Written Answers of 15 November 2000

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Drink Driving
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has for an advertising campaign in the run-up to Christmas to discourage drinking and driving; and if he will make a statement; [136512]

  (2) what representations he has received about previous advertising campaigns which sought to highlight the dangers of drinking and driving; [136506]

  (3) what budget he has set aside for an advertising campaign to discourage drinking and driving during the Christmas period; [136510]

  (4) what budget he has set aside for the on-going advertising campaign against drinking and driving. [136509]

  Measure

  Government target

  Capacity (train kms run)

  10 per cent. increase on 1998–99 performance

  Reliability (unweighted excess journey time—minutes)

  4 per cent. improvement on 1998–99 level

  Customer satisfaction measures (measured through LT's Customer Satisfaction Survey)

  Average score (out of 100)

  Train service

  77

  Information

  77

  Customer safety and security

  83

  Staff helpfulness and availability

  70

  Cleanliness

  69

  The Government do not set specific targets for the performance of London Underground's contractors. Their performance is, however, reflected in the targets set for London Underground itself.

  In addition to the above targets, the 10-Year Plan includes a target to cut journey times on London Underground services by increasing capacity and reducing delays. Specific targets will be agreed with the Mayor after the Public Private Partnership has been established.

  Ministerial Directions
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the answer from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury of 23 October 2000,Official Report, columns 73–76W, on
  652W
  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 6 November 2000]In June this year, we launched the THINK! road safety publicity campaign which brings together the range of road safety messages for all road users. The total publicity budget for THINK! for the current financial year is £9 million.

  Drinking and driving is a year-round issue, and is one of the issues we tackle as part of the THINK! campaign advertising, on television, on radio and in other media.

  However, we shall be focusing again on the drink- drive issue in the the run-up to Christmas and the new year, and we have set aside around £1.9 million for this. Television advertising will run from 27 November, supported by radio advertising and poster advertising. In addition we are producing display materials for use by the police and road safety officers around the country in support of their own campaigns.

  We have received no formal representations about previous advertising campaigns.

  London Underground
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what targets(a) were in place on 1 January and (b) he has set recently for the performance of (i) the London Underground and (ii) its contractors; and if he will make a statement. [137303]

  Mr. Hill
  The Government have set performance targets for London Underground covering the period 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2001. These were announced to the House of Commons in response to a question from the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Mr. Brake) on 4 April 2000,Official Report, columns 309-10W.

  The targets, which are to be met by the end of 2000–01, are as follows:

  ministerial directions, (1) if he will place in the Library the text and supporting documentation of the directions made by Ministers in his Department in 1998; and if he will make a statement; [137297]

  (2) if he will place in the Library the text and supporting documentation of the directions made by Ministers in his Department in 1997; and if he will make a statement. [137296]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  I have considered these requests under the terms of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information and concluded that providing this information would harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion within government. The request therefore falls within the terms of exemption 2 of the Code of Practice.

  Area Cost Adjustment
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from local authority associations concerning the use of the most recent earnings data in the area cost adjustment. [137329] [138077]

  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from the local authority associations in relation to the Area Cost Adjustment Settlement for 2001–02. [137511]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Representations have been received both from the Local Government Association and from the Association of London Government on the use of the 1999 New Earnings Survey data in the Area Cost Adjustment. Both pressed the Government to update this data.

  Representations have also been received from two special interest groups, SIGOMA and the "Cliff Edge" group. Both pressed the Government not to update this

  Combustion plant > 300 Mw continuing to emit SO2 and/or NOx

  Power station

  TXU (was Eastern Merchant Generation)

  Drakelow B Power Station, Burton on Trent

  TXU (was Eastern Merchant Generation)

  High Marnham Power Station, Newark

  TXU (was Eastern Merchant Generation)

  Ironbridge Power Station, Buildwas Road, Telford

  TXU (was Eastern Merchant Generation)

  Rugeley Power Stations, Armitage Road, Rugeley

  TXU (was Eastern Merchant Generation)

  West Burton Power Station, Retford

  Innogy (was National Power plc)

  Aberthaw Power Station, Nr Barry, S Glam.

  Nitrogen Two Ltd. (was National Power plc)

  Blyth Power Station, Welwyn Components Site, Bedlington

  Innogy (was National Power plc)

  Didcot A Power Station, Didcot

  AES Drax Power Ltd. (was National Power)

  Drax Power Station, PO Box 3, Selby

  Eggborough Power Ltd. (was National Power plc)

  Eggborough Power Station, Goole

  Innogy (was National Power plc)

  Fawley Power Station, Southampton

  Innogy (was National Power plc)

  Littlebrook D Power Station, Littlebrook Manor Way, Dartford

  Innogy (was National Power plc)

  Tilbury Power Station, Fort Road, Tilbury

  Powergen (UK) plc

  Cottam Power Station, PO Box 4, Retford

  Edison First Power Ltd.

  Ferrybridge C Power Station, PO Box 39, Strangland Lane, Knottingley

  Edison First Power Ltd.

  Fiddlers Ferry Power Station, Widnes Road, Warrington

  Powergen plc

  Grain Power Station, Isle of Grain, Rochester

  Powergen plc

  Ince B Power Station, Chester

  Powergen plc

  Kingsnorth Power Station, Hoo St. Werberg, Rochester

  Powergen plc

  Ratcliffe on Soar Power Station, Nottingham

  Powergen plc

  Richborough Power Station, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich

  Scottish Power

  Longannet

  Scottish Power

  Cockenzie

  Scottish Hydro Electric

  Peterhead

  NIE

  Belfast West

  NIE

  Premier Power (Ballylumford Power Station)

  NIE

  Coolkeeragh

  NIE

  Kilroot

  BASF plc

  Seal Sands, Middlesbrough

  BP Chemicals Ltd.

  Baglan Bay Works, Seaway Parade, Port Talbot

  Alcan Smelting and Power UK

  Lynemouth Power Station, Ashington

  British Steel plc

  Integrated Works, Llanwern, Newport

  British Steel plc

  Port Talbot Works, Port Talbot

  Corus UK Ltd. (formerly British Steel)

  Teesside Works, Steel House, Redcar

  Corus UK Ltd. (formerly British Steel)

  Sections Plates and Commercial Steels, Scunthorpe Works, PO Box 1, Scunthorpe

  Brunner Mond (UK) Ltd.

  Winnington IP Boilers, Winnington Site, Northwich

  Ford Motor Co Ltd.

  Main Site, Dagenham

  ICI Chemicals and Polymers Ltd.

  Weston Point Power Station, Castner Kellner Site, Runcorn

  Enron Teesside Operations Ltd. (ICI Chemicals and Polymers Ltd.)

  Wilton Power Station, Wilton

  Phillips Petroleum Co UK Ltd.

  Seal Sands, Middlesbrough

  UML Ltd.

  Merseyside Power Station, Thermal Road, Wirral

  654W
  data. Over 175 representations have been received from local authorities, hon. Members and other interested parties.

  Emissions
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions by how much the output of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide have been reduced in the last five years; and which power stations continue to emit these substances. [137719]

  Mr. Meacher
  The latest figures available from the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory show that in 1998 the total UK emissions of SO2and NOx were as 1,615 and 1,753 kilotonnes respectively. Between 1994–98 emissions of SO2have been reduced by 56 per cent. and of NOx by 76 per cent. Emissions will continue to reduce under the Environment Agency's ongoing regulation of sulphur emissions and, in the longer term, the revised EC Large Combustion Plant Directive and the proposed National Emission Ceilings Directive, which from 2010 will set annual ceilings of 585 and 1,167 kilotonne for SO2 and NOx respectively. A list of large power stations1, that continue to emit one or both of these substances, is listed.

  1(Combustion plants >300MW)

  Rough Sleepers
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his latest estimate is of the number of(a) hostel places for rough sleepers available and (b) rough sleepers in (i) London, (ii) Liverpool, (iii) Leeds, (iv) Birmingham and (v) Manchester. [138001]

  Ms Armstrong
  Each of the cities mentioned has a large number of hostels providing a range of different types of accommodation. Information about the extent of emergency access provision that can be accessed by rough sleepers is collected locally and contained in the table. The table also contains the single night street count figures for each area as at June 2000.

  Emergency access accommodation1

  Number of rough sleepers

  Greater London

  2,574

  546

  Liverpool

  42

  19

  Leeds

  249

  17

  Birmingham

  260

  23

  Manchester

  66

  23

  1Number of beds

  Millennium Site, Greenwich (Contamination)
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the remaining level of contamination land at the Millennium Site on the Greenwich Peninsula; and what plans exist to remediate the site. [137872]

  Ms Armstrong
  The site of the Millennium Experience has been remediated fit for purpose in accordance with the requirements of both the London Borough of Greenwich and the Environment Agency. There are currently no requirements for further remediation. Any works in relation to foundations of future buildings which require amendments to the remediation strategy that has been adopted and approved to date will be considered at that time.

  Village Speed Limits
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what deadline has been set for the establishment of 30 mph as the normal speed limit in villages. [138067]

  Owner of motive power and rolling stock

  Lessee of motive power and rolling stock

  Contractor for light maintenance

  Contractor for heavy maintenance

  GNER

  Angel Trains; HSBC Rail

  GNER

  GNER

  Angle Trains; HSBC Rail

  WAGN

  Angel Trains; HSBC Rail

  WAGN

  WAGN; Adtranz

  Railcare

  Hull Trains

  Porterbrook Leasing

  Anglia Railways

  Hull Trains; Adtranz

  Adtranz

  EWS

  Locos

  Angel Trains; EWS

  EWS

  EWS

  EWS

  Rolling stock

  Lafarge Redland

  EWS

  Wabtech

  Wabtech

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 1 November 2000,Official Report, column 457W, what arrangements are made by the Railway Department of the Health and Safety Executive
  656W
  Mr. Hill
  The Road Safety Strategy outlines our commitment to a rural road hierarchy, one result of which would be 30mph speed limits in villages. A Government amendment to the Transport Bill requires the Secretary of State to undertake a review of the issues relating to the implementation of the hierarchy, and publish a report within 12 months of Royal Assent.

  In the meantime, local traffic authorities already have the power to impose 30mph speed limits throughout any village where they feel this is necessary.

  Farnborough Airfield
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made about the effect on wildlife and natural habitats of plans to cut down woods near Farnborough Airfield. [137971]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 10 November 2000]: No such assessment has been made by the Secretary of State as this matter has not come before him formally for determination. The proposal was the subject of a Notice of Proposed Development submitted to Rushmoor Borough Council by the Ministry of Defence. As a competent authority under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations 1994, the Ministry of Defence are required to carry out an appropriate assessment of the implications of the proposed works on the Thames Basin Heaths potential SPA and I understand they are undertaking such an assessment.

  Rail Maintenance
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list(a) the contractors and sub-contractors responsible to Railtrack for maintenance of the track at Hatfield and (b) the names of passenger and freight train operators using that line, together with the (i) owners and (ii) lessees of the motive power and rolling stock used and their contractors for (1) medium and (2) heavy maintenance of that stock. [138213]

  Mr. Hill
  Railtrack's contractor responsible for maintaining the track at Hatfield is Balfour Beatty Rail Maintenance Ltd. Information is not held centrally on sub-contractors used by Balfour Beatty.

  The train companies which use the line at Hatfield and their suppliers of rolling stock and maintenance are given in the table. Train maintenance is normally split into light and heavy maintenance rather than light and medium.

  for the licensing and inspection of (a) contractors used by the owners and lessors of the stock for medium and heavy maintenance and (b) contractors used by other owning or leasing companies with contracts with rail operators. [138212]
  657W
  Mr. Hill
  The Health and Safety Executive do not license either type of contractor. The duty for ensuring the competence of a contractor in the railway industry lies with the holder of the accepted safety case. The holders of safety cases for the railway industry are (in summary) Railtrack, Railtrack's main contractors, the freight and passenger train operators and London Underground.

  Council Tax
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the average percentage rises in Council Tax in each of the past five years. [138219]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Average Council Tax increases in England (both average Council Tax per dwelling and Band D) between 1996–97 and 2000–01 are given in the table.

  Percentage increase average Council Tax bill per dwelling

  Percentage increase on on average Council Tax for a Band D dwelling

  1996–97

  5.4

  6.1

  1997–98

  7.4

  6.5

  1998–99

  8.9

  8.6

  1999–2000

  6.8

  6.8

  2000–01

  6.2

  6.1

  The percentage increases in average Council Tax per dwelling give an indication of the increase in size of the Council Tax bill faced by the average resident. The percentage increases for the average Band D Council Tax (based on a dwelling occupied by two adults) are the measure used for tax-setting purposes.

  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the percentage rise in public sector current receipts for Council Tax in each of the last five years. [138218]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The information requested is given in the table.

  Council Tax receipts

  Level(£000)

  Increase (percentage)

  1995–96

  7,730,839

  8.7

  1996–97

  8,404,016

  8.7

  1997–98

  9,134,089

  8.7

  1998–99

  10,133,609

  10.9

  1999–2000

  10,992,040

  8.5

  Source

  Quarterly Return of Council Tax and Rates (QRC4) returns, DETR

  Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will meet the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health to discuss the inclusion of housing and health as an agenda item at the Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health in 2004. [138056]
  658W
  Mr. Raynsford
  The links between housing and health are important, and I would be happy to meet with the CIEH to discuss the issues in due course. In the first instance they should write to me with their detailed proposals.

  Heathrow
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to order(a) an environmental impact assessment and (b) a health impact assessment for the proposed Terminal 5 at Heathrow; and when he expects to publish these impact assessments. [137986]

  Mr. Mullin
  [holding answer 13 November 2000]Heathrow Terminal 5 was the subject of a major Public Inquiry between May 1995 and March 1999. The Inquiry Inspector has said that he intends to produce his report within two years of the end of the Inquiry. The Terminal 5 proposal was subject to an environmental impact assessment and during the Inquiry the Inspector heard and received evidence on a wide range of environmental issues including the potential impact on health. The final decision on Terminal 5 and the associated applications, orders and appeals considered by the Inquiry rests with the Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and the Regions.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he next plans to review aircraft landing charges at Heathrow. [137750]

  Mr. Mullin
  [holding answer 13 November 2000]Under the 1986 Airports Act the Civil Aviation Authority sets a maximum limit on the amounts that may be levied by way of airport charges, including landing charges, over a five-year period at airports designated by the Secretary of State. Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester are those airports which are currently subject to this detailed price control. New price caps are required for the period 1 April 2003 to 31 March 2008. The CAA is presently conducting a programme of work, including consultation, which will lead to decisions on the new price caps by autumn 2002.

  Ultra-Low Sulphur Petrol
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the environmental effects of the large scale production of ultra-low sulphur petrol. [138230]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 13 November 2000]Ultra-low sulphur petrol will have a direct benefit in reducing traffic related air pollutants. It will also facilitate the introduction of new fuel-efficient petrol engine technology. This emerging technology holds the promise of significant reductions in CO2 emissions from the vehicle fleet and will help ensure delivery of the voluntary agreements with the car manufacturers to improve new car fuel efficiency by 25 per cent. by 2008.

