Written Answers of 9 April 2001

DEFENCE

  Logistic Information Systems Agency
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future status of the Logistic Information Systems Agency [157803]

  Mr. Spellar
  As part of the restructuring of the Defence Logistics Organisation, the Logistic Information Systems Agency will cease to be a Defence Agency with effect from 1 April 2001. Its functions will then become part of the unified Logistic Applications Integrated Project Team (IPT) within the Defence Communication Services Agency. The removal of Agency status will avoid potential complications in the management arrangements for the new IPT. This is largely an administrative measure and will not, in itself, result in any geographical relocation or redundancies for staff.

  Porton Down
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will order a public inquiry into the programme of human experiments at the Chemical Defence Establishment at Porton Down.[157299]

  Dr. Moonie
  No. A public inquiry could not answer the central question of whether volunteers had suffered unusual mortality or illness. Only an epidemiological study can do that. Advice from the Medical Research Council has been sought for the feasibility of such a study. Furthermore, Wiltshire Police are conducting an investigation into aspects of this programme. We already make available to the volunteers any information we possess which is relevant to their individual cases. We also plan to conduct further work as outlined in my answers to the hon. Member on 25 January 2001,Official Report, column 655W, 5 March 2001, Official Report, column 20W and on 26 March 2001, Official Report, column 525W.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if his Department has received a report from the Operation Antler team of the Wiltshire Police regarding its inquiries into allegations that the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment had experimented on NHS patients during the 1960s; and if he will make a statement.[157306]

  Dr. Moonie
  Allegations dating from 1970 that the Chemical Defence Establishment conducted experiments during the 1960s on old and sick NHS patients who were subsequently put to death were thoroughly investigated at the time. The then Minister for Defence Equipment and the Prime Minister both refuted these allegations on 30 January and on 19 February 1970 respectively. Following inquiries by the Wiltshire police in January 2001, the Operation Antler inquiry advised 364W
  my Department's officials that these allegations were in one case fabricated, and in another case did not involve Ministry of Defence staff.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many former service volunteers have visited the Chemical Defence Establishment at Porton Down to inspect records of their experiments and discuss their tests with member of staff since 1 January 1998.[157300]

  Dr. Moonie
  All former service volunteers who inquire about their participation in studies at the Chemical Defence Establishment are invited to visit Porton Down to view the original record books and discuss their experiences with current members of Porton Down staff.

  In the period 1 January 1998 to 6 April 2001, 25 former service volunteers have visited to inspect the records of the studies they were involved in.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many times since 1 March 1998 the Chemical Defence Establishment at Porton Down has supplied information about former volunteers to the War Pensions Agency in response to a claim by such.[157329]

  Dr. Moonie
  Since 1 March 1998, the staff at the Chemical and Biological Defence Sector at Porton Down have supplied information in response to 29 requests from the War Pensions Agency.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer on 22 March 2001,Official Report, column 300W, regarding Porton Down, if he will request the Medical Research Council to consult the Operation Antler team of Wiltshire police regarding its advice on an independent epidemiological study for service personnel who took part in experiments at the Chemical Defence Establishment at Porton Down.[157342]

  Dr. Moonie
  No. The Medical Research Council are aware of the Wiltshire police investigation and should they wish to consult the Operation Antler team, they will do so.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many individuals have contacted the Porton Down Volunteers Helpline since February 1998.[157345]

  Dr. Moonie
  Since February 1998, the Porton Down helpline has received 626 inquiries in the form of telephone calls and letters.

  Procurement
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the(a) original in-service date, (b) current in-service date, (c) estimated or actual cost, (d) years of peak expenditure and (e) prime contractor for (i) BOWMAN, (ii) Ptarmigan, (iii) Euromux, (iv) Cyprus Fixed Telecommunications System, (v) Fixed Telecommunications System (Germany), (vi) Falkland Islands Trunk System, (vii) BRINTON, (viii) Brunhilde, (ix) Telephone Exchanges Worldwide, (x) Cyprus Fixed Telephone System, (xi) Deployable Local Area Network, (xii), ADLBS MLU & IADS Interface, (xiii) UKADGE ICCS, (xiv) UKADGE CMP, (xv) P-JFACHQ Deployable Air C2, (xvi) P-JFACHQ Receive Only Link 11 System, (xvii) P-JFACHQ Deployable Air C2 Incremental Assessment Demonstration and

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  Manufacture, (xviii) P-JFACHQ Deployable Shelter System, (xix) P-JFACHQ Quick Win 1, (xx) P-JFACHQ Increment, (xxi) Initiative Local Data Communications Network (LDCN), (xxii) Hourglass, (xxiii) Lambeth, (xxiv) PABX Transportable JAPNMS Facility, (xxv) Tactical Air Control Centre, (xxvi) Ship-Shore-Ship Buffer Tranche 2, (xxvii) Ship-Shore-Ship Buffer Tranche, (xxviii) HF Broadcast Modernisation, (xxix) ITACC LFS, (xxx) RN HF Ship-Shore-Ship Modernisation and NATO Interoperability Programme, (xxxi) Falcon, (xxxii) Saturn, (xxxiii) Cormorant, (xxxiv) Successor Interrogator Friend or Foe, (xxxv) VHF ICAO, and (xxxvi) Defence HF System;[157519]

  (2) if he will list the (a) original in-service date, (b) current in-service date, (c) estimated or actual cost, (d) years of peak expenditure and (e) prime contractor for the (i) Sonar 2087, (ii) PAAMS-Principal Anti-Air Missile System, (iii) Sonar 2193, (iv) Improved Ammunition,
  (v) Sea Dart IR Fuze, (vi) Seawolf MLU, (vii) T967M Interference Mod, (viii) Seawolf CA/CD, (ix) T911 Interference Mod, (x) Seawolf VL CACD Read ACross; Radar T996, (xi) Radar T996 AVIMP, (xii) LFE; LFB, (xiii) LFC, (xiv) Seawolf Enhanced Low Level Fuze, known as the Seawolf Mk 4 Fuze, (xv) Remote Influence Minesweeping System, (xvi) DLH; Seawolf Telemetry Kits, (xvii) Seawolf PADT, (xviii) Gun System Automatic 8 & General purpose Electro Optical Director, (xix) T23 Frigate Command System, (xx) Tomahawk Land Attack Missile, (xxi) Seawolf Block 2, (xxii) Harpoon, (xxiii) Harpoon Mod and (xxiv) SWELL Mk 4 Fuze;[157494]

  (3) if he will list the (a) original in-service date, (b) current in-service date, (c) estimated or actual cost, (d) years of peak expenditure and (e) prime contractor for the (i) Eurofighter, (ii) Merlin HC Mk 3, (iii) Hercules Rolling Replacement Tranche 1-C-130J, (iv) Future Carrier Borne Aircraft, (v) Future Offensive Air System, (vi) Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft, (vii) Future Organic Airborne Early Warning system, (viii) Support Amphibious battlefield Rotorcraft, (ix) Nimrod Maritime Reconnaissance and Attack Aircraft Mk 4, (x) Merline HM Mk 1, (xi) Attack Helicopter Crew and Special-To-Arm Collective Training, (xii) Watchman Middle Wallop, (xiii) Watchman Wattisham, (xiv) Attack Helicoper and (xv) Sea King Airborne Early Warning Mission System Upgrade (MSU)-Sea King AEW Mk 7; [157490]

