Written Answers of 23 November 2000

WALES

  Job Losses
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what representations he has received from labour organisations regarding job losses in Wales over the last six months; and if he will make a statement; [136648]

  (2) what representations he has received from labour organisations regarding job losses in Wales over the past six months; and if he will make a statement; [136647]

  (3) what representations he has received from companies in Wales which have made job reductions in the past six months; and if he will make a statement. [136649]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I have had correspondence and discussions with several individuals and groups, including trade unions and company managers.

  Job losses are always unwelcome but it must be for individual companies to determine their response to market forces. The Government will continue to pursue its objective of securing long-term economic stability based on low inflation, allowing business to invest and plan ahead with confidence. The success of our policies is demonstrated by the steady fall in unemployment since May 1997.

  When redundancies do occur, the Employment Service has a range of measures available to assist workers in securing suitable fresh employment opportunities. For large-scale job losses, this can include an on-site presence.

  Drugs and Substance Abuse
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary concerning(a) measures to tackle drugs and substance abuse in Wales and (b) the provision of new money for this purpose; and if he will make a statement. [138064]

  Mr. Hanson
  My right hon. Friend and I meet regularly with the First Minister to discuss a range of issues, including measures to tackle substance abuse.

  I understand that the Assembly's draft budget provides for an annual increase in direct funding for drug and alcohol initiatives of £1.5 million by 2003–04. These extra resources will support measures set out in the Welsh substance misuse strategy, which was launched earlier this year.

  Council House Sales
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the First Secretary concerning the amounts of extra money released 260W
  from council house sales to (a) housing authorities in Wales and (b) Flintshire County Council in the current financial year; and if he will make a statement. [137020]

  Mr. Hanson
  My right hon. Friend and I have regular discussions with the First Minister on a range of topics, including local authority finances.

  I understand that the forecast of total receipts from the sale of council dwellings in the current financial year in Wales is £39,081,000, of which £1,600,000 relates to Flintshire County Council. Individual authorities are permitted to apply 25 per cent. of these receipts to the financing of new capital expenditure.

  Foreign Investment
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of investment in Wales was of foreign origin in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [135227]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Between 1 April 1999 and 31 March 2000, capital expenditure by overseas-owned companies, as reported at the time of the investment decision, was £512,264,000. This cannot be expressed in percentage terms since a comparable figure of total investment in Wales is not available.

  Housing Legislation
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking to ensure that proposed legislation on housing takes due consideration of its impact on Wales. [135410]

  Mr. Hanson
  I have a statutory duty to consult with the National Assembly for Wales about the Government's legislative programme for each session of Parliament. However, my office and other Government Departments also liaise closely with the Assembly as policy develops. This means that consideration will already have been given to many Wales-specific issues before the commencement of the statutory consultation.

  Floods
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he has taken to ensure adequate levels of funding for flood prevention measures in North East Wales. [139334]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Following the bad weather and flooding in Wales, I am happy to confirm that the Welsh budget will be increased by £3 million over a four year period to 2003–04 as a consequence of additional funding made available because of the recent flooding in England. The Assembly can allocate its resources among individual programmes according to its own priorities.

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he(a) has had and (b) is planning to have with other Cabinet colleagues and the First Secretary of the National Assembly to ensure a co-ordinated approach to flood prevention in North East Wales. [139333]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I have regular discussions with my right hon. Friends about a range of matters affecting Wales, including the important topic of flood prevention.
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  An interdepartmental group, chaired by the Minister responsible for fisheries and the countryside, is looking at a number of issues arising out of the recent floods. This will include the sharing of best practice in relation to flood prevention measures. The National Assembly for Wales is represented on the group.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what representations he has received from farmers' organisations on the loss of silage and other animal foodstuffs as a direct result of the recent floods; [139461]

  (2) what plans he has to assist uninsured farmers in Wales who have suffered financial losses as a result of the recent floods; [139680]

  (3) what representations he has received from farmers' organisations on the replacement of hay and straw lost during the recent floods. [139589]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Having visited several parts of Wales in recent weeks, I am acutely aware of the serious impact of the floods on the farming community. It is for the National Assembly to decide what measures may be needed to assist farmers who have suffered loss.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what additional funding will be made available for the National Assembly of Wales to meet the unforeseen additional costs incurred by local authorities and other public sector agencies in Wales arising from recent acute bad weather and flooding; and if he will make a statement. [138025]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Following the bad weather and flooding in Wales, I am happy to confirm that the Welsh budget will be increased by £3 million over a four year period to 2003–04 as a consequence of additional funding made available because of the recent flooding in England.

  There is an existing scheme, the Bellwin scheme, to help local authorities who incur unexpected costs in the work of dealing with floods and other emergencies, and the National Assembly for Wales is responsible for the operation of this scheme in Wales.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to request the assistance of armed forces personnel in clearing-up those parts of Wales most damaged by the recent floods. [139588]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  It is for individual local authorities to request assistance from the Ministry of Defence if they consider this appropriate.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to make use of National Lottery funds as compensation for residents and businesses in Wales most damaged by the recent floods. [139592]

  Kate Hoey
  I have been asked to reply.

  Lottery-funded relief of the type suggested by my hon. Friend would not be an appropriate use of Lottery money, which funds specific time-limited initiatives that are additional to taxpayer-funded programmes. The Bellwin scheme, which in Wales is administered by the National Assembly, reimburses local authorities for excess costs incurred as a result of severe weather conditions. The Assembly Secretary for Finance and Communities
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  (Edwina Hart) has announced that councils will receive 100 per cent. reimbursement of eligible expenditure above the threshold.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on planned improvements to the Bellwin Scheme of assistance to local authorities in Wales. [139507]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Operation of the Bellwin Scheme in Wales is a matter for the National Assembly.

  New Deal for Young People
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of people completing the New Deal for Young People have(a) ceased to be in work after 13 weeks and (b) returned to Income Support within 12 months. [137888]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  This information is not available.

  Family Debt
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the average level of personal debt per family in Wales. [136617]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  This information is not collected centrally.

  Capital Return
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what his estimate is of the average return on capital employed by companies in Wales in(a) the latest suitable year and (b) the latest available quarter. [137042]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  This information is not available.

  Departmental Employees (HIV)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to ensure that people who are HIV-positive do not suffer discrimination as a result of employment practices followed by his Department. [137789]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  My Department's permanent staff are mostly seconded from the National Assembly for Wales and we operate the Assembly's employment policies. The Assembly is an equal opportunities employer. Its policy is that all eligible people should have equality of opportunity for employment and advancement on the basis of their ability, qualifications and suitability for work. All employees are entitled to equal treatment throughout their employment. Individuals should not be disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.

  The Assembly also has a well established procedure for dealing with discrimination and harassment complaints from its employees.

  Red Diesel
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what factors underlay the decision to allow the sale of red diesel on roadside garage forecourts in Wales. [139587]
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  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I am not aware of such a decision. However, during the fuel protests in September, Customs and Excise exceptionally issued licences to many holders of red diesel, allowing them to use it in their vehicles after paying the difference in duty between red diesel and road fuel. This enabled many diesel users to overcome the worst of the shortages. Once supplies were re-established, all these licences were withdrawn.

  National Plan for Health
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary of the National Assembly about the implementation of the National Plan for Health in Wales. [139274]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I meet the First Secretary regularly to discuss a range of issues, including health services in Wales.

  Jane Hutt, the Assembly Secretary for Health and Social Services, set out her plans for the National Health Service in Wales (NHS Wales) in a statement to the National Assembly on 12 July 2000. Following this, I understand that a Strategy for NHS Wales is in preparation. Its launch is expected early in 2001.

  INTERREG Programme
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will make a statement on his responsibilities in relation to the INTERREG programme; [138211]

  (2) what responsibilities regarding co-operation with the Irish Government to maximise the benefit which comes to Wales from the INTERREG Scheme are exercised by him; and what responsibilities are devolved to the National Assembly. [138210]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The United Kingdom Government retains responsibility for negotiating Structural Funds Regulations in the EU Council of Ministers, (involving the devolved administrations as necessary in accordance with the overarching concordat on co-ordination of EU policy issues). It was the UK Government, for example, which secured agreement to the Agenda 2000 package and the continued existence of INTERREG.

  The National Assembly for Wales is responsible for the administration in Wales of European Structural Funds programmes and for developing and implementing the INTERREG programme with Ireland.

  I am keen to promote the benefits and take-up of Structural Funds programmes in Wales. To that end, I discussed a range of Structural Funds issues during my visit to Ireland with the First Minister earlier this year.

  Vandalism and Graffiti
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary and the police authorities in Wales concerning new measures to tackle vandalism and graffiti; and if he will make a statement. [138065]

  Mr. Hanson
  My right hon. Friend and I meet regularly with the First Secretary to discuss a range of matters, including measures to tackle crime.
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  The recent appointment of a Crime Reduction Director for Wales reflects the importance which the Government and the National Assembly place on dealing with problems of anti-social behaviour, including vandalism and graffiti.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Climate Change Levy
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the effect of climate change levy, after rebates, on the manufacturing sector in(a the United Kingdom and (b) Teesside; and if he will make a statement. [139797]

  Ms Hewitt
  The climate change levy has been designed with safeguarding the competitiveness of manufacturing industries in all parts of the United Kingdom in mind. The final impact of the levy on individual businesses will depend on the extent to which they take advantage of the various exemptions, whether they take advantage of the new scheme of enhanced capital allowances for energy efficiency, and whether they are eligible for the 80 per cent. discount offered to energy-intensive industries that enter into emission reduction agreements.

  Departmental Employees (HIV)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to ensure that people who are HIV-positive do not suffer discrimination as a result of employment practices followed by his Department. [137784]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  As an equal opportunities employer, the Department is committed to fairness and equality of opportunity for all in employment and advancement on the basis of suitability. The Department's equal opportunities statement requires that no eligible job applicant should receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or religious affiliation, or because they work part-time. We aim to develop DTI into an organisation that values the diversity of its staff and enables all to realise their potential by valuing the contribution of all and recognising the positive benefits that difference can bring.

  UK Arms Brokering
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he plans to bring forward legislation on the control of UK arms brokering. [139799]

  Dr. Howells
  The Government propose to give effect to new licensing controls on arms trafficking and brokering by means of new primary legislation on strategic export controls. We will announce our proposals for new export control legislation, including details of the
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  controls on arms trafficking and brokering, once we have completed the review of proposals in the White Paper on Strategic Export Controls. As to when new legislation will be brought before Parliament, this depends on the availability of time in the legislative programme.

  Export Licences
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what contacts his Department has had with the Israeli Government, on what dates, to ascertain that equipment and components licensed for export to the Israeli armed forces by Her Majesty's Government since 1990 have not been used(a) against civilians in the Occupied Territories and (b) in Southern Lebanon. [138715]

  Dr. Howells
  My Department has had no such contact with the Israeli Government.

  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office would take the lead in any such contact, and I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to her by the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Neath (Mr. Hain), on 13 November 2000, Official Report, column 511W.

  Companies House
  Mr. Dennis Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 16 February 2000,Official Report, columns 557–58W, if he has concluded the Review of Companies House announced by the Minister for Competitiveness on 16 February. [140496]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The Review of Companies House has now been completed.

  I was pleased to announce on 27 July 2000, Official Report, columns 723–24W, that the first stage of the Review confirmed that Companies House was performing well both in meeting its own objectives and targets and in contributing to the achievement of wider Government objectives. Its standards of customer service are high and customers are generally satisfied with the service they get from Companies House.

  Stage 2 of the Review, which considered whether any changes should be made to the way in which Companies House operates, has found that its framework is broadly right and its performance is generally effective. Companies House is well advanced in implementing the e-government strategy. The Review identified some aspects of the current framework which present obstacles to a fully effective response to the Modernising Government agenda.

  Companies House is now building the findings of both stages of the Review into its Business and Development Plans. This will ensure that Companies House continues to modernise to improve the quality, range and flexibility of its services and responsiveness to customer needs and will lay the foundation for an even more successful next five years.

  The report of stage 2 of the Review of Companies House has been placed in the Library.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Westland Helicopter Aid (India)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the outcome of her Department's inquiry into the Westland helicopter aid deal with India. [138704]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The aid agreement for the supply of Westland helicopters to India was finalised in 1986. In 1993, the Indian authorities decided to sell the helicopters. We obtained a written agreement from the Government of India that any sale of the Westland helicopter packages would be for non-military use, and that the proceeds would be used for UK-supported poverty reduction programmes.

  The Government of India has kept us informed of progress on potential sales, and we understand that a buyer who has undertaken not to use the equipment for military purposes has now been found. We will be pursuing with the Ministry of Finance how to make best use of the proceeds from the sale, to help achieve poverty alleviation.

  Palestinian Education
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions her Department has had with the Palestinian Authority to provide alternative education facilities to replace those schools unable to operate at present. [138713]

  Mr. Foulkes
  None. The majority of Palestinian schools were closed only until 7 October. For those children whose schools remain closed the Palestinian Authority has made its own contingency arrangements, wherever possible, to provide schooling at alternative locations.

  East and West Timor
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the current aid given by the United Kingdom to(a) East Timor and (b) West Timor. [138817]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The bulk of the UK's current development assistance to East Timor is channelled through Trust Funds established by the United Nations, for the transitional administration, and the World bank, for reconstruction and development. We will contribute a total of £5.5 million to the Trust Funds this financial year. In addition we are supporting a Human Resource Development programme implemented by Oxfam, which works with local NGOs and civil society groups.

  During 1999–2000 we gave more than £6.1 million through UN agencies and NGOs as emergency support for East Timor and for those refugees who crossed the border into West Timor.

  International agencies have currently withdrawn their staff from West Timor, following the killing by militias of three UNHCR workers on 6 September. We are pressing the Indonesian Government to restore security in West Timor by disbanding and disarming the militias. When this has been done, and international agencies resume their operations, we will consider what further

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  support we might offer to ensure that a census of those refugees remaining in West Timor is carried out, and that those wishing to return to East Timor are able to do so.

  More widely, our programme in Indonesia in 2000–01 is expected to be around £7.8 million and will support civil society "safety net" programmes, work to introduce more equitable and sustainable forest management, a contribution to the "Governance Partnership", and support for Trades Union development.

  Bangladesh
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the Jalchatra Project in Bangladesh. [138974]

  Mr. Foulkes
  We have in the past provided funding to St. Paul's Church for development work in the Jalchatra region of Bangladesh, including most recently a small grant for an irrigation project implemented from 1997–98. We have no immediate plans for further funding.

  Caribbean Rice Industry
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the likely impact of the EU Trade Directorate's draft regulation on Least and Less Developed Country products on the Caribbean rice industry. [139349]

  Mr. Foulkes
  We do not expect the draft regulation to produce any large-scale increase in LDC rice imports in to the EU. LDCs represented 0.2 per cent. of rice imports into the EU in 1998 and less than 0.01 per cent. of rice imports into the United States. Guyana alone exported 40 times more rice to the EU than all of the LDCs combined. The draft regulation would give insufficient price incentive for any significant response from LDC producers.

  Global Desertification
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on trends in global desertification. [139142]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The problem of desertification is becoming increasingly widespread and acute. It is estimated that dry land areas in some 100 countries are prone to desertification. Its occurrence is exacerbated by the effects of climate change and the loss of biodiversity. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification is the principal international mechanism for addressing desertification in affected countries. The effects of desertification are felt most acutely in African states, a fact recognised in the objectives of the Convention.

  We are concerned by problems of desertification and land degradation, since they are closely related to issues of poverty. To be effective, it is very important that actions to address desertification and land degradation are integrated into the sustainable development plans of affected countries. The latest UK report on activities in support of the Convention to Combat Desertification will be presented to the Fourth Conference of the Parties to the Convention in Bonn in December, which I hope to attend. Copies of the report will be deposited in the House of Commons Library on publication.