  The reduction of sulphur content of petrol from a maximum of 150 ppm to 50 ppm may result in increased energy consumption in oil refineries and hence CO2 emissions, due to the additional processing required. The extent to which this is the case is dependent on the configuration of each individual refinery, and on other factors such as processing lower sulphur crude. The

  659W
  overall effect is, in the short term, likely to be an increase of less than 2 per cent. in the CO2emissions from refineries.

  Ultra-low sulphur petrol will become mandatory throughout the EU from 2005 and the Government's CO2emission projections for 2010 already reflect the impact on refinery emissions of a reduction of sulphur levels in petrol.

  As more vehicles are introduced onto the market, fuel efficiency improvement is expected to be larger than increases in refinery CO2emissions.

  Environment Council (Brussels)
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the outcome of the Environment Council held in Brussels on 7 November; and if he will make a statement. [137763]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Deputy Prime Minister and I represented the UK at the Special Environment Council in Brussels on 7 November 2000.

  The main purpose of this Council was to review the EU's negotiating positions in advance of the Sixth Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP6), due to take place in the Hague later this month. Ministers discussed the EU's strategy, and exchanged views on possible options which may emerge in the course of the negotiations. Council Conclusions were agreed reaffirming the EU's negotiating position on the main issues—supplementarity, the clean development mechanism, and sinks. These also stressed the Council's commitment to achieving a successful outcome at COP6.

  The Commission also reported on the progress of the European Climate Change Programme, noting that while the Community as a whole was achieving stabilisation of CO2 emissions, a number of member states were not. There was a brief exchange of views between member states.

  Council Conclusions to guide the final round of international negotiations on the UNEP Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, to be held on 4-9 December 2000, were also taken without discussion.

  Car Engines
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many motor cars are registered in the UK with engine sizes(a) above and (b) below 1500 cc; and how many miles were driven on average in each of the last five years in the UK by motor cars with engine sizes (i) above and (ii) below 1500 cc. [138441]

  Mr. Hill
  At the end of June 2000, the most recent date for which figures are available, there were 14,420,933 cars licensed in Great Britain with an engine size of greater than 1500 cc and 9,856,665 cars with an engine size of 1500 cc or less.

  Average mileage of cars in Great Britain is estimated as part of the National Travel Survey. However, results are not available for individual years and are instead
  660W
  combined over three years to ensure a suitable level of accuracy. In the last five years, there has been little change in the average annual car mileage by engine size:

  (i) The average annual distance recorded by cars of above 1,500cc was about 10,850 miles in 1997–99, compared to 11,610 miles in 1992–94.

  (ii) for cars up to and including 1,500cc, the equivalent distances were 7,530 miles in 1997–99 and 7,580 miles in 1992–94.

  Comparable data are not available for Northern Ireland.

  EU Structural Funds (West Midlands)
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on what date the Single Programming Document on aid to the West Midlands was successfully submitted to the European Commission. [138445]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Single Programming Document on aid to the West Midlands was presented to the Commission on 14 April 2000. It was confirmed as acceptable, with full retrospection of eligible spend back to 1 January 2000, in the Commission's letter of 4 May 2000 to the UK Permanent Representation to the European Union.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will report on progress in clearing proposed EU structural funds to the West Midlands with the European Commission. [138446]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The West Midlands region will receive Structural Fund moneys through a number of channels. The bulk of these will be delivered through the Objective 2 Single Programming Document. This document is still the subject of negotiation between the Government Office for the West Midlands and the European Commission.

  It is difficult to predict the precise time that the negotiations will be completed. The document is then the subject of consideration by the Commission's internal services committee, a process taking about four weeks. It is currently anticipated that the document will be presented to either the January or February committees for approval.

  Quality Mark (Builders)
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many builders have applied to join the Birmingham quality mark trial. [138449]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  To date, two firms have been awarded a quality mark, a further 17 are in the process of assessment and are expected to complete shortly. In addition, a further 470 builders have shown their interest by requesting, and being issued with a registration pack.

  Supporting People Programme
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how the Government intends to take forward the implementation in England of the Supporting People programme. [138765]
  661W
  Mr. Raynsford
  A consultation paper entitled 'Phased Implementation' was published on 17 May, inviting all the major stakeholders, local authorities, probation services, health authorities and provider organisations to give us their views on the implementation process for this programme. Specifically they were asked to say whether they supported the view that implementation should be phased.

  The responses to the consultation paper have been most helpful to our decision making on this issue, and I am today publishing a summary of the analysis of the consultation responses. Copies are being placed in the Library and will be sent to all those who made responses.

  The overwhelming response from stakeholders was that Supporting People should be implemented in all local authorities in England at the same time, and that phasing the programme would only add unnecessary complexities and cause confusion for authorities, their partner organisations, providers and service users.

  Following publication of the consultation paper, the Comprehensive Spending Review made available substantial resources for the implementation of this programme, the majority of which will be used to resource implementation at a local level.

  The Supporting People programme will therefore be implemented across England in April 2003.

  Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his plans for the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre. [138793]

  Mr. Hill
  My Department has today initiated a review of the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre (QEIICC). It was established as an Executive Agency in 1989 and must be reviewed every five years in accordance with the latest Cabinet Office guidance. The last review led to a market test which resulted in a five-year service level agreement being awarded to the in-house management team from 1 April 1996.

  The review will, in particular, take account of:

  the role and past performance of QEIICC,

  its fit with Government objectives, and

  the relationship of QEIICC with other bodies in the public and private sectors.

  It will consider all organisational options for the Agency and recommend a preferred course of action. Customers, staff and trade unions will be consulted.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Millennium Dome
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for what reason no fee is being charged to the Ministry of Sound for the hire of secondary venues at the Dome on 31 December. [135735]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 31 October 2000]I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 14 November 2000,Official Report, column 620W.

  Open University Broadcasts
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make representations to the BBC to continue Open University broadcasts. [138162]

  Janet Anderson
  The question of making such representations does not arise, since I understand that the BBC has said it remains fully committed to its partnership with the Open University.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  New Deal (Young People)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many people his Department employs under the New Deal for Young People. [137957]

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

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Lord-lieutenants
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 13 July 2000,Official Report, column 646W, regarding Lord-Lieutenants, what expenditure was incurred by his Department in support of each Lord-Lieutenant for the financial year 1999–2000. [134858]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The information requested is contained in the table.

  Expenditure

  Antrim

  741.37

  Armagh

  506.82

  Belfast

  987.09

  Down

  822.54

  Fermanagh

  507.85

  Londonderry

  2,899.49

  Tyrone

  635.68

  Grand total

  7,100.84

  The Lord-Lieutenancy of County Londonderry is higher than that for other counties because that amount comprises two Lord-Lieutenants—Londonderry City, and Londonderry County.

  Pursuant to this, it may be helpful if 1 provide some further information to put the figures in their proper context.

  Lord-Lieutenants are appointed under current legislation by Her Majesty the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister, following consultations locally and, where appropriate, with the First Minister. Lord-Lieutenants are much appreciated in their counties and areas, particularly as a link with the royal family and for their support of a wide range of local voluntary and community work. Lord-Lieutenants are unpaid. They may however claim

  663W
  expenses from central Government for certain items such as travel and other reasonable non-entertainment expenses incurred in carrying out their official duties. Amounts claimed will clearly vary according to, for example, levels of activity in each county, size and dispersal of populations, and the personal circumstances of each Lord-Lieutenant. Some choose not to claim any expenses.

  In addition most counties provide varying levels of administrative support, as do some Government Departments in respect of functions carried out by Lord-Lieutenants on their behalf.

  New Deal (Young People)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the impact of the New Deal for Young People in Northern Ireland. [136475]

  Mr. Mandelson
  Responsibility for this subject has been devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly and is therefore no longer a matter for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

  Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list those Bills to which the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has given a declaration of compatibility with human rights and also list those which have received an adverse declaration in regard to Bills presented to(a) Parliament and (b) the Northern Ireland Assembly. [136611]

  Mr. George Howarth
  There is no requirement for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to give a statement of compatibility before Parliament or the Assembly can consider a Bill; this is required from the Minister in charge. In the Assembly, this is part of the Minister's statement that the Bill is within the legislative competence of the Assembly.

  Under its statutory functions, the Commission is required to advise the Assembly on whether a Bill is compatible with human rights—including the Convention rights—only when it is asked to do so and on such other occasion as the Commission thinks appropriate.

  Decommissioning
  Mr. Donaldson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what have been the total costs to date of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning. [138099]

  Mr. Ingram
  The total cost to date of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning is IR £4,131,215. The costs are split on a 50/50 basis shared by the British and Irish Governments.

  Mr. Donaldson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what have been the total costs to date of the activities of the international arms inspectors. [138100]

  Mr. Ingram
  The amount paid to the international arms inspectors to date is IR £37,160, which includes some travel costs. This is split on a 50/50 basis shared by the British and Irish Governments.

  Service Delivery Agreement
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will place in the Library a copy of the Northern Ireland Office's Service Delivery Agreement 2001–02 to 2003–04; and if he make copies available to hon. Members in the Vote Office. [138190]

  Mr. Mandelson
  Copies of the Agreement have been placed in the Library and also made available to the Vote Office.

DEFENCE

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the purpose of the chemical burns experiments conducted on pigs at Porton Down; what measures have been taken to ensure their welfare is protected; and what involvement Salisbury District Hospital has had with these experiments. [136607]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 10 November 2000]The primary role of DERA's Chemical and Biological Defence Sector at Porton Down is to provide safe and effective protective measures for the UK and its armed forces.

  Sulphur mustard (mustard gas) remains a significant chemical threat both on the battlefield and from terrorists. The burns that result from contact with mustard heal extremely slowly and are prone to potentially life-threatening infection. The studies undertaken at CBD with pigs have conclusively shown that the technique of dermabrasion can significantly accelerate the healing of such burns and reduce the risk of infection. Staff at Porton Down are now confident that dermabrasion will help save lives and reduce the suffering in any future casualties.

  To pursue these studies DERA employed the skills and experience of two plastic surgeons who had trained at the Burns Unit at Salisbury District Hospital. These surgeons were not working for the Salisbury Health Care Trust at the same time as they were undertaking this research and the trust was not itself involved in this particular research. All animal research is conducted under licence authorised by the Home Office. In addition to statutory controls, an independent body, the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC), reviews the arrangements for animal care and welfare at CBD, monitors the research programmes to ensure the highest possible standards and advises on best practice.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the cost/benefit analysis applied to the chemical burns experiments conducted on pigs at Porton Down. [136608]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 10 November 2000]No formal cost/benefit analysis has been applied to the chemical burns experiments conducted at DERA's Chemical and Biological Defence Sector at Porton Down.

  improve the rate of healing by three or fourfold. These techniques will be of significant benefit to service personnel and, more generally, to civilians, by

  665W
  reducing the time currently spent in hospital recovering from the effects of burns form acids, alkalis and other corrosive chemicals suffered at home or in the work place.

  European Security and Defence Identity
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the functions and treaty base of(a) the European Military Committee, (b) the European Military Staff and (c) the Political and Security Committee; and if he will make a statement on their relationship to NATO. [138216]

  Mr. Hoon
  At the Helsinki European Council in December 1999, EU member states agreed to the establishment of a Political and Security Committee (PSC), a Military Committee and a Military Staff within the European Council.

  The function of the Political Security Committee is to deal with all aspects of the Common Foreign and Security Policy, including the Common European Security and Defence Policy, in accordance with the provisions of the EU Treaty. In the case of an EU-led crisis management operation, the PSC will exercise, under the authority of the Council, the political control and strategic direction of the operation. The PSC will also forward guidelines to the Military Committee.

  The function of the Military Committee is to give military advice and make recommendations to the PSC and provide military direction to the Military Staff. The Chairman of the Military Committee will attend meetings of the Council when decisions with defence implications are to be taken.

  The function of the Military Staff is to provide military expertise and support to the Common European Security and Defence Policy, including the conduct of EU-led operations. The Military Staff will perform early warning, situation assessment and strategic planning for Petersberg tasks.

  Medical negligence claims and costs

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Number of medical negligence claims received

  243

  308

  255

  147

  Number of medical negligence claims for which compensation was paid

  58

  58

  112

  79

  Compensation paid (£)

  2,766,821

  3,545,060

  9,816,803

  9,688,420

  Complaints procedures are available to service personnel and their families wishing to complain of medical negligence by military medical personnel. My Department aims to deal with any such complaints in a fair and timely manner.

  Eurofighter Typhoon
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason the United Kingdom version of the Eurofighter Typhoon will not be armed with a cannon. [137926]

  Mr. Hoon
  The improved minimum range of capability of Eurofighter's Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile over previous such missiles, together with the pattern of operations over the last decade, mean that the 666W
  Permanent arrangements covering the relationship between the EU and NATO on crisis management will be based upon the principle of effective mutual consultation, co-operation and transparency between the two organisations.

  Volunteers
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will mark next year's International Year of Volunteers by spending a day working as a volunteer. [137425]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 13 November 2000]I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department on 13 November 2000,Official Report, column 531W.

  Military Medical Staff (Negligence)
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions in each year since 1990 his Department received complaints from service personnel or their families of medical negligence by military medical staff, stating in each case(a) whether the complaint was upheld by his Department in the first instance, (b) whether the complaint was upheld after recourse to legal proceedings and (c) how much compensation was paid; and if he will make a statement. [138289]

  Dr. Moonie
  A central record of complaints from service personnel and their families alleging medical negligence is kept only of those cases where compensation is being sought. However, prior to 1996–97 such claims were not recorded separately from other common law claims for compensation. The vast majority of the claims detailed in the table have been the subject of legal proceedings, but this does not necessarily mean that they were all heard in court. The majority of claims are settled amicably on a legal liability basis without recourse to the courts. The payment of compensation does not necessarily occur in the financial year that the claim was received.

  gun now has only a minimal operational utility, and this is outweighed by its support, fatigue and training cost implications.

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is concerning a ground attack role for Eurofighter Typhoon. [137905]

  Mr. Hoon
  Eurofighter will be a multi-role aircraft, able to carry both air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry. Its priority role, however, remains air-to-air. With Tornado GR4 and Harriers continuing in-service for many years, there is less immediate need to arm Eurofighter for its air-to-ground role at its entry into service. Existing plans progressively to enhance Eurofighter's capability in both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles, from its entry into service onwards, remain unchanged.

  Former Prisoners of War (Compensation)
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about compensation payments to former British servicemen and women who were held in Nazi concentration camps during the Second World War. [138158]

  Dr. Moonie
  In 1964 the German Government agreed a £1 million settlement to compensate British victims of Nazi persecution. All those, including British service personnel, who were held in Nazi concentration camps were eligible under this scheme.

  RAF Leeming
  Mr. Quentin Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many deaths of personnel at RAF Leeming occurred in the past three months; how many aircraft based there crashed; and if he will make a statement. [138325]

  Mr. Spellar
  Three personnel based at RAF Leeming have died in the last three months. In the same period, one aircraft based at RAF Leeming has crashed. The aircrew ejected safely.

  Hospital Ships
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make an order for new hospital ships. [138240]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 13 November 2000]We have no plans to procure hospital ships, which are subject to restrictions under the Geneva Convention that limit their utility. We are continuing, however, to define the requirement for a new Primary Casualty Receiving Capability, to enhance afloat medical support. A number of procurement options are under consideration, and the timing of an order will be determined by the chosen option.

