authority quarterly activity

  Out-patient Waiting Times
  Mr. St. Aubyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on variations by region for out-patient waiting times and referral arrangements. [137265]

  Mr. Denham
  We are aware of variations in out-patient waiting times and are working to improve matters. In July each acute National Health Service trust in the country received a "Step-by-step guide to improving out-patient services", a copy of which is available in the Library. At the same time Trusts were instructed to introduce partial booking systems into clinics with waits in excess of 13 weeks. These systems improve the efficiency of out-patient clinics and reduce long waiting times. We have also recently announced further details of our "Action On" programme, with funding targeted at specialties with the longest waits—orthopaedics, ear nose and throat, dermatology and ophthalmology (cataracts)

  To make the best use of resources it is important that only patients who need to see a consultant are referred to hospital. All acute NHS trusts are implementing Out-patient Improvement Plans which include schemes to improve the appropriateness of referrals through collaborative working between hospital consultants and general practitioners. In addition, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and the shadow Modernisation Agency are piloting a guide to appropriate referral from general to specialist services for common medical conditions.

  Mr. St. Aubyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of new patients referred to medical, surgical, oncological, obstetric, gynaecological and other out-patient clinics in the West Surrey health authority were seen by(a) a consultant in the discipline and (b) a junior doctor, in the last year for which figures are available. [137266]

  Mr. Denham
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for New Forest, West (Mr. Swayne) on 10 November 2000,Official Report, columns 432-33W.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Falkland Islands
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to visit the Falkland Islands. [136397]

  Mr. Battle
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence visited the islands in March this year, and I hope to arrange a visit in the new year.

  Saint Helena
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the occasions
  607W
  on which the Governor of Saint Helena took executive action without the approval of the island's Legislative Council in each of the last two years, indicating those occasions on which prior consultation with his Department took place. [137343]

  Mr. Battle
  The Governor of St. Helena has used his reserved power under Section 34(1) of the St. Helena Constitution Order on two occasions in the past two years; 31 March 1998 and 31 March 1999. On each occasion he used his powers, on the advice of the Executive Council, to implement the budget after the Legislative Council had refused to pass it. He acted properly in line with the Constitution and with the full support of the Department on each occasion.

  Iraq
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his estimate is of the value of humanitarian goods the UN Sanctions Committee is currently holding back from delivery to Iraq. [137681]

  Mr. Hain
  The total revenue available under the Oil for Food programme since its inception in 1996 is over US$37 billion. This year alone, Oil for Food revenue is expected to reach more than US$16 billion. The current value of Oil for Food contracts on hold because of concerns over dual use is approximately US$2.3 billion. The UK accounts for about US$0.3 billion of this, which is less than 1 per cent. of the total value of Oil for Food revenue. The UK, as a responsible member of the UN Iraq Sanctions Committee, scrutinises contracts very carefully to ensure that goods are not supplied to Iraq in violation of Security Council resolutions. Holds are normally lifted after assurances have been received about the end-use or in-country monitoring of these goods. It is noteworthy that at the end of October Iraq's bureaucracy was holding back the delivery of US$1.1 billion worth of goods already approved by the Sanctions Committee.

  Tibet
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received in respect of the Chinese occupation of Tibet. [137922]

  Mr. Battle
  The Government continue to regularly receive representations from hon. Members, nongovernmental organisations and members of the public about the situation in Tibet.

  Ministerial Visits
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to visit(a) Peking and (b) North Korea. [137924]

  Mr. Battle
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has no plans at present to visit either China or North Korea.

  Kursk Submarine
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 1 November 2000,Official Report,
  608W
  column 536W, what representations he has made to Russia in respect of claims that a British submarine was involved in the Kursk disaster. [137927]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Secretary of State made no representations to Russia in respect of claims that a British submarine was involved in the Kursk disaster. The Secretary of State for Defence, who led on this issue, has already assured the Russian Defence Minister, that there were no Royal Navy submarines in the area at the time the Kursk sank.

  China
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his assessment is of the human rights situation in(a) the People's Republic of China and (b) Hong Kong. [137923]

  Mr. Battle
  While there has been some improvement in economic and social rights in China, the overall situation continues to be a matter of serious concern. Over the last two years there has been a marked deterioration in the respect for key civil and political rights including freedoms of assembly, conscience and expression. Fair treatment in the legal process is routinely abused through the use of arbitrary detention, "re-education through Labour" and excessive sentences against democracy activists, Falun Gong Leaders, Tibetan and other activists. We address these concerns through a policy of critical dialogue including Ministerial exchanges and regular bilateral human rights talks with the Chinese.

  Arms Exports (Israel)
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what evidence Her Majesty's Government have obtained that components or equipment licensed for export to Israel by the United Kingdom Government since 1990 have not been used by Israeli forces(a) against civilians in the Occupied Territories and (b) in Southern Lebanon. [138006]

  Mr. Hain
  We have no evidence that equipment licensed for export to Israel by this Government has been used against civilians in the Occupied Territories or in southern Lebanon in defiance of our strict controls. The Government have, however, long had concerns that CS gas exported from the UK has been used by the Israeli Security Forces against Palestinians and Israeli Arabs. Consequently, since taking office, the Government have refused all applications for permanent licences to export CS gas to Israel.

  CFSP Headquarters (Thefts)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on recent thefts from the CFSP Headquarters in the Justis Lipsius building; what classified material(a) was and (b) is to be stored in that location; and if he will make a statement. [137900]

  Mr. Vaz
  The UK Representation to the European Communities has made inquiries into this matter with the European Council Secretariat. The Council Secretariat was satisfied that there had been no thefts of classified documents from the CFSP section of the Justus Lipsius building.
  609W
  The Directorate General for External Affairs, located in the Justus Lipsius building, holds documents relating to council business in the field of external relations, including CFSP and European Defence.

  Armed Forces (European Communities)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the operational status is of armed forces personnel on assignment to the European Communities; and if he will list the personnel concerned. [138088]

  Mr. Vaz
  There are no armed forces personnel on operational assignments with the European Communities. However, as agreed at the Helsinki and Lisbon European Councils, the United Kingdom, along with other EU member states, has sent national experts to the Council Secretariat to give military advice as required on the European Security and Defence Policy in the interim period. The UK currently has two officers working in this capacity.

  Foreign Policy Centre
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met representatives of the Foreign Policy Centre; and if he will make a statement on the nature of contacts between his staff and the Centre. [138184]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  It is established practice for Foreign Office Ministers and officials to have regular contact with policy institutes and NGOs, including the Foreign Policy Centre, to consider their views when developing policy, and to contribute to the debates initiated by them.

  Parliamentary Powers
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish a command paper listing the matters ceded by Parliament to the European Community and Union since 1 January 1973 broken down under the headings of(a) legislation, (b) taxation, (c) expenditure and appropriation, (d) adjudication and (e) the negotiation of political and commercial agreements with other states. [138034]

  Mr. Vaz
  Each Treaty amending the EU Treaties has been presented to Parliament in the form of a command paper. I refer my hon. Friend to these.

  European Union Reform
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library the progress report on the IGC on institutional reform (CONFER 4790/00). [138215]

  Mr. Vaz
  I refer the hon. Member to the website www.europa.eu.int where he will find all the official documents relating to the intergovernmental conference.

  Volunteers
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will mark next year's International Year of Volunteers by spending a day working as a volunteer. [137428]
  610W
  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 13 November 2000): I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on 13 November 2000, Official Report, column 531W.

  We fully support the aims of the International Year of Volunteers. The Prime Minister has issued a challenge to employers to give their employees paid time off to work in the community. The FCO has implemented policies to encourage this and now approves one day's paid leave a year for employees to undertake voluntary work. The voluntary spirit is very much alive in the FCO and helps animate much of our work. The Foreign Secretary intends to participate during 2001.

  EU Charter of Fundamental Rights
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact of the proposed EU Charter of Fundamental Rights on the administration of justice in England and Wales. [136363]

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact of the draft Charter of Fundamental Rights on the administration of the court system. [136351]

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

  Democratic Republic of Congo
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and what actions are being taken by the Government to bring an end to hostilities there. [138341]

  Mr. Hain
  We remain deeply concerned about the security situation in the DRC. The UN Security Council has repeatedly called on all parties to the conflict to cease hostilities and to fulfil their obligations under the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement. Bilaterally, we have registered our concerns with all parties through our Special Representative who has just returned from an extensive visit to the region.

  Trade (EU Market Access)
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what impact the effect of the EC's Everything but Arms initiative will have on negotiations between the EC and WTO members for a new banana regime. [136829]

  Ms Quin
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Commission's proposal to amend the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) allows for a three year phasing-in period of tariff and quota free access for bananas. The UK continues to work for the achievement of a rapid solution to the WTO banana dispute which is acceptable within the WTO and addresses the needs of Caribbean producers. We will work to ensure that pursuit of this solution and the proposal for amendment of the GSP Regulation are consistent.
  611W
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what impact extension of unlimited duty and quota free access to the EU market for large least developed country sugar producers will have on the EU agricultural budget and excess EU production and intervention costs. [136828]

  Ms Quin
  I have been asked to reply.

  The UK is pressing for this to be fully assessed in the context of the consideration given to the Commission's separate proposals on the reform of the EU sugar regime. It will depend on the amount of sugar that least developed countries send to the EU. The EU already has a substantial sugar surplus, and the only tools in the current regime to deal with an increase are intervention buying and/or cuts in EU quotas.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what impact the European Commission's proposals to provide duty and quota free access to the EU market to 48 least developed countries will have on EC proposals for the reform of the EU sugar and rice regimes. [136826]

  Ms Quin
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Government believe that there is potential inconsistency between the European Commission's proposals for duty free access for sugar and rice from least developed countries and their parallel proposals for reform of the EU sugar and rice regimes. We have pressed for the impact of the LDC proposal to be properly discussed in the context of the reform proposals in the Agriculture Council.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of people living in lone parent families in each year since 1995 were(a) in the bottom 30 per cent., (b) in the bottom 40 per cent. and (c) in the bottom 50 per cent. of the income distribution. [134544]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is in the table.

  Proportion of individuals living in lone parent families below various percentiles of the income distribution

  Including self-employed

  Excluding self-employed

  Individuals below percentiles of income distribution (percentage)/year

  Before housing costs

  After housing costs

  Before housing costs

  After housing costs

  Bottom 30 per cent.

  1995–96

  59

  67

  59

  67

  1996–97

  65

  71

  63

  70

  1997–98

  63

  69

  63

  69

  1998–99

  63

  69

  63

  69

  Bottom 40 per cent.

  1995–96

  73

  78

  73

  78

  1996–97

  78

  81

  77

  81

  1997–98

  76

  79

  76

  79

  1998–99

  77

  80

  77

  80

  612W

  Proportion of individuals living in lone parent families below various percentiles of the income distribution

  Including self-employed

  Excluding self-employed

  Individuals below percentiles of income distribution (percentage)/year

  Before housing costs

  After housing costs

  Before housing costs

  After housing costs

  Bottom 50 per cent.

  1995–96

  83

  85

  83

  86

  1996–97

  86

  87

  86

  87

  1997–98

  84

  85

  84

  86

  1998–99

  86

  87

  85

  87

  Notes:

  1. All figures are estimates and are taken from the Households Below Average Income (HBAI) data set which is derived from the Family Resources Survey (FRS). The FRS does not include Northern Ireland, and 1998–99 is the latest year for which data is available.

  2. The estimates are sample counts, which have been adjusted for non-response using multipurpose grossing factors that control for region, Council Tax band and a number of other demographic variables. Estimates are subject to both sampling error and to variability in non-response. All percentages are rounded to the nearest per cent.

