Written Answers of 30 October 2000

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Private Sector Secondments
  Dr. Brand
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the private sector companies from which secondments have been made to her Department since June 1997. [133874]

  Clare Short
  Secondments from the following private sector companies have been made since June 1997:

  Cisco Systems

  Marconi

  Virgin

  Natural Resources Institute (University of Greenwich).

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Crown Court
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Solicitor-General what plans he has to review the operation of plea bargaining in the Crown Court. [134730]

  The Solicitor-General
  The Code for Crown Prosecutors provides guidance to Crown Prosecutors on a range of casework issues, including the acceptance of guilty pleas. Defendants may want to plead guilty to some, but not all charges. Alternatively, defendants may want to plead guilty to a different, possibly less serious charge. The Code states that, in these circumstances, Crown Prosecutors should accept a defendant's guilty plea only if they think that the court is able to pass a sentence that matches the seriousness of the offending. The Code also states that Crown Prosecutors should never accept a guilty plea just because it is convenient. The Code is a public document, issued under section 10 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 by the Director of Public Prosecutions. It was re-issued in a revised form earlier this month after an extensive public consultation exercise and a copy has been placed in the Library.

  The Court of Appeal gave judgment on 16 October 2000 in a Reference by the Attorney-General of a sentence passed on Robin Peverett for offences of indecent assault. The Attorney-General has said that in the light of that judgment he will consider, with the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Director of the Serious Fraud Office, whether additional guidance should be issued on the acceptance of guilty pleas at the Crown Court.

  Crown Prosecution Service
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Solicitor-General what assessment he has made of the(a) resources and (b) quality of the staff of the Crown Prosecution Service. [134784]
  220W
  The Solicitor-General
  The resource position for the CPS has been challenging since 1994–95 but the SR2000 settlement was a good one. As a result the CPS budget in 2003ߝ04 will be 8 per cent. higher in real terms than in this year. This is on top of the additional funding of £15.8 million for 2000ߝ01 announced on 26 June 2000.

  The quality of staff is assessed by the CPS through the performance appraisal system, whereby staff are assessed individually against the performance standard appropriate to their job. The quality of staff is also benchmarked externally by involving staff outside the Service in recruitment panels and in opening up selection exercises to outside competition. I have been impressed on my frequent visits to CPS offices around the country by the commitment and professionalism of staff.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement concerning the Commission for Racial Equality's investigation into allegations of race discrimination in the Croydon branch of the CPS. [134333]

  The Solicitor-General
  The Commission for Racial Equality announced its decision to conduct an investigation into allegations of race discrimination in the Croydon Branch on 28 July 2000.

  The Commission and the Crown Prosecution Service met on 28 September to discuss the way in which the investigation was to be carried out.

  Following that meeting, on 3 October the Crown Prosecution Service received a request from the Commission for detailed information on the Croydon Branch to be sent to the Commission by 27 October. This information was forwarded to the CRE on 26 October.

  The investigation is ongoing.

  Serious Fraud Office
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement on the work of the Serious Fraud Office. [134406]

  The Solicitor-General
  The Serious Fraud Office currently has a case load of 73 serious and complex fraud cases, including appeals. In the year to date some 22 defendants have been convicted, out of 27 tried. In addition, six trials are under way involving 15 defendants. The Serious Fraud Office continues to be an effective force in the fight against fraud.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Postal Workers
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the effect of the Working Time Directive on the opportunities for postal workers to earn overtime payments. [134377]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The Working Time Regulations, which implement the provisions of the European Working Time Directive, are designed to protect employees from being required to work over a 48 hour week on average,
  221W
  but allow them to opt-out of this protection if they wish. This individual opt-out is reviewable by the EU Commission in 2003.

  Overtime payments are a contractual matter.

  Electricity Trading Arrangements
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the current timetable is for the implementation of the new electricity trading arrangements in England and Wales. [135878]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Ofgem announced on Friday the revised timetable for the implementation of the new electricity trading arrangements The planned implementation date is 27 March 2001 but, due to the complexity of the work to be undertaken by a large number of participants, this date will be subject to confirmation early in the new year.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry's intention to lift the stricter consents policy in November remains unchanged.

  Telecommunications
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what evaluation his Department has undertaken of the effect of the EU Telecommunications Regulation concerning unbundling of the local loop on the UK telecommunications industry. [135666]

  Ms Hewitt
  A Regulatory Impact Assessment on the costs and benefits of the draft Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on unbundled access to the local loop is currently being prepared.

  Local Loop Unbundling has already been mandated in the UK. Oftel decided in November 1999 that BT should allow operators to access its local access lines, and a condition in BT's licence requiring it to provide unbundled local loops was put in place in April 2000 and brought into force on 8 August 2000—four months ahead of the deadline in the Regulation. BT started the process of accepting orders for co-location in its exchanges in September and the first loops should be available early in 2001. This progress means the UK is well placed in Europe in the introduction of local loop unbundling, which will promote competition in the provision of broadband and other communications services to consumers and small businesses.

  The Regulation also requires the introduction of shared access, where the incumbent operator continues to provide telephony while an alternative operator provides a broadband service over the same line. While shared access is not yet in place in the UK (nor is it widely available elsewhere in Europe), Oftel has already proposed its introduction in a consultation document "Access to bandwidth: Shared access to the local loop" published in October 2000. Oftel's proposal is in line with the Regulation.

  The overall effect of the Regulation in the UK will thus be to underpin the existing regime, which will bring significant benefits to the telecommunications industry and consumers as a whole. The Regulation will also enable UK industry to reap similar benefits elsewhere in Europe by creating a harmonised framework for local loop unbundling.
  222W
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Warwick and Leamington (Mr. Plaskitt) of 24 October 2000,Official Report, columns 106–07W, concerning the telecommunications council, what the Government's policy was towards the Commission's postal services proposal; and if he will make a statement. [135744]

  Ms Hewitt
  For the UK, I said that we strongly supported further liberalisation of postal services in Europe compatible with the maintenance of the universal service. We recognised that this was an increasingly global market and that postal services within the EU needed greater commercial freedom if they were to become global players. Liberalisation should proceed in a way consistent with our social objectives so as to allow the full benefits of competition to be achieved for all consumers. At the moment, and subject to the content of the package as a whole, our view was that a reduction of the reserved area to 150grams was achievable without putting the universal service at risk. We would need to consider the advice of the new UK postal regulator on whether a greater reduction could be achieved without putting at risk the universal service at a uniform tariff. However, we would play a constructive role in further discussions on the proposal reflecting the new regulator's advice.

  Banana Trade Dispute
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) of 24 October 2000,Official Report, column 101W, on the banana trade dispute, what the obstacles to compensation are; and how they are affected by World Trade Organisation membership. [135793]

  Mr. Caborn
  Any compensation scheme for companies affected by the banana dispute would raise a number of questions concerning compatibility with both the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and EC state aid rules. There is a significant risk that a scheme would be incompatible with these. As I pointed out in my earlier answer, the only way to alleviate this burden from all the companies facing US sanctions is to find a solution to the banana dispute that is satisfactory to all parties. It is precisely this that the Government have been working hard to achieve since the US first imposed retaliation last year.

  No other European State is running a scheme to assist its own industries affected by the dispute. Several posts have reported that their hosts have looked into such a possibility and have concluded that any scheme would fall foul of these rules.

  Coal Authority
  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the quinquennial review of the Coal Authority will take place; and what the terms of reference of the review will be. [135862]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Work has now commenced on the second quinquennial review of the functions and organisation of the Coal Authority. The terms of reference for the review are as given.
  223W
  Overall Aim

  To determine whether any changes are necessary to the functions and organisation of the Coal Authority.

  First Stage: Prior Options

  To examine whether the Coal Authority should be retained as an NDPB and, if so, should continue to carry out some or all of the functions it presently delivers.

  In the course of this, to consider specifically:
  whether an NDPB is the best way of meeting DTI objectives in this area and the Authority's past performance in doing so;
  whether the role and functions of the Coal Authority contribute to the delivery of wider DTI and Government objectives;
  whether existing functions still need to be undertaken or reduced and whether new functions could usefully be undertaken by the Authority;
  whether there is potential for closer working with other parts of the public sector, or the private sector, on particular activities, including possible transfer of activities to or from those bodies;
  how functions can best be delivered and whether there is scope for other organisational options, including discontinuing, contracting-out, market-testing, merging or rationalising, privatising, or restructuring internally, some or all of them;
  whether the statutory framework within which the Authority operates is appropriate or whether changes to its powers would be desirable;
  whether the funding regime within which the Authority operates is appropriate or whether changes (commensurate with public accountability) would improve the ability of the Authority to carry out its functions.

  Second Stage: Review of Efficiency

  If NDPB status for the Coal Authority is confirmed, in the light of the findings of the Prior Options Stage consider how the Authority's operations, services and functions could be provided and operated more efficiently and effectively in the future.

  To consider particularly:
  the Authority's aims and objectives and the part they play in delivering wider DTI and Government objectives;
  performance targets and whether they are sufficiently comprehensive and stretching, and properly reflect the Authority's aims and objectives;
  how the Authority can improve its responsiveness to those who use its services and functions and the involvement of its staff in the way it works;
  whether the Authority's organisational structure and effectiveness, its staffing, management and personnel policies adequately take into account changes in workload;
  opportunities for joint-working with other bodies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery;
  whether the Authority can make better use of new technology to improve the delivery of its services and functions;
  the Authority's system of financial management and control together with the budgetary process and the application of fees and charges;
  existing outsourcing arrangements and confirm that they are providing value for money. In particular, to advise on whether the boundary between in-house and outsourced work is appropriately drawn in all areas including that of monitoring work on subsidence and historic liabilities;
  whether there is scope to increase the current level of efficiency savings and income and to improve the utilisation of its assets;
  whether the Authority needs different freedoms or flexibilities to improve delivery of its services;
  whether the roles and reporting arrangements of the Authority, the Department and Ministers need clearer definition and whether they provide proper support for operational and policy work.
  224W
  The findings of this review will be summarised in a report in a format agreed with the Department, including a set of recommendations.

  The first stage of the review will be carried out by an official in the Department of Trade and Industry. If, once this stage is completed, it is decided to proceed to a second stage, it is likely that this work will be undertaken by consultants. The first stage should be completed by the end of 2000 and stage two would commence early in 2001. The review is being overseen by a Steering Group chaired by the Director of Coal Unit in my Department. The team includes the Chairman of the Coal Authority and an independent member.

  My Department is particularly keen to hear the views of interested parties including suggestions for improvement in the provision of services. Any comments, which should be sent by 30 November, should be addressed to Mr. Brian Morris, Department of Trade and Industry, Bay 179, 1 Victoria Street London, SW1H 0ET (e-mail: brian.morris@dti.gsi.gov.uk).

  Universal Bank
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the Government's progress in creating the universal bank; and if he will make a statement. [135561]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The Post Office and the high street banks are continuing to work together to develop the concept of universal banking services and the Government are closely monitoring developments.

  Sub Post Offices
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many sub post offices closed between May 1997 and the latest available date. [135557]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  I understand from the Post Office that the net number of sub post office closures since end March 1997 to end September 2000 is 1,183.

  Parental Leave
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to reform the current provisions relating to parental leave. [135560]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  On 22 June I announced the terms of reference for a review of maternity pay and parental leave. This is looking at the steps needed to make sure that parents have choices to help them balance the needs of their work and their children, so that they may contribute fully to the competitiveness and productivity of the modern economy. The provision and impact of parental leave is key to this work.

  Ministers working on the review have participated in a series of roundtable discussions across the English regions, Wales and Scotland. This gave over 250 individuals and organisations the opportunity to put forward their views on what is needed to change. All the comments and suggestions expressed are now being considered with the aim of publishing a consultation document before Christmas.

  Private Recruitment Industry
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact on labour market flexibility of(a) IR35 and (b) current reform of regulation of the private recruitment industry. [135562]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  We do not expect the IR35 legislation to have a material effect on labour market flexibility. Our proposals to reform the regulations governing the private recruitment industry will increase labour market flexibility. A revised regulatory impact assessment will be published at the time the regulations are laid before Parliament.

  Offshore Wind Projects
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if capital expenditure funded to the extent of 40 per cent. by capital grants for offshore wind projects will be eligible for capital allowances(a) on the full expenditure and (b) on only the expenditure not funded by Government grant. [135054]

  Mrs. Liddell
  A firm would be able to claim capital allowances only on the expenditure not funded by Government grant.

  UK Coal Operating Aid Scheme
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many applications have been received under the UK Coal Operating Aid Scheme. [135051]

  Mrs. Liddell
  By Wednesday 25 October, applications had been received by the DTI in respect of the listed eight production units:

  Scottish Coal/Longannet

  Hatfield

  RJB/Selby Complex

  Blenkinsopp

  RJB/Harworth

  RJB/Maltby

  RJB/Rossington

  RJB/Welbeck.

  An up-to-date list of applications is given on the DTI web site at: http://www2.dti.gov.uk/support/appaid.htm

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will publish the Statutory Instrument on the UK Coal Operating Aid Scheme. [135052]

  Mrs. Liddell
  A Statutory Instrument on the UK Coal Operating Aid Scheme will not be required.

  Copies of the scheme are available in the House Library, or on the DTI website at the following address: http://www2.dti.gov.uk/support/coal.htm.

  Under the provisions of the Industrial Development Act the excess of any payment of aid over £10 million will require authorisation by a resolution of the Commons. We are waiting for the European Commission's approval of our Coal Operating Aid Scheme. If such approval is granted, we will then seek any necessary Commons authorisation.

  Renewables Obligation
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what period the proposed Renewables Obligation buy-out price of 3p/KWh will be maintained.[135057]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Government propose that the Renewables Obligation will extend to 31 March 2026, and that the 3p/KWh level of the buy-out price will not be reduced throughout that time in order to ensure that there is a secure basis for long-term investment. The Government also propose to link the buy-out to the Retail Prices Index. The Government's proposals are subject to the outcome of the current consultation.

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he notified the European Commission about the Renewables Obligation; and when he anticipates receiving approval. [135056]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The European Commission was formally notified of the Renewables Obligation in July 2000. My Department is currently in discussion with the Commission on the details of the notification.

  Greenhouse Gas Emissions
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research underlies his forecast for the level of greenhouse gas emissions after 2000. [135055]

  Ms Hewitt
  At a broad level, the DTI is responsible for projections of energy demand which are used to project carbon dioxide emissions, while the DETR and MAFF have responsibility for projections of other greenhouse gases.

  Projections of carbon dioxide emissions are based on the energy demand projections which are generated by the DTI's energy model, which has been developed through extensive research over many years. The approach taken to modelling energy demand is described in chapter 2 of a working paper made available in March this year. A copy of the working paper, entitled "Energy Projections for the UK", is available in the Library of the House. The DETR also funds extensive research into carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from specific sectors such as non-domestic buildings, manufacturing industry and road transport to help inform Government projections.

  Methods for projecting emissions of the other greenhouse gases (methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride) have been developed by DETR and MAFF based on many years of Government funded research. The projections were updated recently by independent consultants for inclusion in the draft Climate Change Programme and provided as a working paper entitled "Projections of Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gases For The United Kingdom", March 2000, WS Atkins Limited, also available in the Library of the House.

  Cowboy Builders
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what projects his Department is supporting connected with the First Check Point organisation to combat incompetent and dishonest builders. [135429]
  227W
  Dr. Howells
  My Department is not supporting any projects connected with the first check point organisation.

  Romania
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on the decision not to extend export credit guarantee cover to Romania; if he will review this decision; and if he will make a statement. [135556]

  Mr. Caborn
  A number of exporters have made representations about the provision of export credit guarantees to support potential business in Romania. ECGD has reached its exposure ceiling for Romania. They expect to carry out a review shortly to determine the acceptability of making more cover available in the light of Romania's political and economic situation.

  Bilateral Concordat
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to publish the bilateral concordat between his Department and the Northern Ireland Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment. [135865]

  Mr. Byers
  The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment and I have today agreed the text of the Concordat between the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment. Copies of the Concordat have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses and the text will be made available on the Department of Trade and Industry web-site.

  Part-time Working Directive
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made in discussions within the EU on securing equal treatment for agency workers under the part-time working directive. [135709]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  I understand that the Social Partners have held three meetings to date to discuss a possible framework agreement covering agency workers. The European directive on part-time work of 1997 was implemented in the UK through the Part-Time Workers (Prevention of less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000, in July this year. These regulations give protection to all workers, including agency workers, against less favourable treatment on the grounds that they work part-time.

  Asteroids
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) when he will announce the next steps the Government plan to take to address the threat of cosmic impact; and if he will make a statement; [135476]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the findings of the report of the Taskforce on near-earth objects; and if he will make a statement. [135475]

  Ms Hewitt
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell) on 23 October 2000,Official Report, column 9W.

  Near Earth Objects
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will discuss with the Prime Minister the possibility of including the threat of Near Earth Objects at a future meeting of the G8 leaders; and if he will make a statement. [135477]

  Ms Hewitt
  Officials are consulting widely with interested parties and authorities in many countries about the issues raised by the report of the Task Force on Near Earth Objects. I have not discussed with the Prime Minister the possibility of raising this issue with G8 leaders.

  Deregulation
  Mr. Page
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make available the evidence upon which the statement on his Department's website, concerning the impact of action taken by the Government to reduce the burdens on business caused by regulation, was based; and if he will quantify the reduction in the burdens on business caused by regulation referred to in that statement. [R] [135664]

  Ms Hewitt
  My Department has been unable to identify the statement referred to in this question. Regulatory Impact Assessments, which are prepared for all new regulations with cost impacts on business, quantify the anticipated cost burden or saving of individual measures. Copies of these are available in the House of Commons Library.

  Silicosis Claims
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how many silicosis cases(a) have been processed to date and (b) are still outstanding; and what assessment he has made of the length of time needed to complete all the outstanding silicosis claims; [135543]

  (2) what action his Department is taking to speed up the process of settling outstanding silicosis compensation claims. [135544]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Since assuming the former British Coal's health liabilities in January 1998 the Department has received no claims for silicosis.

  Bujagali Dam, Uganda
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment the ECGD has made of the proposed Bujagali Dam in Uganda. [135112]

  Mr. Caborn
  ECGD cover is not currently available for Uganda, although a review is due soon. ECGD has not been asked to undertake an assessment of the proposed Bujagali Dam project.

  International Atomic Energy Agency
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on matters discussed and decisions taken at the International Atomic Energy Agency annual conference in September, in so far as they affect the United Kingdom; and if he will place relevant documentation in the Library. [135439]
  229W
  Dr. Howells
  The UK delegation to the 44th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) played a full and active part during the conference. The UK was involved in the drafting and submission by the European Union of resolutions covering strengthening the effectiveness and improving the efficiency of the safeguards system and application of the model protocol, measures against illicit trafficking in nuclear materials and other radioactive sources and the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions relating to Iraq. These draft resolutions were in some cases amended in negotiation with other delegations, but all were eventually adopted. The UK delegation also participated fully in discussions concerning other resolutions and decisions of the conference.

  A copy of the document produced by the IAEA containing resolutions and other decisions of the General Conference will be placed in the Library of the House when it becomes available.

  Dounreay
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the total expenditure on fast reactor research and development at Dounreay from the inception of the Fast Reactor Programme until its closure; and what is his estimate of the likely costs of decommissioning the Dounreay site to greenfield conditions. [135437]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I understand from UKAEA that in 1990, towards the end of the UK Fast Reactor research and development programme, the total investment in the programme over 30 years was estimated to be £4 billion (undiscounted, in 1988 prices). This figure includes design and development for the programme at Risley and other sites as well as at Dounreay.

  The cost of decommissioning and restoring the Dounreay site is estimated to be in the region of £4 billion (undiscounted, in 1999–2000 prices) over a 50–60 year timescale.

  Ex-miners Compensation Claims
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if interest will be paid to ex-miners suffering from respiratory diseases and claiming compensation, following delays in payment, in addition to the compensation paid. [135118]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Under the Claims Handling Agreement, signed by the Department and the Solicitors acting for the claimants, interest on general damages is payable from the date of the receipt of the letter of claim. On special damages, interest is payable from either the date the loss occurred, or in some cases the date of receipt of the letter of claim. Loss of earnings are calculated at the appropriate Court rate, and other heads of special damages are calculated at a reduced rate, reflecting the fact that these are assessed at present day values. All interest runs to the date an offer is accepted.

  "Bankruptcy—A Fresh Start"
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he hopes to publish the results of his consultation on Bankruptcy: a Fresh Start and his conclusions on those representations. [135375]

  Dr. Howells
  We expect to receive a report on the public consultation on "Bankruptcy—A Fresh Start" and on the emerging issues in the near future. We will then consider the desirability of a further round of consultation on some of the specific issues identified in the consultation document.

  Fuel Prices
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what powers he(a) has and (b) intends to seek to control the retail prices of petrol and diesel; [134398]

  (2) what powers he (a) has and (b) intends to seek to ensure that oil producers and retailers pass on in full to consumers reductions in taxes on petrol and diesel. [134457]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Section 1(4) of the Energy Act 1976 confers power on the Secretary of State to regulate by order the price at which petroleum products (including petrol and diesel) may be supplied.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State does not intend to seek further powers.

  The Government believe that open competition provides consumers with supplies at the best available prices.

  Gas (Rural Communities)
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to review the regulatory framework in relation to the supply of mains gas to rural communities. [134728]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Government recognise the importance of gas supplies to rural areas and are looking to the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority to be proactive in securing the widest viable coverage.

  In addition, the Government have just amended the regulatory framework in the Utilities Act 2000 to remove the geographical exclusivity of Public Gas Transporters. This should make it easier for those in rural communities to obtain a connection by stimulating competition between PGTs and exerting a downward pressure on connection costs.

  Later in the year, the Government will be taking two further steps with relevance to rural consumers and others. These are the publication, under the Utilities Act, of draft guidance to the new Gas and Electricity Markets Authority on social and environmental policies, and publication of a consultation document on UK Fuel Poverty Strategy.

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the gas industry with a view to facilitating the supply of mains gas to rural communities. [134998]
  231W
  Mrs. Liddell
  Extensions to the gas network are a matter for the independent regulator, the Director General of Gas Supply.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Terrorist Incidents
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many(a) punishment beatings,

  Casualties as a result of paramilitary style shootings/assaults for Northern Ireland (by week of occurrence) 1 January–18 October 2000

  Shootings

  Assaults

  Date range

  By Loyalist

  By Republican

  By Loyalist

  By Republican

  1 January–7 January 2000

  1

  —

  2

  —

  8 January–14 January 2000

  —

  —

  3

  —

  15 January–21 January 2000

  2

  —

  —

  —

  22 January–28 January 2000

  —

  —

  2

  1

  29 January–4 February 2000

  1

  —

  4

  —

  5 February–11 February 2000

  1

  —

  —

  1

  12 February–18 February 2000

  —

  —

  1

  —

  19 February–25 February 2000

  1

  —

  1

  2

  26 February–3 March 2000

  4

  —

  1

  —

  4 March–10 March 2000

  —

  1

  1

  —

  11 March–17 March 2000

  4

  4

  1

  2

  18 March–24 March 2000

  2

  —

  2

  1

  25 March–31 March 2000

  2

  1

  3

  1

  1 April–7 April 2000

  —

  3

  —

  2

  8 April–14 April 2000

  —

  5

  2

  2

  15 April–21 April 2000

  —

  1

  1

  1

  22 April–28 April 2000

  5

  —

  2

  3

  29 April–5 May 2000

  3

  4

  2

  —

  6 May–12 May 2000

  5

  —

  2

  2

  13 May–19 May 2000

  1

  —

  2

  3

  20 May–26 May 2000

  1

  1

  —

  3

  27 May–2 June 2000

  —

  —

  2

  —

  3 June–9 June 2000

  —

  1

  —

  1

  10 June–16 June 2000

  3

  —

  4

  1

  17 June–23 June 2000

  2

  1

  2

  2

  24 June–30 June 2000

  1

  1

  —

  —

  1 July–7 July 2000

  7

  1

  —

  1

  8 July–14 July 2000

  3

  —

  1

  1

  15 July–21 July 2000

  1

  1

  1

  —

  22 July–28 July 2000

  1

  —

  1

  2

  29 July–4 August 2000

  2

  —

  3

  1

  5 August–11 August 2000

  1

  —

  3

  —

  12 August–18 August 2000

  —

  2

  3

  —

  19 August–25 August 2000

  —

  —

  1

  1

  26 August–1 September 2000

  3

  4

  1

  1

  2 September–8 September 2000

  —

  2

  3

  —

  9 September–15 September 2000

  6

  —

  —

  2

  16 September–22 September 2000

  —

  —

  2

  2

  23 September–29 September 2000

  2

  3

  —

  1

  30 September–6 October 2000

  5

  2

  —

  1

  7 October–13 October 2000

  2

  1

  1

  1

  14 October–18 October 2000

  2

  —

  1

  2

  Totals

  74

  39

  61

  44

  Casualties as a result of paramilitary style shootings/assaults for Northern Ireland (by quarter) 1 January–18 October 2000

  Shooting

  Assaults

  Date range

  By Loyalist

  By Republican

  By Loyalist

  By Republican

  January-March

  18

  6

  21

  8

  April-June

  21

  17

  19

  20

  July-September

  26

  13

  19

  13

  Totals

  65

  36

  59

  41

  1–18 October1

  9

  3

  2

  3

  1Provisional

  232W
  (b) punishment shootings and (c) murders there were in Northern Ireland in (i) each week and (ii) each quarter (1) from 1 January to 30 September and (2) in October, indicating for each week and quarter how many of those crimes were committed by (x) Republican groups and (y) Loyalist groups. [134296]

  Mr. Ingram
  The tables show the number of casualties as a result of paramilitary style shootings and attacks, recorded by week and quarter of occurrence during the period 1 January to 18 October 2000, together with the number of deaths recorded as being due to the security situation in Northern Ireland by week of occurrence:
  233W

  Deaths due to the security situation for Northern Ireland (by week of occurrence) 1 January–18 October 2000

  Date range

  By Loyalist

  By Republican

  8 January–14 January 2000

  1

  —

  19 February–25 February 2000

  2

  —

  20 May–26 May 2000

  1

  —

  27 May–2 June 2000

  —

  1

  8 July–14 July 2000

  1

  —

  19 August–25 August 2000

  3

  —

  23 September–29 September 2000

  —

  1

  7 October–13 October 2000

  —

  1

  Totals

  8

  3

  Note:

  Statistics may be subject to some slight amendment

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Agriculture Council
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the outcome was of the Agriculture Council held in Luxembourg on 23 and 24 October; and if he will make a statement. [135652]

  Ms Quin
  I attended the Agriculture Council meeting in Luxembourg on 23 October.