  (4) if he will list the (a) original in-service date, (b) current in-service date, (c) estimated or actual cost,(d) years of peak expenditure and (e) prime contractor for (i) Guided Multiple Launched Rocket System, (ii) Next Generation Light Anti-Armour Weapon, (iii) Area Defence Weapon, (iv) Light Forces Anti-Tank Guided Weapon, (v) SA80 Modifications, (vi) Aimed Controlled Effect Anti-Tank Munition, (vii) AS90 Training System, (viii) Battlegroup Thermal Imaging, (ix) Future Ground Based Air Defence, (x) Air Defence Command Information System, (xi) CHARM 3 Training Round, (xii) Integrated Ground Based Air Defence, (xiii) Extended Range Ordnance Modular Charge System, (xiv) High Velocity Missile System, (xv) MLRS Future Fire Control System, (xvi) Indirect Fire Precision Attack, (xvii) Tubed Artillery Conventional Ammunition System, (xviii) Advanced Sound Ranging Programme, (xix) Light Mobile Artillery Weapon System, (xx) Man-Portable Surveillance Target Acquisition Radar, (xxi) Mid-Life Improvement,
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  (xxii) Joint Fire Support Battlefield Information System Application, (xxiii) Counter Battery Radar, (xxiv) Automatic Pointing System, (xxv) Mobile Artillery Monitoring Battlefield Radar, (xxvi) Fire Control Battlefield Information System Application, (xxvii) Future Integrated Training System, (xxviii) Field Electrical Power Supplies, (xxix) 4.5kW Genset, (xxx) Lighting Towers, (xxxi) Temporary Field Accommodation, (xxxii) Pumpsets Dewatering, (xxxiii) Filter Water Separator 2000 Litres Per Min, (xxxiv) Refrigerated ISO Container and (xxxv) Field Bulk Refuelling Equipment 680 Litres Per Min;[157586]

  (5) if he will list the (a) original in-service date, (b) current in-service date, (c) estimated or actual cost, (d) years of peak expenditure and (e) prime contractor for the (i) Crusader 21, (ii) Mk 5 EOD Suit, (iii) Re Mine Suit/Suit Combat EOD, (iv) CS 95 LT WT trousers, (v) CS 95 field jacket, (vi) CS 95 underwear, (vii) CS 95 glove,
  (viii) RN improved action working dress and (ix) RN improved foul weather clothing; [157492]

  (6) if he will list the (a) original in-service date, (b) current in-service date, (c) estimated or actual cost, (d) years of peak expenditure and (e) prime contractor for the (i) Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile, (ii) Microwave Landing System, (iii) RAIDS, (iv) Bomb Enhancement Kits Precision Guided Bomb, (v) TIALD, (vi) Beyond Visual Range Air-To-Air Missile, (vii) Saturn Lynx Mk 8, (viii) Additional Towed Radar Decoys for Tornado F3, (ix) Active Search Sonobuoy System, (x) Ship Helicopter Operating Limits Instrumentation System, (xi) Airborne Stand-Off Radar (ASTOR), (xii) SMGS, (xiii) Conventionally Armed Stand-Off Missile, (xiv) Aircrew Synthetic Training Aids and (xv) Directional Infra-Red Countermeasures;[157491]

  (7) if he will list the (a) original in-service date, (b) current in-service date, (c) estimated or actual cost, (d) years of peak expenditure and (e) prime contractor for the (i) Joint Tactical Information Distribution System for Sea Harrier FA2 and Sea King AEW Mk 7, (ii) RN Joint Tactical Information Distribution System, (iii) Satellite Tactical Data Link NATO Improve Link Eleven and (iv) Modular Field Catering System; [157493]

  (8) if he will list the (a) original in-service date, (b) current in-service date, (c) estimated or actual cost, (d) years of peak expenditure and (e) prime contractor for the (i) Roll-On Roll-Off Strategic Sealift, (ii) Future Attack Submarine, (iii) Future Surface Combatant, (iv) Type 45 Anti-Air Warfare Destroyer, (v) Alternative Landing Ships Logistic, (vi) Primary Casualty Receiving Ship, (vii) Future Naval Nuclear Fuel, (viii) Type 23 Frigates, (ix) Hydrographic and Oceanographic Survey Vessels and (x) T23 Helicopter Deck Handling Equipment (PRISM).[157495]

  Dr. Moonie
  The majority of the information requested is not held centrally and it could be provided only at disproportionate cost. I have already undertaken to provide the hon. Member with information on a number of the projects listed.

  Qinetiq
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what inquiries were made about the ownership of the name Qinetiq before its acquisition by DERA; and with what results. [157556]
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  Dr. Moonie
  The naming process resulted in approximately seven candidate options, all of which were subjected to a series of high-level searches. For each candidate option, its Uniform Resource Locator (URL) availability was established and existing registrations of similar company name, trademarks and URLs investigated. A cultural name check was also undertaken. The results ruled out several options mainly on the basis of URL availability.

  The chosen name underwent a full and thorough examination by NewDERA's lawyers, Herbert Smith.

  The services they undertook included:
  Full URL name check
  Trademark search and registration in all relevant classes and countries including a third party rights research.
  Company name search.

  Trademark registrations have been filed in the UK, US, EU and a number of other countries During this period objections can be raised and the process is ongoing, expected to take several months. No notice of opposition has been received to date.

  Hawk Jets (Exports)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what support his Department has given to British Aerospace with regard to that company's contract to supply Hawk jets to India; [156871]

  (2) what Ministers from his Department have been involved in discussions with (a) BAE and (b) the Indian Government regarding the contract to supply Hawk jets to India. [156872]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 4 April 2001]: In accordance with the Ministry of Defiance's responsibility for promoting legitimate defence exports in co-ordination with industry, MOD has given full support to BAE Systems' bid to supply Hawk jets to India.

  In fulfilling this responsibility, the Secretary of State for Defence and the Minister for Defence Procurement have met with BAE Systems and the Indian Government to discuss the Hawk proposal.

  Eurofighter
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the number of occasions(a) UK, (b) US, (c) Soviet and (d) other NATO aircrews in jet aircraft used cannon armament in his assessing the need for a Eurofighter cannon. [156973]

  Mr. Hoon
  The historical pattern of operations, together with the improved short-range capability of the missiles with which Eurofighter will be armed, were taken into account in our assessment that the minimal value of a cannon on Eurofighter is more than outweighed by its considerable associated costs and disadvantages.

  The last occasion on which the UK used a cannon in air-to-air combat resulted in one successful hit during the Falklands conflict. Figures for other countries are not known, but historical success rates for fighter gun attacks
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  suggest a 5 per cent. combat probability of kill for the Allies late in World War II, and perhaps 10 per cent. in the Korean War. While the probability of success with guns has advanced little over the years, the performance of air-to-air missiles is now far in excess of these statistics. Similarly, the modem precision-guided munitions with which Eurofighter will be armed make firing a cannon in Eurofighter's offensive support role difficult to justify, owing to the risk of collateral damage and the increased vulnerability of the aircraft.

  US Military Personnel (Compensation)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer on 22 March 2001,Official Report, column 300W, if he will request his Department's Liaison Officer in Washington to gather information on US arrangements for paying compensation to veterans who participated in chemical warfare trials in the US. [157305]

  Dr. Moonie
  Yes, if there is a need to do so.

  Canadian Military Personnel (Compensation)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will send a team of his staff to Canada to evaluate the system under which the Canadian Government provides compensation to former military personnel who have developed illnesses as a result of taking part in chemical warfare experiments. [157307]

  Dr. Moonie
  I have no plans to do so.

  Saville Inquiry
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent to date in support of former soldiers in connection with the Saville Inquiry; of that sum how much was attributable to lawyers' fees; and how much has been budgeted for 2001–02. [157559]

  Mr. Hoon
  The total cost to date to the Ministry of Defence of supporting former and serving soldiers in connection with the Saville Inquiry is £9,600,428. Of this, £8,845,503 was attributable to payment to the legal teams, covering both fees and other related costs which have not been recorded separately.

  The amount budgeted by the Ministry of Defence for payments to legal teams for 2001–2 comes to approximately £3.5 million.

  Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost to date has been of the bid by DERA Boscombe Down for the main operating base for the future strategic tanker aircraft. [157454]

  Dr. Moonie
  The costs to date of the DERA Boscombe Down element of the bid for the main operating base for the future strategic tanker aircraft project are in the region of £240,000.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Regeneration Funds
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many projects submitted to the Merseyside objective 1 programme have been approved; what is the total value of those projects; how many projected jobs are related to them; and if he will make a statement. [156233]

  Ms Armstrong
  Priority Panels have approved 66 such projects, of which offer letters have been issued to 31 applicants and accepted by 22 of them. The total eligible value of these projects is £152 million and European Regional Development Fund grants of £59.75 million have been made towards these costs. The projects are expected to create 5,073 and safeguard 6,901 jobs.

