Written Answers of 27 November 2000

CABINET OFFICE

  Regulatory Reform Bill
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what proposals the Government plan to bring forward under the Regulatory Reform Bill. [140560]

  Mr. Stringer
  The Government have a number of proposals under preparation that could be implemented under the Regulatory Reform Bill. These are aimed at:simplifying the complicated fire safety rules;
  replacing the rules surrounding weights and measures with one new piece of legislation;
  allowing school governors to provide out-of-school child care for their own pupils and other children—this is something many schools have asked for;
  removing the remaining constraints on the number of partners that professions such as GPs, chartered surveyors and investment trust managers may have;
  removing from businesses the costs of having to adhere to two different sets of regulations surrounding unfair contract terms;
  removing the outdated regulations surrounding trading stamps to make it easier for business;
  making it easier for directory publishers to gain repeat business by simplifying the process for renewing directory entries;
  promoting innovation in the building and construction industry by not penalising those who do things in a different way from what is laid down in guidance;
  allowing longer for local authorities and others to transfer housing stock;
  simplifying, speeding up and making fairer the procedures for renewing business leases;
  placing local authority business tenants on the same footing with lease renewals as other business tenants;
  easing the administrative and other burdens on charities;
  making it easier to correct errors on birth and death certificates;
  simplifying the arrangements for undertaking building work at voluntary-aided schools;
  removing the requirement for some charities associated with the NHS to submit two sets of accounts;
  ending the renewal of manufacturers' and wholesale dealers' licences for human and veterinary medicines and introducing continuous licensing;
  putting cautions, reprimands and final warnings on the same footing as other criminal records, giving offenders a 'clean sheet' after a certain period;
  changing the rules about access to victim material in sexual offence cases to protect the victim and remove restrictions from lawyers;
  letting pubs open later on New Year's Eve from next year onwards;
  allowing restaurants to open later without a requirement to provide live entertainment;
  allowing a greater variety of gaming machines to be installed in bingo clubs;
  allowing customers to use banknotes and smartcards when playing with gaming machines.
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  According to the procedure laid down in the Regulatory Reform Bill, all these proposals would be subject to thorough public consultation followed by rigorous scrutiny by both Houses of Parliament.

  The Regulatory Reform Bill was published as Command Paper 4713 on 18 April 2000. It will be introduced as soon as parliamentary time allows.

  We are also placing in the Library today a code of practice on written consultation and guidance on implementation periods for new legislation likely to impact on business. These measures also form part of the Government's strategy for minimising regulatory burdens on business.

  E-Government
  Mr. Laxton
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what has been the outcome to date of the commitment given in the first annual report of the e-Minister and the e-Envoy that meetings of the Cabinet will be held on e-Government every six months. [139707]

  Mr. Stringer
  The first six-monthly Cabinet meeting is expected to take place early in 2001, following the publication of the next six-monthly report on electronic service delivery and the initial evaluation of Departments' e-business strategies.

  Written Consultation
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when she intends to launch the Code of Practice on Written Consultation; and if she will make a statement. [140563]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The Government have today published a Code of Practice on Written Consultation, and I have placed a copy in the Library. It will apply to consultation documents issued after 1 January 2001.

  The Code meets a recommendation of the Sixth Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life. It also responds to views expressed by the Public Administration Select Committee of the House, by the Better Regulation Task Force, and by many organisations and members of the public in response to a consultation draft issued earlier this year.

  The code will generally be binding on Departments, though it is not a legal document. Any departures from it will have to be justified, on the face of the consultation document, by the Minister authorising it.

  The code reflects the importance of:
  involving the widest range of people and organisations in developing policy, legislation and public services;
  keeping to a minimum the burden on people consulted—so the code encourages joining up of consultation, and requires that documents have a two-page summary;
  giving enough time to respond to consultation documents: 12 weeks will be the standard minimum period;
  making full use of information technology in gathering views, though not so as to exclude people without access: so there will be a central internet-based register of consultations which will appear shortly at: www.UKOnline.gov.uk; and
  giving feedback: saying what views were expressed, and why they were accepted or rejected.
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  I am also placing in the Library, and on my Department's website, a summary of responses to the consultation earlier this year on a draft of the Code.

  I believe the Code, together with the Guidance being published today by the Small Business Service on implementation periods, a copy of which is also being placed in the Library, is a real advance for responsive, open administration, and for constructive working between business and Government.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Best Value
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what effect the introduction of Best Value has had on the quantity of public tenders for local authority services; and if he will make a statement. [139424]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Information on local authority contracts is not held centrally. Best Value has introduced a competitive requirement into all local government services and contrasts with Compulsory Competitive Tendering which applied to a limited range of services only.

  Best Value has encouraged changes in the way in which services are procured. Authorities are increasingly looking to develop strategic partnerships with the private sector and others to deliver efficient high-quality services, and a number of such agreements have been announced recently. We would expect this trend to intensify, accompanied by some retrenchment in the number of contracts of the type which were characteristic of CCT.

  We have also asked Sir Ian Byatt to head a Task Force to consider the state of commissioning and procurement in local government, and he will report by the end of May next year on the practical steps that might be taken to help authorities develop the market for services and achieve best value from their procurement.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement in respect of the implementation of Best Value. [139712]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Audit Commission reviewed local authorities' first year experience of Best Value Performance Plans and published their report on 20 October. The Commission reported promising beginnings. Authorities set targets which indicate a steady improvement in many frontline services, with the worst performing authorities aiming to improve more quickly. The Government agree with the Commission's recommendations for local authorities, and in particular the advice that they should take a more strategic approach in formulating their programmes of Best Value Reviews.

  Local Authority Chief Executives
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many chief 372W
  executives of local authorities have (a) resigned, (b) been dismissed, (c) been suspended and (d) taken early retirement in the last two years. [139842]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  This information is not held centrally.

  Airport Security
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made of the recent breach of airport security at Birmingham International Airport; and if he will make a statement; [139802]

  (2) if it is the policy of the Government to prosecute persons (a) illegally obtaining an airside pass and (b) for breaching airport security by deception; [139804]

  (3) what measures he plans to take to strengthen supervision of airside pass issuing authorities; [139803]

  (4) how many times an airside pass has been issued incorrectly in the last 10 years; and what procedures exist to ensure that airside passes are not issued incorrectly. [139805]

  Mr. Mullin
  [holding answer 23 November 2000]: My Department has been conducting an investigation into the allegations made by the News of the World on 19 November. This investigation indicates that the security of the restricted zones of the airports named by the paper was not breached. Once all the circumstances have been fully assessed, we will consider what further action is required.

  My Department regulates the aviation industry in respect of compliance with the UK National Aviation Security Programme and a stepped approach to enforcement is taken. This stepped approach ranges from advice and assistance, through formal notification of deficiencies, to legally binding Enforcement Notices and ultimately prosecution. Targeted rectification action is pursued throughout.

  The measures taken by airports to control access to their restricted zones, including that the pass regime is being managed properly, are included in regular compliance monitoring.

  Railtrack
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 21 November 2000,Official Report, column 118W, if he will use the dividend from Railtrack to increase the Government's equity stake in the company; and if he will make a statement. [140522]

  Mr. Hill
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 22 November 2000,Official Report, column 304.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the shareholding in Railtrack held by the Government; what proportion of the total shareholding this represents; and if he is represented at the Annual Meeting of Railtrack. [139989]
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  Mr. Hill
  The Secretary of State holds 1,031,243 shares which represents 0.2 per cent. of Railtrack's share capital. The Secretary of State is not represented at the Railtrack Annual Meeting.

  Torbay SSA
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish a breakdown by service of Torbay's standard spending assessment for 2000–01. [140402]

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

  Torbay standard spending assessment for 2000–01

  Service sub-block

  £million

  Primary Education

  20.310

  Secondary Education

  23.425

  Post-16 Education

  4.223

  Under-5 Education

  2.951

  Other Education

  1.498

  Total Education

  52.406

  Children's PSS

  4.923

  Elderly Residential PSS

  10.967

  Elderly Domiciliary PSS

  6.945

  Other PSS

  3.500

  Total Personal Social Services

  26.336

  Fire

  3.268

  Highway Maintenance

  5.349

  EPCS—County Level

  4.689

  EPCS—District Level

  13.344

  Rent allowance payments

  1.643

  Housing benefit administration

  0.279

  National Parks

  0.000

  Flood Defence

  0.606

  Coast Protection

  0.071

  Total EPCS

  20.633

  Capital Financing

  2.828

  Total SSA

  110.821

  Local Government Finance
  Ms Dari Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will announce the provisional local government finance settlement for 2001–02. [140620]

  Ms Armstrong
  I will today be making a statement to the House announcing our proposals for the funding of local government revenue expenditure in 2001–02. Full details of our proposals are at the same time being made available to the local authority associations, local authorities and others with an interest.

  SSAs
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list for each(a) shire county, (b) London borough, (c) Metropolitan district, and (d) unitary council, the (i) standard spending assessment and (ii) actual net
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  expenditure, identifying the deviation as a percentage of (A) social services and (B) education for each year for which data are available since 1994–95. [138567]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The information requested can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Rental Accommodation
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what studies have been undertaken by his Department on the operation of the Rent Acts and the accessibility of private rental accommodation in London; and if he will make a statement. [139983]

  Mr. Mullin
  My Department has not undertaken a study of the operation of the Rent Acts and the accessibility of private rental accommodation in London. We are well aware of the scarcity of decent affordable rented accommodation in London and will make a statement on housing policy and announce the outcome of our consultation exercise on the Housing Green Paper in the near future.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effects of the implementation of Home for a World City produced by the Mayor of London on the supply of low-cost rental accommodation by(a) registered social landlords, (b) local authorities and (c) private landlords. [139986]

  Mr. Mullin
  My Department has made no such assessment. Officials are currently considering the report and its recommendations.

  Soil Protection
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Peterborough (Mrs. Brinton) of 2 November 2000,Official Report, column 551W, if he will make a statement on progress in developing his Department's soil protection strategy. [138509]

  Mr. Meacher
  As I stated in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Peterborough (Mrs. Brinton), we intend to publish for consultation a draft soil strategy soon.

  Business Rates
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his most recent estimate of the annual value of the business rate foregone by the non-rating of agricultural premises. [140381]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Since agricultural premises and land have been exempt from rates since 1929 and are not valued for rating purposes, I have no reliable basis on which to make such an estimate.

  Wembley Stadium
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what compulsory purchase orders he plans to issue in respect of land adjacent to Wembley Stadium so as to provide for a future Olympic bid based on Wembley. [139852]
  375
  Mr. Hill
  The Secretary of State's compulsory purchase powers under section 228 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 would not be appropriate for this purpose.

  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with the Mayor of London about the planning and transport issues associated with a future Olympic bid based(a) at Wembley Stadium and (b) other venues in London. [139827]

  Mr. Hill
  The Secretary of State has had no discussions with the Mayor of London about the planning and transport issues associated with a future Olympic bid based at Wembley Stadium or at other venues in London.

  Picketts Lock
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with(a) the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and (b) the Mayor of London about the planning, transport and infrastructure issues associated with the feasability studies into the suitability of Picketts Lock, Enfield, to host the World Athletics Championships in 2005. [139855]

  Mr. Hill
  The Secretary of State has had no discussions with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport or the Mayor of London.

  Social Housing
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his estimate is of the change in number of units of social housing for rent in each of the next five years in(a) Greater London and (b) England. [140113]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Department does not produce forecasts of the number of social housing units.

  Stations (Disabled Access)
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what responsibilities are placed on rail operators to ensure disabled access to stations; and if he will make a statement. [140108]

  Mr. Hill
  Access to railway stations for disabled people is covered by Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Since October 1999, service providers have been required to take reasonable steps to change practices, policies or procedures which make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use a service. From 2004, service providers will have to take reasonable steps to remove, alter or provide reasonable means of avoiding physical features that make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use a service.

  In addition, the Rail Regulator is currently revising his Code of Practice, "Meeting the needs of Disabled Passengers", which is aimed at helping protect the interests of disabled users of railway passenger services and station services.

  Railtrack are committed to ensuring that all stations are fully accessible to disabled people within 20 years to enable them to meet their DDA obligations. I understand
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  they are currently developing and prioritising a detailed implementation programme in consultation with train operators, local disability organisations and local authorities.

  Tilbury Town Station
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Health and Safety Executive last visited Tilbury Town station; and when they next plan to visit it. [140107]

  Mr. Hill
  The Health and Safety Executive's Railway Inspectorate (RI) last visited and inspected Tilbury Town station on 28 August 1997.

  There are no specific proposals to visit Tilbury Town station in the near future as it does not form part of the priority inspection programme. However, action would be taken, as necessary, if significant concerns arise.

  Rail Travel Vouchers
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what obligations are placed on rail operators to provide for the purchase of(a) tickets and (b) permits to travel by passengers at each station; and if he will make a statement. [140106]

  Mr. Hill
  All train operating companies (TOCs) are party to the Ticketing and Settlement Agreement, overseen by the Rail Regulator, which includes obligations covering the range of products that must be offered for sale and the hours during which ticket offices must be open.

  There is no requirement to provide a permit to travel machine at any given station. However, where a TOC operates a penalty fares scheme, the Rail Regulator requires the TOC to provide adequate ticket facilities at all stations included within the scheme.

  Substandard Housing
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many substandard houses there were in England in each year between 1980 and 2000. [140541]

  Mr. Mullin
  The term substandard housing is a non-technical term which is open to a number of different interpretations. Therefore there is no national data source that collects data using the substandard definition.

  In England, the Fitness Standard (as amended by section 604 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989) operates, which deems whether a dwelling is fit for human habitation. The most rigorous national data source on whether dwellings in England meet the Fitness Standard is the English House Condition Survey (EHCS). The survey is currently carried out every five years; the most recent survey was carried out in 1996 and the next is scheduled for 2001. The survey shows that in 1996 around 1,522,000 dwellings (including occupied and unoccupied) were unfit, representing 7.5 per cent. of the stock. This compares to 1,498,000 dwellings (7.6 per cent.) of the stock in 1991. It is not appropriate to make simple comparisons with earlier surveys because of changes to the Fitness Standard through section 604.

  Fur Products
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what factors underlie his policy on the import of fur products sourced from farms and traps in other countries. [140203]

  Mr. Mullin
  Under the EC Leghold Trap Regulation (EC 3254/91), the European Community allows the import of certain furs only from those countries that have taken steps to end the use of leghold traps, or those that have reached bilateral agreements with it on trapping. Countries exporting furs to the Community also have to comply with any requirements under the UN Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

  Ports
  Mr. Pound
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the Government's ports policy. [140763]

  Mr. Hill
  A ports policy paper, "Modern Ports", has been published today and a copy has been placed in the Libraries of the House. It is the first comprehensive statement of policy for many years on a wide range of issues relating to the UK ports industry. Ports are vital to our economy and international trade. They have an important role in integrated transport policy. The Government seek to build on the many sound and well-established working relationships they already have with the industry. The paper identifies a number of specific initiatives we hope to pursue. A lot of Departments make regulatory demands on the industry and we will ensure that different regulators co-ordinate their overall demands. We will promote agreed national standards and good practice for port management and port operations alike. We will also promote training and the recognition of skills for those who work in the ports industry at all levels. The paper sets out a balanced policy on development which aims to makes the best use of existing and former operational land, secures high environmental standards, but supports sustainable projects for which there is a clear need.

  Some of the matters covered by the paper are devolved. I am pleased to say that "Modern Ports" represents a UK policy, agreed with the devolved Administrations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

PRIME MINISTER

  Ministerial Appointments
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Prime Minister what account he takes in making ministerial appointments of membership by the persons concerned of organisations whose purposes are contrary to the policies of the relevant Department. [136253]

  The Prime Minister
  Section 9 of the Ministerial Code provides guidance to Ministers on handling their private interests, including membership or association with non-public organisations.

  Joint Military Action (EU)
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will indicate in respect of the planning of joint military action 378W
  by member states, what person, other than the Prime Minister, or his representative sitting in the European Council, will be responsible for committing military forces of the United Kingdom to armed action. [139058]

  The Prime Minister
  The European Council at Helsinki decided that all member states would be entitled to participate fully, and on an equal footing, in all decisions and deliberations of the Council and Council bodies on EU-led crisis management operations. The Council also decided that commitment of national assets by member states to such operations will be a sovereign decision. In the United Kingdom, the Government will continue to be answerable to Parliament for the deployment of British troops.

  Common EU Foreign and Defence Policy
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received from(a) the NATO Secretary-General and (b) the Chief of Defence Staff in respect of the formation of (i) a common EU foreign policy, (ii) a common EU defence policy and (iii) a common EU armed force. [140134]

  The Prime Minister
  It is established practice under section II, paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, not to disclose such information.

  Secretary General of NATO (Discussions)
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Prime Minister on what date since 1 January he has had discussions with the Secretary-General of NATO. [140133]

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

  Harefield Hospital
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Prime Minister how many communications he has received this year about the proposed future of Harefield Hospital, Middlesex. [139822]

  The Prime Minister
  Approximately 550 items of correspondence and two petitions about Harefield Hospital have been received by my Office since 1 January this year.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  London Institute of Sport Network Centre
  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 17 April 2000,Official Report, column 322W, if he will make a statement about the selection of a venue for the London Institute of Sport Network Centre. [134287]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 25 October 2000]: No final decision has yet been taken on the venue for the site. Discussions on this are continuing with the relevant parties.

  Downhill Skiing
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what support he is giving to British downhill skiers in preparation for the next Winter Olympics. [138662]

  Kate Hoey
  The Sports Councils are committed to supporting winter sport athletes who are genuine medal prospects for the Winter Olympics. UK Sport's support for British downhill skiers in preparation for Salt Lake City 2002 is currently provided within its exchequer grant to the British Ski and Snowboarding Federation (BSSF). In the year August 1999 to July 2000, the BSSF received a grant of £186,000 of which £90,000 was apportioned to support the alpine downhill programme. UK Sport has also put Lottery funding aside which will enable it to respond quickly to the sudden emergence of a medal prospect in a summer or winter Olympic sport. This would be in the form of an enhanced package of Lottery support to individual athletes. Therefore, if a British downhill skier emerges and has realistic prospects of doing well in Salt Lake City, UK Sport would be able to respond at short notice to that opportunity.

  Sportscotland provides funds for downhill skiers through its Talented Athlete Lottery programme. Over £112,000 was committed from this programme in 1999–2000 while a further £80,837 has been awarded to date in this financial year. In addition, Sport England has committed a World Class Adviser to the BSSF to support them in developing a World Class Potential Plan for Skiing and Snowboarding. The Potential programme is designed to assist governing bodies with the development of talented young performers with the potential to win medals in major international competitions.

  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much funding was given from the National Lottery for downhill skiing in each year since its creation. [138661]

  Kate Hoey
  National Lottery support for sport is provided through UK Sport and the four home country Sports Councils. Sportscotland and Sport England have made the following awards to British Skiers through their Talented Athlete and World Class Lottery programmes:

  Year

  £

  1995–96

  180,700

  1996–97

  423,545

  1997–98

  283,008

  1998–99

  87,617

  1999–2000

  112,034

  British Tourism Authority
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many invitations to sports tourism events have been received from the British Tourism Authority by the Minister for Sport; how many she has accepted; and how many events she has attended. [139437]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 21 November 2000]: I attended the joint Ministerial launch of the British Tourism Authority's sports tourism strategy on 11 January
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  2000 along with my colleague the Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting. I have received no other written invitations to a sports tourism event.

  Cabinet War Rooms
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what request he has received for compensation for the damage caused to the Cabinet War Rooms and their contents. [140137]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  I have received no such request. I am advised that any conservation work, required to restore the limited damage to fabric and objects at the Cabinet War Rooms, will be at no cost to public finances.

  Subtitling
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis) of 30 October 2000,Official Report, column 330W, when he will announce conclusions concerning his review of the statutory requirements for the provision of subtitling, signing and audio description services on digital terrestrial television; and if he will make a statement. [140383]

  Janet Anderson
  We are still considering the responses to the consultation paper issued as part of the review, and expect to announce our conclusions later this year.

  Wembley Stadium
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what conditions he has asked Sport England to attach to a new Lottery agreement with Wembley National Stadium Ltd.; [139885]

  (2)if a new Lottery agreement between Sport England and Wembley National Stadium Ltd. will include provision for future major sporting events such as a Commonwealth or Olympic Games to be based in London. [139851]

  Kate Hoey
  The content of any revised or new lottery funding agreement between Sport England, the Football Association (FA) and Wembley National Stadium Ltd. (WNSL) is a matter for the parties and not the Government. However, in considering the terms of the application made by the FA and WNSL to vary the Wembley Lottery Funding Agreement, including the removal of the requirement to stage athletics, Sport England consulted interested parties including the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. In replying, we have made clear our view that the new Wembley Stadium should be available on a cost-only basis for those Olympic events whose staging does not involve major infrastructure work to the stadium.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Wind Power
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much subsidy has been paid to the wind power generating industry for electricity generated in each year since the introduction of the Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation. [139924]
  381
  Mrs. Liddell
  Payments from the Fossil Fuel Levy made to generators of electricity from renewable sources under contracts awarded under the Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO) represent the above-market cost of the electricity generated.

  Payments made to the wind power generating industry for each year since the introduction of the Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO) are as follows:

  Year

  £million

  1990–91

  0.1

  1991–92

  0.4

  1992–93

  5.7

  1993–94

  24.4

  1994–95

  34.1

  1995–96

  28.5

  1996–97

  35.9

  1997–98

  36.8

  1998–99

  35.1

  1999–2000

  7.3

  The amounts represent payments under NFFO arrangements for England and Wales and exclude payments under comparable arrangements in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

  The reason for the lower figure for 1999–2000 is that contracts under the 1990 and 1991 NFFO orders (NFFO1 and 2) terminated on 31 December 1998.

  Road Fuel
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 21 November 2000,Official Report, column 105W, what evidence there is concerning the relationship between fuel prices at the pumps and the recent fall in wholesale gasoline prices. [140357]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Fuel prices at the pumps are influenced, among other things, by wholesale gasoline prices. The relationship between the two depends on short and long-term competitive market forces in both the wholesale and retail markets.

  Support Aid Restrictions
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had recently with Ministers in other EU member states on the operation of support aid restrictions where companies are bidding for projects in less-developed countries. [140096]

  Mr. Caborn
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has had no recent discussions on these matters with Ministers in other EU member states.

  Working Time Regulations
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many decisions by tribunals there have been in respect of breaches of the working time regulations(a) on holiday entitlements and (b) on maximum working hours. [140253]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  (a) To date there have been 416 decisions at Employment Tribunals, in Great Britain, registering the Regulations as the primary grounds for
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  complaint. ETS records do not distinguish between different entitlements under the Regulations, but it is believed that the majority relate to paid annual leave.

  (b) The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities enforce the provisions in the Regulations related to weekly working time limits, limits on night-working and health assessments for night-workers and these are therefore not a matter for the tribunals. The HSE have resolved 416 complaints, 13 of which required Improvement Notices. The HSE have not initiated any prosecutions to date. There are currently no central records of local authority enforcement, but at least one case brought by a local authority has led to a prosecution for breach of the provisions on health assessments for night-workers.

  United Kingdom Exports
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the value of goods from the United Kingdom exported to non-EU countries for onward export to third countries. [140010]

  Mr. Caborn
  There are no estimates for the value of goods exported from the United Kingdom to non-EU countries for onward export to third countries.

  HM Customs and Excise are the Department responsible for collecting and recording statistics on the movement of goods with other countries. Trade with non-EU countries is recorded from customs declarations submitted at exportation. UK exports are produced on the basis of the declared final country of destination. Some trade in goods recorded as exports to non-EU destinations may subsequently be shipped to other destinations—for instance, as part of further commercial transactions. Information on such movements would not be available to the UK.

  The collection and provision of statistical information is kept under regular review.

  However, there are no immediate plans to collect information on goods exported from the United Kingdom to non-EU countries and subsequently re-exported to third countries.

  Oil
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the timelag of(a) increases and (b) decreases in prices following a change in crude oil barrel prices; and if he will make a statement. [140248]

  Mrs. Liddell
  There can be a delay of some four to six weeks before the impact of change of crude price is seen at the pumps. However, the length and magnitude of such an effect is dependent on competitive pressures within the supply chain.

  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the relationship between oil company profits and changes in barrel prices; and if he will make a statement. [140249]
  383W
  Mrs. Liddell
  In general, oil companies which engage in the production and sale of crude oil will have greater net earnings as the price of oil rises. For each company, the impact of price changes will, however, depend on the profitability of their other businesses.

  Fuel Duty
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to ensure that the reductions on fuel duty announced in the pre-Budget Statement will be passed on by oil companies to consumers; and if he will make a statement. [140250]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for The Wrekin (Mr. Bradley) on 21 November 2000,Official Report, column 105W.

  Alternative Energy Research
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much Government funding was given for research and development in(a) nuclear energy, (b) wind power and (c) wave energy in each of the last 20 years. [140475]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The funding for nuclear research and development given by the Department of Trade and Industry (and by the Department of Energy prior to amalgamation) for each of the financial years since 1980–81 to 1999–2000 and the anticipated expenditure for 2000–01 is as follows:

  £million cash outturn figures

  1980–81

  188

  1981–82

  206

  1982–83

  215

  1983–84

  204

  1984–85

  166

  1985–86

  169

  1986–87

  163

  1987–88

  148

  1988–89

  247

  1989–90

  163.8

  1990–91

  126.4

  1991–92

  93.6

  1992–93

  85.3

  1993–94

  76.9

  1994–95

  28.4

  1995–96

  21.7

  1996–97

  21.4

  1997–98

  17.6

  1998–99

  14.2

  1999–2000

  16.8

  2000–01

  16.5

  Note:

  For figures prior to 1989–90, contributions include expenditure on decommissioning and waste management operations carried out by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority.

  Sources:

  For years 1980–81 to 1983–84: The Government's Expenditure Plans for 1986–87 to 1988–89.

  For years 1984–85 to 1988–89: The Government's Expenditure Plans for 1990–91 to 1992–93

  The Government expenditure on research and development for (b) wind power and (c) wave power is given in the table.
  384W

  Net expenditure £ million

  Year

  Wind

  Wave1

  1999–2000

  0.9

  0.15

  1998–99

  1.0

  0.17

  1997–98

  1.2

  0.06

  1996–97

  2.5

  0.14

  1995–96

  3.4

  0.08

  1994–95

  2.7

  0.11

  1993–94

  7.3

  0.20

  1992–93

  8.69

  0.32

  1991–92

  6.67

  0.47

  1990–91

  4.53

  0.39

  1989–90

  4.84

  0.14

  1988–89

  3.91

  0.14

  1987–88

  3.79

  0.19

  1986–87

  3.82

  0.07

  1985–86

  5.42

  0.26

  1984–85

  4.61

  0.43

  1983–84

  2.32

  0.71

  1982–83

  2.26

  2.82

  1981–82

  0.86

  3.95

  1980–81

  0.68

  3.04

  1Historically data are not broken down between wave and other forms of hydro-technology since 1995.

  Ukraine (Export Credit)
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to provide export credit for the completion and upgrade of the Khmelnitsky Unit 2 and Rovno Unit 4 nuclear plants in the Ukraine. [140367]

  Mr. Caborn
  The financing plan for this project envisages various sources of finance, including $348.3 million of export credits of which up to $28 million come from the UK. The Government are considering the provision of ECGD cover in support of possible UK exports to the project. A decision is likely to be announced by 7 December when the EBRD is expected to decide whether to provide finance for the project.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the UK companies that have sought export credit support for the completion and upgrade of the Khmelnitsky Unit 2 and Rovno Unit 4 nuclear plants in the Ukraine. [140365]

  Mr. Caborn
  No UK companies have approached ECGD for export credit support for this project.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the provision of UK export credit to the Ukraine. [140368]

  Mr. Caborn
  Following the withdrawal of cover in 1998 because of a deterioration in Ukraine's risk outlook, ECGD backed export credits are not generally available.

  Amateur Radio Stations
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many complaints of interference to domestic apparatus caused by amateur radio stations there were in(a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999. [140516]

  Ms Hewitt
  The answer is as follows:

  (a)

  (b)

  (c)
  385W

  Small Firms
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to help small firms prepare for new legislation proposals. [140783]

  Mr. Byers
  The Small Business Service has today issued guidance to all departments on implementation periods for new legislation. This sets out a general requirement, with some necessary exceptions, that guidance on new legislation likely to impact on business should be issued at least 12 weeks before the new legislation comes into force. This implements a recommendation by the Better Regulation Task Force and will give businesses, particularly small firms, time to prepare for the implementation of new legislation. The new procedures take effect from 1 January 2001. Copies of the guidance have been placed in the House Libraries and on the Small Business Service's website at www.businessadviceonline.org/content/ pdf/implementationguidlines.pdf.

  I believe the guidance, together with the Code of Practice on Written Consultations being published today by the Cabinet Office, is a real advance in giving business more time to feed in views and prepare for new legislation.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Political Leadership
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her Department's priorities are for assisting the development of political leadership in developing countries. [140112]

  Clare Short
  The selection of political leaders in developing countries belongs to the peoples of those countries. We provide support for the development of democratic institutions, including elections, parliaments, civil society and the media, in order to help develop systems which reflect the will of the people. We are playing a part in the development of democratic institutions in countries such as Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan and the Republics of the former Yugoslavia.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Departmental Employees (HIV)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Solicitor-General 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. [137793]

  The Solicitor-General
  The Law Officers' Departments, that is the Treasury Solicitor's Department, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Serious Fraud Office, are all committed to the policy that all eligible persons shall have equal opportunity for employment and advancement on the basis of their ability and qualifications, free from discrimination of all kinds, including that attaching to HIV carriers. Each Department has taken action to promote this message as part of their programmes to promote diversity and equal opportunity. The Crown Prosecution Service also gives specific guidance in its Personnel Manual for dealing with those carrying the HIV virus.