  The Council warmly welcomed a commitment from Commissioner Fischler to table proposals simplifying the administration of the CAP. This followed a UK/French initiative responding to concerns by farmers about unnecessarily bureaucratic regulation and recommendations by the Red Tape Review team looking at implementation of IACS. The Commission also stated that it recognised the importance of traditional landscape features, such as hedges, in implementing schemes.

  The Council held first discussions on proposals to reform the fruit and vegetables, rice and sugar regimes. On fruit and vegetables I welcomed the proposed simplification of the regime, particularly in relation to the funding of producer organisations. On rice, I stressed the importance of securing an outcome that safeguarded the interests of UK consumers, avoided problems in the WTO and for third country suppliers, and took account of the environmental aspects of rice growing in certain EU regions. I expressed disappointment that the Commission proposal for reform of the sugar regime was not more radical, particularly in view of the pressures from enlargement and from WTO developments. I nevertheless welcomed the proposed extension of sugar quotas for only two years to enable studies to be undertaken to inform a full review in 2002.

  The Council will consider these proposals further at future meetings.

  The Council also heard a report from Commissioner Fischler on developments in the WTO agriculture negotiations and a call from the Danish Minister to develop initiatives on organic agriculture, which was widely supported.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Pleospora Papaveravea
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what conditions will be imposed on use of the results produced by the United Nations Drugs Control Programme research into Pleospora Papaveravea; and if he will make a statement. [135150]

  Mr. Battle
  If the results of the United Nations Drug Control Programme's (UNDCP) research proves that Pleospora Papaveracea can be used for the eradication of illicit opium poppy cultivation without damage to human health or the environment, UNDCP would decide on sharing these results with its member countries. The decision on whether or not to use Pleospora Papaveracea for eradication would be for the governments of the countries where there is such illicit cultivation.

  Cuba
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when representations were first made to the Cuban authorities about access to the arrested United Kingdom citizens in Cuba. [135657]

  Mr. Hain
  Our Embassy in Havana made representations to the Cuban authorities about access as soon as they were informed of the arrest on 9 October and continue to do so subsequently.

  Mrs. Gillan:
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the travel advice for Cuba was last amended; and what plans he has to amend it following the arrest of United Kingdom citizens in Cuba. [135658]

  Mr. Hain
  FCO travel advice for Cuba was updated on 4 October 2000. It is kept under constant review. We are not planning to revise it in light of the recent arrests. British nationals travelling to Cuba who comply with the local law and are holding the correct documentation should have no cause for concern.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date, at what time and by whom Ministers in his Department were first informed of the arrest of United Kingdom citizens in Cuba; and which Minister in his Department was first informed. [135656]

  Mr. Hain
  Ministers were aware of the arrest of the British nationals on 24 October from media reporting. It is not normal practice for FCO officials to inform Ministers whenever a British national is arrested overseas.

  Qualified Majority Voting
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice in relation to the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to EU participation in WTO proceedings; [135280]

  (2) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to policies towards self-employed people (Article 47(2)); [135323]
  235W
  (3) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to measures on refugees and displaced persons (Articles 63(2)(a) and (b)); [135318]

  (4) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to economic and financial co-operation with third countries (New Article 181a); [135298]

  (5) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to (a) tax measures for the protection of the environment (Article 93(4)) and (b) provisions for mutual assistance between tax authorities (Article 93(5)); [135288]

  (6) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to measures setting out conditions for freedom of travel for nationals of third countries (Article 62(3)); [135320]

  (7) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to immigration policy (Article 63(3)(a) and (b)); [135317]

  (8) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to environmental matters (Article 175 (2)); [135297]

  (9) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to (a) the approval of the rules of procedure of the Court of Auditors (Article 274(3)) and (b) the appointment of Members of the Court of Auditors Article (247(3)); [135291]

  (10) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice in relation to the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to international agreements on intellectual property (Article 133(1)); [135281]

  (11) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to social security (Article 42); [135324]

  (12) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to anti-discrimination measures (Article 13); [135313]

  (13) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to minimum requirements in certain social areas (Article 137 (1)); [135289]

  (14) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to judicial cooperation for the internal market (Article 65(a), (b) and (c)); [135283]
  236W
  (15) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to CFSP/JHA international agreements (Article 24); [135314]

  (16) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to the list of products which are connected with the production of or trade in weapons (Article 296 (2)); [135308]

  (17) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to association of overseas territories (Article 187); [135296]

  (18) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to asylum measures (Articles 631a to d); [135319]

  (19) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to association agreements (Article 300 (2)); [135307]

  (20) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to the creation of a Cohesion Fund (Article 161); [135299]

  (21) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to measures to control the supply of certain products in difficulties (Article 100 (1)); [135290]

  (22) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to social security for migrant workers (Article 144); [135304]

  (23) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to the Court of Justice in Title IV (Article 67(5)); [135285]

  (24) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to measures in the cultural field (Article 151 (5)); [135303]

  (25) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to the conclusion of mixed agreements (new Article 300 (8)); [135306]

  (26) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to measures in the industrial sphere (Article 157(3));[135302]

  (27) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to the appointment of (a) the Deputy Secretary General and (b) the Secretary General of the Council (Article 207(2)); [135292]

  (28) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to the appointment of members of the Economic and Social Committee (Article 259(1)); [135311]
  237W
  (29) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to approximation of laws for the Common Market (Article 94); [135305]

  (30) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to specific action for economic and social cohesion (Article 159); [135301]

  (31) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to the Statute of MEPs (Article 190(5)); [135295]

  (32) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to transport regulation (Articles 71(2) and 80); [135286]

  (33) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to rules for structural funds (Article 161); [135300]

  (34) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to financial regulations for accounting officers (Article 279(1); [135309]

  (35) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to rules on visas (Articles 62(2) b(ii) and (iv)); [135321]

  (36) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to the rules of procedure of the European Court of First Instance (Article 224); [135293]

  (37) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to tax measures to prevent fraud, tax evasion and circumvention of rules (Article 93(2)); [135287]

  (38) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to rules and arrangements for border checks (Article 62(2)a); [135322]

  (39) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to the establishment of agencies (New Article 256a); [135316]

  (40) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to the movement of citizens between member states (Article 18); [135312]

  (41) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to the choice of Common Foreign and Security Policy representatives (Article 23(2)); [135315]

  (42) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to appointments to the Committee of the Regions (Article 263); [135310]
  238W
  (43) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to the rules of procedure of the European Court of Justice (Article 223); [135294]

  (44) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to cooperation measures under Title IV (Article 66); [135284]

  (45) if he will make a statement on the policy he will adopt at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to community financial aid to a Member State (Article 100(2)). [135478]

  Mr. Vaz
  We have set out our overall policy to the IGC negotiations which will be concluded at Nice in a White Paper published in February this year. We have made it clear that where the extension of qualified majority voting is in the United Kingdom's national interest, we will support it strongly; and that where it is not we will oppose it firmly.

  BBC World Service
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the BBC World Service. [135905]

  Mr. Hain
  The BBC has today announced that the BBC World Service will move from Bush House to Broadcasting House at the end of 2006. We welcome and endorse this decision, about which we have been kept fully informed.

  We are confident that the World Service will maintain in Broadcasting House the standards and traditions that have made it the world's best known and most respected voice in international broadcasting. The new location will be better suited than Bush House to enable the World Service to meet the challenges of the digital age—for which the Government made available an additional £64 million in the recent Spending Review—and to work to maximum effect with key BBC partners.

  It also offers better value for money than remaining at Bush House.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Office Furniture
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what the cost is of(a) four two-drawer pedestal units and (b) a four-drawer filing cabinet specified for use in Portcullis House; who took the decision that only the former could be made available in hon. Members' offices in Portcullis House; what surveys have been conducted on hon. Members' preferences for methods of storage of files. [134261]

  Sir Sydney Chapman
  One of the responsibilities of the Select Committee is to consider the requirements of hon. Members as construction projects are progressed. In developing the proposals for the fitting out of the offices in Portcullis House, the Committee was aware of the ever-growing demand for both work surfaces and storage space in the offices of hon. Members and their staff. It
  239W
  concluded, therefore, that after the basic provision of storage and filing space in the wall cupboards, the most effective use of the available floor space would be achieved by providing flexible two and three drawer pedestals that could be housed under the workbenches. The matter of cost was not, therefore, a factor in our deliberations.

  Stakeholder Pensions
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what plans he has to offer House staff a stakeholder pension. [134375]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  As required under the legislation, from October 2001, designated stakeholder pension arrangements will be made available to all House of Commons Staff who cannot be covered by the House of Commons Staff Pension Scheme (HOCSPS). Stakeholder pension arrangements will also be made available to House of Commons Staff who are covered by the HOCSPS but who earn less than £30,000 a year, and who wish to top up their HOCSPS benefits.

  These arrangements will be for new House staff and existing House staff.

  New Members
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what arrangements she intends to make for the induction of new hon. Members in the next Parliament. [134463]

  Mrs. Roe
  Arrangements, similar to those introduced for hon. Members newly elected in 1997, are in hand. A Co-ordinating Group, with a membership drawn from across the departments of the House and reporting to the Board of Management, is responsible for planning and overseeing the induction of newly elected Members of Parliament. Assisting the Co-ordinating Group are three groups responsible for the listed tasks:

  planning and overseeing the making of a new Parliamentary Video, which presents a brief introduction to the House of Commons service;

  planning a Reception area for new Members to visit on their arrival; and

  co-ordinating the revision of the Members' Handbook.

  I know that departments of the House will also make arrangements to make newly elected hon. Members aware of the services that they provide.

  Dissolution (Administrative Arrangements)
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what plans she has to advise hon. Members of the administrative arrangements for their staff and offices consequent upon Parliament's dissolution. [134462]

  Mrs. Roe
  A notice reminding all hon. Members of the regulations applied to them and their staff during a Dissolution of Parliament will be issued by the Serjeant at Arms. The Accountant will be writing also to every hon. Member with detailed information concerning their allowances and entitlements.

  Late-night Sittings
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the President of the Council if she will make a statement on the proposals by the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons to reduce the number of late-night sittings of the House. [134580]

  Mrs. Beckett
  The objective of the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons is to improve the efficient working of the House of Commons.

  Programming legislation and the deferral of late divisions should assist hon. Members, both by giving increasing certainty about the business and reducing the number of late sittings. I expect the House will have an opportunity to consider the proposals in the near future.

  Recess Dates
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the President of the Council if she will announce provisionally the recess dates for the next 15 months. [135077]

  Mrs. Beckett
  I am afraid I am unable to do so since the dates of adjournments depend on the progress of business.

  Cost Allowance
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the President of the Council what the total provision was for the additional cost allowance for hon. Members for the year 1999–2000; and what actual expenditure was during that year. [134573]

  Mrs. Beckett
  The total provision for the additional cost allowance for hon. Members for the year 1999–2000 was £8,272,000.

  The actual expenditure during 1999–2000 was £7,740,000.

HEALTH

  Porton Products Ltd.
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what products of SAMR and Porton Products have had agreements to market and distribute since 1980; to whom they were marketed and distributed; and if he will make a statement. [134132]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research (CAMR) has been the executive arm of a special health authority, the Microbiological Research Authority, since April 1994. Prior to that date, it was part of the Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS). CAMR had a distributorship and marketing agreement with a private sector company, Porton Products Ltd., from April 1985 to October 1998 (at which time the term of the agreement ended). The range of products covered by the agreement included frozen bacterial cell pastes, enzymes and proteins, vaccines and therapeutic toxins. A full list will be deposited in the Library.
  241W
  Porton Products distributed CAMR products to a range of healthcare customers worldwide. Porton Products was purchased by a French company, the Beaufour Ipsen Group, in 1994. Beaufour Ipsen may be able to provide the hon. Member with information relating to the customers for these products.

  CAMR has only two current licence agreements with Beaufour Ipsen. These are for Dysport (a botulinum toxin-based therapeutic used in the treatment of cerebral palsy), and Erwinase (an enzyme used in the treatment of childhood leukaemia).

  Waiting List Statistics
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients were waiting for in-patient treatment for(a) cancer, (b) heart disease and (c) HIV and hepatitis in each of the last 10 years in (i) Taunton constituency and (ii) Somerset Health Authority. [134315]

  Mr. Denham
  The numbers of patients from Somerset Health Authority waiting for inpatient treatment at 31 March in the specialities Cardiothoracic surgery and Cardiology are shown in the table. This information was not collected prior to march 1994. It is not possible to provide the information at a constituency level.

  Information on inpatient waiting times is collected by consultant speciality. Treatment for cancer, HIV and hepatitis is carried out in a number of specialities and the numbers waiting for treatment are therefore not identifiable separately.

  Total inpatient waiting list for specialties cardiothoracic surgery and cardiology1

  Year

  Cardiothoracic surgery

  Cardiology

  March 1994

  104

  0

  March 1995

  84

  27

  March 1996

  118

  86

  March 1997

  148

  119

  March 1998

  105

  105

  March 1999

  179

  137

  March 2000

  236

  228

  1 Somerset HA (1997–2000)

  1Somerset DHA (1994–1996)

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many out-patients were waiting for treatment for more than six months in each of the last 10 years in(a) the Taunton constituency and (b) Somerset Health Authority. [134316]

  Mr. Denham
  The numbers of patients from Somerset Health Authority waiting more than twenty six weeks for an outpatient appointment are shown in the table. This information was not collected prior to March 1998. It is not possible to provide the information at a constituency level.

  Outpatients still waiting 26 plus weeks

  Year

  Somerset HA

  March 1998

  566

  March 1999

  1,068

  March 2000

  1,149

  Source:

  QM08, QM08R quarterly returns

  Patient Advocacy and Liaison Service
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if staff employed by the proposed Patient Advocacy and Liaison Service will be represented on the patient forums; and if he will make a statement. [134341]

  Ms Stuart
  Chapter 10 of the National Health Service Plan states that half the membership of Patients Fora will be randomly drawn from respondents to trusts' annual patient surveys. The other half of the membership will comprise representatives of local patient groups and voluntary organisations.

  At the moment, we are conducting a major exercise to take the views of stakeholder groups nationally and locally on the specific details of how the new arrangements set out in Chapter 10 of the NHS Plan should be set up and co-ordinated in practice. Exactly how the membership of Patients Fora will be constructed, and which local patient representative group will be involved, will be resolved as part of this exercise. A clear statement on the outcome of the exercise will be given in the new year.

  Domestic Violence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many victims of domestic violence have been treated in hospitals in England and Wales in(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000. [134749]

  Mr. Denham
  The table shows a count of in-patient episodes of care where the nature of injury has been specified as maltreatment by spouse or partner. The figures provided are for National Health Service Hospitals in England, for the years 1995–96 to 1998–99.

  Information available on the total number of patients attending accident and emergency departments and the number of patients attending outpatient clinics for each consultant speciality. The reason patients attend accident and emergency departments or outpatient clinics is not available.

  Count of finished consultant episodes (FCEs) where the cause of injury is maltreatment by spouse or partner—NHS Hospitals, England—1995–96 and 1998–99

  Male

  Female

  1995–96

  14

  95

  1996–97

  16

  78

  1997–98

  9

  76

  1998–99

  12

  94

  Notes:

  1. An FCE is defined as a period of patient care under one consultant in one health care provider. The figures do not represent the number of patients, as one person may have several episodes within the year.

  2. Data in this table are adjusted for both coverage and unknown/invalid clinical data, except for 1998–99 which is not yet adjusted for shortfalls.

  Source:

  Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Department of Health.

  Hospital Staff (Assaults)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many alcohol-related assaults on staff have taken place in hospitals in England and Wales in each of the last three years. [134750]
  243W
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many incidents of drug-related assaults on staff were recorded in each of the past three years. [134957]

  Mr. Denham
  The National Health Service Executive conducted a survey of violence in National Health Service trusts in England in 1998–99. The survey found that, on average, seven violent incidents were recorded each month per 1,000 staff. This is equivalent to approximately 65,000 violent incidents against NHS trust staff each year. The survey did not reveal the causes of violent incidents. This information will be held locally by individual National Health Service employers through local reporting procedures and identified through appropriate risk assessment measures. The information would be reflected in local prevention and reduction strategies. Details of the survey can be found in Health Service Circular 1999/229: 'Managing Violence, Accidents and Sickness Absence in the NHS', copies of which are available in the Library.

  HIV/AIDS
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people living in the UK are receiving hospital treatment for HIV/AIDS; and if he will make statement. [134816]

  Yvette Cooper
  The number of people with HIV/AIDS receiving treatment within the National Health Service in England in the calendar year 1999 was 20,765, adjusted for under reporting. Information relating to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are matters for the devolved administrations.

  Fluoridation
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to extend fluoridation of drinking water; and if he will make a statement. [134359]

  Yvette Cooper
  We will be discussing the systematic review of water fluoridation produced by the University of York with representatives of the water industry. We will also be encouraging health authorities with high levels of dental decay to consider fluoridating their water as part of their overall oral health strategy. The report of the evidence review will help ensure that local decisions are based on an authoritative, readily accessible summary of research into the safety and efficacy of water fluoridation.

  £000

  Authority

  Pathology MF

  Renal MF

  Action on cataracts

  Waiting times

  Additional waiting times

  Dental access centres

  Ambulance response times

  CHD MF

  NHS Direct

  Total

  Birmingham Heartlands

  968

  400

  120

  720

  298

  —

  —

  160

  —

  2,666

  Birmingham Women's Healthcare

  127

  —

  —

  395

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  522

  Birmingham Specialist Community

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  Black Country Mental Health

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  Burton Hospitals

  —

  —

  —

  75

  —

  —

  —

  191

  —

  266

  Birmingham Children's Hospital

  450

  —

  —

  358

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  808

  City Hospital

  —

  —

  —

  75

  214

  —

  —

  286

  —

  575

  Coventry Healthcare

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  Dudley Priority Health

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  First Community

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  626

  —

  —

  —

  626

  Good Hope Hospital

  —

  —

  —

  770

  116

  —

  —

  190

  —

  1,076

  Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  83

  —

  —

  83

  Hereford Hospitals

  —

  —

  66

  62

  —

  —

  —

  28

  —

  156

  Herefordshire Community Health

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  Mid Staffordshire General Hospitals

  —

  —

  414

  391

  147

  —

  —

  122

  —

  1,074

  Medical Laboratory Scientific Officers
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if Medical Laboratory Scientific Officers will be included in the Pay Review Body; and if he will make a statement. [134364]

  Mr. Denham
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Erith and Thamesmead (Mr. Austin) on 23 October 2000,Official Report, columns 80–81W.

  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the pay levels of Medical Laboratory Scientific Officers for the next three years. [134382]

  Mr. Denham
  Above inflation pay increases were agreed for Medical Laboratory Scientific Officers as part of a three-year pay deal covering the years 1999–2000, 2000–01 and 2001–02. For 2001–02 this deal provides for a minimum pay rise of RPIX at December 2000 plus 0.5 per cent., subject to progress on negotiations with the trade unions on proposals for modernising the National Health Service pay system. Future arrangements for determining pay and conditions of service for Medical Laboratory Scientific Officers and other NHS staff will be the subject of those negotiations.

  Larval Therapy
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines he issues to health authorities concerning the use of maggots in larval therapy; what estimate he has made of the level of demand among GPs for maggot treatment for their patients; and if he will make a statement. [134349]

  Mr. Denham
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 23 October 2000,Official Report, columns 84–85W.

  NHS Funding (West Midlands)
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much additional capital has been allocated to the West Midlands Region as part of the national bidding process; and how much each NHS trust has obtained through that process for each national priority scheme in the current financial year. [134720]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is shown in the table.
  245W

  £000

  Authority

  Pathology MF

  Renal MF

  Action on cataracts

  Waiting times

  Additional waiting times

  Dental access centres

  Ambulance response times

  CHD MF

  NHS Direct

  Total

  N. Staffordshire Combined Healthcare

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  364

  —

  110

  —

  474

  North Staffs Hospitals

  —

  —

  235

  690

  25

  —

  —

  —

  —

  950

  North Warwickshire Healthcare

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  Northern Birmingham Mental Health

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  Premier Health

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  R. Jones and A. Hunt Orthopaedic and District Hospital

  —

  —

  —

  250

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  250

  Royal Orthopaedic Hospital

  —

  —

  —

  200

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  200

  Royal Shrewsbury Hospitals

  —

  —

  —

  312

  —

  —

  —

  4

  —

  316

  S. Warwickshire Combined

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  Sandwell Healthcare

  —

  —

  120

  290

  —

  —

  —

  75

  —

  485

  Shropshire Community and Mental Health

  —

  —

  —

  427

  —

  —

  55

  —

  —

  482

  Solihull Healthcare

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  South Warwickshire General Hospitals

  —

  —

  201

  —

  —

  —

  —

  52

  —

  253

  Southern Birmingham Mental Health

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  Staffordshire Ambulance Service

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  The Dudley Group of Hospitals

  —

  —

  120

  644

  —

  —

  —

  20

  —

  784

  The Foundation

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  The George Eliot Hospital

  —

  —

  207

  307

  40

  —

  —

  87

  —

  641

  The Princess Royal Hospital

  —

  —

  —

  693

  —

  —

  —

  10

  —

  703

  The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals

  —

  —

  —

  439

  124

  —

  —

  150

  —

  713

  University Hospital

  —

  —

  400

  1,833

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2,233

  Walsall Hospitals

  —

  —

  —

  270

  340

  —

  —

  184

  —

  794

  Walsall Community Health Services

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  Walsgrave Hospitals

  —

  200

  222

  719

  —

  —

  —

  252

  —

  1,393

  Warwickshire Ambulance Service

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  27

  —

  —

  27

  West Midlands Ambulance Service

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  65

  68

  —

  400

  533

  Wolverhampton Healthcare

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  Worcester Acute Worcestershire Community Healthcare

  —

  635

  —

  180

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  815

  Supported by RO block

  —

  -84

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  -84

  Awaiting allocation to Trusts

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1,381

  —

  1,381

  Total

  1,545

  1,151

  2,105

  10,100

  1,309

  1,055

  233

  3,302

  400

  21,200

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the block allocation is for discretionary capital to each NHS trust in the West Midlands in the current financial year. [134719]

  £000

  Trust

  Baseline discretionary block 2000–01

  Non-recurring addition to block 2000–01

  Total discretionary block 2000–01

  Birmingham Heartlands

  5,525

  1,430

  6,955

  Birmingham Women's Health Care

  1,160

  300

  1,460

  Birmingham Specialist Community

  1,795

  470

  2,265

  Black Country MH

  360

  90

  450

  Burton Hospitals

  2,325

  600

  2,925

  Children's Hospital

  1,745

  450

  2,195

  City Hospital

  2,975

  770

  3,745

  Coventry Healthcare

  310

  80

  390

  Dudley Priority Health

  785

  200

  985

  First Community

  260

  70

  330

  Good Hope Hospital

  2,075

  540

  2,615

  Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service

  460

  120

  580

  Hereford Hospitals

  825

  210

  1,035

  Herefordshire Community Health

  360

  90

  450

  Mid Staffordshire General Hospitals

  2,425

  630

  3,055

  North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare

  1,525

  400

  1,925

  North Staffs Hospitals

  5,425

  1,410

  6,835

  North Warwickshire Healthcare

  850

  220

  1,070

  Northern Birmingham Mental Health

  760

  200

  960

  Premier Health

  1,210

  310

  1,520

  Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic and District Hospital

  1,060

  270

  1,330

  Royal Orthopaedic Hospital

  460

  120

  580

  Royal Shrewsbury Hospitals

  1,900

  490

  2,390

  South Warwickshire Combined

  760

  200

  960

  Sandwell Healthcare

  2,525

  650

  3,175

  Shropshire Community and Mental Health

  1,325

  340

  1,665

  Solihull Healthcare

  410

  110

  520

  246W
  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is shown in the table.
  247W

  £000

  Trust

  Baseline discretionary block 2000–01

  Non-recurring addition to block 2000–01

  Total discretionary block 2000–01

  South Warwickshire General Hospitals

  1,625

  420

  2,045

  Southern Birmingham Mental Health

  950

  250

  1,200

  Staffordshire Ambulance Service

  810

  210

  1,020

  The Dudley Group of Hospitals

  3,325

  860

  4,185

  The Foundation

  360

  —

  360

  The George Eliot Hospital

  1,485

  390

  1,875

  The Princess Royal Hospital

  1,410

  370

  1,780

  The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals

  4,025

  1,040

  5,065

  University Hospital

  5,425

  1,410

  6,835

  Walsall Hospitals

  2,625

  680

  3,305

  Walsall Community Health Services

  510

  130

  640

  Walsgrave Hospitals

  5,475

  1,420

  6,895

  Warwickshire Ambulance Service

  310

  80

  390

  West Midlands Ambulance Service

  1,560

  400

  1,960

  Wolverhampton Healthcare

  710

  180

  890

  Worcester Acute

  3,350

  870

  4,220

  Worcestershire Community Healthcare

  1,550

  400

  1,950

  Total

  77,100

  19,880

  96,980

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the minimum and maximum times are for a business case submitted by an NHS trust in(a) the West Midlands Regional Office and (b) England and Wales to receive funding, differentiating between PFI and non-PFI schemes. [134721]

  Mr. Denham
  The timetables for the submission of outline business cases (and initial strategic outline cases for major schemes) are decided on a case by case basis by National Health Service Executive regional offices. If approved to test for funding options (public capital or the private finance initiative) then NHS guidance gives indicative timetables for major and non-major schemes for the preparation and approval of the full business case.

  Children's Services
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish new guidance for planning children's services. [134402]

  Mr. Hutton
  Draft new guidance on planning services for vulnerable children was issued for consultation in April 2000. The broad thrust of the guidance that planning for vulnerable children should be conducted by the whole Council with Health and other partners was welcomed. We are now working with the Children and Young People's Unit and others to produce non-statutory "good practice" guidance on planning children's services as soon as possible.

  Stakeholder Pensions
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to offer NHS employees a stakeholder pension. [134373]

  Mr. Denham
  We expect that National Health Service employers will be exempt from the requirement to provide Stakeholder Pensions. The NHS already has an excellent occupational pension scheme. However, scheme members, earning £30,000 or less, will be eligible to make concurrent contributions to both the NHS pension scheme 248W
  and a stakeholder pension scheme of their choice. We will encourage NHS employers to facilitate this through payroll deductions.