  Third-world Debt
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which Third World countries have benefited to date from the cancellation of their debt. [139464]

  Mr. Foulkes
  Twelve countries (Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Guyana, Honduras, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Senegal, Tanzania and Uganda) have so far qualified for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. The international community is doing everything possible to bring a further eight countries to their Decision Point by the end of the year. In addition, under the Government's 100 per cent. policy, countries with remaining debts to ECGD and CDC are to receive relief when they qualify for relief under the HIPC Initiative.

  Many of the remaining HIPC countries will not qualify for debt relief for some time, mainly because of their involvement in conflict.

  A number of other countries have at various points received debt reduction from the Paris Club of official bilateral creditors. Details are contained in the IMF publication "Official Financing for Developing Countries"; a new edition of this is expected shortly.

  Sexual Mutilation
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions her Department has had on the practice of sexual mutilation of young women. [139457]

  Mr. Foulkes
  Women's rights and health are crucial factors in achieving the Government's objective of poverty elimination. We are strongly committed to supporting work towards eliminating female genital mutilation (FGM), a basic rights violation which must be stopped.

  We are working bilaterally and with multilateral organisations, including UNIFEM, to persuade Governments to tackle FGM as a serious public health concern. Our support for WHO's work on FGM includes: research on the prevalence and health consequences of abuse; pilot projects to prevent and manage the consequences of FGM; and developing guidance for health workers. We seek to reduce the incidence of FGM by supporting advocacy to increase awareness of the dangers to women of the practice.

  The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Population, Development and Reproductive Health's FGM Hearings Report, which is to be launched today, is to be commended.

  Human Rights
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the countries whose human rights records she has discussed with their Governments during the last 12 months. [139455]

  Mr. Foulkes
  I refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend's reply of 8 February 1999,Official Report, column 34W. In addition, I will send him a copy of our Department's Strategy Paper "Realising Human Rights for Poor People", published in October this year. I will also place a copy in the Library of the House.

  China Western Poverty Reduction Project
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the current position of the China Western Poverty Reduction Project; and what recent representations she has received concerning it. [139318]

  Mr. Foulkes
  Following the World bank board meeting in July this year, the Government of China withdrew its request for funding for the Qinghai component of the Western Poverty Reduction Project, and decided to use its own funding for activities under this component.

  We have received many letters on the subject and there was a well-organised but one-sided campaign against this project. As a result, the international community will not now be involved in ensuring that the important social and environmental safeguards for the project are in place.

DEFENCE

  Fuel Tankers
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions and co-operation with UK-based oil companies there has been concerning the training of personnel from the armed services for the driving of road fuel delivery tankers; and if he will make a statement. [139806]

  Mr. Spellar
  We maintained close contact with the Oil Industry Emergency Committee both while we prepared our training programme and while training was under way. We discussed our requirement for the training of personnel with the Petroleum Training Federation as well as other organisations within the oil industry. As a result, a number of these organisations provided instructors and commercial fuel tankers to assist with this training and to ensure that it met industry standards.

  Porton Down
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will establish an independent inquiry into the experiments on service personnel and civilians at Porton Down. [139054]

  Dr. Moonie
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answers I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Erewash (Liz Blackman) and to the hon. Member for Bournemouth, East (Mr. Atkinson) on 21 November 2000,Official Report, columns 101–02W.

  Cluster Bombs
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if work to make safe cluster munitions at the Luce Bay range has been completed; and if he will make a statement. [139239]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Galloway and Upper Nithsdale (Mr. Morgan) on 1 November 2000,Official Report, column 466W. Work on the containment of the remaining nine sites will be completed as soon as weather permits and should take slightly less than two weeks if the weather remains favourable.

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the procedures conducted on animals and the training facilities used by his Department for(a) experimental research and (b) training programmes in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [138919]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 21 November 2000]: DERA's Chemical and Biological Defence Sector (CBD) carries out a number of research programmes involving the use of animals that are aimed at providing the armed forces with safe and effective protection against combat related trauma and the chemical and biological agent threat. During 1999, a total of 11,501 procedures, defined as licensed techniques under the terms of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, were reported to the Home Office from CBD Porton Down. These procedures were carried out on mice, rats, rabbits, guinea-pigs, hamsters, marmosets, pigs, and Rhesus monkeys.

  Additionally, DERA's Centre for Human Sciences (CHS) carried out 149 procedures on goats during 1999 as part of its on going submarine escape programme.

  All work at DERA involving the use of living animals is carried out in strict accordance with the requirements specified under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. DERA does not undertake any training with the armed forces which involves the use of living animals.

  Members of the Defence Medical Service have, however, participated in surgical training exercises conducted by the Danish Armed Forces' Medical Services, which involve live, fully anaesthetised pigs as surgical models. The last exercise in which a UK military surgical team took part was in May 1998. UK participation was subsequently suspended, but is now being resumed, with two military surgical teams taking part in an exercise this week.

  Departmental Employees (HIV)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take steps to ensure that people who are HIV-positive do not suffer discrimination as a result of employment practices followed by his Department. [137788]

  Dr. Moonie
  I can confirm that all possible steps are taken to prevent such discrimination. The Ministry of Defence and its Agencies are committed to, and operate a policy of, equal opportunity for all staff, whether civilian or military. This means that all members of the MOD, and potential recruits, must be treated fairly on the basis of their ability and qualifications. HIV is treated no differently from any other illness as far as employment practice is concerned. An individual risk assessment is carried out and, subject to the appropriate fitness or occupational health standard, all reasonable modifications to the individual's employment are undertaken where necessary.

  Asbestos (Ships)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent consultations there have been on health and
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  safety issues between his Department and trade unions representing civilian contractors employed in removing asbestos from Royal Navy ships. [139052]

  Dr. Moonie
  There have been no recent consultations on health and safety issues between the Ministry of Defence and trade unions representing contractors employed in removing asbestos from Royal Navy ships. Responsibility for such consultations rests with the contractor, as the employer.

  We consult regularly with trade unions representing our own employees on all issues related to Health and Safety, including work with asbestos.

  Warships
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost when new was of(a) HMS London, (b) HMS Boxer, (c) HMS Beaver and (d) HMS Brave.[139347]

  Dr. Moonie
  HMS London, HMS Boxer, HMS Beaver and HMS Brave, when new in the 1980s, cost approximately £159 million, £147 million, £148 million and £166 million respectively. The costs are at the price level relevant to the year in which each ship was delivered.

  HMS Beaver
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason HMS Beaver is to be sold in a non-operational condition; and if he will make a statement. [139346]

  Dr. Moonie
  The 1998 Strategic Defence Review announced the reduction in the size of the surface flotilla including the decommissioning of some Royal Navy Batch 2 Type 22 frigates earlier than planned. HMS Beaver was the first of these. Despite strong efforts by the Disposal Sales Agency, no foreign navy customer was found for her before she became non-operational in March 1999. Offers of the ship in a regenerated condition have similarly found no customer. Any cost-effectively re-usable parts of the ship have been removed leaving sale for scrap as the most economical remaining option.

  Royal Hospital Haslar
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the sufficiency of doctors, nurses and other staff at the Royal Hospital Haslar; and if he will make a statement. [139098]

  Dr. Moonie
  We have acknowledged that there are significant shortfalls in the Defence Medical Services and this is reflected in the manning situation at the Royal Hospital Haslar. However, Haslar continues to provide a broad spectrum of clinical services and when military personnel are unavailable, locum and full-time civilian personnel are employed where possible. We are working very closely with the Portsmouth Hospitals Trust to ensure services are maintained for the local military and civilian population.
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  Nuclear Submarines
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps are being taken to ensure the safety of all nuclear submarines following the damage to HMS Tireless. [139681]

  Mr. Spellar
  Following inspections in HMS Tireless, the Ministry of Defence has carried out checks in all Royal Navy hunter-killer submarines. Defects similar to those found in Tireless, though at a much earlier stage of development, have been found in a further six submarines. A programme to address these defects is being drawn up. No submarine will return to sea unless it is safe for it to do so. Of the five submarines in which defects have not been detected, only HMS Triumph is currently available for operation duties because other vessels are in refit. Ministry of Defence safety authorities have approved her operation and she will be subjected to further regular inspections.

  Vanguard Class ballistic missile submarines have a different design of reactor plant and Ministry of Defence safety authorities have endorsed their continued operation.

  Cobridge Barracks
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much he has spent on the barracks building at Cobridge for each of the last three years; and what grants have been awarded to cadet forces based at Cobridge. [139666]

  Dr. Moonie
  The amount of money expended on the barrack buildings at Cobridge in the last three years was as follows:

  £

  Year

  Maintenance

  Running costs

  1997–98

  7,537

  11,440

  1998–99

  3,169

  8,745

  1999–2000

  6,850

  18,185

  No grants are paid at detachment level.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Pithing Regulations
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the Restriction on Pithing (England) Regulations 2000 gives rise to animal welfare concerns. [139621]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 22 November 2000]: There should be no risk of an animal regaining consciousness during the slaughter process provided effective stunning is carried out and the abattoir has efficient arrangements in place for the shackling, hoisting and sticking of cattle.

  Departmental Employees (New Deal)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many people his Department employs under the New Deal for Young People. [137953]
  273W
  Mr. Morley
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on 13 November 2000,Official Report, column 551W.

  Sugar Beet Regime
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what advice he will give farmers regarding alternative crops to be grown in place of reduced sugar beet acreages resultant upon the proposed new EU sugar regime. [137605]

  Ms Quin
  Since no decisions have been made on the proposals and the final outcome is far from clear at the present time, it would be inappropriate to give such advice. Ultimately it is a matter for farmers themselves to decide what crops to grow in light of their individual circumstances.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Arms Exports (Israel)
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 14 November 2000,Official Report, column 608W, on arms exports to Israel, when the Government first had concerns that CS gas exported from the United Kingdom had been used by the Israeli security forces against (a) Palestinians and (b) Israeli Arabs. [139231]

  Mr. Hain
  The Government have not approved any licences for the permanent export of CS gas to Israel. We have had concerns, since we came to office, about the Israeli Security Forces' use of CS gas solely against Palestinians and Israeli Arabs.

  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if end-use restrictions have been placed on any export licences approved by Her Majesty's Government on components and equipment exported from the United Kingdom to the Israeli armed forces since 1997 to(a) exclude their use in the Occupied Territories, (b) exclude their use in southern Lebanon and (c) restrict their use in other ways. [139229]

  Mr. Hain
  No such geographical restrictions have been placed on export licences to Israel. We assess all applications for export licences against the criteria and in light of the best information available at the time. We do not issue licences if we judge the equipment would be used in any way to contravene the criteria. In addition, since the recent outbreak of violence we have asked the Israeli Government for an assurance that no equipment or components licensed for export from the UK have been used against civilians in the Occupied Territories or in southern Lebanon.

  Shootings (Hebron)
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the Israeli Government about the shooting of Hussein Mustafa, Yusef Ghenaimb, Khaled Ghenaimb and Bassem Al-Hour, near Hebron. [139504]
  274W
  Mr. Hain
  The Government have repeatedly urged the Israeli Government to limit its use of force with a view to minimising casualties and contributing to de-escalation.

  We remain appalled at the scale of the violence over recent weeks.

  Dr. Harry Fischer
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has expressed his sympathies to the German Government on the death of Dr. Harry Fischer in Beit Jala. [139503]

  Mr. Hain
  The Foreign Secretary has seen the German Foreign Minister on several occasions within the past two weeks. They last discussed the situation in the Middle East at the General Affairs Council in Brussels on 20 November.

  Elections (Gibraltar)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the European Court of Human Rights made its decision on voting rights in European parliamentary elections for the electors of Gibraltar; what plans the Government have to introduce measures in response to that decision before the next European Parliament election; and if he will make a statement. [139449]

  Mr. Vaz
  The European Court of Human Rights made its judgment on this question on 18 February 1999. We are actively seeking Gibraltar's enfranchisement in time for the next European Parliament elections in 2004.

  European Court of Human Rights
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the member countries of the Council of Europe which are failing to comply with decisions of the European Court of Human Rights; and if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy in respect of such failure to comply. [139514]

  Mr. Vaz
  There are no instances where member states' governments have refused to accept the judgment of the Court, although there have been significant delays in the implementation of judgments. Such delays may result from the need to amend domestic law or be attributed to difficulties in a wider political context. However, the Government expect all member states to comply fully with the Court's judgments, and we regularly make our position clear to those concerned. The Government play their part in the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in carrying out the task of supervising the implementation of judgments and taking the necessary measures to ensure that they are implemented, and supports the principle that all cases should remain open until the committee is fully satisfied that they have been properly addressed.

  Western Sahara
  Ms Kingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Africa Conflict Fund in relation to development in Western Sahara. [138112]
  275W
  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 22 November 2000]: The Government's pooled fund for conflict prevention in Africa covers sub-Saharan Africa and will not extend geographically to Western Sahara. Activities beyond sub-Saharan Africa will be funded by a separate pooled budget, which will be operational from the beginning of next financial year.

  Peter Bleach
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the discussions he had with the Indian Foreign Secretary on 15 November, with particular reference to the imprisonment of Peter Bleach in Calcutta. [139746]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 22 November 2000]: The Foreign Secretary and the Indian Minister for External Affairs, Jaswant Singh, discussed a wide range of issues during their talks on 15 November. The Foreign Secretary raised our concerns about Peter Bleach's case. Jaswant Singh said he would re-examine the case on his return to Delhi, and I discussed this further with Dr. Singh in New Delhi on 20 November.

  UK Arms End-use
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans his Department has to make the end-use monitoring of UK arms more stringent. [139798]

  Mr. Hain
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Tewkesbury (Mr. Robertson) on 8 November 2000,Official Report, columns 282–83W.

HEALTH

  NHS
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his oral statement of 14 November 2000,Official Report, columns 805–08, on resources and priorities for the NHS, what additional revenue was received by the NHS as a result of increases in tobacco duty in the Budget. [138825]

  Mr. Denham
  The Budget contained new money for the National Health Service for 2000–01 and the following three years. For the NHS in England the Budget confirmed the extra £250 million from tobacco revenues and provided a further –1.4 billion new money.

  Chiropodists
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he will take under the Health Act 1999 to protect the titles of chiropodist and podiatrist. [138814]

  Mr. Denham
  The proposals we have published for legislation to replace the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1960 include provision for strengthening the protection of professional titles. It would be a matter for the new Health Professions Council to propose the specific titles to be protected.
  276W
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to change the status of(a) state registered and (b) non-state registered chiropodists; and if he will make a statement. [139405]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 21 November 2000]: Our published proposals for legislation to replace the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1960 include provision for the registration both of practitioners who are currently state registered and those who are not.

  Tolcapone
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his policy on the drug Tolcapone. [139279]

  Ms Stuart
  Tolcapone, a treatment for Parkinson's Disease, is not currently available in the United Kingdom or in any other European member state. The marketing authorisation for Tolcapone, issued under the European centralised system, was suspended in 1998 following reports of serious side effects affecting the liver.

  NHS Direct
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when NHS Direct will be available throughout England. [139574]

  Ms Stuart
  NHS Direct has been available to callers throughout England since the end of October this year. The period since NHS Direct's launch has been invaluable in shaping the service. NHS Direct is no longer a stand-alone telephone helpline. Independent evaluation highlights a service that is safe and popular, and increases access to advice and information without increasing demands on other parts of the NHS.

  On 20 November we published a guide to NHS Direct called "NHS Direct, A gateway to healthcare", copies of which are available in the Library.

  North Yorkshire Health Authority
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the percentage of the increased expenditure recently announced for North Yorkshire Health Authority that will go towards administering(a) primary care groups and (b) primary care trusts; and if he will make a statement. [139482]

  Mr. Denham
  The North Yorkshire Health Authority intends to create primary care trusts by using existing resources invested in primary care group management costs, together with management costs transferred from trusts and the health authority resulting from the movement of services/responsibilities to the primary care trusts. The authority plans to remain recurrently within the given management cost envelope.