  Mr. Mikhail Karacostas
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Solicitor-General for what reasons the trial of Mr. Mikhail Karacostas and his associates was not proceeded with. [138759]

  The Solicitor-General
  At a pre-trial hearing in May 1999, new evidence emerged which showed that some of the evidence upon which the prosecution relied was suspect. In particular, it emerged for the first time that an informant had had a closer association with one of Mr. Karocostas's fellow defendants than had been previously realised. Further, it soon became apparent that this informant, together with a journalist, may have incited this defendant to take part in the alleged crimes with a view to entrapping him. In the light of these revelations, prosecuting Counsel advised the Crown Prosecution Service that it would be difficult for the prosecution to succeed as the credibility of the prosecution case had been severely damaged. The Crown Prosecution Service accepted this advice and the prosecution was discontinued.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Solicitor-General how long Mr. Mikhail Karacostas and his associates were held in detention in(a) Germany and (b) the United Kingdom before trial and consequent upon the United Kingdom's extradition request; and if he will make a statement. [138754]

  The Solicitor-General
  Mikhail Karacostas and his associates, Christos Ieronymides, Pierre Daskas and Fotios Platanides, were held by the German authorities from 22 March 1998 until they were surrendered to the United Kingdom authorities on 28 August 1998. They were then remanded in custody awaiting trial. They were released on 27 May 1999 at the end of the trial.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement on the factors which led the United Kingdom to request the German authorities to extradite Mr. Mikhail Karacostas and his associates to the United Kingdom. [138758]

  The Solicitor-General
  Mr. Karacostas and associates (Christos leronymides, Fotios Platanides and Pierre Daskas) were accused of being involved in serious criminal activities in the UK. If the Crown Prosecution Service is satisfied that there is a realistic prospect of conviction (acting in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors), and the accused is in a foreign state, extradition proceedings will be commenced in accordance with that foreign state. In the case of Germany, Mr. Karacostas's extradition was sought under the provisions of the European Convention on Extradition.

  At the time the request was submitted to the German authorities, the Crown Prosecution Service was satisfied that there was a realistic prospect of conviction against Mr. Karacostas and his associates, and accordingly a request for extradition was submitted through the appropriate channels in accordance with the Convention.

  Voluntary Bill of Indictment
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Solicitor-General (1) what criteria govern applications by the Metropolitan police for applications to the High Court for a voluntary bill of indictment; who authorises such applications; and if he will make a statement; [140117]
  387W
  (2) what requirement there is for the former accused in a case to be advised of an application being made to the High Court for a voluntary bill of indictment prior to its determination by the High Court; and if he will make a statement: [140099]

  (3) if he will make a statement on the reasons for the applications for a voluntary bill of indictment made to the High Court following the acquittal of Detective Inspector John Redgrave on 17 May 1999; [140100]

  (4) what criteria govern applications by the Crown Prosecution Service to the High Court for a voluntary bill of indictment; who authorises such applications; and if he will make a statement. [140116]

  The Solicitor-General
  In the vast majority of cases, bills of indictment charging indictable offences are preferred following committal for trial, notice of transfers or where the person charged has been sent for trial under the new provisions in relation to indictable only offences. Exceptionally, bills are preferred by the direction of the Court of Criminal Appeal or by the practice directions or with the consent of a judge of the High Court. The latter are frequently referred to as voluntary bills.

  The procedure for obtaining a voluntary bill is set out in rules 7 to 11 of the Indictments (Procedure) Rules 1971. The Rules are exacting, in that the prosecuting authority applying for a voluntary bill must not only supply to the judge or the High Court the evidence which is to be relied on, but also the reasons why the application is being made.

  The Rules have been subject to various practice directions, the latest of which took effect on 2 August 1999. These directions state that the preferment of a voluntary bill is an exceptional procedure. Consent should only be granted where good reason to depart from the normal procedures is clearly shown and only where the interests of justice, rather than consideration of administrative convenience, require it.

  Until 1999, there was no express requirement for a prosecuting authority applying for consent to the preferment of a voluntary bill to give notice of the application to the prospective defendant or to give him copies of the relevant documents; nor was it expressly required that the prospective defendant have any opportunity to make a submission to the judge.

  On 29 July 1999, the Attorney-General issued guidance to prosecuting authorities to change existing practices in light of Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights (which guarantees a fair hearing in the determination of any criminal charge). The guidance was issued with the approval of the Lord Chief Justice, and was incorporated into the new practice direction. It was agreed that the prosecution will give notice to the prospective defendant that an application for a grant of a voluntary bill will be made on a specific date. At the same time a copy of all the material that will form part of the application will be served on the prospective defendant. The notice will invite the prospective defendant to send any written submissions or an application for oral submissions to the prosecution within nine working days of notice being given by the prosecution. The prosecution may apply to the judge ex parte to dispense with the notice procedure where there are sufficient grounds for doing so.
  388W
  Applications by the Crown Prosecution Service for voluntary bills are governed by the 1971 Rules, the practice directions and the guidance issued by the Attorney-General. The previous practice directions given in 1991 stated that, in exceptional circumstances, the Judge may invite written submissions on behalf of any defendant affected if, in his judgment, the interests of justice so require.

  Applications for voluntary bills by the CPS can only be signed by a senior Crown Prosecutor.

  There are many reasons why a prosecuting authority might want to apply for a voluntary bill, such as when justices have refused to commit and it is believed they were wrong in law or where a defendant disrupts committal proceedings to the extent that they cannot be continued. Whatever the reasons, there must always be good reason to depart from the normal procedures and the interests of justice must require it.

  On 17 May 1999, a Metropolitan Stipendiary Magistrate, sitting at Bow Street Magistrates court, declined to commit Detective Inspector Redgrave for trial of aiding and abetting an offence contrary to section 4 of the Official Secrets Act 1989 and of conspiring with two others to pervert the course of public justice. The Magistrate was not satisfied that there was sufficient evidence to justify committal to the Crown court. Her judgment was carefully considered and, on the advice of leading Counsel, and having received further evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service applied for a voluntary bill in respect of the conspiracy charge only. It was believed that the evidence was sufficient to provide a realistic prospect of conviction and it was in the public interest to pursue the prosecution. The application was made mindful of the case of Brookes v. DPP (1994), which states that a preferment of a voluntary bill, where a charge has been dismissed at committal proceedings, requires that the decision of the magistrates should be treated with the greatest respect. The application made under the old procedure, which did not require notice to be given to Detective Inspector Redgrave, was refused on 8 June 1999.

  BMA Guidelines
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Solicitor-General what action he plans to take on the British Medical Association's guidelines for the withholding and withdrawal of treatment. [134464]

  Yvette Cooper
  I have been asked to reply.

  Ministers have not met representatives of the British Medical Association to discuss their guidelines on withholding and withdrawing life-prolonging medical treatment nor are there plans to do so. The aims of the document are to identify the range of clinical, ethical and legal factors which need to be considered in making decisions on withdrawing and withholding medical treatment and on potential procedures, including consulting the healthcare team and seeking a second opinion where appropriate.

  We have no plans to take any action on these guidelines nor urge the British Medical Association to amend them. A revised second edition was published in October 2000.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Police Overtime
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was paid in overtime to members of the(a) RUC and (b) RUCR in each month of 2000 to the latest date for which figures are available. [138439]

  Mr. Ingram
  The table shows the amount of overtime paid to Royal Ulster Constabulary and Royal Ulster Constabulary Full-Time Reserve Officers during this year to date. It refers to overtime actually worked from December 1999 to September 2000.

  £000

  Month

  RUC

  RUC FTR

  January

  3,624

  1,468

  February

  2,762

  955

  March

  2,152

  541

  April

  2,509

  751

  May

  1,922

  518

  June

  2,819

  942

  July

  2,482

  745

  August

  6,740

  2,308

  September

  3,300

  975

  October

  2,626

  742

  Civil Servants (Relocation)
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which relocation companies hold contracts with his Department for the relocation of civil servants; when the contracts were last renewed; where the contracts were advertised; and what the length and value of each contract is. [137188]

  Mr. Mandelson
  Due to insufficient demand, the Northern Ireland Office does not hold contracts with relocation companies.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 5 June 2000,Official Report, column 2W, on Special Advisers, if he will list the destination and the total cost, including travel, accommodation and subsistence allowance, on each occasion when departmental or non-departmental Special Advisers travelled abroad in an official capacity. [135251]

  Mr. Mandelson
  During the period 31 March 1999 to the end of March 2000, a Special Adviser in this Department travelled on official business on one occasion to New York, Washington and Boston over a period of two days and two nights. This took place prior to my appointment on 11 October 1999. The total cost of the trip including travel, accommodation and subsistence amounted to £3,251.22. The cost of this visit was accounted for in expenditure on Ministers' travel overseas published by the Prime Minister on 28 July 2000, Official Report, column 969W, which for 1999–2000 was 00A3;4.6 million compared to £7.9 million for the last year of the previous Administration.

  Unemployment Rates
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the unemployment rates were for(a) Roman Catholics and (b) Protestants in each of the last 20 years. [140471]

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

  Terrorist Incidents
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 30 October 2000,Official Report, columns 231–33W, how many persons from (a) Republican terrorist organisations and (b) Loyalist terrorist organisations have been charged as a consequence of RUC investigations into the (i) shootings, (ii) assaults and (iii) deaths listed. [136421]

  Mr. Ingram
  The table shows the number of persons charged in relation to terrorist and serious public order offences during the period 1 January to 27 October 2000.

  Security Situation Statistics persons charged for period 1 January 2000 to 27 October 2000

  Number of Loyalists charged

  Number of Republicans charged

  Murder

  7

  1

  Attempted murder

  9

  1

  Firearms

  29

  19

  Explosives

  3

  8

  Armed robbery

  8

  8

  Other

  131

  47

  Note:

  The central database cannot link persons charged to specific incidents.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Chagos Islanders
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the total cost to date of support for the Chagos islanders in Mauritius since their transfer from their homes. [139979]

  Mr. Battle
  HMG has made available £4.65 million for the benefit of the Chagos islanders in Mauritius via the Government of Mauritius, £650,000 in 1973 and £4 million in 1982. In addition, various small welfare payments in kind, eg books, sports clothes, sewing machines, have been given regularly.

  We have no information about the support given by the Government of Mauritius.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the total cost to date of defending legal action brought by the Chagos islanders will be; and what the total costs awarded against the Crown by the High Court are. [139970]

  Mr. Battle
  The total costs incurred to date by the Government in the recent judicial review proceedings amount to £143,800 plus VAT. The extent of the applicant's costs is so far unknown since these have yet to be assessed.

  Departmental Employees (HIV)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 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. [137782]

  Mr. Hain
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's equal opportunities policy states that no staff should have to face unfair discrimination on the ground of disability. Any members of staff who are HIV positive will be managed on a case-by-case basis according to their particular needs, taking the views of the FCO's medical and welfare advisers into account.

  Gender Diversity Officer
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the appointment by his Department of a Gender Diversity Officer. [139490]

  Mr. Hain
  The Department is delighted that Melanie Allison, former National Campaign Manager at Opportunity Now, has joined the Department on secondment from the Ministry of Defence as the Department's Gender Diversity Adviser. Using her expertise the Department is determined to ensure that all of its staff, male and female, are able to fulfil their potential and maximise their contribution to advancing British interests overseas. Ms Allison's appointment is one of many steps taken by the Department aimed at ensuring that it represents the best of modern Britain's diverse society.

  US Presidential Candidates
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the candidates for the US presidency since 7 November. [139493]

  Mr. Battle
  None.

  Indonesia
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the arms trade between Britain and Indonesia. [139402]

  Mr. Battle
  The expiry of the EU arms embargo last January has not opened the way to unrestricted arms sales to Indonesia. We continue to judge all cases against the consolidated EU and national arms export licensing criteria. We will for example refuse any applications for defence equipment where we judge there to be a clear risk that the proposed export might be used for internal repression. For this reason we have refused a number of applications for Indonesia and we have consistently refused to license small arms and small arms ammunition for the security forces. We also refuse arms where there is a risk they may be diverted to undesirable end-users such as extremists in Maluku.

  Burma
  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's efforts to improve human rights in Burma. [139426]
  392W
  Mr. Battle
  We are deeply concerned about, and take every opportunity to condemn, the Burmese regime's violations of human rights. In April this year we successfully persuaded EU partners to strengthen the EU Common Position on Burma by publishing the list of regime members subject to an EU travel ban, imposing a freeze on their funds held in the EU, and banning the supply of equipment that might be used for internal repression or terrorism. This constitutes the most important intensification of EU pressure on Burma since the Common Position's adoption in 1996 (it already contained a full arms embargo, bans on defence links, and non-humanitarian aid, and visa restrictions). Along with a wider range of countries than ever before, we are co-sponsoring this year's General Assembly resolution, which strongly condemns a whole catalogue of violations. We have also been active in the International Labour Organisation, which last week agreed to activate exceptional measures against the regime because of their failure to stop forced labour. We will continue to keep the pressure up on the regime until they change their policies.

  EU (Political Parties)
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the references in official documents of the European Union relating to future conditions for official registration of political parties and their representation in, or candidatures for the European Parliament, including eligibility for funds or assistance in kind; and when proposals will be subject to parliamentary scrutiny in the United Kingdom. [139946]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Progress Report on the IGC (CONFER 4790/00 published on 3 November 2000) contains a proposed amendment to Article 191 of the EC Treaty for a legal base to allow the establishment of a statute to regulate European political parties, which were first recognised by the Maastricht Treaty.

  We support the principle of a statute to ensure the transparency of the funding of European political parties, and we hope that a suitable enabling clause can be agreed at the IGC. The IGC Progress Report is available in the Library. A draft statute would be deposited in Parliament for scrutiny in the normal way.

  Iraq
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the implications for UK sanctions against Iraq of recent French commercial dealings with the Iraqi regime. [140144]

  Mr. Hain
  Sanctions against Iraq, imposed by the UN in response to its illegal invasion and occupation of Kuwait in 1990. will remain in place until Iraq fulfils its obligations under UN Security Council resolutions. Under the UN "oil for food" programme, $16 billion will be available this year for food, medicine and infrastructure contracts. European (including French and UK) companies are participating in this legal trade, which benefits the Iraqi people.
  393W

  Brigadier Saunders
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress made to bring those responsible for the death of Brigadier Saunders in Greece to justice. [139993]

  Mr. Battle
  A team of Metropolitan police officers is working closely with the Hellenic national police in Athens on the investigation into the murder of Brigadier Saunders. The Metropolitan police team are sharing UK technology and best practice with the Greek police, as well as their expertise in combating terrorism.

  We remain committed to bringing the perpetrators of this crime to justice.

  British Council (German Offices)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with officers of the British Council concerning plans to close its provincial offices in Germany. [140007]

  Mr. Hain
  All the proposals contained in the British Council's new strategy were fully discussed with FCO officials and endorsed by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary. The proposals for Germany were agreed on the basis that Germany would continue to have the largest grant-in-aid budget in Europe, that core programmes would be retained and that funds released through reducing infrastructure costs would be channelled into new programmes, for example to develop IT services to provide widespread access, especially for young professional people.

  Reinforced Co-operation
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the issue of reinforced co-operation in its application to defence. [138591]

  Mr. Vaz
  The proposals for European defence contained in the reports to the Helsinki and Feira European Councils on strengthening the common European security and defence policy envisage that the Council should be able to decide to launch an operation by consensus, but that no member state should be obliged to participate in that operation. It is therefore possible that a decision to launch an operation would be implemented by less than all member states. This would represent a sui generis form of enhanced co-operation.

  The Government are satisfied that such proposals can be implemented without the need for amendment to the Treaty on European Union.

  Non-proliferation Review Conference
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to implement commitments made at the Nonproliferation Review Conference; and if he will make a statement. [138880]

  Mr. Hain
  HMG are committed to translating the agreements reached at the NPT Review Conference in New York into concrete international progress. We 394W
  continue to discuss these matters with the nuclear weapons states and others. The priority must be to get negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty under way in the Conference on Disarmament; for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty to enter into force; and for the US and the Russian Federation to negotiate further deep cuts in their nuclear arsenals.

  Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have been held with the Governments of India and Pakistan concerning their signature of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. [139988]

  Mr. Hain
  We continue to urge India and Pakistan to sign and ratify the CTBT in both bilateral contacts with the two countries and in multilateral fora such as UNGA.

  Officials from our High Commission on Islamabad recently discussed Pakistani signature with their Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Secretary raised the question of Indian signature of the Treaty with his Indian counterpart, Jaswant Singh, on 15 November. I also discussed the issue during my recent visit to India, primarily on 20 November with Brajesh Mishra (National Security Adviser and Private Secretary to the Prime Minister).

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has held with the Government of Israel concerning its becoming a signatory to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. [139978]

  Mr. Hain
  Israel signed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) on 25 September 1996. We continue to raise the issue of Israel's ratification of its signature in both bilateral contacts with Israel, most recently on 6 September in discussions between officials, and in multilateral fora.

  Diego Garcia
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what income has been received for each year since 1970 from the United States for their use of Diego Garcia as a military base. [139981]

  Mr. Battle
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 28 July 2000,Official Report, columns 1076–77W.

  Plan Colombia
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received on United Kingdom participation in Plan Colombia; and if he will make a statement. [139974]

  Mr. Battle
  We have received many representations from members of the public, Members of Parliament and others about Plan Colombia. The UK is playing a leading role through regular contact with the Colombian Government, our EU partners, the US and others, including NGO representatives, in support of the Colombian peace process.

  On 19 June we hosted an international meeting in London to help prepare the ground for a successful conference on Colombia in Madrid on 7 July. NGO

  395
  representatives participated in both meetings. NGO and civil society organisations also made a valuable contribution to subsequent meetings in Costa Rica, on 17 October, and in Bogota on 24 October. The European Commission has announced support for the peace process worth 105 million euro over the period 2000–06, with the emphasis on support for human rights and the development of alternative crop strategies.

  Departmental Briefings
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what briefing his Department has provided since 1997 to newspaper editors on matters relating to(a) police corruption, (b) terrorist activities, (c) arms trafficking and (d) Sierra Leone; and if he will make a statement. [138790]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  Press officers for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office give oral briefings to journalists every day in response to inquiries on all matters relating to foreign affairs. In addition, they provide collective oral briefings for journalists on a regular basis on issues of topical interest.

  No central record is kept of briefings for journalists.

  Eritrea
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received concerning camps in Eritrea in which Ethiopian nationals are held. [140376]

  Mr. Hain
  According to information we have received, ICRC have regular access to around 1,500 to 1,700 Ethiopian POWs in Eritrea. In addition, they have visited around 4,000 Ethiopian civilian internees being held in two camps in Eritrea, and are trying to identify how many more Ethiopians are being detained.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on which occasions(a) Mr. Peter Penfold and (b) other Foreign Office officials met Mr. Mikhail Karacostas during Mr. Penfold's period as UK High Commissioner: Sierra Leone; and if he will make a statement. [138755]

  Mr. Hain
  We are not aware of any meetings between either Mr. Penfold or other FCO officials and Mr. Karacostas during this period.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Sir Thomas Legg was informed of the investigations into Mr. Mikhail Karacostas' involvement in West Africa when he conducted his inquiry into the Sandline affair; and if he will make a statement. [138753]

  Mr. Hain
  Mr. Karacostas was the subject of a police investigation, involving a number of individuals and countries. He was arrested in March 1998 as a consequence of this investigation. The case came to court in the UK in May 1999. These matters did not form part of Sir Thomas Legg's investigation, which reported on 24 July 1998.
  396W
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what duties Mr. Peter Penfold was assigned after leaving his post as UK High Commissioner, Sierra Leone; when he was assigned the new duties; and if he will make a statement. [138789]

  Mr. Hain
  Peter Penfold completed his posting as High Commissioner in Freetown earlier this year and will shortly begin a secondment to the Department for International Development.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what dates discussions on West Africa were held with the Greek Government following the overthrow of President Kabbah of Sierra Leone, indicating the discussions which related to equipping ECOMOG; and if he will make a statement. [138757]

  Mr. Hain
  Many discussions on the general issue of Sierra Leone took place in EU and UN fora. These involved the Greek Government, among others. The question of practical support for ECOMOG's efforts in Sierra Leone was one of the issues which arose.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Correspondence
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 16 August on behalf of his constituent Mrs. Sturman. [135785]

  Ms Stuart
  I have been asked to reply.

  A reply to the right hon. Member's letter was sent on 30 October.

  Abattoirs
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to publish his response to the committee set up to examine the costs of meat inspections in abattoirs. [135046]

  Ms Quin
  The Government have given careful consideration to the recommendations of the Maclean Report and have noted the widespread support given to them by industry interests. The Government's broad intentions in respect of the recommendations will be announced shortly in the Rural White Paper.

  Salmon Farms
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the inspection regime for salmon farms. [136563]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 6 November 2000]: As at 2 November there were 17 registered salmon farms in England; 16 freshwater sites and one marine site. When operating, they all produce salmon smolts for on-growing in sea cages in Scotland. Each farm is inspected at least annually by the Fish Health Inspectorate and their discharges are, as with all other fish farms, regulated by the Environment Agency.
  397W

  Bovine TB
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representation he has received regarding compensation for farmers for time spent testing animals for TB for the purposes of protecting human health; and if he will make a statement. [137560]

  Ms Quin
  The Government are aware of the burden that regular testing of cattle herds for TB imposes on farmers. Under the 2000 Spending Review, extra money has been allocated for increased TB testing and compensation payments to farmers for the market value of cattle slaughtered as TB reactors or contacts. There are no plans to extend compensation to other losses at this stage.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of current levels of testing for TB in respect of(a) badgers and (b) bovines. [137562]

  Ms Quin
  There is no reliable test for bovine TB in live badgers. Badger carcases collected in the badger culling trial and from the survey announced on 6 November 2000,Official Report, column 48W are being tested for bovine TB at post mortem.

  Cattle herds are tested for bovine TB at one, two, three or four yearly intervals as required by EU legislation, and additionally at the discretion of Divisional Veterinary Managers of the State Veterinary Service. The Government keep TB testing levels under constant review.

  Sugar Beet
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the effect upon livestock feeding stuff costs of the proposed new EU sugar regime. [137591]

  Ms Quin
  As they stand, the current proposals for reform of the EU sugar regime will not have a significant effect on livestock feeding stuff costs.

  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what assessment he has made of the impact on the UK sugar beet industry of European Commission proposals for the new sugar regime; and if he will make a statement; [138906]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the impact on the UK sugar beet industry of the European Commission proposals for (a) Everything But Arms initiative and (b) the sugar regime to be introduced on 1 July 2001; and if he will make a statement. [138908]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 17 November 2000]: The proposals for reform of the EU regime, which would come into effect on 1 July 2001, will impact on the UK sugar beet industry by permanently reducing the UK quota, by removing the aid for storing sugar and the levy on industry which finances it, by removing the requirement to keep minimum stocks, and by requiring the Government to adopt measures to promote environmentally friendly fanning.

  The proposal for duty free access for goods from Least Developed Countries (the Everything but Arms initiative) could lead to significant imports of sugar from these
  398W
  countries once the EU tariff has been significantly reduced. This could precipitate further quota cuts or the opening of intervention, which could affect all member states including the UK.

  The Government are concerned that the Commission's proposals on reform do not take account of the impact which the LDC access proposal might have on the sugar regime. We are pressing for the implications to be fully considered before a decision is taken on reform.

  School Milk
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to increase the subsidy provided to supply milk to schools; and if he will make a statement. [137622]

  Ms Quin
  I refer the hon. Member to the oral answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Stafford (Mr. Kidney) on 16 November 2000,Official Report, column 1056.

  Pesticides Tax
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will publish his response to proposals put forward by the agriculture industry as an alternative to a pesticides tax. [137578]

  Ms Quin
  The agriculture industry has made a valuable contribution to the development of a voluntary package of measures to reduce the environmental impact of pesticides use. My right hon. Friend the Minister and I welcome this initiative and look forward to working with the industry and other stakeholders in developing constructive measures which meet our environmental objectives.

  Taxation is a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who set out the current position in relation to a pesticides tax in the pre-Budget report on 8 November 2000.

  Drainage
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much his Department spent on drainage of agricultural land in each year from 1970 to the most recent year for which figures are available. [138091]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 13 November 2000]: Grants for drainage works on undrained land were discontinued in the late 1980's. Grants for replacement or renewal of existing field underdrainage systems were available until the end of 1994. The precise information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Farm Workers
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many adults worked in the sectors of(a) farming, (b) gamekeeping, (c) fisheries, (d) horticulture, (e) forestry and (f) veterinary practice in the local government districts of (i) Cannock Chase, (ii) South Staffordshire and (iii) Stafford in the latest year for which figures are available. [138813]
  399W
  Ms Quin
  The information available is included in the table:

  Farming1

  Horticulture2

  Cannock Chase

  94

  18

  South Staffordshire

  1,495

  216

  Stafford

  2,457

  133

  1Does not include farmers on minor holdings. Farming is defined as all agricultural and horticultural holdings.

  2Does not include farmers on minor holdings. Horticultural holdings are defined using EC farm types 2011 to 2032, 2034, 311 to 340, 601 and 606.

  Notes:

  1. Information on Fisheries and Forestry is not available.

  2. Information on Gamekeeping and Veterinary Practice (Annual Employment Survey) is confidential for these areas.

  Source:

  Agricultural and Horticultural Census—June 1999.

  DUS Testing
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will place in the Library a copy of(a) all the correspondence between his officials and the French authorities since 22 September in respect of the testing regime for distinctness, uniformity and stability of agricultural varieties, (b) documents describing the French DUS testing regime which he has received from (i) the French authorities and (ii) the European Commission, (c) the documents which constitute the bilateral arrangements between the United Kingdom and France for the DUS testing of Chardon LL and (d) the United Kingdom's protocol for DUS testing and the French protocol for DUS testing. [138845]

  Ms Quin
  Copies of the correspondence and documents have been placed in the Library.

  Regulatory System
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to reduce the level of regulation for farmers in the(a) dairy sector, (b) sheep sector and (c) beef sector. [139271]

  Ms Quin
  We are currently implementing recommendations made by the industry in the Red Tape Reviews on the Meat Industry, on IACS and Inspection and on Intervention, many of which will benefit the dairy, sheep and beef sectors. The dairy sector's key concern about Dairy Hygiene Regulations has also been met. (A detailed progress report is on the MAFF website—www.maff.gov.uk/aboutmafiregulat/redtape/redtape.htm.). We are now considering the recommendations of the Better Regulation Task Force on environmental regulations. We shall continue to seek to minimise new regulations and review existing ones where a need for change is identified.

  Subsidy Payments
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to introduce an independent appeal service for dealing with agricultural subsidy payments. [139269]
  400W
  Ms Quin
  MAFF officials are currently preparing a consultation paper on possible options that could be introduced that would be of benefit to the industry and we expect to be in a position to consult industry on these very soon.

  Farmers' Suicides
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what changes have been recorded in trends in farmers' suicides in the past 12 years. [139115]

  Mr. Morley
  The number of suicides and deaths from undetermined injury between 1988–1999 (the latest period for which figures are available) is set out in the table.

  My Department has recently contributed £500,000 towards a Rural Stress Action Plan, implemented by voluntary organisations in England, to help alleviate stress among farmers and others in rural communities.

  Deaths from suicide and undetermined injury 1988–1999 men and women aged 16–74 at the time of their death

  Year of occurrence

  Farmers, horticulturists and farm managers

  Farm workers

  1988

  60

  30

  1989

  45

  27

  1990

  49

  27

  1991

  54

  23

  1992

  47

  25

  1993

  50

  28

  1994

  44

  23

  1995

  41

  16

  1996

  36

  29

  1997

  42

  17

  1998

  54

  18

  1999

  51

  19

  Note:

  Data are provisional for 1999

  Source:

  ONS

  Vaccines
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on research into vaccines to counteract(a) bovine spongiform encephalopathy and (b) bovine tuberculosis. [139284]

  Ms Quin
  MAFF is not currently funding any research into the development of vaccines to counteract bovine spongiform encephalopathy. MAFF is willing to consider any research project to develop a vaccine for TSEs providing that the usual conditions of the applicant having suitable facilities to perform the research are met. TSEs are unusual diseases in that it has not been possible to identify a clear immune response to infection. Vaccines rely on priming the immune system to enhance this response and so prevent the disease. The agent which causes TSE is difficult to inactivate and again most vaccines use an inactivated form of an agent safely to produce immunity. There would be concern in using the `live' TSE agent as this may produce either disease, or carriers for the disease, rather than immunity.

  Following the recommendations of the Krebs report, MAFF is funding research into developing vaccines for bovine tuberculosis at a cost of £1.4 million annually. The development of suitable vaccines for use in either cattle

  401W
  or badgers is an important element of the Government's strategy for tackling the disease. UK researchers involved in MAFF-funded TB vaccine projects are working in collaboration with experts internationally. Candidate vaccines which could be used in either cattle or wildlife are being developed and tested, and improved diagnostic tests are also under investigation. However, it may be some years before the scientific, practical and legal issues involved in developing a successful vaccine for bovine tuberculosis can be addressed.

  Fishing Industry
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many people were employed in the fishing industry in the United Kingdom in each of the last three years [139682]

  Mr. Morley
  Statistics on the number of fishermen are drawn from surveys carried out by the Sea Fisheries Inspectorates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the Sea Fisheries Protection Agency in Scotland. The number of UK fishermen for the years 1997 to 1999 are set out in the table.

  Year

  Regular

  Part-time

  Total

  1997

  14,832

  3,772

  18,604

  1998

  14,394

  3,453

  17,847

  1999

  12,970

  2,991

  15,961

  Note:

  As at 31 March for England and Wales and 31 December for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

  Flood Defences
  Dr. Stoate
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to review Government guidelines identifying riparian owners as possessing sole liability for the maintenance of community flood defences; and if he will make a statement. [139498]

  Mr. Morley
  I have no plans to adjust the historic responsibilities of riparian owners. These are explained in the Environment Agency leaflet "Living on the Edge—a guide to the rights and responsibilities of a riverside owner".

  Maintenance of flood defences is the responsibility of the riparian owner. However, where defences benefit the wider community, this responsibility has at times been assumed by the relevant operating authority, ie the Environment Agency, local authority or internal drainage board, depending on the nature and location of the watercourse. It is also open to riparian owners to seek to negotiate maintenance agreements with the relevant operating authority.