  Air Sea Rescue
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what studies his Department is involved in of the future role of the Army and Navy in the provision of air sea rescue services around the British Isles; and if he will make a statement. [138331]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 14 November 2000]There are no studies in progress which are looking at the future role of the Army and Royal Navy in the provision of air sea rescue services around the British Isles.

  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his assessment is of the relative effectiveness of the different types of helicopters used in air sea rescue around the British Isles. [138330]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 14 November 2000]I can only comment upon the military Search and Rescue helicopters operated by the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, as the responsibility for civil SAR rests with other Government Departments.
  668W
  The military SAR force operates an all Sea King fleet within the British Isles and these aircraft are highly effective in carrying out this role.

HEALTH

  Mental Health Act 1983
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 17 July 2000,Official Report, column 73W, when he will make an announcement on his proposals for reform of the Mental Health Act 1983; and if at or before that time hon. Members will have access to his Department's summary of responses to the Green Paper. [135669]

  Mr. Hutton
  In my reply to my hon. Friend of 28 July 2000,Official Report, column 987W, I stated that we will set out our plans for reform of the Mental Health Act 1983 in a White Paper to be published before Christmas.

  We are today publishing the Department's summary of responses to the Green Paper, "Reform of the Mental Health Act 1983 Proposals for Consultation". A copy of the summary is being sent to hon. Members and, where authors have agreed, copies of their responses to the Green Paper have been placed in the Library.

  NDPBs (Scotland)
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health 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. [137688]

  Ms Stuart
  The following non-departmental public bodies, sponsored by the Department, have a remit which covers Great Britain or the United Kingdom.

  Administration of Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee

  Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens

  British Pharmacopoeia Commission

  Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work

  Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment

  Gene Therapy Advisory Committee

  Genetics and Insurance Committee

  Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority

  Human Genetics Commission

  Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation

  National Biological Standards Board (UK)

  National Radiological Protection Board

  Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health

  The Medical Workforce Standing Advisory Committee

  UK Advisory Panel of Health Care Workers Infected with Bloodborne Viruses

  UK Tissue Banking Group

  United Kingdom Xenotransplantation Interim Regulatory Authority.

  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 Libraries of the House. "Public Bodies

  669W
  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).

  Cannabis
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the anticipated length is of the clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of using cannabis for medicinal purposes. [137894]

  Mr. Hutton
  The duration of a programme of clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of a new medicine is determined by the company developing it.

  Doubly Incontinent Patients
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy that the NHS should provide free care for doubly incontinent patients on a drip and confined to bed 24 hours a day. [138070]

  Mr. Hutton
  All residents of nursing homes will have their nursing care needs assessed by the National Health Service. Subject to parliamentary approval, the NHS will be responsible for providing registered nursing care free. When people have health needs at such a level that they need continuing health care in a nursing home, the NHS will be, as now, responsible for meeting the full costs.

  Hospital Building
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the new hospital bids expected to be submitted for selection to the Capital Project Advisory Committee this year. [138455]

  Mr. Hutton
  A decision will be made by the end of November on the hospital development schemes which will go forward for consideration at the next prioritisation round.

  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to announce the next round of hospital building schemes. [138456]

  Mr. Hutton
  The start of a process to identify the next round of major hospital building schemes was announced on 14 November.

  Cannabis Psychosis
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cannabis psychosis cases there were in each of the last 10 years. [138451]

  Ms Stuart
  The table shows data from the hospital episodes statistics system (HES) and relates to in-patients with a primary diagnosis of psychotic disorder due to cannabinoids who have finished their hospital episodes under the care of a consultant. There are no comparable data prior to 1995–96.

  We know that cannabis can have a range of adverse health effects in addition to those risks associated with smoking tobacco. The Department is currently funding research into patterns of use and the health effects of long-term heavy use of cannabis.
  670W

  Estimated finished consultant episodes with a primary diagnosis of psychotic disorder due to cannabinoids, England, 1995–96 to 1998–99

  Number

  1995–96

  360

  1996–97

  280

  1997–98

  310

  1998–99

  300

  Notes:

  1. Figures have been rounded to the nearest ten.

  2. Figures for 1998–99 are provisional as no adjustments have been made for shortfalls in data.

  Source:

  HES

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Energy Market
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on further measures to liberalise the energy market. [138612]

  Mr. Byers
  I am satisfied that the programme of reforms of the electricity market set out in the Government's 1998 White Paper is now substantially complete. I am therefore lifting the stricter consents policy on gas powered stations with immediate effect.

  We considered the stricter gas consents policy necessary as it provided a breathing space for existing coal fired power stations until distortions in the electricity market were ironed out.

  I recognise that the ending of the stricter gas consents policy will create a new market and new challenges for coal which is why we are putting in place an aid scheme for the industry which this morning has been approved by the European Commission.

  I am aware that the end of the stricter gas consents policy is eagerly awaited by industry. New power stations are important drivers of economic growth both nationally and regionally:
  They bring more competition to the power generation market and so put downward pressure on electricity prices for everyone's benefit;
  They can provide cheap power and heat to nearby industry;
  They make businesses more competitive and create new investment and job opportunities around the country; and
  They also contribute to secure electricity supplies.

  I am announcing today decisions on five power station cases which had been placed on hold during the stricter gas consents policy. These power stations are Carrington, Spalding, Fleetwood, Raventhorpe and the Isle of Grain. I am also approving the application in respect of the Langage power station.

  It is important developers considering new power station proposals explore the opportunities to use combined heat and power (CHP). CHP can make a major contribution to reducing emissions as well as bringing other benefits such as increased efficiency. We will be publishing guidance to developers on this matter soon.

  I have also given careful consideration to the impact of lifting the stricter consents policy on the coal industry.
  671W
  The Government's policy remains that it is for the coal industry to find its own place in a competitive energy market. However it is the task of Government to help industry through a period of change. That is why we are introducing a coal subsidy scheme. This will provide the industry with transitional funding so that it is able to respond to the challenges of the new market conditions that arise from the lifting of the stricter gas consents policy.

  Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the(a) role and (b) mandate of the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market, with particular reference to the nature of the harmonization concerned. [138080]

  Dr. Howells
  The Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market deals with Community-wide intellectual property rights. It is responsible for the registration and subsequent administration of Community trade marks. This role is likely to expand following adoption of a Community Regulation which will create Community-wide rights for industrial designs. It is self-financing from fees paid by businesses who use the system, and expects to receive some 60,000 applications for Community trade marks this year. The Office began its work on 1 September 1994 in Alicante, Spain.

  Haulage Companies
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many haulage companies were declared bankrupt each year since 1995. [138279]

  Dr. Howells
  The following table shows company compulsory liquidations and individual bankruptcies for the road transport industry in England and Wales, 1995–2000. The road transport industry includes road haulage, car hire, taxis, bus services, and other road passenger transport—detailed figures solely for road haulage are not available.

  Insolvencies: Road transport industry (England and Wales)

  Year

  Company compulsory liquidations

  Individual bankruptcy orders

  1995

  204

  824

  1996

  197

  1,008

  1997

  174

  971

  1998

  174

  829

  1999

  152

  979

  2000 (to quarter 2)

  94

  495

  Source:

  DTI

  Late Payment
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many invoices his Department paid in 1999–2000; and how many of these were paid within 30 days of receipt or from the date a supplier dispute was resolved. [138401]

  Ms Hewitt
  In 1999–2000, DTI paid 46,500 invoices, of which 93 per cent. were paid within 30 days of receipt or from the date a supplier dispute was resolved.

  Cluster Munitions (Exports)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many licences were granted for the export of cluster munitions in each of the last five years. [137690]

  Dr. Howells
  The export of cluster munitions is controlled under entries ML3 and ML4 in the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994, commonly known as the Military List. Other munitions are also controlled under these entries. It would entail disproportionate cost to examine the records to establish which, if any, of the licences issued in the last five years covered the export of cluster munitions.

  Details of SIELs and OIELs issued between 2 May 1997 and 31 December 1999 have been set out in the Government's Annual Reports on Strategic Export Controls, published by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; copies are in the Library of the House. The Reports list by country of destination the numbers of export licences issued and refused in each equipment category and give details of the military equipment for which licences have been granted.

  For the periods not covered by the Annual Reports, the Export Control Organisation's computer databases have been interrogated, and the results are set out in the table.

  Individual licences issued covering the export of goods with the ratings ML3 and MIA to consignees or end-users in all destinations

  Issued from

  SIELs

  OIELs

  1 January to 31 December 1996

  937

  33

  1 January to 1 May 1997

  306

  9

  1 January to 2 November 2000

  754

  27

  This information should be considered in light of the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Kingswood (Mr. Berry) on 27 July 1999, Official Report, columns 307-08W.

  In addition, goods on the Military List may have been exported to certain destinations under certain Open General Licences; copies of all Open General Export Licences are placed in the Library of the House.

  Military Equipment Exports
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the countries to which the UK has allowed the export of military equipment in the last 12 months. [137382]

  Dr. Howells
  The most recent information is set out in the Government's 1999 Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls which was published by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The Report lists by country of destination the numbers of export licences issued and refused in each equipment category and gives details of the military equipment for which licences have been granted.

  ADSL Services
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what actions he intends to take to ensure that suppliers of ADSL services do not dilute contention ratios beyond those quoted in their sales literature; and if he will make a statement. [138329]
  673W
  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 14 November 2000]ADSL service suppliers are expected to specify a number of quality/performance parameters as part of their sales literature. It is likely that the suppliers will specify contention ratio as one of the quality parameters within a service contract and they will be commercially obligated to fulfil their contractual requirements concerning quality of service. Competition in supply of ADSL services will enable customers to select their preferred ADSL supplier based on quality and price. 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 service quality information.

  Milk Marque
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on legal proceedings against his Department in respect of its division of Milk Marque into three separate processing companies. [137974]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 10 November 2000]Milk Marque and the National Farmers Union started judicial review proceedings last year. Their main argument is that it was unlawful for the Monopolies and Mergers Commission to carry out an investigation under domestic competition law and for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to act on their report. The High Court has referred certain questions to the European Court of Justice for a preliminary ruling. When the ECJ has given its views the proceedings in the High court can continue. This legal process is unlikely to be quick.

  TrustUK
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much financial support was given to TrustUK in(a) 1999–2000 and (b) 2000 to date. [137842]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 10 November 2000]The Government have not provided any funding to TrustUK, which is an organisation led by the private sector. The Government do however strongly support TrustUK; the Minister for Small Business and E-commerce took part in its launch in July. Officials of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Office of Fair Trading have contributed to the development of TrustUK and have taken part in its process of approving codes of practice for e-commerce. The Department of Trade and Industry has hosted meetings of TrustUK and is considering what further assistance it can give.

  Newspapers and Magazines
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer to the Competition Commission the impact on retail newsagents of W. H. Smith's proposal to extend their newspaper and magazine wholesale operation. [138291]

  Dr. Howells
  Under UK competition legislation, it is for the Director General of Fair Trading to investigate allegations of anti-competitive behaviour and if appropriate make a reference to the Competition Commission under the Fair Trading Act 1973 or take action under the Competition Act 1998.
  674W
  The Director General is aware of proposals by W. H. Smith to change distribution arrangements for magazines. He is monitoring developments and will consider any evidence of anti-competitive behaviour.

  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade if he will discuss with the Competition the operation of its proposed code of respect of the relationship between and suppliers with regard to newspapers and magazines. [138290]

  Dr. Howells
  The Competition Commission has no role in implementing any remedies it recommends.

  The Director General of Fair Trading has been asked to approach those supermarket chains with 8 per cent. or more of the market to agree a Code of Practice concerning relations between supermarkets and suppliers which would meet the concerns identified by the Competition Commission. This process is ongoing.

  Nickel Directive
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further discussions he plans to have with, and representations he plans to make to, the European Commission regarding the Nickel Directive. [138072]

  Dr. Howells
  The Directive has been implemented by The Dangerous Substances and Preparations (Nickel) (Safety) Regulations 2000.

  On 2 May 2000, my officials wrote to the European Commission supporting another member state in its request for a review of the Directive. The Commission replied on 8 June 2000, confirming its intention to review the Directive in the light of technical progress since the Directive's adoption in 1994. Reports are currently being gathered and the findings may be referred to the Scientific Committee on Toxicology, Ecotoxicology and the Environment for an independent assessment. On that basis, the Commission expects to examine an adaptation to the Directive in 2001.

  I have also instructed my officials to liaise with Industry now on these issues. This will enable the UK to make cogent and reasoned representations to the Commission and to obtain the optimum solution for Industry and the Consumer.

  Climate Change
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what strategic measures he is taking to allow for environmental changes induced by climate change. [137181]

  Ms Hewitt
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment gave on 13 November 2000,Official Report, columns 469-70W.

  Regional Venture Capital Funds
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the proposed regional venture capital funds will be cleared by the European Commission. [138447]

  Mr. Byers
  As soon as possible.

  Ministerial Cars
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the cost was in each of the past three years of petrol for his Department's fleet of ministerial cars; and how many vehicles there are in that fleet.[135028]

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the cost was in each of the past three years for petrol for his Department's ministerial cars; and how many cars there are in that fleet. [134579]

  Dr. Howells
  Six cars are used by Ministers in my Department. On fuel consumption, I refer the hon. Members to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office on 14 November 2000,Official Report, column 552W, for the Government Car and Despatch Agency.

  Non-departmental Public Bodies (Scotland)
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 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.[137696]

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

  Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service

  British Hallmarking Council

  Coal Authority

  Gas and Electricity Consumer Council

  National Consumer Council1

  Post Office Users'National Council2

  Design Council

  Competition Commission

  National Research Development Council

  Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

  Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils

  Economic and Social Research Council

  Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

  Medical Research Council

  Natural Environment Research Council

  Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council

  Simpler Trade Procedures Board

  United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority

  Advisory Committee on Cleaner Coal Technology

  Aerospace Committee

  Council for Science and Technology

  Energy Advisory Panel

  Foresight Steering Group

  Fuel Cell Advisory Panel

  LINK/Teaching Company Scheme Board

  Low Pay Commission

  Measurement Advisory Committee

  OSO Industry Board

  Partnership Fund Assessment Panel

  Renewable Energy Advisory Committee

  Small Business Council

  Small Business Investment Task Force3

  Spectrum Management Advisory Group

  676W

  Standing Advisory Committee on Industrial Property

  Central Arbitration Committee

  Copyright Tribunal

  Employment Appeal Tribunal

  Employment Tribunals

  Insolvency Practitioners'Tribunal

  Persons Hearing Consumer Credit Licensing Appeals

  Persons Hearing Estate Agents Appeals

  1The National Consumer Council has a sub-committee dealing with Scottish issues—The Scottish Consumer Council

  2There is a separate Post Office Users' Council for Scotland

  3The SBITF's remit covers England but advice is made available to the devolved Administrations.