  Foetal Abnormality Syndrome
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has made an assessment of the research conducted worldwide into foetal abnormality syndrome and its connection with the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. [139404]
  277W
  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 21 November 20001 I understand research indicates that although maternal age, parity, and health as well as specific foetal susceptibility may contribute to the outcome for an infant whose mother drinks alcohol while pregnant, the potential for harm to the foetus is much stronger with large amounts of maternal alcohol consumption than with smaller amounts. My Department's advice therefore centres on it being better not to drink alcohol during pregnancy, suggests strategies to avoid alcohol consumption and advises that if alcohol is consumed that it be restricted to no more than two units (equivalent to one pint of ordinary beer) once or twice a week.

  Patient Advocate and Liaison Service
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what measures he proposes to ensure that the patient advocates employed by the Patient Advocate and Liaison Service will be independent of the trusts employing them; [139965]

  (2) what plans he has to involve voluntary organisations in the proposals for advocacy in the Patient Advocate and Liaison Service. [139966]

  Ms Stuart
  The National Health Service Plan announced the creation of a Patient Advocacy Liaison Service to be established within every NHS trust.

  Over the last few months we have held a series of national stakeholder seminars to develop the detail of the new arrangements for public and patient involvement, including the development of PALS and mechanisms for ensuring independence where appropriate. The output from the seminars will be taken into account when developing the guidance for the new arrangements, which we expect to launch in the new year.

  Small Practices Association
  Mr. Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to hold discussions with the Small Practices Association in respect of the proposals referred to in the NHS Plan. [139938]

  Mr. Denham
  I have agreed with the Small Practices Association that we should meet to discuss our proposals, and the concerns that some people have about them, when detailed proposals are more fully developed.

  In the meantime, and at my instruction, senior officials maintain regular contact and an ongoing dialogue with the Small Practices Association on all matters affecting small and single-handed general practice.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason he has not answered the question tabled for answer on 13 November, by the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton, with regard to correspondence concerning Mr. D. Garnett. [139679]

  Ms Stuart
  There was an administrative delay in replying to my right hon. Friend's letter about Mr. Garnett which meant that my right hon. Friend's question of 13 November could not be answered substantively.

  Vaccines
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, (1) pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Bethnal Green and Bow (Ms King) of 23 October 2000,Official Report, columns 78–80W, when Ministers discovered that the 1989 guidelines applied only to injectable medicines, and to those applied to the eyes or open wounds; and what steps he is taking in respect of the Medicines Control Agency, following the incorrect advice proffered to Ministers; [138992]

  (2) to what extent vaccines cleared for general use may contain material of bovine origin used as ingredients in the process of production; [138929]

  (3) what procedures his Department (a) has in place and (b) has had in place since 1989 to ensure that vaccines comply with the 1989 regulations relating to the use of bovine material in the production of vaccines; [138931]

  (4) if he will set out the ways in which the polio vaccine manufactured in the Medeva plant in Speke which was recently withdrawn used bovine material in the manufacturing process. [138923]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 21 November 20001]: I have asked the Chief Medical Officer to review all the advice given to Ministers on vaccines in relation to public health and vCJD. This review will include the circumstances leading to the withdrawal of the Medeva manufactured oral polio vaccine and advice to Ministers on withdrawal or recall of vaccines more generally.

  When the report of the CMO is available, I will respond to the specific points raised.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Waste
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to increase the effectiveness of the monitoring of emissions from waste disposal incinerators. [138188]

  Mr. Hill
  Authorisations issued by the Environment Agency to operators of the waste incinerators that it regulates already require rigorous emissions monitoring to demonstrate compliance with its authorisation conditions. The Agency carries out independent check monitoring. The forthcoming EU Waste Incineration Directive will impose stringent emission standards (including a dioxin limit of 0.1 ng/m3, which means one ten thousand of a gramme in each cubic meter of air) and associated comprehensive monitoring.

  Motorway Lighting
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made on installing lighting on those sections of the Ml and M6 which have none in place. [139067]

  Mr. Hill
  The decision on whether to provide lighting is based on an assessment carried out in accordance with the DETR "New Approach to Appraisal". This covers an economic assessment of the capital, maintenance and
  279W
  energy costs together with the potential savings as a result of a reduction in night-time personal injury accidents and the environmental impacts.

  The work, which commenced recently, to install lighting on a 6 km section of the Ml between J26 and J27, is scheduled to finish in the spring of next year. At this time there are no proposals to install lighting on other sections of the M1 and M6 motorways.

  Street Lighting
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his reply of 9 November 2000,Official Report, column 343W, on street lighting, when he expects the national condition survey for street lighting to be completed. [138900]

  Mr. Hill
  The survey will depend upon current research into non-destructive methods of assessing the structural condition of lighting columns. We estimate that the results could be available within a year, and we would then hope to be able to carry out the survey within the following two years.

  Freight Access Charges
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what alternatives to the freight access charges to the rail network he has assessed. [139246]

  Mr. Hill
  The structure and level of freight access charges is a matter for the Rail Regulator as part of his approval of access contracts between Railtrack and freight operating companies. The Rail Regulator is currently carrying out a review of freight charging policy.

  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with Railtrack about the level of freight access charges. [139247]

  Mr. Hill
  Ministers and officials in my Department meet regularly with Railtrack about a wide range of issues. The level of freight access charges is primarily a matter for the Rail Regulator to consider in exercising his function to approve access contracts between Railtrack and the freight operating companies.

  Escalators
  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the causes are of the delay in repairs to the escalators at stations on the Victoria and Northern lines. [139250]

  Mr. Hill
  This is an operational matter for London Underground, who report that, in addition to their ongoing programme of planned maintenance and replacement of escalators, there are currently 11 escalators under repair following breakdowns on the Northern and Victoria lines. For most of the escalators which have suffered breakdowns, the causes have been problems with either top-shafts or steps. In a number of cases the relevant parts have to be specially ordered before repairs can be carried out and this does cause some delays. London Underground have prioritised the programme of repairs 280W
  to tackle first those stations where customer numbers are greatest. A number of escalators have already been returned to service.

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the cause was of the escalator failure at King's Cross Station; and when these escalator defects will be repaired. [139249]

  Mr. Hill
  This is an operational matter for London Underground, who inform me that following routine tests some steps were found to be defective on three escalators on the Piccadilly Line. As a safety measure London Underground closed these escalators on 18 September 2000 for repairs. All three escalators are now back in service. Another escalator at Kings Cross was taken out of service during week commencing 13 November 2000 as part of London Underground's routine programme of planned refurbishment. This is due to be returned to service in approximately 18–20 weeks' time.

  Vehicle Number Plates
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what factors underlay his decision not to permit the Saltire to be included on vehicle number plates, following the introduction of the proposed new regulation on number plates. [139157]

  Mr. Hill
  The proposed new number plate regulations include provision for the optional display of the Euro-symbol, allowing motorists with such plates to dispense with the need for a separate national identification sticker when using their vehicles in other European member states. The EC regulation permitting this stipulates that the distinguishing sign shall be that of the member state, which under international treaties is "GB" for vehicles registered in Great Britain and Northern Ireland when visiting other countries party to the conventions. Under the terms of the EC regulation allowing the display of the Euro-symbol, the national identifier used must relate to the United Kingdom as a whole, in accordance with the international agreements, and include the EU circle of stars on a blue background only.

  Petrol Vapour Recovery
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will bring in Stage 2 controls on petrol storage and distribution which cover the control of petrol vapour recovery; and if he will make a statement. [139511]

  Mr. Hill
  As a party to the 1991 VOC Protocol to the UN/ECE Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution, the UK is committed to applying techniques to reduce VOC emissions from motor vehicle refuelling emissions by October 2002. The Government are considering how best to meet this commitment.

  Local Transport Settlement
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will announce the Local Transport Settlement for 2001–02. [139595]
  281W
  Mr. Hill
  We expect to announce the Local Transport Settlement for 2001–02 in December.

  Road Repair Budget
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much of the budget for repairing local roads in England announced on 13 November is(a) direct grant to local authorities and (b) supplementary credit approval. [139594]

  Mr. Hill
  The funding for 2001–02 will be provided as supplementary credit approvals. It is intended that the funding for 2002–03 will be provided through the Single Capital Pot as basic credit approvals.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the impact will be on the amount local authorities will spend on the maintenance of local roads in 2001–02 as a result of his statement of 13 November. [139593]

  Mr. Hill
  The statement said that we will provide £535 million to fund capital maintenance works on local highways in 2001–02, an increase of 103 per cent. compared to 2000–01. The –1,905 million that will be provided next year through the Highways Maintenance Standard Spending Assessment for Revenue Support Grant is an increase of 2.5 per cent. compared to 2000–01. Taken together these figures represent an overall increase of 15 per cent. in the amount available to local authorities for highway maintenance in 2001–02 compared to the previous year.

  "Supporting People"
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to ensure adequate resourcing for the implementation of the Supporting People programme; and if he will make a statement. [139430]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Government have allocated £138 million over the next three years (2001–02 to 2003–04) to ensure the effective implementation of the Supporting People programme. In the first year, 2001–02, the largest share will go to local authorities but we are also funding initiatives to help provider organisations adjust to the change. No decisions have yet been made about the distribution of funding in later years.

  Minister for London
  Ms Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the responsibilities of the Minister for London. [139475]

  Mr. Hill
  My role as the Minister for London is to act as a first point of contact in Government for all issues relating specifically to London and as the focal point for contact between Government and the Mayor. I am also the sponsoring Minister for London Underground until its transfer to Transport for London following commencement of the Public-Private Partnership. In addition to my London role, I am responsible for a wide range of other policies within the Department.

  Pigeons
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the estimated pigeon population was of(a) London and (b) the rest of England in each of the last 10 years. [139659]

  Mr. Mullin
  My Department does not hold such detailed information on feral pigeon populations but I can provide a summary of the best information available.

  Feral pigeons are one of the most abundant urban bird species and are also becoming increasingly common in the English countryside. Major concentrations are present in the conurbations of the south-east, west midlands and north of England. The bird's English range expanded by some 69 per cent. between the late 1960s and early 1990s, apparently due to the colonisation of rural areas in the 1970s.

  Due to its secure conservation status and the difficulty of accurately surveying the high densities found in urban areas, the feral pigeon population has never been satisfactorily censused and many ornithologists ignore their presence on population monitoring plots. The BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey, commenced in 1994, will be the first scheme to provide adequate monitoring of the species. It may also enable us to derive a realistic population estimate, although this will be complicated by the difficulty of separating feral and semi-domesticated birds, and the fact that many thousands of birds, especially young homing pigeons, are added to the population every year.

  The Breeding Bird Survey results for 1999 suggest that the English feral pigeon population has been stable in recent years, with a 3 per cent. increase on monitoring plots in the period 1994–99.

  The London Bird Report for 1992 recorded "more than 2000" feral pigeons in Trafalgar Square alone. The latest issue of the London Bird Report covering 1997 states that although the overall population appears to be stable there has been a slow expansion to more rural and suburban habitats in recent decades, while at several well established sites there has been a recent increase in breeding numbers.

  Radon
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many homes are affected by radioactive radon gas; and if he will list the 20 worst affected areas. [139606]

  Mr. Mullin
  [holding answer 21 November 2000]: Following advice from the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) in 1990, a level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre of air (Bq m—-3) in homes was adopted as an "Action Level". This is the radon concentration at which it is recommended that remedial action be taken to reduce levels in the home.

  The number of homes found to be at or above the Action Level and the total number of homes estimated to be at or above the Action Level in the United Kingdom is set out in the table.
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  Number of homes found to be at or above the Action Level

  Total number of homes estimated to be at or above the Action Level

  England

  40,000

  100,000

  Wales

  820

  10,000

  Scotland

  280

  2,000

  Northern Ireland

  970

  4,000

  Measurements of radon in homes have been undertaken by NRPB for several years throughout the United Kingdom. The information on areas affected by radon has been collated on the basis of 5 km and 10 km grid squares and not on the basis of administrative areas. However, measurement results and probability maps by grid square have been published in a series of NRPB reports providing information on the distribution of radon levels in homes in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The reports are listed, and I am arranging for them to be placed in the Libraries of the House.
  Radon in Dwellings in Scotland: 1996 Review (NRPB-M569) and reprint of Document of the NRPB, Volume 4, No. 6 (1993).
  Radon Atlas of England (NRPB-R290).
  Radon in Dwellings in England: 1997 Review (NRPB-R293).
  Radon in Dwellings in Wales: Atlas and 1998 Review (NRPB-R303).
  Radon in Dwellings in Northern Ireland: Atlas and 1999 Review (NRPB-R308).

  Aviation
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers he has to regulate(a) aircraft movement, (b) airport management and (c) aircraft design and safety, currently subject to legislative provision of the United Kingdom Parliament, including those required by international treaties, that would be subject to the legislative provisions of the European Union under its proposed (i) common European sky and (ii) air safety authorities. [139945]

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers of regulation relating to aircraft, airports, and control of airspace, which are subject to the provisions of United Kingdom legislation and International Treaties, would be subject to EU law under the proposals of the European Commission relating to aircraft safety and air traffic regulation. [140011]

  Mr. Mullin
  The European Commission has yet to table any legislative proposals relating to its Single European Sky initiative.

  The Commission has issued a provisional version of a proposal for a regulation on establishing common rules in the field of civil aviation and creating a European Aviation Safety Agency. Until this proposal is formally presented and examined in detail, it is not possible to identify precisely which UK legislative powers would be affected. The Government will submit to the relevant Scrutiny Committees at the appropriate time an Explanatory Memorandum, which will include an assessment of the impact of the proposals on UK law.

  Social Housing
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received regarding the introduction of(a) upper rent levels and (b) affordability caps on social housing rents; and if he will make a statement. [139926]

  Mr. Mullin
  Over 1,000 respondents sent us their views in response to the Housing Green Paper we published in April. We are considering those views and will publish our response shortly.

  Housing in London
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the changes in the supply of housing available to London councils in the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [139968]

  Mr. Mullin
  The figures for completion of permanent dwellings in London are set out in the following table:

  Financial year

  Private enterprise

  Registered social landlords

  Local authorities

  All dwellings

  1995–96

  11,239

  5,007

  45

  16,291

  1996–97

  7,696

  4,858

  23

  12,577

  1997–98

  9,242

  4,329

  52

  13,623

  1998–99

  9,631

  3,198

  35

  12,864

  1999–2000

  9,336

  2,856

  —

  12,192

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of(a) the number of new households in London for each of the years from 1998 to 2001 and (b) the number of new households in these years unable to (i) rent and (ii) buy housing in London. [139967]

  Mr. Mullin
  The latest available mid-year estimates show that there were an additional 34,000 households in London in the year to July 1998. Mid-year household figures for 1999 and subsequent years are not yet available.

  DETR's Projections of Households in England to 2021, published in October 1999, indicate that the capital's households will increase by approximately 126,000 over the period 1996–2001, giving a total of 3,128,000 projected households in 2001.

  Estimates of the number of new households in these years unable to rent or buy are not available.

  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of changes in the supply of low cost homes on the housing situation in London. [139969]

  Mr. Mullin
  I have made no such assessment.

  Rail Disruption (Road Accidents)
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of(a) the increases in road traffic and (b) the

  285W
  change in the number of (i) deaths and (ii) serious injuries arising from road traffic accidents as a result of rail passenger traffic being displaced to road during the work by Railtrack over the next three months to replace cracked rails. [138787]

  Mr. Hill
  The Government recognise that the current disruption to the railways may displace traffic onto the roads, where travellers are on average at greater risk. It is therefore essential that the rail network is returned to a safe working condition as soon as possible. That is the aim of Railtrack's current rail replacement programme, to which the Government and HSE are giving every possible assistance. I am advised that statistics to quantify any increased risk arising from any consequent displacement of traffic from rail to road are not available.

  Rail Passenger Injuries
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will calculate the probability of(a) death and (b) serious injury to rail travellers per passenger mile if the work planned by Railtrack over the next three months to replace cracked rails is conducted (i) as planned and (ii) over a programmed 12 month period. [138788]

  Mr. Hill
  The primary risk arising from cracked rails is derailment, leading to fatal and serious injuries as occurred tragically at Hatfield. It is for Railtrack, as infrastructure controller, to manage that risk. To mitigate the consequences of such derailments, Railtrack have imposed emergency speed restrictions on the sites most affected by `gauge corner cracking', until the track has been tested and replaced where necessary. Such speed restrictions in themselves may create further risks on the network, for example by increasing overcrowding at stations.