  Sheep
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what studies his Department has collated on the impact of stocking sheep on unenclosed upland areas and the related changes in the character of their soils, with reference to(a) water absorbency, (b) percolation evapotranspiration and (c) run-off including measurements of variation of run-off by streams and rivers. [139973]
  402
  Mr. Morley
  Since 1991 the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has undertaken some 23 studies worth about £5 million on the impact of sheep on upland vegetation. We are currently awaiting the report of a research project to quantify and identify the causes of upland erosion. In addition, surveys have been carried out on six Environmentally Sensitive Areas (Exmoor, Lake District, North Peak, South West Peak, Dartmoor and Shropshire Hills) to quantify the level of grazing pressure (almost entirely due to sheep) on heather.

  The Government recognise that overgrazing sheep can contribute to soil erosion in upland areas and are committed to actions to reduce its impact. Conditions to control overgrazing are imposed on recipients of cattle and sheep premiums and Hill Livestock Compensatory allowances as well as new entrants to agri-environmental schemes under the England Rural Development Plan. The Government have reinforced this message in the MAFF Code of Good Agricultural Practice to Protect Soil.

  Farming
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he plans to take to implement the findings of the Better Regulation Task Force report on Environmental Regulations and Farmers; and if he will make a statement. [139315]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 22 November 2000]: The Government welcome this report.

  The Government will give careful consideration to each of the 21 recommendations and issue a clear and positive response early in the new year.

  Agriculture Council
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the outcome was of the Agriculture Council held in Brussels on 20 and 21 November; and if he will make a statement.[140122]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  I represented the United Kingdom at the meeting of the Agriculture Council on 20 and 21 November. Ross Finnie (Minister for Rural Development, Scottish Executive), Carwyn Jones (Minister for Rural Affairs, National Assembly for Wales) and Brid Rodgers MLA (Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development in the Northern Ireland Executive) were also present.

  The Council held a lengthy discussion of the situation regarding BSE in the Union, following explanations from Commissioner Byrne of planned new Community measures and from France about the steps it had taken in response to recent concerns about the safety of beef in that country. The Council agreed that, notwithstanding the wide range of safety provisions already in place, testing for BSE should be introduced of animals over 30 months that were either at risk or entering the food chain, as an additional safety measure. I warmly welcomed this although all meat produced in the UK (except that from Beef Assurance Scheme animals which are exempt from our Over-30-Months Scheme) comes from animals slaughtered below this age.

  The Council also emphasised the importance of a Community approach to BSE, rather than reliance on national measures, a point I stressed applied no less to the

  403
  national measures being maintained by France against UK exports than to those recently introduced against French exports. The Commission will seek rapid advice from its scientific advisers on the national measures which have been recently adopted and will propose a community approach (either calling for removal of the measures or replacing them with Community regulations) by the end of this month. An additional meeting of the Council will be called on 4 December if necessary.

  Commissioner Byrne introduced the Commission's new proposals for a European Food Authority. The Council will hold an open (public) discussion of these at its next meeting.

  The Council also adopted unanimously draft proposals for the WTO negotiations on agriculture. These set out the Union's ideas for negotiation covering both reductions in agricultural protection and support and measures to address non-trade concerns such as animal welfare and the environment, as well as particular measures to help developing countries. This agreement sends a clear signal of the Community's readiness to engage positively and constructively in these important negotiations.

  The Council agreed by qualified majority proposals to reform the fruit and vegetable regimes. These include a very welcome simplification of the procedures for Community financing of producer groups' operational programmes as well as an increase in the ceiling on support for those programmes, whose aims include helping balance supply and demand, reducing costs and promoting environmentally sound practices. Along with Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands, however, I voted against the final Presidency compromise on the ground of its excessive increase in support to processing of tomatoes, peaches and citrus fruit.

  The Council also agreed by qualified majority proposals concerning the control of blue tongue disease (Greece voting against) and animal nutrition (Finland voting against).

  Cetaceans
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his letter to the hon. Member for Linlithgow of 15 October, what progress has been made in addressing the problem of cetacean bycatch in the context of the Community's strategy for integrating environmental concerns into the Common Fisheries Policy. [138533]

  Mr. Morley
  The Community's strategy for integrating environmental concerns into the Common Fisheries Policy will be developed under the Swedish Presidency with a view to its adoption by the European Council in June.

  A joint MAFF/DETR strategy on the conservation of the harbour porpoise was launched at the meeting of parties to the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS) from 26–28 July. It is intended that this should be extended to cover all small cetaceans. Further,
  404
  ASCOBANS agreed on reductions in the bycatch limit from 2 per cent. to 1.7 per cent. of the estimated small cetacean populations.

  Flood Defences (Hereford)
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will receive from the Environment Agency the report into flood defence for the City of Hereford from W. S. Atkins; and if he will make a statement. [140351]

  Mr. Morley
  I understand that the Environment Agency has commissioned a feasibility report on flood defences in the City of Hereford, and that the consultants are expected to complete the report by January 2001. The Agency will then consider the findings and decide on the promotion of any necessary works. It will be for the Agency to decide on the timing of any submission to the Ministry for grant aid.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Entrepreneurship (Schools)
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if his Department will introduce a course on entrepreneurship for secondary schools as a part of the national curriculum. [136541]

  Jacqui Smith
  The National Curriculum provides a number of opportunities for developing enterprise and entrepreneurial skills amongst pupils. These occur in mathematics, personal, social and health education and citizenship, as well as through involvement in other school activities such as work with business and the community. Initiatives such as the Young Enterprise Scheme also encourage entrepreneurship in secondary schools.

  Citizenship education, which will be part of the national curriculum in secondary schools from September 2002, includes teaching pupils about how the economy functions, including the role of business, financial services and how taxation and public spending work together. This knowledge and understanding will provide a sound basis for the development of entrepreneurial skills.

  University Revenues
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list for each university and higher education institution in England the amounts for each of the last three years raised by(a) individual private tuition fees for undergraduates, (b) local authority fees and (c) HEFCE block grant for teaching. [137852]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 13 November 2000]: The latest available data are shown in the following table. Information on the source of HE course fee income was collected for the first time in 1998–99 and covers undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Local authority fee payments and individual student tuition fee contributions are included in the "Local Education

  405W
  Authority/Student Awards Agency for Scotland/ Department for Education Northern Ireland" and "Other" categories respectively but cannot be separately identified. As well as individual student tuition fee contributions, the "Other" category will include fee income from Research Councils, other government departments, overseas organisations, and UK industry and commerce. Figures for 1999–2000 will be available in March 2001.

  Earlier this year, the Spending Review included an extra £100 million for higher education in 2001–02 on top of the extra funding (£295 million) for 2001–02 allocated

  £000

  1996–971

  1997–981

  1998–991

  FT HE course fees3 received from home and EU students received from:

  Income of higher education institutions in England

  HEFCE block grant for teaching

  Fees from FT HE courses charged at home rates2

  HEFCE block grant for teaching

  Fees from FT HE courses charged at home rates2

  HEFCE block grant for teaching

  LEAs/SAAS/DENI4

  NHS/RONE/SHHD5

  Other sources

  Total

  The Open University

  110,007

  115

  115,153

  105

  122,155

  105

  0

  0

  105

  Cranfield University

  10,505

  4,775

  10,714

  4,906

  10,652

  215

  0

  5,410

  5.625

  Royal College of Art

  5,578

  1,963

  5,702

  1,977

  6,324

  87

  0

  2,038

  2,125

  The College of Guidance Studies

  335

  0

  395

  0

  401

  0

  0

  39

  39

  Institute of Advanced Nursing Education

  1,712

  72

  1,763

  91

  1,749

  25

  25

  0

  50

  Bishop Grosseteste College

  2,542

  907

  2,380

  887

  2,527

  709

  0

  79

  788

  Bretton Hall College of HE

  4,630

  3,316

  4,838

  3,210

  6,192

  1,937

  0

  418

  2.355

  Buckinghamshire Chilterns Universitym College

  12,016

  5,238

  12,918

  5,134

  14,211

  3,393

  3,354

  1,127

  7,874

  Central School of Speech and Drama

  1,647

  837

  1,773

  1,008

  2,430

  407

  0

  515

  922

  Chester College of HE

  6,635

  3,288

  6,712

  3,111

  8,038

  1,819

  4,050

  872

  6,741

  Canterbury Christ Church University College

  9,518

  9,681

  9,854

  9,546

  11,414

  2,975

  5,413

  729

  9,117

  The College of Ripon and York St. John

  6,629

  3,324

  6,837

  3,198

  7,825

  2,291

  1,625

  454

  4,370

  College of St. Mark and St. John

  5,415

  2,974

  5,755

  3,053

  6.201

  1,969

  23

  292

  2,284

  Dartington College of Arts

  1,323

  707

  1,549

  707

  1,743

  363

  0

  85

  448

  Edge Hill College of Higher Education

  8,558

  4,716

  8,894

  5,035

  11,116

  3,398

  2,317

  364

  6,079

  Falmouth College of Arts

  1,855

  1,444

  2,169

  1,630

  2,967

  863

  0

  367

  1,230

  Harper Adams University College

  4,269

  2,253

  4,724

  2,243

  6,029

  1,098

  0

  201

  1,299

  Homerton College

  3,285

  1,482

  3,424

  1,507

  3,954

  1,135

  0

  0

  1,135

  Kent Institute of Art & Design

  3,792

  2,206

  4,024

  2,187

  5,152

  1,290

  0

  371

  1,661

  King Alfred's College, Winchester

  5,831

  3,278

  6,339

  3,310

  7,274

  2,271

  0

  493

  2,764

  La Sainte Union College of HE6

  5,107

  2,034

  6—

  6—

  6—

  6—

  6—

  6—

  0

  Liverpool Hope

  8,380

  4,636

  8,704

  4,914

  10,214

  3,792

  0

  0

  3,792

  The London Institute

  16,144

  9,727

  17,497

  9,658

  23,610

  5,013

  0

  1,949

  6,962

  Loughborough College of Art and Design6

  1,937

  1.113

  2,071

  1,161

  6—

  6—

  6—

  6—

  0

  University of Luton

  16,440

  8,109

  16,867

  8,381

  20,559

  2.117

  3,066

  5,693

  10,876

  University College Northampton

  15,397

  7,526

  16,115

  7,550

  18,307

  5,604

  2,246

  1,081

  8,931

  Newman College

  2,436

  1,360

  2,521

  1,382

  3,277

  914

  0

  141

  1,055

  North Riding College Higher Education Corporation

  2,834

  1,740

  2,836

  1,687

  3,420

  0

  0

  1,300

  1,300

  Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication

  1,874

  1,035

  1,993

  1,115

  2,415

  435

  0

  381

  816

  University of Surrey, Roehampton

  14,178

  5,798

  14,898

  5,998

  16,491

  3,335

  0

  1,914

  5,249

  Rose Bruford College

  1,266

  686

  1,323

  890

  2,120

  368

  0

  105

  473

  Royal Academy of Music

  2,839

  820

  2,834

  1,133

  3,120

  280

  0

  808

  1,088

  Royal College of Music

  2,509

  907

  2,661

  1,009

  2,957

  0

  0

  741

  741

  Royal Northern College of Music

  2,999

  1,030

  3,139

  1,014

  3.543

  362

  0

  416

  778

  Southampton Institute

  19,864

  11,917

  21,387

  11,954

  25,138

  6,978

  0

  2,129

  9,107

  St. Martin's College

  9,820

  3,966

  9,860

  4,502

  12,024

  3,310

  7,428

  398

  11,136

  St. Mary's College

  5,482

  2,803

  5,451

  2,768

  6,739

  2,242

  0

  68

  2,310

  Trinity and All Saints College

  4,869

  2,300

  4,740

  2,402

  5,532

  1,764

  0

  453

  2,217

  Trinity College of Music

  1,761

  753

  1,825

  832

  2,162

  256

  0

  395

  651

  Westminster College

  3,257

  1,032

  3,097

  917

  2,981

  725

  0

  13

  738

  The Surrey Institute of Art and Design, University College

  4,546

  3,182

  4,934

  4,290

  6,611

  1,702

  0

  387

  2,089

  University College Worcester

  6,267

  3,016

  6,675

  3,379

  7,584

  2,493

  4,448

  366

  7,307

  Anglia Polytechnic University

  24,028.9

  7,489.8

  25,908

  7,160

  29,070

  5,707

  9,924

  1,586

  17,217

  Bath Spa University College

  5,826

  2,525

  6,365

  2,633

  7,501

  2,441

  0

  97

  2,538

  Bolton Institute of Higher Education

  11,905

  4,667

  12,942

  4,802

  14,934

  3,782

  209

  0

  3,991

  Bournemouth University

  14,877

  9,230

  15,848

  9,419

  19,156

  5,160

  4,575

  2,441

  12,176

  406W
  in the 1999 Grant Letter. This was increased to £132 million in September with some of the additional money for Excellence Challenge going to higher education.

  As a result, the Secretary of State announced earlier this month plans to increase publicly planned funding for higher education in England by nearly 10 per cent. in real terms over the next three years. Funding will increase by £412 million in 2001–02 and there are planned increases of £268 million in 2002–03 and £298 million in 2003–04. It will support modernisation and expansion of the higher education sector, and pay and equality measures negotiated by the universities themselves.
  407W

  £000

  1996–971

  1997–981

  1998–991

  Fees from FT HE

  Fees from FT HE

  FT HE course fees1 received from home and EU students received from:

  Income of higher education institutions in England

  HEFCE block grant for teaching

  courses charged at home rates2

  HEFCE block grant for teaching

  courses charged at home rates2

  HEFCE block grant for teaching

  LEAs/SAAS/DENI4

  NHS/RONE/SHHD5

  Other sources

  Total

  The University of Brighton

  24,868

  9,673

  26,269

  10,296

  29,517

  6,793

  8,426

  1,566

  16,785

  The University of Central England in Birmingham

  28,917

  10,954

  30,606

  11,158

  34,200

  7,109

  136

  2,350

  9,595

  The University of Central Lancashire

  30,316

  11,972

  32,487

  11,820

  36,737

  7,383

  7,168

  2,067

  16,618

  Cheltenham and Gloucester College of HE

  13,448

  6,315

  14,343

  6,145

  14,560

  5,221

  0

  494

  5,715

  London Guildhall University

  18,344

  7,958

  19,351

  8,333

  23,177

  4,821

  0

  3,161

  7,982

  Coventry University

  27,957

  11,807

  29,958

  12,515

  34,470

  8,237

  7,068

  2,162

  17,467

  University of Derby

  17,561

  9,265

  18,944

  9,887

  21,416

  6,692

  1,854

  1,980

  10,526

  The University of East London

  23,106

  8,217

  23,452

  7,888

  28,247

  5,643

  1,635

  2,076

  9,354

  The University of Greenwich

  30,406

  11,561

  31,478

  12,060

  34,215

  7,411

  7,443

  2,012

  16,866

  University of Hertfordshire

  27,975

  13,496

  30,130

  13,076

  35,137

  8,564

  6,993

  2,516

  18,073

  The University of Huddersfield

  23,243

  10,293

  25,111

  10,814

  28,527

  6,782

  1

  2,221

  9,004

  The University of Lincolnshire and Humberside

  22,534

  10,221

  24,160

  9,666

  27,604

  5,751

  0

  2,070

  7,821

  Kingston University

  26,465

  11,744

  28,110

  11,346

  33,700

  7,901

  5,612

  2,412

  15,925

  Leeds Metropolitan University

  32,857

  13,868

  33,912

  14,633

  36,707

  9,938

  350

  2,531

  12,819

  Liverpool John Moores University

  33,884

  14,311

  36,008

  14,381

  45,505

  9,846

  3,812

  1,983

  15,641

  The Manchester Metropolitan University

  47,904

  23,064

  50,708

  23,563

  65,970

  15.064

  331

  5,732

  21,127

  Middlesex University

  31,061

  16,120

  30,244

  16,291

  36,864

  11,043

  9,606

  7,241

  27,890

  De Montfort University

  39,391

  19,450

  41,720

  19,437

  48,415

  11,666

  5,124

  2,848

  19,638

  The University of Northumbria at Newcastle

  33,682

  13,983

  35,021

  13,979

  36,216

  9,581

  8,935

  2,314

  20,830

  The University of North London

  23,331

  9,924

  24,270

  9,804

  28,971

  6,443

  0

  3,346

  9,789

  The Nottingham Trent University

  39,837

  19,885

  42,671

  19,435

  49,282

  4,545

  0

  15,353

  19,898

  Oxford Brookes University

  18,928

  7,686

  19,981

  8,896

  22,468

  5,670

  0

  3,217

  8,887

  The University of Plymouth

  34,200

  21,281

  37,412

  20,422

  44.434

  10,656

  3,061

  2,080

  15,797

  The University of Portsmouth

  27,756

  13,535

  29,642

  14,229

  33,981

  3,494

  3,992

  7,743

  15,229

  Sheffield Hallam University

  42,517

  16,593

  43,630

  17,444

  50,707

  11,828

  2,585

  4,087

  18,500

  South Bank University

  32,674

  12,890

  34,564

  9,985

  37,305

  6,236

  7,124

  2,538

  15,898

  Staffordshire University

  26,757

  17,947

  28,423

  18,402

  32,460

  7,309

  2,855

  3,879

  14,043

  The University of Sunderland

  25,519

  12,219

  27,879

  11,819

  31,904

  7,851

  0

  921

  8,772

  The University of Teesside

  19,559

  7,832

  20,931

  7,880

  23,406

  5,077

  6,041

  1,589

  12,707

  Thames Valley University

  19,260

  6,048

  20,347

  5,848

  21,869

  3,699

  14,576

  1.955

  20,230

  University of the West of England, Bristol

  36,822

  16,085

  38,592

  16,289

  43,600

  12,220

  0

  2,305

  14,525

  University College Chichester

  6,791

  2,879

  8,163

  3,530

  9,090

  2,397

  0

  436

  2,833

  The University of Westminster

  30,201

  8,817

  33,353

  9,598

  37,534

  6,534

  0

  3,462

  9,996

  Wimbledon School of Art

  1,427

  670

  1,396

  670

  1,653

  324

  0

  78

  402

  The University of Wolverhampton

  33,103

  13,157

  34,689

  13,082

  39,329

  8,315

  6,831

  2,262

  17,408

  Aston University

  11,458

  4,886

  11,890

  5,468

  12,624

  3,402

  0

  1,845

  5,247

  The University of Bath

  13,222

  7,099

  13,377

  7,417

  16,561

  3,742

  0

  2,885

  6,627

  The University of Birmingham

  38,262

  20,570

  40,981

  20,536

  43,971

  1,848

  1,589

  17,900

  21,337

  The University of Bradford

  16,459

  8,234

  17,246

  8,430

  19,672

  4,465

  6

  2,462

  6,933

  The University of Bristol

  31,425

  16,596

  34,024

  17,211

  38,329

  9,156

  0

  4,566

  13,722

  Brunel University

  21,434

  11,948

  22,917

  12,291

  28,519

  7,517

  2,816

  3,014

  13,347

  The University of Cambridge

  39,830

  18,983

  41,965

  18,888

  42,254

  8,609

  23

  8,188

  16,820

  City University

  9,459

  3,293

  10,583

  3,178

  13,274

  2,269

  10,790

  5,737

  18,796

  University of Durham

  22,375

  11,327

  23,850

  11,937

  27,790

  6,256

  0

  4,469

  10,725

  The University of East Anglia

  14,193

  7,240

  15,032

  7,252

  15,885

  4,249

  5,340

  2,980

  12,569

  The University of Essex

  10,179

  5,185

  10,576

  5,288

  10,881

  2,774

  29

  2,852

  5,655

  The University of Exeter

  20,404

  8,952

  20,557

  10,559

  23,250

  5,614

  0

  3,692

  9,306

  The University of Hull

  18,010

  7,679

  19,156

  7,715

  19,690

  7,355

  4,457

  0

  11,812

  The University of Keele

  11,453

  8,662

  11,608

  8,838

  12,003

  3,380

  3,478

  2,065

  8,923

  The University of Kent at Canterbury

  14,363

  7,189

  15,233

  7,051

  15,593

  4,328

  40

  2,478

  6,846

  The University of Lancaster

  16,283

  8,317

  15,968

  8,351

  17,432

  5,132

  8

  2,391

  7,531

  The University of Leeds

  45,041

  21,902

  47,494

  23,471

  52,926

  11,823

  8,065

  6,803

  26,691

  The University of Leicester

  20,124

  9,658

  21,218

  9,938

  22,901

  5,550

  0

  3,216

  8,766

  The University of Liverpool

  36,894

  19,102

  39,216

  18,975

  42,731

  9,939

  3,178

  3,180

  16,297

  Birkbeck College

  11,881

  721

  12,529

  776

  13,966

  19

  5

  857

  881

  Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School6

  6,285

  1,796

  6—

  6—

  6—

  6—

  6—

  6—

  0

  Goldsmiths College

  11,114

  5,153

  11,002

  5,431

  12,283

  3,126

  0

  1,649

  4,775

  Imperial College of Science, Technology & Medicine

  21,674

  10,507

  31,854

  13,515

  38,165

  4,755

  0

  6,046

  10,801

  Institute of Education

  4,187

  2,096

  4,575

  2,209

  5,621

  849

  0

  747

  1,596

  King's College London

  27,170

  11,295

  30.670

  12,199

  47,963

  2,999

  10,939

  8,993

  22,931

  London Business School

  573

  0

  654

  0

  696

  0

  0

  4,006

  4,006

  London School of Economics and Political Science

  6,045

  4,750

  6,235

  5,123

  6,686

  1,364

  0

  7,326

  8,690

  408W 409W

  £000

  1996–971

  1997–981

  1998–991

  FT HE course fees3 received from home and EU students received from:

  Income of higher education institutions in England

  HEFCE block grant for teaching

  Fees from FT HE courses charged at home rates2

  HEFCE block grant for teaching

  Fees from FT HE courses charged at home rates2

  HEFCE block grant for teaching

  LEAs/SAAS/DENI4

  NHS/RONE/SHHD5

  Other sources

  Total

  London school of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

  2,220

  853

  2,437

  850

  2,684

  0

  69

  782

  851

  Queen Marry and Westfield College

  24,037

  9,664 24,719

  24,719

  9,841

  27,333

  4,450

  579

  4,154

  9,183

  Royal Free Hospital school of Medicine6

  3,739

  1,430

  3,913

  1,383

  —6

  —6

  —6

  —6

  0

  Royal Holloway and Bedford New college

  11,061

  5,733

  11,480

  6,277

  13,408

  3,239

  234

  2,425

  5,907

  Royal postgraduate Medical School6

  1,671

  394

  —6

  —6

  —6

  —6

  —6

  —6

  0

  The Royal Veterinary College

  3,958

  1,130

  4,037

  1,164

  5,563

  351

  0

  291

  642

  St. George's Hospital Medical school

  5,560

  2,201

  6,097

  2,407

  7,745

  721

  210

  580

  1,511

  The school of Oriental and African studies

  3,278

  1,973

  3,319

  2,103

  3,383

  0

  0

  2,511

  2,511

  The school of pharmacy

  1,457

  679

  1,720

  703

  2,031

  271

  0

  232

  503

  United Medical and Dental Schools of Guy's and St.Thomas's6

  11,941

  3,490

  12,567

  3,642

  —6

  —6

  —6

  —6

  0

  University College London

  31,830

  17,393

  32,094

  17,466

  44,287

  7,029

  3

  8,501

  15,533

  Wye collage

  1,869

  960

  2,139

  1,011

  2,304

  387

  0

  403

  790

  University of London (Institutes and activities)

  2,088

  1,900

  2,254

  1,994

  2,886

  361

  721

  1,084

  2,166

  Loughborough University

  21,711

  10,906

  23,008

  11,078

  28,051

  6,385

  0

  3,823

  10,208

  University of Manchester

  44,855

  21,605

  47,665

  23,463

  52,486

  0,931

  8,018

  7,492

  26,441

  The uiversity of Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  33,813

  14,905

  35,419

  15,358

  8,378

  8,328

  38

  4,925

  13,291

  The University of Nottingham

  30,697

  14,585

  32,820

  15,164

  35,883

  ,915

  13,646

  6,127

  27,688

  The University of Oxfort

  37,005

  16,803

  38,419

  16,716

  39,118

  ,692

  0

  7,353

  16,045

  The University of Reading

  20,875

  11,218

  22,043

  11,125

  20603

  5,360

  105

  4,578

  10,043

  The University of Salford

  27,494

  14,507

  29,812

  14,024

  34,009

  ,624

  9,684

  3,207

  20,515

  The University of Sheffield

  36,072

  19,783

  37,761

  20,819

  41,459

  ,064

  11,685

  6,601

  27,350

  The University of Southampton

  33,080

  14,624

  34,394

  16,531

  36,886

  8,177

  5,372

  6,387

  19,936

  The University of Surrey

  13,821

  8,149

  14,935

  8,805

  16,425

  2,762

  6,152

  4,268

  13,182

  The University of Sussex

  17,656

  8,748

  18,680

  8,920

  19,668

  4,693

  0

  3,506

  8,199

  The University of Warwick

  22,593

  10,062

  24,158

  10,332

  24,644

  7,589

  0

  2,967

  10,556

  The University of York

  13,254

  7,233

  13,902

  7,426

  14,333

  3,756

  4,215

  3,104

  11,075

  The University ofManchester Institute of Science & Technology

  13,822

  7,127

  14,670

  7,192

  15,821

  3,200

  0

  2,788

  5,988

  Westhill College

  2,639

  1,182

  2,322

  1,015

  2,483

  729

  0

  121

  850

  Writtle College

  2,173

  1,363

  2,691

  1,493

  3,486

  813

  0

  211

  1,024

  Norwich School Art and Design

  1,234

  993

  1,387

  1,013

  1,844

  541

  0

  99

  640

  Northern School of Contemporary Dance

  502

  252

  471

  244

  607

  155

  0

  0

  155

  Cumbria College of Art and Design, Carlisle

  1,307

  333

  1,139

  1,080

  1,674

  475

  0

  241

  716

  Total

  2,344,634.9

  1,048,988.8

  2,469,245

  1,071,102

  2,788,144

  577,692

  281,765

  340,811

  1,200,268

  1Academic years.

  2 Covers UK domiciled and non-UK domiciled students on undergraduate and postgraduate courses charged home fees.

  3 Covers home and EU domiciled students on undergraduate and postgraduate courses and may not be directly comparable with the fee information for previous years.

  4Local Education Authorities, Student Awards Agency for Scotland, Department of Education Northern Ireland.

  5National Health Service, Regional Offices of the NHS Executive, Scottish Home and Health Department.

  6Indicates institutions which merged during this period and subsequently provided a consolidated Finance return.

  Source:

  Higher Education Statistics Agency

  Pre-school Closures
  Mr. Hayes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many pre-schools have closed since 1 May 1997; and how many places at such schools have been lost as a result.[139298]

  Ms Hodge
  [holding answer 20 November 2000]: Information is not available in the form requested. The Department does collect information on playgroups and pre-schools, which is published in Statistical Bulletin "Children's Day Care Facilities" (as at 31 March), which is available from the Library. This shows the total number of playgroups and pre-schools, in each year from 1996–97 to 1999–2000. It shows that as a result of the partnership
  410W
  approach towards providing new nursery places, the number of places has begun to increase again over the last year for which figures are available:

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Number of playgroups and pre-schools1

  15,800

  15,700

  15,000

  14,300

  Net difference1

  —

  —100

  —700

  —700

  Number of places1

  383,700

  383,600

  347,200

  353,100

  Net difference

  —

  —100

  —36,400

  †5,900

  1 Figures have been rounded to the nearest hundred

  A total of £1.750 million has been made available over the three years from 1998 to 2000 for small grants to voluntary pre-schools and playgroups facing financial
  411W
  difficulties, to give them breathing space as policy initiatives work through to individual groups. Over the first two years of the scheme, grants were made to some 1,500 pre-schools. This year's scheme is currently in progress. This year we have also made available £250,000 for projects to help pre-schools and playgroups develop, in partnership with others, as early education and care places expand.

  The expansion of free places for three-year-olds, which is significantly increased in the current school year, is taking place largely in the private and voluntary sectors and we expect to see playgroups benefiting from that expansion. There are 120,000 more free nursery places for three and four-year-olds this year than there were in 1997.

  Nursery Schools
  Ms Ward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much money nursery schools will receive from the Chancellor's pre-Budget Statement allocation to schools. [139451]

  Ms Hodge
  Maintained nursery schools in England will receive just over £2 million in total from the allocation in the Pre-Budget Statement of £167 million of additional capital grant to schools in England for 2000–01.

  In addition, maintained nursery schools are receiving £7 million in 2000–01 to develop and extend the services they offer and to upgrade buildings and equipment so that they can provide wrap around care and other family support services.

  The funding we are making available to these schools is part of our overall commitment to the early years which includes, for the first time, the provision of free early education places for three-year-olds across all sectors. All three-year-olds will be able to access a free early education place by September 2004 and total spending on nursery education will increase from £1 billion in 1996–97 to £2 billion in 2003–04.

  Following the March 2000 Budget, we made additional direct grant payments of £3,000 to each nursery school. This was increased following the Spending Review to £6,000 per school.

  New Deal
  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) youth unemployed, (b) long-term unemployed, (c) lone parents and (d) disabled unemployed have (1) gained (i) subsidised and (ii) unsubsidised employment and (2) undertaken training under the New Deal scheme in (A) Bolton and (B) the North-West. [139513]

  Ms Jowell
  The following table shows the figures requested for Bolton and the North-West:

  New deal for young people

  New deal forlong-term unemployed aged 25†

  New deal for lone parents

  Bolton

  Subsidised jobs

  140

  22

  n/a

  Unsubsidised jobs

  914

  141

  394

  Undertaken training

  617

  59

  68

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  New deal for young people

  New deal for long-term unemployed aged 25†

  New deal forlone parents

  North-West

  Subsidised jobs

  5,288

  1,798

  n/a

  Unsubsidised jobs

  30,449

  5,068

  8,932

  Undertaken training

  22,473

  3,073

  2,302

  The New Deal for Lone Parents does not have a subsidised employment component.