  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much funding has been made available to Liverpool for regeneration purposes since 1997. [156235]

  Ms Armstrong
  Since 1997 £356.97 million has been made available to Liverpool for regeneration purposes. The table gives a breakdown of this figure.

  Source of funding

  Amount (£ million)

  Single Regeneration Budget

  80.87

  Estates Renewal Challenge Fund

  54

  Neighbourhood Renewal Fund

  145.2

  New Deal for Communities

  61.9

  Partnership Investment Programme

  113

  Land Reclamation Programme

  2

  Total

  356.97

  1The Neighbourhood Renewal Fund figure is the total indicative allocation for Liverpool for 2001–04

  In addition, the Merseyside objective 1 programme 1994–99 has made available approximately £338 million for the regeneration of Merseyside since 1997. Unfortunately, it is not practicable to break down this figure by district. A further £844 million of European grants will be made available for the Merseyside sub-region for the 2000–06 programming period.

  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 21 December 2000,Official Report, column 312W, how many of the Merseyside objective 1 projects referred to the State Aids Policy Unit at the Department of Trade and Industry have been assessed by the unit; when the Government Office North West was informed about those decisions; which projects have been cleared; what their total value is; how many projected jobs relate to them; and if he will make a statement. [156371]

  Ms Armstrong
  The State Aids Policy Unit of the Department of Trade and Industry provided advice on 26 cases; Government Office for the North West was notified of the decisions between 22 January and 27 March 2001; 13 projects were cleared to proceed by the State Aids Unit. Of these only 10 projects will proceed through the appraisal process, with a total value of £16,806,303; they are expected to create 100 jobs.370W
  Projects cleared by State Aids Policy Unit

  Empire Reconstruction Phase 3

  Crawford House

  Mersey Forest Phase 3

  King George Bootle Credit Union Action Plan

  Kirby Lets and Credit Union Development Programme

  Northwood Star Community transport

  Dingle Community Learning Programme Building

  Stanley Dock Action Plan

  Beatles Themed Hard Days Night Hotel

  Oakmere Conference and Multi-Media Centre

  Scotland Road Gateway

  National Wildflower Centre

  Training Workshop Facilities.

  "Tiredness Can Kill"
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what role concessionaires at motorway service areas have in respect of the siting of "Tiredness Kills" notices. [156834]

  Mr. Hill
  The Highways Agency has occasionally provided "Tiredness Can Kill" signs at locations, like the main holiday routes, where motorists are especially likely to drive for long periods without a rest. Motorway service area (MSA) operators were not involved in these decisions.

  More recently, MSA operators have approached the Agency about providing these signs at their own expense. The Agency will normally agree unless there are site-Specific reasons for refusing. There are no formal rules, but we have sought to ensure that, where provided, these signs are placed no more than a mile or two ahead of an MSA where drivers can stop safely.

  Child Road Deaths
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many child road deaths were caused by defective child car seats in each of the last three years. [157096]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 5 April 2001]: Statistics on road accident fatalities in which defective child car seats were a contributory factor are not available.

  Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his plans to strengthen enforcement action in relation to the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 1992. [157159]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  In June I announced amendments we proposed to make to the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 1992. One of the proposals is an amendment to section 225 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to allow local authorities to act at their own discretion to remove posters where they consider them to be illegal. This would bring the legislation into line with current practice and protect the rights of property owners
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  and those advertising legally. The amendment will be made when a suitable legislative opportunity arises.

  Departmental Policies (Amber Valley)
  Judy Mallaber
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Amber Valley constituency, the effects on Amber Valley of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [157129]

  £million

  Nature of funding

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  12001–02

  Amber Valley Borough Council

  Revenue Support Grant

  2.352

  2.271

  2.169

  1.993

  2.464

  Income from National Non-Domestic Rates

  3.647

  3.696

  3.993

  4.441

  4.437

  Housing Investment Programme

  1.293

  1.355

  1.419

  3.476

  4.7932

  Capital Receipts Initiative

  —

  0.820

  0.858

  —

  —

  Housing Revenue Account Subsidy (Management and

  £689.50 per

  £715.81 per

  £741.62 per

  £770.91 per

  £768.67 per

  Maintenance Allowance)

  property

  property

  property

  property

  property

  SRB funding3

  0.117

  0.449

  0.619

  0.564

  0.264

  Derbyshire County Council4

  Transport Supplementary Grant

  1.008

  1.060

  1.132

  —

  —

  Transport Annual Capital Guideline

  1.008

  1.060

  1.132

  —

  —

  Transport Block Supplementary Credit Approval

  0.970

  0.891

  2.371

  5.939

  18.008

  Rural Bus Challenge Grant (from 1999–2001)

  —

  —

  0.800

  0.155

  0.600

  Rural Bus Subsidy Grant (from 1998–99)

  —

  0.714

  0.714

  0.714

  0.912

  1Where known.

  2Includes Major Repairs Allowance.

  3SRB scheme aims to improve industrial estates and enhance the environmental performance of the businesses, whilst tackling low levels of literacy and numeracy through training based projects.

  4Figures for Derbyshire County Council exclude funds allocated for the Derby Local Transport Plan area.

  Access Forums
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) when he will publish regulations on the establishment of access forums; [157155]

  (2) if regulations to be made under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 will require local authorities to advertise locally and notify relevant groups which already exist before access forums are established; and if he will make a statement.[157156]

  Mr. Meacher
  We expect to cons it on the proposed requirements for local access forums in England during the summer. Our proposals will include provision for the appointment of forum members and consultation by authorities with relevant interests prior to making appointments. We expect to lay regulations before Parliament before the end of the year.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and d e Regions if he will list those local authorities that have established an access forum; if, in each case, the proposed establishment of the body was(a) advertised locally and (b) notified to rights of way groups; and if he will make a statement. [157154]

  Mr. Meacher
  No local access forums can be established under Part V of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 until regulations have, been made by the Secretary of State under section 94 of the Act. Some local authorities operate informal consultative groups to discuss issues relating to access and rights of way. No information
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  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The principal funding that this Department has provided to Amber Valley Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council between 1997–98 and 2001–02 is shown in the tables. These include grants and borrowing approvals for revenue and capital expenditure.

  It is not possible to determine how much of this money Derbyshire County Council has spent on Amber Valley constituency. It is for the local authority to decide where within its boundary these resources are applied.

  is held centrally about which authorities have done so. We welcome initiatives by local authorities to set up such groups ahead of any statutory system, and the Countryside Agency has issued guidance to authorities on how best this might be done.

  Motor Vehicle Repairs
  Mr. Stevenson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Vehicle Inspectorate routinely tests non-original equipment parts used in the motor vehicle body repair industry. [157122]

  Mr. Hill
  No. Testing and approval of components and vehicles prior to sale or registration is carried out by the Vehicle Certification Agency in the UK. However, there is no statutory approval standard for non original replacement body panels and so they are not tested or approved.

  Mr. Stevenson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to require vehicles that have been repaired following a serious accident to be subjected to independent tests.[157126]

  Mr. Hill
  Under new provisions which have recently been approved by Parliament, such vehicles will, in future, need to be inspected by officials from the Department's Vehicle Inspectorate before they can legally be returned to the road.

  The objective of inspecting such vehicles will be to ensure that they are genuine, rather than having been stolen and disguised with the identity of similar

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  accident-damaged ones. At present in the region of 40,000 stolen cars annually are sold on in this way to unsuspecting purchasers. The new inspection scheme will help to eliminate this criminal activity.

  The new inspection scheme is not intended to check on the adequacy of the accident repair—and this point will be made very clear to vehicle presenters. That would have made the scheme very costly and unnecessarily cumbersome. However, we are naturally very concerned to do all we can to see that only safe vehicles are used on the road and we will therefore be encouraging motorists to have vehicles independently checked by experts if there is any doubt at all about the quality of repair.

  Mr. Stevenson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what regulations govern the disposal of vehicles that have been written off after accidents. [157123]

  Mr. Hill
  There are no regulations which deal specifically with this subject.

  In practice when a vehicle is written off after an accident it might either end up being crushed or broken for spare parts. Alternatively, where the damage is not so severe, it might be repaired and returned to the road.