  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 Libraries of the House and "Public Bodies 2000" is due to be published next month. Information on board membership and remuneration can also be downloaded from the Cabinet Office Public Appointments Directory website www.cabinet-office.gov.uk

  Internet (Price Transparency)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what studies his Department has undertaken on the competition effects of increased price transparency due to use of the internet; and if he will make a statement.[137331]

  Dr. Howells
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 2 November 2000,Official Report, column 584W.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Drug Abuse
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list those projects his Department supports highlighting the dangers of drug abuse to children and young people. [137340]

  Jacqui Smith
  DfEE guidance Circular number 4/95 sets out the statutory position on drug education in schools and was supplemented by the guidance "Protecting Young People" (1998) which gives detailed advice to identify what works in drug education and how best to take that forward effectively. To further support schools in the dissemination of effective drug education DfEE in partnership with the Department of Health commissioned the Standing Conference On Drug Abuse (SCODA) to product further guidance for schools, the three "R's", "the right approach", "the right response" and "the right choice". DfEE has also made funding available in partnership with the charity DrugScope to identify, develop, promote and disseminate good practice in drug and alcohol education and prevention programmes for young people, parents and professionals in schools and in informal settings. DfEE will continue to fund the dissemination of guidance and support materials.
  677W
  Spending on drug education will rise from £7.5 million this year to £17.5 million in 2003–04 (a 133 per cent. increase). This funding is available to all LEAs through the Standards Fund. It will help teachers deliver a drug education programme tailor-made to the needs of all young people which equips them with the knowledge to recognise the dangers of drug misuse and make informed choices. It will also fund drug advisers to work directly with schools, training costs of the Connexions personal advisers for 13-19-year-olds and ensure that key partners are engaged in developing drug education programmes relevant to the needs of the local community.

  We have now established a solid base for drug education in schools. A recent Ofsted survey (July 2000) showed 93 per cent. of secondary and 75 per cent. primary schools now had their own anti-drug policies.

  Disaffected Pupils
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is his assessment of the current trend in(a) permanent exclusions and (b) fixed term exclusions.[138266]

  Jacqui Smith
  The rate of permanent exclusions is falling. In 1998–99, the latest year for which data are available, there were 10,400 permanent exclusions compared to 12,300 in 1997–98—a 15 per cent. reduction. We are on course to achieve the national target of 8,400 by 2002.

  Data on fixed period exclusions are not collected centrally, but Ofsted estimated in its report "Exclusions from secondary schools" (1995–96) that there are around 100,000 a year. Some of these may be repeat exclusions of the same child.

  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many pupils are officially classified as Education Otherwise.[138267]

  Jacqui Smith
  In the January 2000 Annual Schools' Census, nearly 24,000 students were reported as receiving education otherwise than at school, including those at Pupil Referral Units. We do not collect centrally the number of pupils educated at home by their parents.

  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what discussions his Department has had with excluded young people about the causes of their disaffection.[138292]

  Jacqui Smith
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him to his supplementary question on 26 October 2000,Official Report, columns 368-69 and to my answer of 9 November 2000, Official Report, columns 358-59W.

  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he has taken to ensure teachers are able to deal effectively with poor behaviour.[138293]

  Jacqui Smith
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 26 October 2000,Official Report, column 368, and that given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for School Standards on 26 October 2000, Official Report, column 293W.
  678W
  As a result of representations from headteachers, we recently issued new guidance for exclusion appeal panels which indicates that the headteacher's decision to exclude should not be overridden in a range of circumstances including where there is violence or the threat of violence.

  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the impact of poor behaviour on(a) the achievement of individual schools and (b) the morale of teachers. [138294]

  Jacqui Smith
  On(a) I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 12 April 2000, Official Report, column 184W.

  On (b) we are aware that low morale can sometimes result if teachers feel unable to deal adequately with poor behaviour. That is why we are providing record levels of funding to help schools better manage poor behaviour and why we have made clear that where necessary headteachers can permanently exclude the most disruptive or violent pupils.

  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to ensure greater recognition of the achievement of schools and teachers who deal most effectively with disaffected pupils.[138295]

  Jacqui Smith
  Disaffection is often manifested by irregular attendance or prolonged truancy. As part of our wider drive to cut truancy levels, the 50 schools which achieve the most in cutting truancy levels in challenging circumstances will have the chance to win a "Truancy Buster" award of up to £10,000 to help them act as Excellence Centres. The first awards will be made early in the new year.

  Beacon status is another way in which we recognise the achievement of schools, and tackling disaffection is one area in which Beacon schools are working to help spread effective practices to other schools.

  Special Needs
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what decision he has reached on whether statements of special needs will(a) specify or (b) otherwise set out assistance from a local authority in the proposed code and regulations on special needs.[138324]

  Jacqui Smith
  We are considering the broad range of representations received to these and other issues relating to the draft revised code and proposed amendments to the regulations. We will decide shortly on the appropriate final wording in the Code of Practice to underpin our determination to achieve both clarity and specificity, as has always been our intention.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  ERDP
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what projections his Department has made for the number of successful claimants per year for each component scheme of the ERDP.[136498]
  679W
  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 6 November 2000]: We will publish shortly and post on the MAFF website the indicative impact indicators and targets for the ERDP (Table 2). These focus on what the ERDP might deliver, eg the number of training days provided, not the number of claimants.

  Bovine TB
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what potential sources of infection he has eliminated in respect of the recent outbreak of bovine TB in South Shropshire. [137552]

  Ms Quin
  The recent outbreak of bovine TB in cattle in South Shropshire is still under veterinary investigation.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he will take to test badgers for evidence of TB in areas where bovine TB has recently emerged. [137561]

  Ms Quin
  There is no reliable test for bovine TB in live badgers. All badger carcases from the Government's badger culling trial are tested for bovine TB at post mortem. Additionally, a sample of badger carcases found on roads or on farms will be tested for bovine TB in a new survey in seven counties of England, of which Shropshire is one.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent assessment he has made of the effect of badger protection upon the health of the UK cattle herd. [137554]

  Ms Quin
  The Krebs report concluded that the sum of evidence strongly supports the view that in Britain badgers are a significant source of TB infection in cattle. However, it went on to say that it is not possible to quantify what contribution badgers make to cattle infection. The Government accepted the report's recommendation that MAFF should set up a field trial to quantify the impact of culling badgers on TB in cattle. The trial is in progress and results are expected no later than 2004.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his policy and practice is regarding post mortems on badgers killed on public highways. [137559]

  Ms Quin
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) on 6 November 2000,Official Report, column 48W.

  Abattoirs
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent assessment he has made of the effect of abattoir closures upon the(a) length and (b) time of journeys for animals consigned for slaughter. [137558]

  Mr. Morley
  We have no plans for such an assessment. The Welfare of Animal (Transport) Order 1997 sets rules, including journey time limits, for farm livestock in transit, including on journeys to slaughter.

  SEAC
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was(a) the total amount of remuneration paid to members of the Spongiform Encephalopathy
  680W
  Advisory Committe in each year since its inception and (b) the highest remuneration of any one member in these years. [137577]

  Ms Quin
  This information is available only at disproportionate cost. However, from April 2000, the maximum daily allowances for attending SEAC meetings, including preparatory time, were £259.00 and £219.00 for the Chairman and the members respectively.

  Flooding
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what support his Department offers to private landowners to repair damage to river banks caused by flood water. [137518]

  Mr. Morley
  None. Grant aid from this Department for new and improved capital schemes is directed to the flood and coastal defence operating authorities—the Environment Agency, Local Authorities and Internal Drainage Boards.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what effect the installation of new flood defences at Pateley Bridge has had on water levels in the River Nidd at Knaresborough during the early November floods; [137517]

  (2) what action the Environment Agency took to alert riparian businesses and home owners on the River Nidd at Knaresborough about the probability of flooding in advance of the recent floods; and how many properties were affected by the floods. [137519]

  Mr. Morley
  The Environment Agency's staff in the north-east are still fully committed to dealing with the impact of the floods in that region, and it would be inappropriate to divert them at this point of time. I have asked the Agency once the immediate work is completed, in conjunction with their partners, to produce a full report on the flooding, its effects, how the flood warning and emergency response worked and what lessons we can learn; this report should be available by Easter. In terms of the specific questions I will write to the hon. Member as soon as the information can be obtained.

  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence concerning the deployment of troops to assist in areas of West Sussex disrupted by recent flooding; and if he will make a statement. [137616]

  Mr. Morley
  There are standing arrangements in cases of serious flooding for the Environment Agency to request for military assistance from the Ministry of Defence. In the case of West Sussex, the military has been used in the Chichester area for sandbagging duties and is on standby for bridging work around the City. It has not yet been deemed necessary to call upon the services of the military elsewhere in West Sussex.

  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will instruct the Environment Agency to re-assess the risks of flooding in Buckinghamshire. [138003]

  Mr. Morley
  MAFF has set in place a series of high level targets one of which is for the Environment Agency to ensure that inspections of flood defences, main rivers and critical ordinary watercourses are undertaken and, as
  681W
  a result of these inspections, to report to the Ministry on its assessment of flood risk. These reports are due to be provided by April 2001.

  To this end the Environment Agency is undertaking surveys of all defences and structures on main rivers within Buckinghamshire. Local authorities and internal drainage boards are in the process of identifying critical ordinary watercourses, and inspecting flood defences upon these, assisted by the agency teams.

  North Sea Fishery
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many(a) Finnish, (b) Spanish and (c) Portuguese vessels he estimates will fish North Sea stocks after 31 December 2002; how many vessels (i) from the UK and (ii) in total fish these stocks at present; and if he will commission a study on the effect of such fishing on stocks. [137899]

  Mr. Morley
  As things currently stand, from 1 January 2003, vessels from Finland, Spain and Portugal will only be entitled to fish for non-quota stocks in the North Sea. The number of vessels from Finland, Spain and Portugal that fish in the North Sea after 31 December 2002 will depend on commercial decisions taken by the fishermen in these countries. It is not possible to estimate accurately how many vessels will chose to fish in the North Sea. The number is likely to be extremely low. In any case they will have no access to any stock covered by quota arrangements as all main commercial stocks are in this category.

  945 UK vessels currently fish for North Sea stocks. We do not keep information on other member states vessels fishing in the North Sea.

  Foreign Fishing Vessels
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will assess the report of the Irish Government into the Sea Horse-Exodus incident; and if he will make a statement on its impact on his policy towards UK-flagged foreign fishing vessels. [138165]

  Mr. Morley
  The report of the Irish Government into the collision between the Sea Horse and the Exodus in March 1997 has not yet been published. It is therefore too early to say what impact it may have on policy towards UK flagged foreign owned fishing vessels.

  Common Fisheries Policy
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his position towards common EU monitoring procedures for the Common Fisheries Policy, indicating the proposals which are under discussion. [138183]

  Mr. Morley
  I am aware that the Commission is looking at the division of monitoring and control work between national authorities and the Community. It has not issued any proposals and there have been no formal discussions with member states. We shall, of course, give careful consideration to any proposals that may emerge.

  Cetaceans
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he plans to take to 682W
  address the issue of cetacean bycatch in United Kingdom waters; if he will raise cetacean bycatch in the Council of Ministers; if he will raise the issue of protection of cetaceans in the 2002 review of the Common Fisheries Policy; and if he will make a statement. [138016]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 10 November 2000]: The Sea Mammal Research Unit is currently undertaking a three-year research project funded by my Department which will monitor bycatch in a number of fisheries not previously assessed. It will also attempt to establish definitively why harbour porpoises become entangled in gill nets, with a view to developing suitable mitigation measures.

  We are also proposing to produce, jointly with DETR, a strategy for the protection of all cetacean species. This will build on that already established for the harbour porpoise.

  The Commission and other member states are already well aware of UK concerns on this issue. The Commission have made clear that addressing the problem of cetacean bycatch is one of the issues for coverage in the 2002 Review. I have already raised this issue in the Fisheries Council.

  Community Plant Variety Office
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the(a) budget and (b) purpose of the Community Plant Variety Office. [138078]

  Ms Quin
  The purpose of the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO) is to administer a system of intellectual property rights for plant varieties valid throughout the European Community and to evaluate and decide upon applications for community plant variety rights. The CPVO is self-financing and recovers its costs through fees charged to plant breeders. The CPVO sets a budget each year, which includes estimates of all the office's anticipated revenue and expenditure. The budget is subject to approval by the CPVO Administrative Council, which comprises representatives of all member states and the Commission.

  Organic Farming
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reason farmers farming organically may not dispose of surplus organic manure to farms not being organically farmed. [137542]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 14 November 2000]: This requirement is part of Council Regulation (EEC) 2092/91 (as amended). Its intention is to ensure that there is a balance within organic farming between livestock production and land available for the disposal of manure. We shall be assessing the impact of this requirement as part of a review of the effects of the implementation of the Regulations.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the need for the use by organic farms of synthetic amino acids in poultry feed. [137543]
  683W
  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 14 November 2000]: The use of synthetic amino acids is prohibited by Council Regulation (EEC) 2092/91 (as amended), but we have received a number of industry representations saying that they are important in commercial poultry production. We shall be assessing the need as part of a review of the effects of the implementation of the Regulations.

  Poultry
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those members of UKROFS who have particular expertise in poultry matters, giving in each case the applicable qualifications. [137544]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 14 November 2000]: Three members of the board of UKROFS have expertise in poultry matters. Two have no formal qualifications but the third has an Msc in Animal Production with a special interest in and experience of poultry production systems. In addition the board has available to it advice from experts within MAFF.

  Pig Disease Eradication Fund
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much money is held by Her Majesty's Government by way of statutory levy in the Pig Disease Eradication Fund. [138413]

  Ms Quin
  The Meat and Livestock Commission holds a capital sum of £605,000 on behalf of the Pig Disease Eradication Fund Ltd.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Middle East
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made about the use of children in recent violent clashes between Israelis and Palestinians. [137208]

  Mr. Hain
  I deplore the fact that children have been caught up in recent violence in the Occupied Territories, which has led to tragic loss of life and casualties among children. I support the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights' recent statement that the protection of children must be an absolute priority for both parties.

  Ghana
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the secretary of state for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has of preparation for the elections in Ghana in December. [137941]

  Mr. Hain
  The UK Government have provided assistance to Ghana's Electoral Commission to help eliminate electoral fraud. We are sending a team of thirteen observers to monitor the electoral process. It is important that the elections are held in a free and democratic manner.

  Biological Weapons
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the Biopreparat organisation in Russia and the manufacture of biological weapons. [137929]
  684W
  Mr. Hain
  We are aware of widely-publicised accounts that Biopreparat was originally established to support the biological weapons programme of the former Soviet Union. We do not however comment on intelligence matters.

  Russia is a State Party and Depositary Government of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) and is currently involved in negotiations on a legally-binding Protocol to strengthen the Convention. The UK Believes that this Protocol will improve transparency and provide internationally agreed mechanisms with which to pursue compliance concerns.

  Non-departmental Public Bodies (Scotland)
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 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. [137700]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office 2000 Annual Report, held in the House Library, contains a list of non-departmental public bodies sponsored by my Department which have a remit that covers the United Kingdom. Information on board members and remuneration are contained within. The remaining information is not held centrally in the form requested, but general information on expenditure and staffing is published annually in the Cabinet Office publication "Public Bodies". Copies of "Public Bodies 1999" have been placed in the Libraries of the House and "Public Bodies 2000" is due to be published next month. Information on board membership and remuneration can also be downloaded from the Cabinet Office Public Appointments Directory website www.cabinet-office.gov.uk.