  Disabled unemployed people have the option of joining either the New Deal for young people or the New Deal for long-term unemployed aged 25† without having to complete the usual six or 24 months unemployment. These people are therefore included in the figures quoted in the table. There are currently New Deal for Disabled People pilots running in only some areas, including one in Bolton. To end August 2000, 340 people had found work in Bolton through the pilot. We know that significant numbers of people leave the New Deal for jobs without telling the Employment Service.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many young people in Wales have found employment through the New Deal since its inception; and what percentage this represents of all unemployed young people. [140124]

  Ms Jowell
  Latest figures to the end of August 2000 show that 16,580 young people in Wales have gained employment through the New Deal for Young People.

  As at October 2000, the number of 18 to 24-year-olds claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in Wales was 15,100—compared to 19,400 as at April 1998.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of the young people who found employment through the New Deal have found sustained unsubsidised work.[140214]

  Ms Jowell
  Latest figures to the end of August 2000 show that 244,450 young people have gained employment through the New Deal for Young People. Of these, 66 per cent. were sustained unsubsidised jobs. Young people leaving the New Deal do not have to notify the Employment Service that they have found jobs: independent surveys have found that over half of young people whose destination upon leaving the New Deal is recorded as unknown have, in fact, found work.

  Children Act 1989
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received from Stagecoach performing arts schools about changes to the Children Act 1989. [139928]

  Ms Hodge
  We have received many letters sent on behalf of Stagecoach schools. The Government are presently reforming the system for regulating child care in England, bringing in new national standards to be regulated by a new Early Years Directorate in Ofsted. The correspondents are concerned about the potential impact of these changes on activity-based organisations such as Stagecoach whose primary purpose is not child care. The Government recognise these concerns and are considering
  413
  whether it is appropriate to bring such organisations under the new arrangements. We will take full account of all the concerns raised when we reach a decision.

  Teachers' Pension Scheme
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the estimated value of funds available to the Teachers' Pension Scheme(a) now and (b) in 20 years. [140098]

  Mr. Wicks
  The Government Actuary estimates that the current value of the notional Fund is just over £100 billion.

  The future value of the notional Fund depends on many factors including the level of investment markets, the rates of inflation and earnings growth, and the demographic experience of the Scheme. Consequently, any estimate of the value of the Fund in 20 years' time would not be meaningful.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he will be in a position to start making annual pension statements for individual members of the Teachers' Pension Scheme. [140097]

  Mr. Wicks
  Some 40,000 benefit statements are issued each year on request to members of the Teachers' Pension Scheme. We are working with the scheme administrators and representatives of teacher and employer associations on a scheme which will see benefit statements issuing automatically to a pilot segment of the membership in 2001.

  Teaching Vacancies
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many teaching vacancies are unfilled in(a) Gloucestershire and (b) England; and if he will make a statement. [140285]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 24 November 2000]: There were 26 vacancies (0.7 per cent.) for qualified teachers in the maintained nursery, primary, secondary and special sector in Gloucestershire in January 2000. The equivalent figure for England was 2,910 vacancies (0.8 per cent.).

  The number of regular teachers in maintained schools increased by 6,900 between January 1998 and January 2000.

  A DfEE survey of maintained secondary schools in England in the first week of September 2000 indicated that there were about 1,000 secondary teacher vacancies; the equivalent figure at January 2000 was 1,200.

  Rail Network (Skills Training)
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action he intends to take to improve the level of skills training on the rail network. [140414]

  Mr. Wicks
  I wrote to Sir Alastair Morton, the Chairman of the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority, on 16 November to invite him to discuss using the regulatory and franchising framework to ensure that the current and future skill needs of the rail industry are met.
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  Modern Apprenticeships
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) males and (b) females have been placed on modern apprenticeships since the introduction of the scheme. [140484]

  Mr. Wicks
  500,000 people had started modern apprenticeships in England up to end June 2000 (the latest period for which information has been published), 51 per cent. of which were male.

  Modern apprenticeships consist of Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (AMA) and Foundation Modern Apprenticeships (FMA). At end June 2000 there had been 360,000 starts on AMA (54 per cent. male), and 140,000 starts on FMA (54 per cent. female).

DEFENCE

  European Security
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he last met the NATO Secretary General to discuss European security. [138590]

  Mr. Hoon
  I last met the NATO Secretary General, along with other EU Defence Ministers, during the Capabilities Commitment Conference that took place on 20 and 21 November.

  A400M
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress on the procurement of the A400M aircraft. [138592]

  Dr. Moonie
  A400M partner nations announced on 27 July that they intend to procure, in an initial order, numbers of aircraft sufficient to launch the programme. We are pressing ahead with the programme, in co-operation with our partners, and continue to expect the aircraft to enter service with the Royal Air Force in the latter part of this decade.

  Flooding (Armed Forces)
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contingency plans his Department has made for the armed forces to provide assistance to communities affected by flooding. [138593]

  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contingency plans his Department has made for the armed forces to provide assistance to communities affected by flooding. [138597]

  Mr. Spellar
  Armed forces support to communities threatened by flooding or other natural disasters is provided through contacts between local military headquarters, the emergency services, and local authorities, using tried and tested procedures. Local commanders have the authority to respond immediately to requests for assistance if they believe lives to be in danger, or if the emergency services have no alternative to military assistance. These procedures worked very effectively during the recent floods with more than 60 units of the armed forces providing support to the emergency services in 15 different counties. In addition, personnel from TA units also provided valuable assistance.
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  Departmental Spending Plans
  Mr. Savidge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on changes to his Department's spending plans as a result of the comprehensive spending review.[138598]

  Mr. Spellar
  As a result of the Spending Review settlement announced earlier this year the Defence Budget will increase in real terms by 1 per cent. between 2000–01 and 2003–04. This substantial funding increase will, over the period, provide £1,250 million of new money for defence, after allowing for inflation. The settlement builds on the Strategic Defence Review and sends an important signal about the Government's intention to sustain the capabilities of the armed forces. We are now looking at the priorities for further expenditure, particularly housing and accommodation, as part of our annual planning process, which will culminate early next year.

  Armed Forces (Retention)
  Mr. Derek Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the steps being taken to improve retention in the armed forces. [138600]

  Mr. Spellar
  Retention is being tackled as a high priority. A key outcome of the Strategic Defence Review was a widespread recognition of the need for an Armed Forces Overarching Personnel Strategy (AFOPS) as part of the 'Policy for People', which was introduced to give more emphasis to personnel issues. The strategy, which was implemented in April this year, is a key element in showing our continuing commitment to our personnel and their families, and reinforces the message that we place people at the centre of our plans. The AFOPS is, in turn, underpinned by personnel strategies in each of the Services.

  There have been welcome signs of improvement in retention in recent months. We have sought to mitigate the impact of overstretch upon Service personnel and to make improvements to the welfare of those who are deployed on operations.

  Measures include: more free telephone calls home; wider access to the internet for personal communication; a guaranteed period of post-operational tour leave for those returning from operations. In addition to these measures, a number of single Service retention positive initiatives have or are being introduced, for example, Financial Retention Incentives have been introduced to stop the outflow of Leading Rate Operator Mechanics and Royal Signallers in the Navy and Army respectively, and the RAF has introduced the 'Link-Up' Scheme to fund Civilian Pilots licences in return for longer service.

  Smart Procurement
  Mr. St.Aubyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what savings his Department expects to realise from the Smart Procurement programme. [138601]

  Dr. Moonie
  Over the three successive annual planning rounds since the inception of the Smart Procurement Initiative, we have identified costing reductions attributable to Smart Procurement which total £2 billion over the 10-year period to 1998 to 2008. We expect to improve on this in current and future planning rounds.
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  Army Capabilities
  Ms Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to increase spending on defence capabilities for the Army. [138602]

  Mr. Spellar
  As a result of the Spending Review settlement announced earlier this year the Defence Budget will increase in real terms by 1 per cent. between 2000–01 and 2003–04. This substantial funding increase will, over the period, provide £ 1,250 million of new money for defence, after allowing for inflation. We have as a result already been able to announce some measures to address lessons learned from the operation in Kosovo and we are now looking at other proposals, particularly housing and accommodation, for further expenditure as part of our annual planning process.

  Armed Forces (Education and Training)
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on recent developments in education and training for the armed forces. [138603]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart).

  Reserve Forces
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the current strength is of each of the reserve forces.[138604]

  Dr. Moonie
  The latest available figures for the strength of each of the reserve forces as at 1 October are:

  Number

  Royal Naval Reserve/Royal Marine Reserve

  4,686

  Royal Fleet Reserve

  9,913

  Territorial Army

  40,382

  Regular Army Reserve

  34,189

  Royal Auxiliary Air Force

  1,724

  Royal Air Force Reserve

  14,939

  US National Missile Defence
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representation he has had, or made to the US Government, on the proposed National Missile Defence system. [138606]

  Mr. Hoon
  We continue to discuss regularly the proposed US National Missile Defence system with the US Government, and with our other NATO Allies and others.

  Sierra Leone
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the deployment of British armed forces in Sierra Leone. [138607]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Oldham, East and Saddleworth (Mr. Woolas) and the hon. Member for Somerton and Frome (Mr. Heath),Official Report, column 624.
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  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on which occasions his Department's officials met Mr. Mikhail Karacostas during Mr. Peter Penfold's period as UK High Commissioner in Sierra Leone. [138756]

  Mr. Hoon
  I am not aware of any meetings between officials of the Ministry of Defence and Mr. Karacostas during Mr. Penfold's period in office as UK High Commissioner.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what briefing his Department has provided since 1997 to newspaper editors on matters relating to(a) police corruption, (b) terrorist activities, (c) arms trafficking and (d) Sierra Leone; and if he will make a statement. [138791]

  Dr. Moonie
  Press officers for the Ministry of Defence give oral briefings to journalists every day in response to inquiries on all matters relating to defence. In addition, they provide collective briefings for journalists on a regular basis on issues of topical interest.

  No central record is kept of briefings for journalists.

  Troop Deployment (Europe)
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on changes to his Department's spending plans on troop deployment in Europe as a result of the comprehensive spending review. [138608]

  Mr. Hoon
  As a result of the Spending Review settlement announced earlier this year the Defence Budget will increase in real terms by 1 per cent. between 2000–01 and 2003–04. This substantial funding increase will, over the period, provide £1,250 million of new money for defence, after allowing for inflation.

  The settlement builds on the Strategic Defence Review, which included the relocation of some Army units from Germany to the UK, and sends an important signal about the Government's intention to sustain the capabilities of the armed forces. In addition, the UK has taken a leading role in NATO adaptation and in arguing for the development of European defence capabilities. The additional provision demonstrates that we continue to take those responsibilities seriously.

  Service Accommodation
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's plans relating to spending on accommodation for service personnel. [138609]

  Dr. Moonie
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friends the Members for Dover (Mr. Prosser) and for Salford (Ms Blears),Official Report, columns 632–33.

  NATO Ballistic Missile Defence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's contribution is to the NATO ballistic missile defence programme. [138610]

  Mr. Hoon
  NATO does not have a ballistic missile defence programme. The Ministry of Defence has, however, contributed to NATO studies on the subject, including preparations for studies into the feasibility of 418W
  theatre ballistic missile defence. We expect the theatre ballistic missile defence feasibility studies to start next year.

  Executions (First World War)
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the most recent representations he has received in relation to soldiers executed in the first world war. [138605]

  Mr. Spellar
  A number of representations have been received recently from those seeking pardons for soldiers executed during the First World War. This subject and all the case files held in this country were carefully considered during the Review whose outcome was announced on 24 July 1998,Official Report, columns 1372–86. As a result of this, those who were executed are now recognised as victims of a terrible war, the stigma of execution has been lifted and, as public recognition of this, those responsible have been asked to add these men's names to War Memorials and Books of Remembrance throughout the country.

  Bosnia
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to visit Bosnia to inspect British troops. [138585]

  Mr. Spellar
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will be departing for a visit to the Balkans this afternoon, and will be in Sarajevo tomorrow afternoon.

  Shoeburyness Ranges
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the new ranges in Shoeburyness. [138599]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) is continuing to work with SERCO Ltd. to rationalise the new ranges estate and to introduce new businesses which are able to co-exist with the continuing range activities. For example, the engineering workshop has been leased to a company which has successfully attracted new engineering work and the main office block will have a number of new tenants shortly including a catering training establishment. As mentioned in my answer on 20 March 2000,Official Report, columns 716–17, other possible businesses include an innovative agricultural process for producing fruit and vegetables which could lead to 1,000 new jobs. DERA and SERCO will continue to work closely with both Southend Borough and Rochford District Councils on preparing the 10 year development plan for the introduction of new commercial activities on to the site. Public consultation will be a key feature in taking forward any proposals.

  C-17 Aircraft
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what restrictions have been placed on the operational use of the RAF's leased C-17 aircraft. [140014]

  Mr. Hoon
  The C-17 will fill the UK requirement for outsized strategic airlift pending the arrival in service of the A400M. Tactical airlift capability will be provided by the C-130 fleet. Detailed operating parameters for RAF C-17s remain under consideration.
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  RAF Henlow
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that the work force at the Directorate of Engineering Interoperability at RAF Henlow are kept fully informed of the changes initiated by the Defence Logistics Organisation. [140076]

  Mr. Spellar
  Yes. The work force and their trade union representatives will be kept fully informed and will be consulted on any proposed changes.

  Iraq
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many and what type of Iraqi vehicles were recovered by the armed forces from the Gulf War. [139846]

  Mr. Spellar
  According to records held by my Department as of 11 April 1991 the numbers of vehicles, including tracked, wheeled or towed equipment, recovered or captured and held by British armed forces in theatre were as follows:

  Vehicle

  Number

  Main Battle Tanks (MBT)

  136

  (T-55: 42; T-69: 80; T-62: 13; T-72: 1)

  'A' Vehicles

  100

  B' Vehicles

  72

  Missiles1

  9

  Artillery and Anti Aircraft Systems2

  294

  Total vehicles, artillery and Anti-aircraft equipment held

  611

  1Missiles mounted on carrying vehicles.

  2Primarily tracked vehicles, operating under own power, or wheeled equipments requiring towing.

  Our records indicate that a number of these vehicles, those that were intact, were earmarked for return to the UK:

  Vehicle

  Number

  Main Battle Tanks

  26

  Other Armoured Vehicles (A Vehicles)

  38

  Soft Skinned Vehicles (B Vehicles)

  33

  Vehicle Mounted Artillery Systems

  8

  Field Artillery

  37

  Anti Aircraft Gun Systems

  80

  Armed Forces (Equal Opportunities)
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the implications for the UK armed forces of the recent report of the Women's Rights and Equal Opportunities Committee of the European Parliament. [140129]

  Mr. Spellar
  The European Parliament has no role in the operation of the armed forces of member states. We do not envisage any impact on UK military operations.

  DA Notices
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many DA notices have been issued since May 1997; and if he will make a statement. [138747]
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  Mr. Spellar
  Defence Advisory Notices are not issued in response to particular events. There are standing DA Notices to which editors and others refer as necessary. In 1997 there were six such standing notices. In May 2000 these were reduced by the independent Defence, Press and Broadcasting Advisory Committee to five, and the system was made less restrictive and the guidance more specific, to allow greater debate on national issues. Full details are in the House of Commons Library, and on www.dnotice.org.uk.

  Gurkhas
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he plans to visit the training facilities of the Gurkhas in Nepal. [138595)

  Mr. Hoon
  On current plans, I am intending to visit Nepal just before the end of the year. My programme will include a visit to Gurkha recruiting and welfare facilities.

  Fibre Buoys
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what capabilities RTOF buoys have for enabling covert two-way data exchange between a submerged submarine and surface ships, aircraft, and shore stations; if the buoys will be used under the network-centric concept of operations; and if he will make a statement. [138980]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence is conducting research into improving the two-way data exchange between a submerged submarine and other units. The Recoverable Towed Optic Fibre (RTOF) buoy which is being investigated under this research could provide part of the solution. The capabilities which a RTOF buoy could give would be determined by the overall system's characteristics.

  Arborfield Garrison
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for further property sales at the Arborfield Garrison; and if he will make a statement on the future of the garrison. [140162]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Arborfield Garrison, along with all other defence training establishments, is being looked at as part of the Defence Training Review (DTR), a wide-ranging and fundamental review of the way in which training is conducted across the Ministry of Defence. This review is still in progress and it is not possible to draw conclusions at this time.

  Eurofighter
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the additional cost implications in(a) support, (b) fatigue and (c) training of arming the Eurofighters with a cannon; and what are the cost implications of changing the original specifications. [139962]

  Mr. Hoon
  The RAF have assessed that the support, fatigue and training cost implications of the Mauser cannon on Eurofighter outweigh the cannon's minimal operational utility, particularly given the capability of the
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  advanced short-range air-to-air missiles with which the aircraft will be armed and the pattern of operations over the last decade.

  Specifically, the disadvantages of the cannon include: the damaging effects of the shock of its recoil on the electronics; the corrosive effects of its exhaust gas; the strain which it puts on the aircraft, reducing the aircraft's useful life; and a range of training costs, including new targets and the cost of removing training rounds from the environment.

  The deletion of the gun will save some £30 million over the forward equipment programme, and more than £3.5 million every year of Eurofighter's operational life in support costs.

  Medical Staff
  Dr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the establishment requirement

  Specialty

  Operational and retained task requirement1

  Consultants/GMPs etc. in specialty2

  Consultants/GMPs etc. command and staff posts

  Total consultants/GMPs etc.

  Percentage shortfall

  Anaesthetists

  120

  29

  —

  29

  76

  General physicians

  51

  19

  9

  28

  45

  General surgeons

  44

  18

  3

  21

  52

  Orthopaedic surgeons

  28

  8

  —

  8

  71

  Burns and plastics

  10

  3

  —

  3

  70

  Accident and emergency

  23

  3

  —

  3

  87

  Psychiatrists

  34

  14

  —

  14

  59

  Ophthalmic surgeons

  10

  5

  —

  5

  50

  Radiologists

  11

  10

  —

  10

  9

  Pathologists

  18

  11

  1

  12

  33

  Ear, nose and throat

  10

  4

  —

  4

  60

  Rheumatology and rehabilitation

  6

  5

  —

  5

  16

  Occupational medicine

  49

  12

  20

  32

  35

  General practitioners

  437

  175

  33

  208

  52

  Dental officers

  277

  248

  312

  251

  9

  1Figures exclude manning and training margins

  2Figures exclude specialists under training

  3Dental officers in command and staff appointments may undertake occasional clinical work

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  of (a) anaesthetists, (b) general physicians, (c) general surgeons, (d) orthopaedic surgeons, (e) burns and plastics, (f) accident and emergency, (g) psychiatrists, (h) ophthalmic surgeons, (i) radiologists, (j) pathologists, (k) dental officers, (l) ear, nose and throat, (m) rheumatology and rehabilitation, (n) occupational medicine, (o) general practice and (p) command and staff stating in each case the (i) manning and (ii) percentage shortfall; and if he will make a statement. [139703]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 22 November 2000]: The establishment requirements against manning figures for accredited consultants, vocationally trained general medical practitioners and dental officers are set out in the table. There is no separate requirement for command and staff posts and the table shows those consultants, general medical practitioners and dental officers filling such appointments. The figures show continuing serious shortfalls among medical officers, although their manning levels have stabilised over the last two years.

  Doctors
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many civilian doctors were employed(a) in the hospital sector and (b) in primary care in the DMS in each month since April 1999; and how many of these were employed in civilian in lieu of military posts; [139701]

  (2) how many (a) military consultants, (b) military junior doctors and (c) civilian consultants employed by his Department were employed at Haslar on 31 March; and how many of each of these (i) continue to work at Haslar, (ii) have prematurely retired from the DMS or otherwise left the services and (iii) have been deployed elsewhere. [139699]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 22 November 2000]: This information will take some time to collate. However, I will write to the right hon. and learned Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) consultants, (b) junior hospital doctors, (c) general practitioners and (d) GP registrars sought premature voluntary retirement from the DMS in each month since April 1999. [139700]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 22 November 2000]: This information will take some time to collate and I will write to the right hon. and learned Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Service Pilots (Pay and Conditions)
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on ensuring competitive conditions and rates of pay for service pilots in relation to civil aviation pilots. [140128]

  Mr. Spellar
  Levels of Service pay are based on the recommendations of the independent Armed Forces' Pay Review Body who work on the principle of broad comparability with the pay of civilians in jobs of similar weight and responsibility (derived by job evaluation) against a number of factors. An additional element called the "X-factor" (currently 13 per cent. of basic pay) is then added to basic pay in order to reflect the difference between conditions of service experienced by members of the armed forces and conditions in civilian life which cannot be taken into account when assessing pay comparability. X-factor is paid in full to all ranks up to the mid-point on the Lieutenant Colonel scale. In addition
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  to basic pay, certain groups are paid additional pay, as a supplement to basic pay, as a supplement to basic pay, to counter market forces' pressures. Pilots receive such payments, in the form of flying pay, at levels geared to support retention.

  The pay package for pilots, as with all groups where market forces have an impact, is kept under review.

  War Widows Pensions
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what data his Department collect on the numbers of United Kingdom war widows whose war widows pensions and in respect of which years ceased on remarriage. [140142]

  Dr. Moonie
  I assume that the hon. Member for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis) refers to those widows who have been awarded a War Widows Pensions Agency and who have, in addition, been awarded an attributable forces family pension under the Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS). We can retrieve from our computer database records of the numbers of widows who have remarried since 1998, but our records of past remarriages do not separately identify which widows receive attributable forces family pensions. The number of widows remarrying in each of the last two years is:

  Year

  Number

  1998–99

  52

  1999–2000

  67

  Although our past records do not distinguish between attributable and non-attributable widows, we believe that around one in 20 widows are paid an attributable forces family pension. More detailed information could be provided only at a disproportionate cost.

  Future Strategic Tanker
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the Future Strategic Tanker project and the roles of RAF Brize Norton and DERA Boscombe Down. [140086]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 24 November 2000]: The Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) is planned to begin replacing the RAF's current fleet of VC10 and Tristar tanker/transport aircraft from around 2007. We are currently investigating the potential for achieving a service-based solution to the requirement under the Private Finance Initiative. The current fleet is based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. DERA is seeking to act as a commercial partner to the FSTA consortia and is promoting its Boscombe Down airfield as a potential alternative operating base. Our work on development of the Public Sector Comparator for FSTA has concluded that RAF Brize Norton is likely to offer the most cost effective operating base for the FSTA service.

  However, under a PFI procurement strategy we would be prepared to consider innovative proposals from the bidding consortia that maintain operational capability and offer value for money. We have not yet launched the formal bidding process for the FSTA requirement and do not expect to make final decisions on the programme before 2002.

  ASTOR Aircraft
  Mr. Quentin Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many ASTOR aircraft he intends to procure. [138429]

  Dr. Moonie
  It is intended to procure five modified Global Express Business jets as part of the Prime Contract for ASTOR.

  Alternative Landing Ships Logistic
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what types of vessels will be built by Swan Hunter and BAE Systems Marine as a result of the Alternative Landing Ships Logistic contract; what time is set for successful completion of the programme; and if he will make a statement. [138981]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Alternative Landing Ships Logistic (ALSL) are new amphibious landing ships. They are designed to deploy troops, with vehicles and stores, directly into the operational area. They will operate in conjunction with the new landing platform dock ships and the helicopter landing platform. ALSLs will also be suitable for low intensity operations and for humanitarian and disaster relief missions. They will be operated by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and replace the capability provided by current aging landing ships.

  Negotiations are currently taking place with both contractors and we are aiming to bring the ships into service between autumn 2004 and summer 2006.

  Radio Spectrum
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what part of the radio spectrum is used by his Department; and what estimate he has made of its commercial value. [139144]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence uses various portions across the entire radio spectrum in accordance with the allocations made by the World Radio Conference, to which the UK is a signatory.

  The Radiocommunications Agency of the Department of Trade and Industry is responsible for managing the frequency spectrum and levies charges for allocations to all users, including the MOD. Currently, the MOD is charged a standard commercial rate by the Radiocommunications Agency, and pays £22.8 million for the spectrum it is allocated.

  Decommissioned Frigates
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what expressions of interest in the past three years he has received from foreign navies in respect of the purchase of decommissioned Type 22 frigates; and if he will make a statement. [139345]

  Dr. Moonie
  Since the announcement of the disposal of the Royal Navy's now decommissioned Type 22 frigates, HMS Beaver, HMS London, and HMS Boxer in the Strategic Defence Review in July 1998, marketing of the ships to overseas navies to date have elicited expressions of interest of various degrees from at least five nations, a number of which in the case of HMS London are being pursued further. I am withholding details of the sources
  425W
  and the strength of these expressions of interest in accordance with Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what value his Department expects to realise from the disposal of(a) HMS London, (b) HMS Boxer, (c) HMS Beaver and (d) HMS Brave. [139465]

  Dr. Moonie
  All the ships mentioned, HMS London, Boxer, Beaver and Brave, are or will be subject to sales negotiations. I am withholding details of expected sales values under Exemption 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Qualified Majority Voting
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with his French counterpart about the application of qualified majority voting to EU(a) foreign policy and (b) defence policy. [139476]

  Mr. Hoon
  I have had regular contact with the French Defence Minister and last met him at the Capability Commitment Conference on 20 and 21 November.

  We have always agreed that decisions to launch military crisis management operations must be taken by the member states by consensus. The commitment of UK national assets to any European Union-led crisis management operation will be based on the sovereign decision of the UK Government.

  Foreign policy is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary.

  Typhoon Trials
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost was to DERA of(a) hiring the tanker aircraft from the RAF and (b) the dumped fuel on Friday 3 November in connection with the typhoon tanking trials at Warton; how many litres of fuel were dumped; and where they were dumped. [139473]

  Dr. Moonie
  There was no cost to DERA for either the aircraft or the fuel. The aircraft was provided as part of Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) and the cost of the fuel will be met by the Defence Procurement Agency (DPA). In all some 40,000 litres of fuel were jettisoned in free airspace over the Irish sea.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason(a) the typhoon tanking trial flight at Warton on Friday 3 November was abandoned and (b) the weather window was lost. [139470]

  Dr. Moonie
  Standard pre-flight checks, which identified a number of faults requiring investigation, prevented the Eurofighter development aircraft from taking off at the scheduled time for the tanking trials on 3 November. By the time the faults were rectified the weather conditions, which could affect the sensitive trials instrumentation on the aircraft, were unfavourable and the flight was abandoned. The flight trial was successfully completed a few days later.
  426W

  Committee Costs
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the(a) total costs and (b) total level of manpower of (i) the Political and Security Committee and (ii) the Military Committee. [139916]

  Mr. Hoon
  These two bodies, in both their current interim and future permanent forms, consist of national representatives of member states. There are therefore no consolidated figures for the costs or level of manpower of the bodies.

  European Rapid Reaction Force
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated annual cost to public funds of British participation in the European rapid reaction force. [139783]

  Mr. Hoon
  The objective of the European Union in setting the Headline Goal is to ensure the ability of nations to be able to generate forces rapidly in response to a crisis. There will be no standing rapid reaction force entailing an annual cost to public funds.

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy will be for determining priorities between commitments to the European rapid reaction force and to NATO. [139950]

  Mr. Hoon
  Decisions on deployment of British troops will continue to be made on the basis of UK national interests, operational circumstances, our Treaty commitments to NATO and our current deployments. The decision to commit troops to an operation under any international organisation, whether it be NATO, OSCE, UN or the EU, will remain a UK Government decision based on the above factors.

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria he will apply in determining whether or not a military confrontation is appropriate for crisis management by an EU rapid reaction corps. [139952]

  Mr. Hoon
  There is no EU rapid reaction corps. Large-scale military confrontation in Europe, particularly when territorial defence of a NATO country may be involved, is, and will remain, a matter for NATO. NATO will also continue to be available to respond to other crisis management needs as its members decide.

  The EU' s commitment is to develop the ability, where NATO is not engaged, to deploy military forces across the full range of Petersberg tasks. These include humanitarian and rescue tasks; peacekeeping tasks; and tasks of combat forces in crisis management, including peace making.

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effect on UK security of duplicating military structures in Europe. [139959]

  Mr. Hoon
  There will be no duplication in military structures in Europe. The small military staff being established within the EU will be offset by the winding down of the equivalent staff in the Western European Union.
  427W
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assurances he has received of increased defence expenditure from his counterparts in(a) France, (b) Germany and (c) Italy in relation to an EU rapid reaction corps. [139960]

  Mr. Hoon
  The UK does not comment on the spending plans of other nations. We do, however, seek to encourage nations to spend their defence budgets as effectively and efficiently as possible and to target spending on improving military capabilities.

  Crisis Management Operations
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria he will apply in distinguishing between military crisis management operations and war fighting. [139949]

  Mr. Hoon
  The UK is able to contribute forces to crisis management operations designed to prevent, contain and resolve conflict, in support of international order and humanitarian principles. The most demanding case is peace enforcement and armed forces deployed for this task must be able to exercise their authority and ensure compliance by the use of force if necessary. But this would fall short of "warfighting", which is normally taken to mean high intensity conventional warfare.

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent studies his Department has made of the relationship between war fighting and failed attempts to manage crises. [139954]

  Mr. Hoon
  There have been no specific recent studies into the relationship between war fighting and failed attempts to manage crises. However, the Ministry of Defence conducts a review of operational lessons from every operation in which the armed forces are involved. In addition, historical and operational analysis are used to support MOD planning.

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate his Department has made of the effect on deterring conflicts of the absence of US automatic involvement in crisis management by the EU. [139956]

  Mr. Hoon
  No state is automatically involved in crisis management, either in NATO or in the EU. Where Europeans and North Americans wish to act together in a military response to a crisis, NATO will remain the most likely framework. Where NATO as a whole is not engaged, the EU might launch an operation. In such a case the EU would expect to have recourse to NATO assets and capabilities, if necessary, as proposed by NATO at its Washington Summit in April 1999.

  The availability of a full range of possible responses from the EU and NATO acting in cooperation, as envisaged under the current proposals, should improve our ability both to deter and resolve crises.