  3. The income measure used is weekly net (disposable) equivalised household income (that is to say income that is adjusted to reflect the composition of the household). While the proportion of individuals below various income thresholds may be sensitive to the precise way in which incomes are equivalised, changes shown over time generally are not.

  4. The estimates are presented on both a Before Housing Costs (BHC) and an After Housing Costs (AHC) basis in line with HBAI conventions. Figures are also provided including and excluding the self-employed, as research suggests that, for self-employed people, income as reported in surveys is often a poor indicator of living standards.

  Source:

  Family Resources Survey

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what the average claim period for Incapacity Benefit has been; and how many people have left the caseload, broken down by destination in each year since 1995; [134586]

  (2) what proportion of people who stopped claiming Incapacity Benefit, in the last 12 months for which figures are available, did so because they were returning to work, broken down into those who have claimed Incapacity Benefit for (a) less than a year, (b) between one and two years, (c) between two and three years, (d) between three and four years, (e) between four and five years, and (f) over five years. [134655]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is not available in the format requested.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how long a claimant for Incapacity Benefit has to wait for a medical assessment of their capabilities. [137520]

  Mr. Bayley
  There is no set time within which the process has to be completed as this will vary according to the individual circumstances of each case. Until the process is complete, the claimant will continue to receive benefit on the basis of their own doctor's certificates.
  613W
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action his Department is taking to devise a system to enable recipients of incapacity benefits to return to work. [138074]

  Mr. Bayley
  The New Deal for Disabled People, a joint initiative of the Department of Social Security and the Department for Education and Employment, has been testing a range of approaches to help recipients of incapacity benefits return to or take up work. These include a personal adviser service, innovative schemes and pilot benefit changes. By the end of September 2000, over 5,100 people have been helped into work by the New Deal for Disabled People pilots.

  On 13 November the two Departments launched a prospectus for the extension of the New Deal for Disabled People. This will involve the establishment of a network of providers, known as job brokers, to offer long-term sick and disabled people on incapacity benefits the support, guidance, and preparation they need to find work; and to match the needs of employers with the skills and potential of long-term sick and disabled people.

  Minimum Income Guarantee
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applications resulted from his Department's most recent campaign to improve the take-up of the Minimum Income Guarantee for pensioners; and how many were successful. [136533]

  Mr. Rooker
  The campaign is still in progress and the final mailshots out of a total of 2.3 million were sent out on Friday 10 November. Given the scale of the campaign, the numbers of inquiries, applications and decisions change daily. It will be January before we can provide comprehensive figures on the results of the campaign. Approximately half of actual claims made are proving successful

  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list, by category, the reasons for which applications for the Minimum Income Guarantee have been rejected(a) in total and (b) in each Benefits Agency area. [137875]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information requested is not available. Separate figures as a result of the take up campaign will be available in due course on a national basis. However, preliminary indications are that of those applications that fail, they do so because of excess capital and income. Both of these issues are dealt with in the proposals for the new pension credit, details of which are published in Cm 4900.

  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people have applied to date for information packs for the Minimum Income Guarantee; how many applications have been returned; how many are receiving the Minimum Income Guarantee in(a) Glasgow, Pollok (b) Glasgow and (c) Scotland; and what this figure is as a percentage of the eligible population. [137766]

  Mr. Rooker
  Not all the information requested is available.

  The current Minimum Income Guarantee take-up campaign is still in progress, so as yet we do not have comprehensive details of the total number of successful
  614W
  claims. However, we have had over 600,000 responses and around half of those claims already processed have been successful.

  The table gives numbers of pensioners receiving the Minimum Income Guarantee in Scotland, Glasgow and Pollok.

  Pensioners receiving the MIG in Scotland, Glasgow and Pollok, May 2000

  Thousand

  Number of claimants

  Scotland1

  164.4

  City of Glasgow Unitary Authority1

  32.4

  Glasgow Pollok Parliamentary Constituency1

  3.5

  1 All aged 60 and over

  Notes:

  1. Pensioners are defined as where the claimant and/or partner are aged 60 or over. The figures may therefore include some claimants aged under 60.

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

  3. Caseloads have been rounded to the nearest hundred and are expressed in thousands; percentages are given to one decimal place.

  4. Cases are allocated to each Unitary Authority/Parliamentary Constituency by matching the postcode against the 2000 version 1 ONS Postcode Directory.

  5. Constituency information represents Constituency boundaries as at May 1997.

  Sources:

  1. Income Support Statistics Quarterly Enquiry, May 2000.

  2. Population estimates unit—ONS mid-term estimates for 1999. Information on the eligible population in Scotland, Glasgow and Pollok is not available. The Department's statisticians do not judge it possible to produce reliable estimates, of the amount by which benefit is under-claimed, for different parts of Great Britain.

  The next annual statistics on the take-up of income-related benefits in Great Britain will be published on 8 December 2000. These will cover the financial year 1998–99.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's oral statement of 8 November 2000,Official Report, columns 315-27, on the Pre-Budget Statement, if he will estimate the number of pensioners eligible for the Minimum Income Guarantee in (a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01 and (c) 2001–02; and if he will make a statement. [138281]

  Mr. Rooker
  As a result of the measures outlined in the pre-Budget report, an estimated 2 million pensioners and their families will benefit in 2000–01; this will increase to 2.2 million in 2001–02.

  Note:

  Based on 1.6 million current claims to the Minimum Income Guarantee, 1.7 million in 2000–01 and 1.9 million in 2001–02.

  Sources:

  Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiry, May 2000.

  DSS case load forecasts.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what assessment he has made of the effect on tenants of his Department's proposal to restrict the backdating of housing benefit to three months; and if he will make a statement; [137049]
  615W
  (2) what assessment he has made to the effect of administrative delays on housing benefit awards backdated for more than three months in each of the last three years for which data are available; and if he will make a statement; [137053]

  (3) what representations he has received on his Department's proposal to reduce the backdating of housing benefit from 12 months to three months from April 2001; and if he will make a statement; [137047]

  (4) what estimate he has made of the total number of people who will be affected by his Department's proposal to restrict the backdating of housing benefit to three months; and how many of those people are (a) of pensionable age, (b) lone parents, (c) disabled and (d) working but still entitled to claim housing benefit; [137048]

  (5) what estimate he has made of the cost of his Department's proposal to change the arrangements for the payment of subsidies to local authorities to cover the backdating of housing benefit; [137051]

  (6) what estimate he has made of the savings to (a) his Department and (b) local authorities of his Department's proposal to restrict the backdating of housing benefit to three months; [137050]

  (7) what assessment he has made of the reasons why claimants have had housing benefit awards backdated for more than three months in each of the last three years for which records have been kept; and if he will make a statement; [137052]

  (8) what assessment he has made of the effect of inadequate advice given by statutory agencies resulting in claimants making successful claims to have their housing benefit backdated for over three months in each of the last three years for which data are available; and if he will make a statement. [137054]

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effect on(a) rent arrears and (b) homelessness of the Department of Social Security's proposal to restrict the backdating of Housing Benefit to three months from April 2001; and if he will make a statement. [137056]

  Angela Eagle
  It is not possible to provide reliable estimates of the effects of the proposal to align the Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit backdating rules with those of the other income-related benefits. In terms of benefit expenditure, we have estimated that these changes would be broadly cost-neutral because of the interplay between the proposed tighter prescription and the proposed increase in subsidy paid to local authorities.

  These proposals have now been considered by the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC), and we have received their report to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. We have also received the Local Authority Associations (LAAs) responses to our consultation exercise on these proposals. We are considering the responses from the LAA consultation and points raised in SSAC's report very carefully and will make an announcement shortly.

  Income Support
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many unemployed people are receiving Income Support amounting to (i) £1 to £50, (ii) £50 to £100, (iii) £100 to £150, (iv) £150 to £200, (v) £200 to £300, (vi) £300 to £400, (vii) £400 to £500 and (viii) £500 and over per week. [137087]

  Angela Eagle
  Claimants who are unemployed do not receive Income Support. Job Seekers Allowance is paid to those who are actively seeking employment.

  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people over the age of(a) 60 and (b) 70 years claim Income Support in (i) the constituency of Glasgow, Pollok, (ii) Glasgow and (iii) Scotland; and if he will express these figures as a percentage of the total number of people over (1) 60 and (2) 70 years in each category. [137765]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information requested is included in the table.

  Pensioners receiving the MIG in Scotland, Glasgow and Pollok, May 2000

  Number of claimants (thousand)

  Percentage of relevant population

  Scotland

  All aged 60 and over

  164.4

  15.7

  60-69

  55.9

  11.3

  70 and over

  108.5

  19.7

  City of Glasgow Unitary Authority

  All aged 60 and over

  32.4

  27.3

  60-69

  13.2

  24.1

  70 and over

  19.2

  30.0

  Glasgow, Pollok parliamentary constituency

  All aged 60 and over

  3.5

  n/a

  60-69

  1.3

  n/a

  70 and over

  2.2

  n/a

  Notes:

  1. Pensioners are defined as where the claimant, and/or partner are aged 60 or over. The 60-69 age group may therefore include some claimants aged under 60.

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

  3. Case loads have been rounded to the nearest hundred and are expressed in thousands, percentages are given to one decimal place.

  4. "Percentage of the population" is based on ONS population estimates for mid-term 1999, and represents Income Support claimants as a proportion of the population in Scotland/Glasgow Unitary Authority who are in the relevant age group.

  5. Case load as a percentage of the population is not available for Pollok constituency, as population estimates are not available at this level.

  6. Cases are allocated to each unitary authority/parliamentary constituency by matching the postcode against the 2000 version 1 ONS postcode directory.

  7. Constituency information represents Constituency boundaries as at May 1997.

  Sources:

  Income Support Statistics Quarterly Enquiry, May 2000.

  Population estimates unit—ONS mid-term estimates for 1999.

  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the percentage fall in the value of the capital limits in Income Support after taking account of inflation from 1988 to May 1997. [138206]
  617W
  Mr. Darling
  Using the published Rossi price index for September 1988 and May 1997, the capital limits had fallen by 30.6 per cent. in real terms.

  Note:

  The Index was 106.9 in September 1988, risen to 154.0 in May 1997.

  Pensions (Married Women)
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent representations he has received on the provision of independent pensions for married women who have made full pension contributions; and what response he has made to them. [137271]

  Mr. Rooker
  I am not entirely clear as to what precise information my hon. Friend is seeking. Married women who have made full pension contributions receive a pension in their own right. If they have insufficient qualifying years for a full pension, the pension is reduced proportionally. If it falls below the married woman's pension rate, it can be topped up when their husband retires to a maximum of £40.40, based on their husband's contributions.

  Sickness Benefit
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people have been assessed as eligible for sickness benefit on grounds of incapacity caused by(a) mental health problems and (b) drug/alcohol dependency in each of the last five years. [137373]

  Mr. Bayley
  Incapacity Benefit replaced sickness benefit and invalidity benefit on 13 April 1995. Where benefit is awarded, the first primary diagnosis from the medical certificate is recorded according to the international classification of diseases. The most recent information available for awards of incapacity benefit made where the main condition is recorded as being a mental or behavioural disorder or alcohol or drug abuse is given in the table.

  Annual periods

  Mental and behavioural disorders

  Alcohol and drug abuse

  1 June 1995 to 31 May 1996

  77,900

  3,200

  1 June 1996 to 31 May 1997

  79,100

  4,300

  1 June 1997 to 31 May 1998

  86,100

  4,800

  1 June 1998 to 31 May 1999

  79,600

  4,200

  1 June 1999 to 31 May 2000

  81,000

  4,700

  Notes:

  1. All causes of incapacity are coded using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition. Primary diagnoses of alcohol or drug abuse are normally shown as part of the group under the heading Mental and Behavioural disorders but are shown separately in the above table.

  2. Disorders appearing as secondary conditions are not recorded.

  3. Figures relate to spells of incapacity benefit commencing in the stated period. More than one spell may relate to the same claimant.