  In all cases where a vehicle is crushed or broken the owner is required by Regulation 13 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 1971 to notify the Secretary of State of that fact and at the same time to surrender the registration document to him. This requirement is to be strengthened by a European Directive concerned with the disposal of motor vehicles when they have reached the "end of life".

  In future, in all cases where a written-off vehicle is repaired and returned to the road it will firstly need to be inspected by officials from the Department's Vehicle Inspectorate. The objective of inspecting such vehicles will be to ensure that they are genuine, rather than stolen vehicles disguised with the identity of similar accident-damaged ones.

  £million

  Nature of funding

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Revenue Support Grant1

  100.6

  108.6

  113.9

  111.7

  117.6

  Income from National Non-Domestic Rates1

  50.3

  52.1

  56.1

  62.9

  61.1

  Housing Investment Programme

  5.8

  5.5

  6.2

  16.5

  22.1

  Capital Receipts Initiative

  —

  4.0

  4.1

  —

  —

  Neighbourhood Renewal Fund

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2.7

  Challenge Fund2

  3.9

  4.9

  1.7

  0.2

  —

  New Deal for Communities Funding3

  —

  —

  —

  0.2

  0.1

  ERDF Funding4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Transport Supplementary Grant

  2.9

  0.8

  0.3

  —

  —

  Transport Annual Capital Guideline5

  2.9

  0.8

  0.2

  1.6

  —

  Transport Block Supplementary Credit Approval3

  1.1

  1.0

  1.0

  3.8

  —

  Rural Bus Subsidy Grant6

  —

  0.02

  —

  —

  0.2

  1These figures have not been adjusted to make year on year comparisons possible

  2The Salford Partnership—Round 2. A five year strategy within City Pride context comlining city-wide programmes on economic development, removing barriers to employment, community safety and crime reduction with concentration on physical development in areas of need. Challenge Fund total—£16.7 million. Scheme total £60.5 million

  3 2000–01 includes both Phase 1 and 2. 2001–02 is Phase 2 carried over into this financial year.

  4Two wards of the Eccles constituency are part of the Inner Salford Action Plan area which has been awarded £1.3 million ERDF grant, of which £453,448 has been claimed since July 1998. The claims do not follow the financial year so cannot be broken down The rest of the Eccles constituency will be included in the City Pride area which includes all he eligible areas of Manchester, Salford and Trafford; it is therefore not possible to determine how much ERDF will have been of benefit to Eccles. The amount of ERDF/ESF awarded to City Pride is approximately £36 million

  5 The figures for 1999–2000 and 2000–01 include the Metrolink Eccles extension which was completed last year. Transport figures for 2001–02 are not yet available

  6These figures are for Greater Manchester

  374W
  Mr. Stevenson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what annual usage of volatile organic compounds require motor vehicle body repair shops to register with their local authority. [157138]

  Mr. Hill
  The Environmental Protection (Prescribed Processes and Substances) Regulations 1991, as amended, made under Part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 set thresholds for annual usage of organic solvents in coating processes. The regulations include a requirement that the following processes be authorised by the relevant local authority:"Any process for the repainting or respraying of or of parts of road vehicles if the process may result in the release into the air of particulate matter or of any volatile organic compound and the carrying on of the process by the person concerned at the location in question is likely to involve the use of 1 tonne or more of organic solvents in any 12 month period."

  Additionally, under the Solvent Emissions Directive (1999/13/EC) motor vehicle body repair shops that use between 0.5 and 1 tonne per annum of organic solvents will also be requited to be regulated to control volatile organic compound emissions. However, for existing processes, the provisions of the Directive will not fully apply until October. 2007.

  Departmental Policies (Eccles)
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out, including statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Eccles constituency, the effects on Eccles of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [157288]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The principal funding which this Department has provided to Salford in 1997–98 to 2000–01 is shown in the table. This includes grants and borrowings approvals for revenue and capital expenditure.

  It is not possible to determine how much money has been spent on Eccles. It is for the local authority to decide where within its boundary these resources are invested.

  Traffic Calming Measures
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what guidelines and specifications he issues about the installation of speed ramps; [157291]

  (2) what the specifications are for the size of speed bumps. [157292]

  Mr. Hill
  Road hump is the generic name for any vertical deflection for controlling vehicle speed. The Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999 state that a road hump should be between 25 and 100mm in height, with no vertical face higher than 6mm and have a minimum width in the direction of traffic not less than 900mm.

  The DETR has issued a range of traffic advisory leaflets to all local authorities in England and Wales giving guidance on the installation of road humps. Within the scope offered by the Regulations, it is for highway authorities to decide the most appropriate design and dimension of road hump for each of their roads.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he issues about traffic calming outside schools.[157290]

  Mr. Hill
  A wide range of advice, on traffic calming measures is available through the "Traffic Advisory Leaflet" series published by my Department and issued to all local authorities in England and Wales. The Road Safety Strategy, "Tomorrow' Roads—Safer for Everyone", published in March 2000, stated that local authorities are to be encouraged to use the increased powers they have available to them to introduce 20 mph zones and speed limits in residential areas, where appropriate. This should be a priority, particularly in areas where there are large numbers of children, such as in the vicinity of schools.

  Carbon Dioxide Emissions
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department(a) has undertaken and (b) plans to undertake about the action required to achieve a reduction of 60 per cent. in carbon dioxide emissions in the UK; and if he will publish it. [157428]

  Mr. Meacher
  The UK Climate Change Programme, published in November 2000, noted that the Government would review the options for longer term energy choices, considering the scale of emission reductions that might be needed in view of current projections for energy use and the scope and cost of low carbon on energy options that may exist to bridge the gap.

  The Government have recently published a report commissioned from AEA Technology, "Role of Technology in Emissions Abatement Under the UN-FCCC: the Medium to Long Term", and has placed a copy in the Library of the House. The study says that cuts of 70 per cent. to 90 per cent. in carbon dioxide emissions are technically feasible over the next 50 to 100 years, but supportive policy decisions will be needed to achieve this.
  376W
  My Department also plans to commission a study this year to examine policy options for achieving cuts in greenhouse gas emissions beyond 2010, the time frame of the Climate Change Programme.

  The findings of both studies will contribute towards the Government's response to the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution report 2: "Energy—the Changing Climate".

  Fuel Poverty
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many households have been removed from fuel poverty by improvements to the energy efficiency of their home, referred to in paragraph 6.10 of The UK Fuel Poverty Strategy. [157427]

  Mr. Meacher
  Provisional estimates suggest that the number of fuel poor households fell by nearly one million between 1996 and 1999, due to reductions in energy prices and improved incomes. Data are not yet available to estimate the effect of improvements made to the energy efficiency of homes during the period. These data will be collected as part of the 2001 English House Condition Survey to be carried out later this year.

  Hydrogen Sulphide Leak (Southwark)
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what level of hydrogen sulphide was emitted at Southwark tube station on 8 March 2001; how many London Underground staff were advised to seek medical attention following the discovery of the hydrogen sulphide leak; how many members of the public were advised to seek medical attention following the discovery of the hydrogen sulphide leak; and what public statement was made to inform the public as to the reason for the closure of Southwark Underground station on that date. [157251]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 6 April 2001]: London Underground (LUL) informs me that Southwark station was closed on 8 March 2001 and the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA) alerted following a report from contractors that the gas monitoring equipment was showing toxic gases present in a non-public area of the station. The LFEPA discovered sewage which had blocked the drainage system and had as a result caused a build up of hydrogen sulphide, though the level of gas found was very low. The LFEPA cleared the sewage therefore removing the source of the gas.

  As a precautionary measure five members of LUL staff were taken to hospital for checks and later released without problems. LUL confirm that the public were not at risk at any time during this incident as the gas was found in a non-public area and upon its discovery they had instituted normal evacuation procedures and the station had been closed immediately. As the incident was quickly resolved without any ongoing problems London Underground felt that it did not merit a public statement to be released following it.

  Abandoned Cars
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate how many cars are abandoned illegally each year.[157256]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 6 April 2001]: The Department holds no central records at present of the number of vehicles abandoned illegally each year but plans to collect information in the next Municipal Waste Management Survey later this year.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures the Government are proposing to address the problem of illegally abandoned vehicles. [157263]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 6 April 2001]: The Government have improved registration arrangements to require the seller to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) when ownership of a vehicle changes. DVLA are encouraging local authorities to link electronically with them so that vehicle keeper information can be obtained more quickly and will shortly issue a Circular to all local authorities on the procedures for dealing with abandoned vehicles.