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence under what circumstances he considers that the NATO structure would be unsuitable for crisis management. [139955]

  Mr. Hoon
  NATO has the capacity to conduct a wide range of crisis management operations and would be the natural choice of organisation where Europeans and North 428W
  Americans wished to act together. The decision whether or not to use NATO structures for a particular operation would be taken by NATO members in the light of circumstances.

  Fleet Air Arm Sea Harrier
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Fleet Air Arm Sea Harriers are potentially fully operational; and how many Fleet Air Arm Sea Harrier pilots are combat ready. [140126]

  Mr. Spellar
  The requirement for Sea Harrier operational aircraft is 24 aircraft. As of 20 November 2000, all 24 aircraft were available at the required readiness including 14 in front-line squadrons as planned. On the same date, there were 18 combat ready Fleet Air Arm Harrier pilots in front-line squadrons as planned. A further 13 pilots were at planned lower states of readiness.

  Fleet Air Arm Pilots
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the countries under consideration for a possible training role for Fleet Air Arm pilots operating from full-size aircraft carriers in future. [140130]

  Mr. Spellar
  There are no countries under consideration for training of Fleet Air Arm pilots to operate from full size aircraft carriers.

  Cluster Munitions
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the failure rate was of BL755 cluster munitions deployed in the Falklands conflict. [139764]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 24 November 2000]: British forces dropped a total of 107 BL755 cluster bombs during the course of the Falklands conflict. A further four failed to release. The Department does not hold records of the rate of failure of individual bomblets.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of cluster bombs against modern main battle tanks. [139766]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 24 November 2000]: While the cluster bombs currently in service with the RAF have limited effectiveness against modern main battle tanks, they do remain effective against lighter armoured vehicles, soft skinned vehicles, artillery and mortar positions, surface to air missile sites and area targets such as fuel or logistics storage depots. We are taking steps to enhance our air launched anti-tank capability with the introduction of Maverick precision guided missiles in early 2001 and Brimstone in 2002.

  Technology Readiness and Risk Assessment
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made on the UK Technology Readiness and Risk Assessment programme; and if he will make a statement. [140018]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 24 November 2000]: The Technology Readiness and Risk Assessment Programme (TRRAP) is examining the characteristics of ballistic missiles, the performance of radars and other sensors, the guidance of interceptors and their potential for defeating

  429W
  ballistic missile warheads. Good progress is being made and the study is now expected to complete in the autumn of 2001.

  Joint Strike Fighter
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with what weapons the UK version of the Joint Strike Fighter will be armed; and if he will make a statement. [140015]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 24 November 2000]: The UK is participating in the Concept Demonstration Phase of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) programme which has recently seen the successful first flights of demonstrator aircraft from both competing prime contractors. While JSF remains a strong contender to meet our requirement for a Future Carrier Borne Aircraft, no decision has yet been taken on its procurement. The Government are now considering whether to continue as a full collaborative partner in the next phase of the programme, Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD). The aircraft will allow for the internal and external carriage of a range of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons, including those meeting UK-specific requirements. Further progress in this area will depend upon our continued participation in the programme.

  Defence Attachés
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the overall(a) salary and (b) associated costs were of defence attachés in the latest year for which figures are available. [140453]

  Mr. Spellar
  The overall salary cost of officers deployed as attachés in 1999–2000 was £10.2 million and the associated cost was £13.7 million.

  Training (Foreign Armed Forces)
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give a breakdown of the(a) income and (b) expenditure derived from UK training of personnel from foreign armed forces in each of the last three years. [140461]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 14 November 2000,Official Report, column 576W, to my hon. Friend the Member for South Derbyshire (Mr. Todd). The amount of receipts recovered for the provision of education and training in general for the last three years are as set out.

  Year

  Million

  1997–98

  62

  1998–99

  51

  1999–2000

  58

  MOD Police (RAF Innsworth)
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he had with(a) staff at RAF Innsworth and (b) Gloucestershire constabulary, before deciding to reduce the number of his Department's police at RAF Innsworth; and if he will make a statement. [140025]
  430W
  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 24 November 2000]: The proposal to reduce the Ministry of Defence Police complement at RAF Innsworth was discussed with the Gloucestershire Constabulary as part of my Department's assessment of the policing needs at that location. There have been no direct discussions with the staff of RAF Innsworth but the Defence Police Federation has been fully involved in the consultation process.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Benefit Fraud Inspectorate
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people worked for the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate in each of the last three years. [139008]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI) was launched in November 1997. The numbers of staff in post, at the end of each financial year since then, are as follows:

  Year

  Number

  1997–98

  86

  1998–99

  133

  1999–2000

  147

  Minimum Income Guarantee
  Mr. Roy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners in each parliamentary constituency are eligible for the Minimum Income Guarantee; and if he will make a statement. [139103]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is not available.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 20 November 2000,Official Report, column 69W, concerning the Minimum Income Guarantee, when he expects to announce his conclusions. [140003]

  Mr. Rooker
  Administration issues will be considered as part of our detailed programme to take forward the Pension Credit. Any announcements will be made in the normal manner.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much has been spent by his Department on promoting applications for the Minimum Income Guarantee. [139990]

  Mr. Rooker
  The TV campaign to encourage pensioners to claim the Minimum Income Guarantee and to promote the new Minimum Income Guarantee teleclaims centre will cost around £4 million.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what his estimate is of the number of pensioners who are eligible to apply for the Minimum Income Guarantee. [139976]

  Mr. Rooker
  I refer my hon. Friend to the written answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, South (Mr. Griffiths) on 13 November 2000,Official Report, column 519W.
  431W
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the latest available figures on(a) the number of applications for Minimum Income Guarantee, (b) the number of applications rejected, (c) the number of applications accepted and (d) the average amount awarded in applications accepted. [139984]

  Mr. Rooker
  The effect of the Minimum Income Guarantee take up campaign will not be known until it comes to a conclusion. We will provide further details of the campaign in due course.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if pensioners were involved in designing the claim form for the Minimum Income Guarantee. [140421]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Minimum Income Guarantee claim form, SP1, has evolved from a series of postal claim forms introduced in the early 1980s. Pensioners have expressed their views on this form to Ministers on several occasions during the eleven "Listening to Older People" events last year and this has prompted us to look at the design again. We will ensure that pensioners will be fully involved in the design of future forms.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the annual cost of administration of applications for Minimum Income Guarantee. [139991]

  Mr. Rooker
  The total estimated expenditure on administration costs for the Minimum Income Guarantee for 2000–01 is around £250 million. An estimated 2 million pensioners are gaining on average £40.17 per week.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 2 November 2000,Official Report, column 572W, on the relationship between pensioners' incomes and the Minimum Income Guarantee, if he will update the table assuming a MIG level of £90 for single pensioners and £135 for married couples and to include pensioners with savings between £20,000 and £25,000. [137608]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 9 November 2000]: The information is in the table. On the basis that next year pensioners with savings of up to £12,000 will be eligible for the Minimum Income Guarantee, and cases with up to £30 above the Minimum Income Guarantee were nearly all negligible, I have confined the answer to pensioners with less than £12,000 savings for ease of comparison.

  The distribution of pensioners' incomes below and above the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG), 2001–02 rates

  Thousand

  Savings (£)

  Income for MIG calculation

  0

  0–3,000

  3,000–8,000

  8,000–12,000

  Below MIG

  900

  550

  200

  50

  £0£10

  150

  150

  50

  —

  £10£20

  100

  100

  50

  —

  £20£30

  100

  100

  50

  —

  £30 and above

  550

  850

  650

  350

  Total

  1,850

  1,800

  1,050

  450

  Notes

  1. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 50,000 cases. No figure is shown where the underlying case load is less than 25,000. Totals may not tally due to rounding.

  432W

  2. The proposed MIG rates for 2001–02 of £92.15 for single pensioners and £140.55 for couples, detailed in the pre-Budget Report have been used. The figures have been calculated using the Policy Simulation Model for Income Related Benefits. This models the benefits system in 2001–02 and is based on data from the Family Resources Survey (FRS) for 1997–98, uprated to 2000–01 prices.

  3. Figures exclude Residential Care or Nursing Home cases.

  4. These figures are not calibrated to administrative records of capital levels and as with all survey data may be subject to survey errors.

  5. Figures exclude Entitled Non Recipients.

  6. Income is defined according to the amount used for the calculation of a benefit award and therefore may differ from actual pensioner income.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps the Government are taking to ensure an increase in the take up of pensioner benefits. [140523]

  Mr. Rooker
  We are examining a numbers of measures, which will reduce the complexity of the current system and encourage pensioners to claim their correct entitlement. As a first step we have launched an intensive national campaign to increase take-up of the minimum income guarantee.

  The campaign started on 30 May and includes: data matched screening to identify those pensioners most likely to be entitled and using this information writing to over two million pensioners to encourage a claim; a national high profile TV advertising campaign headed by Dame Thora Hird and, as a focal point for the programme, a national minimum income guarantee Teleclaims centre allowing pensioners to make a claim without leaving their home.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will provide the evidence to support the statement on page 11 of the pension credit consultation paper (Cm 4900) that early results from the Minimum Income Guarantee take-up campaign suggest there will be 100,000 successful new claims. [139119]

  Mr. Rooker
  The effect of the Minimum Income Guarantee take up campaign will not be known until it comes to a conclusion. We will provide further details of the campaign in due course.

  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners have applied(a) successfully and (b) unsuccessfully for the Minimum Income G0uarantee, expressed as a percentage of (i) the total numbers and (ii) each benefit area.[137771]

  Mr. Rooker
  The effect of the Minimum Income Guarantee take up campaign will not be known until it comes to a conclusion. We will provide further details of the campaign in due course.

  State Pension
  Sir Peter Emery
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many women are aged 60 and over; and what percentage of them are in receipt of the full basic State Pension of £67.50 per week. [139841]

  Mr. Rooker
  There are 6,739,000 women aged 60 and over, 49 per cent. of which receive a full category A State Pension.

  Notes:

  1. Figures for the percentage receiving State pension are based on a 5 per cent. sample and are therefore subject to a degree of sampling error.

  433W

  2. Percentages are calculated using the ONS mid-term 1999 population estimates for the relevant gender and age band.

  3. Figures for population are rounded to the nearest thousand and those for Retirement Pension are rounded to the nearest hundred.

  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what will be the effective marginal rate of deduction from the 2001–02 increase in the basic State Pension for those recipients who receive(a) Housing Benefit, (b) Council Tax Benefit and (c) (a) and (b) together. [139845]

  Mr. Rooker
  Pensioners in receipt of income-related benefits will gain fully from the increase in the basic State Pension, as these benefits will be increased by the same amount as the minimum income guarantee.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent discussions his Department has held with pensioner organisations concerning the level of the State Pension; and if he will place a record of the proceedings of such meetings in the Library. [139985]

  Mr. Rooker
  Throughout this Parliament we have held discussions with pensioner organisations. Discussions cover the range of issues of interest to pensioners. We do not publish details of private meetings.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Truro and St. Austell (Mr. Taylor) on 21 November 2000,Official Report, column 145W, on the state pension, on what levels of basic State Pension for a single person over each of the next four years he based the expenditure projections. [140377]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is in the table.

  Assumed rates of the basic State Pension for a single person for the next four years

  Year

  Rate of BSP (£)

  2000–01

  67.50

  2001–02

  72.50

  2002–03

  75.50

  2003–04

  77.55

  Notes:

  1. Rates relate to a full Category A basic state pension.

  2. Rate in 2003–04 is based on Treasury assumptions about the level of the Retail Price Index.

  Thousand

  Population figures

  Men aged 65 and over

  Women aged 60 and over

  Men with full basic pension in their own right1

  Percentage of the male retired population

  Women with full basic pension in their own right1

  Percentage of the female retired population

  March

  1992

  3,584.1

  6,795.4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1993

  3,608.7

  6,782.7

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1994

  3,626.8

  6,757.2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1995

  3,656.3

  6,748.2

  3,141.6

  86

  1,713.3

  25

  1996

  3,683.5

  6,736.0

  3,202.2

  87

  1,742.8

  26

  1997

  3,710.2

  6,728.3

  3,265.6

  88

  1,775.7

  26

  1998

  3,735.8

  6,737.6

  3,324.6

  89

  1,819.2

  27

  1999

  3,757.0

  6,739.0

  3,368.1

  90

  1,842.2

  27

  2000

  3,757.0

  6,739.0

  3,420.0

  91

  1,882.6

  28

  1Figures include Category A and AB

  434W
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will uprate the State Pension of expatriate residents of Canada who have contributed for more than 40 post-war years. [140000]

  Mr. Rooker
  Our priority is to focus the resources available on pensioners in the UK, especially those who are in greatest need. There are no plans to unfreeze the pensions in countries where upratings are not payable.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what consultations he proposes to have before announcing the State Pension level for future years. [139987]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Department receives a number of representations on benefit levels, including the level of State Pension, on a regular basis.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for what reasons expenditure on the basic pension in his reply to the hon. Member for Truro and St Austell (Mr. Taylor) on 21 November 2000,Official Report, column 145W, differs from the estimates in Table A6.1 of the Government Actuary's report (Cm 5920). [140557]

  Mr. Rooker
  The principal differences are that the estimates given in my written answer on 21 November to the hon. Member for Truro and St Austell (Mr. Taylor) include forecasts of graduated Retirement Pension whereas the estimates in the Government Actuary's report exclude graduated Retirement Pension.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the net change in the value of the National Insurance Fund for the year 2001–02 would be resulting from an increase in the basic pension of £2 per week for a single pensioner and £3.20 for a couple and an increase in employers' contributions of 0.3 per cent. of earnings. [140472]

  Mr. Rooker
  None.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate for each year since 1992 the proportion of retired men and women who(a) possess an entitlement to a full basic State Pension in their own right, (b) possess an entitlement to a reduced basic State Pension in their own right, (c) are dependent on their partner for entitlement and (d) have no entitlement. [140539]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is in the tables.
  435W

  Men with reduced basic pension in their own right1

  Percentage of the male retired population

  Women with reduced basic person in their own right1

  Percentage of the female retired population

  March

  1992

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1993

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1994

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1995

  191.8

  5

  732.7

  11

  1996

  210.5

  6

  760.0

  11

  1997

  232.3

  6

  792.8

  12

  1998

  255.8

  7

  832.8

  12

  1999

  281.9

  8

  881.5

  13

  2000

  299.3

  8

  922.3

  14

  1Figures include Category A, AB, C and D

  Men dependent on their partner for entitlement 1

  Percentage of the male retired population

  Women dependent on their partner for entitlement 1

  Percentage of the female retired population

  March

  1992

  0.4

  0

  3,836.5

  56

  1993

  0.5

  0

  3,804.1

  56

  1994

  0.6

  0

  3.454.6

  51

  1995

  0.4

  0

  3,711.8

  55

  1996

  0.4

  0

  3,617.3

  54

  1997

  0.4

  0

  3,590.8

  53

  1998

  0.4

  0

  3,562.5

  53

  1999

  0.4

  0

  3,519.6

  52

  2000

  0.6

  0

  3,465.4

  51

  1 Figures include Category B, ABL and BL

  Men with no entitlement to basic pension

  Percentage of the male retired population

  Women with no entitlement to basic pension

  Percentage of the female retired population

  March

  1992

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1993

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1994

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1995

  322.9

  9

  590.4

  9

  1996

  270.8

  7

  616.0

  9

  1997

  212.3

  6

  569.1

  8

  1998

  155.4

  4

  523.1

  8

  1999

  107.1

  3

  495.7

  7

  2000

  37.7

  1

  468.7

  7

  Note:

  Figures are in thousands and are rounded to the nearest hundred

  Source:

  Population figures are from the Office for National Statistics mid-term estimates for Great Britain.

  Retirement Pension figures are a 5 per cent. sample from the Pension Strategy Computer System for Great Britain at 31 March for each year quoted.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he is reviewing the measures of inflation used for uprating the basic pension and other benefits. [139121]

  Mr. Rooker
  A wide range of factors are taken into account, including the Retail Prices and Rossi Indices when considering the annual uprating of benefits.

  Pensioner Support
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the total expenditure on pensioner support in each year since 1996–97, with an estimate for 436W
  2000–01 and 2001–02 on the basis of proposals in the pre-Budget report, with a breakdown in (a) cash and (b) annual percentage share terms for (i) universal contribution based, (ii) universal but not based on contribution eligibility, (iii) income-related contribution and (iv) income-related but not based on contribution eligibility benefits. [140536]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is in the table.

  £ million

  Percentage

  All benefits for the elderly

  1996–97

  40,808

  100.0

  1997–98

  42,577

  100.0

  1998–99

  44,502

  100.0

  1999–2000

  47,774

  100.0

  2000–01

  50,428

  100.0

  2001–02

  54,171

  100.0

  Contributory benefits

  1996–97

  32,106

  78.7

  1997–98

  33,664

  79.1

  1998–99

  35,684

  80.2

  1999–2000

  37,832

  79.2

  2000–01

  38,851

  77.0

  2001–02

  42,074

  77.7

  Non-contributory benefits

  1996–97

  45

  0.1

  1997–98

  236

  0.6

  1998–99

  239

  0.5

  1999–2000

  946

  2.0

  2000–01

  2,091

  4.2

  2001–02

  1,679

  3.1

  Income-related contributory benefits

  1996–97

  None

  —

  1997–98

  None

  —

  1998–99

  None

  —

  1999–2000

  None

  —

  2000–01

  None

  —

  2001–02

  None

  —

  Income related non-contributory benefits

  1996–97

  8,657

  21.2

  1997–98

  8,678

  20.4

  1998–99

  8,579

  19.3

  1999–2000

  8,996

  18.8

  2000–01

  9,486

  18.8

  2001–02

  10,417

  19.2

  Notes:

  1. Totals may appear not to sum due to rounding.

  2. Information is consistent with pre-Budget Report Cm4917 and with Table 3 of the Social Security Departmental Report 2000, Cm 4614.

  3. The benefits included in each category above are:

  Contributory benefits: Retirement Pension (basic and earnings related) and Christmas Bonus for elderly recipients of contributory benefits.

  Non-Contributory Benefits: Non-contributory Retirement Pension, Winter Fuel Payments, Concessionary TV licences and Christmas Bonus for recipients of qualifying non-contributory benefits.

  Income-related contributory benefits: None

  Income-related non-contributory benefits: Income Support/ Minimum Income Guarantee, Social Fund, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit

  Pension Credit
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish in the Official Report a table

  437W
  corresponding to the table on page 30 of the consultation paper on the pension credit, showing the guaranteed (a) income top-up, (b) savings credit and (c) post-credit income for a person whose original income includes a basic pension at half the full rate.[140558]

  Mr. Rooker
  Under our proposals for the Pension Credit, single pensioners with incomes of between £77 and £135 a week will be rewarded. Income from a combination of different sources, including varying rates of the basic State Pension, will be aggregated when assessing entitlement to the Pension Credit.

  Free Television Licence
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the (i) cost and (ii) number of beneficiaries of extending the free television licence scheme to all households without a resident aged 75 years or over but with a resident in receipt of(a) invalid care allowance, (b) the higher rate care component of disability living allowance, (c) the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance, (d) the higher rate care and/or the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance, (e) invalid care allowance and/or the higher rate care component of disability living allowance and (f) invalid care allowance and/or the higher rate care and/or higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance. [140290]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is in the table.

  Cost(£ million)

  Beneficiaries

  Invalid Care Allowance (ICA)

  30

  350,000

  Higher Rate Care (HRC) component

  40

  400,000

  Higher Rate Mobility (HRM) component

  130

  1,250,000

  Higher Rate Care and/or Higher Rate Mobility

  140

  1.400,000

  ICA and or Higher Rate Care

  70

  650,000

  ICA and/or HRC and/or HRM

  160

  1,600,000

  Notes:

  1. Based on Disability Living Allowance administrative data May 2000 and Family Resources Survey data.

  2. Cost rounded to the nearest 10 million, gainers to the nearest 50,000.

  Winter Fuel Payment
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the (i) cost and (ii) number of beneficiaries of extending the winter fuel payment scheme to all households without a resident aged 60 years or over but with a resident in receipt of(a) the higher rate care component of disability living allowance, (b) the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance,(c) the higher rate care and the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance, (d) the higher or medium rate of disability living allowance care component and (e) any form of disability living allowance. [140289]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is as follows.

  The estimates cost, and number of households to benefit if the winter fuel payment scheme was extended to all households without a resident aged 60 years or over but with a resident in receipt of the following benefits:
  438W

  Cost (£ million)

  Households benefiting

  Higher Rate Care component

  50

  250,000

  Higher Rate Mobility component

  130

  650,000

  Higher Rate Care and Mobility component

  30

  150,000

  Higher Rate or Middle Rate Care component

  130

  650,000

  Any Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

  240

  1,200,000

  Notes:

  1. Based on DLA administrative data, May 2000 and Family Resources Survey data.

  2. Cost rounded to the nearest ten million, gainers to the nearest fifty thousand.

  3. Winter Fuel Payment is considered to be paid at £200 for gaining households.

  Mr. Roy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners in each parliamentary constituency are entitled to receive the winter fuel payment this year; and what the total amount paid out in each constituency will be. [139101]

  Mr. Rooker
  Information based on payments made so far this winter has been placed in the Library.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the (i) cost and (ii) number of beneficiaries of extending the Winter Fuel Payment scheme to all households without a resident aged 60 years or over but with a resident in receipt of Invalid Care Allowance and(a) the higher rate care component of Disability Living Allowance, (b) the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, (c) the higher rate care and/or the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, (d) the higher or medium rate of Disability Living Allowance care component and (e) any form of Disability Living Allowance. [140291]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is as follows.

  Estimated cost, and numbers of households to benefit if the Winter Fuel Payment (WFP) scheme was extended to all households without a resident aged 60 or over, but with a resident in receipt of Invalid Care Allowance and a resident in receipt of one of the following benefits:

  Cost £ million

  Households benefiting

  Higher Rate Care component

  20

  100,000

  Higher Rate Mobility component

  20

  100,000

  Higher Rate Care and/or Mobility component

  20

  100,000

  Higher Rate Care or Middle Rate Care component

  30

  150,000

  Any Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

  30

  150,000

  Notes:

  1. Based on DLA administrative data May 2000 and Family Resources Survey data.

  2. Cost rounded to the nearest 10 million, gainers to the nearest 50,000.

  3. WFP is considered to be paid at £200 for gaining households.

  Mobility Allowance
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will uprate Mobility Allowance to match recent increases in the cost of petrol. [140288]

  Mr. Bayley
  The mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, which replaced mobility allowance in 1992, is uprated annually by the rate of inflation as measured by the movement in the retail prices index. The
  439W
  basket of goods used to calculate the retail prices index includes the cost of petrol, as well as the cost of taxi fares and other motoring costs. More generally, Disability Living Allowance is intended to act as a contribution to the extra costs associated with disability; it is not intended to underwrite specific costs, and it is up to the individual to decide how to use the money.

  Occupational Pension Income
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the size of the average occupational pension income for each income decile of retired people(a) in total and (b) for men and women separately. [140538]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information requested is not readily available in decile bands.

  Council Tax Benefit
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many, and what percentage of properties, which are subject to Council Tax Benefit restrictions, are(a) owner-occupied and (b) rented in (i) London and (ii) England. [138633]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is in the table.

  Council Tax Benefit recipients subject to council tax band restrictions split by owner occupied and rented—May 1999

  Owner occupied

  Rented

  Total restricted

  Number

  Percentage

  Number

  Percentage

  England

  18,000

  13,000

  74

  5,000

  26

  London

  7,000

  4,000

  61

  3,000

  39

  Notes:

  I. 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 and the percentage rounded to the nearest whole number.

  3. The data relating to Owner Occupiers will include cases where the Local Authorities have been unable to identify the correct tenancy as it has not been reported, Council Tax Benefit is in payment and there is no Housing Benefit entitlement shown.

  Source:

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

  POWs (Compensation)
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when compensation payments will be paid out to those eligible under the scheme for former POWs and their spouses held by the Japanese. [138577]

  Mr. Bayley
  We intend to make these ex-gratia payments as quickly as possible but we do not expect to have everything in place before February. There are good reasons for this. First, the regulations needed to ensure that the ex-gratia payments are disregarded in relation to entitlement to income-related benefits cannot be in place until 1 February, and we want to be absolutely sure that there is no risk of anyone being disadvantaged in the few weeks prior to that date. Second, we need time to set up the payment systems.

  Departmental Employees (HIV)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security 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. [137794]

  Mr. Rooker
  This Department is committed to employing a diverse work force and values the contribution of all employees irrespective of their background or personal circumstances. The Department does not discriminate on the ground of HIV positivity and this is reflected in current employment policies.

  Pensioner Income
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security by how much in total pensioners' income will have risen between May 1997 and April 2001 as a result of Government measures; and what this figure would have been if basic pensions had been linked to the rise in average earnings over the same period. [140240]

  Mr. Rooker
  The average pensioner household will have seen their net income rise by £9.10 a week over and above inflation by April 2001 thanks to the measures introduced since 1997 (Minimum Income Guarantee, Winter Fuel payments and the real rise in the Basic State Pension). If we include the effects of tax changes over the same period the average pensioner household will have seen their net income rise £10.90 per week.

  By way of comparison the average pensioner household would have seen their net income rise by only £3.10 above inflation if pensions had been linked to earnings since 1997, and £4.90 if the effects of tax changes were included. In addition many pensioner households also gain £2 a week from free TV Licences for the over 75s.

  Children (Workless Households)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of children(a) live in workless households and (b) lived in workless households in each of the last five years. [140213]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is in the table.

  Proportion of children living in workless households (UK)

  Year

  Percentage

  1995

  19.4

  1996

  19.4

  1997

  17.9

  1998

  17.9

  1999

  17.3

  2000

  15.8

  Note:

  The figures show the percentage of children aged under 16 living in a working-age household where no adult works.

  Source:

  Labour Force Survey, Spring Quarters.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Child Abuse
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what additional resources he proposes
  441W
  to make available to (a) the police and (b) child protection agencies to combat and investigate child abuse; and if he will make a statement. [138763]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Vigorous action against child abuse is very important. However, it is for individual chief police officers to determine how best to allocate their resources in the light of their respective priorities. Although we have not made resources available to forces specifically to combat and investigate child abuse, the recent spending review has resulted in a significant boost in spending on the police generally. By 2003–04 total provision for the police will have risen by almost £1.6 billion against provision for this year.

  We have not yet allocated any additional resources to child protection agencies but are currently considering representations from one agency on this matter.

  Drugs Related Crime
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of property crime in the United Kingdom has been committed by(a) heroin users, (b) tranquilliser users and (c) cannabis users in each of the last 10 years. [140378]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Figures are not collected centrally on the extent to which property crime in the United Kingdom is committed by different types of drug user. However, the Home Office's programme of interviewing and drug testing arrestees provides some insight into this issue. The latest findings report on research undertaken at four sites (in London, Liverpool, Nottingham and Sunderland).

  Over two-thirds of arrestees (69 per cent.) tested positively for at least one drug (excluding alcohol). Arrestees were asked if they had committed any property crimes over the last 12 months. Half of all arrestees admitted to at least one such crime. However, the likelihood of committing property crime rose for those arrestees who stated they were using cocaine/crack (53 per cent.); heroin (61 per cent.); or heroin together with cocaine/crack (87 per cent.).

  The links between drug use and crime are outlined in the report from which these figures are drawn (Home Office Research Study 205, Drugs and Crime: The results of the second developmental stage of the NEW-ADAM programme). Copies of this publication are available from the Library.

  Police Cadet Training (Hendon)
  Mr. John Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cadet police officers commenced basic training at Hendon in 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999; and what number are planned to do so in 2000. [139907]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that the number of officers who commenced basic training at Hendon in the years requested was as follows:

  Year

  Number

  1996

  1,065

  1997

  1,012

  442W

  Year

  Number

  1998

  1,046

  1999

  1,131

  Since January 2000, 835 recruits have commenced training at Hendon and a further 150 are expected to commence in December. Should these estimated figures be achieved the total for the year will be 985.

  The Metropolitan Police Cadet Scheme ceased in June 1993.

  Sexual Assaults (Minicabs)
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many reported sexual assaults occurred in minicabs in(a) London and (b) the rest of England in each of the last five years. [139994]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Charities and Voluntary Organisations
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many charities and voluntary organisations there are in England and Wales; and how many people are(a) employed by and (b) contribute financially to these bodies. [139492]

  Mr. Boateng
  Over 185,000 charities in England and Wales are registered with the Charity Commission. It is estimated that there are between 80,000 and 100,000 other charities which are excepted or exempt from registration, such as churches, schools and museums. There is no reliable information on the number of voluntary and community organisations which are not registered charities—estimates vary up to 500,000.

  The other information requested is not recorded centrally.

  Rikki Reel
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost to date is of the inquiry by Bedfordshire police into the Metropolitan Police Service's investigation of the death of Rikki Reel; when the inquiry will be completed; and if the report will be made available to the Reel family. [139759]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Bedfordshire police are conducting their inquiry on behalf of the Metropolitan Police Service, under the supervision of the Police Complaints Authority. The rechargeable cost of the Bedfordshire police inquiry up to the end of October is £12,500; salary costs are not rechargeable. Bedfordshire police expect that their inquiry will be concluded by the end of the calendar year. The decision to disclose the inquiry's findings will rest with the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.

  Criminal Record Checks
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the (1) annual cost of administering the Criminal Record Bureau checks for volunteers; [139687]
  443W
  (2) annual cost of providing criminal record checks for volunteers; [139685]

  (3) annual income derived from charging voluntary organisations for criminal record checks. [139686]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Work is continuing to estimate both the likely volume of demand for checks from the voluntary sector and from other sectors wishing to make use of the services to be offered by the Criminal Records Bureau, and the costs of the Bureau and of others, such as the police, who will contribute to providing these services. These factors will need to be taken into account in setting the fees to be charged by the Bureau. The fees will be kept to the minimum necessary to recoup costs.

  Licensing Hours
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures the Government are taking to ensure the maintenance of law and order in areas in which there are extended licensing hours. [139650]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  It is generally a requirement in law, and is in any case the normal court practice, to consider any objections made by the police with regard to the prevention of crime and disorder before licensing justices and magistrates courts grant permission for any licensed premises or registered members' clubs to open beyond normal permitted hours.