  4. 31 May 2000 is the latest date for which information is available.

  Source:

  These figures are based on a 5 per cent. sample of the benefit computer system and will exclude a small number of clerically held cases. Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred.

  Winter Fuel Payments
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the annual cost of extending 618W
  Winter Fuel Payments to those under the age of 60 who are in receipt of (a) the middle or higher rate of Disability Living Allowance care component or (b) higher rate of mobility component and who are presently resident within Scotland. [137679]

  Mr. Rooker
  It is estimated that the extension of Winter Fuel Payments to people in Scotland who are under age 60 and getting Disability Living Allowance higher or middle rate care component or higher rate mobility component would cost around £20 million in the winter of 2000–01. My hon. Friend will be aware that Winter Fuel Payments to people aged 60 and over are not related to receipt of benefits.

  Expenditure (Wales)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the overall social security bill is for Wales in the last 12 months; and if he will give a breakdown of how the money is spent by constituency. [137715]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is not available in the exact form requested. The estimated expenditure on social security benefits for Wales for 1999–2000 (the latest period for which figures are available) is around £5.8 billion. Data showing expenditure by individual constituencies are not available.

  Benefit Entitlement
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will amend the benefit regulations to ensure that people who suffer from long-term illness or disability do not suffer a lower benefit entitlement by virtue of discovering after a trial period in work that they are unable to sustain that work because of the effects of their illness or disability. [137812]

  Mr. Bayley
  We have already taken action to help such people. In October 1998, we introduced a provision whereby people who had been incapacitated for at least 28 weeks, began work or training within seven days of leaving benefit and notified the Benefits Agency within one month that they had done so, may return to benefit without having to requalify for the higher rates if they leave work or training within a year. The period is extended to two years where the person had been getting disabled persons tax credit or a training allowance while they were in work or training.

  Pensions
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate for pensioners who are in receipt of income-related benefits but not the Minimum Income Guarantee, how much of the pension increase in April 2001 will be clawed back in loss of benefit; and if he will pass on the full effect of the pensions increase to pensioners receiving Council Tax benefit. [138288]

  Mr. Rooker
  None.

  Duplicate Payments of Benefit
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the mainframe problems were in the period before the duplicated payments of Income Support started [138336]
  619W
  Mr. Bayley
  In the week before the duplicated Income Support payments, there was only one mainframe problem directly impacting Income Support customers. Standard recovery action procedures were invoked.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the Affinity contract ensures that any taxpayers' money lost due to errors by the private sector suppliers is recovered by those suppliers [138334]

  Angela Eagle
  Under the Department's contracts with EDS (who lead the Affinity Consortium), EDS is accountable for losses accrued to the Department, subject to the limits of liability set out in that contract.

  All of the Department's major PFI contracts undergo a rigorous independent test to ensure an appropriate balance of risk between the Department and its suppliers.

  Former POWs
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he has taken to inform all benefit offices(a) about his statement on compensation for former POWs held by the Japanese and (b) the exemption of this compensation from social security payment regulations. [138337]

  Mr. Bayley
  The contents of a War Pensions Agency press release, which summarises the statement made on 7 November by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, and which explains how claims to the Agency for the ex-gratia payment should be made, have been made available to all benefit office staff.

  Subject to normal consultation with the Social Security Advisory Committee and the local authority associations, we intend to amend the income-related benefit regulations in advance of the ex-gratia payments being made. As is normal practice, guidance will be issued to local offices 23 days in advance of the legislation coming into effect.

  Social Security Spending (OECD Countries)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of gross domestic product in each OECD country is spent on matters which within the UK are the responsibility of his Department. [137541]

  Angela Eagle
  The OECD publishes comparative information on public social expenditure in its social expenditure database. There is no accurate way to strip out non-social security expenditure so as to arrive at a DSS-equivalent figure.

  Benefit Fraud
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the annual amount of benefit fraud in the United Kingdom in each year since 1992. [137129]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information requested is not available because there was no robust measurement of the level of benefit fraud before 1995.

  We have now instituted a regular series of measurement exercises to provide an up to date estimate of the level of fraud in Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance. The results of this exercise are published regularly by the Government Statistical Service.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Millennium Dome
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement about the awarding of contracts for the contents of the Millennium Dome to a company headed by Mr. Tim Pyne. [135017]

  Janet Anderson
  This matter is currently under investigation by the New Millennium Experience Company and the police. It is not therefore possible to comment at this stage. A statement will be made to the House in due course.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions have taken place between officials in his Department and Lord Falconer, the Minister of State, Cabinet Office regarding the report of the National Audit Office on the Millennium Dome. [137841]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 10 November 2000]: National Audit Office (NAO) reports are routinely circulated in draft to the Accounting Officers of all parties concerned, and comments are requested to ensure factual accuracy. Comments on factual accuracy from my Department, incorporating those from Ministers, including the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, were passed on to the team drafting the National Audit Office Report.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the party planned for the Millennium Dome on 31 December, indicating the financial arrangements agreed between the New Millennium Experience Company and the Ministry of Sound. [135325]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 30 October 20001: The Dome will open to the public from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. on 31 December. The Ministry of Sound event, in venues adjacent to the Dome, will begin at 9.00 p.m. after the Dome has closed. The risks and costs associated with staging the event (including policing, security, catering, medical etc.) are being fully borne by the Ministry of Sound. The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) has no exposure to losses arising from the Ministry of Sound event, and the Ministry of Sound are covering the costs to NMEC of providing the venues and the use of the technical facilities in those venues. This is an excellent value for money deal for NMEC which provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Britain's youth and music.

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the criteria and safeguards applied to ensure fairness and probity in the awarding of contracts in respect of the Millennium Dome. [136245]

  Janet Anderson
  The New Millennium Experience Company's policy is to conduct its procurement in accordance with Government procurement guidelines.

  New Wembley Stadium
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what his latest estimate is of the cost of the new Wembley Stadium project. [136837]
  621W
  Kate Hoey
  I do not wish to speculate on estimated costs for the new Wembley Stadium. This is a matter for Wembley National Stadium Ltd.

  Millennium Commission
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what deadline the Millennium Commission has requested for the conclusion of discussions with Legacy plc over the prospective purchase of the Dome. [137234]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 7 November 2000]: I have not received any request from the Millennium Commission for a deadline to be set for the conclusion of discussions with Legacy plc.

  Broadcasting Standards
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 30 October 2000,Official Report, columns 331-32W, what research has been conducted since May 1997 by the Broadcasting Standards Commission into public attitudes towards the portrayal of violence in broadcast programmes. [137998]

  Janet Anderson
  The Broadcasting Standards Commission (BSC) has conducted since May 1997 the following research into public attitudes towards the portrayal of violence in broadcast programmes:Men Viewing Violence (Stirling Media Research Institute, and Violence Research Centre, Manchester University, 1998; ISBN 1–872521-33-9).

  In addition the BSC was a member (with the BBC and the Independent Television Commission) of the Joint Working Party on Violence on Television. The Working Party's report "Violence and the Viewer" was published in 1998.

  The BSC's recently published Briefing Update Number 6, "Matters of Offence", (published as part of the BSC's continuing monitoring of public perception of broadcasting, and including results from opinion pools and panels of viewers) includes a section on violence.

  Television Reception (High Peak)
  Mr. Levitt:
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when (a) digital terrestrial television, (b) cable television and (c) Channel 5 will be available in High Peak. [137618]

  Janet Anderson
  Digital terrestrial television (DTT) can already be received in parts of High Peak. DTT is broadcast from the Winter Hill, Sheffield, Chesterfield and Emley Moor transmitters and maps showing the predicted coverage from each of these sites have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses on CD-ROM. The BBC and Independent Television Commission are now considering ways of improving DTT coverage across the UK. The provision of cable services is a commercial matter for the cable operators. I understand from the ITC that no operator has plans to supply cable to the High Peak Area. Terrestrial Channel 5 services are not universally available in the area but are carried free-to-air on DTT and satellite platforms.

  Television Subtitling
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what his policy is on encouraging television subtitle-users to take up digital television prior to analogue television being switched off. [137920]

  Janet Anderson
  The Broadcasting Act 1996 sets out a target of 50 per cent. of subtitling of digital terrestrial television programmes by the 10th anniversary of the start of the service. This will give viewers access to additional free-to-air and subscription channels with subtitles if they switch to digital terrestrial television. More generally, we are working with the broadcasting industry and consumer groups to ensure that viewers get accurate and sensible information about digital television. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced an agreed set of clear and simple messages on 31 October. We are keeping the rate of take-up of digital television under review to assess what further action might be needed to encourage take-up by all viewers.

  Volunteers
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will mark next year's International Year of Volunteers by spending a day working as a volunteer. [137424]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 13 November 2000]: I intend to participate in volunteering during 2001.

  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. My Department has accepted this challenge and issued a notice to all staff advising them that they may take at least one day of paid leave a year to undertake voluntary activity.

  Royal Art Collection
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make it an objective of his Department to provide for the entire Royal Art Collection to be placed on public display. [137547]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  No. The Royal Collection is not the responsibility of the Government. Responsibility for the care and display of the Royal Collection rests with the Royal Collection Trust. Any question concerning the Royal Collection should be addressed to the Trust.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Sheep
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many headage payments were paid for sheep in England in(a) 1995, (b) 1996, (c) 1997, (d) 1998 and (e) 1999; how many sheep were subsequently marketed in each of these years; and what factors underlay the totals in each category. [136440]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 6 November 2000]: Information on sheep headage payments in England for the years requested was given in the answer to my hon. Friend on 28 July 2000, Official Report, columns 1115-16W.
  623W
  To be eligible for payment the sheep concerned must be ewes kept for breeding which meet the rules of the two schemes. For the sheep annual premium scheme—SAPS—these include that appropriate quota is held by the producer, and for the hill livestock compensatory allowance—HLCA—that the sheep were kept in the less-favoured areas.

  We have no information on whether the sheep are subsequently marketed in the same year. However around a quarter of the breeding flock is culled most years, as are the majority of those ewes which turn out to be barren.

  Agrimonetary Compensation
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has made to the EU on the level of agrimonetary compensation in relation to the performance of the Euro; and if he will make a statement. [137057]

  Ms Quin
  Agrimonetary arrangements currently in place offset the effects of fluctuations between the euro and sterling. As a result, between 1999 and 2001, UK farmers are likely to benefit by around £496 million, in addition to the £133 million paid under the previous arrangements.

  The most recent repesentation made to the EU Commission on this subject referred to the proposed payment of £34 million in agrimonetary compensation to arable farmers to offset the effects of currency fluctuations during 1999–2000: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of

  Percentage

  Member state

  Total beet sugar production

  Thousand tonnes Total beet and cane sugar production1

  Sugar consumption

  Self sufficiency (beet)

  Self sufficiency (beet and cane)

  Austria

  501

  501

  320

  157

  157

  Belgium/Luxembourg

  1,092

  1,092

  543

  201

  201

  Denmark

  552

  552

  200

  276

  276

  Finland

  167

  227

  213

  78

  106

  France

  4,522

  4,819

  2,211

  205

  218

  Germany

  4,380

  4,380

  2,734

  160

  160

  Greece

  232

  232

  306

  76

  76

  Ireland

  212

  212

  131

  162

  162

  Italy

  1,705

  1,705

  1,423

  120

  120

  Netherlands

  1,117

  1,117

  635

  176

  176

  Portugal

  75

  367

  325

  23

  113

  Spain

  1,105

  1,105

  1,268

  87

  87

  Sweden

  431

  431

  367

  117

  117

  UK

  1,546

  2,676

  2,147

  72

  125

  Total

  17,637

  19,416

  12,824

  138

  151

  1 Total sugar includes sugar produced France, Portugal and the UK from cane grown in the EU under quota, or refined from cane maximum supply needs, in Finland,

  Carlisle Office
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the number of staff at his Department's Carlisle regional office will be increased; and if he will make a statement. [137711]

  Ms Quin
  The number of staff based at the Carlisle Regional Service Centre varies according to business needs. The number of staff in post at the office on 624W
  Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to my hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Hillsborough (Helen Jackson) on 2 November 2000, Official Report, column 620W.