  Drug Users
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the proportion of hard-drug users who began by using soft drugs. [134956]

  Yvette Cooper
  This information is not collected centrally. However, research shows that virtually all young heroin users have used other drugs earlier in their lives. Research also shows that almost all young heroin users have been regular heavy smokers.

  Mixed-sex Wards
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list the hospitals in England and Wales which have eliminated mixed-sex wards since May 1997; [134952]

  (2) by what date all remaining mixed-sex wards in National Health Service hospitals will be phased out. [134953]

  Mr. Denham
  At the moment, information on which hospitals in England have eliminated mixed sex accommodation is not available, as data are collected on a health authority basis. However, the National Health Service Executive is currently undertaking a monitoring exercise to find out which NHS trusts have achieved our objectives in this area and what remains to be done in those places which have not. The results of the monitoring results will be available in due course.

  Matters for Wales are for the devolved administration.

  Hospitals (Building Costs)
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average overall cost is of building(a) a community hospital and b) a general hospital. [134955]
  249W
  Mr. Denham
  Each hospital development is unique, reflecting local requirements and circumstances. We are therefore unable to give an average overall cost. The capital value would be dependent on many factors, such as location, with the land and construction costs varying considerably, with inner London prices at over 25 per cent. higher than in many other parts of the country. Other factors include the geography and nature of the site chosen, and whether it is new build on an existing hospital site, a greenfield site or a major refurbishment project.

  NHS Direct
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the reduction of burdens on other parts of the National Health Service since the introduction of National Health Service Direct. [134958]

  Ms Stuart
  NHS Direct has not been set up to merely reduce demand on other health services. It is about making sure that patients get to the right service at the right time, and giving people re-assuring clinical advice so that they can look after themselves if that is the appropriate thing to do.

  Sheffield University's 2nd independent report on NHS Direct reconfirmed the levels of patient satisfaction and suggested that the introduction of NHS Direct was associated with halting an upward trend in demand for out-of-hours general practice.

  Data from those NHS Direct sites that handle calls on behalf of a general practitioner co-operatives also show that NHS Direct has been able to reduce demand on out-of-hours services. NHS Direct routinely handles 50 per cent. of calls to GP Co-operatives without the need to refer patients to the out-of-hours doctor.

  Feeding Stuffs Regulations
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the new feeding stuffs regulations. [134787]

  Ms Stuart
  The Feeding Stuffs Regulations 2000 for England have been made and came into force on 29 October 2000. The Regulations incorporate a number of European Commission Directives covering the labelling of feed materials and feed additives and improved procedures for the authorisation of new additives. The status of additives, such as vitamins and trace elements, used outside of feeding stuffs has not been changed by this legislation. Discussions are currently taking place with the European Commission on the best way to control this long standing practice, which occurs in all member states, without adversely affecting the welfare of farm animals.

  Hospital Services (Worcestershire)
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the implications for hospital services in the county of the projected overspend of Worcestershire County Council's Social Services Department. [134476]
  250W
  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: Worcestershire Health Authority, Acute Trust and Social Services Department are working hard to address any potential risks to hospital services arising from the social services overspend.

  The acute trust has reported that there are currently fewer patients awaiting discharge than earlier in the year as a result of improved use of community beds and social services support. Health and social services are working together on any residual risk to ensure their winter plans meet demand over the winter. Social services have reinstated a number of care packages for the elderly.

  £1 million was transferred from county council to the adult services budget following committee approval in September, to reduce hospital delayed transfers. Additional winter funding of £550,000 has been allocated to Worcestershire Health Authority, and is also targeted at delayed transfers.

  Prescriptions
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what sanctions are available under the prescribing incentive scheme for use against a practice which fails to meet the budget for prescribing set by the Primary Care Group; and what rights of appeal there are against such sanctions. [135729]

  Mr. Denham
  The Statutory arrangements for prescribing incentive schemes make no provision for imposing sanctions.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will set out in respect of each general practitioner practice within the North East Dorset Primary Care Group(a) the prescribing budget, (b) the indicative amount for prescribing under section 18(1) of the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 and (c) the target budget for prescribing calculated in accordance with the prescribing incentive schemes directions 1998 and 2000 for the years (i) 1998–99, (ii) 1999–2000 and (iii) 2000–01; [135707]

  (2) if he will set out in respect of each general practitioner practice within the Christchurch Primary Care Group (a) the prescribing budget, (b) the indicative amount for prescribing under section 18(1) of the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 and (c) the target budget for prescribing calculated in accordance with the prescribing incentive schemes directions 1998 and 2000 for the years (i) 1998–99, (ii) 1999–00 and (iii) 2000–01; [135705]

  (3) what payments have been made to practices within the Christchurch and North East Dorset primary care groups under prescribing incentive schemes. [135704]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not collected by the Department. The hon. Member may wish to contact Major General Richard Keightley CB, Chair of Dorset Health Authority for information on this subject.

  Primary Care Investment Plans
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library copies of the current primary care investment plans for each primary care group in Dorset. [135708]
  251W
  Mr. Denham
  The information requested will be placed in the Library.

  Primary Care Groups
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many patients were registered in(a) 1998–99, (b) 1999–2000 and (c) 2000–01 with each GP practice within the North East Dorset Primary Care Group; and what proportion of patients are of pensionable age in each case; [135726]

  (2) how many patients were registered in (a) 1998–99, (b) 1999–2000 and (c) 2000–01 with each GP practice within the Christchurch Primary Care Group; and what proportion of patients are of pensionable age in each case. [135727]

  Mr. Denham
  The number of patients registered with general practitioner practices in Dorset Health Authority in 1998–99 and in Christchurch and North East Dorset Primary Care Groups in 2000 is shown in the table. It is not possible to provide the information on an individual partnership basis or to identify the number of female patients aged 60 to 65.

  Patients of Unrestricted Principals and Equivalents1 aged 65 plus within Dorset HA for 1 October 1998 and 1999 and selected Primary Care Groups at 1 October 1999

  Total

  Aged 65 plus

  1998

  Dorset Health Authority

  707,128

  155,219

  Number of partnerships in Dorset HA

  108

  —

  1999

  Dorset Health Authority

  701,763

  153,540

  Number of partnerships in Dorset HA

  110

  —

  1999—Primary Care Groups

  Christchurch PCG

  50,985

  14,409

  North East Dorset PCG

  64,389

  16,398

  Number of partnerships:

  Christchurch PCG

  8

  —

  North East Dorset PCG

  10

  —

  1UPEs include Unrestricted Principals, PMS Contracted GPs and PMS Salaried GPs.

  Source:

  Department of Health General and Personal Medical Services Statistics.

  Tuberculosis
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of TB have been recorded in South Shields in each of the last five years. [135276]

  Yvette Cooper
  Data on the number of cases of tuberculosis, notifiable under the Public Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 1988, are recorded under local authority area only. The number of notifications for the period 1995 to 1999 for the South Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council area are shown in the table.

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  Tuberculosis—all reports

  14

  24

  15

  15

  11

  Respiratory

  11

  14

  9

  15

  11

  Non-respiratory

  3

  10

  6

  0

  0

  Cancer Research
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the new NHS Cancer Research Network. [135799]

  Yvette Cooper
  A review of cancer research priorities undertaken by the Department in 1999 identified support for the infrastructure for clinical cancer research as the highest priority. We responded to this need in The National Health Service Plan by committing funds for development of a NHS Cancer Research Network (NCRN) across England. By 2003 we will be investing an additional £20 million each year in this new initiative.

  The NCRN will provide a world class infrastructure for the conduct of clinical trials and other well designed research. Its initial aim is to double the total proportion of adult cancer patients entering trials within three years. It will be a managed research network mapping onto the cancer service networks across the country. It will provide dedicated research nurses, data managers, medical staff sessions and information systems needed for high quality clinical research, together with research support for radiology, pathology, pharmacy and radiotherapy. The quality, speed and co-ordination of clinical research will be enhanced and research will be better integrated with cancer care.

  The first step in establishing the NCRN is to commission a Co-ordinating Centre. This process is well advanced and we hope to make an announcement soon.

  Prostate Cancer
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent developments there have been in his policy on research into prostate cancer; how much money is being spent by his Department on screening and research programmes targeted at prostate cancer; and how such programmes will benefit the people of the West Midlands and Coventry. [135798]

  Yvette Cooper
  The National Health Service Plan and the NHS prostate cancer programme outline our policy of a progressive increase in the resources from the Department devoted to prostate cancer. This will result in the expenditure this year of £1.2 million rising to £4.2 million in 2003–04.

  This year we are investing in a study of the most effective treatment of patients who are screening test positive, a new method of diagnosis and treatment of early prostate cancer, a collection of 300 prostate cancer tumour samples as source material for researchers and a study of the current extent of screening in the United Kingdom. The next meeting of the Cancer Research Funders Forum will discuss the creation of centres of excellence for prostate cancer research in which the Department is ready to invest. The Medical Research Council is currently considering a proposal for a trial of prostate cancer screening and we will know the outcome in four to six weeks. The benefits of all this research and any policies that develop from it will be available to everyone in England.

  Resuscitation
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what time scale he has set for chief executives of
  253W
  hospitals to implement local resuscitation policies which take account of patients' rights; and if he will make a statement; [135716]

  (2) what guidance he has issued following recommendations from the British Medical Association, the Royal College of Nursing and the Resuscitation Council (UK) concerning patient involvement in resuscitation decisions; and if he will make a statement. [135717]

  Yvette Cooper
  On 5 September, the Department issued a Health Service Circular Resuscitation Policy (HSC2000/28) to National Health Service trust chief executives which makes clear that patients' rights are central to decision-making on resuscitation.

  The circular asks chief executives to ensure that appropriate resuscitation policies—which respects patients' rights—are in place, understood by all relevant staff, accessible to those who need them, and that such policies are subject to appropriate audit and monitoring arrangements.

  As stated in the NHS Plan, hospitals are to have resuscitation policies in place by April 2001.

  Sickness Absence
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the progress made by his Department since 1999 in reducing sickness absence; what targets he has agreed with the Cabinet Office; and if he will make a statement. [135464]

  Ms Stuart
  The Cabinet Office prepares each year an annual report of sickness absence in the Civil Service which includes information for each department. The report for 1999 is currently being finalised and will be published soon.

  Details of the Department's targets for reduced sickness absence for the years 2001 and 2003 against a baseline year of 1998 will be included in its Service Delivery Agreement. This is also to be published shortly.

  Tumour Operations
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average waiting time was at University Hospital, Birmingham for operations to remove a tumour in each of the last two years; and if he will make a statement. [135071]

  Mr. Denham
  Waiting list statistics are not recorded by specific clinical condition, rather by specialty. It is therefore not feasible to produce statistics for operations to remove tumours. Depending on the nature of the tumour (malignant/benign), the location of the tumour and the size of the tumour, the clinical priority on the waiting list for that patient can be different, with urgent cases treated before non-urgent.

  Generally, the trust is well on target to achieve its end of year in-patient waiting list position.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent contacts his Department has had with University Hospital, Birmingham, over the waiting list for operations for the removal of a tumour; and if he will make a statement. [135070]
  254W
  Mr. Denham
  The West Midlands Regional Office of the National Health Service Executive holds regular review meetings with all acute trusts, including University Hospital Birmingham, where general waiting lists are discussed. The Trust is well on target to achieve its end of year in-patient waiting list position.

  We are committed through the NHS Plan to cutting the maximum waiting time for in-patient treatment from 18 months now to six months by 2005. Latest figures show that around 70 per cent. of in-patients are seen within three months of going on a waiting list.

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement on the ways in which patient groups can play a greater role in explaining the benefits of animal experiments; [134178]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 13 July 2000, Official Report, column 683W, on labelling, what plans he has to introduce a system of labelling of medicines to indicate they have been tested on animals; and if he will make a statement. [131976]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 24 October 2000]: My noble Friend, The Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, explained to my hon. Friend on 25 July that we fully support the need to raise public awareness of the benefits of animal testing. The Medical Research Council has recently published a booklet, "Mice and Medicine", on animal experiments and medical advances, copies of which are available in the Library. The joint industry/Government Pharmaceutical Industry Competitiveness Task Force is also considering the wider issue as part of its work on animal research. We also will be examining what enhanced role patient groups can play in raising public awareness in this area.

  In view of these developments, and for reasons explained in the answers given on 8 March 2000, Official Report, column 760W, 5 April 2000, Official Report, column 509W and 3 May 2000, Official Report, column 170W, we have no plans to introduce a labelling system for medicines to indicate they have been tested on animals. Such a system would require an amendment to European law and, even if permitted, there will not be the space on most labels to explain the necessity for animal testing in the interests of protection of public health.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Government Actuary Report
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when his Department asked the Government Actuary for a report on linking benefits to earnings. [135267]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he has received the Government Actuary's report under section 36 of the Child Support and Social Security Act; when he intends to lay it before Parliament; and if he will make a statement. [135450]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Government Actuary is finalising his report under section 36 of the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Act 2000. It will be published when it is completed.

  Minimum Income Guarantee
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people have contacted the minimum income guarantee helpline since the new advertising campaign began; how many application forms have been sent out to people who have telephoned the helpline; how many application forms have been returned; how many people have had their minimum income guarantee payments increased after returning a completed application form; how many people are in receipt of minimum income guarantee for the first time as a result of returning a completed application form; and if, pursuant to his written answer to the hon. Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice), of 14 June 2000,Official Report, column 654W, he will provide this information broken down into five year age bands. [134779]

  Mr. Bayley
  Around 60,000 claim forms have been returned. Around half of the claim forms that have already been processed have been successful and these claimants are now receiving the Minimum Income Guarantee.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what proportion of pensioners in Wales who could be entitled to receive the Minimum Income Guarantee have not made a claim; [135152]

  (2) how many pensioners in Wales who could be entitled to receive the Minimum Income Guarantee have not made a claim. [135151]

  Mr. Bayley
  We estimate that about 500,000 pensioners could be missing out on their entitlement within Great Britain. Because of the method a separate figure is not available for Wales.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners in receipt of the Minimum Income Guarantee have savings below £3,000 which are currently disregarded. [134556]

  Mr. Bayley
  Currently, 1.46 million pensioners in receipt of the Minimum Income Guarantee have declared they hold capital below £3,000. From next April, the lower capital limit will be increased to £6,000. That will benefit some 70,000 pensioners who will not have any of their savings taken into account.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will set out, for pensioners in receipt of the Minimum Income Guarantee, the rate of interest assumed on savings of £3,000 to £8,000 in £1,000 bands, incorporating the effect of disregarding the first £3,000 of savings. [134555]

  Mr. Bayley
  The basis for the Department's calculation of tariff income in the income-related benefits, with a system of graduated deductions between lower and higher limits, was established with the introduction of Income Support in 1988. It was not intended to represent any return that could be obtained from investing capital and hence is not based on any particular rate of return. A tariff income of £1 per week is assumed for each £250, or part thereof, held between the appropriate lower and upper limits1.
  1 £3,000 and £8,000 in Income Support, Minimum Income Guarantee and income based Jobseeker's Allowance; except in residential care home and nursing home cases where the limits are
  256W
  £10,000 and £16,000; and Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit where the limits are £3,000 and £16,000. From next April, these limits will be increased to £6,000 and £12.000.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he plans to carry out of(a) the performance of local authorities in the administration of Housing Benefit and (b) the commitments in each authority's Best Value performance plan. [134578]

  Angela Eagle
  We are determined to drive up the standards of Housing Benefit administration and have introduced a number of initiatives, like Best Value and the Verification Framework, which are designed to promote improved performance. We have a number of measures in place to monitor closely the progress authorities are making towards better service delivery.

  The Benefit Fraud Inspectorate has an ongoing programme of inspection of Housing Benefit administration and reports on the performance of each of the local authorities it inspects. As at 27 October 2000, and since its inception in 1998, the Inspectorate has completed and published reports of 72 inspections. A further 47 inspections are in progress or planned.

  With the introduction of Best Value, from April this year, the Inspectorate will also carry out inspections which will consider whether local authorities are complying with the requirements of the Best Value framework. In addition, a number of Best Value performance indicators relating to Housing Benefit have been introduced. These will allow us to assess how well authorities are carrying out their benefit administration and whether they are delivering the continuous improvement which Best Value requires.

  Best Value also requires each local authority to publish an annual performance plan in which they must set themselves realistic, but challenging, targets for improvement. Auditors review whether the plans have been prepared and published in accordance with the statutory guidance and whether the systems in place are adequate for producing accurate information. Where they are concerned about a performance plan, the auditors can recommend that a Best Value inspection is undertaken.

  Further measures will be kept under review.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the deductibles affecting a person's entitlement to Housing Benefit. [134650]

  Angela Eagle
  There are a number of safeguards in place to prevent Housing Benefit from meeting the full contactual rent where it is excessive or includes charges for services that do not relate to the provision of adequate accommodation. In addition Housing Benefit is an income-related benefit, and entitlement therefore takes account of other income available to those claiming it. The principal restrictions on Housing Benefit entitlement are:Ineligible service charges:
  These are any element of rent or compulsory charges, included in the rent, for services that do not relate to the provision of adequate accommodation. They are listed in schedule 1 to the Housing Benefit (General) Regulations 1987 (as amended).
  257W Rent restrictions:
  Claims received from those in the private rented sector will generally be referred to the local Rent Officer by the local authority for a rental valuation to determine the Housing Benefit claim. The functions to be carried out by the Rent Officer in making and notifying his determination to the local authority are set out in the Rent Officers (Housing Benefit Functions) Order 1997 as amended by the Rent Officer (Housing Benefit Functions) (amendment) Order 2000.Other deductions:
  Excess income: Where a person's income is higher than the applicable amount, benefit is reduced by a fixed taper of 65 pence for every pound of additional income over the applicable amount.
  Non-Dependant deduction: Deductions in respect of non-dependant members of a tenant's household are made at nationally set standard rates, depending on their age, circumstances and income.
  Overpayment deduction: An overpayment of Housing Benefit may be recovered from benefit at a standard rate laid down in legislation.

  Pension-sharing
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate the Government have made of the likely number of pension-sharing orders that will be made(a) in the financial year 2000–01 and (b) the following financial year. [134645]

  Mr. Rooker
  Pension-sharing will provide a fair option for divorcing couples who wish to share their pension rights. However, it is up to the courts and divorcing couples to decide what use they make of this option.

  The number of pension-sharing orders in the current financial year is likely to be negligible. Best estimates for the year 2001–02 are that about 20,000 pension-sharing orders may have been made by the end of that financial year, but this will depend on judicial decisions.
  Notes:

  1. Pension-sharing is available from 1 December. By the end of the financial year 2000–01, it will therefore only have been in place for four months.

  2. The estimate for the year 2001–02 is based on figures contained in Regulatory Impact Assessment for pension-sharing reproduced as part of the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act, DSS, 1999.

  3. The original estimate in the Regulatory Impact Assessment has been updated using the latest estimate for divorces in the UK derived from the ONS Statistics (1998) for England and Wales and from the Annual Report of the Registrar (1998) for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

  Pensions Policy
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on (1) measures for increased co-operation in pensions matters at EU level in the context of Com (2000) 622 which it is his policy to Support; [134801]

  (2) the implications of Com (2000) 622 for UK pensions policy. [134802]

  Mr. Rooker
  We welcome the steps the Commission is taking to encourage co-operative exchange on the sustainability of pension systems. We will take this opportunity to underline the major advantages of the UK pensions model and of our approach to pension reform.

  Pension Credit
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will publish the consultation document on pensioners' credit. [135062]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Pension Credit consultation paper will be published in the next few weeks.

  Private Sector Pensions
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of private sector organisations had some form of pension provision in each year since 1990 on the same basis as Table 2.5 of Department of Social Security Research report No. 123. [135266]

  Mr. Rooker
  I regret the information is not available as it was not collected prior to 1996.

  Stakeholder Pensions
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action the Financial Services Authority is taking against personal pension schemes that have been labelled stakeholder-friendly that do not conform with the requirements of the scheme. [134647]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Financial Services Authority continues to monitor "stakeholder friendly" advertisements and reviews the selling of personal pensions as part of its ongoing supervision of firms. Clearly it is not right for consumers to be misled into thinking that a personal pension meets all the prospective stakeholder standards if it does not.

  Providers should satisfy themselves that they are acting in compliance with the guidance on the selling of personal pensions issued in October of last year by the Financial Services Authority.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate the Government have made of the likely share of the pension market that will be taken by stakeholder pensions. [134559]

  Mr. Rooker
  What share of the pensions market that will be taken by stakeholder pensions will depend on the marketing of stakeholder pensions by providers and on individual choices by savers.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many employees of the Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority will be responsible for checking that the administration of stakeholder pensions meets the conditions laid down in the relevant regulations. [134528]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Authority currently has a small team working full-time on the registration of stakeholder pension schemes and developing regulatory procedures, together with a number of staff who work partly on the stakeholder pensions project alongside other duties. The Authority has not yet determined how many staff will be employed on stakeholder pensions once schemes begin operating. That will depend on the total number of schemes which are registered, the number of reported breaches, and the approach the Authority decides to take in fulfilling its regulatory responsibilities.
  259W
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what checks will be made to ensure the stakeholder pension schemes keep to the 1 per cent. administration charge limit; and how frequently these checks will be made. [134529]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Stakeholder Pension Scheme Regulations 2000 (SI 1403) require the trustees or managers of schemes to make a written statement at least once a year, describing the scheme's compliance with the regulations which impose limits on the amount of charges and the manner in which charges may be made. Schemes must also appoint a reporting accountant and obtain the reporting accountant's opinion on the statement. We are in discussions with representatives of the accountancy profession on the form of the reporting accountant's opinion.

  The Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority (Opra) will be responsible for regulating compliance with the conditions for registration as a stakeholder scheme, including the charge limit. The annual compliance statement and reporting accountant's opinion will be available to Opra. Opra will be developing its approach to the regulation of stakeholder schemes in the light of experience, taking into account the overall number of registered stakeholder schemes.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many stakeholder schemes have been registered to date; and on what date each registration took place. [134550]

  Mr. Rooker
  As at 26 October, five stakeholder pension schemes have been registered. Four schemes were placed on the register on 18 October and a further scheme was registered on 20 October.

  The registered schemes, in alphabetical order, are—The Barclays Stakeholder Pension Scheme, Britannic Stakeholder Pension Scheme, Natwest Life Stakeholder Pension Plan, Norwich Union Stakeholder Pension Scheme, and Royal and Sun Alliance Life and Pensions Limited Stakeholder Pension Scheme.

  Details of the stakeholder pension schemes register are available on the Opra website at www.stakeholder.opra.gov.uk.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the stakeholder helpline will begin operation; and what targets the Government will use to determine the success of the helpline. [134547]

  Mr. Rooker
  The stakeholder pensions telephone helpline will begin operation on 2 November. The service will provide impartial information for people who want to know more about stakeholder pensions. Service standards for answering calls have been agreed with the Pensions Advisory Service who will operate the helpline. Evaluation of the quality of the service is expected to include mystery shopping and customer call backs.

  Petrol (Pensioners)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the effect of increases in petrol prices on the living standards of pensioners. [134417]
  260W
  Mr. Rooker
  In 1998–99, 'pensioner households' spent an average of £5.70 a week on petrol, diesel and other motor oils. This represented around 3 per cent. of their disposable income on average. In comparison households where the head was aged under 65 spent an average of £15.50 a week (4 per cent. of disposable income). Therefore the effect of increases in petrol prices would be smaller for pensioners than non-pensioners.

  Given that expenditure on petrol, diesel and motor oils represents a small proportion of disposable income for pensioner households, the effect of price increases on living standards would be even smaller.
  Notes:

  1. Pensioner households are defined as those where the head is aged 65 years or over.

  2. No account is taken of changes in behaviour such as people responding to higher prices by buying smaller amounts.

  3. All money amounts are in 1998–99 prices. Expenditure figures are rounded to the nearest £0.10p; increases in expenditure are rounded to the nearest £0.01p.

  Source:
  Family Expenditure Survey 1998£99.

  Benefits (Publications)
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the(a) application forms for benefits, (b) information leaflets about benefits and (c) other publications that are issued for the public by the Benefits Agency. [134554]

  Angela Eagle
  The information has been placed in the Library.

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many lone parents who have found work through the New Deal for Lone Parents have a youngest child aged(a) 14 years and above, (b) 15 years and above and (c) 16 years and above. [134658]

  Angela Eagle
  By the end of July 2000, 63,801 lone parents had found work through the New Deal for Lone Parents. Analysis of this data by the age of the youngest child is not available.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment the Government have made of the proportion of lone parents who have found work under the New Deal for Lone Parents who return to income support within(a) one month, (b) six months and (c) one year. [134656]

  Angela Eagle
  By the end of July 2000, 63,801 lone parents had found work through the New Deal for Lone Parents (NDLP). The number of lone parents returning to Income Support will form part of the evaluation of NDLP which is currently underway and which will report in 2002.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many lone parents work for fewer than 16 hours a week; and how many he estimates will do so after the introduction of the £20 disregard on earnings. [134657]
  261W
  Angela Eagle
  In May 2000, there was 61,000 lone parents on Income Support and 1,600 on income-based Jobseeker's Allowance working fewer than 16 hours a week1.

  The introduction of the £20 disregard on earnings is likely to encourage more lone parents to take-up part-time work. However, it is not possible to quantify such effects.
  1Source: Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiry, May 2000
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many lone parents are on Income Support, broken down into those with a youngest child(a) below secondary school age and (b) of secondary school age. [134587]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is in the table:

  The number of lone parents in Great Britain receiving Income Support shown by age of youngest child

  Thousand

  Number of claimants

  Below secondary school age (under 11)

  751.1

  Secondary school age (over 11)

  159.0

  All cases

  910.10

  Notes:

  1. Lone Parents are defined as single claimants with dependants who are not receiving the disability or pensioner premium.

  2. Below secondary school age is defined as under 11 years, and secondary school age is defined as over 11 years and over.

  3. Figures are based on a 5 per cent. sample and are therefore subject to a degree of sampling error.

  4. Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred and quoted in thousands.

  Source:

  Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiry, May 2000

  Benefits Expenditure
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will state the proportion of total benefit expenditure composed of(a) contributory benefits, (b) means-tested benefits and (c) other benefits, in each of the last five years. [134752]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is in the table:

  Contributory, means-tested and other benefits as a proportion of total benefits

  Percentage

  Contributory

  Benefit Means-tested

  Others

  1995–96

  46

  36

  18

  1996–97

  46

  35

  19

  1997–98

  46

  34

  20

  1998–99

  47

  33

  20

  1999–2000

  47

  31

  22

  Notes:

  1. The principal contributory benefits are Retirement Pension, Widow's benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance, Statutory Sick Pay, Incapacity benefit, Maternity Allowance, Statutory Maternity Pay.