  Two pilot schemes are due to start this month—in Lewisham and Newham, who will target unlicensed vehicles using DVLA's wheelclamping powers. The boroughs will retain the wheelclamp release fees and storage fees. Both pilots will run for 12 months.

  We are also working with the Local Government Association, police and DVLA to identify good practice and exploit opportunities for cross-agency working in tackling the related problems of vehicle theft, vehicle excise duty evasion and abandoned vehicles and will consider from this the need for any legislative change.

  Local Government
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to delay the deadline for local authorities to submit proposals for new political arrangements under Part II of the Local Government Act 2000, following the postponement of annual council meetings. [157609]

  Ms Armstrong
  Subject to the enactment of the Elections Bill, we intend to issue revised statutory guidance under the Local Government Act 2000 about the submission of proposals. We intend any such revised guidance to provide that those councils which are holding local elections on 7 June 2001, or where due to local circumstances the usual conduct of business has been disrupted, should submit proposals by 14 September 2001 instead of by the current guideline date of end of June 2001.

  Windmills
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it a condition of planning permission for new houses to be equipped with a small windmill to generate electricity. [157542]
  378W
  Ms Beverley Hughes
  It is for local planning authorities in the first instance to decide on specific planning conditions We are keen to encourage renewable energy initiatives that are feasible and effective.

  East Thurrock Port
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Trans port and the Regions if, in advance of the visit of the Under-Secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for Streatham (Mr. Hill), to the C2C line in Thurrock, an examination will be made of anticipated additional freight movements consequent on the proposed new port development in East Thurrock, with particular reference to the impact on level crossing access to East Tilbury.[157361]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 6 April 2001]: The Strategic Rail Authority has consulted with Railtrack and freight operators to make outline assumptions on extra freight traffic as a result of the potential development. This is to help facilitate their London Freight Routing Strategy, ensuring sufficient network capacity is provided. The actual number of extra freight services that will use the C2C route as a result of the new development cannot be accurately forecast at present. It will be for the developers of the project in association with the rail freight operators and Railtrack to make predictions. I understand that Thurrock Council has convened a meeting in May involving the SRA, Railtrack, C2C and freight operators to discuss the impact of the options for the proposal.

  Millennium Dome
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which consultants have been engaged to undertake market testing in connection with the future use of the Millennium Dome site; at what cost to public funds; and if he will make a statement. [157561]

  Ms Armstrong
  The Government have asked English Partnerships to lodge and explore all expressions of interest, with a view to considering options and mechanisms for the future use of the Dome, before any announcement is made by the Government about the next process. English Partnerships, with Jones Lang LaSalle, are currently engaged in comprehensive market testing, to inform that process. The precise cost of this work is not currently known, as work is ongoing, but it is intended that these and any other costs incurred during the sale process will be deducted from the receipts generated by the disposal of the Dome site.

  GM Crops
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out his reasons for proposing GM trials in Mathry, Pembrokeshire and Sealand in north Wales; and if he will publish the baseline data on each site on which the impact assessment will be based. [157485]

  Mr. Meacher
  The sites used in the Farm Scale Evaluations (FSE) are found by industry and are assessed against scientific criteria by the researchers carrying out the fieldwork. The sites are finally approved by the independent scientific steering committee overseeing the Farm Scale Evaluations on the basis of scientific criteria
  379W
  alone. Ministers do not take decisions on the choice of sites. The scientific steering committee selects sites to reflect the geographic range across the UK where the conventional varieties of the FSE crops are already grown. This ensures that a full range of habitats is evaluated.

  The design of the Farm Scale Evaluation experiment does not require a pre-experiment assessment of baseline data other than pre-sowing seed sampling, which gives an indication of the potential for weeds t o grow in the field. This is because the experiment is designed to compare effects of herbicide use between the two sides of each experimental field. One half is randomly selected and planted with the GM crop, while the other half is planted with the non-GM equivalent crop. This design allows for the effects of the herbicides on wildlife in the two halves of the field to be assessed more accurately than would be possible by comparison with wildlife in the crop before the start of the experiment.

  The purpose of the Farm Scale Evaluations is to examine whether there are any differences in the diversity and abundance of farmland wildlife associated with the use of GM herbicide tolerant crops with the herbicides to which they are tolerant, as compared with equivalent non-GM crops. The wildlife fount in crop fields is affected by factors such as the vegetation and crop type. Wildlife present in the bare field before sowing or in a previous, different crop the year before, will not be the same as that to be expected in the experimental crop. Measurements of differences in wildlife between a pre-trial audit and within the experimental crop during the experiment would therefore not allow the effects of the herbicide to be measured.

  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions who will be liable for providing compensation for farms in organic production or conversion if their(a) production and (b) status is damaged as a result of genetically mod fled farm scale trials being undertaken at Mathry, Pembrokeshire. [157571]

  Mr. Meacher
  Liability for the use of GM crops is an important issue, which is being addressed both at European and UK levels. I will be considering this year a range of options for possible new liability provisions in respect of any damage from GM crops. In the meantime an individual who has suffered loss may be able to commence an action in the courts. Each case will turn on its own facts and the question of who is liable will be determined in the light of all the circumstances.

  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the procedures are for informing(a) hon. Members representing Welsh constituencies. (b) the National Assembly for Wales and (c) local authorities about plans to use sites in their areas for genetically modified trial tests. [157569]

  Mr. Meacher
  Releases of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are controlled under European Union Directive 90/220. This recognises two types of release, those for research purposes (known as Part B releases) and those for commercial purposes (known as Part C releases).

  Any Part B releases in Wales would have to be notified to the National Assembly before sowing and would have to be advertised in a paper circulating in the locality. GM
  380W
  crops holding a Part C release consent, like the GM maize to be grown in Wales this year, are assessed by all EU member states. The consent is valid in all member states and once granted there are no requirements for individual sowings of the crop to be notified to the Government or consulted upon.

  Under an agreement with SCIMAC, the farming and biotechnology industry body, DETR publishes site location details of all the FSEs in England and Wales on its website "www. detr. gov. uk" including those of crops holding Part C approval. DETR officials informed National Assembly officials of the locations of the sites in Wales once they had been notified of the locations by industry. With the agreement of Assembly officials they then wrote to community councils and local authorities in Wales in which a trial was planned in order to provide information about the Farm Scale Evaluation programme.

  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions who will be responsible for the monitoring of genetically modified trial test sites in the constituency of Preseli Pembrokeshire. [157567]

  Mr. Meacher
  The ecological study monitoring is carried out by scientists from the research consortium comprising the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), the Institute of Arable Crops Research (IACR) and the Scottish Crops Research Institute (SCRI).

  Scientists visit study sites during and after the sowing of the GM crop and also in subsequent years to assess the effects of the herbicide on biodiversity. These site visits are supplemented by inspections from the Central Science Laboratory (CSL) to check that the release of the GM crop is being carried out in accordance with the release consent.

  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what key indicators will be monitored on each of the genetically modified farm scale trials sites on a case-by-case basis in the constituency of Preseli Pembrokeshire. [157566]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Farm Scale Evaluations use a split field study design whereby half the field is sown with GM crops and half with conventional crops of the same type. The researchers compare key indicators of biodiversity between the GM and non-GM sides of the fields.

  The indicators being measured at each site are:
  Soil seed bank;
  Arable plant diversity, biomass and estimated seed return;
  Field margin and boundary vegetation, noting species in flower and signs of unintentional spray drift of weed-killer during its application to the field;
  Gastropods (slugs and snails): abundance, activity and diversity measures;
  Arthropods (especially insects and spiders) on vegetation, concentrating on plant bugs (Heteroptera), spring tails (Collembola), and the caterpillars of butterflies, moths (Lepidoptera), and sawflies (related to wasps (Hymenoptera); diversity and biomass measures;
  Ground (Carabid) beetles and other ground dwellings arthropods; abundance and diversity measures;
  Bees and butterflies; observational studies;
  Earthworm casts—observational studies.
  381W
  Full details on the science of the Farm Scale Evaluations are available from a scientific paper on the DETR's website: www.detr.gov.uk

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations(a) he received from and (b) he made to (i) the National Assembly for Wales and (ii) the Wales Office prior to the decision to allow field trials of genetically modified crops on three farms in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [157601]

  Mr. Meacher
  Meetings were held earlier this year with Ministers from the devolved administrations, including the National Assembly for Wales and the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales which discussed the Farm Scale Evaluation programme in general terms.