  I am informed by the HSE that they have sought from Railtrack risk estimates on the cracked rails situation, and that HSE is working closely with Railtrack so that these restrictions can be lifted as soon as safety can be adequately assured. Extending the rail replacement programme would prolong the period for which restrictions are in place.

  Dams
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the information(a) held by his Department and (b) submitted by the Building Research Establishment on the condition of dams in England and Wales. [139919]

  Mr. Mullin
  My Department holds no comprehensive information about the condition of dams in England and Wales. Local authorities which have enforcement duties under the Reservoirs Act 1975 are required to maintain public registers containing prescribed details of all the reservoirs in their area subject to the Act's safety regime. Such reservoirs are those which are designed to hold, or are capable of holding, more than 25,000 cu m above the natural level of adjoining land. These details include summaries of all certificates and reports received by the authority from the panel engineers appointed by the Secretary of State to supervise and inspect reservoirs.286W
  Enforcement authorities receive copies of all reports of inspections which draw attention to measures necessary to be taken in the interests of safety.

  As part of the Reservoir Safety Research Programme of my Department, the Building Research Establishment has compiled a Dams Database, to provide a register of dams that come within the ambit of the Reservoirs Act 1975, to provide background information for particular research projects and to assemble data on problems, incidents and remedial works. Information contained in the database has been made available to parties with an interest in reservoir safety and is available on request.

  UK Vignette
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with(a) the European Commission and (b) the Governments of other member states concerning the introduction of a UK "vignette" to charge commercial vehicles for the use of UK roads; and if he will make statement. [139801]

  Mr. Hill
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury today to the right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr. Redwood),Official Report, column 318W.

  Research Organisations
  Mr. Page
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research organisations are owned by his Department; and what their budgets are for the year 2000–01. [R][140156]

  Mr. Mullin
  My Department does not own any research organisations, having transferred all its former research establishments to the private sector. All the Department's research is now procured by external contract and details are available through the DETR website and through the Office of Science and Technology's annual publication, "SET Statistics".

  Compulsory Purchase Orders
  Mr. Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish his Department's response to the consultation regarding compulsory purchase orders. [139936]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Consideration is currently being given to the recommendations of the advisory group which conducted a review of the laws and procedures relating to compulsory purchase and compensation, published on 27 July, and comments received on that report. The Urban White Paper (Cmnd 4911), published on 16 November, sets out on pages 58 and 59 the action we propose to take in the short term. We hope to make a policy statement setting out the Government's proposals for longer-term reform, in response to the recommendations made in the review and comments on them, including proposals for legislation, early next year.

  Empty Homes Strategy
  Mr. Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list
  287W
  those district and unitary authorities in South East England that do not have a published empty homes strategy. [139937]

  Mr. Mullin
  The information is not collected as it is not a statutory duty for district and unitary authorities to publish an empty homes strategy.

  Heathrow
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 15 November 2000,Official Report, column 658W, on Heathrow, when he will publish the environmental impact assessment which was carried out as part of the Heathrow Terminal 5 inquiry. [139753]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Environmental Statement on Heathrow Terminal 5 and a number of other reports on environmental aspects of the Terminal 5 proposal are publicly available as part of the evidence submitted to the Terminal 5 inquiry.

  Aircraft Detritus
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to discuss foreign airlines' compliance with CAA guidelines on toilet compartment leaks with the CAA; [139754]

  (2) what plans he has to impose penalties on foreign airline operators who fail to meet CAA guidelines about toilet compartment leaks. [139755]

  Mr. Mullin
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply on 13 November 2000,Official Report, column 495W.

  The Secretary of State does not currently have plans to discuss the issue of toilet compartment leaks from foreign registered aircraft with the CAA. CAA guidance on checking aircraft water systems applies only to UK operators and aircraft. Responsibility for the safety of foreign aircraft rests with the respective State of Registry.

  It is an offence under the Air Navigation Order to cause or permit any aircraft, regardless of nationality, to endanger the safety of persons or property. The penalties for this offence are a fine not exceeding £5,000 on summary conviction or a fine or term of imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both on conviction on indictment. The CAA will investigate any incidents reported to them with enough detail but it is difficult to prove, for prosecution purposes, that a particular aircraft was responsible for an icefall. However, where there is sufficient information to suggest that a foreign aircraft may have been responsible, the CAA will refer the matter to the State of Registry of the aircraft for appropriate remedial action to be taken.

  Foreign registered aircraft may only operate into the UK if they comply with internationally agreed minimum safety standards of airworthiness. If we have reason to suspect an aircraft is not complying with international standards we will arrange for it to be inspected by the CAA. Evidence of water leaks found during an inspection will be drawn to the attention of the authorities responsible for the safety of the aircraft and, where appropriate, remedial action may be required before the aircraft is allowed to operate.

  Regional Planning Guidance (East Anglia)
  Ms Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish the Regional Planning Guidance for East Anglia; and if he will make a statement. [140322

  Mr. Raynsford
  My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has today published the Regional Planning Guidance for East Anglia. It is the first RPG to be completed under the new regionally based procedures with testing of the draft RPG at a public examination under an independent panel. It provides a clear strategy for the sustainable development of the region which will support economic growth and regeneration, meet the housing needs of all sectors of the community, and protect the environment. It provides a long-term planning framework for the East of England Development Agency's Regional Strategy.

  The RPG strategy reflects the Government's priorities in the Urban White Paper and policy guidance on planning for housing. It stresses urban renaissance and indicates that new development should be concentrated in the region's cities and larger towns. It proposes an initial target of 50 per cent. of new housing on previously developed land and buildings. This is below the national target of 60 per cent. but, given East Anglia's character, it will be challenging. It endorses the housing target proposed by the Standing Conference of East Anglian Local Authorities—SCEALA—of some 9,900 additional dwellings a year as the starting point for the plan, monitor, manage approach to housing provision. It also recognises the importance of an active rural economy and of the region's many market towns. These themes will be further developed in the Rural White Paper.

  The RPG reflects our emphasis on the integration of transport and development. It confirms that the A47 Thorney Bypass and the two remaining schemes to complete the dualling of the All to Norwich, have been added to the targeted programme of Trunk Road improvements. As set out in Transport 2010, the Government's 10-year plan for transport, DETR will be looking to speed up scheme preparation significantly.

  The Cambridge Sub-Region is central to the guidance. It meets the needs for a more sustainable approach to accommodating development to support the growth of the research and technology-based economy. It proposes a sequential approach looking first at the capacity of Cambridge, then possible urban extensions, then a new settlement, then at the area's market towns, always considering brownfield land first. It accepts the panel's recommendation for a review of the Cambridge Green Belt. This work is currently being carried out by the local authorities.
  The East Anglia RPG shows how the new arrangements for RPG are working to deliver regionally based strategies which will meet development needs and contribute to achieving sustainable development. It is for the local authorities to reflect the policies of the RPG in their development plans and to work with the private sector and other agencies to see those policies implemented.

  We have placed the relevant documents in the House Libraries and made copies available to MPs from the region.

  Radioactive Discharges
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the draft statutory Guidance to the Environment Agency on the regulation of radioactive discharges into the environment from nuclear licensed sites, referred to in the UK Strategy for Radioactive Discharges consultation document, will be issued for public consultation; and what its contents are. [140495]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government have today published a consultation paper setting out our proposals for Statutory Guidance to the Environment Agency. It brings together and publicises, for the first time, the factors that we require the Environment Agency to consider when setting discharge levels.

  The draft guidance reinforces the Government's commitment progressively to cut discharges and discharge limits. It will help deliver the commitment the UK has given to its OSPAR partners to ensure that by 2020, discharges are reduced to levels where the additional concentrations in the marine environment above historic levels, resulting from such discharges, are close to zero.

  The guidance will help ensure that discharge authorisations are consistent with the UK Strategy for Radioactive Discharges 2001–20, which is now being finalised following public consultation earlier this year.

  Central to the guidance is the need to ensure the protection of the public, not only within the UK but beyond our borders. For example, the guidance proposes that, in general, discharge levels are set so that Community Food Intervention Levels are not exceeded, even though there is no requirement to do so under law.

  Equally, none of the measures taken to protect the environment should compromise the safety of workers, and this is also covered in the guidance, in terms of both routine exposures and risks of accidents.

  Keeping radioactive waste to a minimum must be the key to reducing discharges. While the industry works to achieve this, we are asking the Agency to evaluate alternative ways of making allowable discharges so that the best practicable environmental option can be chosen.

  Each case will be considered on its merits but the presumption now will be that discharges should be minimised by requiring radioactivity to be trapped and immobilised for subsequent storage or treatment, rather than discharged into the environment.

  The guidance will encourage operators to keep their discharges to a minimum by setting strict limits on how much they can discharge. These limits will be subject to regular review. We also propose that there should be a "cap" on discharges from new plant.

  The guidance recognises that it is not necessary to apply a specific limit to every radionuclide which is discharged, but effective control over all discharges is essential. The Agency is therefore given guidance on which radionuclides, as a minimum, it should control.

  New technology will play a vital role in reducing discharges. With this in mind the draft guidance requires the Agency to set timescales for research and development to be carried out into new technological developments.
  290W
  Copies of the consultation have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Sunday Dancing
  Mr. Grogan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to lay a deregulation order relating to Sunday dancing. [140242]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I hope to lay a draft order shortly.

  Policy Action Team 9
  Mr. Leslie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in implementing the recommendations of the Policy Action Team 9 report on community self-help. [140321]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Policy Action Team 9 (PAT9) report on community self-help was one of 18 reports commissioned by the Social Exclusion Unit to come up with recommendations to tackle the unacceptable problems in England's poorest neighbourhoods. Since the publication of the PAT9 report in September 1999, we have made good progress in implementing many of the recommendations, some of which have been included as key ideas of the National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal. We have set out the key achievements in an annual report which also includes a look forward to the main action points for future work. A copy of the annual report will be placed in the Library.

  Early Release
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many attacks on elderly people have been committed in the last year by convicted criminals who were on early release from prison at the time of the attack. [139811]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  This information is not held centrally, and could be collected only at disproportionate cost. Central statistical databases do not hold information on the characteristics of the victims of crimes other than homicide and certain sexual offences.

  Young Offenders
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what academic and vocational education and training is available to young people serving custodial sentences. [139321]

  Mr. Boateng
  I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East (Dr. Kumar) on 6 July 2000,Official Report, column 298W.

  Freedom of Information Bill
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he plans to put
  291W
  in place to ensure that the discretionary release of exempt information under the Freedom of Information Bill will be in the public interest. [139391]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Bill provides that a public authority must disclose information if the public interest in maintaining the exemption in question does not outweigh the public interest in disclosure. This test applies to all but a small number of the exemptions contained in Part II of the Bill.

  The Information Commissioner will oversee the operation of this test by public authorities and can order the disclosure of information in the public interest, subject to an appeal to the Information Tribunal, or in limited circumstances, the overriding opinion of a Cabinet Minister or Law Officer.

  Extended Hours (Restaurants)
  Mr. Grogan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce a deregulation order relating to extended hours for restaurants. [140244]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We hope to lay a draft deregulation order early in the new year, taking account of the comments made on the consultation document which we published earlier this year and of the outcome of proceedings on the Sunday dancing deregulation proposal, which raises some parallel issues.

  Traffic Offences
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many drivers have been(a) issued with a fixed penalty fine, (b) arrested or (c) charged with a traffic offence for driving too slowly in each of the past 10 years. [139810]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  There is no specific offence under the Road Traffic Acts for driving too slowly, and any resultant charges cannot be identified in the statistics collected centrally because the circumstances of the offences are not collected.

  Asylum
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for each month since 1 April 2000,(a) how many initial asylum decisions resulted in a refusal on the grounds that the applicant had failed to complete his statement of evidence form correctly or had failed to complete it within the 14 days allowed and (b) what proportion (i) of all refusals and (ii) of all refusals excluding those made as part of the backlog-clearance exercise, was accounted for by the decisions listed in (a); and if he will make a statement. [139800]

  Mrs. Roche
  The available information relates to total refusals of asylum on non-compliance grounds; comprising failure to provide further evidence as required and failure to respond to invitations to interview to establish identity as well as failure to complete a statement of evidence form correctly and within the time allowed. The information that is available is given in the table.
  292W

  Refusals of asylum on non-compliance grounds in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, April-September 20001,2

  Cases considered under normal procedures

  Month

  Total refused

  Refused on non-compliance grounds

  Percentage of total refusals

  April

  4,205

  1,165

  28

  May

  5,520

  1,655

  30

  June

  6,360

  2,135

  34

  July

  6,345

  2,015

  32

  August

  7,510

  3,125

  42

  September

  6,710

  2,885

  43

  Cases considered under normal procedures and backlog criteria3

  Month

  Total refused

  Refused on non-compliance grounds4

  Percentage of total refusals

  April

  4,205

  1,165

  28

  May

  5,780

  1,910

  33

  June

  6,740

  2,515

  37

  July

  6,575

  2,245

  34

  August

  7,680

  3,295

  43

  September

  6,785

  2,950

  44

  1Provisional figures (other than percentages) rounded to the nearest 5

  2Information is of initial decision, excluding the outcome of appeals or other subsequent decisions

  3Includes cases decided under measures aimed at reducing the pre-1996 asylum application backlog

  4Includes some cases where the application has been refused on substantive grounds

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his Department spent on support for asylum seekers and their dependants in the financial years(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000; and what his estimate is of such spending (i) for the year 2000–01 to date and (ii) over the whole of the current financial year. [139809]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Home Department assumed responsibility for asylum support costs on 1 April 1999 as a result of the comprehensive spending review. These costs were previously the responsibility of the Department of Social Security and Department of Health. Their combined direct expenditure for supporting asylum seekers in 1997–98 was £375 million and in 1998–99 was £475 million. These figures include costs for supporting unaccompanied asylum seeking children.

  Expenditure by the Immigration and Nationality Directorate for asylum support from 1 April 2000 to 30 September 2000 was £317.4 million. For the financial year 2000–01, the Home Office has a provisional allocation of £604 million for supporting asylum seekers, excluding provision for supporting unaccompanied asylum seeking children.

  The comparable cost in 1999–2000 to the Home Office budget of supporting asylum seekers in the United Kingdom was £537 million. The Department of Health incurred an additional cost of £52 million for supporting unaccompanied asylum seeking children, bringing the total cost in 1999–2000 for supporting asylum seekers to £590 million.

  Criminal Record Checks (Charging)
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will publish his assessment of the impact on voluntary organisations of the Government's plans to charge for criminal record checks. [139807]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 20 November 2000,Official Report, column 87W.

  Immigration
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many cases the civil penalty provisions of section 32 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 have been enforced. [139714]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Civil Penalty provisions of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 came into force in respect of vehicles on 3 April 2000. As at 20 November 2000, 617 penalty notices have been served in respect of vehicles containing 3,507 clandestine entrants. In financial terms this represents £7,014,000 in penalties.

  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how the civil penalty provisions of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 are being implemented. [139716]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Civil Penalty provisions of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 came into force in respect of vehicles on 3 April 2000. The provisions were initially implemented at Dover and Coquelles but have been applied nationally since 3 July.

  It is proposed to extend the Civil Penalty provisions to clandestine arrivals by rail freight early next year. The requisite consultation process has recently commenced.

  Entry Clearance (Bangkok)
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will issue instructions to Her Majesty's Ambassador in Bangkok to issue entry clearance to Lalintip Pichaironn Arongsongkram and Rowarong Achaironn Arongsongkram. [139674]

  Mrs. Roche
  The appeal against the refusal to grant an entry clearance to those named in the question was heard on 16 February 2000. The Adjudicator's determination allowing the appeal was issued on 25 May 2000 and the Entry Clearance Officer in Bangkok was notified of this on 16 June 2000.

  Following an inquiry from the solicitors, a further copy of the determination was sent to Bangkok on 14 November. Entry clearance was issued on 16 November.