  2. The principal means-tested benefits are Income Support, Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance, Family Credit, Disability Working Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

  3. The Housing and Council Tax Benefits include all local authority spending in addition to the money funded directly from central Government.

  Source:

  Departmental report 2000, Spending Review 2000.

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he proposes to conclude his consideration as to whether the maximum payment in respect of gross inconvenience in CSA cases should be increased from its present figure; and if he will make a statement. [134353]

  Angela Eagle
  The Child Support Agency, in accordance with the Department's policy on compensation, makes consolatory payments for gross inconvenience. Each case is assessed on its individual merits. The Agency may make consolatory awards for gross inconvenience up to £250. Higher awards may be made, where appropriate, with the authority of the Department. The level of awards is under regular review.

  Fraud
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on how the new anti-fraud incentive framework for local authorities, due to be introduced in April 2001, will work; and if he will place in the Library copies of the material on the framework that have been sent to local authorities. [134577]

  Angela Eagle
  A consultation document setting out the details of the proposed new anti-fraud incentive scheme was issued to Local Authority Associations (LAAs) on 4 August 2000. Local authorities had until 15 September 2000 to respond. We are currently considering the responses from the LAAs and will inform them of the outcome shortly.

  I have arranged for a copy of the consultation document to be placed in the Library.

  Pensions and Earnings Link
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will ask the Government Actuary to report on(a) the cost of restoring the link between the basic pension and average earnings, for each year up to and including 2005–06, taking into account the actual increase proposed for April 2001, (b) the effect on the balance of the National Insurance Fund at the end of each of those years and (c) what increases in national insurance contributions would be required. [134436]

  Mr. Rooker
  The report will be prepared in the terms of section 36 of the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Act 2000.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what changes the Government intend to make to policy with regard to the(a) payment and (b) review of Disability Living Allowance arising from the periodic inquiries set up in June 1999; and if he will make a statement. [134570]

  Mr. Bayley
  Periodic inquiry was introduced in June 1999 as part of our response to Reports of the Social Security Select Committee into Disability Living Allowance, which recommended the introduction of afairer, more sensitive method of reviewing entitlement.
  263W
  The inquiry process does not affect the way the benefit is paid; neither has it led to any policy changes to remove entitlement from any group of people with a specific impairment.

  People having their awards considered by periodic inquiry are always informed in advance, and procedures have been developed in regular discussion with groups of those representing disabled people.

  To the end of September, 23,888 people have had their benefit entitlement checked through periodic inquiry. Of these, 17,853 awards have remained unchanged, 4,426 have had awards increased and 1,609 have had their awards removed or reduced.

  As agreed with the Social Security Select Committee, we published an evaluation report of the first six months of the periodic inquiry in August 2000 and a copy is available in the Library. An annual evaluation report is currently being prepared and we intend publishing it before the end of the year.

  Poverty
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the percentage of the United Kingdom population living in poverty; what measures he used in making this calculation; and what measures the Government(a) are implementing and (b) plan to introduce to reduce the numbers living in poverty. [135815]

  Mr. Bayley
  Poverty and social exclusion are multi-faceted problems. Therefore we do not use a single definition of poverty but instead use a range of indicators to monitor the progress of our strategy. Information relating to the indicators can be found in the second Government "Opportunity for all" report on tackling poverty and social exclusion "One year on: making a difference" (Cm 4865). The report also describes and monitors the impact of policies we have already introduced, and sets out our plans for the future.

  Multiple Deprivation Index
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if his Department uses the index of multiple deprivation in the allocation of funds. [134562]

  Angela Eagle
  Social Security benefit expenditure is demand led apart from the cash limited budget of the discretionary Social Fund, which is allocated to Benefits Agency District Offices. However, the index of multiple deprivation is not used for this purpose.

TREASURY

  Income Tax
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 28 July 2000,Official Report, column 1011W, on income tax, if he will estimate the level of personal income tax allowance if the 10 pence band was abolished at a cost of (a) £2.6 billion, (b) £3 billion and (c) £3.5 billion in a full year; and if he will make a statement. [134237]
  264W
  Dawn Primarolo
  If the 10p band was abolished in 2000–01 and income tax personal allowances were increased, by the following amounts, then the revenue effects in a full-year are shown in the table:

  Abolish the 10p rate and increase income tax personal allowances by:

  Revenue effect (£ billion)

  £1,520

  -4.6

  £1,340

  -3.5

  £1,260

  -3.0

  £1,190

  -2.6

  These estimates are based on the Survey of Personal Incomes and are consistent with the March 2000 Budget.

  The revenue effects provided have not taken account of any consequential effects on the level of National Insurance contributions. All the figures shown are the estimated direct effects of tax changes on tax revenues. In practice, tax changes will themselves effect economic variables, which in turn will have further effects on tax revenues.

  Correspondence
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 4 September on behalf of his constituent Mrs. Weston. [135787]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I replied to the right hon. Member on 26 October.

  Oil Revenues
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate (1) of the revenues from oil production in the UK assuming the current oil price continues unchanged until the end of the financial year; [135085]

  (2) of the total extra revenue coming to the Government additional to the Budget forecast as a result of higher oil prices, assuming present prices continue unchanged until the end of the financial year. [135087]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Updated revenue forecasts will be published in the Pre-Budget Report on 8 November.

  Fuel Prices
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had since July with pensioners' representatives about the impact of fuel prices on the living standards of elderly people. [134653]

  Mr. Timms
  All Treasury Ministers meet with a variety of organisations and interest groups to discuss a wide range of issues. The Government are giving particular help to pensioners this winter by increasing the winter fuel payment from £100 to £150.

  Gaming Tax
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the revenue from the taxation of gaming in each of the last three years. [134826]
  265W
  Mr. Timms
  Information on the revenue from the taxation of gaming can be found in the HM Customs and Excise statistical bulletin "Receipts for Betting, Gaming and Lottery Duties", a copy of which is in the Library.

  Red Diesel
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to reduce the duty on red diesel. [134654]

  Mr. Timms
  I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget Statement.

  Credit Unions
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to create a central services organisation for credit unions, following the November 1999 report of the Treasury Credit Unions Taskforce. [135821]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Government strongly support the establishment of a central services organisation, as recommended by the taskforce.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many credit unions are currently operating in(a) Coventry and (b) the United Kingdom; and what links the Treasury has with them and their representative body. [135819]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  There are seven credit unions in Coventry, and 688 in Great Britain. I am pleased to be attending the launch event for Coventry Millennium and Phoenix Five credit unions on 14 November. The Treasury has regular contacts with the representative bodies.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to(a) extend the ability of credit unions to borrow and (b) amend the legislation controlling them; and what assessment he has made of how such plans will affect credit unions in Coventry. [135820]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Government will extend credit unions' ability to borrow and enhance their supervision following the implementation of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. This will improve the growth potential of all credit unions, by giving their members greater confidence about the safety of their savings and allowing them to play a bigger role in tackling the problems of financial exclusion.

  Income Statistics
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average income and wealth are of(a) an urban dweller and (b) a rural dweller. [134497]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 30 October 2000:
  As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question on average income and wealth in urban and rural dwellers.
  266W
  Information on income is available from the 1998–99 Family Expenditure Survey which categorises local authority districts by population density. Estimated average income was £458 a week in metropolitan districts and high and medium density non-metropolitan districts, and £454 a week in low density districts. Low density is defined as under 2.2 persons per hectare. About a quarter of households in the UK are in such districts, which include some small towns and their surrounding areas.
  Like all estimates from sample surveys, these are subject to sampling variability. The difference between them is well within the range to be expected from chance variation.
  Information is not available on wealth.

  Euro
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment his Department has made of(a) public support for and (b) public opposition to replacing the pound with the single European currency. [135023]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The determining factor underpinning any Government decision to join the single currency is whether the economic case for the UK joining is clear and unambiguous. Because of the magnitude of the decision, the Government believe that whenever a decision to enter is taken by Government, it should be put to a referendum of the British people.

  Pension Schemes
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the average extra annual payment which a subscriber to a pension scheme must pay to achieve the same return as would have occurred if the tax credit on dividends had not been abolished. [134967]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  Our package of corporation tax reforms included not only the withdrawal of payable tax credits on dividends but also cuts in corporation tax rates. These and other measures will help to improve investment performance. The overall effect of these changes on pension schemes will vary depending upon factors such as the type of scheme and the investment policy adopted. So it is not possible to provide a general estimate of the effect on pension schemes' ability to meet specific investment targets.

  Employment Statistics
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if data on the number of people in employment are available by Employment Service area. [134736]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Frank Field, dated 30 October 2000:
  As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question about the availability of employment statistics by Employment Service area.
  The Annual Employment Survey, which is the current source of data on numbers of employee jobs, is no longer analysed by Employment Service Area. The geography was discontinued several years ago. The latest information for the available geographies (e.g. Local Authority districts) is for September 1998 and may be accessed from the NOMIS database in the House of Commons Library.

  Unemployment Statistics
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people were unemployed in the Taunton constituency in each year since 1979 according to the International Labour Organisation definition. [134319]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to Jackie Ballard, dated 30 October 2000:
  As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question on the number of people unemployed in the Taunton constituency in each year since 1979 according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) definition.
  The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the main source of labour market data on individuals used by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). However, estimates for the number of people ILO unemployed are not available for small areas such as the constituency of Taunton.
  The measure of unemployment derived from the LFS is defined on a consistent and Internationally recognised basis set out by the ILO. It counts as unemployed people who are a) without a paid job, b) available to start work within the next two weeks and c) have either looked for work in the last four weeks or are waiting to start a job already obtained. This measure has been used in the LFS from 1984 onwards.
  ONS also publishes the monthly numbers of people who are claiming unemployment-related benefits, also known as the Claimant Count. Comparable figures (based on the 1995 boundaries) are available since 1996. The attached table gives the annual average levels of claimants in the Taunton parliamentary constituency since 1996.
  Information on the unadjusted claimant level by parliamentary constituency ward based on the 1981 wards are available monthly from June 1983 to January 1996 and can be obtained from the Nomis database in the House of Commons Library.

  The annual average levels of claimants in the Taunton parliamentary constituency

  Year

  Number

  Rate

  1996

  2,975

  5.2

  1997

  2,195

  3.9

  1998

  1,722

  3.0

  1999

  1,503

  2.5

  Average for the nine months Jan to Sep 2000 is 1,184 (2.0 per cent.).

  European Movement
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much is allocated to the European Movement in the Draft EU Budget for 2000. [134126]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  My hon. Friend will find this information in the Draft EC Budget and Adopted EC Budget for 2000, copies of which have been deposited in the Library.

  European Central Bank
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on recent European Central Bank intervention in the currency markets. [135379]
  268W
  Miss Melanie Johnson
  After the September 23 meeting in Prague of the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors the following statement was released:At the initiative of the European Central Bank, the monetary authorities of the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom and Canada joined with the European Central Bank on Friday, September 22, in concerted intervention in exchange markets, because of the shared concern of Finance Ministers and Governors about the potential implications of recent movements in the euro for the world economy. In light of recent developments, we will continue to monitor developments closely and to co-operate in exchange markets as appropriate.

DEFENCE

  Defence Logistics Organisation
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress in establishing the Defence Logistics Organisation. [132984]

  Mr. Paul Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress in establishing the Defence Logistics Organisation. [133018]

  Mr. Spellar
  Since my last reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, South (Mr. Cunningham) on 17 April 2000,Official Report, column 365W the Defence Logistics Organisation has made further progress to improve logistics support to our armed forces. Over the past six months, the DLO has successfully provided uninterrupted support to operations in Kosovo, East Timor, Mozambique and Sierra Leone while creating the new joint organisation. The DLO has also launched a number of major business initiatives designed to release resources for reinvestment in front line capability, and to achieve the strategic goal to reduce the DLO's output costs by 20 per cent. by 2005.

  Army Regiments
  Laura Moffatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many regular army regiments were(a) abolished and (b) amalgamated as a result of (i) "Options for Change" and (ii) the Strategic Defence Review. [132988]

  Mr. Hoon
  As the result of "Options for Change" a total of 12 regular army regiments were disbanded and 26 were amalgamated. No regular army regiments were disbanded or amalgamated as a result of the Strategic Defence Review; indeed two engineer regiments, disbanded following "Options for Change", were reformed.

  Army Operations
  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what percentage of the Army is committed to, preparing for, or recovering from operations. [133000]

  Mr. Spellar
  Some 22 per cent. of the trained Army is committed to Operations. This figure includes units preparing for, deployed on and recovering from operations. Of these, 15 per cent. of the trained Army is currently deployed on operations.

  There has been a significant reduction in commitment levels over the past year, particularly since the height of the Kosovo campaign in July 1999 when the commitment

  269W
  level reached a peak of 44 per cent. The current level of commitment is below that inherited from the previous Administration.

  Average unit tour intervals in the Army have also decreased over recent years and while in some specialist areas tour intervals remain at around 12 months, our latest assessment of the average time between unit tours across the Army for this year is around 30 months, the best figure for at least five years.

  Apache Attack Helicopter
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Apache attack helicopter will enter into service. [133003]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Apache attack helicopter is on schedule to enter service in December this year, when the ninth aircraft is delivered. This date has not altered from when the Apache prime contract was placed in 1996 and its achievement will be a significant milestone on the road to the Army achieving the operational availability of the first squadron of Apaches in late 2002.

  C-17 Transport Aircraft
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the in-service date is for the first of the RAF's new C-17 transport aircraft. [133007]

  Mr. Hoon
  On 2 September, we signed a contract for the lease of four C-17 aircraft for a period of seven years. On current plans, the aircraft should be available and working-up from next summer onwards to be ready to support the Joint Rapid Reaction Force by the end of the year. The In Service Date is December 2001.

  Married Quarters
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans the Government have to improve the condition of married quarters for service personnel. [133008]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Ministry of Defence is giving priority to ensuring that Service families are accommodated in good quality, modern houses, not only for the present well being of the families but also as encouragement to retention and recruiting. Through the Defence Housing Executive, the Department has a full programme of refurbishment and rebuilding in place to improve the condition of its core housing stock over the next five years.

  Aircraft Carriers
  Mr. Derek Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total value is of the contracts awarded to date for the design of the future generation of aircraft carriers. [133009]

  Mr. Hoon
  Two contracts, each potentially worth up to £30 million, for work to investigate options for the design of the future aircraft carrier have been awarded to BAE Systems and Thomson-CSF Naval Systems.

  In addition a number of parallel contracts, worth up to a further £3 million, have been placed with DERA and the US Authorities for a variety of support tasks.

  Fitness Levels
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will meet Ministers at the Department for Education and Employment to discuss the possibility of creating a new deal option to help young unemployed people attain fitness levels required for employment in the armed forces. [133011]

  Mr. Spellar
  The armed forces already contribute to the New Deal scheme and to the personal development of young people. The Services work closely with New Deal personal advisers and the further education colleges, to identify what self-development is required to make young people more confident and self-reliant. The armed forces provide "Taster Days" for those young unemployed people wanting to learn more about service life.

  Each Service also runs personal development courses for young people:

  For the naval service, a typical course includes; fire fighting, boatwork, an assault course, physical recreation, as well as careers presentations and an opportunity to sit the Recruit Test. For 2000–01, the aim is to run 50 of these five-day courses for 750 students.
  The Army runs a "Pathfinder" programme, which includes personal development courses, work experience arrangements and "Look at Life" visits. The "Look at Life" visits enable young people to spend up to two weeks at an Army unit to experience at first hand the realities of Army life, and they include an element of physical fitness training. In the past year, over 100,000 young people have taken part in this programme.
  The RAF, in association with Newham College of Further Education, has recently set up personal development courses as part of its ethnic minority recruiting effort. Students visit Service establishments, and undertake some adventure training.

  In addition, the armed forces launched the "Skill Force" youth initiative on 5 September, as a contribution to the Government's efforts to deal with social exclusion. The services have deployed two teams of trained instructors into a total of six schools in the Newcastle and Norfolk areas, where the initiative is being piloted. The instructors are delivering key skills training to children who have been disapplied from part of the national curriculum and who are in danger of disaffection. There is an element of physical training involved with Skill Force. Although this is not a recruiting initiative, Skill Force will make the 15–16 year old participants fitter than they otherwise would be, and improve their chances of passing basic training if they do decide to join the armed forces.

  Discussions are now being held between departments to determine other ways in which the armed forces can help to deliver the Government's policies on social exclusion.

  Ethnic Minorities
  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made by each of the three armed services in meeting their targets for recruitment among Britain's ethnic minorities. [133013]

  Mr. Spellar
  The ethnic minority recruiting goal for 2000–01 is 4 per cent. For the period from 1 April to 1 September this year, 2.2 per cent. of the armed forces intake from the British labour market came from the British ethnic minority communities. Although short of the 4 per cent. goal, the figure represents an improvement on achievement levels for the corresponding period for
  271W
  the last financial year, which stood at about 1.8 per cent. If this improvement continues for the rest of the financial year, it would indicate that ethnic minority recruitment into the armed forces is moving in the right direction.

  Ethnic minority recruiting levels broken down for each Service for the period are:

  Naval Service—0.8 per cent.

  Army—2.8 per cent.

  RAF—1.9 per cent.

  Single Living Accommodation
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans the Government have to improve armed forces single living accommodation. [133014]

  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans the Government have to improve armed forces single living accommodation. [133022]

  Mr. Spellar
  Improving the retention of armed forces personnel is a high priority for the Department. Poor single living accommodation has been identified as a cause of dissatisfaction among Service personnel; improving accommodation could, therefore, have a positive impact in helping to address retention problems.

  Action is being taken, however, to improve single living accommodation. By 2005 over 12,000 bedspaces will have either been built or refurbished.

  Eurocorps
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the United Kingdom to participate in the Eurocorps. [133015]

  Mr. Hoon
  There are no plans for UK forces to form a permanent part of the Eurocorps. The UK provides a liaison officer to Headquarters Eurocorps. Additionally, during its successful deployment to Kosovo, where it formed the kernel of the Headquarters commanding the force of around 45,000 troops deployed in KFOR III, the UK provided 62 augmentees to HQ Eurocorps, as did other KFOR nations who are not contributing members of the Eurocorps.

  Territorial Army
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the strength of the Territorial Army. [133016]

  Mr. Spellar
  The latest available official figures give the strength of the Territorial Army as 40,667.

  Efficiency Savings
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a list of the 100 financially most significant efficiency savings measures for the financial year 1999–2000, with a brief explanation of each measure. [133017]

  Mr. Hoon
  Information held centrally on the financially significant efficiency measures for financial year 1999–2000 has been provided to the House of Commons Defence Committee and is therefore covered by Parliamentary privilege. I have written to the hon.272W
  Member separately to provide what information I can, and a copy of my letter has been placed in the Library of the House.

  UN Deployments
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals he has made to the UN about improving its defence capability in cases where UN deployments(a) involve and (b) do not involve British troops. [133019]

  Mr. Hoon
  The UK worked closely with the UN Secretary-General's expert panel during the preparation of the recently published Brahimi Report on reforming UN Peace Operations. Key proposals in the Report aimed at strengthening the UN's defence capability include enhancing early warning mechanisms and information analysis; creating integrated teams for the planning and execution of peacekeeping missions; and improving deployment times and the training and equipping of troops. The Report recommends many of the reforms for which we have argued for some years. They will be of vital importance for all UN deployments including those involving British troops. We are pressing the UN for their speedy implementation.

  Precision-guided Bombing Capability
  Mr. John Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to improve the RAF's precision-guided bombing capability. [133020]

  Mr. Spellar
  The intention to procure an interim precision guided bombing capability for the Royal Air Force as quickly as possible was announced on 24 July. Since then, we have selected Raytheon Systems Corporation to supply the RAF with Enhanced Paveway bombs, subject to the successful completion of contractual negotiations. These bombs will make use of Global Positioning System technology to strike targets accurately in all weather conditions and are expected to be in service with RAF Tornado GR4 aircraft by October next year. This capability will be supplemented by an additional all weather precision guided bombing system that we are currently planning to introduce in 2006.

  Tropical Diseases
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to ensure that rapid reaction forces are adequately protected against the common tropical diseases before they leave the UK. [133023]

  Mr. Spellar
  It is the Ministry of Defence's policy that all service personnel should be up to date with routine vaccinations and that members of the Joint Rapid Reaction Forces should be up to date with certain additional vaccinations, depending on their degree of readiness. Personnel deploying to high risk areas should receive further vaccinations specific to the risks they face. Other aspects of medical preparedness will depend on the role of the deploying forces and the geographical location to which they are deploying. The role of commanding officers in maintaining medical and other aspects of preparedness of their personnel for military operations has recently been emphasised through the chain of command.

  Personnel
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many armed services personnel there were on 1 May 1997; what the current numbers are; and if he will make a statement. [132989]

  Mr. Spellar
  As at 1 May 1997 the trained strength of the armed forces was 196,857 although there were plans in hand at that time to reduce the trained requirement.

  Since then the trained requirement of the Naval service and the RAF has been reduced by about 7,800, reflected in the reduction in trained strength. The Army requirement increased by some 3,000 as a result of SDR.

  On 1 September 2000, the trained strength of the armed forces was 189,470.

  We aim to reach broad manning balance in the Naval service in Financial Year 2002–03 and in the Army in Financial Year 2004–05. The RAF is in broad manning balance but this masks surpluses and, more importantly, deficits in a number of branches and trades, e.g. shortfall of fast jet pilots, navigators, engineering and medical officers.

  Procurement
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to improve the effectiveness of the equipment supplied to the armed forces. [133021]

  Mr. Hoon
  It is vital that our Armed Forces are properly equipped and we are determined to ensure that the right equipment is available at the right time. We have in hand a large equipment programme to radically improve the equipment of the Armed Forces. For example, the new Type 45 destroyer will carry the world-class Principal Anti-Air Missile System; Challenger 2, which is currently being brought into service, will be the best-protected main battle tank on the modern battlefield; and the Meteor missile will allow Eurofighter to engage multiple and manoeuvring targets simultaneously, at greater range than before, in all weathers, day or night, and with a greater level of survivability.

  Since taking office we have radically improved the Ministry of Defence's procurement processes. We have transformed the former Defence Procurement Executive into the Defence Procurement Agency (DPA), and created the Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO). The DLO has provided the opportunity to take a new, joint approach to the delivery of logistics support to the Armed Forces. Within the DPA and the DLO we have completed the roll out of 138 Integrated Project Teams (IPTs), to manage specific equipment projects through their procurement and in-service lives, continually searching for ways to improve its operational effectiveness and its efficiency. And within the Ministry of Defence Central Staff we have established an accountable customer who provides, for the first time, a single focus responsible for taking forward planning decisions based on capability need.

  We have introduced a whole life approach to equipment acquisition focused on long-term operational effectiveness and cost, and streamlined our management structures and processes. Incremental acquisition is used where appropriate to keep up with rapidly emerging technologies and reduce risk. We are also investing more, and earlier,
  274W
  to reduce procurement risk. With industry's close involvement, this should result in better project definition (and cost estimating).

  Measures to sustain and maintain the Smart Procurement initiative are being taken forward under the title 'Smart Acquisition', recognising the through-life nature of the business.

  Posthumous Awards
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will introduce a provision for the automatic award of a posthumous medal for British soldiers killed in action; and if he will make a statement. [133010]

  Mr. Hoon
  It has been a long-standing practice in this country that those killed while on campaign or operational service automatically qualify for the relevant campaign medal, which is presented to their next of kin. In this way, the deaths of many of those members of our armed forces who are killed in action are already recognised by the award of a medal.

  The institution of new medals is approved by Her Majesty The Queen, based on the advice submitted to Her by the interdepartmental Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals. There are currently no plans to institute a new medal for personnel killed in action. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence is however considering the whole question of recognition of those who die while serving in the armed forces.

  Site Disposals
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations he has had about site disposals in the Surrey Heath constituency, with special reference to(a) the continuing development of the Alma-Dettingen barracks site in the Surrey Heath constituency, (b) the future of the Princess Royal Barracks, Deepcut and (c) the future of the Staff College site, Camberley. [132987]

  Dr. Moonie
  Since the sale of Alma Dettingen Barracks to Barratt Homes there have been no further consultations. There have also been no consultations over the future of Princess Royal Barracks, Deepcut or that of the Staff College Camberley.

  Funding (Cadets)
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will increase the level of funding for the Army, Air and Sea Cadets. [132999]

  Mr. Spellar
  This year the total budget for the Cadet Organisations is £58.3 million. This direct funding demonstrates our commitment to the cadet organisations. The cadet organisations also benefit from MOD money through non-case support in the form of the use of MOD vehicles and certain facilities within the MOD estate, flight experience in operational aircraft, and the use of sailing craft and small powered craft by the Sea Cadets.

  Falkland Islands
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the(a) annual cost and (b) current role of British forces in the Falkland Islands. [134960]
  275W
  Mr. Spellar
  The role of the British Forces in the Falkland Islands is to demonstrate the United Kingdom's continued commitment to the islands and uphold the right of the islanders to self determination.

  In respect of the annual cost of the Falkland Islands Garrison I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 18 July 2000, Official Report, column 104W to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker).

  Accommodation (Service Personnel)
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the standard of accommodation for British service men and service women deployed in(a) Kuwait, (b) Kosovo and (c) the Falkland Islands. [134962]

  Mr. Spellar
  RAF personnel in Kuwait are accommodated on the Kuwaiti Air Force base at Ali Al Salem. The UK receives extensive Host Nation Support from the Kuwaiti Government which is carrying out a major series of improvements to both the living and working accommodation at the base.

  Living and working accommodation for the vast majority of our personnel in Kosovo is provided at 13 Temporary Field Accommodation Camps. These provide temperature controlled, hard-walled living accommodation, with adjacent toilets and ablution facilities, kitchen and dining facilities; laundries; headquarters; office facilities and specialist workshops and stores. In addition, welfare and recreation facilities have been provided. Temporary Field Accommodation has been welcomed by our troops and we believe it to be the best field accommodation in the Balkans.

  The latest survey of grading for condition of living accommodation in the Falkland Islands shows that all families quarters and the majority of the single living accommodation units are in good condition, with over 15 years of residual life, although improvements to fire prevention and heating systems are necessary in the short-term.