  Sites for GM crops under the Farm Scale Evaluations programme are found by industry and are assessed against scientific criteria by the researchers carrying out the fieldwork. They are finally approved by the independent scientific steering committee overseeing the evaluations. Ministers do not take the decisions on the choice of sites. Sites are selected on scientific criteria and the independent scientists on the steering committee have always been open about the need to have a range of sites across the UK representative of where maize is grown. This is to help ensure that a full range of habitats is evaluated.

  Carwyn Jones AM, the Minister for Rural Affairs, National Assembly for Wales. wrote to me on 23 March stating that he might issue a prohibition notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to stop releases of GM maize in Wales. He has asked that the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment undertake an urgent scientific assessment into the adequacy of separation distances between GM and non GM crops, particularly organic crops.

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–021

  Housing Investment Programme

  Bid for

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  Allocated

  20,129,000

  27,752,000

  29 229,000

  45,946,000

  52,921,000

  Handed over

  20,129,000

  27,752,000

  29 229,000

  45,946,000

  52,921,000

  Spent

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Housing Revenue Account Subsidy4

  Bid for

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  Allocated

  130,861,916

  122,044,327

  115 504,573

  5117,290,559

  6—

  Handed over

  130,861,916

  122,044,327

  115 504,573

  5117,290,559

  6—

  Spent

  301,000,000

  294,900,000

  289 100,000

  7273,700,000

  6—

  Cash Incentive Scheme

  Bid for

  3—

  3—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  Allocated

  3,253,000

  2,029,000

  2—

  2—

  2—

  Handed over

  3,253,000

  2,029,000

  2—

  2—

  2—

  Spent

  3,253,000

  2,029,000

  2—

  2—

  2—

  SRB Funding8

  Bid for

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  2—

  Allocated

  15,979,290

  16,105,921

  12003,091

  10,017,991

  96,865,558

  Handed over

  16,052,336

  15,848,064

  11917,262

  9,397,663

  6—

  Spent

  16,052,336

  15,848,064

  11.917,262

  9,397,663

  6—

  Railtrack
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers the Government directors on Railtrack have been given; and whom they will report to. [157701]

  Mr. Hill
  There are no Government directors on the Railtrack Board. On 2 April, Railtrack announced its intention to appoint a non-executive director to its main Board with a remit to provide a public interest and consumer voice within the Board. On reporting, normal corporate governance arrangements will apply, with the new director under the same obligations as other non-executive directors.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions have taken place on Government shareholding in Railtrack in exchange for(a) Government funding and (b)subsidy. [157700]

  Mr. Hill
  The package of rail measures announced on 2 April included an agreed Statement of Principles setting out the basis for a new relationship between Railtrack and Government. The package did not include proposals for Government to acquire more shares in the company.

  Housing (Southwark)
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much money has been(a) bid for, (h) allocated, (c) handed over and (d) spent on (i) housing and (ii) regeneration schemes in the London borough of Southwark in each of the last five years. [157264]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The principal funding that this Department has provided to the London borough of Southwark for (i) housing and (ii) regeneration schemes are shown in the table. This includes grants and borrowing approvals for revenue and capital expenditure.

  These figures have been drawn together from a wide variety of sources and are the most accurate available at this time.
  383W

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–021

  New Deal for Communities Funding Phase Two10

  Bid for

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  Allocated

  2—

  250,313

  294,711

  2—

  2—

  Handed over

  2—

  13,050

  11531,974

  2—

  2—

  Spent

  2—

  13,050

  11—531,974

  2—

  New Deal For Communities Funding Phase Three12

  Bid for

  2—

  2—

  56,200,000

  2—

  Allocated

  2—

  2—

  56,200,000

  2—

  2—

  Handed over

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  370,768

  6—

  Spent

  2—

  2—

  2—

  6—

  6—

  Neighbourhood Renewal Funding

  Bid for

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  Allocated

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  3,956,000

  Handed over

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  6—

  Spent

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  6—

  Capital Challenge (Supplementary Credit at d Basic Credit Approvals)13

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  Bid for

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  Allocated

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  Handed over

  1,807,671

  4,182,000

  4,195,000

  2—

  2—

  Spent

  1,807,671

  4,182,000

  4,195,000

  2—

  2—

  Estate Action

  Bid for

  3—

  3—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  Allocated

  7,049,933

  2,873,089

  2—

  2—

  2—

  Handed over

  6,653,316

  3,200,627

  2—

  2—

  2—

  Spent

  6,653,316

  3,200,627

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1Where known

  2Not applicable

  3Not available

  4Spend figures are for the whole HRA account, including figures from rent rebates, and HRA revenue contributions to capital spending. Housing revenue account subsidy is just a contribution to the whole HRA account.

  5Provisional figures

  6Not known

  7Estimated

  8The figures are the most accurate currently available, but the LDA SRB database is currently in the process of verification.

  9Projected

  10Developmental phase for working up full bid for Phase Three.

  11Over two years

  12Actual bid made in 1999–2000 for £56.2 million over 10 years.

  13Actual bid made in 1996–97 for £9,945,000 million over three years. Allocation of £10,188,000 made in 1996–97 over three years, spend commencing from 1997–98.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the outstanding debt is on Southwark council housing; and what his estimate is of the cost of the outstanding necessary capital works to Southwark council housing. [157265]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) credit ceiling is an assessment of the amount of an authority's outstanding debt that is attributed to its own housing stock. The 2000–01 mid-year HRA credit ceiling for Southwark borough council as at 30 September was £732,105,357.

  The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) does not make estimates centrally of the outstanding necessary capital works to individual local authorities' housing stock. As part of the annual Housing Investment Programme local authorities are asked to provide estimates to the DETR of the amount they need to invest on capital works to their stock Southwark council estimated that at April 2000, they needed to spend £220 million to bring their own housing stock (of almost 48,000 units) into a satisfactory condition.

  London Underground
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many staff days have been lost(a) in the last 10 years and (b) in the past 12 months due to industrial action on London Underground. [157478]

  Mr. Hill
  Information on the number of staff days lost due to industrial action could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  However, information on the number of days when industrial action was taken which had at least a partial effect on service is available. In the last 12 months, industrial action took place on two days: 5 February 2001 and 29 March 2001.

  The following numbers of days of industrial action occurred in the last 10 years.
  385W

  Year

  Days of industrial action

  1991

  1

  1992

  0

  1993

  1

  1994

  1

  1995

  3

  1996

  7

  1997

  0

  1998

  5

  1999

  2

  2000

  0

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many cases of graffiti have been reported on London Underground property in each of(a) the last 10 years and (b) the past 12 months; and how much money has been spent by London Underground in each of (i) the last 10 years and (ii) the past 12 months on removing graffiti. [157476]

  Mr. Hill
  This is an operational matter for London Underground (LUL) who have provided the following information in the table as recorded by the British Transport Police.

  Year/month

  Number of graffiti cases reported

  1991

  642

  1992

  421

  1993

  402

  1994–95

  366

  1995–96

  257

  1996–97

  216

  1997–98

  304

  1998–99

  206

  1999–2000

  156

  2000–01

  1122

  Total

  3,092

  2000–01

  April

  7

  May

  37

  June

  7

  July

  10

  August

  6

  September

  5

  October

  5

  November

  3

  December

  9

  January

  16

  February

  17

  March

  tba

  1Excluding 1 March

  London Underground informs me that they estimate that the costs of preventive measures and removal of graffiti have been around £10 million per annum. However it adds that this figure has probably reduced over recent years as a number of security projects have been completed.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many signals were passed at danger by trains on the London Underground in(a) each of the last 10 years and (b) each of the last 12 months.[157692]
  386W
  Mr. Hill
  This is an operational matter for London Underground. However, since December 1999 a report on signals passed at danger (SPADs) prepared by London Underground has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses each month. This was flagged in a reply to the hon. Member on 11 November 1999,Official Report, columns 687–88W. The report includes a table of SPADs by month since March 1993, prior to which the data were recorded in a different way that does not allow for meaningful comparison. The most recent version of this report covers the period up to January 2001.