  GM Trials
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reason the trials of the forage maize, Chardon LL, genetically modified to be resistant to the herbicide glufosinate ammonium, did not involve the use of that herbicide. [136489]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 6 November 2000]Glufosinate ammonium was used to establish distinctness of Chardon LL by the French Authorities who conducted the DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability) tests on behalf of the UK. However, I refer my hon. Friend to the answers given on 1 November 2000,Official Report, column 472W and 9 November 2000, Official Report, colunm 389W relating to those tests. Herbicide tolerance was not claimed by the National List applicant to be a special characteristic of Chardon LL for the purpose of trials for value for cultivation and use (VCU).

  Sugar Beet (Self-sufficiency)
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the sugar beet production in each of the EU member states showing the current level of self-sufficiency. [137550]

  Ms Quin
  The table provides details of sugar production, sugar consumption and the level of self-sufficiency in each member state for the July 1999 to June 2000 marketing year.

  1 November this year was 259, compared to 236 staff in post on 1 January 2000. The numbers are expected to continue to increase during the course of 2001.

  Swine Fever
  Mrs. Shephard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will discuss with the devolved administrations legislation to provide for a levy from pig farmers as part of a package of compensation for swine fever. [138097]
  625W
  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 13 November 2000]Frequent discussions take place with the devolved Administrations at both ministerial and official level on all manner of topics, including classical swine fever. The industry is committed to consulting interested parties, including organisations based in Scotland and Wales on a levy based Development Scheme that will be used to top-up Government payments under the Pig Welfare (Disposal) Scheme.

  Antibiotics
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evidence he has assessed which supports the proposition that antibiotics fed to animals cause resistance to that antibiotic in humans. [137743]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 13 November 2000]An in-depth review of antibiotic resistance in relation to food safety was undertaken by the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF) and it was published in September 1999. The Government's response to the ACMSF's recommendations was published on 24 March 2000. Copies of the Report and the Government's response are available in the Library of the House.

  The ACMSF report included recommendations for further research to characterise the origins of resistance in foodborne pathogens and commensal micro-organisms so as to improve the identification of the sources and routes of transfer of resistant organisms from the farm through food to humans. The ACMSF also recommended research into the use of microbiological risk assessment to quantify the magnitude of the key pathways by which microbial antibiotic resistance can transfer from food animals to humans via the food chain and the environment.

  The Government are committed to a co-ordinated research programme to investigate problems associated with resistance to antimicrobials in the context of public health. Such a programme is being co-ordinated by an Interdepartmental Steering Group on Resistance to Antibiotics and other Antimicrobial Agents. The Steering Group carries out this work as part of the implementation of the Government Strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance which was published in June. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

  Fisheries
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact of the economic link measures introduced for the fisheries sector on 1 January 1999; and if he will make a statement. [138655]

  Mr. Morley
  From 1 January 1999 all British registered fishing vessels over 10 metres catching more than two tonnes of quota stocks have had to demonstrate an economic link with fisheries dependent communities in the United Kingdom. This link can be demonstrated in a number of ways, for example, by vessels landing at least 50 per cent. by weight of their quota catch into the UK or by employing a crew of whom at least 50 per cent. are normally resident in a UK coastal area.

  In the first year of operation over 1,750 vessels caught more than two tonnes of quota stocks and in almost every case achieved a satisfactory economic link, primarily
  626W
  through landings into the UK. Where a small number have failed to make the full list in 1999 they will be expected to make this up in 2000 and future years. The new arrangements have resulted in a significant increase both in the volume of landings made by foreign owned UK flagged vessels and in local expenditure on goods and services in the UK. They have also led to over 300 tonnes of additional quota being made available to fishermen in the under 10 metre fleet and non sector.

  A full report by the Fisheries Departments in the United Kingdom on the operation of the economic link measures and their impact in 1999 has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Farming and Rural Conservation Agency
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will publish the 1999–2000 Annual report for the Farming and Rural Conservation Agency. [138656]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  The 1999–2000 Annual report and accounts for the Farming and Rural Conservation Agency were laid before Parliament today. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

  Hedges
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his letter to the hon. Member for Linlithgow of 5 October, reference 142881, if he will make a statement on hedges, field margins and area-linked payments. [136222]

  Mr. Morley
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Denton and Reddish (Mr. Bennett) on 7 November 2000,Official Report, column 150W.

PRIME MINISTER

  Road Fuel
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Prime Minister what assurances were(a) exchanged and (b) discussed with the oil companies at his meeting with them on Thursday 14 September concerning (i) petroleum revenue tax on North Sea oil producers, (ii) future levels of road fuel duties and (iii) measures to ensure continued delivery of road fuel; and if he will make a statement. [138280]

  The Prime Minister
  I have meetings with a wide range of organisations and individuals. As with previous Administrations, it is not my practice to provide details of all such meetings.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister what were the reasons for the increase in the number of Government special advisers from 53 in June 1997 to 79 in June 2000. [136564]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 6 November 2000]The Government believe that experience over the last quarter of a century has shown that special advisers have a useful role to play. It also made no secret of its
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  intention to strengthen the centre of Government. The reason for the lower number in June 1997 is that a number of appointments had yet to be made.

TREASURY

  Aviaion Fuel (Taxation)
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with his European counterparts regarding the taxation of aviation fuel. [137749]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 13 November 2000]: This subject was discussed at a meeting of Finance Ministers in June where it was agreed that the European Union should pursue negotiations on the international taxation of aviation fuel in the forum of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

  Diesel Fuel
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what conditions apply to the supply of diesel fuel to farmers at a reduced rate of duty. [137778]

  Mr. Timms
  The use of diesel charged at the 3.13p per litre rate of duty (red diesel) is restricted by schedule 1 to the Hydrocarbon Oil Duties Act 1979. This usually means that farmers can use red diesel only in agricultural vehicles, including tractors, that are used solely for purposes relating to agriculture.

  Independent Petrol Retailers
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to provide additional tax relief for small independent petrol retailers. [137635]

  Mr. Timms
  There are currently no plans for introducing additional tax relief for petrol retailers.

ADVOCATE-GENERAL

  Devolution Issues
  Mr. Browne
  To ask the Advocate-General how many devolution cases have been referred to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. [136349]

  The Advocate-General for Scotland
  Thus far, seven cases raising devolution issues have been referred to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.

SCOTLAND

  International Criminal Court
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive about giving effect in Scotland to the Rome treaty relating to the setting up of the International Criminal Court. [136325]

  Mr. Wilson
  I understand that the Scottish Executive will be introducing a Bill on the International Criminal Court next year.

  Border Transport
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the new First Minister on the impact of the pre-Budget report on transport between Scotland and England. [136326]

  Dr. Reid
  I have regular discussions with the First Minister on a wide range of issues including the benefits to Scotland from the Government's economic policies. In this context my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer's recent pre-Budget report contains further measures of benefit to all transport users.

  Vehicle Fuel Tax
  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the impact of vehicle fuel tax on the economy in Scotland. [136327]

  Dr. Reid
  Vehicle fuel tax is only one of many factors that have an impact on Scotland's economy and needs to be seen in the context of overall UK fiscal policy.

  The measures announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his pre-Budget report to reduce fuel duties for cleaner fuels and vehicle excise duty will all bring significant financial benefits to Scotland's economy.

  Dounreay
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will discuss the future of the Dounreay site in Caithness with the Atomic Energy Authority. [136330]

  Dr. Reid
  The UK Atomic Energy Authority published their Dounreay Site Restoration Plan on 9 October. The Authority's plans will require approval by the Health and Safety Executive's Nuclear Industries Inspectorate, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. I will be keeping in close touch with the progress of these considerations.

  Petrol Prices
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the impact of petrol prices on the Scottish rural economy. [136331]

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the impact of vehicle fuel duties on rural communities in Scotland. [136337]

  Mr. Wilson
  Fuel prices are only one element that determines the effectiveness of the rural economy in Scotland. The impact of any individual item of taxation can only sensibly be seen within the overall context of fiscal policy.

  The measures announced by the Chancellor in his pre-Budget report to raise the limit for the lower rate of Vehicle excise duty for cars of up to 1500cc, to remove vehicle excise duty for tractors and other agricultural vehicles, rebates of up to 50 per cent. of vehicle excise duty for heavy goods vehicles and the proposed reform of the VED system for HGVs will all bring significant financial benefits to Scotland's rural economy.
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  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the First Minister on the impact of fuel prices on the Scottish economy. [136334]

  Mr. Wilson
  My right hon. Friend has regular discussions with the First Minister on a number of issues relevant to all aspects of the Scottish economy.

  Govan Shipyard
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his recent visit to the Govan shipyard. [136332]

  Dr. Reid
  Following the announcement made by the Secretary of State for Defence that BAE Systems Govan would build two ALSLs, I visited the yard on 26 and 27 October to meet management, union officials and workers. This order is expected to secure jobs at the yard and sustain it for the future.

  Scottish Executive
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the arrangements for liaison between his Department and the Scottish Executive. [136333]

  Mr. Wilson
  Effective liaison arrangements are in place at all levels, both ministerial and official.

  Rosyth Dockyard
  Ms Squire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has held with the Secretary of State for Defence about repairing Trafalgar and Swiftsure class submarines at the Rosyth dockyard. [136335]

  Dr. Reid
  I have regular discussions with the Secretary of State for Defence on a range of issues. The Ministry of Defence expect that the repair of Trafalgar and Swiftsure class submarines will be carried out at the submarines' home bases: Devonport or Faslane.

  Rail Access (Wheelchair Users)
  Miss Begg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has made on the provision by rail operators of full access arrangements for wheelchair-using passengers in Scotland. [136336]

  Mr. Wilson
  All new trains being introduced into service by operators in Scotland are subject to the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations, which require them to be fully accessible to wheelchair users. These regulations are underpinned by the Rail Regulator's Code of Practice, "Meeting the Needs of Disabled Passengers" which is currently being re-drafted.

  I understand that Scotrail have recently introduced into service new "Turbostar" trains which are fully accessible to wheelchair users. Scotrail will also shortly be introducing new fully accessible "Juniper" trains which will be used on Strathclyde PTE services.

  New Deal
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the operation of the New Deal in Scotland. [136338]
  630W
  Mr. Wilson
  The operation of the New Deal in Scotland has been a success. Over 28,000 young people have found work in just over two years. The New Deal is also helping long-term unemployed people, lone parents, disabled people and people over 50 find work. The success of the New Deal in Scotland is founded on a partnership with the Employment Service, the Scottish Executive and private and public sector partners.

  Freight Facility Grants
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his oral answer of 25 July 2000,Official Report, column 886, if he will make a further statement on freight facility grants in Scotland. [136339]

  Dr. Reid
  Administration of the Freight Facilities Grant Scheme for railways in Scotland is the responsibility of the Scottish Executive. The Scottish Executive recently announced a doubling of expenditure on Freight Facility Grants (FFG) to £36 million in the period from April 2001 to March 2004 and an increased target of removing 18 million lorry miles from Scottish roads.