  Foreign Policy Centre
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the role of the Foreign Policy Centre in formulating his policy. [138181]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  The Foreign Office welcomes ideas from outside organisations on all areas of its work. It is established practice for Foreign Office Ministers and officials to have regular contact with policy institutes and NGOs, including the Foreign Policy Centre, and to consider their views when formulating policy. Policy institutes and NGOs can also influence policy through their contributions to a wider public debate.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what financial support his Department gives the Foreign Policy Centre. [138182]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  The Foreign Policy Centre has received no money from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, nor do we have any plans to provide financial assistance.

  Defence Evaluation and Research Agency
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has received from the United States in respect of the future of DERA. [138161]
  685W
  Mr. Battle
  None. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and representatives of his Department are, however, in contact with the US Administration on this subject.

  EU Council Representatives
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the functions and treaty base of the Secretary General/High Representative of the Council, and the extent to which his functions are autonomous of national Governments of the member states. [138217]

  Mr. Vaz
  The role and functions of the Secretary General/High Representative are set out in Article 207 of the Treaty establishing the European Community and in Articles 18 and 26 of the Treaty on European Union. Article 26 in particular provides that The Secretary-General of the Council, High Representative for the common foreign and security policy, shall assist the Council in matters coming within the scope of the common foreign and security policy, in particular through contributing to the formulation, preparation and implementation of policy decisions, and, when appropriate and acting on behalf of the Council at the request of the Presidency, through conducting political dialogue with third parties.

  It is clear from these provisions that the Secretary General/High Representative's role is to assist the Council, which remains the primary EU decision-making body for matters of external policy. It follows that the Secretary General/High Representative is answerable to the Council for all his actions in the name of the EU.

  Defence Attaches
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the total(a) direct and (b) associated costs of defence attachés will be in financial year 2000–01. [138317]

  Mr. Hain
  The Ministry of Defence accounts for the pay, allowances and certain other costs of defence attaches and defence advisers. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office accounts for office and residential accommodation, as well as the administration costs at overseas Posts in supporting the activities of such staff. The estimated Foreign and Commonwealth costs in 2000–01 are £14 million.

  Diego Garcia
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the extent of the exclusion zones around and above Diego Garcia; and what purpose the zones serve. [138296]

  Mr. Battle
  There are no exclusion zones. Diego Garcia has a three mile territorial sea, within which activities are restricted in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and an area of controlled airspace that extends five miles out and 2,500ft upwards from the runway there.

  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what requirement there is on the US authorities to notify him of progress with their research undertaken on Diego Garcia. [138297]
  686W
  Mr. Battle
  We would expect the US authorities to seek our approval before conducting any research programmes on Diego Garcia.

  GCHQ (Recruitment)
  Mr. HomeRobertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the recruitment statistics for GCHQ in 1999; and what the same figures were in 1998. [138792]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  GCHQ notified the Civil Service Commissioners that, as a result of recruitment schemes run in 1999, 241 individuals have joined the Department or are awaiting completion of the application process. This compares with 187 reported for 1998 recruitment schemes. In addition, nine former members of staff were reappointed in 1999, compared with eight in 1998.

WALES

  Environment (Deeside)
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary with regard to the environment on Deeside. [136867]

  Mr. Hanson
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales regularly meets the First Minister and discusses a wide range of issues. I also hold regular meetings with the Assembly Minister for Transport, Planning and the Environment.

  Training
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he intends to meet the chairman of the National Education and Training Council in Wales to discuss training issues. [136868]

  Mr. Hanson
  I have no immediate plans to meet the Chairman of the National Education and Training Council in Wales.

  Pre-Budget Report (Women)
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the impact of proposals in the pre-Budget Report as they specifically affect women in Wales. [136869]

  Mr. Hanson
  My right hon. Friend announced a number of measures that will benefit women in Wales.

  Women will benefit from improved fuel allowances, an increase in pension entitlements and also from improved New Deal measures. This Government welcome the invaluable contribution that women make to family life and economic stability, and we are determined to support families and provide the best opportunities for women.

  Flooding
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what changes he has identified in rainfall trends which will require additional flood management planning for Wales. [136870]
  687W
  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Identifying such trends, on a UK basis, is part of the research at the Hadley Centre and UK Climate Impacts Programme. My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister recently announced that the Government intend to enhance and speed up the research to improve our prediction and assessment of the effects of climate change. The Government also intend to ask a senior independent engineer to carry out a review of technical approaches to flood alleviation.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on the recent floods. [136874]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I have regular discussions with my right hon. Friend on a range of issues affecting Wales, which have of course included the recent floods. A meeting of Ministers, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, was held on 4 November to discuss the flooding issues. Sue Essex, Assembly Minister for Environment, Transport and Planning and one of my senior officials also attended this meeting.

  Anti-drugs Strategy
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary about the UK anti-drugs co-ordinator's second national plan and current levels of drugs misuse in Wales. [136871]

  Mr. Hanson
  I meet the Assembly Secretaries on a regular basis, when we discuss a range of issues. I am aware that Jane Hutt, Assembly Minister for Health and Social Services, has welcomed the report by Keith Hellawell.

  Crime (Young People)
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary about policies to reduce crime by young people in Wales. [136872]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I meet the First Minister regularly to discuss a number of subjects, including this one. The Assembly takes great interest in the work of the Youth Justice Board and Youth Offending Teams in Wales, in view of their key role in safeguarding the social wellbeing, health and education of young people in Wales. Wales received some £5 million of the £85 million made available for the Youth Justice Board in the last Comprehensive Spending Review. In addition, the Assembly is providing a grant of £371,000 to the voluntary organisation, NACRO Cymru, to provide advice and guidance to Youth Offending Teams and local agencies in Wales.

  Miners (Compensation)
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on progress in paying compensation to miners in Wales. [136873]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I regularly meet my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and other DTI Ministers and discuss a wide range of issues, including miners compensation.
  688W
  The Government are working hard to bring about greater co-operation from all concerned in order to speed up payments to miners for their claims. In Wales £24.5 million has now been paid out in compensation, £18.8 million of that for respiratory diseases.

  Wales Office
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many staff work in the Wales Office; and what he expects the cost to be for running this office for the year ending March 2001. [136875]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  There are currently 43 full-time equivalent staff working for the Wales Office, with two staff who work part-time. The running cost budget for the Wales Office is £2,250,000 for the year ending 31 March 2001.

  Job Losses (Panasonic and Sony)
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he was first informed that there were to be job losses at Panasonic and Sony in Wales. [136876]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The Government were alerted to the announcements on a confidential basis very shortly before their publication. Such decisions are ultimately commercial ones for the companies to take themselves to ensure their long-term future. It is not the Government's policy to intervene in such decisions.

  BSE Inquiry Report
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on actions he has taken since the publication of the BSE Inquiry report of Lord Phillips on the relationship between civil servants of the National Assembly and those in Whitehall Departments. [136877]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The situation is now different from that on which Lord Phillips' Inquiry reported, in that relationships between civil servants of the National Assembly for Wales and those in Whitehall Departments are governed by the Memorandum of Understanding between the UK Government and the devolved Administrations supported by a series of Devolution Guidance Notes (DGN). DGN 1 deals with working arrangements between officials. An important part of my role is to ensure that these arrangements work smoothly.

  I have, however, looked carefully at the report to ensure that current arrangements are compatible with the Inquiry's findings.

  Secondary Schools
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he next plans to meet the National Assembly Education Secretary to discuss secondary school provision. [136879]

  Mr. Hanson
  Both the Secretary of State and I will be meeting the National Assembly Secretary for Education, Jane Davidson, in the near future, and I plan to meet her on a regular basis to discuss education issues that are important to Wales.

  Pensioners
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent representations he has received from pensioner organisations in Wales. [136880]

  Mr. Hanson
  In recent months I have received a number of representations from pensioner organisations. I have also met with some pensioner groups.

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with Department of Social Security Ministers about(a) the take up of the Minimum Income Guarantee for pensioners, (b) the issuing of free television licences and (c) winter fuel payments in Wales; and if he will make a statement.[136883]

  Mr. Hanson
  I speak regularly with colleagues in Whitehall and we discuss a range of issues. My officials are also in close contact with their counterparts in the Department of Social Security on matters that affect pensioners in Wales.

  The uprated Minimum Income Guarantee will help 105,000 pensioner households in Wales. 10,000 more pensioners in Wales will be eligible and benefits will increase for the 95,000 pensioners currently eligible. Over 200,000 over 75 pension households will benefit from free television licences and the increased Winter Fuel Allowance will benefit 500,000 pensioner households in Wales.

  I am sure that my hon. Friend will join me in welcoming the new measures announced for pensioners by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget statement.

  Mrs. Betty Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he next plans to meet representatives of pensioner organisations in Wales. [136889]

  Mr. Hanson
  My right hon. Friend and I regularly meet representatives of pensioner organisations and I met a group of pensioners on 9 November to discuss a range of issues with them.

  My right hon. Friend has agreed to meet the National Association of Welsh Pensioners shortly to discuss the new measures announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 8 November.

  Public Opinion (Young People)
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the operation of the mechanisms in Wales for Government to ascertain the opinions of young people; and if he will make a statement. [136881]

  Mr. Hanson
  My right hon. Friend and I welcome the way in which the Assembly is taking forward a cross-cutting agenda for support for young people in Wales. They are undertaking extensive consultation with young people and those who work with them in the statutory and voluntary sectors, to develop a Welsh strategy for the young people of Wales.

  NHS
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary of the National Assembly on the NHS in Wales. [136882]

  Mr. Hanson
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I regularly meet the Assembly First Secretary and the Health Secretary to discuss Health issues in Wales.

  In addition we are all members of the Joint Ministerial Committee for health. To date, we have met four times and the opportunities to share ideas are proving very useful.

  Fuel Duty
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the impact of fuel duty on the Welsh economy. [136884]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced a 2p reduction in duty on Ultra-Low Sulphur Fuel, petrol and diesel, on top of the 1p cut in the 2000 Budget. The Government are sympathetic to the needs of the whole UK economy. However, we also have a duty to environmental protection, and fuel duty and the Climate Change Levy have their part to play.

  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the impact of vehicle fuel duties on the rural economy in Wales. [136891]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  In this year's Budget, the Government gave a commitment to ending the fuel duty escalator and that there would be no increase in fuel duty, beyond the automatic increase in line with inflation. Fuel duty revenues go straight into a ring-fenced fund for improving public transport and modernising the road network. Wales is allocated a percentage of such moneys on the basis of the funding rules, but it is for the National Assembly to determine how the money is spent.

  Manufacturing Industry
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent talks he has had with the First Secretary, concerning the prospects for manufacturing industry with particular reference to the steel industry; and if he will make a statement. [136885]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I meet regularly with my right hon. Friend the First Minister and discuss a number of issues, including the steel industry. The Government fully understand the importance of a successful manufacturing sector, and steel is making a vital contribution to the economy and employment.

  Manufacturing output in Wales in the four quarters to the second quarter of 2000 was 4.2 per cent. higher than in the corresponding period of 1999 and 7 per cent. higher than in 1995.

  Renewable Energy
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry regarding the development of renewable energy in Wales. [136886]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I have regular discussions with my Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues. Both the UK Government and the National Assembly for Wales support the development of renewable energy as a sustainable energy source for the future.

  Children's Commissioner
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received from the First Minister of the National Assembly for Wales on the Government's legislative programme in respect of the Children's Commissioner for Wales. [136887]

  Mr. Hanson
  Since February this year, following the publication of the North Wales Child Abuse report, the First Minister and I have been in touch constantly about the legislation required to implement the post of Children's Commissioner.

  Hospital Waiting Times
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary and the Welsh Health Secretary on the number of people waiting over 18 months for an operation. [136888]

  Mr. Hanson
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I regularly meet the Assembly First Secretary and the Health Secretary to discuss health issues in Wales.

  Moreover, we have all attended meetings of the Joint Ministerial Committee on health at which waiting lists and times have been discussed.

  On 23 November, the National Assembly will launch the report of the Waiting Times Strategy Group. This will identify a wide range of recommendations to assist in reducing waiting lists/times.

  Ambulance Services
  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representatives he has received concerning the inclusion of the ambulance service in Wales within a UK wide inspection system for ambulance services. [136890]

  Mr. Hanson
  None.

  Rural Economy
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what impact the increases on fuel duty and Vehicle Excise Duty have had on the economy of rural Wales [136878]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  In this year's Budget, the Government gave a commitment to ending the fuel duty escalator and that there would be no increase in fuel duty, beyond the automatic increase in line with inflation. Fuel duty revenues go straight into a ring-fenced fund for improving public transport and modernising the road network. Wales is allocated a percentage of such moneys on the basis of the spending rules, but it is for the National 692W
  Assembly to determine whether the money is spent on transport or on other priorities. Our Budget plans for next year promise an abolition of vehicle excise duty (VED) on agricultural machines which will benefit owners of up to 15,000 such machines in Wales, currently paying £40.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Royal Institute of International Affairs
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the degree of access to confidential Government(a) documents and (b) briefings afforded to senior members and staff of the Royal Institute of International Affairs. [136246]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  I have been asked to reply.

  All confidential Governmt documents and briefings are managed under established procedures, which apply without exemption.

  We have regular exchanges with the Royal Institute of International Affairs (RIIA) and other similar organisations on many aspects of foreign policy, both privately and publicly.

  Ministers and officials participate in RIIA hosted meetings. According to Chatham House, meetings of the Institute may be held "on the record" or under the Chatham House Rule. When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speakers, nor that of any other participant, may be revealed; nor may it be mentioned that the information was received at a meeting of the Institute.

  Remand Prisoners
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he has taken in the past three months to install more safe cells for remand prisoners. [137714]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Prison Service has developed a safer cell design, which provides protection for those at risk of self-harm. Since 1996, a total of 185 cells have been installed to this "improved cell" standard. 1,088 cells in the new prisons at Forest Bank and Ashfield—Design, Construction, Management and Finance (DCMF) prisons—reflect aspects of the new design requirements.

  A strategy to introduce safer cell design features will be developed as part of a revised suicide prevention policy. There have been no improved cells installed since the Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche), referred in an Adjournment debate to plans to include them in new houseblocks and prisons, 7 July 2000, Official Report, column 603. But the Prison Service has confirmed its intention to incorporate the safer cell designed features into some or all of the cells in new houseblocks being built in establishments. Two new DCMF prisons under construction at Dovegate and Rye Hill will provide 1,353 cells reflecting aspects of the new design requirement.

  Prisons
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff there are on night duty in each prison holding juveniles; and what the staff to prisoner ratio is in such prisons on night shifts. [137723]

  Mr. Boateng
  The table shows the night staffing figures for those establishments holding juveniles with the corresponding staff-to-prisoner ratio.