  Kuwait
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what military assistance Britain is giving to Kuwait. [134961]

  Mr. Spellar
  The UK provides extensive military assistance to Kuwait. Our bilateral co-operation programme covers a wide range of activities across the defence spectrum. The 47 strong British Military Mission (BMM) which is permanently based in Kuwait provides advice and support to the reform of the Kuwaiti armed forces. We are helping to develop the Kuwaiti Flying Training School and continue to lend our support to the Kuwait Staff College. Members of Kuwait's Navy, Army and Air Force are represented on training, including flying training, and staff courses in the UK. We are working hard also to examine proposals to help the Kuwaitis develop their own defence doctrine and continue to explore potential avenues for practical military exercises.

  The British defence industry continues to bid competitively to support the modernisation of the Kuwaiti armed forces. The Kuwait Programme Office is a dedicated integrated team, which is fully funded by the Kuwaitis and is responsible for setting up government to
  276W
  government arrangements covering the procurement of defence equipment from British contractors. Current projects include the Desert Warrior, Sea Skua and servicing of the Hawk as well as the Tucano Training aircraft.

  The UK contributes 11 service personnel to UNIKOM which monitors the UN defined border and demilitarised zone between Iraq and Kuwait.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on KFOR's efforts in preventing ethnic cleansing of Serbs in Kosovo. [133096]

  Mr. Spellar
  Currently KFOR estimates that the Serb community in Kosovo numbers between 80,000 and 100,000. Three out of four KFOR soldiers are dedicated to patrolling, manning checkpoints and mounting border controls. Each multinational brigade allocates an average of 400 personnel to tasks specifically linked to the protection of minorities and significant KFOR forces remain assigned throughout Kosovo to the protection of patrimonial sites on a 24 hours a day basis.

  When KFOR arrived in Kosovo in June 1999 there was a weekly murder rate of 50. Now this figure is down to an average of five per week. The KFOR assessment is that the majority of crime is no longer ethnically motivated.

  In the UK controlled sector of central Kosovo, KFOR troops have been doing pioneering work with UNMIK and NGOs to improve conditions of life and work there for the Serb community. Our troops have undertaken initiatives to provide permanent and mobile vehicle check-points in sensitive areas, watch towers to allow farmers to work in fields, random patrolling, raids on the houses of hard-liners and much more. With such initiatives under way, we hope to establish a measure of security both for the Serbs still present in Kosovo and for those who will feel confident enough to return. In addition, we are working to encourage Serb returns to villages in the central area of Kosovo.

  Avro Vulcan B.2 XH558
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if his Department is giving assistance to the Return to Flight campaign for Avro Vulcan B.2 XH558. [134337]

  Dr. Moonie
  It is Ministry of Defence policy that public funds should not be used to subsidise private ventures of this kind, however worthy.

  Army Overstretch
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on Army overstretch over the past three years. [134415]

  Mr. Spellar
  Two key measures of overstretch in the Army are the percentage of the Army committed and deployed on operations and the time interval between deployments.

  Commitment levels, which include preparation for and recovery from deployments, have fluctuated over the past three years, peaking in June 1999 during the height of the

  277W
  Kosovo campaign at 44 per cent. Since then they have declined steadily to the current level of 22 per cent. 15 per cent. of the Army is deployed.

  Average unit tour intervals in the Army have also improved over recent years. While in some specialist areas these remain at around 12 months, our latest assessment of the average time between unit tours across the Army for this year is around 30 months, the best figure for at least five years.

  Armed Forces (Disabled Recruitment)
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the recruitment of disabled people for front-line duty with the armed forces. [134919]

  Mr. Spellar
  The armed forces are required to maintain the highest possible level of combat effectiveness and to be able to undertake military operations anywhere in the world at very short notice. It is not therefore possible to recruit those with a disability into the armed forces which are exempt from the employment provisions (Part 2) of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

  Hunter-killer Submarines
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of when each of the Royal Navy's nuclear-powered hunter-killer submarines will return to sea. [134929]

  Mr. Spellar
  Until the inspection programme currently under way to assess each of our nuclear powered hunter-killer submarines is completed, it is not possible to finalise the repair programme or to quantify the operational implications.

  British Military Communications (Kosovo)
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the monitoring of British military communications during the Kosovo campaign by(a) Serb forces and (b) the Kosovo Liberation Army. [134916]

  Mr. Spellar
  Yugoslav armed forces do have an electronic recognition capability, designed primarily for tactical use. This capability has been publicly acknowledged by the Yugoslav armed forces. We assumed that they made use of this capability during the Kosovo campaign. We have no evidence to suggest that the KLA had any such developed capability.

  Sorties (Iraqi Targets)
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many sorties have been flown involving the discharge of weaponry against Iraqi targets since the end of the Gulf War. [134926]

  Mr. Spellar
  Between 1 August 1992 and 19 October 2000, UK aircraft released ordnance over Iraq on 50 days.

  Low Flying Aircraft
  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review procedures for the regulation of 278W
  low-flying aircraft following the report of the UK Airprox Board into incidents over Northumberland in October 1999. [135126]

  Dr. Moonie
  As the third UK Airprox Board report makes clear, the military low flying adviser to the Board briefed members on a number of trial measures, agreed between military and civil bodies, following three Airprox involving military aircraft over Northumberland in October 1999. These measures aim to enhance flight safety in this area, minimise the risk of recurrence, and will be reviewed towards the end of the year.

  Army Base, Pirbright
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the Army base at Pirbright. [134419]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: The Army base at Pirbright comprises an Army Training Regiment (ATR), a Recruit Selection Centre (RSC) and a Regular Army Battalion. Although we are currently undertaking several Army-wide reviews, there are currently no plans to dispose of the site.

PRIME MINISTER

  Annual Report
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) pursuant to his answer of 27 July 2000,Official Report, column 809W, on the Common Agricultural Policy, when he was first informed of the drafting errors on page 15 of the Government's Annual Report; what steps he is taking to publish a correction; and when the errors were corrected on the Government's website; [134067]

  (2) if he will list the errors in the Government's Annual Report 1999–2000; when he was informed of each one; and what steps he is taking to make the correct information public; [134031]

  (3) pursuant to his answer of 27 July 2000, Official Report, column 809W, on the Common Agricultural Policy, if he will make a statement on how the drafting error on page 15 of the Government's Annual Report occurred. [134068]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 23 October 2000]: Several factual errors occurred in this year's Annual Report 1999–2000, all of which were the result of oversights in the drafting and editorial process. The errors are as follows:

  p3, column 1, para 6:
  There are nearly 5,000 more doctors and 1,000 more nurses.

  should read:
  There are nearly 5,000 more doctors and 10.000 more nurses.

  p7, column 1, para 1:
  Interest rates were at 6.25 per cent. and mortgage rates at 6.9 per cent.

  should read:
  Interest rates were at 6 per cent. and mortgage rates at 6.9 per cent.
  279W
  p15, column 2, para 2:
  Thanks to the latest EU 'Agenda 2000' budget reforms negotiated this year, the monthly bill for a family of four will fall on average by £50.

  should read:
  Thanks to the latest EU 'Agenda 2000' budget reforms negotiated this year, the annual bill for a family of four will fall on average by £65.

  p37, caption with map:
  The Forensic Science Service has six operational laboratories in England

  should read:
  The Forensic Science Service has six operational laboratories in England and Wales

  p47, column 1, para 4:
  As part of the delivery of this vision, this year saw the opening of the UK Sports Institute, providing world-class facilities, coaching and support in Sheffield and national and regional centres around the UK.

  should read:
  As part of the delivery of this vision, this year saw the opening of the UK Sports Institute, which will provide world-class facilities, coaching and support in Sheffield and national and regional centres around the UK.

  All these errors have been corrected in the internet version of the Report; and an erratum slip included with the printed version wherever possible, including in the bound version held by the House.

  Medical Treatment (Withholding and Withdrawal)
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Prime Minister from whom he has received representations on the legality of the British Medical Association's guidelines for the withholding and withdrawal of treatment. [134465]

  The Prime Minister
  As far as I am aware I have not received any representations on this issue.

  Euro
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Prime Minister what factors other than economic ones he would take into account in deciding whether to support the replacement of the pound by the single European currency. [135003]

  The Prime Minister
  The determining factor underpinning any Government decision on joining the single currency is whether the economic case for UK joining is clear and unambiguous.

  Engagements
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will list his official engagements on 17 September; [135018]

  (2) for what reason he did not attend the Battle of Britain Memorial Service at Westminster Abbey on 17 September. [135019]

  The Prime Minister
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence represented the Government at the Battle of Britain Memorial Service in Westminster Abbey. I paid my respects at a private church service with my family. I had no public engagements.

  Summer Adjournment (Recall)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Prime Minister how many letters he received from hon. Members during the summer adjournment calling for a recall of Parliament because of the fuel crisis. [134571]

  The Prime Minister
  In accordance with convention, correspondence received by Departments from hon. Members is treated in confidence.

  EU Employment Directive
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Prime Minister how many letters he has received alleging that there was a threat to religious freedom posed by the EU directive on employment agreed between the Governments of the EU on 17 October. [135065]

  The Prime Minister
  The information is not held in the form requested.

  Iraq Hijack
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will hold discussions with the Iraqi Government concerning the recent hijack of an aircraft in Iraq. [135706]

  The Prime Minister
  The Government welcome the peaceful resolution of the recent hijacking of a Saudi Arabian aircraft and the safe return of all British citizens to the UK. We have no plans to hold discussions with the Iraqi Government on this subject.

WALES

  GDP
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what his calculation is of the percentage contribution made in the current financial year by each industry and service to the gross domestic product of Wales after deduction of the subsidies paid from UK Government and European sources. [134498]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  No estimates have been made for the current year. In 1997, the most recent year for which figures are available, the contribution to GDP of each major sector was as set out in the table:

  sector

  Percentage of GDP

  Agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing

  1.8

  Mining and quarrying, including oil and gas extraction

  0.2

  Other mining and quarrying

  0.3

  Manufacturing

  27.3

  Electricity, gas, and water supply

  2.2

  Construction

  5.3

  Wholesale and retail trade

  10.2

  Hotels and restaurants

  3.4

  Transport and communication

  6.0

  Financial intermediation

  3.5

  Real estate, renting and business activities

  14.2

  Public administration and defence

  6.2

  Education

  6.0

  Health and social work

  8.6

  Other services

  4.7

  There are no readily available estimates of direct subsidies across all sectors.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many times he visited for official engagements the counties of(a) Gwynedd, (b) Ynys Mön, (c) Conwy, (d) Denbigh, (e) Flint, (f) Wrexham, (g) Powys, (h) Ceredigion, (i) Carmarthenshire and (j) Pembroke, between 1 August and 30 September. [135805]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Between 1 August and 30 September 2000 the Secretary of State for Wales made visits to Conwy, Denbigh and Pembroke.

  Over the same period the Under-Secretary visited Gwynedd, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Carmarthenshire.

  National Assembly Legislation
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the legislation enacted during the present session which has made specific provisions for Wales arising from representations made by the National Assembly for Wales. [135742]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I take very seriously my duty to consult the National Assembly on the Government's legislative programme. In addition to formal participation in an Assembly plenary session each year, this involves ongoing dialogue at both ministerial and official levels. It is largely by this means, rather than through representations, that we are able to take account of the Assembly's interests in current or forthcoming Bills.

  To date, the following Acts have included specific provisions for Wales which emerged from this partnership approach:

  Care Standards Act 2000

  Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000

  Electronic Communications Act 2000

  Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000

  Learning and Skills Act 2000

  Local Government Act 2000.

  Agricultural Workers
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of the Welsh workforce was engaged in agricultural work in each of previous 10 years. [135235]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Information cannot be provided in the form requested. Percentages of civilian employee jobs in agriculture are in the table. These exclude the self employed, for whom an industry-specific breakdown is not available.

  Per cent.

  1989

  2.1

  1990

  2.0

  1991

  2.1

  1992

  2.0

  1993

  2.0

  1994

  1.8

  1995

  1.8

  1996

  1.8

  1997

  1.8

  1998

  2.1

  Since 1 July 1999, this has been the responsibility of the National Assembly for Wales.

  Farm Incomes
  Mr.Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the average farmer's income by constituency in Wales for the last five years. [135234]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Figures are not available at the constituency level.

  New Deal (Young People)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the New Deal for Young People in Wales. [134410]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The New Deal for 18–24 year olds continues to make excellent progress in Wales. We are already well past our target of helping 13,000 young unemployed people into work by the end of this Parliament. Latest figures show that more than 15,600 young people in Wales have secured employment.

  A further 6,800 people are currently being helped through the New Deal; receiving advice and guidance or pursuing education, training, or work experience.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Class Sizes
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what class sizes were for each age group in each year since 1979 in the Taunton constituency. [134317]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The available information on average class sizes collected in January for the parliamentary constituency of Taunton is shown in the tables. Information on average class sizes by individual ages and by parliamentary constituency is not available prior to 1996.

  The Government are well on course to deliver their pledge to limit infant classes for five, six and seven-year-olds to 30 or below by September 2001. When the Government came to power, there were nearly half a million children in large infant classes. By January 2000, this had been reduced to 177,000–300,000 infants are already benefiting from the initiative. £620 million is available to support the pledge, and allocations to schools in Taunton so far amount to £579,000. This helped Somerset LEA to reduce the average size of Key Stage 1 classes in the constituency to 26.7 in January 2000. In January 1997, the figure was 27.4.

  January 2000 also saw a fall in the size of the average junior class in England; and a continuing fall in the size of the average primary class, after rising for a decade. The size of the average secondary class nationally, at 22, is still five below the average primary class. Secondary headteachers are receiving up to £70,000 in direct grant to spend as they choose. If this were spent on recruiting teachers, the average secondary class size could be reduced by up to 0.8. Information at national and local

  283W
  education authority area level on infant class sizes for September 2000 will be published in a Statistical First Release on the 1st November, copies of which will be

  Average size of classes taught by one teacher by year group in maintained primary schools1 in the parliamentary constituency of Taunton 1996–2000 Position as at January

  Year group

  Reception

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  Mixed

  Overall2

  20003

  Average class size

  25.9

  27.7

  28.7

  29.6

  28.7

  30.9

  30.6

  4—

  —

  28.4

  Pupils

  855

  415

  517

  444

  431

  495

  490

  4—

  4,117

  7,798

  Classes

  33

  15

  18

  15

  15

  16

  16

  4—

  145

  275

  19993

  Average class size

  26.2

  28.1

  28.6

  29.1

  29.5

  28.8

  28.1

  4—

  29.2

  28.9

  Pupils

  1,020

  451

  522

  571

  517

  471

  463

  4—

  4,144

  8,212

  Classes

  39

  16

  18

  19

  17

  15

  15

  4—

  142

  284

  19983

  Average class size

  25.6

  28.7

  29.6

  30.9

  31.1

  30.8

  33.1

  5—

  28.7

  28.8

  Pupils

  920

  516

  533

  433

  436

  370

  397

  5—

  4,340

  8,004

  Classes

  36

  18

  18

  14

  14

  12

  12

  5—

  151

  278

  19973

  Average class size

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  28.4

  Pupils

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  7,773

  Classes

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  274

  19963

  Average class size

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  28.0

  Pupils

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  7,481

  Classes

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  5—

  267

  1Classes as taught at a selected time on the census day

  2Includes all year groups and nursery classes

  3Excludes classes taught by two or more teachers. The number of such classes can vary significantly from year to year which may impact on the overall pupil numbers recorded in one teacher classes

  4Not applicable (no classes of this type)

  5Not available

  Average size of classes taught by one teacher by age band in maintained secondary schools1 in the parliamentary constituency of Taunton 1996–2000 Position as at January

  Ages2

  Middle classes

  Mainly under 14s

  Mainly 14 and 15

  16 or older

  Overall

  2000

  Average class size

  17.0

  26.8

  21.8

  3—

  24.5

  Pupils

  102

  3,431

  2,026

  3—

  5,559

  Classes

  6

  128

  93

  3—

  227

  1999

  Average class size

  29.0

  26.0

  21.8

  3—

  24.3

  Pupils

  29

  3,281

  1,965

  3—

  5,275

  Classes

  1

  126

  90

  3—

  217

  1998

  Average class size

  22.3

  25.5

  22.9

  3—

  24.4

  Pupils

  89

  3,188

  2,018

  3—

  5,295

  Classes

  4

  125

  88

  3—

  217

  1997

  Average class size

  18.1

  24.2

  22.7

  3—

  23.4

  Pupils

  127

  3,071

  2,041

  3—

  5,239

  Classes

  7

  127

  90

  3—

  224

  1996

  Average class size

  17.8

  24.9

  22.3

  3—

  23.5

  Pupils

  142

  2,767

  1,982

  3—

  4,891

  Classes

  8

  111

  89

  3—

  208

  1Classes as taught at a selected time on the census day

  2Ages as the start of the academic year (August 31)

  3Not applicable (no classes of this type)

  284W
  placed in the House of Commons Library. The figures will also be available on the Department's statistical website www.dfee.gov.uk/statistics.

  Combined Standards Funds
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress he has made in combining the 49 standards funds into six blocks. [134396]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  As part of our reforms to make the Standards Fund simpler and more streamlined, from 2001–02 all Standards Fund allocations will be grouped in six categories: School Improvement, Inclusion, Standards and Curriculum, Diversity and Excellence, Teachers and Support, and Capital and Infrastructure. The

  £

  united kingdom

  England, Wales and Northern Ireland

  Scotland

  HEFCE funding

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2000–01

  Total teaching

  115,810,756

  121,360,509

  119,496,105

  12,526,559

  Total research

  7,248,003

  6,874,165

  6,888,267

  —

  Special funding

  541,734

  —

  300,000

  235,300

  Total resource

  123,600,493

  128,234,674

  126,684,372

  12,761,859

  The figures in the last year are not directly comparable to the earlier years. Responsibility for funding Open University students in Scotland now lies with the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council and this funding is shown separately in the table.

  Special Educational Needs
  Mr. Rammell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is his policy with regard to intervention under section 497 of the Education Act 1996 where a local education authority does not specify hours of support in a statement of special educational needs. [134454]

  Jacqui Smith
  Although the Education Act 1996 requires a local education authority to specify the special educational provision for a child, it does not require a local education authority to detail that provision in terms of hours of support. Where parents disagree with the wording or provision set out in their child's statement of special educational needs, it is open for them to appeal to the Special Educational Needs Tribunal. Where parents have complaints about the delivery of their child's provision, they may ask the Secretary of State to intervene. He will consider what action is appropriate in each case.

  Mr. Rammell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent representations he has received from national organisations about the extent to which Essex County Council complies with the SEN Code of Practice. [134455]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Secretary of State has received correspondence from the Independent Panel for Special Educational Advice (IPSEA) questioning the extent to which Essex County Council complies with the SEN Code of Practice. As with all such correspondence, officials are investigating the matter.
  286W
  new arrangements were set out for Local Education Authorities in guidance issued on 22 September.

  Open University
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the funding of the Open University for the past three years. [134409]

  Mr. Wicks
  The following table shows the funding the Open University has received from the Higher Education Funding Council for England in each of the last three years.

  Mr. Rammell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment to what extent local education authorities are required to have regard to the SEN Code of Practice. [134456]

  Jacqui Smith
  Local education authorities are required by law to have regard to the SEN Code of Practice. The Code offers guidance to local education authorities on their responsibilities towards children with special educational needs, and they must not ignore it. Authorities must decide how to fulfil their statutory duties and responsibilities in the light of the Code.

  Police Hotline
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will establish a system in which each school has access to a hotline to the police. [134521]

  Jacqui Smith
  DfEE worked closely with the police and the Home Office on the production of "School Security: Dealing With Troublemakers", which promotes close co-operation between schools and local police to create effective local partnerships. Specifically, it recommends that schools and the local police should ensure that arrangements for calling police help in an emergency have been properly communicated to staff, and are understood.

  We know that local education authorities and schools have established links with their local police forces. If a hotline is needed in addition to existing practices, schools and local education authorities are best placed to discuss this with their local police forces.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) women and (b) members of ethnic minorities are employed by his Department. [134689]
  287W
  Mr. Wills
  Details of the number of women and members of ethnic minorities employed by DfEE are as set out. The figures for permanent and temporary (casual) staff are shown separately.
  Permanent staff
  As at 1 October 2000 DfEE employed 4,849 permanent staff of whom:
  2,693 (56 per cent.) were women and
  491 (10 per cent.) were members of ethnic minorities Temporary staff
  As at 1 October 2000 DfEE employed 237 temporary staff of whom:
  133 (56 per cent.) were women and
  5 (2 per cent.) were members of ethnic minorities.
  DfEE (in line with the Commission for Racial Equality guidelines) asks staff to voluntarily declare their ethnicity in order to monitor progress against its Equal Opportunities Action Plan. The figures reflect the position for those who have provided this information.

  Circulars and Consultation Documents
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the cost was to his Department of the publication and distribution of circulars and consultation documents in(a) 1997–98 (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000. [134711]

  Mr. Wills
  Full information in the form requested is not available. Details of the costs of production of such materials are not specifically categorised as circulars or consultations by the Department and are therefore not collected centrally. Instead information on marketing and publicity products is recorded for each particular marketing campaign and broken down by the type of media employed to deliver the information.

  Teacher Training
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary 'of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the quality of teacher training in England and Wales. [134712]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  All initial teacher training (ITT) providers in England are subject to regular inspection of the quality of their provision by Ofsted. The Teacher Training Agency (TTA) allocates funding to ITT providers, according to the quality of provision, based on Ofsted's judgments.

  A new teacher training curriculum was introduced in England in 1998. The proportion of trainees in high quality primary ITT provision has increased from 56 per cent. in 1997 to 65 per cent. in 1999.

  Teacher training in Wales is a matter for the Welsh Assembly.

  Citizenship Classes
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on his plans for citizenship classes. [134726]

  Jacqui Smith
  Citizenship education will be part of the National Curriculum for secondary schools from August 2002. It follows the recommendation of the all-party 288W
  working party chaired by Prof. Bernard Crick and including Lord Baker in its membership. Citizenship is designed to improve the knowledge and understanding of our democracy among young people, to make them aware of their social and moral responsibilities and to encourage greater community involvement. We have made £12 million available to schools this year through the Standards Fund to assist them in their preparations for Citizenship. This will be sustained next year.

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if his proposed citizenship classes will be subject to a requirement of political impartiality. [134925]

  Jacqui Smith
  Citizenship education will be subject to the same requirements of political impartiality as other areas of the curriculum. There are safeguards in law to guard against biased or unbalanced teaching. Local education authorities, governing bodies and head teachers are required under Section 407 of the Education Act 1996 to take such steps as are reasonably practicable to secure that where political issues are brought to the attention of pupils, they are offered a balanced presentation of opposing views. The introduction of citizenship was proposed by the Citizenship Education Working Party that included Lord Baker, the former education secretary.

  Unruly Pupils
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he expects to issue new guidelines for teachers on the legitimate physical restraint of unruly pupils. [134727]

  Jacqui Smith
  DfEE Circular 10/98 makes it clear that teachers may use reasonable force to control or restrain pupils to prevent them from causing injury to themselves or others, and contains guidance on appropriate physical intervention measures.

  We plan to issue complementary guidance shortly, to help schools and local education authorities plan their strategies for managing the behaviour of pupils with severe behavioural difficulties.

  Internet Access
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to reduce the cost of internet access to schools. [134778]

  Mr. Wills
  The cost of providing internet access to school is subject to a number of factors, including the availability of relevant services and competition in the market. My officials are in contact with Oftel regarding the telecommunications costs and tariffs and our Regional Broadband strategy is enabling local education authorities to seek the best possible procurement arrangements for internet service provision on behalf of their schools.

  Resuscitation Policies
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance his Department issues to(a) local education authorities, (b) colleges, (c) private schools and (d) other educational establishments concerning the development and application of resuscitation policies; and how compliance with such guidance is monitored. [134843]
  289W
  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: DfEE's "Guidance on First Aid for Schools: a good practice guide" is freely available to all schools and can be referenced by other educational institutions. It sets out first aid requirements under health and safety legislation, and provides advice for schools on drawing up first aid policies and ensuring that they meet their statutory duties. Specifically, it advises that first aid training should include resuscitation procedures for children. Breaches of health and safety legislation are subject to investigation by the Health and Safety Executive.

  Tutor-student Ratio
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the average tutor to student ratio in(a) sixth-form colleges and (b) further education colleges in each local education authority area. [134901]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  This information is not readily available by local education authority areas.

  University Funding (Research)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much funding each university in England and Wales has received towards research in each of the past five years. [134912]

  Mr. Wicks
  The funding of higher education in Wales is now a matter for the National Assembly. The information requested can be found in the Higher Education Statistics Agency publication "Resources for higher education institutions" copies of which are in the Library of the House.

  GCSEs
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what discussions he or his officials have had with representatives of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference concerning their recent assessment of the value of GCSEs. [134924]

  Mr. Wicks
  The Department has received no communication either from the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference or from individual members of the Conference about their assessment of the value of GCSEs.

  Pupil Exclusions
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent assessment he has made of the effect on other children at school(a) academically and (b) emotionally of not excluding disruptive pupils. [134933]

  Jacqui Smith
  Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools' latest annual report shows a clear link between standards of behaviour and educational achievement.

  We have made clear that Headteachers can permanently exclude pupils who are very disruptive or violent. And our recently issued new guidance for exclusion appeal panels indicates that the Headteacher's decision to exclude should not be overridden in a range of circumstances including where there is violence or the threat of violence.
  290W
  In addition, we are making provision for over 1,000 on-site Learning Support Units by 2002, to ensure that disruptive pupils are removed from the classroom quickly so they do not disrupt other pupils' education.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many pupils in state schools were permanently excluded in(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000. [134707]

  Jacqui Smith
  The latest available data on permanent exclusions are shown in the following table. Data on permanent exclusions in the school year 1999–2000 will be collected in January 2001 and published in May 2001 (provisional date).

  Further information on permanent exclusions will be published at the end of November 2000 in a Statistical Bulletin, a copy of which will be placed in the Library.

  We are providing £174 million next year to help schools and LEAs tackle exclusion—a third more than in 1999–2000 and 10 times more than in 1996–97. This is helping to pay for more than 1,000 on-site Learning Support Units which take disruptive pupils out of the classroom quickly, improve their behaviour and reduce the need for exclusion. Where an exclusion is necessary, provision for excluded pupils is being greatly increased. There are now 1,000 more places and 250 more teachers in Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) than in 1997. The quality of PRUs is improving and by 2002 all local education authorities will be required to provide a full timetable for excluded pupils.