  Clydeside Shipyards
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has received concerning employment prospects in relation to commercial and Ministry of Defence contracts in respect of Clydeside shipyards. [136340]

  Dr. Reid
  Following the recent award by the Ministry of Defence for two ALSLs to BAE Systems at Govan, I received very favourable representations from the workforce about their confidence for the future of Govan. This has been further boosted by the news yesterday that Govan is to build eight Landing Craft. I know that Ferguson's have also had recent successes and BAE Systems at Scotstoun has a secure future in terms of Type 45 Destroyer work. There are, therefore, very good prospects for more than 3,000 workers in Clydeside shipyards.

  Banknotes
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the impact on(a) the Scottish economy and (b) Scotland's identity of the use of Scottish banknotes. [136341]

  Mr. Wilson
  Scottish banknotes are a long established feature of commerce in Scotland. Apart from a very slight liquidity benefit accruing to Scottish banks authorised to issue their own notes, there is no direct impact on the Scottish economy. The issue of banknotes is determined according to UK monetary policy.

  Disability Rights Commission
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of the Disability Rights Commission in Scotland. [136342]

  Dr. Reid
  The Government are committed to full civil rights for disabled people. The Disability Rights Commission, which was set up on 25 April this year, is a major step forward towards achieving this. The Commission's remit extends throughout Great Britain and
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  it has an office in Scotland. Both the UK Government and the Scottish Executive are working closely with this office.

  Since it was established, the Disability Rights Commission has been active on a number of fronts. It runs a Disability Discrimination Act helpline (on 08458 622633) and it expects to take some 50,000 calls by the end of 2000–01. It is dealing with around 40 cases per month, which involve advice to individuals, providing information on other bodies, conciliation and providing direct support. The Commission will also be preparing Codes of Practice for the Special Educational Needs and Disability in Education Bill. It is also engaged in research.

  The Government will continue to work closely with the Commission to ensure that we continue to make progress on issues that concern disabled people.

  NGOs
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he has taken to co-ordinate Scottish non-governmental organisations involved in aid programmes and assistance to countries which have experienced conflict or humanitarian and natural disasters with the work of other UK organisations. [136343]

  Mr. Wilson
  There was a debate in the Scottish Grand Committee on 10 July about the Scottish Contribution to International Development. To mark this debate, my right hon. Friend and my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development hosted an international development reception at the Scotland Office building at Melville Crescent, Edinburgh. This reception enabled representatives of Scottish non-governmental organisations engaged in overseas work to meet in an informal atmosphere and discuss issues of concern with Ministers and officials.

  This Government have a strong commitment to International Development. The UK is a leading player in the international objective of halving by 2015 the proportion of those living in extreme poverty. To help achieve this, the proportion of the UK's Gross National Product being devoted to overseas aid will rise from 0.29 per cent. in 2000–01 to 0.33 per cent. in 2003–04.

  Scotland plays a major part in the work carried out by the UK. As my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary said at the Scottish Grand Committee, his Department works closely with Scottish institutions and society, and the Scottish Executive, to help achieve the Government's objectives.

  Pensioners
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor on the level of the basic State Pension and pensioner poverty in Scotland. [136344]

  Dr. Reid
  I have frequent discussions with my right hon. Friends the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Social Security on a wide range of issues.

  The Government announced in the pre-Budget report that the level of the basic state retirement pension would be increased by £5 a week for single people in April 2001 and by £8 for married couples. The Government also
  632W
  announced that in April 2002 the pension for single people will be further increased by £3 with the pension for couples going up then by £4.80. These increases are excellent news for the around 900,000 pensioners in Scotland.

  The Government have taken major steps to combat pensioner poverty in Scotland. In the pre-Budget report, we announced that the Minimum Income Guarantee would be increased, from April 2001, to £92.15 a week for a single pensioner and £140.55 a week for couples. We also indicated that the Minimum Income Guarantee would be at least £100 a week for a single pensioner and £154 for a pensioner couple by 2003. The Winter Fuel Allowance will be set at £200 per eligible household this winter, which helps around one million people in Scotland.

  Finally, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security has announced details of the proposed pensions credit which will benefit single pensioners with incomes below £135 and pensioner couples with incomes below £200.

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what impact the National Minimum Wage has had on wage rates in Scotland. [136345]

  Mr. Wilson
  The introduction of the National Minimum Wage has resulted in increased wage rates for over 100,000 people in Scotland, especially women and part-time workers, without any indication of significant adverse effect on employment and the economy.

  Barnett Formula
  Mr. St. Aubyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer about the operation of the Barnett formula. [136329]

  Dr. Reid
  I have regular discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer about a range of matters. The Barnett formula continues to provide a fair deal for Scotland within a United Kingdom framework.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Domestic Violence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many non-molestation orders were issued in(a) 1999 and (b) 1989. [137881]

  Jane Kennedy
  I have been asked to reply.

  The information requested is as follows:

  Non-molestation orders granted

  19991

  19892

  Magistrates court

  588

  3—

  County court

  17,774

  14,239

  High Court

  103

  3—

  Total

  18,465

  14,239

  1 Under Family Law Act 1996, Part IV

  2 Under Domestic Violence and Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1976

  3 Not collected

  Angel Heights Hostel, Leeds
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what support the National Asylum Support Service is provided for the asylum seekers living in the Angel Heights hostel in Leeds; and if he will make a statement. [135831]

  Mrs. Roche
  The National Asylum Support Service is aware of two hostels in Leeds used for housing asylum seekers: Angel Hall and Angel House. Angel Group Ltd., a contracted provider of accommodation to the National Asylum Support Service (NASS), operates both of these hostels. Neither of these hostels is currently under contract to the National Asylum Support Service.

  However, Angel Group Ltd. has occasionally used Angel Hall as a drop-off point and reception centre for asylum seekers dispersed to Leeds by NASS. These asylum seekers have then been moved to other addresses within the Leeds area.

  One asylum seeker supported by NASS was temporarily housed for a short period in one of the Angel hostels in Leeds. NASS does use a hostel in Newcastle upon Tyne operated by Angel Group Ltd. called Angel Heights.

  Residence Permits
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what the average length of time is of applications for(a) residence documents and (b) endorsements given to third country national spouses of EU nationals exercising Treaty rights who have been granted indefinite leave to remain; [137823]

  (2) how many applications for residence permits or leave to remain as the spouse of an EEA national exercising Treaty rights were refused on the basis that he believed the marriage to be one of convenience in 1999; [137274]

  (3) what the average time was for consideration of (a) applications for residence documents and (b) evidence made by third country national family members of EU nationals exercising Treaty rights in the United Kingdom in 1999; [137284]

  (4) how many applications for (a) residence documents and (b) endorsements by third country national spouses of Community nationals exercising Treaty rights were refused on the basis that he considered the marriage to be one of convenience during 1999; [137279]

  (5) what was the average time for consideration of applications for residence permits for EU nationals exercising Treaty rights in the United Kingdom in 1999. [137285]

  Mrs. Roche
  This information is no longer recorded centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The way in which the Immigration and Nationality Directorate handles European Economic Area (EEA) applications is currently being reviewed. Once the review has taken place we should be in a position to provide more detailed statistical information relating to EEA applications.
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  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many applications for residence permits were made by EU nationals exercising Treaty rights in the United Kingdom in 1999; [137276]

  (2) how many applications for residence documents by EU nationals exercising Treaty rights in the United Kingdom were granted in 1999; [137288]

  (3) how many applications for residence permits for EU nationals exercising Treaty rights were issued for a period of less than five years, during 1999; [137280]

  (4) how many residence documents and evidence of residence were granted to third country national family members of EU national exercising Treaty rights in the United Kingdom during 1999; [137286]

  (5) how many applications for residence documents by third national family members of EU nationals exercising Treaty rights were made in 1999. [137287]

  Mrs. Roche
  Available statistics do not record separately European Economic Area (EEA) decisions made on applications for residence permits and residence documents and this information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. During 1999, 7,322 EEA decisions were made, although this figure will include some decisions on applications that were made in late 1998. This figure does not include numbers of persons who have been admitted to the United Kingdom in line with EEA family permits or numbers of those whose applications were made during the end of 1999, but not resolved until early this year.

  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many EU nationals he estimates exercised Treaty rights in the UK during the period 1 January to 31 December 1999. [137282]

  Mrs. Roche
  Because of the principles of freedom of movement there is no obligation for an European Economic Area national to hold a residence permit. It is therefore not possible to provide this information.

  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many letters were sent to Community nationals in the United Kingdom in 1999 advising them that they were no longer considered to be exercising Treaty rights and should therefore leave the United Kingdom. [137281]

  Mrs. Roche
  This information is not specifically recorded.

  Service Providers
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what statutory measures the Government have adopted in the UK to give third country national employees of service providers based in another member state the right to provide services in the UK. [137291]

  Mrs. Roche
  No statutory measures have been adopted. Effect is given to implementing this judgment through instructions that third country national employees of service providers established in another member state are not required to obtain work permits for employees being sent to provide services in the United Kingdom.

  HIV/AIDS
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is as regards applications for exceptional leave to remain in respect of persons who are(a) HIV positive and (b) have AIDS and who if returned to their home country would not be able to receive appropriate medical treatment. [137374]

  Mrs. Roche
  The United Kingdom is a signatory to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR) now given effect in domestic law by the Human Rights Act 1998. In accordance with our obligations under Article 3 of the ECHR, exceptional leave to remain may be granted where credible medical evidence exists that return to the country of origin, due to a lack of medical facilities in the country concerned, would substantially reduce an applicant's life expectancy and subject them to acute physical and mental suffering, in circumstances where the United Kingdom can be regarded as having assumed responsibility for their care. Each case is considered on its own merits.

  Drug Abuse Projects
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list those projects his Department supports which highlight the dangers of drug abuse to children and young people. [137338]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Home Office does not fund such projects which, at local level, are the responsibility of Drug Action Teams. The Drugs Prevention Advisory Service of the Home Office, however, does support local initiatives and the work of Drug Action Teams.

  The Prison Service drug strategy, which includes counselling and information leaflets as well as detoxification, drug testing and treatment, applies equally to young offenders and adults.

  At a national level, the United Kingdom Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator Unit (UKADCU) has responsibility for the 10-year strategy of joint action to tackle the problem of drug misuse. One of the aims of the strategy is to ensure that young people have access to all the information and support they need in order to resist drug misuse and thus to achieve their full potential in society. The Department of Health, which is the lead department in the area, is contributing to this objective through a wide range of projects and initiatives that are listed in the United Kingdom Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator's Annual Report 1999/2000, copies of which are available in the Library.

  The Young Justice Board, which is a non-departmental public body, currently funds 32 projects for young people with a drugs and alcohol focus.

  Special Police Constables
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many special police constables were recruited to the Kingston Metropolitan Police Division in each year from 1992 to 1999. [137595]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Information is not collected centrally in the form requested.
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  I am advised by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) that, the number of police special constables recruited to the Kingston division is as follows:

  Year

  Number

  1997

  2

  1998

  1

  1999

  0

  Their latest figures show that three special constables have so far been recruited this year (2000).

  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police special constables were on active duty in the Kingston Metropolitan police division in each year from 1992 to 2000. [137596]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I am advised by the Metropolitan police Service (MPS) that they define special constables on active duty as being those officers who perform more than 96 hours per annum. Using this definition, the number of police special constables on active duty in the Kingston Metropolitan division in each of the year 1995 to 2000 is as follows:

  Number

  1995

  18

  1996

  26

  1997

  31

  1998

  11

  1999

  10

  2000

  12

  The data are based upon the present divisional boundaries of Kingston, which are now co-terminus with those of the Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames. It therefore excludes those officers who served within those parts of the Kingston Metropolitan police district which were transferred to Surrey police during 2000. The data on these individuals are not currently available, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Similarly, the equivalent data are not available for the years 1992 to 1994 and, again, could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Police Officer Retirements
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many serving police officers in the Kingston Metropolitan police division are due to retire in 2000–01. [137594]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I am advised by the Commissioner of the police of the Metropolis that three officers retired on ordinary pension and a further five were medically retired during the period from 1 April 2000 to 31 October 2000.