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made on the introduction of new technology in the work of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate; and if he will make a statement. [139431]

  Mrs. Roche
  In the past 12 months, the interim IT system used by Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) caseworkers has expanded to provide over 3,000 terminals in 23 different locations throughout the United 294W
  Kingdom. Work is at an advanced stage to enable this network to be connected to the Internet, providing better internal links within the Home Office and the potential for communicating electronically with IND's customers when suitable interfaces are developed. This network provides the platform on which increasingly sophisticated functionality is being built. The most important example of this is the database of information on asylum claimants which is used to monitor the progress of asylum cases. IND's private sector partners, Siemens Business Services, have provided these enhancements while at the same time continuing the development of their fully integrated caseworking system which will use the same platform. In addition, over 3,000 staff in IND now have access to the Home Office-wide desktop IT system, POISE, provided by SEMA Group—an increase of 2,200 in the last 12 months, extending availability to the majority of immigration service staff at ports and enforcement offices. A major operational system for the National Asylum Support Service has been developed and implemented in the last year on the POISE platform. Work continues on redevelopment of the Warnings Index. A new electronic fingerprinting database is being rolled out and will soon be fully operational. The IND website has been improved and will be relaunched shortly.

PRIME MINISTER

  Her Majesty the Queen
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Prime Minister what plans are being made to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Her Majesty The Queen's Accession to the Throne; and if he will make a statement. [140120]

  The Prime Minister
  I believe that not only this House, but also the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, will join me in looking forward to Her Majesty's Golden Jubilee as a joyous occasion and a very special milestone. It will be a time both for looking back at the central part which the Queen has played in the affairs of this country and the Commonwealth over the preceding 50 years, and for looking forward to the continuation of Her Majesty's unique contribution for many years to come.

  Her Majesty The Queen has approved my recommendation that the 50th anniversary of her accession to the throne should be celebrated during the summer of 2002.

  A Ministerial Committee, under the chairmanship of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, was set up last year to help co-ordinate arrangements with Buckingham Palace. I have made the following recommendations which Her Majesty has approved and which have the support of the Leaders of the Devolved Administrations and of Opposition Parties.

  The Queen will attend a National Service of Thanksgiving in St. Paul's Cathedral on Tuesday 4 June 2002. That day will be a Bank Holiday in place of the Spring Bank Holiday, which would otherwise fall on 27 May in 2002. The day before, Monday 3 June, will be an additional Bank Holiday for the Golden Jubilee.
  295W
  The Queen hopes to travel within the United Kingdom as widely as possible during the summer months of May to July, and especially the weeks running up to and following the Bank Holiday weekend. She has agreed to visit the armed forces on 27 June and to open the Commonwealth Games in Manchester on 25 July and to close them on 4 August. She will undertake a Commonwealth visit in the autumn. The Queen has also agreed to a grant of certain civic honours—city status and Lord Mayoralty—to mark Her Jubilee. Other elements of the programme will be announced in due course. It is Her Majesty's express wish that there should be no undue expenditure from public funds on the programme of celebrations.

  The Queen has said that she sees her Golden Jubilee as an opportunity to express her thanks for the support and loyalty she has enjoyed during her reign. She hopes that events surrounding the Jubilee will create numerous opportunities for voluntary and community service and that as many people as possible will have the opportunity to enjoy the celebrations to mark this happy occasion.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  National Sports Centre, Crystal Palace
  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement about the future of the National Sports Centre at Crystal Palace. [134282]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 25 October 2000]: All parties involved in the future development of Crystal Palace are working towards a centre which meets the needs of the local residents and some of our world class athletes, within realistic funding parameters.

  Sport England are in the process of looking at a number of options for developing the centre as a Community/English Institute of Sport facility. The proposed development would provide high performance training facilities and support services for world class athletes in the south of London, and also provide recreational facilities for the local community in Bromley and surrounding areas.

  It is anticipated that once the proposed options for the development of the site have been considered by Sport England in conjunction with the relevant national governing bodies, a meeting will be arranged with relevant parties to discuss the proposals and a possible way forward.

  Millennium Dome
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions took place between Mr. Gerbeau and(a) the board of the New Millennium Experience Company and (b) the Millennium Commission, prior to the announcement that a 12 hour party would be held on the Dome site on December 31. [135416]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 30 October 2000]: Discussions with the Ministry of Sound involving Events staff at the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) and Mr. Gerbeau took place over a period of
  296W
  several weeks prior to the announcement on 24 October. The Executive Chairman and Finance Director (who is also a Board member) were kept informed of these discussions. There were no discussions with the Millennium Commission.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what credit rating his Department has obtained for the New Millennium Experience Company. [139041]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 20 November 2000]: My Department has not obtained a credit rating for the New Millennium Experience Company.

  Departmental Employees (HIV)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will take steps to ensure that people who are HIV-positive do not suffer discrimination as a result of employment practices followed by his Department. [137791]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Yes.

  November Floods
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many(a) museums, (b) libraries and (c) galleries have reported damage to their collections arising from the November floods; what steps he is taking to ensure artefacts are protected against flooding; and if he will make a statement. [138549]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  I have had a report about damage at the underground Cabinet War Rooms arising from the recent heavy rainfall. I am also aware of significant and regrettable damage to the University of Sussex's Library Store and the East Sussex County Reserve Library Store, both in Lewes, as a result of the recent floods and of some minor damage in some of Kent county council's libraries. Additionally, I gather that there has been some flood damage to the Brooklands Motor Museum's Film Collection although it is not clear that this resulted from the recent severe weather.

  Elsewhere, although there have been reports of the effects of flooding on the fixtures and fabric of museum and library buildings, collections seem to have been protected by good and quick-thinking management. This is to the enormous credit of all concerned.

  It is of course the responsibility of museums', galleries' and libraries' governing bodies to assess the risk of damage to their collections from flooding and take steps to protect them.

  Tourism
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the level of Government grant in aid was to each regional tourist board in England for each of the last 10 years(a) per head of population and (b) in real terms; and what the proportion was of (i) overseas and (ii) domestic tourists in England in each regional tourist board area in the same period. [138889]
  297W
  Janet Anderson
  We have contacted the Office for National Statistics for some of the information relating to this question. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as we have received it, placing copies of my answer in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the level of Government grant-in-aid was to(a) the English Tourism Council, (b) the Welsh Tourist Board, (c) the Scottish Tourist Board and (d) the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, per head of the population, for each of the last five years. [138888]

  Janet Anderson
  The information is set out in the following table.

  GIA (£m)

  Population

  £ per head

  English Tourist Board1

  1995–96

  10.0

  48.90

  0.20

  1996–97

  10.0

  49.09

  0.20

  1997–98

  9.9

  49.28

  0.20

  1998–99

  9.7

  49.44

  0.20

  1999–2000

  11.8

  49.75

  0.24

  Scottish Tourist Board

  1995–96

  16.9

  5.14

  3.29

  1996–97

  18.3

  5.13

  3.57

  1997–98

  19.3

  5.12

  3.77

  1998–1999

  20.3

  5.12

  3.97

  1999–2000

  19.3

  5.11

  3.78

  Wales Tourist Board

  1995–96

  14.7

  2.92

  5.03

  1996–97

  14.7

  2.92

  5.03

  1997–98

  14.6

  2.93

  4.98

  1998–99

  14.7

  2.93

  5.02

  1999–2000

  15.4

  2.94

  5.24

  Northern Ireland Tourist Board

  1995–96

  12.6

  1.69

  7.46

  1996–97

  14.2

  1.69

  8.40

  1997–98

  14.0

  1.69

  8.28

  1998–99

  13.5

  1.69

  7.99

  1999–2000

  13.9

  1.70

  8.18

  1Known as the English Tourism Council with effect from July 1999

  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the total value of National Lottery grants to support tourism-related projects has been since the launch of the Lottery. [139596]

  Kate Hoey
  According to the latest information supplied by the distributing bodies, a total of £8,302,765,870 of National Lottery money has been awarded to 72,730 projects since the Lottery began, many of which could be considered to have relevance to tourism. It is not possible to identify separately tourism-related projects.

  The parliamentary constituency of Weston-Super-Mare has received 95 National Lottery awards since the Lottery began, amounting to a total of £5,249,194, including, for example, £334,500 for the development of a Helicopter Museum.

  Swimming
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on his plans to improve swimming facilities and coaching for the 2004 Olympic Games.[139282]
  298W
  Kate Hoey
  UK Sport is currently undertaking a review of long-term performance funding for individual sports following the Sydney Olympics. As part of the review and post-Sydney analysis, UK Sport will be considering a four year funding programme for swimming, with Lottery awards agreed in February 2001.

  In addition, I have met with the Performance Directors of all the Olympic Sports, including swimming, to discuss ways of building on the success of Sydney and to see what lessons can be learned as preparations are made for Athens.

  Sportsmanship
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make it his policy to identify sportsmen to promote, in schools, the merits of good sportsmanship and healthy living. [139491]

  Kate Hoey
  In "A Sporting Future For All", the Government recognise the potential of elite performers to act as role models and to inspire young people to participate in sport. I personally am very keen to see all involved in sport, particularly the governing bodies, take the issue of good sportsmanship seriously.

  Millennium Commission
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of major capital projects funded by the Millennium Commission in meeting local need and as catalysts for regeneration. [139013]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 22 November 2000]: This is a matter for the Millennium Commission. I will write to my hon. Friend in my capacity as Chairman of the Commission, and place copies of my reply in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Lottery-funded Tourist Attractions
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the impact of lottery-funded tourist attractions on their non-funded counterparts across the United Kingdom. [139014]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 22 November 2000]: The impact of lottery-funded tourist attractions on their non-lottery-funded counterparts across the UK is one of a wide range of issues which will be considered at the forum for attractions which the Government plan to hold early next year. The forum will bring together the attractions industry and the departmental bodies with an interest in it. The English Tourism Council's publication Actions for Attractions published on 16 November identifies new opportunities for action and will help to inform the forum.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Basic Skills Deficit
  Dr. Desmond Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to reduce the number of adults who lack basic literacy and numeracy skills. [138375]
  299W
  Mr. Wicks
  The Government are committed to tackling poor literacy and numeracy among adults. In September my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced a target to reduce the number of adults with weak literacy and numeracy skills by 750,000 by 2004. He also announced an increase in annual spending on measures to improve literacy and numeracy skills from £241 million this year to £403 million in 2004. A detailed strategy will be issued shortly.

  Schools (Nottingham)
  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the impact on schools in Nottingham of measures announced in the Chancellor's pre-Budget statement. [138377]

  Jacqui Smith
  Schools in Nottingham City Local Education Authority received £992,000 in total at the start of this year for devolved formula capital allocations. The extra £200 million funding announced by the Chancellor in his recent pre£Budget Report will allow this amount to be almost doubled for this year.

  UK schools will share £200 million. Every maintained school in England will get a share of £167 million in the current financial year (2000–01) for capital projects to address the needs of their school buildings. This means that a typical secondary school will get direct capital of £36,000 and a primary school £12,000.

  Details of how the extra £5 million for the National e-Learning Foundation will be distributed at local level have not yet been finalised.

  Job Action Team Pilots
  Mr. Browne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement about the job action team pilot projects. [138379]

  Ms Jowell
  Action Teams for Jobs are now operating in 40 deprived areas of England, Scotland and Wales. Three pathfinder Teams started work at the end of June and the remaining 37 on 16 October. Action Teams are helping jobless people back to work by using their funds flexibly and imaginatively to overcome the barriers that prevent people from getting jobs.

  Class Sizes
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress has been made in reducing infant class sizes for five, six and seven-year-olds in Leicestershire.[138380]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  For the huge majority of infants our pledge to limit infant classes to 30 has been delivered early. In January 1998, 485,000 were in classes over 30. This September there were as few as 30,000. Leicestershire has made steady progress towards meeting the pledge. In September, over 94 per cent. of Leicestershire's five, six and seven-year-olds were in infant classes of 30 or below, compared with 89 per cent. in September 1999. The figure in January 1998 was 78 per cent.

  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proposals he has to reduce class sizes in middle and secondary schools. [138367]
  300W
  Ms Estelle Morris
  We are delivering our pledge to reduce infant class sizes—only 2 per cent. of infants are now in classes with more than 30 pupils. The average size of primary and middle schools classes has fallen in the last two years. Secondary classes have, on average, five fewer pupils than primary classes.

  Physical Education
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he last had discussions with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport about the allocation of time in school hours for physical education. [138381]

  Jacqui Smith
  My right hon. Friend and I meet regularly with DCMS Ministers and discuss a wide range of issues including the Government's Sport Strategy. These discussions include the aspiration that schools should provide two hours of physical activity a week. The meetings are backed up by a comprehensive set of arrangements involving a wide range of partners in the educational and sports sectors, to advise on the implementation of the Sports Strategy. A group considering education issues is meeting monthly and will put proposals to both Secretaries of State in December. In September, the Prime Minister also announced further major investment in sport. £750 million of Lottery funding will be targeted at refurbishing PE and sports facilities in over 1,500 schools and outdoor adventure facilities. In conjunction with this, the Schools Sports Co-ordinators scheme will be expanded to 1,000 co-ordinators in communities of greatest need, based in families of primary and secondary schools, and 150 Specialist Sports Colleges will be established by 2004 to provide the lead in innovative practice, and to work with partner secondary and primary schools to share good practice and raise standards.

  Teacher Retention/School Standards
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on progress in improving teacher retention and school standards. [138382]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  All of my right hon. Friend's policies for schools are designed to improve standards. Further to the Green Paper "teachers: meeting the challenge of change" policies are being put in place to improve training, pay, leadership and support for the teaching profession, and thereby to improve the quality, morale and retention of teachers.

  Training Needs
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what measures he is taking to address training needs in areas of high disadvantage and low employment. [138383]

  Ms Jowell
  By helping unemployed people gain the skills and experience they need to find work, the Government's welfare-to-work programmes are playing a crucial role in helping disadvantaged areas. Training is available for those who need it through the New Deals and, for those aged 25 and over, through work-based learning for adults. In the most deprived areas of the
  301W
  country, Action Teams for Jobs are providing additional funds and additional effort to help connect people without work with the employers with jobs to offer.

  From next year, local Learning and Skills Councils will play an active role in building the skills of people living in deprived neighbourhoods, and in promoting equality and social inclusion.

  New Deal
  Mr. Lammy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the progress of his Department's Employment Service units of delivery review of local variations in the performance of ethnic minorities under the new deal. [138384]

  Ms Jowell
  The Employment Service strategy for engaging ethnic minority jobseekers and businesses in New Deal includes an action plan which is reviewed every six months with units of delivery in all areas.

  Evidence from the reviews shows that the Employment Service are increasingly working in partnership with those representing ethnic minority groups to draw into New Deal those jobless people who are currently outside the system. Young people from ethnic minorities do better on New Deal compared to previous programmes and the general labour market. However, the numbers of those moving into unsubsidised jobs on leaving New Deal is 8 percentage points lower for young people from ethnic minority communities.

  The Employment Service, with the help of New Deal Task Force's Ethnic Minority Advisory Group and the Black Training and Enterprise Group, has created an improvement plan focusing on areas where changes are needed. We intend to see significant improvements before the end of this Parliament.

  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many 18 to 22-year-olds(a) have been unemployed for over six months, (b) are on New Deal and (c) are on follow through; and how many had been unemployed for over six months when New Deal came into force on a national basis. [138387]

  Ms Jowell
  The New Deal for young unemployed people applies to those aged 18–24. New Deal starts with an initial Gateway phase when an individual has had six months of unemployment. Latest figures show that in October 2000 there were 36,500 18 to 24-year-olds who had been claimant unemployed for six months or more. When the New Deal came into force nationally, in April 1998, there were 119,369 18 to 24-year-olds unemployed for six months or more.

  Latest figures show that, at the end of August 2000, there were 115,300 young people on the New Deal. Of these 81,100 were claiming JSA–59,600 who were on the Gateway, and 21,500 who were in the follow through stage.