  Reducing alcohol-related crime and disorder is a key consideration in the proposals for modernising the licensing laws in England and Wales set out in the White Paper "Time for Reform" (Cm 4696). In addition, we set out a major programme to tackle alcohol-related crime and disorder in the Home Office action plan on alcohol-related crime, launched on 3 August. The plan promotes action against underage drinking, public drunkenness and alcohol-related violence, to address the crime and other anti-social behaviour that is often associated with alcohol abuse.

  Ms Ward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received regarding the review of licensing hours for 31 December. [139452]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  A consultation paper setting out our proposal to amend the Licensing Act 1964 to allow on-licensed premises and registered members' clubs to sell alcohol throughout the night on each New Year's Eve was published on 9 November 1998. It also sought views on a more modest proposal to relax the hours by extending them by five hours. The consultation ended on 12 February 1999. There were 313 responses to the consultation paper:75 supported all night relaxation every New Year's Eve (mainly licensed trade and local authorities);
  115 supported all-night relaxation for Millennium Eve but did not offer a view on subsequent New Year's Eves (mainly members of the Campaign for Real Ale);
  21 supported a five-hour relaxation for every New Year's Eve (mainly local authorities);
  Seven supported longer hours but expressed no preference over how long;
  33 supported longer hours, but only for Millennium Eve (mainly police, courts and local authorities);
  49 opposed both options (mainly residents' associations and local authorities);
  Eight opposed both options for Millennium Eve but did not offer a view on subsequent New Year's Eves; and
  Five expressed no clear view.
  444W
  After considering a report of the House of Lords Delegated Powers and Deregulation Committee on these proposals, the Government decided to restrict the relaxation of hours under the Deregulation (Millennium Licensing) Order 1999 to the Eve of the Millennium only, with a view to bringing forward a further deregulation proposal in respect of future New Year's Eve, if the Order proved successful. It was subsequently not possible to bring forward a further proposal in respect of New Year's Eve this year for the reasons I set out in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Harwich (Mr. Henderson) on 26 October 2000, Official Report, columns 204–05W.

  Since Millennium Eve, I have received regular representations from the hospitality and leisure industry supporting the relaxation of licensing hours generally and on New Year's Eves; and from the Association of Chief Police Officers who consider that the Millennium celebrations were unique and atypical, and that a further test of relaxed hours is required at a normal New Year's Eve before decisions are made concerning others in the future.

  Alcohol (Minors)
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the use of test purchases of alcohol by minors to enable detection and enforcement of licensing laws. [140001]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Because of doubts about the lawfulness of the test purchasing of alcohol by children it has not been widely used. A recent study carried out under the auspices of the Alcohol Education and Research Council showed that children had little difficulty in buying alcohol. A summary of the report of the study was published with the Council's annual report for 1999–2000, a copy of which is in the Library. The researchers concluded from their study that test purchasing would enable more effective enforcement of the minimum age laws. It is the Government's policy, as set out in our White Paper "Time for Reform", to amend licensing law to provide a clear statutory basis for test purchasing.

  Stasi (British Agents)
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if it is his policy to pass files on British Stasi agents to the Crown Prosecution Service for a decision to be taken on whether to prosecute them; [136320]

  (2) when the Security Service made a full examination of the Berlin Stasi archive in relation to British Stasi agents; [136251]

  (3) when the Government first obtained evidence of the existence of reports to the Stasi from a source in Chatham House; [136247]

  (4) what criteria the Government uses in deciding whether (a) to pass files to the Crown Prosecution Service for possible prosecution and (b) to reveal publicly the names of past secret agents of hostile intelligence agencies in peace-time. [136249]

  Mr. Straw
  It has been long-standing Government policy not to comment on the work of the Security Service. I can add nothing to the written answers that I gave the hon.
  445W
  Member about the East German Stasi on 2 November 2000, Official Report, column 610W; 9 November 2000, Official Report, column 398W; and 20 November 2000, Official Report, columns 80–81W.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the number of asylum seekers dispersed from the Dover/Deal/Thanet areas in each month since April 2000.[140103]

  Mrs. Roche
  The information requested is not available.

  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the numbers of asylum seekers granted(a) extended leave to remain and (b) first stage decisions to uphold appeals and grant permanent residency (i) between April 1999 to April 2000 and (ii) since 1 April 2000. [140104]

  Mrs. Roche
  The available information is given in the table.

  The figures for appeals allowed by adjudicators do not necessarily equate to the numbers granted settlement as there are further rights of appeal which may overturn the adjudicator's determination.

  Recognised as a refugee and granted asylum1,2

  Not recognised as a refugee but granted exceptional leave to remain1,2

  Appeals allowed by adjudicators3

  19994

  April

  1,490

  530

  1,440

  May

  3,235

  275

  June

  1,755

  100

  July

  255

  95

  1,495

  August

  170

  125

  September

  200

  145

  October

  215

  250

  655

  November

  180

  270

  December

  125

  95

  20004

  January

  180

  170

  245

  February

  225

  680

  210

  March

  590

  1,225

  150

  April

  2,090

  1,845

  150

  May

  2,015

  1,930

  160

  June

  1,135

  1,455

  235

  July

  710

  980

  170

  August

  575

  925

  220

  September

  375

  495

  340

  October

  645

  285

  435

  1Decisions do not necessarily relate to applications made in the same period and exclude the outcome of appeals or other subsequent decisions.

  2 Based on decisions implemented for in-country cases and on decisions made for port cases until September 2000. Based on decisions made from October 2000 onwards.

  3Based on data from the Refugee Index (April to September 1999) and the Presenting Officers Unit (October 1999 to October 2000). Figures for 1999 are the best available published figures due to poor data quality.

  4Provisional figures.

  Note:

  Figures rounded to the nearest five.

  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish for each of the last 446W
  12 months for which figures are available (a) the number of principal asylum seekers entering the United Kingdom and (b) his estimate of the numbers of individual asylum seekers that this figure represents. [140102]

  Mrs. Roche
  The information requested is given in the table.

  Total applications received1

  Total applications received including dependants2

  19993

  November

  6,420

  8,230

  December

  7,180

  9,205

  20003

  January

  6,110

  7,835

  February

  6,110

  7,835

  March

  6,680

  8,565

  April

  5,890

  7,550

  May

  6,185

  7,930

  June

  5,900

  7,565

  July

  6,255

  8,020

  August

  6,430

  8,245

  September

  6,435

  8,250

  October

  6,970

  8,935

  1Includes principal applicants who apply at port and in-country

  2Estimated figures

  3Provisional figures

  4Figures rounded to the nearest 5

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what the(a) start date and (b) timescale is for the proposed review of the voucher scheme for asylum seekers; [140354]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the changes to be implemented in the review of the voucher scheme for asylum seekers. [140353]

  Mrs. Roche
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer the Home Secretary gave to the hon. Member for Southwark, North and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes) on 26 October 2000,Official Report, column 210W. Work on the review of the operation of the voucher scheme began in October. We are consulting stakeholders and others and we aim to complete the review early next year.

  Prison Health Policy Unit
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many prisons have drawn up health improvement programmes since the setting up of the Prison Health Policy Unit;[139824]

  (2) what progress has been made by the Prison Health Policy Unit on assisting health authorities to identify the health needs of prisoners in their area; and if he will make a statement. [139823]

  Mr. Boateng
  As part of the programme of reform set out in "The Future Organisation of Prison Health Care", each prison and its local health authority is required jointly to review the health needs of the local prison population and to develop joint improvement plans by the end of March 2001. Our assessment is that generally satisfactory progress is being made towards that objective, supported by the Prison Health Task Force and the Prison Health Policy Unit. To date, at least 38 establishments,
  447W
  with their local health authorities, have completed the needs assessment part of the process and are drawing up health improvement plans.

  Search Warrants
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information was served on the justice of the peace who granted the search warrant for the searching of premises occupied by(a) Detective John Redgrave on 3 February 1997 and (b) Michael Charman on 17 July 1998; and if he will make a statement. [140115]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I understand from the Commissioner that the searching of Mr. Redgrave's premises on 3 February 1997 was as a result of a search warrant granted by a justice of the peace. The information presented to the justice of the peace was sufficient for the search warrant to be granted. It would not be appropriate to disclose the detailed information available to the police which was presented to the magistrate to obtain a warrant.

  The premises of Detective Constable Charman to which my hon. Friend refers were in fact those of his girlfriend and they were searched on 16 July. This search was carried out under the powers in section 18 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.

  Operation Nectarine
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he has taken following the judgment given by Judge Harvey Crush at Maidstone Crown court on trials consequent upon Operation Nectarine. [140375]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  This is a matter for the Chief Constable of Kent Constabulary and the Director of Public Prosecutions. However, I understand that, due to concerns about the outcome of this case, they have both instigated internal reviews of the conduct of Operation Nectarine which will establish lessons to be learned and implications in respect of future similar prosecutions.

  Stephen Lawrence
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to act on the recommendation 58 of the report by his honour Judge Macpherson into the death of Stephen Lawrence. [140101]

  Mr. Straw
  In March 1999, I published my Action Plan which set out how the Government proposed to take forward the recommendations of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry.

  Recommendation 58 of the report is about steps which can be taken to ensure that serious complaints against police officers are independently investigated.

  Following recommendations for change by the Home Affairs Committee in 1998, we commissioned a feasibility study by KPMG on the establishment of a more independent complaints system. At the same time but separately, Liberty undertook a study into an Independent Police Complaints Commission. The results of both studies were published for consultation in May 2000. We have now considered the responses to consultation and will announce our conclusions shortly.

  Departmental Employees (HIV)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 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. [137781]

  Mr. Straw
  The published Home Office business plan states that:The Home Office is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all staff, regardless of ethnic origin, religious belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability or any other irrelevant factor.

  In addition, guidance distributed and available to all staff on preventing and tackling harassment and discrimination makes it clear that harassment and discrimination of any kind are unacceptable and that the Department is committed to eliminating these behaviours. The guidance explicitly recognises that real or suspected infection with AIDS/HIV is one of several grounds by which people may be subject to harassment or discrimination, and that such behaviour will be dealt with under the Department's disciplinary code.

  Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) it is unlawful for an employer to treat an employee or applicant with a disability less favourably than others because of that disability. The employer has a duty to make a reasonable adjustment if a disabled applicant or employee is at a substantial disadvantage in relation to others. The duty applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment and selection, training, transfer, career development and retention.

  The DDA definition of disability covers a broad range of people. Special rules apply to people with progressive conditions which are covered by the DDA from the moment any impairment resulting from that condition has some effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. The Act cites HIV infection as an example of a progressive condition.

  Metropolitan Police (Anti-corruption Campaign)
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) serving and (b) ex-police officers have been charged in the last year in connection with the Metropolitan police service's anti-corruption campaign. [139999]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Since November 1999, eight serving police officers have been charged with corruption related offences. Over the same period no ex-police officers have been charged with corruption related offences.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, following the Adjournment debate initiated by the hon. Member for Thurrock, on 31 October 2000,Official Report, columns 192–201WH, he has assessed the evidence provided of corruption and arms dealing with Sierra Leone; and if he will make a statement. [140109]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that all the allegations arising from Operation Nightshade have been fully considered.

  Open Prisons
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 8 November 2000,Official Report, column 255W, on open prisons, how many absconders from open prisons have been caught and re-imprisoned since 1997: how many of these were returned to open prisons; what steps he is taking to reduce the number of absconders; and if he will make a statement. [140347]

  Mr. Boateng
  The number of absconds from open prisons that have been caught and re-imprisoned are given in the table.

  Year

  Absconders

  Recaptures

  1997

  720

  539

  1998

  607

  561

  1999

  570

  459

  20001

  434

  296

  1 Up to 6 November

  The change in the figures given in my answer of 8 November 2000, Official Report, column 255W, for the numbers of absconds is due to additional information being inputted onto the Incident Reporting System.

  The categorisation system seeks to ensure that prisoners who cannot be trusted not to abscond are not placed in open prisons. If, within an open prison, there are indications that a prisoner is going to abscond or abuse the trust placed in him or her, action can be taken to recategorise the prisoner and he or she may be returned to closed conditions. The Governor of each open prison is set a key performance target by his or her Area Manager, requiring absconds to be reduced below a certain level agreed for that prison.

  Those recaptured may be placed in closed or open prisons. A breakdown of the numbers returned to each can be provided only at disproportionate cost. I invite the hon. Member to write to me if he would like advice on a particular case.

  Registered Charities
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what additional Government funding has been made available for registered charities known to be in financial difficulty in the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [139662]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Home Office does not routinely keep records of the levels of all Government funding to charitable organisations.

  The Home Office funds a range of charitable organisations in different contexts. These include, for example, organisations which support voluntary activity and promote race equality. Decisions on which charities to support and to what level are taken on the basis of how their work contributes to the Department's aims and objectives.

  In accordance with Government expenditure rules relating to payments in support of outside organisations, the Home Office applies set criteria for the consideration of all applications for funding. These will include the organisation being able to provide assurances to the department that it is financially viable and has adequate
  450W
  management and financial controls in place to be able to administer the funding successfully and to achieve the objectives for which the funding has been provided.

  Violent and Sexual Offences
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the(a) total and (b) average sum of money paid out in criminal injuries compensation in each police authority area as a result of sexual and physical abuse cases in the last two years.[139140]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [pursuant to the reply, 22 November 2000, c. 213–20W]: The correct figures are given in the table. There was a typographical error in the previous table provided.

  Cases involving physical and sexual abuse 1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999

  Police

  Number of cases

  Total paid(£)

  Average paid(£)

  Avon and Somerset Constabulary

  106

  513,675.00

  4,845.99

  Bedfordshire Police

  35

  133,850.00

  3,824.29

  British Transport Police

  14

  20,980.00

  1,498.57

  Cambridgeshire Constabulary

  65

  235,925.00

  3,629.62

  Central Scotland Police

  24

  97,100.00

  4,045.83

  Cheshire Constabulary

  99

  407,185.00

  4,112.98

  Cleveland Constabulary

  74

  314,675.00

  4,252.36

  Cumbria Constabulary

  34

  94,000.00

  2,764.71

  Derbyshire Constabulary

  85

  329,400.00

  3,875.29

  Devon and cornwall Constabulary

  85

  380,675.00

  4,478.53

  Dorset Police

  44

  156,700.00

  3,561.36

  Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary

  19

  61,000.00

  3,201.53

  Durham Constabulary

  74

  357,100.00

  4,825.68

  Dyfed-Powys Police

  29

  111,250.00

  3,836.21

  Essex Police

  116

  491,634.00

  4,238.22

  Fife Constabulary

  51

  277,425.00

  5,439.71

  Gloucestershire Constabulary

  59

  252,429.00

  4,278.46

  Grampian Police

  42

  168,025.00

  4,000.60

  Greater Manchester Police

  274

  1,106,285.00

  4,037.50

  Gwent Constabulary

  74

  291,300.00

  3,936.49

  Hampshire Constabulary

  178

  862,875.00

  4,847.61

  Hertfordshire Constabulary

  46

  202,425.00

  4,400.54

  Humberside Police

  79

  312,725.00

  3,958.54

  Kent County Constabulary

  159

  826,600.00

  5,198.74

  Lancashire Constabulary

  139

  510,090.00

  3,669.71

  Leicestershire Constabulary

  64

  362,475.00

  5,663.67

  Lincolnshire Police

  54

  246,875.00

  4,571.76

  Lothian and Borders Police

  118

  534,925.00

  4,533.26

  Merseyside Police

  179

  699,325.00

  3,906.84

  Metropolitan Police

  525

  2,555,316.00

  4,867.27

  Norfolk Constabulary

  72

  242,450.00

  3,367.36

  North Wales Police

  108

  431,250.00

  3,993.06

  North Yorkshire Police

  66

  256,125.00

  3,880.68

  Northamptonshire Police

  59

  254,400.00

  4,311.86

  Northern Constabulary

  23

  91,000.00

  3,956.52

  Northumbria Police

  177

  766,332.50

  4,329.56

  Nottinghamshire Constabulary

  126

  571,400.00

  4,534.92

  Port of Liverpool Police

  2

  2,000.00

  1,000.00

  RAF Military Police

  1

  2,000.00

  2,000.00

  South Wales Police

  152

  714,565.00

  4,701.09

  South Yorkshire Police

  128

  552,250.00

  4,314.45

  Staffordshire Police

  68

  282,952.50

  4,161.07

  Strathclyde Police

  214

  804,335.00

  3,758.57

  Suffolk Constabulary

  63

  272,650.00

  4,327.78

  Surrey Constabulary

  46

  213,625.00

  4,644.02

  Sussex Police

  92

  483,618.50

  5,256.72

  Tayside Police

  49

  192,150.00

  3,921.43

  Thames Valley Police

  108

  577,500.00

  5,347.22

  Warwickshire Constabulary

  32

  182,250.00

  5,695.31

  West Mercia Constabulary

  102

  501,925.00

  4,920.83

  West Midlands Police

  180

  848,925.00

  4,716.25

  451W

  Cases involving physical and sexual abuse 1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999

  Police

  Number of cases

  Total paid(£)

  Average paid (£)

  West Yorkshire Police

  251

  1,048,025.00

  4,175.40

  Wiltshire Constabulary

  29

  116.000.00

  4,000.00

  Total

  5,092

  22,321,972.50

  4,383.73

  Cases involving physical and sexual abuse 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000

  Police

  Number of cases

  Total paid(£)

  Average paid(£)

  Avon and Somerset Constabulary

  88

  415,900.00

  4,726.14

  Bedfordshire Police

  31

  194,100.00

  6,261.29

  British Transport Police

  14

  36,500.00

  2,607.14

  Cambridgeshire Constabulary

  62

  216,200.00

  3,487.10

  Central Scotland Police

  21

  90,250.00

  4,297.62

  Cheshire Constabulary

  109

  479,671.50

  4,400.66

  City of London Police

  3

  3,000.00

  1,000.00

  Cleveland Constabulary

  65

  241,358.00

  3,713.20

  Cumbria Constabulary

  40

  183,335.00

  4,583.38

  Derbyshire Constabulary

  113

  414,707.50

  3,669.98

  Devon and Cornwall Constabulary

  152

  748,475.00

  4,924.18

  Dorset Police

  56

  289,812.50

  5,175.22

  Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary

  14

  78,500.00

  5,607.14

  Durham Constabulary

  44

  197,125.00

  4,480.11

  Dyfed-Powys Police

  51

  200,325.00

  3,927.94

  Essex Police

  93

  499,814.00

  5,374.34

  Fife Constabulary

  38

  153,000.00

  4,026.32

  Gloucestershire Constabulary

  32

  158,800.00

  4,962.50

  Grampian Police

  35

  218,000.00

  6,228.57

  Greater Manchester Police

  271

  1,172,740.50

  4,327.46

  Gwent Constabulary

  65

  345,275.00

  5,311.92

  Hampshire Constabulary

  171

  935,400.00

  5,470.18

  Hertfordshire Constabulary

  56

  246,600.00

  4,403.57

  Humberside Police

  78

  329,900.00

  4,229.49

  Kent Country Constabulary

  154

  821,580.00

  5,334.94

  Lancashire Constabulary

  162

  711,082.50

  4,389.40

  Leicestershire Constabulary

  48

  247,275.00

  5,151.56

  Lincolnshire Police

  46

  154,125.00

  3,350.54

  Lothian and Borders Police

  102

  472,675.00

  4,634.07

  Manchester Dock Police

  1

  7,500.00

  7,500.00

  Mersey Tunnels Law Enforcement

  2

  4,000.00

  2,000.00

  Merseyside Police

  135

  565,328.40

  4,187.62

  Metropolitan

  446

  2,320,430.00

  5,202.76

  Ministry of Defence Police

  1

  1,000,00

  1,000,00

  Norfolk Constabulary

  63

  275,350.00

  4,370.63

  North Wales police

  75

  318,500.00

  4,246.67

  North Yorkshire Police

  60

  212,425.00

  3,540.42

  Northamptonshire Police

  37

  197,225.00

  5,330.41

  Northern Constabulary

  14

  73,200.00

  5,228.57

  Northumbria Police

  226

  954,605.00

  4,223.92

  Nottinghamshire Constabulary

  112

  530,962.50

  4,740.74

  Royal Military Police Eastern District

  1

  3,000.00

  3,000.00

  Royal Military Police Southern District

  1

  17,500.00

  7,500.00

  Royal Ulster Constabulary

  2

  17,500.00

  8,750.00

  South Wales Police

  127

  634,350.00

  4,994.88

  South Yorkshire Police

  118

  546,225.00

  4,629.03

  Staffordshire Police

  58

  277,625.00

  4,786.64

  Strathclyde Police

  225

  888,875.00

  3,950.56

  Suffolk Constabulary

  65

  331,125.00

  5,094.23

  Surrey Constabulary

  58

  227,900.00

  3,929.31

  Sussex Police

  72

  359,450.00

  4,992.36

  Tayside Police

  57

  258,450.00

  4,534.21

  Thames Valley Police

  120

  640,225.00

  5,335.21

  The Commissioner of Police

  2

  2,000.00

  1,000.00

  Warwickshire Constabulary

  28

  109,185.00

  3,889.46

  West Mercia Constabulary

  72

  239,525.00

  3,326.74

  West Midlands Police

  210

  895,425.00

  4,263.93

  452W

  Cases involving Physical and sexual abuse 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000

  Police

  Number of Cases

  Total Paid(£)

  Average paid(£)

  West Yorkshire Police

  228

  1,065,575.00

  4,677.96

  Wiltshire Constabulary

  46

  237,400.00

  5,160.87

  Total

  4,876

  22,458,387.40

  4,605.90

  Cases involving physical and sexual abuse 1 April 1998 to 31 March 2000

  police

  Number of Cases

  Total Paid(£)

  Average paid(£)

  Avon and Somerset Constabulary

  194

  929,575.00

  4,791.62

  Bedfordshire Police

  66

  327,950.00

  4,968.94

  British Transport Police

  28

  57,480.00

  2,052.86

  Cambridgeshire Constabulary

  127

  452,125.00

  3,560.04

  Central Scotland Police

  45

  187,350.00

  4,163.33

  Cheshire Constabulary

  208

  886,856.50

  4,263.73

  City of London Police

  3

  3,000.00

  1,000.00

  Cleveland Constabulary

  139

  556,033.00

  4,000.24

  Cumbria Constabulary

  74

  277,335.00

  3,747.77

  Derbyshire Constabulary

  198

  744,107.50

  3758.12

  Devon and cornwall Constabulary

  237

  1,129,150.00

  4,764.35

  Dorset Police

  100

  446,512.50

  4,465.13

  Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary

  33

  139,500.00

  4,227.27

  Durham Constabulary

  118

  554,225.00

  4,696.82

  Dyfed-Powys Police

  80

  311,575.00

  3,894.69

  Essex Police

  209

  991,448.00

  4,743.77

  Fife Constabulary

  89

  430,425.00

  4,836.24

  Gloucestershire Constabulary

  91

  411,229.00

  4,519.00

  Grampian Police

  77

  386,025.00

  5,013.31

  Greater Manchester Police

  545

  2,279,025.50

  4,181.70

  Gwent Constabulary

  139

  636,575.00

  4,579.68

  Hampshire Constabulary

  349

  1,798,275.00

  5,152.65

  Hertfordshire Constabulary

  102

  449,025.00

  4402.21

  Humberside Police

  157

  642,625.00

  4093.15

  Kent County Constabulary

  313

  1,648,180.00

  5,265.75

  Lancashire Constabulary

  301

  1,221,172.50

  4,057.05

  Leicestershire Constabulary

  112

  609,750.00

  5,444.20

  Lincolnshire Police

  100

  401,000.00

  4,010.00

  Lothian and Borders Police

  220

  1,007,600.00

  4,580.00

  Manchester Dock Police

  1

  7,500.00

  7,500.00

  Mersey Tunnels Law Enforcement

  2

  4,000.00

  2,000.00

  Merseyside Police

  314

  1,264,653.40

  4,027.56

  Metropolitan Police

  971

  4,875,746.00

  5,021.37

  Ministry of Defence Police

  1

  1,000.00

  1,000.00

  Norfolk Constabulary

  135

  517,800.00

  3,835.56

  North Wales Police

  183

  749,750.00

  4,096.99

  North Yorkshire Police

  126

  468,550.00

  3,718.65

  Northamptonshire Police

  96

  451,625.00

  4,704.43

  Northern Constabulary

  37

  164,200.00

  4,437.84

  Northumbria Police

  403

  1,720,937.5

  4,270.32

  Nottinghamshire Constabulary

  238

  1,102,362.5

  4,631.78

  Port of Liverpool Police

  2

  2,000.00

  1,000.00

  RAF Military Police

  1

  2,000.00

  2,000.00

  Royal Military Police Eastern District

  1

  3,000.00

  3,000.00

  Royal Military Police Southern District

  1

  7,500.00

  7,500.00

  Royal Ulster Constabulary

  2

  17,500.00

  8,750.00

  South Wales Police

  279

  1,348,915.00

  4,834.82

  South Yorkshire Police

  246

  1,098,475.00

  4,465.35

  Staffordshire Police

  126

  560,577.50

  4,449.03

  Strathclyde Police

  439

  1,693,210.00

  3,856.97

  Suffolk Constabulary

  128

  603,775.00

  4,716.99

  Surrey Constabulary

  104

  441,525.00

  4,245.43

  Sussex Police

  164

  843,068.50

  5,140.66

  Tayside Police

  106

  450,600.00

  4,250.94

  Thames Valley Police

  228

  1,217,725.00

  5,340.90

  The commissioner of Police

  2

  2,000.00

  1,000.00

  Warwickshire Constabulary

  60

  291,435.00

  4,857.25

  453W

  Cases involving physical and sexual abuse 1 April 1998 to 31 March 2000

  Police

  Number of cases

  Total Paid(£)

  Average paid(£)

  West Mercia Constabulary

  174

  741,450.00

  4,261.21

  West Midlands Police

  390

  1,744.350.00

  4,472.69

  West Yorkshire Police

  479

  2,114,600.00

  4,414.61

  Wiltshire Constabulary

  75

  353,400.00

  4,712.00

  Total

  9,968

  44,780,359.90

  4,492.41

  Police Funding
  Mr. Casale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will announce funding allocations to police forces taking up Airwave in 2001–02. [140622]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Earlier this year I announced that the Government were making provision of £500 million over three years to meet the costs of a new police radio service known as "Airwave". All police authorities which have signed their service contracts for the new service will benefit from this funding. This will relieve them of a significant burden that would otherwise have had to be met from their policing budgets.

  Those forces which feature early in the roll-out programme and whose authorities have signed their service contracts will receive the following allocations in 2001–02. The remaining authorities which have signed their service contracts will receive their allocations in the subsequent two years.

  Allocation of airwave grant for 2001–02 (year 1)

  £000

  Force

  Capital

  Revenue

  Lancashire Constabulary

  4,922

  2,557

  Greater Manchester Police (GMP)

  10,259

  5,329

  North Yorkshire Police

  2,109

  1,096

  West Mercia Constabulary

  3,095

  1,608

  Gloucestershire Constabulary

  1,684

  875

  Leicestershire Constabulary

  2,796

  1,453

  Suffolk Constabulary

  1,886

  980

  Devon and Cornwall Constabulary

  4,755

  2,470

  Avon and Somerset Constabulary

  4,597

  2,388

  Derbyshire Constabulary

  2,789

  1,449

  Durham Constabulary

  1—

  1—

  Dorset Police

  1,913

  994

  Humberside Police

  3,101

  1,611

  Northumbria Police

  5,771

  2,998

  Cumbria Constabulary

  1,650

  676

  Wiltshire Constabulary

  1,769

  724

  Cambridgeshire Constabulary

  2,052

  840

  Thames Valley Police

  6,138

  2,514

  Gwent Constabulary

  1,885

  772

  Dyfed-Powys Police

  1,408

  0

  Hertfordshire Constabulary

  3,045

  0

  South Wales Constabulary

  4,432

  0

  Total England and Wales

  70,143

  30,340

  1Contracts not signed

  A further £2.226 million (capital) and £1,156 million (revenue) will be available for distribution in 2001–02 to the other police authority listed once it has signed its service contract.

  Payment to BT for the core service will be made centrally.
  454W
  Mr. Casale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he will take in respect of funding police authorities for the execution of warrants during 2000–01.[140623]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Transfer of responsibility for warrant enforcement, originally planned for 1 October 2000, has been rescheduled for 1 April 2001. I am arranging for the relevant funding, £4.34 million, to be allocated to police authorities according to police grant/Standard Spending Assessments levels for 2000–01.

  The allocations are given in the table.

  £

  Police authority

  Spending assessment

  Avon and Somerset

  104,455

  Bedfordshire

  38,645

  Cambridgeshire

  46,632

  Cheshire

  67,598

  City of London

  32,866

  Cleveland

  51,020

  Cumbria

  37,498

  Derbyshire

  63,384

  Devon & Cornwall

  108,050

  Dorset

  43,462

  Durham

  50,570

  Dyfed-Powys

  31,998

  Essex

  104,553

  Gloucestershire

  38,260

  Greater Manchester

  233,104

  Gwent

  42,826

  Hampshire

  122,464

  Hertfordshire

  69,195

  Humberside

  70,466

  Kent

  115,311

  Lancashire

  111,832

  Leicestershire

  63,541

  Lincolnshire

  39,380

  Merseyside

  145,987

  Metropolitan Police

  924,557

  Norfolk

  52,114

  North Wales

  46,797

  North Yorkshire

  47,933

  Northamptonshire

  40,817

  Northumbria

  131,131

  Nottinghamshire

  77,976

  South Wales

  100,716

  South Yorkshire

  106,677

  Staffordshire

  70,242

  Suffolk

  42,854

  Surrey

  62,768

  Sussex

  103,945

  Thames Valley

  139,461

  Warwickshire

  32,614

  West Mercia

  70,324

  West Midlands

  236,757

  West Yorkshire

  179.031

  Wiltshire

  40,189

  4,340,000

  Mr. Casale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what provision will be made for police recruitment under the Crime Fighting Fund for 2001–02. [140635]

  Mr. Straw
  The total provision for police forces in 2001–02 for officers recruited under the Crime Fighting Fund (CFF) is likely to be £129 million. This includes funding for the continued employment of officers recruited during 2000–01 as well as funding for new recruits in 2001–02.
  455W
  The table provides an indicative breakdown of payments between forces, assuming that all forces recruit their full CFF allocation in 2000–01 and that they also recruit their full CFF allocations in 2001–02.