  Records show that between 1 November 2000 and 31 March 2001 there are a further 10 officers who are eligible to retire by virtue of either age or length of service.

  Asylum Seekers (Liverpool)
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of management arrangements for asylum seekers at the Landmark and Inn on the Park in Liverpool. [137522]

  Mrs. Roche
  The National Asylum Support Service Performance Monitoring Inspections section has reviewed all management procedures in place at Landmark Liverpool and all other private sector providers. Where these reviews have identified some shortfalls in procedures these have been addressed.

  The National Asylum Support Service Performance Monitoring Inspections section regularly assesses the implementation of these procedures as part of its work.

  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of support services provided to asylum seekers by private landlords in Liverpool. [137521]

  Mrs. Roche
  The National Asylum Support Service has a dedicated Performance Monitoring Inspections team. These inspectors regularly review with providers of accommodation, housing management issues and the delivery of the support services specified in their contracts.

  NDPBs (Scotland)
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the non-departmental public bodies responsible to him which have duties relating to Scotland, indicating their budget and staffing in Scotland, the number of Scottish board members and their emoluments. [137701]

  Mr. Straw
  The following non-departmental public bodies, sponsored by my Department, have a remit which covers Great Britain or the United Kingdom:

  Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs

  Alcohol Education and Research Council

  Animal Procedures Committee

  Commission for Racial Equality

  Community Development Foundation

  Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority

  Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeals Panel

  Data Protection Tribunal

  Firearms Consultative Committee

  Gaming Board for Great Britain

  Horse Race Betting Levy Board

  Horse Race Totalisator Board

  Investigatory Powers Tribunal

  Misuse of Drugs Advisory Body

  Misuse of Drugs Professional Panel

  Misuse of Drugs Tribunal

  Office of the Data Protection Commissioner

  Poisons Board

  Police Arbitration Tribunal

  Police Information Technology Organisation

  Police Negotiating Board

  Office of the Surveillance Commissioners.

  638W
  The remaining information is not held centrally in the form requested but general 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, "Public Bodies 2000" is due to be published next month. Information on board membership and remuneration can also be downloaded from the Cabinet Office Public Appointments Directory website (www.cabinet-office.gov.uk).

  Charities
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many charities have failed in each year since 1995. [137718]

  Mr. Boateng
  This information is not collected centrally.

  Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when compensation to Mr. John Slough, a constituent, for specialist tooling equipment held by the West Mercia Police, will be paid under the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997; and if he will make a statement. [137619]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [holding answer 10 November 2000]: Compensation has already been paid to Mr. Slough in respect of a range of items eligible for payment under the terms of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 Compensation Schemes. The Government do not accept that other items on which he is seeking compensation fall within the terms of the schemes. We have made a number of proposals to Mr. Slough as to how further progress might be made on his claim. It is open to Mr. Slough to retrieve from the police those items he surrendered which are not covered by the compensation scheme.

  Freedom of Information Bill
  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will place the draft working document of the Fees Regulations for the Freedom of Information Bill in the Library. [138535]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The draft working document for the Fees Regulations required by the Freedom of Information Bill was placed in the Library on 10 November.

  National Asylum Support Service
  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase the level of support provided by the National Asylum Support Service for those aged under 16 years. [138536]

  Mrs. Roche
  I laid before Parliament, yesterday, regulations amending the Asylum Support Regulations 2000 to enable an increased rate of voucher support to be provided to under 16-year-old dependants of asylum seekers supported by the National Asylum Support Service with effect from 4 December. The rate will rise from £26.60 to £30.95 per week.

  Chief Inspector for Prisons and Probation
  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the outcome was of the consultation on the appointment of a joint Chief Inspector for Prisons and Probation. [138537]

  Mr. Straw
  As I announced on 9 June 2000,Official Report, columns 392-93W, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons Sir David Ramsbotham's appointment was extended until the end of July 2001 when Sir Graham Smith, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Probation, is also due to retire.

  In response to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for the Forest of Dean (Mrs. Organ) on 27 July 2000, Official Report, column 879W, I told the House that I had established a consultation exercise to gauge public opinion on proposals, including the option of a joint Chief Inspector, designed to ensure that the Inspectorates of prisons and probation support closer working between the two services while maintaining the independence and rigour of the inspection process. The consultation exercise ended on 31 October. Copies of the responses to the consultation exercise will be placed in the Library.

  A majority of those consulted favoured some change—establishing terms of reference for the inspection of joint working between the criminal justice agencies and the sharing of inspectors between the Inspectorates. In contrast, only small minorities were in favour of the status quo, or of the appointment of a joint Chief Inspector for prisons and probation.

  During the consultation exercise a helpful scheme was put forward by Her Majesty's Chief Inspectors of Constabulary, the Crown Prosecution Service, Magistrates' Courts, Probation, and Prisons to inspect practice across their boundaries systematically. This scheme has much to recommend it and the consultation exercise also suggests that it will command broad support. It is therefore the option which I propose to pursue, along with the arrangements canvassed in the consultation exercise for bringing the work of the Inspectorates closer together.

  Both Sir David and Sir Graham have made significant contributions to raising standards in the prison and probation services respectively, and I am grateful to them for their work. In view of the retirements in July next year I shall be advertising both Chief Inspector posts in the New Year.

  Anti-social Behaviour Orders
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice he has given to magistrates on implementing anti-social behaviour orders. [136352]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Training for lay magistrates is organised and delivered locally but is based on the advice and syllabuses prepared by the Judicial Studies Board. In addition to the training pack and handout on anti-social behaviour orders (ASBO) which were sent out by the Board last year, we have issued two booklets to the relevant agencies including the magistrates' courts service: "Anti-Social Behaviour Orders—Guidance", produced by the Home Office in March 1999; and "Anti-Social Behaviour Orders—Guidance on drawing up 640W
  local ASBO Protocols", produced jointly by the Home Office and the Local Government Association in June 2000.

  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list those local authorities that have issued anti-social behaviour orders since April 1999 and the number of orders in each case. [138327]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Over 100 anti-social behaviour orders have been issued since the measure was implemented on 1 April 1999. Figures for the numbers of orders obtained by local authority area are not held centrally.

  Crime Statistics
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions there were in each police force area in(a) 1979, (b) 1987, (c) 1992, (d) 1997 and (e) in each following year up to the latest date for which figures are available. [137859]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Information for 1979 to 1998 can be found in the following annual publications:
  Tables 3A and 7A of Criminal statistics England and Wales 1979 (Command Paper 8098).

  Tables S3.2(A) and S3.4(A) of Criminal statistics England and Wales 1987, 1992, 1997 and 1998 Supplementary tables Volume 3.

  Copies of these publications are in the Library.

  Copies of tables providing data for 1999 have also been placed in the Library. The Command Paper Criminal statistics England and Wales 1999, along with its Supplementary tables, Volumes 1 to 4, will be published next month.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) violent crimes and (b) total recorded crimes there were in each police force area in (i) 1979, (ii) 1987, (iii) 1992, (iv) 1997 and (v) in each following year up to the latest date for which figures are available. [137858]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The requested data are shown in the following tables. The violent crime figures are the total of violence against the person offences, sexual offences and robbery.

  The figures before and after 1 April 1998 cannot be directly compared. This is because the Counting Rules for recorded crime were changed on 1 April 1998, with an expanded coverage of offences and the emphasis more on measurement of one crime per victim. All offences that are triable on indictment and triable either-way have been counted since this date, as are some summary offences which are closely linked to more serious offences. The change increased the overall count in England and Wales of the offence groups of violence against the person, sexual offences and robbery by 118 per cent., 4 per cent. and 1 per cent. respectively. More details of the change in counting rules can be found in Home Office Statistical Bulletin 18/99, entitled "Recorded Crime Statistics England and Wales April 1998 to March 1999", which is in the Library.
  641W