  Numbers of permanent exclusions in schools in England 1996–97 to 1998–991

  Number

  1998–99

  10,438

  1997–98

  12,298

  1996–

  12,668

  1Includes Maintained Primary, Secondary, Special and Non-maintained Special Schools

  Source:

  January Schools' Census

  School Security
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement about physical security at(a) primary and (b) secondary schools. [134937]

  Jacqui Smith
  DfEE has issued guidance on "Improving School Security" and also makes available a school security grant for local education authorities to allocate on the basis of risk assessments at individual schools. The total amount available, with the assistance of the Government grant (at 75 per cent.), is £22 million a year. The grant is allocated by formula. The grant is to supplement existing expenditure by local education authorities and schools on school security measures. It is for local education authorities to determine local priorities of use of their grant allocation, including distribution to schools and training needs. All maintained schools, including Pupil Referral Units and nursery schools, are eligible to receive funding from the grant. The grant may be used on physical measures to improve the security of school premises and on security related training for staff and governors.

  Teachers (Cannabis)
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what his policy is towards the employment of teaching staff who have convictions for cannabis consumption. [134941]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Unless the Secretary of State has barred a person from employment as a teacher, it is for the prospective employer to decide on the suitability of an applicant for a teaching post. In reaching those decisions employers will take into account any information about the applicant's previous convictions that is revealed by a criminal record check. The Department's Circular 9/93 (first issued in 1993 and still in effect), which gives guidance about the procedures for obtaining such checks, advises employers that convictions for sexual, violent, or drugs offences will be particularly strong contraindications for work with children, but that they will also need to consider the age and seriousness of the offence.

  Assisted Places Scheme
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the impact of the abolition of the Assisted Places Scheme on class sizes. [134942]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The annual cost of maintaining infant classes of 30 and below, around £160 million, will be met from savings made as a result of the phasing out of the Assisted Places Scheme. We are well on track to deliver our pledge to limit infant classes to 30 pupils. Allocations so far to Hampshire LEA amount to some £7 million. This has helped the LEA to reduce the size of the average Key Stage 1 class in the New Forest constituency to 26.7. In January 1997 the figure was 27.3.

  Academic Standards
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent assessment his Department has made of the relationship between academic standards in examinations and(a) class sizes and (b) money spent per pupil.[134943]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The available evidence, including from Ofsted, indicates that class size is most important at Key Stage 1. That is why we have pledged to reduce the size of infant classes. The pledge will ensure that all children benefit from infant classes of 30 or below, and will help to give young pupils the important start they need. The Department's Value for Money Unit is examining the relationship between school resourcing and academic standards in education.

  School Uniforms
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent assessment he has made of the advantages and disadvantages of schoolchildren wearing school uniforms. [135034]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Government believe that school uniforms can make a valuable contribution to the identity and discipline of schools. It is, however, for school governors to decide whether there should be a uniform, and we believe that this should remain the case.

  Learning Difficulties
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how many children in each LEA are in(a) moderate learning difficulty schools, (b) severe learning difficulty schools and (c) educational and behavioural difficulties schools, broken down into (i) primary and (ii) secondary sectors; [135135]

  (2) what percentage of children in each LEA are in (a) moderate learning difficulty schools, (b) severe learning difficulty schools and (c) educational and behavioural difficulties schools, broken down into (i) primary and (ii) secondary sectors, as a proportion of the overall number of children in each sector. [135136]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The information is not available in the form requested.

  Some information on special needs was recently published in the statistical volume "Statistics of Education—Schools in England 2000" in September. A copy of this publication is available from the Library and can also be accessed on the Department's statistical website www.dfee.gov.uk/statistics. More comprehensive information about special educational needs in schools in England will be published in a statistical bulletin "Special Educational Needs in England 2000" on 22 November.

  "Voices"
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much his Department spent on advertising space in the recent Government publication, "Voices". [135585]

  Mr. Wills
  The Department took advertising space at a cost of £4,662 in "Voices" magazine.

  Work-Life Balance Challenge Fund
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the objectives of the Work-Life Balance Challenge Fund. [135218]

  Ms Hodge
  The main objectives of the Challenge Fund are to help employers from the public, private and voluntary sectors introduce and develop effective flexible working policies and practices which both benefit the business and help their employees achieve a better balance between work and the rest of their lives; and to identify and disseminate best practice widely to other employers.

  Young People (Disadvantage)
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what arrangements the Government are making for the parliamentary accountability of the Children's Fund and of the Government's strategy to co-ordinate services for tackling disadvantage among children and young people. [135861]

  Mr. Blunkett
  My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced on 28 July that he was establishing a new Cabinet Ministerial Group on Children and Young People's Services which would be chaired by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer with myself as Vice Chair, and which would be supported by a new cross-cutting Children and Young People's Unit to be located in the Department for Education and Employment.
  293W
  He also appointed the Minister of State, Home Office, my right hon Friend the Member for Brent, South (Mr. Boateng) as Minister for Young People with day to day responsibility for the Unit and the co-ordination of the Government's strategy in England on vulnerable children and young people.

  The Children's Fund will form a major new part of the Government's strategy to tackle child poverty and prevent social exclusion. The Fund will support services to work with children and their families and prevent children and young people falling into drug abuse, truancy, unemployment and crime. It will be worth a total of £450 million over three years.

  The new interdepartmental Children and Young People's Unit, based in my Department, will run the Children's Fund in England at official level. The Unit's remit will be set by the new Cabinet Ministerial Group on Children and Young People's Services. The Unit will have its own Request for Resources within my Department's Estimate. The Head of the Children and Young People's Unit, once appointed, will be an additional Accounting Officer within my Department. As is usual, the appointment as additional Accounting Officer will be made by the Treasury and a copy of the letter of appointment, setting out the respective roles and responsibilities of the additional Accounting Officer and the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Education and Employment as Principal Accounting Officer, will be sent to the Comptroller and Auditor General and to the Clerk of the Committee of Public Accounts.

  I shall be formally accountable to Parliament for the Children's Fund and the work of the Unit. However, my right hon. Friend, as Minister for Young People, will normally answer Parliamentary Questions on the Children's Fund and the Unit in this House, and in the case of Oral Questions will do so during Department for Education and Employment Question Time. The Government expect that the relevant Select Committees will normally wish to invite him to appear when they examine the Children's Fund and the Government's strategy on services to tackle disadvantage among children and young people. My noble Friend Baroness Blackstone will answer for the Government in another place.

  My right hon. Friend, as Minister for Young People, is writing today to the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and the Chairmen of the Select Committees on Education and Employment, on Health and on Home Affairs, and the Government will liaise as necessary with the House authorities to ensure that these arrangements work well and secure effective accountability for this innovative policy.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Appointments Commission
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the President of the Council if the Appointments Commission will report annually to Parliament on the discharge of its functions. [133715]
  294W
  Mrs. Beckett
  Like all Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs), the Appointments Commission will publish an Annual Report. There is no requirement for this to be laid before Parliament, but the report will of course be placed in the Libraries of the House.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Driving Tests
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many driving tests were conducted per month since April 1999; how many tests can be carried out in a month; how many cancellations there were in each month since April 1999 and how many such cancellations were reallocated; and what was the average waiting time for driving tests in each month since April 2000 in the Norris Green and Southport Driving Test Centres. [134176]

  Mr. Hill
  The number of tests conducted at the driving test centres each month for the period May 1999 to September 2000 were as follows:

  Month

  Norris Green

  Southport

  May 1999

  567

  402

  June 1999

  652

  408

  July 1999

  672

  442

  August 1999

  692

  351

  September 1999

  706

  304

  October 1999

  790

  359

  November 1999

  796

  406

  December 1999

  635

  408

  January 2000

  880

  437

  February 2000

  723

  375

  March 2000

  921

  388

  April 2000

  709

  363

  May 2000

  795

  314

  June 2000

  878

  384

  July 2000

  742

  327

  August 2000

  885

  363

  September 2000

  683

  444

  Note:

  Figures for April 1999 are not available

  The number of tests that can be conducted in an average month, based on the number of staff currently in post at the test centres, is:

  Norris Green—778

  Southport—516.

  Test cancellation in each month since May 1999

  Month

  Norris Green

  Southport

  May 1999

  1

  20

  June 1999

  3

  30

  July 1999

  2

  6

  August 1999

  2

  3

  September 1999

  2

  23

  October 1999

  4

  4

  November 1999

  23

  4

  December 1999

  11

  21

  January 2000

  14

  14

  February 2000

  3

  12

  March 2000

  6

  3

  April 2000

  2

  20

  May 2000

  6

  24

  June 2000

  36

  26

  295W

  Test cancellation in each month since May 1999

  Month

  Norris Green

  Southport

  July 2000

  1

  9

  August 2000

  8

  13

  September 2000

  26

  7

  Total

  150

  239

  Note:

  Cancellations are reallocated

  Average waiting times for driving tests in each month since April 2000

  Month

  Norris Green

  Southport

  April

  6 weeks

  7 weeks

  May

  6 weeks

  7 weeks

  June

  7 weeks

  8 weeks

  July

  6 weeks

  8 weeks

  August

  7 weeks

  7 weeks

  September

  6 weeks

  6 weeks

  Late Payments
  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what performance targets have been set to ensure that small businesses automatically receive interest from local authorities on late payments made after 30 days of being invoiced in line with the Late Payments of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998; [134114]

  (2) what recent discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on compensation for payment by public bodies after 30 days of invoices from small firms. [134115]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1999, local authorities are required to report annually their performance against specified best value performance indicators. One such indicator is the percentage of undisputed invoices which were paid in 30 days. The Government have specified, in statutory guidance, the following targets for local authorities in respect of that best value indicator:

  Financial year

  Percentage of invoices paid within 30 days

  2000–01

  95.0

  2001–02

  97.5

  2002–03

  100.0

  I also refer my hon. Friend to the replies given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Small Business and E-Commerce on 23 October 2000,Official Report, columns 9–10W, and my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 24 October 2000, Official Report, column 109W.

  M6
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out the costs of repairs and maintenance to the elevated section of the M6 through Birmingham in each year from 1990 to 1999. [134160]

  Mr. Hill
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Tim Matthews, to write to the hon. Gentleman.
  296W
  Letter from David York to Mr. Andrew Welsh, dated 30 October 2000:
  The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Keith Hill, has asked the Chief Executive to reply to your recent question about the cost of repairs and maintenance to the elevated section of the M6 through Birmingham between 1990 and 1999. I am replying in the absence of Tim Matthews.
  This section of the M6 is part of the Midland Links Motorway Viaducts and I am afraid our records are not kept in a form which allows us to disaggregate costs for individual sections.
  The costs of maintaining the structures on the Midlands Links Motorway Viaducts are set out in the attached table. We estimate that the cost of maintaining the elevated section of M6 through the Greater Birmingham area, roughly between Junction 5 at Castle Bromwich and Junction 9 at Bescot, is about two thirds of the figures shown in the table.
  The costs exclude VAT and do not include for routine maintenance and repair of the road surfaces. Nor do they include costs associated with lighting, environmental works or communication systems. These figures could only be produced at a disproportionate cost.
  If you would like further details, the contact at the Agency is David Cropper. His telephone number is 0121-678 8482.

  Cost of repairing and maintaining structures on the Midland Links Motorway Viaducts

  Financial year

  £ million

  1998–99

  27.4

  1997–98

  19.2

  1996–97

  14.0

  1995–96

  27.7

  1994–95

  26.3

  1993–94

  21.0

  1992–93

  17.7

  1991–92

  20.7

  1990–91

  19.8

  Asbestosis
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people have died as a result of asbestosis in each of the last three years. [134813]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Health and Safety Executive maintains a register of deaths in Great Britain for which asbestosis is mentioned on the death certificate. The number of asbestosis deaths (excluding death certificates also mentioning mesothelioma) in each of the last three years is as shown.

  Number of death certificates mentioning asbestosis

  1996

  196

  1997

  190

  1998

  165

  Figures for 1999 are not yet available.

  Health and Safety
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many companies have been prosecuted for breaches of health and safety legislation in each of the last three years. [134814]
  297W
  Mr. Meacher
  The number of companies (excluding individuals and others with health and safety duties) prosecuted for breaches of health and safety legislation following investigation by HSE in each of the last three years is as set out.

  HSE

  Number of companies prosecuted

  1999–20001, 2

  748

  1998–991

  716

  1997–981

  643

  1Data from 1 April to 31 March

  2Provisional

  Local authorities enforce health and safety legislation in relation to several kinds of premises. Local authorities provide information on prosecutions, but do not classify this by type of organisation. The number of separate breaches, by all kinds of employers and others, prosecuted following local authority investigation in each of the last three years is as set out.

  Local authorities

  Number of breaches

  1999–2000

  1—

  1998–992

  424

  1997–982

  506

  1Not yet available

  2Data from 1 April to 31 March

  Transatlantic Air Routes
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of increasing competition on transatlantic air routes on British consumers and business. [134335]

  Mr. Mullin
  Increased competition on transatlantic air routes will bring benefits to British consumers, to business and to the wider economy. But competition must be fair. We shall continue to press the US to rescind those protectionist measures which, by denying to UK carriers effective access to their domestic market, serve to inhibit fair competition on transatlantic routes.

  Housing Stock Transfers
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the total amount is(a) of early redemption penalties and (b) overhanging debt paid from central Government funds to enable the transfer of council housing to registered social landlords; and if he will list the advantages of early redemption of debt. [134731]

  Mr. Mullin
  Under the arrangements for dealing with overhanging debt announced to the House by my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning on 16 December 1999,Official Report, column 250W, local authorities are responsible for meeting the cost of early redemption penalties either from the capital receipt arising from the transfer of housing stock or from within their existing resources. Since the arrangements came into force we have made one-off payments to Burnley Borough Council and Coventry City Council to assist
  298W
  them to repay outstanding principal of their Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) loans. The sum total of both payments was £132.696 million.

  The advantages of early debt redemption are twofold. First, a mechanism to deal with overhanging debt makes housing transfer a realistic option for a wider range of authorities where investment is most needed. I understand that the total capital investment over the next 30 years in the housing stock transferred by Coventry City Council and Burnley Borough Council is estimated to be over £1 billion. Second, a one-off payment to assist an authority to repay outstanding PWLB loans is simpler—for both local and central government—than the alternative of leaving an authority's Housing Revenue Account open, despite the transfer of stock, and for the Exchequer to subsidise the overhanging debt for many years.

  Rail Safety
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it his policy to bring about a public sector involvement in the railway industry for safety reasons. [134466]

  Mr. Hill
  The Government have always made safety the top priority in the railways. All sections of the industry are under obligations to carry out their operations in a safe manner. We look to the Health and Safety Executive, as the sole regulator for rail safety, to ensure that the railways are operating safely.

  Global Warming
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his Department's assessment is of the causes of global warming. [135030]

  Mr. Meacher
  Recent research at the Hadley Centre, one of the world's leading climate research centres and funded by my Department, has shown that both natural and man made factors have contributed to the global rise in temperature of 0.6 deg C since 1860. The strong warming since the mid 1970s can only be explained by taking into account the effects of human activities on the atmosphere.

  Rail Distribution (Brighton)
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action(a) he and (b) regulatory authorities propose following the disruption at Brighton Statin on the evening of 20 October; and if he will make a statement. [134660]

  Mr. Hill
  The incident referred to occurred at 19.43 on Friday 20 October 2000 on the Mainline between Brighton and Preston Park when passengers alighted from trains which had stopped between stations after a traction failure on a Thameslink train, followed by a loss of the infrastructure traction supply. HSE is awaiting an industry report before deciding what further action to take.

  Waste Recycling
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make
  299W
  a statement on the applicability of News Release 609, "Recycling Key to Future PFI Waste Applications", to the PFI credits earmarked for use by East Sussex County Council and Brighton and Hove Council. [134621]

  Mr. Mullin
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]The project already agreed with East Sussex County Council and Brighton and Hove Council will not be affected by the revised criteria for PFI waste schemes announced in News Release 609. The PFI contract will need to contribute towards the overall achievement of the statutory performance standards for recycling of household waste which we announced in Waste Strategy 2000. These will require authorities, on average, to double their recycling in three years and nearly triple it in five years.

  Wembley Task Force
  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on how many occasions since April 2000 the Wembley Task Force has met; and if he will list those present at each meeting. [134835]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]Wembley Task Force has met five times since 1 April 2000 and those present at each meeting were:Date of the Meeting: 4 April 2000

  Chairman—Sir Nigel Mobbs

  Deputy Chairman—Councillor Paul Daisley (LBB)

  Acting Chief Executive—Tony Winterbottom (EP)

  David Shelton (EP)

  Geoff Taylor (WNSL)

  Ian Fytche (SE)

  Mariana Spater (WPSRB)

  Observers

  John Sienkeiwicz (GOL)

  Niall Mackenzie (DCMS)

  Jonathan Branson (Sport England)

  Gareth Daniel (LBB)

  Richard Saunders (LBB)

  Kieran McStravick (EP)

  Ann Garrett (EP)

  Date of the Meeting: 12 May 2000

  Chairman—Sir Nigel Mobbs

  Deputy Chairman—Councillor Paul Daisley (LBB)

  Acting Chief Executive—Tony Winterbottom (EP)

  David Shelton (EP)

  Eric Sorensen (LDP)

  Bob Stubbs (WNSL)

  Mariana Spater (WPSRB)

  Jonathan Branson (SE)

  Observers

  John Sienkeiwicz (GOL)

  Ralph Ward (GOL)

  Niall Mackenzie (DCMS)

  Richard Saunders (LBB)

  Chris Walker (LBB)

  300W

  Geoff Taylor (WNSL)

  Kieran McStravick (EP)

  Ann Garrett (EP)

  Wembley plc Presentation Team

  Nigel Potter (Wembley plc)

  John Garside (Wembley plc)

  Andrew Morris (Richard Rogers Partnership)

  Jon Coxeter-Smith (Davis Langdon and Everest)

  Development Framework Presentation Team

  Robin Buckle (LBB)

  Andrew Hiorns (David Lock Associates)

  Date of the Meeting: 29 June 2000

  Chairman—Sir Nigel Mobbs

  Deputy Chairman—Councillor Paul Daisley (LBB)

  Acting Chief Executive—Tony Winterbottom (EP)

  David Shelton (EP)

  Eric Sorensen (LDP)

  Bob Stubbs (WNSL)

  Ian Fytche (SE)

  Observers

  John Sienkeiwicz (GOL)

  Ralph Ward (GOL)

  Niall Mackenzie (DCMS)

  Ian O'Neill (DCMS)

  Richard Saunders (LBB)

  Geoff Taylor (WNSL)

  Jonathan Branson (SE)

  Kieran McStravick (EP)

  Guy Thornett (EP)

  Ann Garrett (EP)

  Date of the Meeting: 27 September 2000

  Chairman—Sir Nigel Mobbs

  Deputy Chairman—Paul Daisley (LBB)

  Acting Chief Executive—Tony Winterbottom (LDA)

  Mike Appleton (EP)

  Mariana Spater (WPSRB)

  Observers

  Ian O'Neill (DCMS)

  Gareth Daniel (LBB)

  Richard Saunders (LBB)

  Jonathan Branson (SE)

  Kieran McStravick (LDA)

  Date of the Meeting: 25 October 2000

  Chairman—Sir Nigel Mobbs

  Deputy Chairman—Councillor Paul Daisley (LBB)

  Acting Chief Executive—Tony Winterbottom (LDA)

  Mike Appleton (EP)

  John Duffy (GLA)

  Derek Casey (Sport England) (?)

  Mariana Spater (WPP)

  Observers

  Niall Mackenzie (DCMS)

  Ian O'Neill (DCMS)

  Ian Fytche or Jonathan Branson (Sport England)

  Geoff Raw (LBB)

  Ralph Ward (LDA) (?)

  Guy Thornett (LDA)

  Kieran McStravick (LDA).

  Airline Passengers (Health)
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what advice his Department gives to airlines concerning the health of passengers on ,(a) short and (b) long-distance flights. [134422]

  Mr. Mullin
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]We are currently awaiting the results of the inquiry by the House of Lords Science and Technology Sub-Committee on the aircraft cabin environment.

  The focus of existing advice is to inform airline passengers of the possible health risks posed by air travel and to allow them to take any necessary precautions. The "Health Advice for Travellers" booklet, issued by the Department of Health has been recently updated and includes references to the potential health risks of air travel, such as deep vein thrombosis. Approximately 12 million copies of this booklet are printed and made available to long and short haul travellers each year, usually through post offices, and it is also available on the internet and on CEEFAX. The "Health Information for Overseas Travel" booklet issued to all GPs is also being updated and will include advice on the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent investigations his Department has carried out into the health problems associated with long-distance travel. [135132]

  Mr. Mullin
  In the light of evidence given during the House of Lords Science and Technology Sub-Committee on the aircraft cabin environment, we have commissioned an independent study on passenger health on board aircraft. The study, which should be completed by next spring will cover long and short haul travel. The intention of the study is to bring together existing research with a view to identifying where there are gaps in current knowledge.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce regulations to ensure a minimum requirement of space for seating in aircraft. [135134]

  Mr. Mullin
  The UK already has an airworthiness requirement for minimum seat space, and is unique in this respect. The Civil Aviation Authority which is responsible for the safety regulation of UK registered passenger aircraft, has set standards for seat spacing on UK registered aircraft since 1989. There is also a limit on the number of seats in each row which determines the minimum width of seats.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to regulate air transport to ensure that, on long-haul flights, the health of passengers is protected. [135133]

  Mr. Mullin
  The recent inquiry by the House of Lords Science and Technology Sub-Committee on the aircraft cabin environment looked into the health effects of travelling in commercial aircraft. We are currently awaiting the results of the inquiry and will study any recommendations it makes before considering the possibility of regulation.
  302W
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the risks of thrombosis on long-haul flights; and what guidance he plans to issue to the air passenger industry to reduce such risks. [134634]

  Mr. Mullin
  We are currently awaiting the results of the inquiry by the House of Lords Science and Technology Sub-Committee on the aircraft cabin environment.

  In the light of the evidence given during the inquiry, we have commissioned an independent study on passenger health on board aircraft, including the risk of thrombosis. The study, which should be completed by next spring, will bring together existing research with a view to identifying where there are gaps in current knowledge.

  The focus of current guidance on the possible risks of air travel, such as deep vein thrombosis, is to inform passengers of when there may be risks and to allow them to take any necessary precautions. The 'Health Advice for Travellers' booklet, issued by the Department of Health, has been recently updated and includes references to potential risks. The latest version was issued in September and contains advice on deep vein thrombosis. Approximately 12 million copies of this booklet are printed and made available to long and short haul travellers each year, usually through Post Offices, and it is also available on the internet and on CEEFAX. The 'Health Information for Overseas Travel' booklet issued to all GPs is also being updated and will include advice on the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

  Vehicle Emissions
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action is being taken at the EU level to reduce harmful gas and other emissions in the transport sector. [135394]

  Mr. Meacher
  Since 1993 the EU has introduced, a series of increasingly stringent emissions standards for new road vehicles. Further tightening will take effect in 2001 and 2006. EU Directive 98/70/EC requires petrol and diesel fuels to meet cleaner specifications from 1 January 2000. Further reductions in permitted sulphur and aromatics content in petrol and sulphur content in diesel will apply from 2005. Taken together these measures will have a significant role in helping us to meet our national air quality objectives and our legal obligations under the various EU Air Quality Directives.

  The European Commission has put in place a voluntary agreement with motor manufacturers to reduce emissions of CO2 from the average new car by 25 per cent. by 2008–09.

  South Downs National Park
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received regarding the future role of local authority planning powers within the area covered by the proposed South Downs National Park. [134849]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]The Under-Secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. Mullin), met with local MPs and a delegation representing local authorities in the South
  303W
  Downs on 12 October 1999, and listened to views expressed about the exercise of planning powers within a possible National Park. Since then Ministers have received a number of representations on this subject.

  The Countryside Agency, which is considering the possible designation of a National Park in the South Downs, has been asked by the Government to look carefully at ways in which town and country planning powers might be exercised. A range of options for planning administration has been identified and the Agency will now consult with the local authorities and other interested local parties before making recommendations to the Secretary of State in due course.

  Cowboy Builders
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what projects his Department is supporting connected with the First Check Point organisation to combat incompetent and dishonest builders. [134632]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]The Department is providing funding for two pilot projects in Birmingham and Somerset for the Quality Mark scheme which badges competent and reliable builders and allied traders and enables consumers to avoid the incompetent and dishonest. The Department welcomes other initiatives which offer some measure of help to consumers to make an informed choice of builder or tradesman, including projects connected with the First Check Point organisation.

  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what funding has been made available by his Department to projects concerned with combating incompetent and dishonest builders. [135137]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Department is providing funding for two pilot projects in Birmingham and Somerset for the Quality Mark scheme which badges competent and reliable builders and allied traders and enables consumers to avoid the incompetent and dishonest. The Department welcomes other initiatives which offer some measure of help to consumers to make an informed choice of builder or tradesman, including projects connected with the First Check Point organisation.

  Local Government Funding (Transport)
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the element of SSA was for each local authority in England for subsidy of public transport services. [135095]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Public transport support is one of the services covered within the Environmental, Protective and Cultural Services (EPCS) block of Standard Spending Assessments (SSAs). With a few exceptions (rent allowance payments, housing benefit administration, flood defence, coast protection, and national parks) services are not dealt with on an individual basis within this block of SSAs. Therefore, it is not possible to say what the element for public transport subsidy was.

  Climate Change Levy
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent consultations he has held with the European Commission regarding the terms of the rebates under the climate change levy; and if he will make a statement. [135053]

  Mr. Meacher
  In October, my officials attended both a multilateral meeting on the revision of the state aid guidelines and a bilateral on the UK's state aids notification, in respect of reductions offered under the Climate Change Levy Agreements. The Government remain optimistic of success for the levy's state aid applications.

  Research Projects
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will make a statement on his Department's contribution to(a) the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Programme and (b) the European Incoherent Scatter Radar Project, stating in each case the (i) nature, (ii) duration and (iii) purpose of the contribution, including how many staff were attached to the projects and what financial support was given; [134232]

  (2) if he will list the ionospheric research projects in which his Department is involved, stating in each case (a) the number of personnel involved, (b) the duration of the project and (c) the yearly and total project cost to his Department; and if he will make a statement; [134233]

  (3) what assessment his Department has made as to the environmental effects of ionospheric research; and if he will make a statement; [134234]

  (4) if he will make a statement on his Department's contribution to the Scientific and Technological Options Assessment Panel's investigation into the local, global and public health risks of ionospheric research. [134236]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Department has had no involvement in ionospheric research and has not carried out or contributed to any assessments or investigations of possible environmental and public health effects. My understanding is that the Scientific and Technological Assessment Panel do not currently have a study on this topic.