  Bids from forces to accelerate or to defer CFF allocations between 2000–01 and 2001–02 are presently under consideration. CFF allocations for 2001–02 are therefore provisional and depend upon forces meeting the Continuation Criteria set out in the CFF bidding guide. Decisions on acceleration/deferral and on compliance with the continuation criteria may affect the amounts payable to forces in 2001–02.

  Crime fighting fund provision 2001–02: indicative breakdown by force

  Forces

  CFF year 1 allocation 2000–01

  Continuation cost of year 1 allocation in 2001–021.2(£000)

  CFF year 2 allocation 1 2001–023

  Cost of year 2 recruitment in 2001–022.3(£000)

  Total(£000

  Avon and Somerset

  67

  1,691

  51

  706

  2,397

  Bedfordshire

  28

  707

  31

  424

  1,131

  Cambridgeshire

  37

  934

  23

  296

  1,230

  Cheshire

  47

  1,186

  50

  704

  1,890

  City of London

  8

  253

  15

  222

  475

  Cleveland

  20

  505

  27

  353

  858

  Cumbria

  25

  631

  23

  296

  927

  Derbyshire

  49

  1,237

  55

  742

  1,979

  Devon and Cornwall

  77

  1,943

  79

  1,125

  3,068

  Dorset

  29

  732

  26

  335

  1,067

  Durham

  36

  908

  23

  296

  1,204

  Dyfed-Powys

  25

  631

  38

  515

  1,145

  Essex

  70

  1,766

  62

  851

  2,618

  Gloucestershire

  29

  732

  35

  460

  1,192

  Greater Manchester

  186

  4,694

  201

  2.818

  7,512

  Gwent

  31

  782

  18

  275

  1,058

  Hampshire

  82

  2,069

  77

  1,057

  3,127

  Hertfordshire

  40

  1,009

  30

  422

  1,432

  Humberside

  47

  1,186

  41

  565

  1,751

  Kent

  82

  2,069

  92

  1,274

  3,343

  Lancashire

  75

  1,893

  77

  1,057

  2,950

  Leicestershire

  46

  1,161

  56

  758

  1,918

  Lincolnshire

  29

  732

  18

  275

  1,007

  Merseyside

  105

  2,650

  112

  1,555

  4,205

  Metropolitan4.5

  663

  20,999

  699

  17,094

  38,093

  Norfolk

  35

  883

  47

  635

  1,518

  North Wales

  34

  858

  32

  429

  1,287

  North Yorkshire

  20

  505

  23

  296

  801

  Northamptonshire

  32

  808

  32

  429

  1,236

  Northumbria

  85

  2,145

  87

  1,198

  3,343

  Nottinghamshire

  52

  1,312

  54

  729

  2,041

  South Wales

  59

  1,489

  49

  679

  2,167

  South Yorkshire

  67

  1,691

  61

  847

  2,538

  Staffordshire

  49

  1,237

  51

  706

  1,943

  Suffolk

  31

  782

  21

  284

  1,066

  Surrey

  46

  1,161

  48

  655

  1,816

  Sussex

  69

  1,741

  64

  870

  2,611

  Thames Valley

  111

  2,801

  108

  1,500

  4,301

  Warwickshire

  21

  530

  14

  228

  758

  West Mercia

  50

  1,262

  59

  819

  2,081

  West Midlands

  173

  4,366

  179

  2,509

  6,875

  West Yorkshire

  107

  2,700

  91

  1,269

  3,970

  Wiltshire

  26

  656

  21

  284

  940

  Totals

  3,000

  80,025

  3,000

  48,844

  128,869

  NPT6

  16,100

  Contingencies7

  6,031

  Grand Total

  151,000

  1 Assumes that all forces recruit their full CFF allocation in 2000–01

  2Costs include 3 per cent. increase over 2000–01 provision for pay related costs

  3Assumes that all forces will recruit their full CFF allocations in 2001–02 and that recruitment will be spread evenly over the year

  4The cost of the increase in London Allowance implemented in 2000 for new recruits to the Metropolitan police service (MPS) and City of London police has been included in the calculations for CFF recruits to the MPS and City (including an element for employers NIC)

  5Training costs of £7,000 per officer for new MPS recruits has been included in the calculation for MPS

  6 NPT training costs of £16.1 million are based on a cost of £7k per officer for forces, except the MPS

  7A contingency is required to cover additional costs that may arise, including possible additional costs for CFF recruits from implementation of an Outer London Allowance

  456W
  Payments to forces for individual CFF recruits are made pro rata from the point at which the CFF officers are recruited. Payments due will change to reflect the actual pattern of recruitment, if it is different from the even distribution assumed for the purposes of the table.

  In addition to payments direct to forces, National Police Training (NPT) will receive funding to train new recruits to provincial forces. The total CFF provision also includes a contingency to cover, for example, costs arising from any new allowances that may be introduced which affect CFF recruits.
  457W
  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will announce the allocations of police grant for individual police authorities in England and Wales for 2001–02. [140629]

  Mr. Straw
  I have today put a copy of my proposals for the allocation of police grant for 2001–02 in the Library. I intend to implement these proposals subject to

  2000–01(£ million)

  2001–02(£ million)

  Increase(£ million)

  Percentage increase

  (a) Total Standard Spending

  7,354

  7,732

  377

  5.13

  (b) Special police grants and central support services

  219

  531

  312

  —

  (c) Police Authority capital

  144

  232

  88

  —

  Total

  7,718

  8,495

  777

  10.06

  Note:

  All figures rounded to nearest £ million
  458W
  consideration of any representations I receive about them, and to approval by the House.

  The total provision for policing in 2001–02 is £8,495 million. This is an increase of 10.1 per cent. over the initial provision for this year. I propose to distribute the police settlement as follows.

  (a) Total Standard Spending

  Police funding proposals within the local government finance system are being announced today by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and the Regions and by the National Assembly for Wales. These proposals and mine would provide Total Standard Spending on the police in England and Wales of £7,731.774 million, an increase of around £377.4 million or 5.1 per cent. over the comparable provision for 2000–01.

  The overall increase is 5.1 per cent., but increases for individual police authorities vary. The formula used to determine the distribution of grant/Standard Spending Assessment (SSA) is unchanged for 2001–02. The main reasons for differences between police authorities result from changes in the data applied from one year to the next. These include changes in population, unemployment, projected pensions commitments and the Area Cost Adjustment.

  I propose that the Metropolitan police service should continue to receive additional funding in recognition of its distinct national and capital city functions. It has proved very difficult for the principal formula to take account of these special circumstances. As in previous years, therefore, a special payment of grant will be made to the Metropolitan police service over and above that available through the principal formula. I have set the amount of this special payment at £191 million, which is included in the total provision.

  I am proposing to make special payments of grant to the following police authorities in 2001–02 in recognition of the additional costs which will be incurred as a result of the changes to the Metropolitan police district boundaries as follows:

  £

  Essex

  14,000

  Hertfordshire

  627,000

  Surrey

  1,609,000

  My proposed allocations, compared with those for last year, are given in the table as follows. The table also includes provisional allocations for capital financing SSA and for SSA Protection Grant and Central Support Protection Grant where appropriate.

  (b) Special Police Grants and Central Support Services

  The substantial increase since the last settlement provides the opportunity to develop a number of specific ring fenced initiatives.

  Crime Fighting Fund—(£151 million, of which up to £129 million will be targeted grants) for the estimated cost in 2001–02 of police officers recruited this year and next, over and above forces' existing recruitment plans. The overall cost includes recruitment and training. Targets agreed with each force for recruitment, and performance against them, will be reviewed regularly. Actual payments to police authorities will be based on performance.

  Rural Policing Fund—(£30 million) to help address the particular pressures of policing rural areas. The payment follows an allocation of £15 million made this year. I shall expect police authorities to demonstrate how they have used the added investment to reduce crime and the fear of crime in more rural areas.

  Airwave—(£49 million) for introduction of the public safety radio communication system. The total includes up to £32.488 million grants to police authorities for start-up costs for introduction of Airwave. Grants will be paid to forces taking Airwave in 2001–02. Similar arrangements will apply in future in the year each force joins the system. I shall also provide centrally for payment centrally of the core service charge to the contractor. I envisage that the total provision in the years 2001–02 to 2003–04 (for start up, capital and core costs) will reach £500 million.

  Basic Command Unit Fund—(£5 million) to support and encourage initiatives to prevent crime and the fear of crime at the policing level closest to the general public and to extend inspection to BCU performance. Details of the scheme are being developed.

  DNA Expansion Project—(£63 million) for processing samples, scientific support, training and evidential casework. Work on how most effectively to target this money is in hand.

  National Strategy for Police Information Systems—(£12 million) to support information system developments by forces on behalf of the service.
  459W
  (c) Capital

  I intend to increase the provision of grant and supplementary credit approvals from £144.43 million this year to £157.43 million next year. Allocations will reflect any remaining outstanding undertakings given to support particular capital projects and will otherwise be guided as in previous years by the grant/SSA formula. In addition, capital grants for the introduction of Airwave (up to £75 million) will be made available to those police authorities taking up the service in 2001–02. Grants will be made in future years to those taking up the service subsequently.

  I will inform the House of any significant allocations of grant to police authorities for these initiatives.

  Several projects to be carried forward next year were launched or increased with new money this year, in addition to that in the settlement for 2000–01. The original targets in the Crime Fighting Fund were accelerated (£24 million), the Rural Policing fund was introduced (£15 million), provision was made for special initiatives to counter robbery in metropolitan areas (£20 million) and a central programme of recruitment advertising to support local police authority initiatives was launched (£7 million).

  The settlement continues to take account of my commitment to improve police efficiency. For the third year running, I have set a target of 2 per cent. efficiency gains year on year for the police service from 2001–02. As in previous years, police authorities may invest the savings to help meet front line policing priorities. Police grant allocations for 2002–03 will be considered in the light of police authorities meeting the 2 per cent. efficiency targets. Authorities which fail to achieve the efficiency gain sought may be subject to an appropriate deduction from their resources. I am pleased that performance this year is such that it has not been necessary to apply this sanction to the grant allocations for 2001–02.

  I expect police authorities in England to exercise restraint and sound financial management by setting budgets that are responsible, prudent and reasonable. We shall be monitoring the position very carefully. The National Assembly for Wales is responsible for exercising reserve powers to limit council tax increases in Wales.

  Police authority

  2000–01 allocation1(£ million)

  2001–02 allocation1(£ million)

  Percentage change

  English Shire forces

  Avon and Somerset

  173.7

  181.5

  4.4

  Bedfordshire

  64.1

  68.0

  6.2

  Cambridgeshire

  77.2

  81.3

  5.4

  Cheshire

  111.9

  118.6

  5.9

  Cleveland

  84.7

  88.8

  4.8

  Cumbria

  62.2

  64.8

  4.2

  Derbyshire

  105.4

  111.1

  5.4

  Devon and Cornwall

  178.9

  187.9

  5.0

  Dorset

  72.4

  75.0

  3.7

  Durham

  83.9

  87.5

  4.3

  Essex

  174.8

  185.3

  6.1

  Gloucestershire

  63.5

  67.0

  5.5

  Hampshire

  202.7

  213.9

  5.5

  Hertfordshire

  117.2

  122.9

  4.8

  Humberside

  116.9

  121.1

  3.6

  Kent

  191.2

  204.4

  6.9

  Lancashire

  185.3

  193.0

  4.2

  460W

  Police authority

  2000–01 allocation1(£ million)

  2001–02 allocation1(£ million)

  Percentage change

  Leicestershire

  105.6

  110.8

  4.9

  Lincolnshire

  65.4

  68.6

  4.9

  Norfolk

  86.5

  91.5

  5.8

  North Yorkshire

  79.7

  84.0

  5.4

  Northamptonshire

  67.7

  70.9

  4.8

  Nottinghamshire

  130.0

  136.1

  4.6

  Staffordshire

  116.8

  121.7

  4.2

  Suffolk

  70.9

  75.0

  5.8

  Surrey

  112.8

  111.0

  -1.6

  Sussex

  172.4

  181.8

  5.4

  Thames Valley

  231.7

  245.2

  5.8

  Warwickshrie

  54.3

  57.0

  5.0

  West Mercia

  117.2

  124.4

  6.1

  Wiltshire

  66.7

  69.5

  4.2

  English Metropolitan forces

  Greater Manchester

  386.1

  404.6

  4.8

  Merseyside

  242.3

  252.7

  4.3

  Northumbria

  218.4

  227.7

  4.2

  South Yorkshire

  177.2

  184.8

  4.3

  West Midlands

  392.7

  409.8

  4.3

  West Yorkshire

  297.1

  310.7

  4.6

  London forces

  Metropolitan police2

  1,731.2

  1,823.3

  5.3

  City of London3

  56.4

  57.4

  1.8

  English Total

  7,045.1

  7,390.5

  4.9

  Welsh forces

  Dyfed-Powys

  53.2

  56.3

  6.0

  Gwent

  71.9

  75.1

  4.4

  North Wales

  77.5

  82.2

  6.1

  South Wales

  167.6

  176.1

  5.0

  Welsh Total

  370.2

  389.8

  5.3

  Total

  7,415.3

  7,780.3

  4.9

  1Rounded to the nearest £100,000. The Allocation is the sum of Police Grant, Transitional Grant, Police SSA, Capital Finance SSA, SSA Reduction Grant and Central Support Protection Grant. Figures for Capital Finance SSA are provisional.

  2Figure for the Metropolitan police includes its Special Payment.

  3Figure for the City includes Police SSA, Grant and SSA Reduction Grant, but excludes other SSAs (eg Capital Financing) and Central Support Protection Grant. These are allocated to the Common Council of the City of London as a whole in respect of all its functions.

  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how he will allocate the money provided to enhance rural policing for 2001–02. [140628]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Spending Review 2000 made provision for the allocation of £30 million for rural policing in each year of the settlement period. The sums for 2001–02 have been apportioned on the basis of population weighted by a sparsity score. The allocations for 2001–02 are given in the table.

  Police Authority

  £

  Avon and Somerset

  992,875

  Bedfordshire

  163,540

  Cambridgeshire

  1,125,169

  Cheshire

  228,487

  City of London

  0

  Cleveland

  0

  Cumbria

  1,370,910

  Derbyshire

  416,190

  Devon and Cornwall

  3,114,489

  Dorset

  442,209

  Durham

  246,803

  Dyfed-Powys

  2,588,337

  Essex

  503,710

  461W

  Police Authority

  £

  Gloucestershire

  776,548

  Greater Manchester

  0

  Gwent

  204,476

  Hampshire

  220,430

  Hertfordshire

  0

  Humberside

  710,250

  Kent

  599,342

  Lancashire

  64,054

  Leicestershire

  433,988

  Lincolnshire

  1,978,690

  Merseyside

  0

  Metropolitan Police

  0

  Norfolk

  2,078,830

  Northamptonshire

  704,141

  Northumbria

  0

  North Wales

  1,533,723

  North Yorkshire

  2,013,806

  Nottinghamshire

  0

  South Wales

  0

  South Yorkshire

  0

  Staffordhire

  275,072

  Suffolk

  1,422,627

  Surrey

  11,048

  Sussex

  550,563

  Thames Valley

  1,262,860

  Warwickshire

  562,546

  West Mercia

  2,311,653

  West Midlands

  0

  West Yorkshire

  0

  Wiltshire

  1,092,634

  Total

  30,000,000.00

  Policing Objectives
  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his objectives are for policing for 2001–02. [140630]

  Mr. Straw
  The Police Act 1996 allows me to set objectives, or Ministerial Priorities, for policing. The objectives for 2001–02 will be:to reduce local problems of crime and disorder in partnership with local authorities, other local agencies and the public; and
  to increase trust and confidence in policing among minority ethnic communities.

  These are the same priorities I set for 2000–01. They remain in place for another year, and I have refrained from setting further priorities, to allow the police to concentrate their efforts on these key areas.

  Hi-tech Crime Unit
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 21 November 2000,Official Report, column 150W, concerning the Hi-tech Crime Unit, what assessment he has made of the level of resources allocated by each constabulary to its local police computer crime unit; and how many constabularies
  (a) have established such a unit, (b) plan to establish such a unit and (c) have no plans for such a unit. [140221]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I understand that, of the 43 police forces in England and 40 have at least one person Wales, (not always full-time) working in the field of forensic computing. Of the three which do not, I understand that one may be about to allocate resources to this field. I understand that in total there are 75 police personnel engaged in these duties in England and Wales. As my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced on 13 November 2000,Official Report, column 531W, we are making £25 million available to the police over the next three years to enhance their capability to investigate crimes where new technology is used.

  Sexual Offences
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) rapes and (b) serious sexual assaults were recorded in each police authority area in England and Wales in each of the last 20 years. [140485]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The number of rapes and serious sexual assaults recorded in each police authority area in each of the last 20 years is given in tables 1 and 2, available in the Library.

  Since 1981, these offences have more than doubled. Much of this rise, however, is thought to be attributable to both an increase in reporting by the public and changes in police practice.

  Drugs
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many seizures of(a)cocaine and (b) heroin have been made in the UK in each of the last 10 years.[140371]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The most recent figures on United Kingdom drug seizures go up to the year 1998. Seizures of cocaine and heroin from 1988 to 1998 can be found in Home Office Statistical Bulletin 3/0 entitled "Drug Seizures and Offender Statistics, United Kingdom, 1998". Copies of this publication can be found in the Library.

  To assess long-term trends, figures on the number of seizures made over the last 10 years need to be viewed together with figures on the quantities of drugs seized.

HEALTH

  MRSA
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the prevalence of and frequency of infection by MRSA in NHS hospitals. [135014]

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of Methicillin Resistant Staphycoccocus Aureus were reported in(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000 in (i) the United Kingdom and (ii) Devon; and if he will make a statement. [135141]

  Mr. Denham
  The Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS) compiles aggregate data on the numbers of incidents of MRSA which are voluntarily submitted by trusts for specialist microbiological tests. The PHLS also compiles data on blood stream and other serious infections caused by Staphylococcus Aureus in hospitals and the community, reported by microbiology laboratories. Figures for England are given in the tables. From April 2001 all acute trusts will produce data on the prevalence of hospital-acquired infection, including MRSA, to provide a more complete picture of the situation. This information will be published in 2002–03. Matters relating to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are for their respective devolved Administrations.

  Incidents of MRSA and rates per 100,000 population 1997–2000

  Numbers

  1997

  Anglia and Oxford

  297

  North Thames

  544

  North West

  259

  Northern and Yorkshire

  224

  South and West

  254

  South Thames

  385

  Trent

  123

  West Midlands

  102

  Wales

  176

  Total

  2,364

  1998

  Anglia and Oxford

  223

  North Thames

  289

  North West

  215

  Northern and Yorkshire

  202

  South and West

  101

  South Thames

  220

  Trent

  109

  West Midlands

  69

  Wales

  169

  Total

  1,597

  1999

  Eastern

  80

  London

  290

  Northern and Yorkshire

  170

  North West

  180

  South East

  170

  South West

  40

  Trent

  100

  West Midlands

  30

  Wales

  130

  Total

  1,190

  464W

  Incidents of MRSA and rates per 100,000 population 1997–2000

  Numbers

  2000

  Eastern

  30

  London

  100

  Northern and Yorkshire

  40

  North West

  50

  South East

  60

  South West

  10

  Trent

  30

  West Midlands

  30

  Wales

  30

  Total

  380

  Notes:

  1. For the first half of 1997 data have been amalgamated to the approximate boundaries of the new Regional Office areas. This allows for comparison with subsequent years.

  2. Data for 2000 is for January-June only.

  3. An incident is three or more patients infected or colonised by the same strain of MRSA in the same month from the same hospital.

  4. The criteria for submission of isolates of MRSA (and other isolates of staphylococcus aureus) to the PHLS for specialist tests have been revised twice since 1996 (in January 1998 and in January 2000). These revised criteria have led to a fall in the number of incidents of MRSA that were reported to the PHLS.

  Laboratory reports of staphylococcus aureus isolated from blood

  1999

  2000

  South-west region

  Total report

  1,010

  644

  Sensitive to methicillin

  591

  314

  Percentage

  59

  49

  Resistant to methicillin

  294

  211

  Percentage

  29

  33

  Susceptibility not reported

  125

  119

  Percentage

  12

  18

  England

  Total report

  9,373

  5,697

  Sensitive to methicillin

  4,934

  2,661

  Percentage

  53

  47

  Resistant to methicillin

  2,804

  1,919

  Percentage

  30

  34

  Susceptibility not reported

  1,635

  1,117

  Percentage

  17

  20

  Consultants' Contracts
  Mr. Hopkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish his response to the Health Select Committee's report HC 586 on Consultants' Contracts. [140654]

  Mr. Denham
  The Government's response to the Health Select Committee's Third Report on Consultants' Contracts is published today as Cm 4930 and copies have been placed in the Library.

  BMA Guidelines
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he last met representatives of the British Medical Association to discuss its guidelines for the withholding and withdrawal of treatment; [134765]
  465W
  (2) if he will urge the British Medical Association to make alterations to its guidelines on the withholding and withdrawal of treatment. [134766]

  Yvette Cooper
  Ministers have not met representatives of the British Medical Association to discuss their guidelines on withholding and withdrawing life-prolonging medical treatment nor are there plans to do so. The aims of the document are to identify the range of clinical, ethical and legal factors which need to be considered in making decisions on withdrawing and withholding medical treatment and on potential procedures, including consulting the healthcare team and seeking a second opinion where appropriate.

  We have no plans to take any action on these guidelines nor urge the British Medical Association to amend them. A revised second edition was published in October 2000.

  BCG Vaccine
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress he has made since 31 July to identify additional suppliers of the TB vaccine BCG. [138062]

  Yvette Cooper
  Discussions are ongoing with possible suppliers to the United Kingdom market. The Department hopes to make an announcement shortly on the future supply of BCG vaccine to the UK.

  Flu Vaccinations
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the cost of extending free influenza inoculations to(a) all over 60s and (b) all over 60s in poor areas; and if he will make a statement. [139028]

  Yvette Cooper
  This year, influenza immunisation policy has been extended to include everyone aged 65 and over without an underlying risk condition. At the same time the Department has set a target of 60 per cent. uptake of flu vaccine this year and a wide range of measures have been put in place both nationally and locally to increase influenza vaccine uptake from their traditionally low levels. Additional funding of up to £60 million has also been put in place for general practitioners and health authorities to achieve these targets.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS trusts in each NHS region are offering flu jabs to nursing and medical staff; how many social service departments are offering flu jabs to home care, care home and social work staff; and if the jabs are funded by(a) winter pressures funding and (b) another specific budget. [140298]

  Yvette Cooper
  Winter planning guidance was issued to the National Health Service and social services departments by the Department on 23 May 2000. This guidance stated that all NHS employers should offer, and social services employers should consider offering, flu immunisation to all staff involved in the delivery of care and/or support to patients. All health employers have now offered, or have mechanisms in place to offer, immunisation to their staff. Around three-quarters of 466W
  social care employers intend to offer immunisation. No specific funding arrangement has been made for staff immunisation.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many persons aged over 65 years in South Gloucestershire have received influenza vaccinations this year; [138568]

  (2) what is the average waiting time for persons aged over 65 years to receive an influenza vaccination in South Gloucestershire. [138569]

  Yvette Cooper
  Information from Avon Health Authority is that over 62 per cent. of persons over 65 years in South Gloucestershire have received flu vaccinations.

  It is not possible to determine the average waiting times as call forward procedures vary between individual general practitioner practices.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the optimal time by which patients should have received an influenza vaccine for it to be effective in the winter 2000–01.[138570]

  Yvette Cooper
  Influenza activity is closely monitored through the Public Health Laboratory Service and Royal College of General Practitioners. Baseline activity of influenza does not usually rise significantly before the middle of December. Antibody levels may take up to 10–14 days to rise and therefore the ideal time for immunisation is October and November, although it is common for some general practitioners to run flu immunisation clinics in early December.

  Electronic Patient Records
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many acute hospital trusts in England have set up electronic patient records. [138828]

  Ms Stuart
  Electronic Patient Records (EPRs) consist of a number of components expressed in terms of levels. Targets in "Information for Health" relate to the implementation of EPR level 3, which encompasses clinical activity support (electronic clinical orders, result reporting, electronic prescribing and multi-professional care pathways).

  The position at the end of September 2000 was that 11 acute trusts had EPR level 3 systems in place. This figure is forecast to rise to 21 by the end of the current financial year. The figures represent 5 per cent. and 10 per cent. of the acute trusts in England (based on 212 acute trusts). This accords with the targets set out in "Information for Health."

  In addition, a further 65 business cases are being progressed and are at various stages of completion. The breakdown is as follows:
  16 have been approved;12 are being considered;37 are expected to be submitted for approval in the next 6–8 months.
  The figures indicate an increase in pace at local level towards achieving the targets set.
  467W
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will ensure that the NHS develops a national electronic health record. [138830]

  Ms Stuart
  A key objective of "Information for Health" (IfH) is to ensure relevant information contained in an Electronic Health Record (EHR) is available to authorised clinicians in carefully prescribed circumstances on a 24-hour basis. In order to address this objective the strategy called for a number of demonstrator sites to be set up to explore the issues associated with the creation of EHRs. The creation of these sites is a key component of supporting the delivery of electronic records throughout the National Health Service. The demonstrator sites will also take on board issues arising from the NHS Plan, e-Government, and the Modernising Government Agenda.

  In response to this commitment the Electronic Record Development and Implementation Programme (ERDIP) was launched in November 1999. Following a rigorous selection process I announced the names of the four successful demonstrator sites (Cornwall, Tees, South Staffs and County Durham) in April this year.

  In addition, I also announced the names of 14 Electronic Patient Record (EPR) demonstrator sites. The presence of EPRs is a pre-requisite to the implementation of the national EHR. These sites will focus on:
  Specific issues identified in the information strategy for the NHS;
  Supporting the Government's key health priorities, bringing together patient records for those receiving treatment for cancer and coronary heart disease;
  Establishing links between health and social care for mental health, child and elderly care, between walk-in centres and primary care or NHS Direct and other health organisations;
  Specific areas such as maternity services or integrated care pathways.

  The NHSIA is currently formalising the deliverables, timescales and the associated release of funding with each of the sites.

  The work of the EHR demonstrator sites is being supported by two projects managed centrally by the NHSIA:
  Definition of the components of the first generation EHR that will need to be in place by 2005 to support 24-hour emergency care access to patient records.
  The development of an evaluation programme to ensure the sites will deliver solutions that can be applied on a national basis.

  Free Eye Tests
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate how many pensioners have received free eye tests in each local authority area and in each constituency in Tyne and Wear since the introduction of free tests. [139625]

  Mr. Hutton
  We extended eligibility for National Health Service sight tests to everyone aged 60 and over from 1 April 1999. Figures for the numbers of people aged 60 and over who have received free eye tests in particular areas are not collected centrally. However, the increase in the total number of sight tests paid for in the year ending 31 March 2000 by Gateshead and South Tyneside Health Authority was 14,320 and by Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Authority was 25,170. It is 468W
  fair to assume that the majority of these increases were due to newly eligible people aged 60 or over obtaining NHS sight tests.

  Isard House Care Home, Bromley
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received regarding the Isard House Care Home, Bromley; and if he will make a statement. [139599]

  Mr. Hutton
  A number of letters have been received regarding the Isard House Care Home, Bromley. The matters to which these letters referred have been thoroughly investigated by the appropriate local agencies, and steps have been taken to implement the investigation's findings.

  Asylum Seekers (Children)
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many unaccompanied children seeking asylum were assessed under(a) section 17 and (b) section 20 of the Children Act 1989 in each of the last three years for which data exist. [139598]

  Mr. Hutton
  Information on the legal basis for support and care provided to unaccompanied asylum seeking children by local authorities under the Children Act 1989 is not held centrally.

  Calman-Hine Proposals
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on progress in implementing the Calman-Hine proposals for cancer care; and if he will make a statement.[139429]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Calman/Hine report, "A Policy Framework for Commissioning Cancer Services", was published in 1995 in response to concerns about variations in treatment across the country.

  This is being supplemented by a series of site specific guidance to improve outcomes for the main cancers (breast, colorectal, lung and gynaecological cancers).

  As a result of this guidance the National Health Service is introducing site specific specialist multi-disciplinary teams for cancer treatment and is establishing networks of cancer services.

  In September this year we published the NHS Cancer Plan spanning prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care and research. This plan builds on the Calman/Hine report and sets out the first ever comprehensive strategy to tackle the disease.

  The Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) is currently reviewing the national progress towards achieving the aims of the Calman/Hine report. CHI will work closely with the Director of National Cancer Services, Professor Richards, the NHS and national bodies representing patients and professionals and plans to publish the findings in summer 2001.

  Psittacosis
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the reported cases of psittacosis in(a) London and (b) the rest of England in each of the last 10 years. [139676]
  469W
  Yvette Cooper
  The number of laboratory reports for psittacosis in England and Wales (and separately for London) to the Public Health Laboratory Service's Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre for each of the last 10 years is provided in the table.

  Year

  London

  England and Wales

  1990

  81

  468

  1991

  51

  369

  1992

  40

  325

  1993

  29

  354

  1994

  41

  482

  1995

  32

  480

  1996

  21

  344

  1997

  20

  317

  1998

  29

  284

  1999

  3

  213

  Weils Disease
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many incidences of Weils disease there were in(a) London and (b) the rest of England in each of the last 10 years.[139675]

  Yvette Cooper
  The number of laboratory reports for leptospiral infections caused by Leptospira serovar icterohaemorrhagiae (Weil's Disease) in England and Wales (and separately for London) to the Public Health Laboratory Service's Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre for each of the last 10 years is provided in the table.