  Recorded crime—total violent crime

  Police force area

  1979

  1987

  1992

  1997

  1997–98

  1998–991

  1999–20001

  Avon and Somerset

  2,661

  4,766

  7,057

  12,176

  13,219

  14,985

  16,061

  Bedfordshire

  1,846

  2,421

  2,759

  4,516

  4,476

  5,668

  6,121

  Cambridgeshire

  1,324

  1,981

  3,505

  4,104

  4,202

  6,213

  7,056

  Cheshire

  1,785

  2,692

  3,563

  4,584

  4,733

  7,623

  6,645

  Cleveland

  1,720

  2,677

  3,208

  3,397

  3,432

  4,237

  4,278

  Cumbria

  908

  1,584

  2,213

  3,158

  3,378

  5,901

  5,456

  Derbyshire

  2,410

  3,001

  4,736

  6,264

  6,692

  9,569

  11,149

  Devon and Cornwall

  2,645

  3,695

  4,901

  7,746

  7,828

  13,096

  13,902

  Dorset

  911

  1,433

  2,014

  2,540

  2,583

  3,325

  4,034

  Durham

  1,558

  2,467

  3,012

  2,407

  2,408

  5,370

  5,884

  Essex

  2,818

  4,093

  5,484

  5,781

  6,016

  9,443

  11,480

  Gloucestershire

  737

  1,272

  2,183

  2,065

  2,121

  3,847

  4,854

  Greater Manchester

  6,696

  10,873

  15,847

  21,802

  25,275

  45,615

  51,076

  Hampshire

  3,380

  4,750

  6,971

  9,710

  9,761

  14,253

  17,494

  Hertfordshire

  1,550

  2,182

  2,525

  2,890

  2,995

  3,884

  4,471

  Humberside

  3,382

  5,980

  6,142

  7,758

  7,741

  10,947

  10,752

  Kent

  2,633

  3,865

  7,441

  8,924

  8,666

  14,045

  14,683

  Lancashire

  2,654

  3,757

  4,146

  5,550

  5,718

  12,183

  11,615

  Leicestershire

  1,816

  2,975

  4,913

  6,856

  6,971

  11,715

  12,976

  Lincolnshire

  1,206

  1,859

  2,664

  3,487

  3,548

  4,781

  4,369

  City of London

  225

  281

  321

  241

  255

  570

  595

  Merseyside

  5,162

  7,291

  9,875

  11,130

  11,399

  15,711

  18,237

  Metropolitan Police

  24,995

  44,537

  67,098

  87,393

  84,344

  165,981

  202,386

  Norfolk

  1,064

  1,741

  2,429

  3,565

  3,570

  6,189

  7,094

  Northamptonshire

  1,386

  2,374

  3,054

  3,688

  3,730

  5,995

  5,896

  Northumbria

  4,172

  5,811

  8,178

  6,503

  6,584

  14,767

  15,935

  North Yorkshire

  1,182

  1,713

  2,276

  2,885

  2,930

  5,294

  5,607

  Nottinghamshire

  5,079

  7,582

  10,462

  10,247

  10,238

  14,312

  16,384

  South Yorkshire

  3,824

  5,171

  6,205

  6,155

  6,088

  8,210

  9,372

  Staffordshire

  3,421

  4,705

  6,289

  8,178

  8,373

  11,188

  14,640

  Suffolk

  1,178

  1,897

  2,612

  2,989

  3,105

  4,365

  5,915

  Surrey

  1,453

  2,023

  2,644

  3,061

  3,447

  4,914

  6,099

  Sussex

  2,693

  3,425

  4,521

  7,561

  7,482

  16,613

  18,947

  Thames Valley

  3,142

  5,370

  6,618

  8,589

  8,557

  12,990

  16,531

  Warwickshire

  769

  1,080

  1,640

  1,637

  1,712

  2,427

  2,581

  West Mercia

  2,112

  2,920

  4,180

  4,213

  4,080

  7,964

  9,157

  West Midlands

  8,337

  11,910

  18,228

  17,833

  19,286

  40,319

  55,026

  West Yorkshire

  6,703

  8,940

  13,727

  12,518

  12,677

  21,529

  22,632

  Wiltshire

  1,065

  1,959

  3,180

  2,892

  3,063

  4,989

  5,135

  Dyfed-Powys

  773

  1,310

  2,626

  2,503

  2,511

  5,039

  5,839

  Gwent

  1,330

  1,980

  2,845

  6,139

  6,131

  11,980

  14,493

  North Wales

  1,516

  2,335

  3,060

  3,167

  3,310

  5,164

  6,258

  South Wales

  3,064

  4,151

  6,847

  8,262

  8,238

  12,587

  13,990

  England and Wales

  129,285

  198,829

  284,199

  347,064

  352,873

  605,797

  703,105

  1 The counting rules for recorded crime were revised on 1 April 1998

  Recorded crime—all offences

  Police force area

  1979

  1987

  1992

  1997

  1997–98

  1998–991

  1998–19922

  1999–20022

  Avon and Somerset

  51,333

  100,823

  175,404

  143,128

  144,556

  131,955

  150,089

  147,104

  Bedfordshire

  28,097

  40,707

  59,436

  47,426

  45,250

  43,947

  49,076

  53,607

  Cambridgeshire

  24,645

  34,097

  66,339

  60,050

  58,864

  59,678

  67,256

  68,722

  Cheshire

  30,396

  51,376

  79,491

  60,363

  60,716

  59,414

  65,119

  64,528

  Cleveland

  34,846

  60,236

  84,312

  64,445

  63,634

  63,726

  67,030

  65,185

  Cumbria

  19,531

  28,655

  45,336

  35,810

  35,777

  35,171

  40,202

  37,729

  Derbyshire

  38,640

  46,722

  88,449

  73,792

  74,436

  74,047

  84,459

  85,650

  Devon and Cornwall

  43,480

  74,495

  114,675

  94,828

  92,800

  88,484

  110,644

  110,361

  Dorset

  23,260

  38,663

  52,238

  44,104

  43,536

  43,903

  52,755

  52,332

  Durham

  27,351

  45,023

  67,315

  47,976

  47,311

  44,178

  50,413

  48,796

  Essex

  54,060

  75,419

  115,062

  90,158

  89,380

  87,147

  95,797

  102,777

  Gloucestershire

  16,589

  33,997

  60,601

  47,533

  46,044

  44,000

  48,206

  50,993

  Greater Manchester

  169,749

  318,869

  395,195

  307,403

  315,000

  336,172

  362,450

  377,086

  Hampshire

  66,910

  99,649

  153,256

  124,306

  121,042

  115,008

  128,253

  135,174

  Hertfordshire

  38,801

  42,769

  59,129

  50,050

  49,426

  46,255

  49,309

  52,741

  Humberside

  48,195

  88,570

  128,743

  121,330

  123,722

  119,290

  130,691

  121,442

  Kent

  55,370

  78,629

  159,881

  122,955

  118,892

  110,244

  129,340

  124,918

  Lancashire

  57,105

  94,117

  132,138

  119,755

  116,947

  105,161

  118,085

  108,866

  Leicestershire

  30,351

  50,900

  97,468

  81,259

  81,183

  81,714

  93,397

  94,577

  Lincolnshire

  17,539

  34,729

  49,306

  43,381

  41,792

  39,718

  46,670

  46,170

  City of London

  6,809

  7,524

  6,768

  5,130

  5,137

  6,035

  7,144

  7,775

  Merseyside

  108,433

  166,513

  149,672

  125,979

  125,312

  130,606

  140,874

  148,172

  Metropolitan Police

  557,378

  737,151

  942,876

  791,732

  778,279

  767,880

  934,254

  1,052,047

  Norfolk

  22,655

  41,575

  66,996

  53,332

  52,580

  51,167

  57,129

  59,387

  642W 643W

  Recorded crime—all offences

  Police force area

  1979

  1987

  1992

  1997

  1997–98

  1998–991

  1998–992

  1999–20002

  Northamptonshire

  22,966

  39,926

  59,550

  54,047

  53,645

  55,842

  65,466

  61,240

  Northumbria

  99,512

  172,057

  224,442

  140,166

  134,457

  132,588

  151,298

  142,279

  North Yorkshire

  21,887

  37,494

  54,816

  50,252

  50,297

  48,372

  55,309

  53,554

  Nottinghamshire

  72,659

  97,957

  164,417

  128,015

  125,097

  123,680

  135,255

  136,875

  South Yorkshire

  56,340

  95,372

  137,336

  130,960

  125,907

  124,427

  133,059

  131,700

  Staffordshire

  37,952

  57,766

  97,536

  89,957

  89,820

  84,495

  91,919

  98,852

  Suffolk

  20,152

  31,656

  44,721

  35,639

  35,262

  34,280

  39,908

  43,355

  Surrey

  26,965

  32,971

  53,468

  38,440

  38,015

  36,376

  42,467

  46,288

  Sussex

  48,609

  66,976

  119,364

  111,624

  110,320

  111,468

  130,402

  136,566

  Thames Valley

  75,740

  117,823

  197,799

  157,423

  154,014

  161,646

  176,477

  191,875

  Warwickshire

  13,986

  25,213

  44,996

  35,725

  35,604

  35,659

  38,485

  38,593

  West Mercia

  35,088

  52,658

  79,175

  76,762

  75,330

  69,451

  81,782

  84,797

  West Midlands

  156,671

  266,799

  329,260

  278,975

  277,970

  276,512

  314,628

  364,887

  West Yorkshire

  128,675

  184,049

  305,264

  244,142

  242,646

  246,438

  273,809

  260,237

  Wiltshire

  20,545

  27,471

  42,229

  33,039

  32,831

  32,984

  38,189

  38,461

  Dyfed-Powys

  11,752

  18,655

  28,539

  18,098

  17,994

  17,858

  24,588

  23,709

  Gwent

  20,498

  27,093

  40,961

  47,268

  47,043

  47,381

  58,738

  60,132

  North Wales

  23,589

  37,415

  49,204

  40,684

  38,658

  36,570

  43,848

  44,606

  South Wales

  71,628

  111,642

  168,554

  130,886

  128,811

  120,890

  134,820

  127,040

  England and Wales

  2,536,737

  3,892,201

  5,591,717

  4,598,327

  4,545,337

  4,481,817

  5,109,089

  5,301,185

  1 Estimate of total for year if counting rules in force up to 31 March 1998 had been used

  2 Using the counting rules for recorded crime which came in on 1 April 1998.

  Police Numbers
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the total number of police per head of population was in each police force area in(a) 1979, (b) 1992, (c) 1997 and (d) the latest date for which figures are available. [137860]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information requested is set out in the table in the form of population per police officer.

  Population per officer as at 31 March

  Force

  1979

  1992

  1997

  2000

  Avon and Somerset

  472

  464

  491

  507

  Bedfordshire

  549

  489

  502

  541

  Cambridgeshire

  536

  536

  540

  582

  Cheshire

  517

  516

  479

  489

  City of London

  7

  5

  6

  7

  Cleveland

  426

  378

  382

  396

  Cumbria

  447

  416

  429

  455

  Derbyshire

  573

  551

  537

  546

  Devon and Cornwall

  513

  523

  538

  549

  Dorset

  520

  514

  531

  529

  Durham

  460

  435

  416

  390

  Dyfed-Powys

  474

  496

  474

  461

  Essex

  555

  510

  511

  547

  Gloucestershire

  460

  459

  491

  500

  Greater Manchester

  415

  363

  372

  379

  Gwent

  454

  443

  447

  441

  Hampshire

  532

  531

  508

  518

  Hertfordshire

  451

  497

  491

  497

  Humberside

  457

  431

  434

  457

  Kent

  532

  501

  478

  491

  Lancashire

  442

  440

  439

  449

  Leicestershire

  490

  483

  476

  456

  Lincolnshire

  453

  496

  515

  559

  Merseyside

  349

  312

  336

  345

  Metropolitan Police

  333

  259

  284

  302

  Norfolk

  556

  537

  543

  572

  Northamptonshire

  570

  507

  513

  551

  Northumbria

  444

  414

  390

  376

  North Wales

  479

  486

  479

  469

  North Yorkshire

  493

  516

  549

  578

  Nottinghamshire

  460

  436

  444

  468

  South Wales

  439

  415

  414

  424

  South Yorkshire

  512

  430

  413

  412

  Staffordshire

  504

  481

  477

  489

  Suffolk

  557

  544

  561

  586

  Surrey

  504

  450

  479

  441

  644W

  Population per officer as at 31 March

  Force

  1979

  1992

  1997

  2000

  Sussex

  466

  479

  All

  531

  Thames Valley

  659

  523

  559

  561

  Warwickshire

  558

  495

  541

  563

  West Mercia

  560

  540

  547

  602

  West Midlands

  453

  377

  371

  365

  West Yorkshire

  437

  406

  405

  438

  Wiltshire

  518

  471

  514

  542

  Total for England and Wales

  447

  406

  414

  430

  Women in Prison
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research he has commissioned on the impact of a mother receiving a custodial sentence on her children; and if he will make a statement. [137353]

  Mr. Boateng
  The most recently published study of imprisoned mothers was "Imprisoned Women and Mothers" by Caddie and Crisp. It was commissioned by the Prison Service and published in 1997 (Home Office Research Study 162). The entire female prisoner population at the end of 1994, comprising 1,766 women, were surveyed. In-depth interviews were conducted with the 61 per cent. of that population who were either pregnant or mothers of children under 18.

  In the report of a "Review of Principles, Policies and Procedures on Mothers and Babies/Children in Prison" (Her Majesty's Prison Service July 1999) and the Prison Service's Response and Action Plan (December 1999), a number of areas of research concerning the children of women prisoners was recommended. The Prison Service is giving consideration to these recommendations. Copies of both documents were placed in the Library.

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the cost of keeping a mother and child in a mother and baby unit for one week. [137356]

  Mr. Boateng
  At present no separate budget is allocated to the mother and baby units. The cost of running the unit is met from the individual establishment's central budget. Mother and baby units (MB U) do not have a standard cost
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  as the physical accommodation offered is different in each one. Additionally the regimes offered differ from prison to prison depending on its security category and its function within the female estate. The information requested is given in the table.

  Prisoner place

  Open/closed

  Weekly cost per prisoner MBU (£)

  Askham Grange

  20

  Open

  636

  Holloway

  13

  Closed

  858

  New Hall

  9

  Closed

  863

  Styal

  20

  Closed

  939

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women received a custodial sentence; what was the average length of sentence; and what proportion of those women were imprisoned for offences of violence, in each of the past five years. [137351]

  Mr. Boateng
  Available information, taken from the Home Office Court Proceedings Database is given in the table.

  Number of females sentenced to immediate custody for indictable Number of females sentenced to immediate custody for indictable and all offences, average sentence length given and proportion of these sentences which were for violent1 offences England and Wales 1995–99

  Total immediate custody

  Average sentence length (months)

  Percentage of custodial sentences which were for violent1 offences

  Indictable offences

  1995

  3,344

  11.0

  16

  1996

  3,883

  12.3

  16

  1997

  4,807

  10.9

  15

  1998

  5,779

  9.9

  14

  1999

  6,608

  9.8

  13

  All offences

  1995

  3,792

  10.0

  15

  1996

  4,403

  11.1

  14

  1997

  5,506

  9.8

  13

  1998

  6,567

  9.0

  12

  1999

  7,504

  8.9

  11

  1 Includes indictable offence groups of violence against the person, sexual offences and robbery

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women were remanded in custody in each of the past five years; what proportion of these women later received a custodial sentence; and how many of them were mothers of children under 18 years. [137352]

  Mr. Boateng
  Information on the number of females remanded to custody is given in the tables. This information is published in successive volumes of "Prison statistics England and Wales" (Tables 2.2 and 2.6 of the 1999 edition, column 4805), copies of which are in the Library. Survey research suggests that about 60 per cent. of women in prison are pregnant or have children under 18 years. Separate figures are not available for those on remand.
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  Table 1: Receptions1 of untried and convicted unsentenced females into prisons in England and Wales 1995–99

  Year

  Untried

  Convicted unsentenced

  1995

  2,940

  1,778

  1996

  3,343

  1,994

  1997

  3,974

  2,436

  1998

  4,540

  3,442

  1999

  4,587

  3,935

  1 Total receptions cannot be calculated by adding together receptions in each category because there is double counting

  Table 2: Final court outcome for females remanded in custody at some stage in magistrates court proceedings1

  England and Wales

  Estimated percentages

  Final court outcome2

  19953

  1996

  1997

  1998

  19994

  Acquitted etc.