  Affordable Housing
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will change the definition of affordable housing used in planning guidance to ensure that all affordable housing planning policies(a) are consistent between local authorities and (b) enable local authorities to provide benefits and discounts in perpetuity. [135797]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Planning Policy Guidance note 3: "Housing" and Circular 6/98 "Planning and Affordable Housing" provide detailed guidance to local planning authorities on formulating development plan policies on affordable housing. While planning policy should not be expressed in favour of any particular form of tenure, the particular amount and type of affordable housing to be provided in individual developments will be for the local authority to decide based on their own assessment of local needs, and in negotiation with
  305W
  developers. Planning obligations may be used to ensure that affordable housing provided through planning policy is secured, either initially or in perpetuity, for occupation by people in need of such housing. We have no plans at present to revise the guidance.

  Traffic Noise
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what measures his Department has taken to assist the introduction of barriers to reduce traffic noise; [135148]

  (2) what actions his Department has taken to introduce noise attenuation methods where traffic is concerned. [135146]

  Mr. Hill
  One of the main methods of mitigating and attenuating traffic noise is to reduce the noise emitted by new vehicles. The Department has a continuing involvement in negotiating EU directives in this area. These measures have already delivered a substantial reduction in noise levels from new vehicles. A large lorry today makes no more noise than a car of the early 1970s and three modern cars now make less noise than one 1970s model. These measures will bring improvements as the vehicle fleet is renewed. Negotiations on further noise reduction are likely to focus on heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses.

  In addition the Department has recently been involved in negotiating an EU directive to limit tyre noise, the dominant source of noise from traffic at speeds above 40 miles per hour. This directive is expected to be adopted shortly.

  £5 million a year ring-fenced budget is being spent to mitigate and attenuate noise, primarily using barriers, at locations on the national network where detailed studies have confirmed the severity of the problem and shown that barriers are the most effective solution in the short term. As indicated in my reply to my hon. Friend on 6 December 1999, Official Report, column 427W, studies have been commissioned at a large number of locations. The Highways Agency will be dealing with nearly all of these locations over the next few years. In a number of cases where the road has been reassessed for resurfacing, the use of quieter materials has affected the priority for other measures.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list by area those schemes assisted by his Department to introduce noise barriers for traffic, stating his Department's financial contribution in each case. [135149]

  Mr. Hill
  I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 11 November 1999,Official Report, column 681W, which included a letter from the then Chief Executive, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, to my hon. Friend the Member for Chatham and Aylesford (Mr. Shaw). The Department will bear the whole cost of the works that it considers necessary.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his Department's policy towards traffic noise. [135147]
  306W
  Mr. Hill
  An Integrated Transport White Paper explained that we need to gain a better understanding of the effects of transport noise and expect advances in technology to provide some reductions in the impact of noise from road traffic. It is for local authorities to decide what further measures would be appropriate on their roads. My policies as highway authority for the strategic national road network were set out in "A New Deal for Trunk Roads" which was published along with the White Paper in July 1998. This states that quieter surfaces are to be used for all new trunk road schemes and resurfacing existing roads in an area where noise was a matter of concern. The Ten Year Plan for Transport, published in July, should enable the Highways Agency to install by 2011 quieter surfaces on over 60 per cent. of the national road network including all concrete stretches. In addition, funds are to be ring-fenced to permit the Highways Agency to provide over the next ten years other measures such as noise barriers in some of the worst and most pressing cases where there is no immediate need for the road to be resurfaced.

  Compulsory Purchase
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to amend regulations concerning local authority powers for compulsory purchase of buildings to facilitate regeneration. [135566]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The final report of the expert Advisory Group set up to undertake a fundamental review of the laws and procedures relating to compulsory purchase and compensation were published on 27 July 2000. Copies of the report were placed in the Library. The Group concluded that new legislation was needed to clarify and modernise CPO powers, procedures and compensation provisions, while retaining the present approach of ensuring that individual rights are protected. Comments on the Advisory Group's conclusions were invited by 13 October. We will now consider the proposals put forward by the Group, the comments made on them and all other suggestions made in the course of the review. I hope that we will be in a position to make an announcement on proposals for reform early in the new year. This will include consideration of local authority powers in relation to regeneration.

  Flood Plains
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he has given to local planning authorities on development on flood plains. [135131]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  My hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning announced on 13 April 2000,Official Report, columns 249–50W, the publication of a consultation draft of a new Planning Policy Note 25, "Development and flood risk". This set out proposals to strengthen the existing policy, which seeks to avoid inappropriate development in areas of flood risk. The draft is currently being revised in the light of consultation responses as well as any lessons to be learned from the recent flooding incidents. The new guidance is expected to be published in December this year.

  Official Journeys
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many official journeys he has made on London Underground in the last(a) month, (b) three months and (c) six months; [135546]

  (2) what proportion of his official journeys has been made by public transport in the last (a) month, (b) three months and (c) six months; [135545]

  (3) how many official journeys he has made by bus in the last (a) month, (b) three months and (c) six months; [135548]

  (4) how many official journeys he has made by rail in the last (a) month, (b) three months and (c) six months; [135549]

  (5) what proportion of official journeys by his Department's ministers have been made by public transport in the last (a) month, (b) three months and (c) six months; [135550]

  (6) what annual target has been set by his Department for the proportion of (a) Ministerial official journeys that should be taken by public transport and (b) all official journeys undertaken for his Department that should be taken by public transport. [135551]

  Mr. Prescott
  Ministers travel by public transport of all kinds on a regular basis on official visits.

  Ministers are required under the Ministerial Code to always make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements.

  "Voices"
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much his Department spent on advertising space in the recent Government publication, "Voices". [135587]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  We purchased a page of advertising in support of our 'are you doing your bit?' campaign. The campaign aims to encourage individuals to take actions to save energy and help the environment. As part of this campaign, we have placed advertising in several women's magazines. The cost of advertising in the November issue of "Voices" was £5,477.85 including VAT.

  Railway Crossings
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) reported accidents and (b) accidents resulting in fatalities involving vehicles on railway crossings have occurred in Britain in each of the past five years. [135743]
  308W
  Mr. Hill
  The information requested is shown in the table, supplied by the Health and Safety Executive's HM Railway Inspectorate.

  Year

  Number of trains running into animals, gates or vehicles at level crossings

  Number of fatalities involving road vehicles on level crossings

  1995–96

  37

  5

  1996–97

  33

  0

  1997–98

  34

  3

  1998–99

  37

  3

  1999–2000

  32

  2

  Total

  173

  13

  Comprehensive data and analysis can be found in HM Chief Inspector of Railways Annual Report's on Railway Safety in Great Britain. Copies are available in both House Libraries.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will initiate a general review of the safety of barrier-less crossings of railway lines following the conclusion of inquiries into the fatal accident on the railway crossing at Porthmadog on 23 October. [135806]

  Mr. Hill
  The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) Railway Inspectorate Inspector visited the site after the accident and was satisfied that the crossing is working correctly. I understand that an independent check of the crossing lights controls and the audible warning devices was also conducted, and they were found to be in good condition. HSE's Railway Inspectorate are now assisting the British Transport Police (BTP) with their investigation. Once this investigation has been concluded HSE will consider whether any further action for this type of level crossing is required.

  Harrogate-York Rail Service
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will instruct Railtrack to make the necessary infrastructure provision in order to establish a 30-minute service between Harrogate and York. [135073]

  Mr. Hill
  No. The Secretary of State has no powers to instruct Railtrack. The provision of such infrastructure is a matter in the first instance for Railtrack and the train operating company, Northern Spirit. Condition seven of Railtrack's network licence requires it to maintain, renew, replace, improve, enhance and develop the network to meet the reasonable requirements of train operators and funders. The licence is enforced by the Rail Regulator.

  Subsidy may be provided to the train operator through the franchise, and, subject to the Transport Bill currently before Parliament, the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) may procure schemes from Railtrack. To qualify for support a scheme would have to meet the SRA's Planning Criteria.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Barristers (Earnings)
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will(a) place in the Library a copy of the recent study carried out for his Department comparing the earnings of barristers with other public sector professions and (b) make a statement on the conclusions of the study. [134350]

  Mr. Lock
  Copies of the recent study into the comparison of barristers' income from public funds with other comparable professions in the public sector have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  The study indicated that barristers were paid significantly more than members of other professions doing skilled and stressful jobs who were also paid from public funds. The conclusions of the research are being considered, together with other evidence available, in determining the level of rates payable to barristers for both publicly funded family and criminal work. The Lord Chancellor and I are currently considering the responses to proposals which have been made on such fees and will announce our conclusions shortly.

  Judicial Appointments
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the recent document submitted to him by the Law Society on judicial appointments. [134330]

  Mr. Lock
  The Lord Chancellor welcomes the acknowledgement by the Law Society of the improvements in the judicial appointments system which he has introduced. He notes that the Law Society calls for the creation of an independent Judicial Appointments Commission. He has not ruled out further reform for the future but considers it appropriate to proceed with the implementation and evaluation of the changes recommended by Sir Leonard Peach in his scrutiny. As part of this programme of development, the post of the First Commissioner for Judicial Appointments has now been advertised.

  Court Dress
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what recent discussions the Lord Chancellor has had with senior members of the judiciary concerning reform of court dress; and if he will make a statement. [134329]

  Mr. Lock
  The Lord Chancellor will discuss court dress with the higher judiciary on 14 November, but it is not a matter to which he attaches a high priority.

  Access to Children (French Initiative)
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what his policy is towards the Initiative of the French Republic for a draft Council 310W
  Regulation on the mutual enforcement of judgments on rights of access to children; and if he will make a statement. [135730]

  Mr. Lock
  The Government recognise the importance, as well as the difficulty, of enforcing access or contact arrangements in both domestic and international cases. Accordingly, we broadly support this initiative and will take a full part in the negotiations on this proposal, but recognise that further work is needed to ensure that the details are acceptable to the Government.

  Land Registry Projects
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what reports or research or projects have been undertaken for the Land Registry in the last three years by Demograph. [135474]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Land Registry has had no reports, research or projects undertaken on its behalf by Demograph in the last three years.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Bicycles
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to require bicycles to be fitted with bells. [134523]

  Mr. Hill
  I have been asked to reply.

  My Department is proposing to make bells on bicycles compulsory on bicycles at the point of sale and will be carrying out a public consultation on the draft regulations shortly.

  Crime Statistics (Taunton)
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were convicted in respect of(a) murder, (b) indictable offences and (c)non-indictable offences in each year since 1979 in the Taunton constituency. [134320]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Available information taken from the Home Office Court Proceedings Databases are given in the table. Due to disproportionate cost selected years only are given.

  Number of offenders convicted at Taunton Deane Petty Sessional Division (PSD) or at the Crown court (where the committing magistrates court was Taunton Deane PSD) for certain offences, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1993–19991

  Offence

  Murder

  Indictable offences

  Summary non-motoring offences

  1979

  —

  571

  704

  1984

  —

  724

  924

  1989

  —

  510

  823

  1993

  —

  505

  683

  1994

  —

  497

  688

  1995

  —

  450

  781

  1996

  —

  479

  828

  1997

  —

  566

  792

  1998

  —

  533

  929

  19991

  —

  576

  1,019

  1 Provisional

  Crime and Disorder Act 1998
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what responses he has received to his letter to local authorities and chief constables of 15 October 1999 on the powers included in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998; if he plans any amendment to the Act in the light of the responses; if he will place the responses in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [134871]

  Mr. Straw
  My letter of 15 October 1999 was an informal request to chief executives and local authorities asking whether there was anything to be learned from their experiences in using provisions contained in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, and whether any good practice could be shared. I would not normally place copies of routine correspondence of this sort in the Library. As a result of that correspondence the Home Office and the Local Government Association jointly held 10 regional seminars to help spread good practice in using anti-social behaviour orders. The seminars also served as a consultation exercise for the issue of a model agreement, or protocol, for effective local co-operation in tackling anti-social behaviour. I launched this guidance on 28 June. Both the guidance and the seminars were well received, and indicated a widespread willingness to use anti-social behaviour orders.

  We have given a commitment to review the operation of anti-social behaviour orders within two years of implementation. The review will start in the new year and its findings and recommendations will be published. We will decide whether it is necessary to make any amendments to the legislation once we have seen the research report.

  Mental Health
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to instigate research into the extent to which people with mental health problems are denied access to the criminal justice system. [133810]

  Mr. Boateng
  We are not aware of a need for any such research.

  Police Officers (Essex)
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many funded police officers there are in the Essex Constabulary; and what is the total number of police officers in the force. [134246]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I understand from the Chief Constable that the Essex Police have a funded establishment of 2,970 police officers and that on 15 October the force had 2,841 officers. In October Essex Police had 35 more officers than it had in March.

  The Essex Police expect to recruit around 190 police officers this year which should allow them broadly to reach their target by the end of the financial year.

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many animals, broken down by 312W
  species, were used in experiments in the United Kingdom during each of the last five years for which figures are available; [134281]

  (2) how many primates have been (a) used in scientific procedures and (b) killed during their use in scientific procedures during the last 10 years for which figures are available; [134278]

  (3) how many experiments were conducted on animals in the United Kingdom during each of the last five years for which figures are available. [134280]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The number of animals, listed by species, used in scientific procedures in the United Kingdom for each of the last five years for which figures are available, is given in Table 1a in each of the publications Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals, Great Britain, and Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals, Northern Ireland, copies of which are in the Library. The same table for Great Britain also shows the number of primates used in scientific procedures each year (primates are not separately identified in the Northern Ireland statistics) but the statistics do not give any information on the number of primates killed during their use in scientific procedures.

  The number of scientific procedures performed on living animals in the United Kingdom for each of the last five years for which figures are available, is given in Table 1 in each of the publications Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals, Great Britain, and Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals, Northern Ireland, copies of which are in the Library.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the compliance of Imutran with the terms of the special dispensation licensing their use of primates in scientific procedures in the UK; and if he will make a statement. [134279]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Section 5(6) of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 provides that a project licence authorising the use of cats, dogs, primates or equidae shall not be granted unless the Secretary of State is satisfied that no other species are suitable. I am aware of concerns about the use of primates in xenotransplantation research carried out under authorities granted under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and I am considering the issues raised. I am not in a position to comment further at this stage.

  Race Relations (Walsall)
  Mr. Bruce George
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funding has been given by his Department in the last 12 months for which figures are available to organisations in Walsall, including the local authority, to improve race relations and to enhance ethnic minority businesses and employment. [134259]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  A total of £119,208 was paid to Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council in March 2000 under the former section 11 grant programme. This was to enable the Council to employ additional staff to help members of minority ethnic communities in Walsall overcome disadvantages of language, culture and religion
  313W
  and to play a full part in the economic and social life of the local community. No other payments have been made during the past 12 months.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many special advisers were on his Department's pay roll in each of the past three years; and what the cost to public funds was. [134643]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  There have been two special advisers on the Home Office payroll in the three financial years since the 1997 General Election. The annual cost to the Department in each of those years was:

  £

  1997–981

  108,065

  1998–99

  108,933

  1999–2000

  114,704

  1From 6 May 1997

  Police force

  Basic command unit

  Avon and Somerset

  Central Bristol, North Bristol, South Bristol

  Bedfordshire

  Luton

  Cambridgeshire

  Northern

  Cleveland

  All

  Derbyshire

  Derby (D Division)

  Devon and Cornwall

  Torbay

  Durham

  Darlington

  Gloucestershire

  Cheltenham and Tewkesbury, Forest and Gloucester

  Greater Manchester

  All

  Hampshire

  Southampton

  Humberside

  Kingston upon Hull, North Lincolnshire, North-East Lincolnshire

  Lancashire

  Central, Pennine

  Leicestershire

  Central, West

  Lincolnshire

  West

  London, City of

  Bishopsgate

  Merseyside

  City and Kirkdale, South Liverpool, St. Helens, Walton and Croxteth, Wavertree and Riverside, West Derby and Tuebrook

  Metropolitan Police

  Barnet, Brent, Camden, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Newham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster

  North Yorkshire

  Central

  Northamptonshire

  Eastern, Northampton

  Northumbria

  Gateshead East, Newcastle Central, Newcastle East, Newcastle West, South Tyneside, Sunderland City, Washington

  Nottinghamshire

  Carlton and West Bridgeford, City and Beeston, Mansfield and Ashfield, Radford Road, Hucknall and Arnold

  South Yorkshire

  Barnsley, Doncaster Central, Doncaster West, Rotherham East, Sheffield Attercliffe, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield North, Sheffield South, Wombwell

  Staffordshire

  Stoke on Trent

  Sussex

  Brighton, Senlac

  Thames Valley

  Milton Keynes, Oxford, Reading and Wokingham, Slough and District

  West Midlands

  Erdington, Aston, Nechells, Saltley, Ward End, Sutton Coldfield, Castle Vale, Kingstanding, Stechford, Shard End, Bordesley Green, Bromford, Sheldon, Bournville, Bartley Green, Longbridge, Selly Oak, Frankley, Northfield, Kings Heath, Billesley, Kings Norton, Acocks Green, Sparkhill, Sparkbrook, Edgbaston, Balsall Heath, Selly Park, Moseley, F1—Birmingham City Centre, Digbeth, Soho, Winson Green, Harbourne, Ladywood, Quinton, Handsworth, Sandwell, Perry Barr, Aston (part), Wolverhampton Town Centre, Wolverhampton West, Whitmoreanes, Tettenhall, Penn, Wednesfield, Bilston, Walsall North and South, Walsall Town Centre, Aldridge, Willenhall, Bloxwich, Brownhills, Darlaston, Brierley Hill, Dudley, Sedgeley, Gornal, Halesowen, Stourbridge, Lye, Cradley, Kingswinford, West Bromwich, Wednesbury, Tipton, Great Barr, Smethwick, Oldbury, Old Hill, Langley, Warley, Coundon, Hillfields, Tile Hill, Coventry City Centre, Fletchamstead, Stivichall, Willenhall-Coventry, Stoke, Radford, Foleshill, Bell Green, Wyken

  West Yorkshire

  Bradford Central, Chapeltown, Dewsbury, Eccleshill, Halifax, Holbeck, Huddersfield, Killingbeck, Millgarth, Odsal, Pontefract, Pudsey, Toller Lane, Wakefield, Weetwood

  Home Energy Efficiency Scheme
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which areas have been determined as having sufficiently high burglary rates to be eligible to participate in the extended home energy efficiency scheme for the provision of safety equipment; and what the threshold is for inclusion. [135818]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The eligible areas are all those police Basic Command Units in England that, according to the recorded crime figures published in January 2000, had a domestic burglary rate above the English average—i.e. at least 11 burglaries per 1,000 households in the six months between April and September 1999. Between them, these Basic Command Units account for almost 40 per cent. of all the households in England.

  For Wales, separate arrangements are being made by the National Assembly.

  The eligible Basic Command Units are as listed:
  315W
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which organisations were consulted about proposals to extend the home energy efficiency scheme to include safety equipment; and how many organisations were invited to tender for the new elements of the scheme(a) in the Coventry area and (b) nationally. [135817]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The following organisations were consulted:

  The McCarthy Foundation (which co-ordinates a number of Bobby Van Services—schemes that provide home security up-grades for elderly and other vulnerable people);

  Help the Aged (who also operate similar schemes in a number of areas around the country);

  Bexley Victim Support;

  the Association of Chief Police Officers;

  the British Security Industry Association;

  the Association of British Insurers;

  the Master Locksmiths Association;

  the Association of Builders Hardware;

  Her Majesty's Fire Service Inspectorate;

  Safer Merthyr Tydfil;

  the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, which is responsible for the New Home Energy Efficiency Scheme;

  The Buying Agency; and

  Eaga Partnership Ltd. and Eastern Energy Ltd., who were appointed by the DETR as Scheme Managers.

  Responsibility for appointing installers to fit the locks and other home security hardware lay with the Scheme Managers. They published an advertisement in the European Journal, in response to which 250 organisations expressed an interest in tendering. Of these, we understand that 206 were formally Invited to Tender, 184 responded and 54 were appointed. For the Coventry area, 19 companies expressed an interest and two were appointed.

  In addition, The Buying Agency published, on our behalf, an advertisement in the European Journal concerning the supply of the security hardware, in response to which seven organisations expressed an interest in tendering. All seven were formally invited to tender. None was based in Coventry.

  Schengen Agreement
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the role of the Standing Committee on the Evaluation and Implementation of Schengen as concerns UK participation. [134811]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Standing Committee on the Evaluation and Implementation of Schengen is a working group of the Council which was established to ensure that countries such as the United Kingdom meet the pre-conditions for bringing the Schengen acquis into force. The Standing Committee produces evaluation reports based on the preparations for implementation in those countries, identifies problems and proposes 316W
  solutions. The Committee also ensures the proper application of the Schengen acquis in existing Schengen countries. The evaluation of the United Kingdom's implementation of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in which we are participating is likely to begin in spring 2001.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the Schengen(a) handbooks and (b) manuals, stating which (i) remain classified, with grading, and (ii) his Department has not yet reviewed. [134807]

  Mrs. Roche
  On 23 June 1998 the Schengen Executive Committee decided that the following documents relating to the Convention implementing the Schengen agreement should remain confidential:

  Annexes 5, 9 and 10 to the Common Consular Instructions on Visas;

  the Common Manual;

  the Sirene Manual;

  three documents covered by the decision on narcotic drugs (tightening controls at external borders (SCH/Stup (92) 45 latest version), controlled deliveries (SCH/Stup (92) 46 latest version) and measures on combating the illicit exportation of drugs (SCH/Stup (92) 72 latest version)).

  The Home Office has received copies of all of these documents.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the UK share of the Schengen operational budget. [134805]

  Mrs. Roche
  As those parts of the Schengen acquis in which the United Kingdom applied to participate have not yet been implemented in the United Kingdom, our only commitment to the Schengen operational budget is towards SIS operating costs. This amounts to £400,000 for the current financial year.

  Schengen Joint Supervisory Authority
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has assigned(a) members and (b) observers to the Schengen Joint Supervisory Authority. [134684]

  Mrs. Roche
  In accordance with Article 115 of the Schengen Implementing Convention, the Schengen Joint Supervisory Authority oversees the technical support function of the Schengen Information System. The Data Protection Commissioner has been assigned as the United Kingdom's national supervisory authority representative to the Joint Supervisory Authority. The Commissioner is currently represented at the Joint Supervisory Authority in an observer status and when Schengen is fully operational in the United Kingdom will assign full members to the Authority. Article 115 provides for each member state to have two representatives on the Joint Supervisory Authority.

  Parish Polls
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on the holding of parish polls; [135145]
  317W
  (2) what advice his Department has given to returning officers on the holding of parish polls. [135144]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Parish polls are held under the provisions of schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972 and the Community Meetings (Polls) Rules 1987. Returning Officers are responsible for observing and interpreting those rules and my department has not issued any guidance on their application.

  Drug Dealers
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many drug dealers have been(a) sent to and (b) released from prison in each of the last three years. [134536]

  Mr. Boateng
  It is not possible to identify "drug dealers" on the central prison database as it is not a standard coded item. The available information on receptions into and discharges from prisons in England and Wales for all coded drug offences is given in the table.

  Receptions into and discharges from Prison Service establishments in England and Wales for drug offences 1997–99

  Year

  1997

  1998

  1999

  1. Receptions

  Drug production

  171

  145

  150

  Drug supply

  2,210

  2,334

  2,506

  Drug possession with intent

  2,535

  2,576

  2,521

  Drug possession

  1,139

  1,259

  1,347

  Drug unlawful import/export

  958

  1,016

  1,072

  Other drugs offences

  61

  70

  80

  Total

  7,074

  7,400

  7,676

  2. Discharges

  Drug production

  143

  159

  80

  Drug supply

  1,585

  2,043

  1,428

  Drug possession with intent

  2,076

  2,475

  1,547

  Drug possession

  964

  1,129

  962

  Drug unlawful import/export

  637

  719

  700

  Other drugs offences

  60

  75

  54

  Total

  5,465

  6,600

  4,771

  New Year (Licensing Regulations)
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he intends to take regarding the availability of late night opening of pubs nationally on new year's eve. [135130]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Harwich (Mr. Henderson) on 26 October 2000,Official Report, columns 203–04W.

  Immigration Policy
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what his policy is on the balance 318W
  of responsibilities between the EU and the UK Government, and the method of voting in the Council of Ministers, on immigration policy; [135692]

  (2) what his policy is on the balance of responsibilities between the EU and the UK Government, and the method of voting in the Council of Ministers, on measures setting out conditions for freedom of travel for nationals of third countries; [135693]

  (3) what his policy is on the balance of responsibilities between the EU and the UK Government, and the method of voting in the Council of Ministers, on asylum measures; [135694]

  (4) what his policy is on the balance of responsibilities between the EU and the UK Government, and the method of voting in the Council of Ministers, on measures on refugees and displaced persons; [135695]

  (5) what his policy is on the balance of responsibilities between the EU and the UK Government, and the method of voting in the Council of Ministers, on rules on visas; [135696]

  (6) what his policy is on the balance of responsibilities between the EU and the UK Government, and the method of voting in the Council of Ministers, on rules and arrangements for border checks. [135697]

  Mrs. Roche
  The United Kingdom has, by way of its Protocols to the Treaty establishing the European Community, reserved the right not to be bound by Community law unless it decides to opt into the adoption of measures falling within Title IV of the Treaty (visas, asylum and immigration). We have indicated our general intention to participate in all measures which do not adversely affect the United Kingdom's ability to maintain our frontier and immigration controls.

  On 12 March 1999, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced the basis on which the United Kingdom would participate in the adoption of measures under Title IV. On that basis, the United Kingdom has opted into: the Eurodac Regulation, setting up the exchange of fingerprints of asylum seekers and some illegal entrants; the draft temporary protection Directive; the negotiating mandate for an agreement with Norway and Iceland parallel to the Dublin Convention; the Council Decision establishing the European Refugee Fund; and measures aimed at combating illegal immigration and trafficking. The latter measures include: a draft Council Directive defining the facilitation of unauthorised entry, movement and residence; and a draft Council Directive about harmonisation of financial penalties imposed on carriers transporting into the territory of the member states third-country nationals not having the documents necessary for admission.

  Article 67 of the Treaty Establishing the European Community provides that, during a transitional period of five years following the entry into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam, the Council of Ministers shall act unanimously on measures adopted under Title IV.