  Establishment

  Number of staff

  Staff to prisoner ratio

  Ashfield

  26

  1:15

  Brinsford

  6

  1:36

  Castington

  13

  1:37

  Feltham

  24

  1:6.5

  Hollesley Bay:

  Carlford Unit

  1

  1:30

  Warren Hill

  3

  1:61.6

  Huntercombe

  8

  1:40

  Lancaster Farms

  13

  1:38.3

  Onley

  5

  1:43

  Portland

  19

  1:30

  Stoke Heath

  5

  1:58.7

  Thorn Cross

  9

  1:30

  Werrington

  6

  1:17.6

  Wetherby

  8

  1:45

  Female establishments holding under 18's

  Brockhill

  6

  1:27

  Bullwood Hall

  7

  1:26

  Brake Hall

  8

  1:33

  Holloway

  28

  1:19

  Low Newton

  7

  1:30

  New Hall

  10

  1:32

  Styal

  16

  1:26

  Table 2: Ethnic composition of prisoners in juvenile establishments as at 30 September 2000

  Percentage of Ethnic group2

  Establishment

  Population1

  White

  Black

  South Asian3

  Chinese and Other4

  Not known

  Juvenile establishments

  5,243

  80.2

  12.9

  2.8

  4.0

  0.1

  Ashfield

  362

  85.6

  10.6

  0.5

  3.3

  0.0

  Brinsford

  460

  74.7

  18.4

  3.5

  3.2

  0.3

  Castington

  247

  98.8

  0.4

  0.4

  0.4

  0.0

  Feltham

  724

  48.8

  37.8

  4.8

  8.5

  0.1

  Hollesley Bay

  334

  74.1

  17.3

  3.6

  5.1

  0.0

  Huntercombe

  352

  56.9

  35.1

  4.5

  3.4

  0.0

  Lancaster Farms

  494

  92.7

  4.7

  1.4

  1.2

  0.0

  Onley

  593

  72.0

  21.4

  4.1

  2.5

  0.0

  Portland

  501

  76.9

  17.1

  3.8

  2.2

  0.0

  Stoke Heath

  562

  92.8

  5.0

  0.7

  1.5

  0.0

  Thorn Cross

  237

  86.9

  2.8

  4.8

  5.6

  0.0

  Werrington

  104

  90.4

  6.7

  1.9

  1.0

  0.0

  Wetherby

  273

  88.0

  5.5

  2.9

  3.6

  0.0

  1 F1032 population returns

  2 Estimated from Inmate Information System (IIS) data

  3 Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani

  4 Includes Other Asian

  5= 100 per cent.

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many mothers and babies were transported from one prison to another in(a) 1998 and (b) 1999. [137810]
  694W
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the jurisdiction of HM Inspectorate of Prisons, Probations and the Prisons Ombudsman extends to Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man. [137799]

  Mr. Boateng
  The authority of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Probation and the Prisons Ombudsman covers England and Wales only. However, both the Prisons and Probation Inspectorates have on occasion carried out inspections at the request of the Islands' authorities.

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the ethnic composition is of(a) staff and (b) prisoners in each prison which holds juvenile offenders. [137722]

  Mr. Boateng
  The answer is given in the tables.

  Table 1: Ethnic composition of staff in juvenile establishments as at 31 October 2000

  Percentage of staff who have declared their ethnicity

  Establishment

  Total SIP

  White

  Asian

  Black

  Other ethnicgroups

  Total

  4,252

  96.4

  1.8

  1.5

  0.3

  Ashfield

  267

  96.3

  0.7

  3.0

  0.0

  Brinsford

  372

  93.0

  3.1

  3.6

  0.3

  Castington

  343

  99.4

  0.0

  0.3

  0.3

  Feltham

  633

  88.7

  7.8

  2.4

  1.1

  Hollesley Bay

  326

  99.7

  0.0

  0.0

  0.3

  Huntercombe

  250

  96.3

  0.8

  2.1

  0.8

  Lancaster Farms

  359

  99.7

  0.0

  0.3

  0.0

  Onley

  387

  96.9

  1.6

  1.3

  0.2

  Portland

  319

  99.0

  0.0

  1.0

  0.0

  Stoke Heath

  387

  97.2

  1.1

  1.7

  0.0

  Thorn Cross

  216

  99.0

  0.0

  0.5

  0.5

  Werrington

  154

  98.6

  0.0

  1.4

  0.0

  Wetherby

  239

  99.2

  0.4

  0.4

  0.0

  Mr. Boateng
  The figures for the number of mothers and their babies transported from one prison to another in 1998 and 1999 are set out in the table.
  695W

  Prisons

  1998

  1999

  Askham Grange

  0

  0

  Holloway

  19

  21

  New Hall

  4

  6

  Styal

  7

  7

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Prison Service Health Care Department will publish the 1997–98 annual report. [137805]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Prison Service Director of Health Care's Annual Report 1997–98 was published early in 1999. I am arranging for copies of the report to be placed in the Library.

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many prisoners hanged themselves in 1999; [137801]

  (2) what operational lessons have been learned, and what changes have been made, following the deaths in HMP Leicester in December 1999; and if he will make a statement; [137721]

  (3) how many prisoners suffered permanent damage as a result of an attempted suicide in 1999; [137802]

  (4) what was the elapsed time between estimated time of death and discovery of the body for each prisoner who committed suicide in 1998 and 1999. [137800]

  Mr. Boateng
  86 of the 91 self-inflicted deaths in custody in 1999 were by hanging. There is no reliable information about attempted suicides as at present no distinction is made between forms of self-harm. Long term or permanent physical or psychological damage can result from a variety of forms of self-harm, including substance abuse.

  There were 173 self-inflicted deaths in 1998 and 1999, and full information about the timing of these deaths in relation to the discovery of the bodies could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. Of 40—the first 20 in both years—cases examined, 22 inquest reports contain no record of estimated time of death. Of the remainder, nine deaths are estimated to have occurred between eight minutes and six hours 25 minutes before discovery of the body and nine deaths between 15 minutes and 78 days afterwards.

  There have been six self-inflicted deaths in Leicester prison in the last year, including two in December 1999. Internal inquiries are complete in respect of five of the six and have identified no failures of basic procedures or apparent links between the six deaths. Five Coroners' inquests are awaited. Since January 2000, the prison's care suite has been refurbished, is permanently manned and in regular use. Two crisis suites are being introduced. Leicester's good and active Listener scheme has been expanded. Improved accommodation will be provided for new receptions.
  696W
  The continuing rise in prisoner suicides, particularly in local prisons like Leicester, has prompted a major review of the Prison Service's work on suicide prevention. There will be a focus on local prisons like Leicester because they have high proportions of unconvicted prisoners and large throughputs and disproportionate numbers of their populations at the most risk of suicide or self-harm.

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women prisoners applied for a place in a mother and baby unit in(a) 1998 and (b) 1999 during the reception procedure. [137809]

  Mr. Boateng
  It is not the practice in any of the female prisons for a woman to make an application for a place on a mother and baby unit during the reception procedure. The Prison Service Order to Governors on the "Management of Mother and Baby Units and the Application Process" was published in February. This requires all women's prisons, as part of the reception process, to identify all eligible women and provide them with the prisoners' handbook "All About Mother and Baby Units" so that they can apply as soon as possible after the reception process. The order also required all women's prisons to appoint a named liaison officer, to be responsible for ensuring that all women, sentenced or unsentenced, who are pregnant or have a child under 18 months, are identified and informed of the arrangements for applying for a place on a mother and baby unit. All women's prisons now have a named liaison officer.

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women have given birth while held in HMP Brockhill in the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [137806]

  Mr. Boateng
  Brockhill prison we re-roled to a female prison in 1997. Since then, six women have given birth while held in the prison. Five of these were at the Alexandra Hospital, Redditch, and one this year within the prison.

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement regarding the young woman who gave birth inside New Hall prison this summer. [137808]

  Mr. Boateng
  To date, three births have taken place within New Hall prison this year. These happened in July, August and October. However, in all three cases, staff were only alerted when labour was at a very advanced stage. Therefore, there was not enough time to transfer the women to hospital.

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners were committed to prison in(a) 1998 and (b) 1999 for each imprisonable offence. [137712]

  Mr. Boateng
  The information requested is given in the table. This information is also published in successive volumes of "Prison Statistics England and Wales" (Tables 1.16, 3.8 and 4.5 of the 1999 edition Cm 4805) copies of which are in the Library.
  697W

  Receptions under sentence into prisons in England and Wales by offence, 1998–99

  Offence group

  1998

  1999

  All offences1

  91,282

  93,965

  Violence against the person

  12,942

  12,778

  Murder

  241

  268

  Manslaughter

  194

  164

  Other homicide and attempted homicide

  895

  894

  Wounding

  6,746

  6,678

  Assaults

  3,371

  3,318

  Cruelty to children

  96

  112

  Other offences of violence against the person

  1,399

  1,344

  Sexual offences

  2,715

  2,665

  Buggery and indecency between males

  114

  113

  Rape

  857

  781

  Gross indecency with children

  492

  527

  Other sexual offences

  1,252

  1,244

  Burglary

  11,570

  11,391

  Robbery

  3,595

  3,722

  Theft and handling

  19,866

  21,763

  Taking and driving away

  3,103

  3,050

  Other thefts

  14,999

  16,956

  Handling stolen goods

  1,764

  1,757

  Fraud and forgery

  3,374

  3,296

  Fraud

  3,124

  3,116

  Forgery

  250

  180

  Drug offences

  7,560

  7,810

  Other offences

  27,274

  28,306

  Arson

  400

  416

  Criminal damage

  1,680

  1,653

  In charge or driving under the influence of drink or drugs

  2,607

  2,433

  Other motoring offences

  11,800

  12,202

  Drunkenness

  534

  459

  Blackmail

  111

  111

  Kidnapping

  182

  218

  Affray

  1,504

  1,430

  Violent disorder

  470

  347

  Perjury/Libel/Pervert the course of justice

  696

  699

  Threat/disorderly behaviour

  1,184

  1,228

  Breach of Court Order

  3,387

  4,203

  Other

  2,719

  2,907

  Offences not recorded

  2,386

  2,234

  Non-criminal prisoners

  All offences

  3,290

  3,271

  Committed for non-payment of:

  Wife maintenance (including wife and child maintenance)

  8

  8

  Child maintenance

  14

  9

  Arrears under an affiliation order

  2

  1

  Rates

  13

  4

  Community charge/council tax

  194

  101

  Other debts

  21

  10

  In contempt of court

  588

  586

  Persons held under the 1971 Immigration Act

  2,348

  2,443

  Others

  64

  79

  Committal type not recorded

  38

  30

  1Excludes non criminal offences

  Fuel Theft
  Mr. Laxton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to reduce the number of thefts of fuel from service station forecourts. [137629]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Both my Department and the Association of Chief Police Officers are represented on the British Oil Industry Security Syndicate. We support 698W
  initiatives the Syndicate has developed to combat service station forecourt crimes, including the theft of petrol. The Syndicate aims to share information among its members and work with other partners to encourage the spread of best practice.

  One such initiative is the establishment of 'Forecourt Watch' schemes in several areas of the country. These schemes, operated in conjunction with the local police, provide service stations with an early warning system of vehicles and individuals involved with crime on forecourts. When a crime is committed local petrol retailers immediately report the incident to the local police, who transmit warnings via a communications system such as 'Ringmaster'. A number of other schemes are currently being developed.

  Number Plates
  Mr. Laxton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will amend the legislation relating to the issue of registration plates for vehicles in order to reduce the incidence of crime involving the misuse of number plates. [137628]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The possibility of amending the legislation relating to the supply and issue of registration plates for vehicles was discussed in the Vehicle Crime Reduction Action Team's five-year strategy 'Tackling Vehicle Crime', published in September 1999. We are looking closely at the proposal to legislate in this area.

  Voting
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what pilot projects have been introduced since May 1997 on alternative methods of voting at elections in the United Kingdom. [137948]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Representation of the People Act 2000 enabled local authorities to pilot alternative methods of voting for the first time. A total of 38 pilot schemes were carried out at last May's local elections. Of these, there were 15 early voting schemes, seven all-postal ballots, five electronic voting and/or counting schemes, four which offered postal votes on demand, three schemes involving mobile polling, two schemes involving extending polling hours, one weekend voting scheme and one scheme which offered candidates free delivery of election material.

  Police (Gloucestershire)
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many civilian police personnel were based in Gloucestershire on 1 January(a) 2000,
  (b) 1999, (c) 1998, (d) 1997, (e) 1996 and (f) 1992; [137946]

  (2) how many uniformed police personnel were based in Gloucestershire on 1 January (a) 2000, (b) 1999,
  (c) 1998, (d) 1997, (e) 1996 and (f) 1992. [137945]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Since April 1995, police numbers have been collected twice a year, in March and September. The information in the table is therefore for 31 March of each year requested.
  699W

  Gloucestershire Constabulary

  Year1

  Number of Police Officers

  Number of civilian support staff

  2000

  1,114

  484

  1999

  1,104

  504

  1998

  1,104

  423

  1997

  1,133

  435

  1996

  1,333

  415

  1992

  1,174

  367

  1As at 31 March in each year

  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers began basic training in Gloucestershire in(a) 1992, (b) 1996, (c) 1997,(d) 1998 and (e) 1999; and how many he estimates will do so in 2000. [137947]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Chief Constable of Gloucestershire Constabulary informs me that in 1992 the number of police officers who commenced basic training was 16.

  Since 1994, in accordance with the requirements of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, figures have been compiled on the basis of financial (not calendar) years:

  Year

  Number

  1995–96

  28

  1996–97

  60

  1997–98

  28

  1998–99

  61

  1999–2000

  59

  The number of recruits commencing basic training in 2000–01 up to the end of December is expected to be 53.

  Proof-of-age Cards
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his policy on proof-of-age cards. [137938]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We support schemes which issue credible proof-of-age cards, believing that they have an important part to play in strategies to control the sale of age-restricted goods to young people.

  Drugs (Gloucestershire)
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people in Gloucestershire were(a) arrested and (b) convicted for drug related incidents in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available. [137937]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Information is not collated centrally on drug-related incidents or offences, neither are data collected centrally on arrests for drug offences. However, information is published annually in the Home Office Bulletin on Drug Seizure and Offender Statistics, United Kingdom, on the number of persons found guilty of, or cautioned for, drug offences. Information for the period 1990 to 1999 is given in the table.
  700W

  Number of people found guilty of or cautioned for, drug offences,Gloucestershire, 1990–99

  Found guilty

  Cautioned

  Total persons

  1990

  154

  187

  341

  1991

  186

  310

  496

  1992

  187

  432

  619

  1993

  225

  419

  644

  1994

  249

  553

  802

  1995

  342

  736

  1,078

  1996

  368

  517

  885

  1997

  339

  526

  865

  1998

  496

  890

  1,386

  1999

  537

  591

  1,128

  Source:

  Drugs Research Unit, Home Office Research Development and Statistics Directorate

  Probation Services
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much the overall spending on probation services was for each county in England and Wales in the last 12 months; and what was the average cost of maintaining a person on probation in the last 12 months. [137720]

  Mr. Boateng
  The financial year 1998–99 is the latest year for which the Home Office has details of audited revenue expenditure by Probation Services.

  Probation Services' revenue expenditure in England and Wales for the financial year 1998–99 is shown in the table.