  The report also highlights that on the Underground, signals and the mechanical stops are (except in a few cases) set back to greater than braking distance from the danger that they protect. So very few SPADs result in actual danger of collision.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) station staff and (b) train drivers were employed by London Underground in each of (i) the last 10 years and (ii) the past 12 months. [157477]

  Mr. Hill
  The number of station staff and train drivers in each of the last 12 months is as follows:

  2000–01

  Station staff

  Train drivers

  April

  5,726

  2,896

  May

  5,721

  2,892

  June

  5,760

  2,886

  July

  5,773

  2,869

  August

  5,776

  2,887

  September

  5,786

  2,895

  October

  5,777

  2,902

  November

  5,781

  2,929

  December

  5,810

  2,925

  January

  5,771

  2,928

  February

  5,814

  2,942

  March

  5,850

  2,933

  The number of station staff and train drivers in each of the five years 1995–96 to 1999–2000 inclusive is as follows:

  Year

  Station staff

  Train drivers

  1995–96

  4,568

  2,216

  1996–97

  4,779

  2,474

  1997–98

  4,815

  2,621

  1998–99

  5,113

  2,787

  1999–2000

  5,708

  2,907

  2000–01

  5,850

  2,933

  Data prior to 1995–96 can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the price was of(a) a zone one single fare on the London Underground and (b) a monthly zones one to six travelcard on the London Underground in January of each of the last 10 years. [157466]

  Mr. Hill
  Prior to July 2000, London Transport fares were the statutory responsibility of London Transport. Responsibility for fares policy for the Underground transferred to the Mayor for London in July 2000.
  387W
  The fare prices for a zone one single fare on London Underground and for a monthly zones one to six travelcard (valid on buses, national rail and Docklands Light Railway as well as the Underground) for the last 10 years are:

  £

  Zone 1 single

  Monthly Zl–6 travelcard

  2001

  1.50

  139.80

  2000

  1.50

  136.00

  1999

  1.40

  134.10

  1998

  1.30

  130.60

  1997

  1.20

  126.80

  1996

  1.10

  124.50

  1995

  1.00

  119.90

  1994

  0.90

  113.30

  1993

  0.90

  104.50

  1992

  0.80

  91.40

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Legions how many arrests were made on the London Underground by British Transport Police in each of the last 10 years. [157475]

  Mr. Hill
  This is an operational matter for the British Transport Police who inform me that although it is not possible to provide arrest figures covering the last 10 years it is possible to supply crime analysis data as supplied to the Home Office. The table identifies the total number of offences reported over the last four financial years. It is not possible to provide information earlier than 1997, as the data are not kept in this format.

  Offences

  1997–98

  5,799

  1998–99

  12,949

  1999–2000

  18,220

  2000–01

  13,972

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many trains in use on the London Underground are(a) less than three years old, (b) between three and 10 years old, (c) between 10 and 15 years old and (d) more than 15 years old; and what the average age is of trains currently in use on the London Underground. [157474]

  Mr. Hill
  London Underground has provided the following information:

  Age of rolling stock

  Number of trains

  Less than 3 years

  165

  3–10 years

  90

  10–15 years

  0

  More than 15 years

  341.5

  It should be noted that over half of the stock older than 10 years has undergone refurbishment in the last 10 years.

  The average age of all trains is approximately 17.5 years.

  London Airport Rail Links
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will 388W
  take a decision on whether there should be a London airports rail franchise; when it is planned that London Heathrow airport will have direct rail connections to (a) Waterloo and (b) St. Pancras stations; and what the estimated cost is of the necessary work to complete these works. [157465]

  Mr. Hill
  The Strategic Rail Authority is currently investigating the possibility of a London airports franchise but an early decision as to whether or not to proceed is not expected. An airport service to St. Pancras will be dependent upon completion of CTRL Stage 2 and upon appropriate platform capacity being made available at the new St. Pancras station. A direct connection to Waterloo is a conceptual scheme currently being developed by BAA and Railtrack.

  Railways (Upgrading)
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will announce, with the Strategic Rail Authority, plans for improvements to the Great Western Main Line; when it is expected that upgraded signalling and junctions and new flyovers for the Great Western Main Line mentioned in the SRA' s Strategic Agenda will be delivered; and what the cost of these upgrades will be. [157464]

  Mr. Hill
  The SRA' s Strategic Agenda lists a range of schemes which it would be possible to pursue. No decisions have yet been taken as to the priorities attached to particular projects which are not yet in progress. The timscale for infrastructure upgrading on the Great Western main line is driven by principal resignalling works that must be completed by 2011. It is not yet possible to give specific costs.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the projected cost is of the Joint Venture for the East Coast Main Line upgrade; what the projected amount is of public and private investment needed for this project; what the estimated start and finish dates are for this project; and how soon after revised bids are received he intends to make an announcement, together with the Strategic Rail Authority, on the preferred bidder for the East Coast Main Line franchise. [157462]

  Mr. Hill
  The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) is currently establishing a project development group to take forward the upgrade of the East Coast Main Line and to develop the project to a sufficiently advanced stage for its construction to be competitively tendered. It is not expected that the joint venture approach will alter significantly the overall costs or timing of the upgrade.

  In view of the change to the structure of the upgrade, the SRA has asked shortlisted counterparties for a replacement Inter City East Coast franchise to review their original bids. The SRA currently expects to receive any changes to their proposals by 17 April. Once the SRA has received and considered these it will decide whether to proceed with a request to the Secretary of State for a direction to authorise early replacement of the franchise. Any such request will be given appropriate and timely consideration.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his letter of 26 February regarding a constituent, Ref. P/B H/005818/01. [157457]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Due to an administrative error in the ministerial correspondence unit, there was a delay in processing the original letter and enclosures.

  I understand that my hon. Friend has now received a response from the unit explaining that as the issues raised cover a pending planning application, the correspondence has been transferred to the Planning Inspectorate and a direct reply will be sent by the Chief Executive of the Planning Inspectorate shortly.

  Foot and Mouth
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons the borough of Macclesfield is not included in the list of rural local authorities to which the emergency business rate relief scheme will be applied as a result of foot and mouth disease. [157496]

  Mr. Meacher
  The borough of Macclesfield is not an authority which meets the criteria of rurality used for the targeting of this scheme.

  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to review the list of rural local authorities to which the emergency rate relief scheme is applicable due to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease; and if he will make a statement. [157498]

  Mr. Meacher
  I will keep the operation of the scheme under review in the light of the representations made to me.

  Witney-Oxford Railway
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the impact of the proposed reopening of the Witney to Oxford railway line. [157120]

  Mr. Hill
  Neither the Department nor the Strategic Rail Authority have made any such assessment.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Diego Garcia
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make an estimate of the number of British subjects born in Diego Garcia who are still alive. [157504]

  Mr. Battle
  It is not practicable for HMG to make a realistic estimate of the number of such British Dependent Territories citizens as we do not know where they are nor do we have any means of knowing how many may have died over the past 30 years or so.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will discuss with the United States Government the numbers of(a) Filipinos,
  390W
  (b) Mauritians and (c) Ilois being employed by contractors on the Diego Garcia, air-base; and what steps he is taking to rectify imbalances in the numbers of different nationalities employed. [157501]

  Mr. Battle
  Under our arrangements with the United States Government it is agreed that the United States authorities and their contractors will use workers recruited in Mauritius and Seychelles to the maximum extent practicable. In recruiting workers there should be no discrimination between qualified Ibis workers and equally qualified other Mauritian workers.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Governor of Mauritius about the placement of anti-personnel mines in(a) Diego Garcia and (b) on 65 islands in the Chagos Archipelago designed to keep out Ilois people wishing to return to see ancestral graves. [157502]

  Mr. Battle
  There are no anti-personnel landmines on Diego Garcia or any of the other islands in the Chagos Archipelago.