  Firearms
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes involving firearms were recorded in each of the last five years; how many involved use of a firearm; how many resulted in a death; and if he will make a statement. [135810]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Details of firearms (excluding air weapons) used in offences, the number of occasions fired or used as a blunt instrument, and the number of homicides resulting from the use of these firearms, are given in the following table.

  Year

  Total number of offences in which air weapons were used

  Number of occasions fired/used as blunt instrument1

  Number of homicides

  1994

  6,002

  1,040

  66

  1995

  5,866

  929

  69

  1996

  6,063

  896

  49

  1997

  4,904

  1,103

  59

  1998–99

  5,209

  1,203

  49

  1Figures of firearms fired or used as a blunt instrument in 1994, 1995 and 1996 are on the basis of returns made in those years. Because the totals of firearm offences for those years were revised upwards due to late returns by one force, figures of firearms fired or used as a blunt instrument are slight underestimates.

  The details for air weapons are as follows:

  Year

  Total number of offences in which air weapons were used

  Number of occasions fired/used as blunt instrument1

  Number of homicides

  1994

  7,165

  6,896

  0

  1995

  7,568

  7,272

  1

  1996

  7,813

  7,449

  0

  1997

  7,506

  7,207

  0

  1998–99

  8,665

  8,230

  0

  1Figures of firearms fired or used as a blunt instrument in 1994, 1995 and 1996 are on the basis of returns made in those years. Because the totals of firearm offences for those years were revised upwards due to late returns by one force, figures of firearms fired or used as a blunt instrument are slight underestimates.

  Authorised firearms officers: England and Wales

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  England and Wales

  6,554

  6,738

  6,355

  6,411

  6,262

  Avon and Somerset

  157

  165

  161

  153

  150

  Bedfordshire

  48

  46

  42

  50

  46

  Cambridgeshire

  92

  90

  80

  80

  77

  Cheshire

  84

  70

  82

  70

  75

  City of London

  120

  88

  81

  55

  73

  Cleveland

  65

  86

  84

  78

  80

  Cumbria

  100

  108

  122

  98

  98

  Derbyshire

  130

  110

  100

  87

  77

  Devon and Cornwall

  140

  151

  147

  82

  119

  Dorset

  75

  74

  72

  72

  66

  Durham

  103

  138

  144

  96

  101

  Dyfed-Powys

  57

  70

  71

  67

  65

  Essex

  203

  228

  217

  235

  228

  Gloucestershire

  85

  82

  84

  79

  77

  Greater Manchester

  186

  209

  182

  217

  218

  Gwent

  55

  70

  59

  64

  68

  Hampshire

  104

  106

  112

  110

  111

  Hertfordshire

  43

  42

  41

  43

  52

  Humberside

  104

  90

  102

  205

  97

  Blantyre Prison
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the total cost was of the raid by prison officers on Blantyre Prison; and if he will give the cost of damage caused during the raid. [134633]

  Mr. Boateng
  The total cost of the search operation at Blantyre House on 5 May was £22,784.85,of which £2,242.20 represents the cost of the materials needed to repair damage that occurred during the search.

  Armed Police
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the use of armed police officers on foot patrols; whether police authorities have to be consulted before armed police are used on routine patrols; how many forces use armed police officers for routine patrols; what assessment has been made by his Department of the effectiveness of the use of armed patrol officers; what guidance has been issued by(a) his Department and (b) the Association of Chief Police Officers; and if he will make a statement. [135807]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The issue and use of firearms is an operational decision for chief officers of police, working within the legal framework and operational guidance issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers. (The guidance has not been published as it could be of assistance to armed criminals.) Firearms operations do not require the agreement of Police Authorities. The Home Office monitors the police use of firearms through annual statistical returns, which are published. The guidance does not permit the use of armed officers on routine foot patrols as opposed to specific operations, and there has therefore been no assessment of effectiveness.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many specially trained firearms police officers there were(a) in each force and (b) in total (i) at the latest available date and (ii) in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [135811]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The requested information is given in the table.
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  Authorised firearms officers: England and Wales

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Kent

  144

  150

  150

  130

  136

  Lancashire

  138

  132

  125

  132

  143

  Leicestershire

  105

  104

  94

  90

  90

  Lincolnshire

  81

  82

  85

  75

  78

  Merseyside

  119

  147

  165

  121

  96

  Metropolitan Police

  1,915

  2,035

  1,741

  1,951

  1,977

  Norfolk

  99

  98

  102

  109

  110

  North Wales

  70

  72

  90

  97

  92

  North Yorkshire

  134

  108

  95

  83

  59

  Northamptonshire

  95

  92

  92

  92

  75

  Northumbria

  160

  173

  126

  123

  114

  Nottinghamshire

  126

  128

  129

  120

  116

  South Wales

  154

  134

  176

  169

  155

  South Yorkshire

  125

  110

  108

  90

  100

  Staffordshire

  80

  78

  86

  92

  81

  Suffolk

  70

  82

  96

  101

  98

  Surrey

  79

  76

  61

  69

  71

  Sussex

  149

  180

  146

  156

  131

  Thames Valley

  175

  185

  194

  179

  187

  Warwickshire

  50

  41

  38

  44

  54

  West Mercia

  153

  155

  159

  139

  129

  West Midlands

  87

  88

  95

  92

  93

  West Yorkshire

  150

  131

  114

  128

  110

  Wiltshire

  145

  134

  105

  88

  89

  Cowboy Builders
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what projects his Department is supporting connected with the First Check Point organisation to combat incompetent and dishonest builders. [135138]

  Mr. Boateng
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 26 October 2000,Official Report, columns 216–17W.

  Correspondence
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 1 September on behalf of his constituent Miss Merchant. [135788]

  Mrs. Roche
  I replied to the right hon. Member on 25 October.

  Police Recruitment
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to offer increased remuneration to attract new recruits to those police forces which have been unable to meet their recruitment targets. [134451]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Police Negotiating Board is the body which, under the Police Act 1996, makes recommendations to me on issues relating to the pay and allowances of police officers.

  The Metropolitan Police Service has been having particular recruitment difficulties. Following the recommendation of the Police Negotiating Board, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced to the House on 23 June 2000, Official Report, column 562, an increase of £3,327 in the London Allowance of all officers
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  in the Metropolitan Police Service and the City of London Police who joined on or after 1 September 1994 and receive no housing allowance.

  I understand that the Police Negotiating Board is currently looking at the recruitment and retention situation in other forces and that it is also setting up a working party to examine the remuneration of the federated ranks with the objective of ensuring a cohesive national pay structure which meets the current and future needs of the police service. I will take into consideration any recommendation from the PNB.

  Police Officers (Overtime Payments)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans to reform police overtime payments. [134525]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the right hon. member for Maidstone and the Weald (Miss Widdecombe) on 26 October 2000,Official Report, column 217–18W.

  Vacant Prison Land, Wandsworth
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans his Department has for bringing into use the vacant prison land opposite Wandsworth Prison in Heathfield Road, Wandsworth, London SW18; and if he will make a statement. [134815]

  Mr. Boateng
  There is a plot of vacant land in front of Wandsworth prison known as Dobbin's field. The Prison Service is currently discussing with the local planning authority, Wandsworth Borough Council, the possibility of the area becoming a public open space to form an extension to Wandsworth Common, as part of a proposal to develop Prison Service owned land at the rear of the prison for residential development.

  Prisoners (Staffordshire Residents)
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many South Staffordshire Health District residents are currently serving sentences of imprisonment in the UK; in which prisons they are held; and how many are in each; [134405]

  (2) how many residents of Stafford constituency are prisoners in the UK; [134393]

  (3) what proportion of prisoners of HM Prison Stafford are residents of Stafford constituency. [134392]

  Mr. Boateng
  No information is available centrally regarding the principal address of those committed to custody in England and Wales. HMP Stafford however has indicated that at present less than five per cent. of their current population come from the Stafford constituency.

  Prisons (Suicide and Self-harm)
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what conclusions he has made based on the trends in the incidence of suicide and self-harm in prisons in England in the last five years. [134386]

  Mr. Boateng
  The number of self-inflicted deaths in prison in England and Wales has risen in the last five years from 64 in 1996 to 91 in 1999 (116 and 91 per 100,000 respectively). The current figure for this year is 72. Total incidents of self-harm have risen from 6,670 in 1995–96 to 7,397 in 1998–99.

  The majority of these deaths occurred in local prisons among prisoners who are unsentenced and within the first two months in custody. Other particularly vulnerable groups of prisoners are those who have previously suffered from mental health problems or from drug/alcohol abuse.

  The number of self-inflicted deaths among women prisoners and young offenders are relatively low, but are rising this year. Rates of self-harm among women and young offenders are higher than adult male prisoners. Many of those who self-harm experienced similar problems to those who took their own lives.

  These trends reinforce the need to give a high priority to measures to combat the incidence of suicide and self-harm. The Prison Service is reviewing its suicide/ self-harm prevention strategy and will report to Ministers shortly.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Creative and Cultural Education
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress he has made towards implementing the recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on Creative and Cultural Education; and if he will make a statement. [134613]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: My Department, in close collaboration with the Department for Education and Employment, has made significant progress in implementing the commitments given in the Government's response to the National Advisory Committee on Creative and Cultural Education
  324W
  report which was published in January. We published an update of this progress in September, copies of which have been placed in the Libraries of the House. It is also available on our website at www.culture.gov.uk. Since then the DfEE have also confirmed that Government funding for music will increase to £60 million a year from 2001–02, and that level of funding will be sustained until at least 2003£04, ensuring that every LEA in the country offers children the chance to learn to play musical instruments.

  Free Television Licences
  Mr. Salter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will report progress on applications for free television licences for people aged 75 years and over and the timetable for issuing licences and refunds. [135912]

  Janet Anderson
  On the progress of applications, the British Broadcasting Corporation has reported that, by 20 October 2000, TV Licensing had received 3 million applications for free licences. Of these, 220,000 are not yet eligible. All the complete, and accurate, applications made before the 1 October 2000 closing date will result in a licence being issued by early November. People aged 75 or over who are currently beneficiaries of the £5 Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) licence will receive a free licence when their "scheme" television licence next falls to be renewed.

  Of the 2.78 million applications being processed:
  2.35 million have been completely processed and accepted as eligible for a free licence.
  200,000 people have yet to return requests for additional information regarding their application. Provided the information is returned, the application will be processed and, if eligible, a licence will be issued.
  170,000 people have recently returned additional information or made a new application, and the information is still being processed. These will be processed by 1 November 2000.
  50,000 people have either been unable to provide a National Insurance number, or the BBC has been unable to verify their information against data provided by the Department of Social Security after a second check. These people have been sent a form to take to their Post Office with proof of their age, after which they will be issued with a free licence, if eligible. Each applicant will be issued a receipt by the Post Office as evidence of their application in the period before they receive a free licence. Where people are unable to prove their age at the Post Office, they will be able to show secondary, alternative evidence to TV Licensing, whose officers will visit the applicant at home if necessary.
  11,000 people have been recorded as deceased since making their application.

  Applicants who have been asked for further information have been urged to respond quickly, as TV Licensing is unable to proceed further without a reply. Applications which raise problems, such as illegible contact information and current television licences having been cancelled since applying, will be processed as quickly as possible, though this may take until the middle or end of November. The BBC estimates these are about 2 per cent. of the total so far received.

  New applications are continuing to be made to the BBC. Accurate and complete applications received between 1 and 31 October 2000 will result in a licence being issued by the

  325W
  end of November. Similarly, applications received between 1 and 30 November 2000 will result in a licence being issued at the end of December.

  On the timetable for issuing licences and refunds, the BBC has said that the mailing of the free licences, and any refunds associated with unused portions of a previous licence, started on 23 October 2000. In order to manage the response to the licence mailing, which inevitably includes people telephoning TV Licensing with queries and changes of address, the licences are being mailed in the following volumes:

  100,000 on 23 October 2000.

  300,000 a day each working day and Saturday after that, until the main volume has been completed.

  Daily dependent on volumes thereafter until mid-November.

  As required after mid-November.

  The licences are being sent out using Manson 2 (the equivalent of 2nd class post) with Royal Mail, and so will arrive with the applicant between two and four days after posting. The majority of licences will, therefore, reach applicants between 25 October and 6 November 2000. The number of licences still to be sent in November could be as high as 430,000 depending on the level, timeliness and accuracy of the responses from applicants. These will be sent out at an even rate through the remainder of the month.

  Synchronised Swimming
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the training facilities available for synchronised swimming. [134705]

  Kate Hoey
  The Amateur Swimming Federation of Great Britain and the Amateur Swimming Association have produced a National Facilities Strategy for Swimming which is in final draft form and should be published by the end of the year. The National Strategy considers the needs of various swimming disciplines and includes identification of the requirements for synchronised swimming.

  The £120 million Lottery investment in the English Institute of Sport (part of the United Kingdom Sports Institute) includes over £10 million on swimming and diving projects, to add to previous investment of over £20 million in 50 metre pools at the Manchester Aquatics Centre and the University of Bath.

  A number of swimming pools which are being developed as part of the Institute will be suitable for synchronised swimming training at the elite level, but there will also be refurbished or new community facilities suitable for synchronised swimming use by the wider community.

  National Lottery Commission
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans his Department has to change the role of the National Lottery Commission. [135401]

  Kate Hoey
  None.

  Athletics Facilities
  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many of the seats at the proposed Lee Valley Stadium would be provided on a temporary basis for the World Athletics Championships in 2005. [134845]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: According to the current design concept developed by Drivers Jonas as part of the feasibility study for the Lee Valley Stadium, between 15,000 and 20,000 of the 40,000–45,000 seats available for the World Championships will not be included in the long-term legacy stadium.

  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has received from the British Olympic Association of the suitability of the proposed Lee Valley Stadium as a venue for track and field athletics and the opening and closing ceremonies of a London Olympic Games; and if he will make a statement. [134841]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: I have received no such assessment. The British Olympic Association are involved in discussions about the possible future uses of the stadium and attend meetings of the Lee Valley Stadium Forum.

  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if it is his policy that the proposed Lee Valley Stadium should be capable of being upgraded to act as the venue for track and field athletics and the opening and closing ceremonies of a London Olympic Games. [134839]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: The main priority for the project partners involved with the development of the new National Athletics Stadium is to provide a world class facility capable of hosting the World Athletics Championships in 2005 which is also capable of ensuring that athletics have a national centre for the future development of the sport. No decisions have been taken which would rule out the possibility of the stadium being used as a venue for a future Olympic Games.

  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement about the meeting of the Lee Valley Stadium Forum on 2 October. [134836]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: The Lee Valley Forum meeting on 2 October 2000 discussed a number of matters including the emerging conclusions of the business and technical feasibility studies commissioned by the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and UK Athletics, an update on the plans for staging the 2005 World Championships and a progress report on the provision of accommodation for competitors.

  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions(a) he and (b) the Minister for Sport have had with (i) members and (ii) representatives of the International Amateur Athletics Federation about the development of a venue for the 2005 World Athletic Championships since the award of those championships to London; and if he will make a statement. [134838]
  327W
  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: No formal discussions have been held with the International Amateur Athletic Federation to discuss the successful London bid for the 2005 World Championships, since the award of the Championships in April. UK Athletics are required to give the IAAF a progress report on the staging arrangements, including the development of the venue, by the middle of next year.

  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what his assessment is of the impact of the proposed development of a national athletics stadium at Picketts Lock on the long term viability of athletics facilities in(a) Gateshead, (b) Birmingham, (c) Sheffield and (d) Edinburgh. [134840]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: The new national athletics stadium will provide a new, world class venue for athletics which will enhance the profile of the sport across the United Kingdom. UK Athletics are currently looking at the impact of the new stadium on athletics but have made it clear that any effects on large scale events currently staged outside London should be minimised.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what advice he has received from Sport England regarding the suitability of Picketts Lock as the site of an athletics facility; and if he will make a statement. [134602]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: UK Athletics selected Picketts Lock as the site on which to base their bid for the 2005 World Athletics Championships following extensive discussions with Sport England, UK Sport, the Government Office for London, a number of local authorities and with my Department. Since the success of the bid, the Lee Valley Stadium project team comprising the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and UK Athletics have commissioned consultants to advise on the optimum design for the stadium and on business planning options.

  Sports Stands
  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if it is his policy that all new sports stands or seating funded from the National Lottery should be covered. [134837]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: No, neither my Department nor Sport England have a specific policy on whether stands funded by the Sports Lottery Fund should be covered.

  Wembley Stadium
  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which representatives from his Department were present at the most recent meeting of the Wembley Task Force. [134833]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: The Department sends an observer to meetings of the Wembley Task Force. The official who attended the most recent meeting held on 25 October 2000 was Ian O'Neill of the Sport and Recreation Division.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport by what date he expects Sport England to have received the repayment of 328W
  £20 million of National Lottery money due as a result of the decision to exclude athletics from the redeveloped Wembley Stadium. [135701]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The Football Association and Wembley National Stadium Ltd. have now applied to Sport England to vary the lottery funding agreement for Wembley Stadium, and the final agreement on the terms of the return of the £20 million will be concluded shortly.

  Spoliation Advisory Panel
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on progress of the work of the Spoliation Panel. [135386]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  I expect the Spoliation Advisory Panel to offer its advice early in November.

  Visitor Attractions
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received from members of the visitor attraction industry concerning the impact on their businesses of Lottery-funded competitors. [134490]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: My Department has received a number of representations from members of the visitor attraction industry concerning this issue. The National Lottery Act 1998 requires distributors to submit strategic plans; this helps to ensure that Lottery funding responds to need and that recipients complement existing attractions rather than compete with them.

  National Lottery
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the public statements issued by his Department since 1 July on the award of the next licence to operate the National Lottery. [134600]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: My Department issued press releases on 23 August 2000 (on the National Lottery Commission's announcement of its decisions about the new licence); on 5 October 2000 (on the resignation of Dame Helena Shovelton from the National Lottery Commission); and on 12 October 2000 (about the appointment of Lord Burns to the Commission).

  In addition, I and colleagues answered a number of parliamentary questions and have given a number of interviews to the media on this subject.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the cost to National Lottery funds of extending the licence of the existing operators for(a) two months, (b) six months and (c) one year. [135699]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Decisions on a possible interim licence are a matter for agreement between the National Lottery Commission and the current operator.

  Millennium Commission
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what statutory requirements would need to be fulfilled in order to extend the funding life of the Millennium Commission. [134611]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: An Order extending the Millennium Commission's funding life (by setting a later date on which its funding will stop) has to be laid and approved by each House of Parliament before 31 December 2000.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to extend the funding life of the Millennium Commission; and if he will make a statement. [134612]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: I intend to lay an Order and have it approved by each House of Parliament before 31 December 2000. This is consistent with the previous administration's announced intention to extend the Millennium Commission's funding life to enable it to meet its commitments.

  Further details of the Order will be published in due course.

  Millennium Dome
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the costs of decommissioning the Millennium Dome. [134492]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: Decommissioning costs will depend on the future use of the Dome site and are currently commercially confidential while negotiations are taking place with contractors.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received from the New Millennium Experience Company regarding a prime ministerial visit to the Dome. [134604]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: I have not received any representations from the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) regarding a prime ministerial visit to the Dome.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will publish the Lazards report on the Dome. [134487]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: Lazards have not produced a report. They, and other professional advisers, have contributed to work being carried out by English Partnerships on the review of options for the Millennium Experience site. This is work in progress, which remains commercially sensitive and confidential while discussions with Legacy plc are continuing.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to use the(a) building and (b) site of the Millennium Dome for sporting activity. [134360]

  Janet Anderson
  There are no present plans to use(a) the building or (b) the site of the Millennium Dome for sporting activity.

  Special Advisers
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if the duties of his Department's special advisers include the drafting of answers to parliamentary questions. [134830]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  The duties and responsibilities of Special Advisers are set out in Schedule 1 (Part 1) of the Model Contract for Special Advisers, a copy of which is in the Library of the House. Within the terms of their contracts, Special Advisers may draft answers to Parliamentary Questions.

  Deaf Viewers (Subtitles)
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on subtitling for the deaf on satellite and other digital channels. [134823]

  Janet Anderson
  We are reviewing the statutory requirements for the provision of subtitling, signing and audio description services on digital terrestrial television. We issued a consultation paper in July, and are considering the responses. As part of the review, we are also considering other aspects of the provision and reception of these services, including on cable and satellite television channels. We expect to announce our conclusions later this year.

  Charities
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the effect on the direct income of charities of the National Lottery. [134831]

  Kate Hoey
  My Department has made no such assessment. However, in 1997 the Institute for Fiscal Studies conducted a statistical analysis of charitable donations, which found no independent effect of the National Lottery on donations to charities.

  Steroids
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the extent of the use of steroids in sport in the United Kingdom. [134702]

  Kate Hoey
  There has been no formal assessment of the extent of the use of steroids in competitive sport in the United Kingdom. The UK Sport Testing Programme focuses on elite competitive sports. While this programme includes tests for anabolic agents (including anabolic steroids), its findings may include UK and non-UK athletes.

  The most recent research undertaken into the use of steroids in the UK was published in 1993 and indicated that 35 per cent. of athletes attending weight training gymnasiums were found to be using anabolic steroids. This Government firmly believe that there is no place for drugs in sport and we will continue to work through UK Sport and the national governing bodies of sport to reduce doping in sport through the implementation of an effective testing programme and a comprehensive education programme.
  331W
  The Government spend over £1 million a year on ensuring the quality of an out of competition drug testing programme in the UK.

  Art Exports
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the members of the

  Dates

  Chairman

  Sir John Guinness CB

  First appointment

  1 December 1995–30 November 1998

  Second appointment

  1 December 1998–30 November 2001

  Members

  Sir Jack Baer

  First appointment

  1 June 1992–31 May 1995

  Second appointment

  1 June 1995–31 May 1998

  Final appointment

  1 June 1998–31 May 2001

  Professor Rosemary Cramp

  First appointment

  1 March 1994–28 February 1997

  Second appointment

  1 March 1997–28 February 2000

  Final appointment

  1 March 2000–28 February 2003

  Dr. Richard Dorment

  First appointment

  1 August 1996–31 July 1999

  Second appointment

  1 August 1999–31 July 2002

  Mr. Ian Gow

  First appointment

  1 December 1994–30 November 1997

  Second appointment

  1 December 1997–30 November 2000

  Final appointment

  1 December 2000–30 November 2003

  Mr. Alastair Laing

  First appointment

  1 February 1996–31 January 1999

  Second appointment

  1 February 1999–31 January 2002

  Mr. Martin Levy

  First appointment

  1 March 1997–29 February 2000

  Second appointment

  1 March 2000–28 February 2003

  The hon. Georgina Stonor

  First appointment

  1 February 1993–31 January 1996

  Second appointment

  1 February 1996–31 January 1999

  Final appointment

  1 February 1999–31 January 2002

  Olympic Games
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans the Government have to support a British bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games. [134482]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 26 October 2000]: We are committed to supporting a viable Olympic bid but the decision on whether or not to bid is for the National Olympic Committee—the British Olympic Association (BOA). The BOA have been carrying out extensive studies on the viability of a London bid for 2012 and have promised to submit their conclusions to the Government by the end of the year.

  Ministerial Engagements
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the engagements that were accepted by the Minister for the Arts with non-Governmental bodies over the past year; and if he will list in each case(a) if he fulfilled the engagement, (b) if the engagement was cancelled and by whom and (c) if he was represented by another person. [134635]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  For legitimate reasons of confidentiality, it is not the practice of Ministers to publish details of their schedule of engagements.

  Television Violence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department about the possible impact of violence on television on the level of violent crime. [134703]
  332W
  Committee on the Export of Works of Art and the dates of their appointment. [134367]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The Reviewing Committee on the Exports of Works of Art consists of eight permanent members who have expertise in one or more fields of art. The current membership and the dates of their appointments are as follows:

  Janet Anderson
  None. Under the United Kingdom's arrangements for broadcasting, it is the responsibility of broadcasters and broadcasting regulators to set and enforce standards. In doing so, they must reflect the codes of the Broadcasting Standards Commission, which are informed by its research into public attitudes towards the portrayal of violence in broadcast programmes.

  British Sportsmen
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans his Department has to encourage distinguished British sportsmen actively to serve as role models for young people. [134369]

  Kate Hoey
  The Government Strategy for Sport "A Sporting Future for All" recognises the importance of good leaders and role models to help encourage young people to participate in sport and physical education. The Implementation Group established to focus on Sporting Excellence has been asked to look at the role elite performers might play in such an initiative.

  Boxing
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the trends in the number of people participating in boxing in the last three years. [134362]

  Kate Hoey
  The Department for Culture, Media and Sport does not keep detailed records of participation in individual sports. Such information is usually kept by governing bodies.
  333W
  The Amateur Boxing Association of England has kindly provided the following figures:

  Number

  1997–98

  6,493

  1998–99

  7,208

  1999–2000

  6,991

  These figures cover junior and senior registered boxers.

  Lacrosse and Hockey
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many(a) lacrosse, (b) ice hockey and (c) field hockey matches he has attended in an official capacity since May 1997. [134361]
  334W
  Kate Hoey
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not attended any of these events. I have accepted an invitation to attend the Women's Lacrosse World Cup to be held in High Wycombe next July. I have also attended the women's Olympic qualifying field hockey match between Great Britain and New Zealand on 28 March 2000 and the women's match between Great Britain and Argentina at the Sydney Olympics on 18 September 2000.

  BBC News
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if the BBC's decision to move the BBC One evening news to 10 pm, together with consequent changes to the BBC One schedule, represents a material change under the terms set out in his Department's paper, 'BBC Public Services: Approvals'. [135700]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  No. Under the Charter and Agreement, the BBC is not required to seek my approval before it makes such scheduling changes.

  Northern Ireland: Rail Safety Funding
  Northern Ireland: Rail Safety Funding
  Air Passengers: Deep Vein Thrombosis
  Air Passengers: Deep Vein Thrombosis
  Rail Franchise Non-renewal: Handover Arrangements
  Rail Franchise Non-renewal: Handover Arrangements
  Train Protection and Warning System
  Train Protection and Warning System
  Working Time Directive: Lorry Owner-Drivers
  Working Time Directive: Lorry Owner-Drivers
  Millennium Dome
  Millennium Dome
  The Children's Fund
  The Children's Fund
  Non-attendance at School: Parental Fines
  Non-attendance at School: Parental Fines
  Student Benefits: Payment During Vacations
  Student Benefits: Payment During Vacations
  Unclaimed Benefits
  Unclaimed Benefits
  Home Secretary's Driver: Prosecution Decision
  Home Secretary's Driver: Prosecution Decision