  24

  24

  23

  21

  21

  Convicted5

  76

  76

  77

  79

  79

  Discharge

  7

  7

  8

  8

  7

  Fine

  7

  6

  8

  7

  7

  Community Service6

  22

  22

  25

  25

  25

  Fully suspended sentence

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  Immediate custody7

  33

  32

  31

  32

  35

  Total

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  1 Includes persons remanded in custody by magistrates during proceedings or on committal

  2 Includes estimated outcome at the Crown court for those committed for trial or sentence

  3 Uses Crown court (CREST) data from 1 July to 31 December 1995

  4 Provisional figures

  5 Includes offences otherwise dealt with

  6 Includes CSO, probation, supervision orders and attendance centre orders

  7 Includes detention in a young offender institution and unsuspended imprisonment

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women's prisons provide facilities for extended day visits for children; and if he will make it his policy that all women's prisons should provide such facilities. [137355]

  Mr. Boateng
  Nine women's prisons offer extended visits, two have recently considered the feasibility of providing them, and the other two have open conditions. Our policy is to encourage establishments to provide such facilities wherever possible, although the extent to which each establishment is able to deliver this will depend upon individual operational and resource considerations. For this reason, I do not plan to make mandatory the provision of such facilities, either in women's prisons or the prison estate as a whole.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will reply to the hon. Member for Manchester, Central' s letters of 31 August and 12 September concerning the case of Mr. F. (F245203). [137901]

  Mrs. Roche
  I replied to my hon. Friend on 7 November. I am sorry for the delay.

  Immigration
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average timescale is for dealing with family reunion cases referred to the Home Office by the High Commission in Nairobi. [137988]
  647W
  Mrs. Roche
  This information is not available. A number of new initiatives have been put in place to clear all backlogs of entry clearance applications and to provide a faster turnround time for new applications in the future.

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when a decision will be made in the case of RHJ (reference AS31747) whose case was referred to the Home Office from the High Commission in Addis Ababa on 14 September. [137902]

  Mrs. Roche
  The case will be considered urgently and a decision will be made as soon as possible. I am sorry that one has not been made before now.

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what circumstances is(a) exceptional leave and (b) indefinite leave granted to applicants seeking leave to remain in the United Kingdom. [137989]

  Mrs. Roche
  Indefinite leave to remain is granted to qualifying applicants in accordance with the criteria set out under a number of categories in the Immigration Rules (HC 395, as amended). Grants of exceptional leave to remain outside the Immigration Rules will be based on the particular circumstances of individual cases. More detailed information may be obtained from the published version of the Immigration Directorate's Instructions which is available on the Home Office website.

  Drug-related Crimes
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the target times following arrest are for an individual to have an assessment under the arrest referral scheme for drug-related crimes. [136610]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  There are no specific target times for arrest referral assessments for drug related offenders. The aim is for referred arrestees to have an assessment as soon as possible.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Child Abduction Unit
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the work of the Child Abduction Unit in assisting UK citizens whose children have been abducted to Greece. [136358]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Child Abduction Unit exercises the Lord Chancellor's day-to-day responsibilities as the Central Authority for England and Wales and Northern Ireland for the operation of the Hague and European Conventions on international child abduction, both in relation to Greece and other countries. In addition to receiving and transmitting requests for the return of children or for exercising rights of access, the Child Abduction Unit gives help and advice to parents, other Central Authorities, the judiciary, the legal profession and anyone else who asks for it.

  Magistrates Courts (Closures)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many successful 648W
  appeals against closure of magistrates courts there were in (a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999; what this figure represents as a percentage of all appeals made; and if he will make a statement. [136359]

  Jane Kennedy
  In 1997 there were two successful appeals against the closure of magistrates courts; in 1998, there was one successful appeal; and one in 1999. In percentage terms, this is 12 per cent. for 1997; 4 per cent. for 1998 and 11 per cent. for 1999.

  The hon. Gentleman will have heard me say that decisions concerning the future of magistrates courts in an MCC area are for the relevant Committee to determine.

  Public Trust Office
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the work of the Public Trust Office. [136360]

  Jane Kennedy
  My noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor made a statement on the Public Trust Office on 11 April 2000,Official Report, House of Lords, WA28-29, and issued "Making Changes: The Future of the Public Trust Office". This document sets out a programme of reform for the Public Trust Office which, after allowing for an appropriate period of consultation, we are now proceeding to implement in the light of the representations received.

  Solicitors (Redress)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to improve the methods of seeking redress against solicitors. [136362]

  Mr. Lock
  The Lord Chancellor wrote to the President of the Law Society on 23 July 1999, when he set down targets and a timetable for improvements in the performance at the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors. A copy of this letter is available in the Libraries of both Houses. Following my visit to the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors on 9 October, the Law Society is considering suggested improvements to the avenues and mechanisms through which clients seek redress.

  Access to Justice (Cheshire)
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on access to justice in Cheshire. [136364]

  Jane Kennedy
  I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave him on 25 July 2000,Official Report, columns 541-42W.

  There are nine magistrates courts, nine county courts and three Crown courts. In Cheshire, as elsewhere, courts are been modernised, fit for the 21st Century. For example, one of the aims of the Crown Court Programme is to improve efficiency and enhance the facilities at all Crown court centres, irrespective of size, location or current accommodation limitations.

  The Community Legal Service (CLS) will improve access to good quality legal advice, through local networks of legal services. There are now 154 firms of solicitors and advice agencies in Cheshire in the latest edition of the CLS Directory, which means they either

  649W
  have the CLS Quality Mark already or are likely to apply for the Quality Mark in the near future. They will provide the local CLS network in Cheshire. A CLS Partnership has also been set up covering Cheshire, which will co-ordinate the funding and provision of local services. Since its launch in May, the Cheshire CLS Partnership has been particularly focused on developing referral procedures for the local network, and it has recently held training days for local solicitors and advice agencies on referrals.

  NDPBs (Scotland)
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the non-departmental public bodies responsible to him which have duties relating to Scotland, indicating their budget and staffing in Scotland, the number of Scottish board members and their emoluments. [137626]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Lord Chancellor is responsible for the Council on Tribunals, which has a Scottish committee looking after issues relating to Scotland. The chairman of the committee, and two of its members, are also members of the main council and are jointly appointed by the Lord Chancellor and the Scottish Ministers. Although not having direct responsibility for the Scottish committee, the Lord Chancellor does reimburse the cost of the Committee at the end of each year.

  The budget for the committee for the year ending 31 March 2000 was £89,000. The committee is supported by a secretariat of two officials. The Lord Chancellor is jointly responsible for three members (the other four are appointed solely by the Scottish Ministers). The Scottish committee chairman is paid £20,803 p.a. Committee members are paid £7,567 p.a.
  650W
  Of the Lord Chancellor's other non-departmental public bodies, only the Advisory Council on Public Records has some duties relating to Scotland. This is because the Public Record Office is the UK national archive and some of the records and issues considered by the Council will affect Scotland as part of the UK. However, there is a separate statutory body in Scotland—the Scottish Records Advisory Council—run by the National Archives of Scotland.

  Land Registry
  Mr. Anthony D. Wright
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how he intends to take forward the quinquennial review of Her Majesty's Land Registry. [138470]

  Jane Kennedy
  My noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor, announced the launch of the second Quinquennial Review of Her Majesty's Land Registry on 6 September. The review will include an assessment of its performance as well as a thorough consideration of all options for carrying forward its work, including the Better Quality Services approach to delivery. The agreed terms of reference have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Andrew Edwards CB has been appointed to carry out the review which will include widespread consultation with those who have an interest in the work of the Land Registry. It is expected that the report of the review will be published in spring 2001.

  Legal Aid Reform (Northern Ireland)
  Gillian Merron
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the Lord Chancellor's proposals for legal aid reform in Northern Ireland will be published. [138471]

  Mr. Lock
  The White Paper "The Way Ahead" (Cm 4849) was published on 19 September, when copies were placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Farming and Rural Conservation Agency: Annual Report
  Farming and Rural Conservation Agency: Annual Report
  Fisheries Economic Link Measures
  Fisheries Economic Link Measures
  Commission of the European Union: Reform
  Commission of the European Union: Reform
  International Treaties: Parliamentary Scrutiny
  International Treaties: Parliamentary Scrutiny
  Knives Act 1997: Prosecutions
  Knives Act 1997: Prosecutions
  Chief Inspectors of Prisons and Probation: Appointments
  Chief Inspectors of Prisons and Probation: Appointments
  Hi-tech Crime: Police Resources
  Hi-tech Crime: Police Resources
  Young Asylum Seekers: Support
  Young Asylum Seekers: Support
  Freedom of Information Bill: Fees Regulations
  Freedom of Information Bill: Fees Regulations
  African Caribbean Pupils: Achievement
  African Caribbean Pupils: Achievement
  Education/Youth Council, 9 November
  Education/Youth Council, 9 November
  Green Ministers: Second Annual Report
  Green Ministers: Second Annual Report
  Smoking-related Disease Victims' Families: Compensation Policy
  Smoking-related Disease Victims' Families: Compensation Policy
  Free Hospital Transport: Policy
  Free Hospital Transport: Policy
  Smoking: Pollution Reduction
  Smoking: Pollution Reduction
  Millennium Dome: New Year's Eve Transport Arrangements
  Millennium Dome: New Year's Eve Transport Arrangements
  Departmental Cars
  Departmental Cars
  UK/Ukraine International Road Transport Agreement
  UK/Ukraine International Road Transport Agreement
  Army Base Repair Organisation Workshop, Sennybridge
  Army Base Repair Organisation Workshop, Sennybridge
  Millennium Dome: Sponsorship Payments
  Millennium Dome: Sponsorship Payments
  NMEC: County Court Summonses
  NMEC: County Court Summonses
  Royal Ulster Constabulary: Trust Fund
  Royal Ulster Constabulary: Trust Fund
  International Independent Commission on Decommissioning: Cost
  International Independent Commission on Decommissioning: Cost
  Northern Ireland: Railway Safety
  Northern Ireland: Railway Safety
  Northern Ireland Human Rights Chief Commissioner
  Northern Ireland Human Rights Chief Commissioner
  Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
  Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
  Northern Ireland Policing Plan
  Northern Ireland Policing Plan
  Northern Ireland: Police Board Inquiry Powers
  Northern Ireland: Police Board Inquiry Powers
  Northern Ireland: Bloody Sunday Judicial Inquiry
  Northern Ireland: Bloody Sunday Judicial Inquiry
  Euro Cash: Introductory Issue of Notes and Coins
  Euro Cash: Introductory Issue of Notes and Coins
  House of Lords: Painting
  House of Lords: Painting
  HM Land Registry: Quinquennial Review
  HM Land Registry: Quinquennial Review
  Northern Ireland: Legal Aid Reform
  Northern Ireland: Legal Aid Reform