  Higher Education Ombudsman
  Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he plans to introduce an ombudsman for higher education. [138386]
  302W
  Mr. Wicks
  The Committee of Vice Chancellors and Principals (CVCP) will give the Government its proposals for the reform of student complaints procedures at the end of the year. I understand an ombudsman is among the options the Committee is reviewing. We shall consider carefully the implications of the Committee's proposals for the Government.

  Autistic Spectrum Disorders
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on education provision for children with autistic spectrum disorders. [138388]

  Jacqui Smith
  Local education authorities and schools have a duty to meet children's special educational needs, including those of children with autistic spectrum disorders. Provision for children with autistic spectrum disorders is made in a range of settings from autism specialist to mainstream schools. A recent survey by the National Autistic Society of one thousand of its members found that 73 per cent. of parents were satisfied with the education their child was receiving. My Department continues to work closely with the society and others to bring about further improvement.

  School Milk
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement about his Department's support for the provision of milk in schools. [138389]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Government strongly recommend, in guidance for school caterers on implementing national nutritional standards for school lunches published on 15 November, that drinking milk is available as an option every day. Where milk is provided, it must be free to all pupils whose parents are in receipt of Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance. All other drinking milk must be charged for. We encourage local education authorities to participate in the European Union's school milk subsidy scheme. Although the level of subsidy is being reduced from 95 per cent. to 75 per cent. from 1 January 2001, my Department, along with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Department of Health, are pleased to be providing £1.5 million a year in England to make up the funding shortfall. This measure will ensure that no additional costs fall to local education authorities or parents.

  Literacy and Numeracy Hours
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the impact of the numeracy and literacy hours in primary schools. [138391]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  This year's Key Stage 2 results show that the literacy and numeracy strategies are raising standards. 75 per cent. of pupils achieved level 4 or above in English, a 10 percentage point increase since 1998, and 72 per cent. in mathematics, a 13 Percentage point increase. Ofsted confirm that the strategies are resulting in"better teaching and better achievement in English and mathematics"
  and that this
  "more structured teaching is having a positive effect in other curriculum areas".
  303W
  Mr. Hesford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the impact of the introduction of the literacy hour and numeracy period on academic achievement. [139049]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  This year's Key Stage 2 test results show that the literacy and numeracy strategies are raising standards. 75 per cent. of pupils achieved level 4 or above in English, a 10 percentage point increase since 1998, and 72 per cent. in mathematics, a 13 percentage point increase. The results also show that the strategies are narrowing the achievement gap between advantaged and disadvantaged LEAs. In English, no LEA is now achieving below 60 per cent., while in 1996, the average LEA achieved only 57 per cent. Ofsted confirm that the strategies are resulting in"better teaching and better achievement in English and mathematics"
  and that this
  "more structured teaching is having a positive effect in other curriculum areas such as science".

  Greenwich Travel to Work Area
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what forecast he has made of the level of employment in the Greenwich travel to work area in January 2001 [138392]

  Ms Jowell
  The Department for Education and Employment does not forecast the future level of employment at either national or local level.

  There is no Greenwich travel to work area, but in the London borough of Greenwich, in October 2000, there were 6,236 unemployed claimants, an unemployment rate of 7.5 per cent., compared with the overall UK unemployment rate of 3.6 per cent.

  Over the last 12 months, however, unemployment in Greenwich has fallen by 1,173, or 16 per cent., against a national fall over the same period of 13 per cent.

  PFI (School Buildings)
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the value for money of using the private finance initiative for school buildings. [138394]

  Jacqui Smith
  Value for money is the prime consideration in any decision to support a school's PH project. Local authorities assess value for money by comparing the cost, in net present value terms, of the PFI scheme against what would be the assessed cost of a similar public sector project that would achieve the same outcomes. This assessment is done at the outline business case stage before the Project Review Group approves the project, and also confirmed at the full business case stage before the contract is signed.

  To date, all schools' PFI schemes have demonstrated a positive value for money benefit compared to the assessed cost of a comparative public sector project.

  Mathematics Teachers
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many mathematics 304W
  graduates were recruited onto PGCE courses for teaching in secondary schools commencing in (a) September 1997, (b) September 1999 and (c) September 2000. [138395]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The table shows the number of students entering full-time and part-time postgraduate courses of initial teacher training in mathematics in England:

  Academic year

  Postgraduate recruitment

  1997–98

  1,178

  1998–99

  928

  1999–2000

  1,109

  2000–01

  11,135

  1This figure is provisional and does not include 37 graduate trainees in mathematics who have taken up places on the employment-based Graduate Teacher Programme since 1 September 2000

  Source:

  Teacher Training Agency survey of initial teacher training providers

  School Improvement
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on support for school improvement. [138371]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  We have set challenging targets for all schools, backed with increased resources. All schools receive School Improvement Grant—£290 million this year. We are targeting additional resources on schools facing the greatest challenges. The Excellence in Cities programme is already having a very significant impact. From April next year, all secondary schools with fewer that 25 per cent. of pupils achieving 5 GCSEs A*-C will receive more resources to back their plans to raise attainment.

  Grammar Schools (Referendums)
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many referendums on the future of grammar schools are in progress; and if he will make a statement. [138390]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Officials are aware of three separate petitions to determine whether ballots on the future of selective admissions to grammar schools should be held. One petition concerns the grammar schools in Buckinghamshire, and two concern the two groups of grammar schools in Birmingham.

  It is for campaigners to use existing mechanisms and raise petitions requesting a ballot of local parents to decide the future admission arrangements of grammar schools.

  Temporary Employees (Spain)
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has made to the Spanish Government concerning the issuing of permits to stay in cases where young British citizens wish to take temporary employment. [136761]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 6 November 2000]: I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Library.

  New Deal (Tooting)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) men and (b) women living in the Tooting parliamentary constituency have benefited from the New Deal for the under-25s; and if he will make a statement. [138519]

  Ms Jowell
  Latest figures show that to the end of August 2000, 621 men and 349 women have participated the New Deal for Young People in Tooting. 393 young people in Tooting have gained employment through New Deal.

  Individual Learning Accounts
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the decision to impose a maximum contribution of £200 in individual learning accounts to students taking a private sector course to obtain(a) CLAIT or (b) ECDL. [138344]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 15 November 2000]: The main purpose of the 80 per cent. discount is to encourage people who would otherwise be unlikely to do so to take steps towards improving their computer literacy skills. The discount is available for a targeted range of provision, much of which is of short duration and therefore not expensive, but includes CLAIT and ECDL. We have introduced a maximum contribution of £200 for each person to ensure that as many people as possible benefit from this discount. The maximum contribution is available to people who want to undertake learning in both the public and private sectors.

  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to ensure(a) value for money and (b) quality control in the issuing of individual learning accounts to private training providers in connection with the enhanced 80 per cent. fees contribution for CLAIT, ECDL and qualifying mathematics courses. [138345]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 15 November 2000]: We have placed a cap of £200 on the 80 per cent. discount on learning, available to holders of Individual Learning Accounts, to contain overall costs to the public purse and encourage value for money. This will ensure that as many people as possible will be able to access learning at lower costs from learning providers in both the public and private sectors.

  We have restricted additional public support through the 80 per cent. discount to a range of courses leading to a recognised qualification. These courses include CLAIT, the European Computer Driving Licence, GCSE Maths and Key Skills 2 Maths. We will also conduct customer satisfaction surveys on a regular basis to see whether learners are satisfied with the quality of the learning they have undertaken. Wider issues of added value will be covered by a comprehensive evaluation of Individual Learning Accounts.

  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many individual learning account credits have been issued to(a) further education colleges and (b) private training providers since the scheme went national. [138346]
  306W
  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 15 November 2000]: Since Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs) became available through the national framework, a total of 3,327 training providers have registered with the service provider, Capita. Of these 263 are FE colleges, 862 are other public training providers (such as Higher Education institutions with continuing education departments, local education authorities and voluntary sector providers), and 2,202 are private training providers. About 437,000 people have opened ILAs to date (237,000 since the introduction of the national framework, adding to the 200,000 accounts opened locally through Training and Enterprise Councils). It is for the individual to decide with whom they register for learning.

  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what consultations he has had with(a) further education colleges and (b) private training providers in connection with the capping of maximum individual learning account entitlements for IT training. [138347]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 15 November 2000]: Althougth the introduction of capping the Individual Learning Account 80 per cent. discount on the cost of IT courses was discussed with a number of private and public learning providers, no formal process of consultation took place. When the 80 per cent. discount was introduced a small number of learning providers used the lack of a cap on the amount of public subsidy available for this discount to their advantage, finding ways to divert the moneys available into paying for very expensive courses. Had this been allowed to continue, the Department would have been able to help far fewer people than intended through this incentive. We intend to review the way the new arrangements are working early in the new year, at which point we will consult with both colleges and private learning providers.

  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on public resources available for IT training in the private sector for the individual student through(a) ILAs and (b) the previous tax allowance against vocational training. [138348]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 15 November 2000]: The total amount of money available to holders of Individual Learning Accounts is approximately £80 million. We expect the total to be made available to learners through the 80 per cent. discount for IT training introduced in September to be around £20 million. £60 million is being made available to 400,000 account holders through the £150 incentive available to the first million people who enrol for learning, including IT training. Because many of these accounts were opened locally by Training and Enterprise Councils, we do not have national data on the amount of money spent through these accounts on IT training.

  In the last full year of Vocational Training Tax Relief (1999–2000) Exchequer costs across the UK were estimated to be £55 million; the estimated cost of the final period (April 2000—August 2000) was £30 million. As information about personal taxation is confidential, these figures cannot be disaggregated to give information about IT training.

  European Social Funds
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps his Department is taking to consult voluntary sector organisations over changes to the mechanisms by which they can apply for European Social Fund grants. [R] [139125]

  Ms Jowell
  We have published a consultation document, "The European Social Fund: proposals for co-financing in England". We have sent a summary version to providers. The summary and full documents are also available on the ESF News website. The consultation was launched at a conference hosted by TEN (Training and Employment Network); that conference was attended mainly by representatives of voluntary and community organisations. The TEN website also carries the consultation documents. Voluntary and community organisations have been invited to attend regional consultation events. Officials are also holding more informal discussions with providers from the voluntary sector.

  Objective 3 Grants
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the voluntary sector's use of ESF Objective 3 grants; and if he will make a statement.[R] [139127]

  Ms Jowell
  Our evaluation strategy for the ESF Objective 3 programme, which has been agreed with the European Commission and the Great Britain Monitoring Committee, has been primarily concerned with assessing

  Table 1—round 1 zones

  Name of Zone

  Start date

  Amount as reflected in NAO audited accounts for FY 1998–99 (£)

  Table amount pledged to date (unaudited)

  Aston (B'ham)

  January 1999

  0

  803,500

  Barnsley

  September 1998

  20,000

  493,164

  Blackburn

  September 1998

  150,521

  378,650

  Brighton

  January 1999

  0

  369,425

  East Basildon

  January 1999

  5,012

  163,054

  Halifax

  January 1999

  0

  833,200

  Herefordshire

  September 1998

  28,043

  80,233

  Kingston Upon Hull

  January 1999

  5,100

  747,979

  Lambeth

  September 1998

  41,000

  350,230

  Leicester

  September 1998

  3,000

  705,012

  Leigh (Wigan)

  January 1999

  50,000

  209,339

  Middlesbrough

  September 1998

  56,500

  703,137

  New Addington

  September 1998

  12,087

  249,865

  Newcastle

  September 1998

  120,000

  151,600

  Newham

  September 1998

  400,000

  1,007,000

  Next Steps, Grimsby

  September 1998

  111,000

  292,505

  North Somerset (Weston)

  September 1998

  33,006

  119,124

  Nottingham

  January 1999

  19,000

  329,000

  Plymouth

  January 1999

  1,050

  191,950

  Salford and Trafford

  September 1998

  63,164

  299,495

  Shard End/Kitts (B'ham)

  January 1999

  6,500

  467,750

  Sheffield NE

  January 1999

  6,000

  841,000

  South Tyneside

  January 1999

  34,000

  59,622

  Southwark

  January 1999

  116,000

  260,207

  Thetford (Norfolk)

  January 1999

  19,779

  438,070

  Total

  1,300,762

  10,544,111

  308W
  the extent to which ESF has helped disadvantaged groups compete for jobs. There has not been any assessment of the voluntary sector's use of ESF assistance.

  Expenditure
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the total amount of private sector revenue and capital promised to each Education Action Zone in(a) phase I, (b) phase II and (c) the audited accounts for 1998–99 and 1999–2000; and what was the total amount of revenue and capital actually provided by the private sector for each Education Action Zone. [138852]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 17 November 2000]: The total amount of private sector sponsorship pledge to all Education Action Zones (EAZs) (including small zones created under the Excellence in Cities initiative) in their first three years of operation is currently £34.8 million. The breakdown of information per large Education Action Zone is published in zone annual accounts once the amounts have been audited and confirmed. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is writing to the hon. Member separately about this, in response to his letter of 1 November.

  The audited annual accounts for the first 25 zones for the period 1998–99, ie the first seven months (12 zones) or three months (13 zones) of their existence, confirm that a total amount of over £1.3 million private sector sponsorship was received. The figures for each zone, together with the total pledged figures to date, are contained in the following Table 1.

  Details of pledged sponsorship to date for Round 2 zones are contained in the following Table 2. These have not yet been audited or checked against DfEE match funding rules.
  309W

  Table 2—round 2 zones

  Name of zone

  Start date

  Pledged sponsorship to date

  Ashington

  January 2000

  198,600

  Barrow-in-Furness

  January 2000

  425,837

  Bedford

  January 2000

  1,335,459

  Bolton

  January 2000

  188,438

  Bridgwater

  January 2000

  138,912

  Bristol

  April 2000

  469,500

  Camborne, Pool and Redruth

  January 2000

  292,260

  Clacton and Harwich

  January 2000

  314,810

  Corby

  January 2000

  305,000

  Coventry Millennium

  January 2000

  542,480

  Derby North

  April 2000

  750,150

  Dingle, Toxteth and Granby

  January 2000

  876,000

  Downham and Bellingham

  January 2000

  389,746

  Dudley

  December 1999

  1,505,482

  Easington and Seaham

  January 2000

  208,950

  East Cleveland

  January 2000

  670,499

  East Manchester

  December 1999

  355,000

  Epicenter Leap (Ellesmere Port)

  January 2000

  739,460

  Gloucester

  January 2000

  195,350

  Great Yarmouth

  April 2000

  611,898

  Greenwich

  September 1999

  862,250

  Hackney

  January 2000

  415,500

  Hamilton Oxford Schools

  September 1999

  975,000

  Hastings and St. Leonards

  January 2000

  1,271,640

  Heart of Slough

  January 2000

  247,094

  Kent/Somerset Virtual

  December 1999

  181,200

  Leigh Park (Havant)

  January 2000

  566,270

  North East Derbyshire Coalfields

  December 1999

  196,040

  North Gillingham

  January 2000

  301,515

  North Islington

  January 2000

  1,050,000

  North Stockton

  April 2000

  244,800

  North West Shropshire

  April 2000

  2,697

  Peterlee

  January 2000

  243,370

  Preston

  December 1999

  167,280

  Rainbow Zone (Stoke-on-Trent)

  January 2000

  447,000

  South Bradford

  January 2000

  455,500

  South East England Virtual

  April 2000

  405,260

  South East Sheffield

  April 2000

  0

  Southend

  December 1999

  308,498

  Speke Garston

  January 2000

  287,484

  Sunderland

  January 2000

  827,650

  Telford and Wrekin

  December 1999

  361,603

  Wakefield

  January 2000

  189,605

  Wednesbury

  December 1999

  556,130

  Westminster

  May 2000

  450,000

  Withernsea and Southern Holderness

  January 2000

  447,442

  Wolverhampton

  January 2000

  868,500

  Wythenshawe

  December 1999

  781,814

  Total

  23,624,973

  Audited annual accounts for all 73 zones for the period 1999–2000 are not yet published. The National Audit Office expects to lay the first of these before Parliament in the near future.