  Probation services revenue expenditure in England and Wales

  £

  Probation service

  1998–99 expenditure

  England

  Avon

  6,951,677

  Bedfordshire

  3,762,279

  Berkshire

  5,778,970

  Cambridgeshire

  4,236,916

  Cheshire

  6,396,271

  Cornwall

  2,770,344

  Cumbria

  4,241,989

  Derbyshire

  6,046,441

  Devon

  7,347,901

  Dorset

  4,459,880

  Durham

  4,394,551

  Essex

  9,220,583

  Gloucestershire

  4,019,954

  Hampshire

  9,763,218

  Hereford and Worcester

  4,471,940

  Hertfordshire

  5,591,181

  Humberside

  6,652,265

  Kent

  10,273,525

  Lancashire

  10,272,761

  Leicestershire

  5,714,639

  Lincolnshire

  4,122,468

  Inner London 1

  39,188,000

  North East London

  9,449,257

  South East London

  6,335,178

  South West London

  4,660,922

  Middlesex

  16,908,882

  Greater Manchester

  25,593,669

  Merseyside

  15,505,714

  Norfolk

  4,450,188

  Northamptonshire

  3,638,041

  Northumbria

  12,596,167

  Nottinghamshire

  8,828,196

  Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire

  7,805,070

  701W

  Probation services revenue expenditure in England and Wales

  £

  Probation service

  1998–99 expenditure

  Shropshire

  2,610,026

  Somerset

  3,879,240

  Staffordshire

  7,420,133

  Suffolk

  3,804,565

  Surrey

  5,757,167

  East Sussex

  4,465,125

  West Sussex

  3,511,260

  Teeside

  5,419,117

  Warwickshire

  3,495,556

  West Midlands

  25,768,067

  Wiltshire

  3,526,718

  North Yorkshire

  3,904,279

  South Yorkshire

  12,345,562

  West Yorkshire

  20,001,100

  Wales

  Dyfed

  2,246,946

  Mid Glamorgan

  3,494,755

  South Glamorgan

  4,127,093

  West Glamorgan

  3,345,800

  Gwent

  4,020,632

  North Wales

  4,179,887

  Powys

  845,487

  1Pre-audit estimate

  The estimated annual average cost of maintaining a person on probation in 1998–99 was as follows:

  £

  Probation Order

  1,710

  Community Service Order

  1,400

  Supervision under Children's and Young Persons Act 1969

  1,460

  Elderly Prisoners
  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) male and (b) female prisoners are (i) over the retirement age and (ii) over 80-years-old. [138170]

  Mr. Boateng
  Provisional information for 30 September 2000 shows that there were 578 persons (568 male and 10 females) aged 65 years or over in prisons in England and Wales. This includes both remand and sentenced prisoners. Of these, 12 (all of which were male) were aged over 80 years.

  Constituency Boundaries
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes to parliamentary constituency boundaries are due to take place before(a) March 2001 and (b) May 2002. [138023]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  None. The Parliamentary Boundary Commission for England is required to report on its review of parliamentary boundaries between April 2003 and April 2007. The Parliamentary Boundary Commission for Wales is required to report on its review of parliamentary boundaries between December 2002 and December 2006. Any changes recommended as a result of those reviews would not take effect until the following general election. There will be no changes before then.

  Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will establish an inter-departmental committee to consider the workings of section 24 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; and if he will make a statement. [138185]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Government have a clear commitment to Freedom of Information. I am well aware of the need for increased openness and am equally aware of the concerns within the scientific community about security and commercial sensitivity.

  I have recently held a seminar comprising representative of animals protection groups and the scientific community to discuss Freedom of Information issues and officials are currently in the process of holding a series of separate meetings with those organisations. In due course, I will be reconvening the group to discuss progress made.

  Private Sector Prisons
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for each prison which is managed by the private sector, the number of(a) prisoners and (b) full-time and part-time equivalent staff at the most recent date for which figures are available, indicating the total annual saving to public funds resulting from the use of private sector operated prisons. [138196]

  Mr. Boateng
  The number of prisoners and full-time and full-time equivalent staff at private sector prisons is shown in the table.

  Prison

  Prisoners at 13 November 2000

  Staff

  Wolds

  398

  262

  Blakenhurst

  836

  315

  Doncaster

  1,050

  618

  Parc

  841

  350.5

  Altcourse

  795

  526

  Lowdham Grange

  513

  254.3

  Ashfield

  366

  253

  Forest Bank

  706

  339.5

  The comparative costs of the non-Public Finance Initiative (PFI) private sector prisons (Wolds, Blakenhurst and Doncaster) and their closest public sector counterparts have been reviewed annually. In the most recent report for 1998–99, private sector prisons offered on average a saving of 13 per cent. in terms of cost per prisoner but little or no saving when cost per baseline and in-use places were compared. The contractual Net Present Value (NPV) of the PH prisons assessed against their public sector comparator (PSC) is shown in the table.

  Prison

  NPV(£ million)

  PSC(£ million)

  saving (per cent.)

  Parc

  266

  319

  17

  Altcourse

  247

  248

  less than 1

  Lowdham Grange

  127

  157

  19

  Ashfield

  122

  141

  14

  Forest Bank

  204.5

  234.5

  13

  Rye Hill

  154

  209

  26

  Dovegate

  241

  292

  18

  703W
  Work is under way a view to establishing a methodology for comparing the costs of PFI prisons with comparable public sector counterparts.

  Cannabis
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 25 October 2000,Official Report, column 430W, how many of those convicted in England and Wales in (a) 1997 and (b) 1998 for possession of cannabis have been convicted again since then. [137999]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Data are available on a sample of 1,324 offenders convicted of possession of cannabis in 1998. The following table shows whether these offenders have been reconvicted of any recordable offence at any time. For those offenders originally convicted in the first half of 1998, the table also presents whether they have been reconvicted of any recordable offence within two years of the original offence. A distinction is made between offences where possession of cannabis was the principal original offence, and where it was a secondary offence.

  Reconviction of sampled offenders convicted of possession of cannabis in 1998

  Measure—whether cannabis possession was original principal offence

  Percentage reconvicted1

  Ever reconvicted

  Principal offence

  49.3 (819)

  Non-principal offence

  56.6 (505)

  All offences

  53.0 (1,324)

  Reconvicted within two years

  Principal offence

  47.5 (402)

  Non-principal offence

  51.2 (244)

  All offences

  48.9 (646)

  1Total number in sample

  Reconvictions are counted only for offences committed after the original conviction. No comparable figures are available for 1997.

  Schengen Information System
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if UK nationals have been placed on the Schengen Information System by non-UK Government authorities. [137895]

  Mrs. Roche
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Norwich, South (Mr. Clarke), on 31 October 2000,Official Report, column 428W. The United Kingdom does not yet have access to data entered on to the Schengen Information System by partner countries.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans(a) to put data on the Schengen Information System and (b) to obtain access to its data. [137893]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Government are considering, in consultation with law enforcement agencies and other interested parties in the United Kingdom and Schengen partner countries, the arrangements for putting data onto the Schengen Information System (SIS) and having access to SIS data. I am not yet in a position to say when the arrangements will be in place.
  704W
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons the United Kingdom will not make any inquiries of the Schengen Information System during its first year of membership. [137892]

  Mrs. Roche
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Norwich, South (Mr. Clarke), on 31 October 2000,Official Report, column 427W. The United Kingdom is not in a position to make inquiries of the Schengen Information System because the necessary arrangements for sharing data with Schengen partner countries through the system are not yet in place.

  Domestic Violence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what was the average custodial sentence imposed in each of the last three years on persons convicted of repeat offences of domestic violence; [137878]

  (2) how many individuals convicted of a second offence of domestic violence were imprisoned in each of the last three years. [137880]

  Mr. Boateng
  The information requested is not available. Offence classifications used by the Home Office are based upon legal definitions. From the data held centrally it is not possible to identify the relationship between the victim and the offender convicted of committing a crime.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of effectiveness of sentencing policy towards persons convicted of offences of domestic violence. [137879]

  Mr. Boateng
  Statistics held centrally do not distinguish the relationship between an offender and the victim of the crime. It is therefore not possible to tell from those data what sentences offenders who commit domestic violence offences receive or what effect those sentences have. Projects under the Crime Reduction Programme's violence against women initiative, and earlier research, looks at different aspects of domestic violence, including criminal remedies. This work focuses on effective interventions rather than individual sentences. Relevant information is on the Home Office's domestic violence website: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/domesticviolence/index.htm. The probation service Pathfinder initiative is currently looking at perpetrator programmes run by the service for those put under its supervision, to see what works for wider adoption.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of sentencing policy towards persons convicted of offences of domestic violence. [137876]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Government have no power to issue sentencing guidelines.

  Powers in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 empower the Home Secretary to direct the Sentencing Advisory Panel to propose to the Court of Appeal that it issue guidelines for specific offences or categories of offence. However, the term "domestic violence" can include a range of behaviour, which could amount to one of a number of criminal offences: it is not confined to one

  705W
  particular offence. It is difficult to see how the Court of Appeal could issue guidelines relating specifically to domestic violence.

  Drugs
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has had with his Dutch counterpart about the policy of the Government of the Netherlands towards drugs. [137887]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to his question on 31 October 2000,Official Report, column 431W. I have had no recent separate bi-lateral discussions with my Dutch counterpart.

  Home Detention Curfew Scheme
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 2 November 2000,Official Report, column 610W, on the home detention curfew scheme, if he will list the sentences imposed on those prisoners released under the home detention curfew scheme who have since been convicted of a further offence. [137967]

  Mr. Boateng
  Information about sentences imposed upon prisoners placed on the home detention curfew scheme who have since been convicted of a further offence is not held centrally.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people who have been released from prison under the home detention curfew scheme have committed two or more offences since their release; and what sentences they have received. [137884]

  Mr. Boateng
  As of 30 September 2000, the Prison Service was notified of 242 prisoners who had been convicted, cautioned or were awaiting prosecution for two or more offences committed while they were subject to the home detention curfew scheme. Information on the sentences imposed upon those prisoners who have been convicted is not held centrally.

  Gay Relationships
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 31 October 2000,Official Report, column 425W, how many representations he has received (a) supporting and (b) opposing the civil registration of homosexual and lesbian relationships. [137997]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Since May 1997, we have received 37 representations supporting, and 10 representations opposing civil registration. These were predominantly from individual members of the public rather than from campaigning organisations.

  Sex Videos (Juvenile Protection)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 2 November 2000,Official Report, column 590W, when he will publish his conclusions regarding measures to protect children from exposure to sexually explicit material contained in videos with an R18 classification. [137991]
  706W
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I will publish my conclusions as soon as I have had an opportunity to consider the responses to the consultation paper.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many responses he received to the consultation paper published on 24 July regarding the protection of children from exposure to sexually explicit material. [137890]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  To date, 107 responses have been received to the Consultation Paper on the Regulation of R18 videos. The consultation period formally ended on 31 October although several individuals and organisations have sought permission to send responses after this date.

  Football Hooligans
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people arrested at Premiership and Nationwide league grounds during the(a) 1998–99 and (b) 1997–98 seasons were (i) convicted of an offence and (ii) given a custodial sentence. [137889]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information requested is not available. Most types of offences committed in connection with football are not specific to football; because convictions are recorded by category of offence rather than by the location or circumstances of the offence, no separate record is kept as to which offences took place at football grounds.

  Child Abuse
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will commission a statistical study of the link between domestic violence and child abuse. [137883]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Government are well aware of the links between domestic violence and child abuse. These have already been documented by a number of research studies. A useful guide is contained in "Making an Impact: children and domestic violence: a training and resource pack". This document prepared by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), Barnardo's and the University of Bristol was published by the University of Bristol in 1998. The Government's own publication "Working Together to Safeguard Children"—a guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, makes clear that everyone working with women and children should be alert to the frequent inter-relationship between domestic violence and the abuse and neglect of children. It also notes that domestic violence in itself is likely to have a damaging effect on children's health and development.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many instances of child abuse were reported in each police force area in each of the last three years. [137882]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  It is not known how many instances of child abuse were reported to the police in the last three years.
  707W
  Offences recorded by the police, which can be identified as committed against children, is given in the table, by police force areas

  Number of offences against children by offence and police force area for the financial years 1998–99 and 1999–2000

  Cruelty to or neglect of children

  Abandoning a child under the age of two years

  Child abduction

  Gross indecency with a child

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Avon and Somerset

  25

  3

  1

  —

  2

  8

  7

  4

  29

  30

  22

  Bedfordshire

  3

  11

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  4

  31

  11

  10

  Cambridgeshire

  30

  42

  2

  —

  1

  6

  5

  3

  8

  5

  17

  Cheshire

  59

  71

  —

  3

  —

  1

  4

  —

  60

  37

  24

  Cleveland

  8

  7

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  14

  2

  5

  Cumbria

  14

  23

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  6

  20

  6

  Derbyshire

  19

  22

  1

  —

  —

  3

  4

  6

  21

  17

  14

  Devon and Cornwall

  35

  74

  —

  —

  3

  9

  17

  16

  29

  47

  54

  Dorset

  3

  11

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  28

  16

  10

  Durham

  15

  19

  —

  1

  1

  5

  6

  2

  16

  29

  13

  Essex

  43

  53

  —

  1

  3

  11

  21

  27

  40

  38

  46

  Gloucestershire

  12

  21

  —

  —

  —

  4

  1

  9

  20

  7

  16

  Greater Manchester

  80

  102

  2

  —

  2

  33

  38

  45

  64

  84

  121

  Hampshire

  24

  70

  1

  2

  1

  20

  18

  21

  58

  38

  66

  Hertfordshire

  75

  15

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  2

  4

  20

  18

  Humberside

  39

  38

  1

  1

  4

  21

  20

  21

  33

  36

  23

  Kent

  36

  57

  1

  —

  —

  7

  13

  12

  39

  53

  26

  Lancashire

  52

  37

  1

  —

  1

  4

  14

  13

  —

  49

  50

  Leicestershire

  8

  17

  1

  —

  2

  10

  13

  14

  10

  8

  18

  Lincolnshire

  24

  13

  —

  1

  1

  2

  6

  2

  13

  27

  14

  City of London

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  Merseyside

  30

  35

  4

  1

  —

  27

  10

  37

  31

  25

  28

  Metropolitan Police

  884

  1,023

  20

  20

  18

  117

  144

  125

  291

  206

  201

  Norfolk

  8

  18

  1

  2

  —

  1

  4

  1

  10

  10

  17

  Northamptonshire

  12

  10

  1

  —

  —

  3

  7

  8

  7

  12

  19

  Northumbria

  66

  49

  —

  —

  —

  15

  16

  24

  16

  23

  42

  North Yorkshire

  22

  12

  1

  —

  2

  2

  5

  4

  18

  9

  13

  Nottinghamshire

  71

  65

  1

  1

  —

  2

  8

  9

  3

  34

  26

  South Yorkshire

  14

  23

  3

  —

  —

  2

  6

  17

  41

  41

  31

  Staffordshire

  11

  28

  2

  2

  4

  3

  4

  11

  25

  21

  23

  Suffolk

  13

  10

  —

  —

  —

  4

  3

  6

  20

  15

  34

  Surrey

  21

  26

  —

  1

  —

  7

  3

  5

  40

  48

  20

  Sussex

  45

  30

  —

  —

  —

  9

  18

  19

  19

  30

  38

  Thames Valley

  26

  45

  2

  1

  —

  5

  7

  7

  23

  24

  26

  Warwickshire

  7

  6

  —

  —

  —

  1

  4

  1

  18

  10

  9

  West Mercia

  55

  9

  1

  —

  —

  3

  5

  15

  23

  16

  38

  West Midlands

  86

  202

  —

  1

  3

  12

  21

  40

  31

  40

  63

  West Yorkshire

  104

  113

  —

  3

  —

  9

  15

  15

  72

  54

  64

  Wiltshire

  22

  13

  —

  1

  —

  5

  3

  6

  17

  10

  19

  England

  2,101

  2,424

  47

  42

  48

  372

  475

  554

  1,230

  1,202

  1,284

  Dyfed-Powys

  42

  66

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  2

  23

  29

  19

  Gwent

  53

  99

  2

  —

  1

  11

  12

  9

  27

  19

  33

  North Wales

  34

  17

  3

  —

  1

  —

  2

  2

  10

  7

  7

  South Wales

  70

  25

  1

  —

  1

  8

  12

  10

  24

  36

  22

  Wales

  199

  207

  7

  —

  3

  19

  27

  23

  84

  91

  81

  England and Wales

  2,300

  2,631

  54

  42

  51

  391

  502

  577

  1,314

  1,293

  1,365

  Corpus Juris
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list those proposals, originally set out in Corpus Juris, which are under discussion at EU level(a) separately and (b) conjointly; and what his policy is regarding the exercise of the UK's veto in each case. [137896]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, my hon. and noble Friend Lord Bassam of Brighton, in another place on 25 October 2000,Official Report, House of Lords, column 45WA.
  708W
  for the years 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000. Data for cruelty to or neglect of children were not collected separately prior to April 1998.