  Year

  London

  England and Wales

  1990

  0

  19

  1991

  0

  8

  1992

  1

  13

  1993

  12

  16

  1994

  23

  21

  1995

  0

  6

  1996

  0

  3

  1997

  0

  12

  1998

  9

  1999

  0

  23

  1One case acquired on River Bann in Northern Ireland by service personnel

  2One case acquired on River Wye by service personnel

  Communicable Diseases
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department is carrying out into the diseases spread to humans by pigeons in England. [139665]

  Yvette Cooper
  A research study at the Cambridge Public Health Laboratory is currently working to determine the prevalence of two organisms(Chlamydia psittaci and Campylobacter jejuni) in feral pigeons by routine testing of pigeon faeces. Seasonal variations will be explored and an attempt will be made to link this to the number of human cases occurring in the area.

  Healthcare Charges (Guernsey)
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he took after July 1999 to inform UK residents of new charges for healthcare in Guernsey. [139710]
  470W
  Ms Stuart
  Guernsey introduced charges for some healthcare services for United Kingdom visitors from 3 July 1999. The Department produced an information note available to the public on request in July 1999. The Department's leaflet "Health Advice for Travellers" included revised information from September 1999.

  Emergency Contraception
  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what representations he has received on the legality of the morning after pill in regard to the protection of nascent human life before implantation; and if he will make a statement; [139944]

  (2) if he will introduce legislation to amend the Abortion Act 1967 as it applies to the issuing of the morning after pill by pharmacists. [139849]

  Yvette Cooper
  So far this year, approximately 45 letters have been received, either direct from members of the public or via hon. Members expressing concern that emergency contraception is a method of abortion. A number of the responses to the public consultation exercise on whether levonorgestrel 0.75 mg should be reclassified from prescription only to pharmacy availability for women aged 16 and over, also expressed similar concerns.

  The established legal and medical view is that emergency contraception is not an abortifacient, and therefore the Abortion Act 1967 does not apply to emergency contraception. In 1983 the then Attorney-General concluded
  that this form of post-coital treatment (emergency contraception) does not constitute a criminal offence within either sections 58 or 59 of the Offences Against the Persons Act 1861.—[Official Report, 10 May 1983; Vol. 42, c. 237.]

  Disabled People
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to monitor and improve the implementation of good practice guidance detailed in the Department of Health report "Doubly disabled: equality for disabled people in the new NHS: access to services (July 1999)" and to ensure that the provision of health care by the National Health Service complies with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. [139790]

  Mr. Hutton
  Implementation of "Doubly Disabled" is part of our wider strategy of implementing Section 21 of the Disability Discrimination Act. We have issued a survey to the National Health Service asking them what progress they have made towards implementing Section 21. The survey will be repeated annually until 2004 and the results of the initial survey should be available in the early spring of 2001.

  Health Service Complaints
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many complaints were made about health services to(a) hospital trusts and (b) CHCs in England in each of the last five years; and how many such complaints were resolved by the trust or CHC concerned. [139756]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 23 November 2000]: Statistics on complaints to National Health Service trusts and health authorities in England are contained in

  471W
  the annual statistical bulletin "Handling complaints: monitoring the NHS complaints procedures". Data on complaints prior to the introduction of the current procedures in April 1996 are contained in the document "Written complaints by, and on behalf of patients, England". Copies of both these documents are available in the Library.

  Data on complaints made to community health councils are not collected centrally.

  CJD Sufferers
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received on help for CJD sufferers in terms of extra patient care; and if he will make a statement.[140078]

  Yvette Cooper
  We have recently received representations in the form of ministerial correspondence regarding packages of care for people with CreutzfeldtJakob disease.

  We have established a new national fund to meet the care needs of people with variant CJD. The fund will ensure a speedy response following diagnosis and improvements in the quality of care for patients. We are working closely with the voluntary organisations and families to ensure that this package is effective, and properly meets the needs of patients.

  NHS Pension Scheme
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will backdate the pension arrangements for widowers of female members of the NHS pension scheme to align them with the pension arrangements of widows of male members of the scheme. [140271]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 24 November 2000]: There has been alignment of widow and widowers National Health Service pensions on service since April 1988. Female members were able to cover service before then at a subsidised cost, until June 1989. We currently have no plans to provide free cover for widowers pensions before 1988, because of the additional costs to the Scheme, estimated at £500 million.

  Registered Health Professionals
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what information he collates on the proportion of nurses, midwives and health visitors who are registered but do not practice;[140012]

  (2) how many nurses, midwives and health visitors have (a) retired from and (b) joined the register in each of the last five years. [140013]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 24 November 2000]: These data are not collected centrally.

  The United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visitors (UKCC) collects this information. The UKCC website is at: www.ukcc.org.uk (telephone number: 020 7333 6557/6558).

  The Hague Convention on International Adoptions
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the UK will ratify The Hague Convention on International Adoptions. [140191]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 24 November 2000]: The United Kingdom signed the 1993 Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption in January 1994. Preparations are in hand in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to ratify in 2001.

  Free Nursing Care
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the responsibility for funding a person's nursing care will remain with the NHS after the point at which that person becomes eligible for means-tested support for their care costs. [140293]

  Mr. Hutton
  The National Health Service will meet the costs of registered nurse time spent on providing, delegating or supervising care in a care home. This will be for everyone who needs it, whether or not they have means-tested support for their other care costs.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 21 November 2000,Official Report, column 170W, concerning free nursing care, how people who have a care home placement part-funded by a local authority will have their nursing care costs paid.[140292]

  Mr. Hutton
  Responsibility for the payment of the nursing costs will be with the National Health Service—this could be discharged through a contract between the NHS and the care home, but in areas where the NHS and social services are using the Health Act flexibilities this may be handled through pooled budgets and lead commissioning by the local authority.

  Radiotherapy Waiting Lists
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the(a) total waiting list and (b) waiting lists per 100,000 population for radiotherapy treatment of cancer (i) nationally, (ii) by NHS region and (iii) by health authority area in the (A) Northern and (B) Yorkshire region. [140535]

  Yvette Cooper
  Information is not collected on waiting lists for radiotherapy treatment.

  The National Health Service cancer plan published on 27 September includes new targets to be rolled out over the next five years to reduce waiting times at all stages of the cancer patient pathway from referral, diagnosis, to treatment. The ultimate goal is that no patient should wait longer than one month from an urgent referral by their general practitioner with suspected cancer, to the start of treatment. Arrangements will be developed to monitor progress towards these new targets.

  Beta Interferon
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will permit new patients to be accepted for beta interferon while he is waiting for a final recommendation from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. [140314]
  473W
  Mr. Denham
  The Department issued guidance (in Executive Letter (95)97) to the National Health Service in 1995 about prescribing of beta-interferon. It recommends that health authorities should have in place arrangements for hospital specialists to initiate treatment in the light of medical evidence and local priorities. This guidance continues to apply until the National Institute for Clinical Excellence publishes its guidance on beta interferon.

  Cancer Care (Newcastle)
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when it was decided that the Northern Centre for Cancer Treatment in Newcastle required replacement; how many radiotherapy cancer treatment machines were available at that time, and what their ages and downtimes were; how many radiotherapy cancer treatment machines are available; and what are their ages, and downtimes. [140537]

  Yvette Cooper
  During 1998 Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Authority formally consulted on the relocation of the Northern Centre For Cancer Treatment to Freeman Hospital in association with the timescale for completion of the remainder of the Newcastle strategic review.

  In 1998 there were six linear accelerators in use. They were installed in 1984, 1988, 1990, 1992(2) and 1995. In 1998 their annual total downtimes ranged from 280 hours 33 minutes to 694 hours 34 minutes.

  The same machines remain in service in November 2000. Downtimes for October 2000 ranged from four hours 38 minutes to 57 hours 39 minutes.

  Residential Care (Scotland)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had about the funding of longterm residential care with his counterpart in the Scottish Parliament; and if he will make a statement. [140473]

  Mr. Hutton
  I have regular contact with colleagues in the devolved Administrations to discuss the Government's plans concerning the funding of long-term residential care.

  Obesity
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the cost to the National Health Service of obesity-related conditions for each of the past five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [140105]

  Yvette Cooper
  The economic costs associated with obesity are direct medical costs incurred during diagnosis, treatment and management of obesity per se and those arising from related conditions. Conditions attributable to obesity are diabetes, coronary heart disease, gallstones, hypertension, high blood cholesterol, gout and several cancers.

  While estimates of costs to the National Health Service for most of these specific conditions were reported by the Department in the publication 'Burdens of Disease' 1996, no estimates of the proportion of the costs were attributed to obesity.
  474W
  The analysis required to provide these data is complex and at present there is no authoritative estimate of the cost to the National Health Service of obesity related conditions.

  Children's Hospices
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to review public funding of children's hospices; and if he will make a statement. [140384]

  Yvette Cooper
  Children's hospices play an important role in supporting children with life threatening and limiting illnesses, and their families. The National Health Service has provision for funding children's hospices and we have recently announced an additional £50 million in new funding to expand specialist palliative care services for adults and children in the community. We are working with the children's hospice movement and other professional groups to define care packages which will be of most benefit to children and their families.

  In addition the "Caring about Carers: A National Strategy for Carers" initiative is making available £140 million over three years to meet carer's needs including families who have a child with a life threatening condition.

  NHS Trust Employees (Mental Health Problems)
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS trusts have adopted policies on the employment of people who have experienced mental health problems; and what steps he is taking to encourage NHS trusts to adopt such policies. [139826]

  Mr. Hutton
  Information on how many National Health Service trusts have adopted policies on the employment of people who have experienced mental health problems is not collected centrally but may be held locally by individual employers. The NHS Executive is currently working with representatives of professional bodies, unions, management and voluntary organisations from the mental health field to draft guidance on mental health and employment. This guidance, which we intend to publish in the spring, will encourage NHS employers to adopt inclusive policies.

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many trusts providing mental health services have a user employment programme or similar scheme; and what steps he is taking to encourage the setting up of such schemes. [139825]

  Mr. Hutton
  Information on how many trusts providing mental health services have a user employment programme or similar schemes is not collected centrally.

  To ensure the sharing of best practice, the National Health Service Employment Policy Branch recently funded the production of a "Good Practice Guide" developed within South West London and St. George's NHS Trust. The trust has pioneered efforts to tackle employment discrimination within the trust against people who have experienced mental health difficulties.

  The guide was circulated to delegates at a conference the trust held in London in March 2000, and the Department will be disseminating this guide more widely to the NHS.

  Carers (Abuse)
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will strengthen the right of access to files of persons who have complained of abuse while(a) in care and (b) their carers were under investigation; and if he will make a statement. [138761]

  Mr. Hutton
  Provision has already been made for those wishing to access personal information held on file. This is provided by the Data Protection Act 1998, which came into force on 1 March 2000. Any living person, who is the subject of personal information held and processed by a social services authority, or someone acting on its behalf, has the right of access to those records. This access can be limited only where it is not possible to disclose information without disclosing information about another person who has not provided their consent and it is not reasonable in all the circumstances to comply with the request or disclosure would be likely to prejudice the carrying out of social work by causing serious harm to the physical or mental health or condition of the individual or another person. Where access is refused there is a right of appeal to the Courts or the Data Protection Registrar.

  The provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 apply regardless of whether the person, who is the data subject, has complained of abuse and of whether any alleged abuser, who is or was a carer, is or has been under investigation.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will disclose relevant personal files held by(a) public authorities and (b) voluntary organisations to those who allege abuse while (i) in care and (ii) their cases were being dealt with by such agencies. [138762]

  Mr. Hutton
  Where records are manual and can be classed as health records, educational records, local authority housing records or local authority social services records, the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 relating to an individual's right to access information about themselves apply. Where manual records are held by a public authority or voluntary organisation that do not fall into these categories, the subject access provisions presently apply only to records created after 24 October 1998. Those records created before 24 October 1998 will not come within the scope of the Data Protection Act until 24 October 2007. Where records are automated, if they were created after 24 October 1998, the subject access provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 will apply; otherwise they are exempt until 24 October 2001.

  Thus, the Data Protection Act 1998 makes specific provisions to enable individuals to exercise that right to access, which apply whether or not allegations of abuse have been made.

  Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money was allocated by West Kent health authority to Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital day unit for the treatment of mental illness in(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1997–98, (d) 1998–99 and (e) 1999–2000; and how much will be allocated in 2001–02.[140360]
  476W
  Mr. Hutton
  Information is not available centrally in the requested format. Information on West Kent health authority's expenditure on mental illness is shown in the table.

  £

  Year

  HA expenditure on mental illness

  1996–971

  37,857,000

  1997–98

  42,814,000

  1998–99

  46,498,000

  1999–20002

  37,217,000

  1West Kent health authority came into existence on 1 April 1996 so data before that date are not comparable.

  2The 1999–2000 figure excludes PCG expenditure on mental illness of £19,275,000.

  Note:

  No data are available for 2000–01.

  Sources:

  Health authority audited accounts 1996–97, 1997–98 and 1998–99

  Health authority audited summarisation schedules 1999–2000

TREASURY

  Euro
  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what total amount of purchases of the euro has been made by the Treasury and Bank of England since 1 January 1999. [135972]

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, (1) pursuant to his oral answer to the hon. Member for Louth and Horncastle (Sir P. Tapsell) of 9 November 2000,Official Report, column 427, what the value is of euros purchased by the Treasury and the Bank of England since 1 January 1999; and if the Treasury and the Bank of England have made a loss as a result of these operations; [138664]

  (2) how much the Treasury and the Bank of England have lost as a result of the purchasing of euros since 1 January 1999. [138838]

  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the cost is to date to Her Majesty's Government of trading operations in the foreign exchange markets relating to the euro. [138674]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answers 6 and 16 November 2000]: Net purchases of euros since 1 January 1999 have resulted from the reinvestment of the $2 billion proceeds from the nine gold auctions held to date. The currency split of the reinvestment is the same as the existing net foreign currency reserves (40 per cent. dollars; 40 per cent. euros; and 20 per cent. yen). The programme of gold sales is part of a prudent restructuring of the reserves aimed at achieving a better balanced portfolio by diversifying assets more widely. It would not be meaningful to provide a snapshot of the value of these medium-term portfolio decisions as this could be distorted by short-term fluctuations in asset prices and currencies.

  The UK also participated in the concerted intervention by the G7 monetary authorities on 22 September 2000 by purchasing 85 million euros against sterling. The Government do not comment on individual currency transactions.
  477W
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he had with the Governor and Court of the Bank of England ahead of the recent international support for the euro; and how much has been spent from UK reserves in that operation since 1 September. [134628]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: The Chancellor has regular discussions with the Governor of the Bank of England. Details of intervention undertaken during September were published in the monthly Foreign Currency Reserves press notice on 4 October.

  Import Duty
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 16 November 2000,Official Report, column 757W, on import duty, what studies he has undertaken of the limits, above which import duty is paid, on (a) goods ordered from abroad via the internet, post and telephone and (b) goods brought into the UK by returning travellers; and if he will make a statement. [140346]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Both issues are being kept under review.

  Disadvantaged Communities
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 16 November 2000,Official Report, column 763W, on disadvantaged communities, what definition he uses for the most disadvantaged areas. [140532]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The criteria for the definition of disadvantaged areas within each of the component parts of the UK for the purpose of the Stamp Duty relief will be announced in Budget 2001.

  Stamp Duty Exemptions
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimates he has made of the cost of stamp duty exemptions in deprived areas which will be applicable to existing residential properties in the(a) 1 per cent., (b) 3 per cent. and (c) 4 per cent. tax bands. [140350]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  It is not yet possible to provide any breakdown of the cost of the relief since the areas to benefit from it have yet to be determined.

  Departmental Expenditure Limits
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what account the departmental expenditure limits set out in Spending Review 2000 take of the possible costs on 2001–02, 2002–03 and 2003–04 of preparation for, and conversion to the euro; and if he will make a statement. [140284]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 24 November 2000]: The results of the Spending Review covering the period 2001–02 to 2003–04 were published in July. An update on changeover planning was given in the Fourth Progress Report on Euro Preparations, published on 6 November.

  Property Conversions
  Mr. Shaw
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the VAT reduction for conversion of properties referred to in the pre-Budget report will apply to(a) houses converted into flats and (b) flats converted into houses. [139935]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 23 November 2000]: The reduced rate for conversion services will apply to residential buildings converted into a different number of dwelling units. It will apply to a range of conversion services including the conversion of houses into flats and flats into houses.

  Child Poverty (Wales)
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many children in Wales have been lifted out of poverty since May 1997. [140355]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Personal tax and benefit changes announced during this Parliament will lift around 1.2 million children in the UK as a whole out of poverty, defined as 60 per cent. of median income after allowing for housing costs. Because of the margins of error, it is not possible to model the precise effects in any country or region. However, around 5 per cent. of UK children live in Wales suggesting that on a pro-rated basis around 60,000 children in Wales will be lifted out of poverty.

  Moreover, 67,000 families in Wales are now benefiting from the Working Families Tax Credit, 360,000 from the increases in Child Benefit and around 50,000 Lone Parents will have benefited from the increases in the child premia in Income Support. From next April up to a quarter of a million families in Wales will benefit from the Children's Tax Credit.

  Tax Credits
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to column 4917, if he will breakdown the tax credits contained in footnote 1 of Table B8 for each year in the table; and if he will make a statement. [140193]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Figures for total tax credits in £ billion are shown in Table B8 of the pre-Budget report. Figures for total tax credits as a per cent. of GDP are shown in Table B8. Figures for the Working Families and Disabled Persons Tax Credits are shown in Table B20.

  Over 1.1 million families currently receive the Working Families Tax Credit—nearly 300,000 more than the peak number of families receiving Family Credit. These families are, on average, around £30 a week better off compared to Family Credit.

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many families in Wales have benefited from the Working Families Tax Credit to date; and how many children in Wales are in such families. [140372]

  Dawn Primarolo
  It is provisionally estimated that 67,000 families in Wales were in receipt of the Working Families Tax Credit at the end of August 2000. About 130,000 children were in these families.
  479W
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide a breakdown of the average earnings of the main earner in households in receipt of the Working Families Tax Credit by(a) occupation and (b) employment status. [140259]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Estimates of the number of families receiving the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) at the end of May 2000 are shown analysed by the occupation group of the main earners at Table 5.1 in the WFTC Quarterly Enquiry for May 2000.

  A copy has been placed in the Library. The estimates are based on a 5 per cent. sample of awards. The average gross weekly earnings of the main earners in each group are as follows:

  Number(000)

  Average gross weekly earnings of main earner(£)

  All occupations

  1,060.8

  153

  Managers and administrators

  34.8

  170

  Professional occupations

  25.6

  187

  Associated professional and technical occupations

  74.5

  187

  Clerical and secretarial occupations

  201.3

  168

  Craft and related occupations (non-managerial workers)

  163.4

  167

  Personal and protective services

  278.2

  125

  Sales occupations

  147.4

  129

  Plant and machine operatives

  120.5

  163

  Other occupations

  15.1

  176

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many of the families in receipt of the Working Families Tax Credit are eligible for passported benefits; and if he will list the benefits concerned. [139829]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The passport to benefits can apply generally to everyone receiving Working Families Tax Credit or it can be targeted on those on lowest incomes. For example Maternity and Funeral payments from the Department of Social Security Social Fund are available to all families receiving Working Families Tax Credit.

  Construction Industry Scheme
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions and on what dates, the joint working group appointed to review the construction industry scheme, met; and if minutes of its meeting will be published. [140358]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Joint Working Group met eight times. The dates it sat on were the 11 April, 3 May, 17 May, 31 May, 14 June, 21 June, 17 July and 10 August.

  The group was set up so that the industry and the Revenue could share their concerns and build up an overall picture of how best to reduce the administrative costs of the construction industry scheme while continuing to protect the flow of tax and NI to the Exchequer. The group does not intend to publish the minutes of its meetings, as this may not only breach confidentiality but put tax at risk.

  However, the Joint Working Group was clear that the route to a cheaper but secure scheme lay in the electronic exchange of information. The initial steps taken towards
  480W
  an electronic future and what further work will now be done is given in Inland Revenue Press Release (PR REV6/2000) published on 8 November.

  Public Service Agreements
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish performance outturns in relation to targets set in the public service agreements following the 1998 Comprehensive Spending Review for all Departments; and if he will make a statement. [140110]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Performance outturns against the targets set for all Departments in the 1998 Comprehensive Spending Review Public Service Agreements were published in the spring 2000 Departmental Reports. The next such report is due in spring 2001.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what was the average length of time taken by his Department to answer a parliamentary question tabled for a named day in July; what was the average number of days by which the day an answer was given exceeded the named day; and if he will make a statement; [140296]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the most recent figures relating to his Department's performance against targets for answering parliamentary questions; [140114]

  (3) by what average time the day on which a parliamentary question tabled to his Department was answered exceeded the named day for which it was asked in July for questions asked by (a) a Labour Member, (b) a Conservative Member, (c) a Liberal Democrat Member and (d) a Member of another party; and if he will make a statement. [140192]

  Mr. Timms
  In the 1999–2000 session to date, 59 per cent. of named day written questions, 71 per cent. of ordinary written questions and 89 per cent. of House of Lords written questions have been answered on time. The Treasury's targets for these categories of questions are 50 per cent., 70 per cent. and 80 per cent. respectively.

  The information sought relating to answers to named day questions could not readily be provided from the Treasury's records.

  Widowers
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the implications of the Crossland case for the claims of widowers for equality of treatment. [140624]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The case of Christopher Crossland has no implications for other claims for Widow's Bereavement Allowance. 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.

  Inheritance Tax
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many inheritance tax returns were filed in each of the years ending on 5 April(a) 1998, (b) 1999 and (c) 2000; [140164]

  (2) how many inheritance tax returns filed in the years ending (a) 5 April 1998, (b) 5 April 1999 and (c) 5 April 2000 showed net assets of (i) minimum limit to £500,000, (ii) £500,000 to £1,000,000 and (iii) over £1,000,000; and what was the amount of inheritance tax charged in each of the years (a) to (c) above. [140163]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The number of accounts received for each of the financial years 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000 were 52,800, 51,300 and 56,300 respectively. For compliance reasons, and because of the operation of reliefs, these include estates not ultimately liable to tax.

  Figures broken down by net assets are not available on this basis. The available data relate to the size of estates and tax liability on deaths in 1997–98 and were published in Inland Revenue Statistics 2000 Table 12.4 (page 127), a copy of which is in the House of Commons Library.

  Taxation
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the change in the overall level of taxation has been since 1 May 1997. [140153]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Figures for tax revenues were published in Annex B of the November 2000 pre-Budget report.

  Road Fuel
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what dates over the last three months his Department held meetings with representatives of major oil companies; and on which such occasions he discussed(a) petroleum revenue tax and (b) ultra low sulphur petrol. [138516]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 16 November 2000]: The Government met representatives of the major oil companies on 7 November and discussed the availability of ultra-low sulphur petrol in the UK.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to place an additional tax on diesel fuel carried on commercial road vehicles arriving in the United Kingdom from other European Union member states where the comparable cost of fuel is significantly lower, by virtue of differential duty or taxation of fuel. [140009]

  Mr. Timms
  There are no plans to charge any additional duty on diesel fuel carried in the standard fuel tanks of commercial vehicles arriving from other EU member states.

  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide a fuel rebate for volunteer ambulance and other volunteer drivers; and if he will make a statement. [140246]

  Mr. Timms
  There are no plans to introduce a rebate scheme for volunteer drivers. However, all motorists will benefit from the measures announced in the pre-Budget report.
  482W
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to change the duty point for independent petrol retailers. [138775]

  Mr. Timms
  There are no plans to change the point at which duty is charged on mineral oils.

  Smuggled Fuel
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish for each of the last five years and the current year to the most recent date for which figures are available, his estimate of the loss to the Revenue of(a) petrol and (b) diesel fuel smuggled into Northern Ireland and not seized by the RUC and Inland Revenue officials. [140319]

  Mr. Timms
  HM Customs and Excise has responsibility for excise revenues. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 20 March 2000,Official Report, column 442W.

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish for each of the last five years and the current financial year to the latest date for which information is available, the quantities of smuggled road fuel seized by Revenue officials and the RUC in Northern Ireland, indicating the quantity of(a) diesel and (b) petrol seized; and what was the amount of revenue lost to the Exchequer associated with such smuggled fuel. [140317]

  Mr. Timms
  For the seizures of smuggled fuel for financial years 1995–96 to 1999–2000, I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave him on 5 July 2000,Official Report, column 201W. For the period April to September 2000, seizures of smuggled fuel are as follows:
  Volume seized—729,530 litres1
  Revenue—£296,221.
  1A breakdown by type is not available.

  Car Scheme Rules
  Mr. Rammell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 29 June 2000,Official Report, column 591W, on car scheme rules, what petrol price is assumed in the Inland Revenue fixed profit car scheme calculation. [139909]

  Mr. Timms
  None. The proposals are a development of the current rates, to provide a greater incentive to drive cleaner vehicles for business trips, as explained in paragraphs 6.61–6.62 of the Pre-Budget Report.

  Customs and Excise
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action Customs and Excise is taking against internet sites selling tobacco products which give misleading information to customers about the legal status of their purchases. [139778]

  Dawn Primarolo
  A number of companies which advertise cigarettes at discounted prices on internet websites claim quite incorrectly that what they are doing is legal. In fact the purchase of tobacco by a private person in the UK from a trader elsewhere is described as
  483W
  Distance Selling and certain regulations apply. They require the vendor to account for duty and tax liable in the UK prior to dispatch of the goods. If this is not done the tobacco is liable to forfeiture on arrival in the UK.

  The Government have made clear their determination to tackle this problem. As part of the strategy to achieve this, Customs recently launched a publicity campaign. The campaign includes adverts on internet search engines to warn consumers of these fraudulent cigarette sites. Customs have also written to all identified websites advising them of correct procedures to be followed. They have also notified Internet Service Providers (ISPs) whose sites are being used.

  National Insurance
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 22 May 2000,Official Report,
  484W
  column 381W, on National Insurance (1) how many people in contracted-out money purchase pension schemes have received National Insurance contribution rebates that were previously outstanding; and how much these rebates are worth in total; [135772]

  (2) how many people are in contracted-out money purchase pension schemes that are owed outstanding National Insurance contribution rebates; how much these rebates are worth in total; and when the Government plan to have paid all the outstanding rebates. [135771]

  Dawn Primarolo
  There are approximately 22,000 people awaiting rebates for 1997–98 and the 1998–99 tax years. About £7.5 million of rebates remain to be paid. Approximately 258,000 people have received rebates that were previously outstanding and these rebates amounted to about £132.5 million. We expect to have reached the normal situation in relation to payment of outstanding rebates by March 2001.

  Zimbabwean Land Redistribution Programme
  Zimbabwean Land Redistribution Programme
  International Development Targets: Monitoring
  International Development Targets: Monitoring
  BSE and Variant CJD: Epidemiological Research
  BSE and Variant CJD: Epidemiological Research
  Newly Laid Rail: Faults
  Newly Laid Rail: Faults
  Rail Operating Companies: Efficiency Comparisons
  Rail Operating Companies: Efficiency Comparisons
  Children's Fund
  Children's Fund
  Television Licence Concession Scheme
  Television Licence Concession Scheme
  Pension Investment Comparisons
  Pension Investment Comparisons
  Second State Pension Contracted-out NI Contributions
  Second State Pension Contracted-out NI Contributions
  Minimum Income Guarantee
  Minimum Income Guarantee
  Pension Credit
  Pension Credit
  UK Citizens Abroad: Retirement Pension Uplift Proposal
  UK Citizens Abroad: Retirement Pension Uplift Proposal
  UK/National Assembly for Wales Primary Legislation Procedure
  UK/National Assembly for Wales Primary Legislation Procedure
  Meat Processing: Local Authority Enforcement Responsibility
  Meat Processing: Local Authority Enforcement Responsibility
  Lord Mayor Treloar Hospital, Alton
  Lord Mayor Treloar Hospital, Alton
  Autism and MMR Vaccination
  Autism and MMR Vaccination
  Parkinson's Disease
  Parkinson's Disease
  The Third Way: Policy Announcements
  The Third Way: Policy Announcements
  Strategic Communications Unit: Website
  Strategic Communications Unit: Website
  Mrs Rosemary Nelson: Murder Investigation
  Mrs Rosemary Nelson: Murder Investigation
  Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
  Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
  Police (Northern Ireland) Bill: Guardian Article
  Police (Northern Ireland) Bill: Guardian Article
  Departmental Cars
  Departmental Cars
  Northern Ireland Policing Board: Appointment
  Northern Ireland Policing Board: Appointment
  Government Achievements: GICS Guidance
  Government Achievements: GICS Guidance
  Mr. T. Constantine, Oversight Commissioner, Northern Ireland
  Mr. T. Constantine, Oversight Commissioner, Northern Ireland
  Devonshire and Dorset Regiment: Remembrance Day, Bessbrook, Co. Armagh
  Devonshire and Dorset Regiment: Remembrance Day, Bessbrook, Co. Armagh
  RAMC Site, Millbank
  RAMC Site, Millbank
  Meteorological Office: New Headquarters
  Meteorological Office: New Headquarters
  European Charter of Human Rights
  European Charter of Human Rights
  US National Missile Defence System and China
  US National Missile Defence System and China
  UNAMSIL
  UNAMSIL
  Turkey: ECHR Judgments
  Turkey: ECHR Judgments
  Cayman Islands: CPA Visit
  Cayman Islands: CPA Visit
  Yugoslavia: Lifting of EU Sanctions
  Yugoslavia: Lifting of EU Sanctions
  "Airwave" Police Radio Service
  "Airwave" Police Radio Service
  Warrant Enforcement: Police Funding
  Warrant Enforcement: Police Funding
  Firearms Act 1997: Delayed Compensation
  Firearms Act 1997: Delayed Compensation
  Electronically Monitored Curfew Orders
  Electronically Monitored Curfew Orders
  Mandatory Sentences
  Mandatory Sentences
  Remands to Custody, 15–16 Year-olds
  Remands to Custody, 15–16 Year-olds
  Police Grant Allocations
  Police Grant Allocations
  Policing Objectives
  Policing Objectives
  Rural Policing
  Rural Policing
  Police Recruitment Funding
  Police Recruitment Funding