  "Partners in Europe"
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what discussions he has had with teachers' representatives and local education authorities about his information pack, Partners in Europe. [139474]

  Mr. Wicks
  The information pack for schools, Partners in Europe, was issued in January 1998 as an initiative supported by the four education departments in the United Kingdom at the beginning of the UK's last Presidency of the European Union. The decision to distribute it was influenced by requests from teachers to update materials already in existence and to provide examples of good 310W
  practice to those teachers wishing to incorporate the European dimension into classroom activities. Since its distribution there has been no formal discussion of the pack with teachers' representatives and local education authorities, but informal feedback suggests it was well received by teachers.

  SSA (Stoke)
  Mr. Stevenson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the education Standard Spending Assessment per pupil for the primary and secondary sectors in Stoke-on-Trent local education authority for each year since 1997–98. [139512]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The following table shows the primary and secondary Standard Spending Assessment (SSA) per pupil and the DfEE special and specific grants per pupil for Stoke-on-Trent local education authority for each year since 1997–98.

  £

  Primary

  Secondary

  Per pupil funding

  SSA

  Grants

  Total

  SSA

  Grants

  Total

  1997–98

  2,040

  30

  2,080

  2,690

  30

  2,720

  1998–99

  2,160

  40

  2,200

  2,820

  40

  2,850

  1999–2000

  2,280

  120

  2,400

  2,940

  90

  3,030

  2000–01

  2,400

  290

  2,690

  3,100

  230

  3,340

  Note:

  All figures have been rounded to the nearest £10

  European Social Charter
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will(a) list the recommendations of the August 2000 meeting of the European Social Rights Committee following consideration of the UK's 20th report on Implementation of the European Social Charter, (b) set out his response to each and (c) list the steps he plans to take to bring these recommendations to the attention of each of the institutions of devolved Government. [139727]

  Ms Jowell
  The conclusions of the European Committee of Social Rights on the UK's 20th Report are not due to be published until 31 December 2000. We will then consider the Committee's conclusions and consult with appropriate Government Departments and devolved Administrations on any response that may be required within the further stages of the European Social Charter's supervisory mechanism.

  Disabled Workers
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of the work force were registered as disabled in(a) the UK and (b) each of the standard regions and nations of the UK at the latest date for which figures are available. [139776]

  Ms Hodge
  The introduction of the employment provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 coincided with the abolition of the option to register as disabled under the provisions of the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act, 1944. The data now collected by the Government include the number of disabled people as defined by the 1995 Act. The Labour Force Survey is used to provide a quarterly update of the number of people with a current disability as defined by the Act and their
  311W
  employment status. The 1995 Act has a more inclusive definition of disability than the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944.

  According to the Labour Force Survey, (Summer 2000, UK), there are 5,506,000 people of working age with a current disability as defined by the DDA. They account for 15 per cent. of the total working age population and 43 per cent. of them are in employment.

  National Curriculum
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will publish guidance for the equivalence of English and maths key skills qualifications within the curriculum 2000 programme up to GCSE Grade C. [138879]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 22 November 2000]: Yes. The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority has published a list of qualifications, including GCSEs, which exempt key skills candidates from the externally set tests in the key skills of communication and application of number. However those candidates exempted from the tests need to produce a portfolio of evidence demonstrating that they can apply and select the skills in order to achieve the full key skill.

  Women's Social Attitudes
  Charlotte Atkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when the findings of the research into Women's Social Attitudes between 1983 and 1998 will be published. [140400]

  Ms Jowell
  I have published today the Women's Unit document, "Women's Social Attitudes 1983–1998". Copies have been placed in the Library and the report is also available on the Women's Unit web-site.

  The Women's Unit is publishing the above report on secondary data analysis of the British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey series (1983–1998) and the Young People's Attitudes survey (1994 and 1998).

  The report provides invaluable, comprehensive information about women's attitudes, tracking continuity and change over time wherever the data allow this. It shows the impact of age, occupation, education, income level and motherhood on women's attitudes across a range of issues.

  The topics reported upon in the publication are women's attitudes to: Government and Politics; Welfare and Social Security; Money; Paid work; The Family; Health and Genetics; Education and Science; Environment and Transport; the final chapter explores young women's attitudes.

  Long-term Unemployed
  Miss Begg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to promote innovative and flexible approaches to connecting the long-term unemployed to job vacancies. [138356]

  Ms Jowell
  As a result of our economic and active labour market policies, the number of people aged 25 and over unemployed for 2 years or more has fallen by 63 per cent. since May 1997 and long-term unemployment 312W
  among 18–24 year olds has fallen by 72 per cent. But there is still more to be done. The New Deals are a key part of our efforts to tackle long-term unemployment; innovation and flexibility are embedded in them. From April 2001 we will be introducing an enhanced New Deal for those aged 25 and over, which will be much more flexible to ensure that we can address the barriers faced by each individual. Alongside this new programme, we are also testing further radical approaches—for example Employment Zones, with their personal job accounts, and Job Action Teams which provide very tightly focused extra help for the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

  We are also making a major investment to harness new technology to improve access to jobs information for all unemployed people. We have already introduced a new national telephone service, which enables people to access all the jobs on the Employment Service database, all for the price of a local call. We are introducing new touch screen terminals into Jobcentres. All Employment Service vacancies are already on the Internet, and early in 2001 we will be launching a new "Learning and Work Bank" Internet portal, which will link these vacancies to careers information and details of learning and training opportunities. At the same time we are setting up 700 UK online centres to bring internet access into disadvantaged communities.

  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on measures to bring the long-term unemployed into employment. [138385]

  Ms Jowell
  Tackling long-term unemployment is a key priority for this Government, and we are already making significant inroads: 2-year-plus unemployment among those aged 25 and over is down 63 per cent. since May 1997 and in the same period long-term (over 6 months) unemployment among 18–24 year olds has fallen by 72 per cent.

  From April 2001 we are putting in place an even more intensive range of support for adult unemployed people, which will begin on the first day of registered unemployment and increase in intensity in proportion to the individual's labour market disadvantage. This help includes supported jobsearch, training for people with serious basic skills needs and those lacking soft skills, occupational work—based training and work trials with employers. An enhanced New Deal 25-plus will provide high quality intensive help for people unemployed for eighteen months or more.

  New Deal Funding (South Derbyshire Schools)
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the impact of New Deal capital funding on the fabric of south Derbyshire schools [138373]

  Jacqui Smith
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State requires all local education authorities (LEAs) to assess and review completed New Deal for Schools (NDS) projects in the context of their Asset Management Plans, which are submitted to the Department for scrutiny.

  Nearly £1.3 billion has been invested in New Deal for Schools—almost £80 million in NDS1; £230 million in

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  NDS2; £320 million in NDS3; and over £620 million in NDS4. Thirteen schools in the constituency of south Derbyshire have benefited—eight from allocations
  totalling £3,877,861 and five from multiple school projects with total allocations of £1,565,649. For

  School name

  Project

  Allocation

  Derby City LEA

  Egginton Primary

  Provision of new temporary classroom}

  Total Derbyshire LEA allocation £1,125,000 (NDSI)

  Church gresley Infant and Nursery

  Nursery

  Hillton Primary

  Reorganisation—single site annexe rebuild

  John Port School

  Complete replacement of falling concrete panels

  £297,860 (NDS2)

  Newhall Infant

  Replacement School

  £2,494,515 (NDS3)

  St. George's Ce Primary

  Replacement of temporary buildings

  £454,020 (NDS3)

  Coton-in-the-Elms CE Primary

  Part of 9 school package for replacement of boiler systems

  Total allocation for package £121,000 (NDS4)

  John Port School

  Essential replacement window units for Hills

  £230,000 (NDS4)

  Derby City LEA

  Merrill College Boulton Primary

  Complete rewire

  £96,938 (NDS2)

  Boulton Primary

  Replacement of temporary buildings

  Part of 2 school package totalling £319,649 (NDS3)

  Allenpark Infant

  Roof repair

  £57,255 (NDS4)

  Shelton Infants and Junior

  Replacement boilers

  £99,702 (NDS4)

  Noel-Baker Community

  Replacement of temporary laboratory

  £147,571 (NDS4)

  Most NDS1 and NDS2 projects have been completed, but many NDS3 and NDS4 projects are still in progress or have yet to be started; it is too early to assess the full impact of NDS funding.

  Excellence in Cities Programme
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proportion of secondary school pupils will be covered by the Excellence in Cities Programme. [138376]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Following from the announcement of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, on 16 October, of the expansion of Excellence in Cities, 870,000 pupils, or close to a third of secondary school pupils, will be covered by the programme from September 2001.

  Skills Needs
  Mrs. Dean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the role of further education colleges in meeting skills needs. [138378]

  Mr. Wicks
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State set out his vision for the future role of further education colleges in a speech to the Association of Colleges earlier this week. He announced a new initiative to enable colleges to develop vocational excellence. It is proposed that, by 2004–05, half of all general FE colleges should have an established vocational specialism in which they are regarded as a centre of excellence. This major initiative will encourage and enable colleges to meet more effectively the changing skills needs of the new economy.

  In addition, my right hon. Friend announced the speeding up of the programme of area inspections. These are key tools in enabling the Learning and Skills Council, and colleges themselves, to foster excellence in provision for 16–18 year olds.

  A pamphlet outlining the speech has been published and a copy placed in the Library of the House.
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  successful multiple school projects, we did not require LEAs to state how much would be allocated to each school.

  The following south Derbyshire constituency schools have benefited from NDS funding.

  Business Start-ups
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what resources and money are being targeted to help people who are aged(a) 50 and over and (b) aged under 25 years who are not working, to set up their own businesses. [139390]

  Ms Jowell
  Unemployed people aged over 50 who are looking for work and are considering self-employment may be eligible for Work Based Learning for Adults. This programme provides: initial support and advice, awareness of the implications of self employment, help to develop business plans, appropriate skills training and on-going mentoring while in training. The budget for Work Based Learning for Adults for this year is £316 million for England.

  New Deal 50-plus provides practical advice and financial support for people moving back to work and this support extends to those who become self-employed or set up in business. The Employment Credit of £60 a week for up to a year for those working full-time and the in-work Training Grant of up to £750, provide vital financial support for the individual in their first year back in work. The budget for New Deal 50-plus this year is £120 million for Great Britain. In addition, from April next year, New Deal 25-plus will be offering a dedicated route into self-employment.

  The Department for Education and Employment is also helping to fund the set up of PRIME, an independent organisation modelled on the Prince's Trust. PRIME offers advice and support to people over 50 wishing to set up their own business, through its network of pilot offices. PRIME also intends to offer structured advice and support to New Deal 50-plus clients. In addition to this it will soon be able to provide business loans to those individuals who are unable to secure these loans in the usual way.

  There are two major initiatives that support unemployed young people in establishing their own business: the self-employment route of New Deal for Young People; and the Youth Enterprise Initiative.
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  The self-employment route of New Deal for Young People is delivered in three stages: a one day awareness raising session; a four day course and/or counselling leading to the production of a business plan; skills training and on-going mentoring; and a 26 week period of test trading where a participant runs their own business while receiving a training allowance. The budget for New Deal for Young People this year is £466.4 million in England.

  The New Deal programmes referred to offer the individual flexibility to choose between working for an employer or as self-employed; therefore the proportion of the New Deal budget which is used for self-employment support cannot be specified, as it is not ring-fenced.

  The Youth Enterprise Initiative operates in England and is managed by The Prince's Trust, supported by DfEE and private donations. It offers loans and grants to disadvantaged young people between the ages of 18–30 wanting to set up their own businesses who are unable to access start-up capital from commercial sources. Assistance is given in putting together a business plan, and the help of a business mentor is provided for up to three years. Funding amounts to up to £50 million over seven years, and aims to help up to 30,000 young people into business.

  Term-time Workers
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the restoration of Jobseeker's Allowance to term-time workers. [139667]

  Angela Eagle
  I have been asked to reply.

  Following the decision of the Court of Appeal on 14 October 1999, the current legal position is that ancillary workers with an on-going contract of employment, who are not entitled to Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) or Income Support (IS) during term-time because of the hours they work, are also not entitled to JSA or IS during the school holidays.

  Leave to appeal to the House of Lords against the Court of Appeal decision was granted on 11 April and we understand that the appeal has been listed for hearing on 21 March 2001. We are awaiting the outcome of the case and will consider carefully any implications of the House of Lords judgment once the precise details are known.

  Where any doubts exist over entitlement to JSA or IS, school ancillary workers may make a claim, which will be decided on an individual basis. School ancillary workers with low incomes may claim in-work benefits such as Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. Those with children may also be eligible for the Working Families Tax Credit.

  New Deal for Young People
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment for what percentage of candidates who started the New Deal for Young People at its inception he is able to provide details about subsequent job placements. [138368]

  Ms Jowell
  We know that at the end of August 2000, at least 244,450 young people have got jobs, helped by the New Deal, since it started with the few pathfinders in January 1998 and nationally in April 1998. That means 316W
  that 56 per cent. of those that have left New Deal, whose destination we know, have got jobs. Many others leave the programme without telling the Employment Service. Our sampling shows that it is safe to assume that a similar proportion of these will have gone into work.

TREASURY

  Public Service Pensions
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to increase public service pensions from April 2001. [140429]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Legislation governing public service pensions requires public service pensions to be increased annually by the same percentage as state earnings related pensions (additional pensions). My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security announced on 9 November 2000,Official Report, column 451, that benefits such as additional pensions will be increased by 3.3 per cent, in line with the annual increase in the Retail Prices Index up to September 2000. Public service pensions will therefore be increased by 3.3 per cent. from 9 April 2001, except those which have been in payment for less than a year, which will receive a pro-rata increase.

  Oil
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to introduce a windfall levy on the profits of oil companies; and if he will make a statement. [140320]

  Mr. Timms
  The Government keep all taxes under review and decisions will be made as part of the normal Budget process. In his pre-Budget statement, on 8 November 2000,Official Report, column 317, the Chancellor said that the Government were
  determined not to make short-term decisions based on short-term factors. The key issue is the level of long-term investment in the North sea. This will be the approach that will guide Budget decisions in future.

  Early Retirement
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the costs of early retirement in terms of lost tax revenue to(a) the Government and (b) local government. [139694]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 21 November 2000]: This information is not available centrally.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the impact of the tax regime on financial packages offered to public servants who take early retirement.[139705]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 21 November 2000]: The effect of the tax system will depend upon the terms of the early retirement package on offer. But, as for all occupational pension schemes, the tax rules allow a proportion of the pension benefits to be taken as a tax-free lump sum. Benefits other than any tax-free lump sum must be taken as pension income which will be subject to income tax in the normal way.

  Bereavement Allowance
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what Government policy is on paying Bereavement Allowance to all men widowed between 6 April 1994 and 5 April 2000; and if he will make a statement. [139647]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government recognise that the system of tax allowances which applied before 2000 did not target support fairly on those who needed it most. A new system has now been introduced, which focuses resources on families with children. Most widows and widowers with children under 16 will, from next April, be entitled to the Children's Tax Credit, worth over twice as much as the Widow's Bereavement Allowance. We believe that this will give the right support to those who need it most.

  Residential Conversions (VAT)
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated number of properties that will be converted for residential use under his VAT proposals for regeneration. [138221]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 13 November 2000]: Customs and Excise estimate that conversion activity which results in an estimated net gain of approximately 10,000 dwellings per year will benefit from the reduction in the VAT rate from 17.5 per cent. to 5 per cent. for work on residential to residential conversions.

  Enterprise Incentive Schemes
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his oral statement of 8 November 2000,Official Report, column 317, what the qualifying conditions are, including conditions relating to size, for companies to establish enterprise incentive schemes in order to grant share options up to a company limit of £2.5 million. [138621]

  Mr. Timms
  Enterprise Management Incentives are targeted at small higher risk trading companies, whether listed or unlisted. The qualifying conditions are set out in Schedule 14 of this year's Finance Act, and are listed also in the Inland Revenue's share schemes website: www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/shareschemes/emi. In his recent oral statement, the Chancellor announced a consultation on a more flexible limit to the value of shares under option of £2.5 million per company, and on lifting the limit on the number of employees.