  The Corpus Juris proposals as a whole have not been discussed in any meeting of the Council of the European Union (EU). A proposal by the Commission concerning the creation of a European Public Prosecutor has been discussed briefly in the Inter-governmental Conference (IGC) but the United Kingdom, as well as the majority of other EU member states, opposed its inclusion in the Treaty of Nice.

  Sex Offenders
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 31 October 2000,Official Report, column 435W, how many

  709W
  responses he has so far received to the consultation paper `Setting the Boundaries: reforming the law on sex offenders'. [137996]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  To date, the Government have received 170 responses from a wide range of people and organisations. The closing date for comments is March 2001.

  Credit Card Fraud
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the level of credit card fraud over the last three years; and what plans he has to reduce its incidence. [137886]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Recorded crime figures for credit card fraud and cheque fraud are not separately identified. The total figures for England and Wales in the years ending March 1999 and March 2000 were 141,948 and 173,857 respectively.

  The Association for Payment and Clearing Services (APACS) estimates that the value of credit card fraud relating to cards issued within the United Kingdom for the years ending March 1999 and March 2000 at £135 million and £ 189.4 million respectively.

  The Government take the problem of card fraud very seriously and we liaise closely with the Association for Payment and Clearing Services and others to establish and promote best practice in protecting cards.

  The Home Office held a seminar at the end of June to seek views from the banks, retailers and others about how the increasing levels of credit card fraud in the United Kingdom could be addressed. The main issues are the introduction of chip cards which would significantly reduce the use of fraudulent cards, and the introduction of a cardholder verification system, probably using a Personal Identification Number (PIN) number, to confirm that the user of the card is genuine. We want to see these important measures introduced as soon as possible. We are working in partnership with the industry to examine other ways in which the response to credit card fraud can be improved. A further seminar to take stock of the outcome of these discussions will take place later this month.

  Carriers (Illegal Immigrants)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his policy toward the European Council Initiative on the adoption of a directive on the harmonisation of financial penalties imposed on carriers for carriage of third country nationals lacking necessary documents. [138087]

  Mrs. Roche
  The adoption of penalties on those who transport inadequately documented third-country nationals into member states is one of a number of initiatives agreed by the European Council to tackle the problem of illegal immigration across Europe. It forms an important part of the European Union strategy for tackling this serious problem. We are fully committed to co-operating with other member states on the issue. The United Kingdom has opted in to this initiative. Doing so is consistent with our policy of participating in immigration measures which do not conflict with our position on frontiers.
  710W
  The United Kingdom already has legislation in place whereby a financial charge may be imposed on carriers transporting inadequately documented passengers. The United Kingdom Government have some reservations about the terms of the draft directive implementing this initiative. We are currently seeking changes to the draft through negotiation.

  Police Procedures
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 2 November 2000,Official Report, column 520W, when the review of the Codes of Practice which govern police procedures under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 will be completed and its findings published. [137990]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The current intention is to publish initial draft revised Codes of Practice for consultation by the end of this year and to lay final drafts before Parliament by the end of March 2001. The revised Codes should be in force by 1 July 2001.

  National Confiscation Agency
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is in respect of the creation of a National Confiscation Agency. [137935]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Leyton and Wanstead (Mr. Cohen) on 28 July 2000,Official Report, column 1158W.

  Licensed Sex Shops
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the proposal by the president of the British Board of Film Classification for an increase in the number of licensed sex shops in British cities. [137934]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 provides a means of control of sex shop premises. It is for local authorities to decide whether or not to issue a 'sex shop' licence and there are no plans to relax these controls.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Social Security Commissioners Decision
  Maria Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action he proposes to take following the recent decision (reference number: C.DLA/714/1998) of a tribunal of Social Security Commissioners in relation to the lower rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance; and if he will make a statement.[138882]

  Mr. Bayley
  The decision, which we generally welcome, should help to achieve more consistency in decision making on entitlement to the lower rate mobility component. However, a part of the decision, which relates to a disabled person's fear or anxiety while out of doors, goes beyond what Parliament intended. That part of the decision proceeds on the assumption that a person may, for the purpose of entitlement to disability benefit, be
  711W
  considered to be incapable of doing something even though he is physically and mentally capable of doing it, but chooses not to do so.

  We are, therefore, considering scope for the introduction of amending regulations which would, subject to parliamentary approval, restore and clarify the original policy intention. However, it would not be our intention that any amendment would affect the legitimate conditions of entitlement to the lower rate mobility component, which would allow those people disabled by serious mental conditions, such as agoraphobia, to remain potentially eligible for benefit.

  Minimum Income Guarantee
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when his Department will publish the study of Minimum Income Guarantee take-up. [136943]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Minimum Income Guarantee take-up campaign is still in progress.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applications resulted from his Department's most recent take-up campaign for the Minimum Income Guarantee for pensioners; how many were successful; and what were the principal reasons for failure. [137267]

  Mr. Rooker
  The current Minimum Income Guarantee take-up campaign is still in progress. So far, we have had over 600,000 responses, and around half of those claims already processed have been successful.

  Departmental Employees (New Deal)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many staff are employed by his Department under the New Deal for Young People. [137962]

  Angela Eagle
  I refer the hon. Member to the written answer from my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on 13 November 2000,Official Report, column 551W.

  Housing Benefit
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he expects the review of Housing Benefit claims from people living in supported and sheltered housing to be completed; and if he will list those local authorities that have not yet submitted information on this matter. [137706]

  Angela Eagle
  Research information from local authorities suggests that the majority will have completed the review of claims from people living in supported accommodation by the end of this calendar year. However, because the information was collected through research we are unable to supply the names of individual authorities which have not, as yet, reviewed their cases. We are collecting management information on other aspects of the scheme and this will be published in the usual way.

  Duplicate Benefit Payments
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 31 October 2000,712W
  Official Report, column 347W, how much of the £10.5 million lost in duplicate payments of Income Support on 17 and 18 January has been recovered to date. [138342]

  Mr. Rooker
  The administration of benefits is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to my right hon. Friend.

  Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Frank Field, dated 14 November 2000:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to respond to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how much of the £10.5 million lost in duplicate payments of Income Support on 17th and 18th January has been received to date.

  To date, £7.6m has been recovered.

  I hope this is helpful.

  Disability Living Allowance (Appeals)
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what maximum time is permitted for the chairman of a Disability Living Allowance appeal tribunal to produce a full written decision of the tribunal chairman's findings. [138035]

  Angela Eagle
  This is a matter for the President of the Appeals Service.

  There is no statutory time limit by which a chairman of a Disability Living Allowance appeal tribunal should produce a full written statement. However, the President is keen to ensure that the public has a clear understanding of the level of performance they can expect. That is why he has set a standard of 10 days for the tribunal Chair to produce a full statement of reasons. This is in addition to standards set by the Appeals Service agency of two days to refer the statement to the Chairman, and three days to type and issue the statement to the appellant. This results in an overall standard of fifteen days.

  We recognise that anecdotal evidence has shown that these standards are not always met. And unfortunately, the management information systems (MIS) in place do not yet give robust information to enable us to establish the proportion of cases in which these standards are being met. MIS are currently being put in place to enable these standards to be monitored.

  Children's Tax Credit
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many families will be subject to a marginal rate of income tax of more than 40 per cent. during the period that the Children's Tax Credit is withdrawn from them. [138307]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I have been asked to reply.

  The highest rate of income tax is 40 per cent.

  National Insurance Fund
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the additional income would be of the National Insurance Fund in 2000–01 and 2001–02 if(a) the reductions in employers' contributions in 1997 and subsequent years to compensate for the (i) landfill tax, (ii) climate change levy and (iii) aggregates levy, were cancelled and (b) the Treasury supplement were reintroduced at the rate specified in section 1(5) of the Social Security Act 1975. [136049]
  713W
  Dawn Primarolo
  I have been asked to reply.

  For part (a) of the question, I refer by hon. Friend to the answer gave him on 17 April 2000, Official Report, column 375W.

  For part (b) of the question, section 1(5) of the Social Security Act 1975 specified a supplement of 18 per cent. of the gross contribution income.

CABINET OFFICE

  Sniffing Tunnels
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to her letter of 31 August, what contact has taken place with Ion Track Instruments on drug and explosive sniffing tunnels; and what has been done to monitor the progress of the development and evaluation of these devices. [136807]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  Officials in HM Customs and Excise have maintained contact with Ion Tack Instruments, but there have been no significant developments with this portal detection system since my hon. Friend received the letter of 31 August from the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, my right hon. Friend the Member for Makerfield (Mr. McCartney). I understand that further tests in the United States will take place early in the new year, in which UK Government officials will maintain an interest in the progress and outcomes.

  Non-departmental Public Bodies
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list the non-departmental public bodies responsible to her which have duties relating to Scotland, indicating their budget and staffing in Scotland, the number of Scottish board members and their emoluments. [137627]

  Mr. Stringer
  The following non-departmental public bodies, sponsored by my Department, have a GB or UK-wide remit:

  Advisory Committee on Business Appointments

  Advisory Committee on Advertising

  Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission

  Better Regulation Task Force

  Civil Service Appeal Board

  Committee on Standards in Public Life

  House of Lords Appointments Commission

  Political Honours Scrutiny Committee

  Security Commission

  Security Vetting Appeals Panel

  Senior Salaries Review Body

  Sustainable Development Commission

  Women's National Commission.

  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 Libraries of the House; and "Public Bodies 2000" is due to be published next month.
  714W
  Information on board membership and remuneration is also available from the Cabinet Office Public Appointments Directory website (www.cabinet-office.gov.uk).

  Relocation
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office which relocation companies hold contracts with her Office for the relocation of civil servants; when the contracts were last renewed; where the contracts were advertised; and what the length and value of each contract is. [137195]

  Mr. Stringer
  There are no relocation companies who hold contracts with the Cabinet Office, COI or the Government Car and Despatch Agency for the relocation of civil servants.

PRIME MINISTER

  Lord Falconer
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister what factors he took into account in appointing Lord Falconer to each of the Cabinet committees of which he is a member. [137546]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 14 November 2000]As under successive Administrations, appointments to Cabinet Committees are entirely a matter for the Prime Minister.

TREASURY

  IR35
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the total cost to public funds arising from the implementation of IR35 and the handling of queries and appeals from businesses affected by it. [138442]

  Dawn Primarolo
  So far, the main additional activity undertaken by the Inland Revenue associated with the introduction of the `1R35' legislation has been the provision of advice to taxpayers and their advisers. This service has been provided by existing staff as part of their normal duties.

  Contingency Reserve
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received requesting the contingency reserve to be used to defray additional costs incurred as a result of recent extreme weather conditions. [138214]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The Reserve is meeting the costs of the additional £51 million recently set aside by the Government for flood defence activity in England on top of the resources allocated to flood defence in the 2000 Spending Review. Devolved Administrations will also receive increases, calculated according to the Barnett formula. These are likewise being met from the Reserve.

  Money Laundering
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 2 November 2000,Official

  715W
  Report, column 613W, on money laundering, which identification measures for clients involved in distance transactions it is his policy to introduce. [138033]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  All persons and institutions subject to the Money Laundering Regulations 1993 must identify their customer at the start of an ongoing business relationship, when carrying out a one-off transaction of more than 15,000 euro, or where there is a suspicion that a transaction is related to money laundering. These obligations apply for face to face and distance transactions.

  Pensioners (Taxation)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost of (a)(i) an untapered and (ii) a tapered age-related allowance of £15,000 a year for pensioners of over 75 years and (b) excluding all pensioners of over 80-years-old from income tax. [136274]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The estimated full year costs for 2001–02 are in the table.

  Costs (£ million)

  Increase the 75+ personal allowance to £15,000 and not tapering

  1,400

  Increase the 75+ personal allowance to £15,000 and tapering from the aged income limit

  1,100

  Excluding people aged 80 and over from income tax

  1,100

  These estimates are based on the Survey of Personal Incomes and are consistent with the November 2000 Pre-Budget Report.

  WFTC (Tooting)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people living in the Tooting constituency receive working families tax credit. [137796]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury, North (Mr. Chaytor) on 1 November 2000,Official Report, column 515W.

  G-CAT
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what work has been undertaken for his Department in the last three years by G-CAT. [136198]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  For the three financial years ending in March 2000, the Treasury has placed orders for PC servers and other related computer equipment with G-CAT.

  Trader Registration
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what investigations the Inland Revenue has undertaken this year to check whether individual traders utilising internet auction sites are wrongfully failing to register as businesses; [136158]

  (2) in how many cases this year the Inland Revenue has successfully detected traders wrongfully failing to register as businesses; and how much unpaid tax has been recovered; [136157]

  (3) in how many cases this year the Inland Revenue has requested access to the electronic records held by the operators of internet auction sites to check whether individual traders are wrongfully failing to register as businesses. [136156]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue can formally ask for information that would identify vendors on internet auction sites, although they would not normally be entitled to see the electronic records for that purpose. Requests for information like this form part of the intelligence gathering process carried out in local offices. Local officers have discretion on how to use their powers, subject to central guidance, and it is not possible to quantify the number of cases where formal requests for information have been from internet auction sites. it is not possible to say how many traders were identified.

  Elan
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what(a) reports, (b) research and (c) projects have been undertaken for his Department in the last three years by Elan. [134460]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Elan Computing provided IT support to the Office of Government Commerce during the 2000–2001 Financial year. We have no record of any other dealings with a company of that name.

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