  Financial Services and Markets Act
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his target date is for N2 for the Financial Services Authority. [139844]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  On 18 July 2000 I announced a target of about a year's time for the coming into force of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (known as "N2").

  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what secondary legislation remains to be enacted before the Financial Services Authority can start to exercise its powers under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. [139843]
  318W
  Miss Melanie Johnson
  A list of the secondary legislation to be enacted before the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 comes into force was attached to a Treasury paper, "Financial Services and Markets Act: The Way Ahead", published in August 2000. The paper is available on the Treasury's website (www.hm-treasury.gov.ukllegislation).

  Brit Disc
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has sought approval from the European Commission for the Brit disc. [139111]

  Mr. Timms
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in the pre-Budget Report that the Government intend to introduce a vignette or user charge that would require foreign lorries to contribute towards the cost of maintaining British roads, subject to consultation with the European Commission and other interested parties where appropriate.

  Landfill
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to amend the regulations governing landfill tax credits to ensure that local schemes funded by landfill tax are transparent and that value for money is obtained; and if he will make a statement. [139585]

  Mr. Timms
  The Chancellor announced in this year's pre-Budget Report that the Government will further explore how the landfill tax credit scheme can be reformed, to ensure that the resources can be better used to increase recycling rates, particularly of household waste. We will be considering a range of options for reform in the run-up to Budget 2001.

  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the impact of landfill tax credits on council tax precepts. [139586]

  Mr. Timms
  Any impact of landfill tax credits on council tax precepts should be minimal. Operators of landfill sites who are registered for landfill tax may claim tax credits for contributions that they make to support environmental projects. Under the landfill tax environmental bodies credit scheme, it is the landfill site operator who determines which projects to support. Although local authorities may be involved in such projects, they should have no direct control over the expenditure of environmental bodies and therefore will be unable to assume that funding will be forthcoming for the purposes of setting their budgets. It is possible, however, that a local authority may decide not to incur discretionary expenditure on an environmental project if it learns that that project has received alternative funding through an environmental body funded by landfill tax credits.

  Petrol Duty
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of the current level of petrol duty on productivity and competitiveness in the UK economy. [136918]
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  Mr. Timms
  The Chancellor takes into account all relevant environmental, social and economic factors, including productivity and competitiveness, when forming his Budget.

  Incomes
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the amount of income kept after taxes for each decile of the population in each of the last 20 years. [139602]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 21 November 20001]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from John Pullinger to Mr. Chris Ruane, dated 23 November 2000 The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question on the amount of income kept after taxes for each decile of the population in each of the last 20 years (139695). I am replying in his absence.
  I would refer you to figures of average household incomes by decile groups given in a series of articles, "The effects of taxes and benefits on household income", published in Economic Trends since the 1960s. The latest article, giving the figures for 1998–99, appeared in the April 2000 edition. The figures you require are in Table 2A. Appendix 1, page 62. This table shows both disposable income, which is after direct taxes (Income tax, National Insurance contributions and Local taxes), and post tax income, which is after both direct taxes and indirect taxes (such as VAT, tobacco duty etc). Details of which previous editions of Economic Trends carry the earlier articles in this series can be found on page 83 of this publication. I understand that the House of Commons Library contains the necessary back issues of Economic Trends.
  Comparisons of the latest figures with the corresponding figures in earlier articles in this series should be made with caution because of changes in coverage and treatment over the years. The methodology appendix on pages 76 to 83 of the latest article contains a description of these changes.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Duplicate Payments of Benefit
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list all cases of duplicate payments of benefit in the past year with a value over £1,000,000. [138335]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 14 November 2000]: The administration of benefit payments 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 22 November 2000 The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to respond to your recent Parliamentary Question requesting a list of all cases of duplicate payments of benefit in the past year with a value over £1,000,000.
  No individual payment of over £lm has been issued.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Council Tax Benefit
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many Council Tax Benefit claims there 320W
  were in the last 12 months in respect of (a) Band F, (b) Band G and (c) Band H properties in (i) London and (ii) England. [138632]

  Angela Eagle
  The information requested is not available for the last 12 months. The latest available information is in the table.

  Council tax benefit claims by council tax band

  Band

  England

  London

  F

  29,000

  14,000

  G

  10,000

  6,000

  H

  1—

  1—

  1Signifies the data are nil or negligible

  Notes

  1. The data refer to households, which may be a single person, a couple or a family

  2. The figures have been rounded to the nearest thousand

  Source:

  Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Management Information System, annual 1 per cent. sample in May 1999

  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what average annual cost is borne by restricted households claiming Council Tax Benefit for(a) Band F, (b) Band G and (c) Band H properties in (i) London and (ii) England. [138631]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is in the table.

  Average annual cost borne by household by Council Tax Band— May 1999

  £ May 1999

  Band

  England

  London

  F

  153.20

  157.70

  G

  315.00

  1—

  H

  1—

  1—

  1Insufficient data for statistically reliable estimates

  Notes

  1. The data refer to households, which may be a single person, a couple or a family

  2. The figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 pence

  3. The data exclude any cases where there is Transitional Protection in place, ie the Council Tax and Council Tax Benefit is not restricted to Band E

  Source

  Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Management Information System, annual I per cent. sample, taken in May 1999

  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent representations he has received from bodies representing(a) local government, (b) registered social landlords and (c) Council Tax payers about Council Tax Benefit restrictions; and if he will make a statement. [138630]

  Angela Eagle
  We have received no recent representations from representative bodies. However, our records show that during the last three months we have received representations from two individual Council Tax Benefit recipients.

  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the savings to the Exchequer of the Council Tax Benefit restriction scheme have been in each year of its operation. [138657]
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  Angela Eagle
  It is estimated that the Council Tax Benefit restrictions for people living in properties in Bands F, G and H reduced spending on Council Tax Benefit by £1.5 million in 1998–99 and £4.5 million in 1999–2000.

  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many Council Tax Benefit claims are restricted to Band E; and what percentage this represents of properties, for(a) England and (b) London by (i) all property types, (ii) registered social landlords and (iii) local authority properties. [138628]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is in the table.

  Council tax benefit recipients subject to council tax band restrictions as a proportion of properties

  England

  London

  All properties

  Total properties

  20,842,000

  3,040,000

  Number of restrictions

  18.000

  7,000

  Percentage

  Less than 0.5

  Less than 0.5

  Registered social landlord/housing association properties

  Total properties

  1,039,000

  218,000

  Number of restrictions

  1,000

  1,000

  Percentage

  Less than 0.5

  Less than 0.5

  Local authority properties

  Total properties

  3,309,000

  596,000

  Number of restrictions

  1,000

  1,000

  Percentage

  Less than 0.5

  Less than 0.5

  Notes

  1. The data refer to households, which may be a single person, a couple or a family.

  2. The numbers of cases have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

  Source

  Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Management Information System, annual 1 per cent. sample, taken in May 1999.

  Housing and Construction Statistics published March 2000 by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. (Dwelling figures—December 1998).

  Social Security Benefits (EU)
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what obligations there are under EU directives and regulations, and what proposals have been made for further steps, for ensuring that citizens of the European Union and their dependents are entitled to social security benefits in their country of residence within the Union. [139088]

  Angela Eagle
  EEC Regulation 1408/71 co-ordinates the social security systems of member states. These rules ensure that people covered by the scope of the regulation do not suffer undue loss of Social Security benefits if they move from one member state to another. The regulations prevent discrimination on grounds of nationality; they provide that contributions made in one member state may be taken into account when calculating benefit entitlement in another; and they stipulate which state is responsible for the payment of benefits.

  Contributory benefits are generally paid by the state in which the person last worked and paid contributions. For non-contributory benefits, the general rule is that these are provided by the state where the person habitually resides in accordance with the legislation of that state.
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  EEC Regulation 1612/68 also has an effect on certain social security rights. This regulation governs, among other things, access to social and tax advantages for migrant workers and members of their families who have moved within the EU and take up work or who retire after taking up work there.

  Age and Generation Imbalance (EU)
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what studies have been carried out by(a) him, (b) institutions of the European Community and (c) other bodies for which he is responsible, into the nature and extent of the age and generation imbalance within member states of the European Community, with particular reference to the future obligations on national or Community revenue of such liabilities. [139086]

  Angela Eagle
  European Union institutions have produced a number of studies on the effect of aging populations on member states.

  This Department has also contributed to the production of the report of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development "Maintaining Prosperity in an Ageing Society" and supports the continuing work of the organisation in this area. A number of other bodies such as the International Monetary Fund and the World bank have also published papers in this area.

  Information on National Insurance Fund expenditure for future UK state pensions is contained in the Report by the Government Actuary on the Financial Effects on the National Insurance Fund of the Child Support and Pensions Bill 1999 (Cm 4573).

  Benefit Fraud
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) pursuant to his oral answer of 13 November 2000,Official Report, column 639, what amount of detected Housing Benefit fraud can be attributed to organised crime in each year since 1990; and what proportion of total detected Housing Benefit fraud that represents; [139578]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the amount of detected benefit fraud which can be attributed to the claimant's failure to report a change of circumstances in each year since 1990; and what proportion of total detected benefit fraud that represents; [139576)

  (3) pursuant to his oral answer of 13 November 2000, Official Report, column 639, what amount of detected benefit fraud can be attributed to organised crime in each year since 1990; and what proportion of total detected benefit fraud that represents; [139577]

  (4) if he will make a statement on the amount of detected Housing Benefit fraud which can be attributed to the claimant's failure to report a change of circumstances in each year since 1990; and what proportion of total detected Housing Benefit fraud that represents. [139580]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is not available in the format requested. However, it is believed that claimants' failure to report a change in circumstances to the Department is the major cause of fraud. Seven out of ten mistakes enter the system after an initial valid claim.

  Pensioners
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his oral statement of 9 November 2000,Official Report, column 452, what was the basis of his calculation that one in six pensioner couples are retiring on income of more than £20,000 per annum; and if he will disaggregate this income by average amount earned from each source using the categories in the Pensioners Incomes Series. [139839]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Pensioners Incomes Series data set was based on the Family Resources Survey (FRS) 1998–99, a copy of which is in the Library.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his oral statement of 9 November 2000,Official Report, column 452, that one in six pensioner couples retire on an income above £20,000, what proportion of (a) single pensioners and (b) pensioners in total retire on an income above £20,000. [139840]

  Mr. Rooker
  I refer my right hon. Friend to the written answer I gave him on 20 November 2000,Official Report, column 67W.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Judges' Lodgings
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment she has made of a reasonable travel to court time and distance for(a) a High Court, or more senior judge, (b) a circuit judge, (c) a district judge and (d) a tribunal chairman to travel to court or tribunals before requiring (i) overnight accommodation expenses to be met and (ii) judges' lodgings to be provided; and if he will make a statement. [139411]

  Jane Kennedy
  High Court judges, when on circuit, will normally stay in judges' lodgings close to their court. For those in the other specified categories, a night subsistence allowance is payable for sittings undertaken away from the office holder's principal court or tribunal. Circuit and district judges do not normally require overnight accommodation, as they are usually assigned to articular courts within reasonable travelling distance. However, they may receive expenses for being asked to sit elsewhere. No precise limit of distance or travelling time within which it would be considered reasonable for a judge to take hotel accommodation rather than return home has been prescribed. Cases are considered in the light of the individual circumstances, taking into account such considerations as the method of travel, the time of year and road conditions.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department under what circumstances judges are provided with a chauffeur and car when staying in judges' lodgings(a) for travel to and from court, (b) for travel to and from other public engagements and (c) for private travel; what is the total cost of this benefit; which judges' lodgings has the highest cost per annum for this benefit; what is the average cost per lodging; and if he will make a statement. [139410]

  Jane Kennedy
  Judges are provided with a chauffeur-driven car for all travel between lodgings and courts and for other official journeys while at the 324W
  lodgings. A car is also provided, if required, to transport the judge between the lodgings and the station when he or she arrives and leaves at the start and finish of a period of occupancy. Judges are not provided with official transport for private travel.
  The total cost of car hire for the year 1999–2000 was £557,066.
  The judges' lodgings with the highest cost for 1999–2000 was Birmingham at £50,641.
  The average cost per lodgings for car hire was £17,408.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if accommodation is offered, when a judge is staying in judges' lodgings, to(a) the judge's spouse and (b) the judge's partner when accompanying the judge, (i) free of charge, (ii) at nominal or subsidised rates and (iii) at a commercial rate; and if he will make a statement. [139573]

  Jane Kennedy
  While a judge is at a lodgings, his or her spouse or partner may also stay on the basis that the judge and spouse or partner share the same suite of accommodation.

  A weekly allowance of £310 per week is made where one judge occupies a lodgings and £230 per week per judge where a lodgings is occupied by two judges or more, to cover the cost of all food and drink for judge, clerk and marshal. This sum also has to cover any additional expenditure incurred as a result of a spouse or partner accompanying the judge.

  No additional charge is made as long as the judge's weekly allowance is not exceeded. If for any reason the allowance is exceeded any additional expenditure will be recovered from the judge concerned.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what the arrangements are for overnight accommodation allowances and provision for(a) High Court and (b) circuit judges, when hearing cases away from home on circuit; and if he will make a statement. [139412]

  Mr. Lock
  When sitting on circuit, High Court judges normally stay in lodgings which are provided by the Lord Chancellor's Department. They do not receive any allowances as the costs are borne directly by the Lord Chancellor's Department. Circuit judges who have to stay away from home overnight are entitled to allowances for accommodation expenses. On occasion, under arrangements made on a particular circuit, circuit judges may be accommodated in judges' lodgings, in which case no allowances are payable.

  Auld Inquiry
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the progress of the inquiry into criminal justice procedures by Sir Robin Auld. [139572]

  Jane Kennedy
  Lord Justice Auld has received over 900 written submissions to his review. He has held numerous meetings with individuals who work or have an interest in the criminal courts, and has published two interim reports, which are available on the review website (www.criminal-courts-review.org). He is now drafting his final conclusions and hopes to bring the review to a conclusion early in the new year.

  Her Majesty the Queen's Golden Jubilee
  Her Majesty the Queen's Golden Jubilee
  Women's Social Attitudes
  Women's Social Attitudes
  Conjoined Twins: Appeal against Judicial Decisions
  Conjoined Twins: Appeal against Judicial Decisions
  Carers and Employers' Business Expenses
  Carers and Employers' Business Expenses
  Public Service Pensions: Increase
  Public Service Pensions: Increase
  Banks and Money Supply Increase
  Banks and Money Supply Increase
  Slaughterhouse Inspection and Regulation: Maclean Report
  Slaughterhouse Inspection and Regulation: Maclean Report
  Development Council, 10 November
  Development Council, 10 November
  Demining: Assistance to NGOs
  Demining: Assistance to NGOs
  Cambodia: Demining Assistance
  Cambodia: Demining Assistance
  Community Self-help
  Community Self-help
  Immigration and Nationality Department: Retention of Files
  Immigration and Nationality Department: Retention of Files
  Internet Crime: Council of Europe Draft Convention
  Internet Crime: Council of Europe Draft Convention
  Asylum Seekers: Initial Work Ban
  Asylum Seekers: Initial Work Ban
  Prohibited Handguns: Compensation for Ancillary Equipment
  Prohibited Handguns: Compensation for Ancillary Equipment
  Immigration Detention Decisions: Complaints
  Immigration Detention Decisions: Complaints
  Immigration Detainees: Bail Summaries
  Immigration Detainees: Bail Summaries
  Immigration Detainees: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
  Immigration Detainees: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
  Prison and Probation Inspectorates
  Prison and Probation Inspectorates
  Petrol Station Vapour Recovery Measures
  Petrol Station Vapour Recovery Measures
  Environment Agency: Radioactive Discharge Guidance
  Environment Agency: Radioactive Discharge Guidance
  Ozone Layer Protection: CFCs Ban
  Ozone Layer Protection: CFCs Ban
  Climate Change and Carbon Dioxide Emissions
  Climate Change and Carbon Dioxide Emissions