  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Europe on 6 March 2000, Official Report, column 504W.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to include Diego Garcia in the feasibility study in exercise of his Department's obligations to balance the needs of those who were born in Diego Garcia with the interests of the British-American defence forces. [157500]

  Mr. Battle
  Access to Diego Garcia is restricted in accordance with our treaty obligations with the United States and hence Die go Garcia is not included in the scope of the feasibility studies being conducted.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken to estimate the economic losses suffered by Diego Garcia as a result of the closure by the Government of the plantations in 1971; and what stops will be taken to restore economic activity, indicating(a) the estimated consumption of coconuts by the residents of Diego Garcia, (b) the appropriate price thereof and (c) what funds can be raised from this source to restore facilities on the islands for the benefit of residents. [157574]

  Mr. Battle
  The establishments of defence facilities necessarily entailed the closure of the commercial coconut plantations in Diego Garcia. There is no prospect of the resinstatement of these plantations in the forseeable future.

  National Missile Defence
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's discussions with the United States on the potential use. of the islands(a) in the Chagos Archipelago and (b) in Diego Garcia for facilities for the US National Missile Defence. [157503]

  Mr. Battle
  We have had no discussions with the United States regarding the potential use of the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, for facilities for National Missile Defence.

  Chagos Archipelago
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in the consideration of facilitating a temporary visit by the Ilois to the Chagos Archipelago, following the granting of permission to return there. [157517]

  Mr. Battle
  The question of a temporary visit to the territory for the Ilois has been discussed with their representatives who have undertaken to put forward proposals for consideration.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to encourage British subjects born in the Chagos Archipelago to co-operate with the Americans on Diego Garcia to establish areas of common interest. [157499]

  Mr. Battle
  I understand that representatives of a group of Ilois are in contact with the United states Government.

  Overseas Territories
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on proposals to grant British citizenship to citizens of overseas territories. [157637]

  Mr. Battle
  As announced to Parliament by the Secretary of State in March 1999, we are committed to introducing legislation to give British citizenship to all British Dependent Territories citizens in the Overseas Territories. We will make parliamentary time available to introduce this legislation as soon as is practicable. Preparatory work to agree the principles of such a Bill along with drafting Instructions for Parliamentary Counsel has been completed.

  Cayman Islands
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the UK has made in support of lifting OECD blacklisting from the Cayman Islands prior to the review of the blacklist in June. [157638]

  Mr. Battle
  The UK takes seriously its duty to represent the Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies internationally. We take equally seriously efforts by the Financial Action Task Force—of which we are a leading member—to combat money laundering. Over the last year, we have therefore sought at all times to ensure that the FATF's information about the Cayman Islands is accurate and complete and that the Cayman Islands are treated on exactly the same basis as all the other jurisdictions examined by the FATF. We have also helped and encouraged the Cayman Islands authorities to make the necessary changes to their system in order to meet international standards in this area. It would be inappropriate to seek special treatment for the Cayman Islands from the FATF, but we will continue to ensure that the Cayman Islands are treated fairly and objectively when decisions are made.

  Kyoto Treaty
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the Government plan to ratify the Kyoto treaty. [157140]
  392W
  Mr. Battle
  The UK aims to ratify the Kyoto Protocol in 2002, along with other EU member states.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Head of News Department saw a copy of the Foreign Affairs Committee's Second report of Session 1998–99 on Sierra Leone before its publication. [156824]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  [holding answer 3 April 2001]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) on 16 March 2001, Official Report, column 775W, and to the evidence my officials gave to the Standards and Privileges Committee, whose report was published on 30 March 1999.

  French Lamb Exports
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the French Government on the non-payment by French companies and individuals for lambs exported via Farmers Ferry to France in January and early February. [155942]

  Ms Quin
  I have been asked to reply.

  Under the French legislation, published on 9 March, compensation will be paid to the exporter where sheep slaughtered by French authorities were still their property. The British Embassy in Paris has been actively pursuing the question of compensation, on behalf of some British sheep exporters, for sheep slaughtered in France. This has included passing documentary evidence of ownership of sheep to the French authorities. The British Embassy would be happy similarly to help other exporters.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Departmental Policies (London)
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to London, the effects of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997; and if he will make a statement. [152274]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Since May 1997 my Department has introduced and developed a variety of initiatives which will impact on my hon. Friend's constituency which promote our objectives of access, excellence, education, and creativity and employment. We have published our strategies to take this forward in "Tomorrows Tourism" and "A Sporting Future for All", which was recently followed up by "The Government's Plan for Sport". We have tackled the issue of social inclusion taking forward the recommendations of Policy Action Team 10 on Arts and Sport and developing social inclusion policies across all our areas which is recognised within the most recent progress report "Building on PAT10".

  We have given more support to the cultural and sporting infrastructure. The Spending Review 2000 secured a doubling of the budget for sport and the largest ever increase for the arts: an increase of 80 per cent. from £186 million in 1997–98 to £336 million in 2003–04. In taking forward our aim to develop the educational

  393W
  potential of culture and sport, £40 million has been allocated to developing Creative Partnerships; we have established, through lottery funding, the £30 million National Foundation for Youth Music; and secured an additional £130 million for primary schools sports and arts facilities through the Space for Sport and the Arts programme. With £120 million of central Government and Lottery funding we will be providing a school sports co-ordinator in one in four secondary schools to work with local primary and special schools to improve sporting provision and physical education for children in the most deprived areas. We have delivered free access to national museums for children and the over 60's and additional money will be provided to allow this to be extended to everyone in December 2001. We have commissioned a Taskforce which is currently considering the issues facing non-national museums in the regions.

  We have made improvements in the way the Lottery is spent to ensure a fairer distribution. The introduction of the New Opportunities Fund for spending on health, education and the environment has made a real difference to communities everywhere. For instance it has invested £120 million to support the People's Network, which will enable all 4,300 public libraries to offer free public internet access through UK online learning centres; and a further £50 million to stimulate development of content to support the Network.

  We have established the Greater London Authority and an elected Mayor for London. The Mayor now has responsibility for most aspects of culture in London and has appointed a Cultural Strategy Group to advise him and to draw up a cultural strategy for London.

  We have published a Green Paper "Culture and Creativity: The Next Ten Years", setting out how individual creative talent can be given the support it needs from childhood to flourish; how artists and cultural institutions can be freed from bureaucratic controls; and how the freedom to explore and enjoy creativity and culture can be made available to all.

  Through their commitment to public service broadcasting, the Government have helped to foster an environment in which a creative, commercially successful broadcasting industry provides a wide range of UK-made, high quality, original programmes catering for all viewers and listeners. We have ensured a secure funding base for the BBC and S4C, while giving them the freedom to develop commercial operations which complement and support their public service remit. We have made it clear in the Communications White Paper that public service broadcasting will continue to have a key role to play in the digital future. The Government have introduced free television licences for people aged 75 or over from 1 November last year.

  My Department sponsors the British Tourist Authority (BTA) which continues to promote Britain effectively as an attractive tourist destination for overseas visitors. The BTA's successful marketing activities are aimed at bringing benefits to all parts of the UK, including London.

  In delivering these initiatives we aim to make cultural and sporting activities inclusive ones, boosting participation and improving the quality of life for all.
  394W
  London

  According to the information supplied to us by the distributing bodies for the national lottery awards database, there have been 7,381 national lottery awards to the London Region totalling £1,069,301,551. This includes £50 million for Tate Modern, 76 awards from the Millennium Festival totalling £11,456,514 and £550,000 from the National Foundation for Youth Music for a Youth Music Action Zone which will work with young people across the whole of London.

  1,935 Millennium Award Winners have been identified from London and between them have received grants totalling £5,845,057.

  Under the Space for Sport and the Arts scheme, Lambeth, Newham, Southwark, Hackney, Islington, Barking & Dagenham, Brent, Greenwich, Lewisham and Tower Hamlets to al education authorities have been allocated up to £16.75 million towards providing improved facilities for sport and arts in over 30 primary schools in London which can also be used by the wider community.

  Significant additional resources were made available to museums and galleries in this country as a result of the Government's 1999–2002 Comprehensive Spending review. This additional funding has also allowed free admission for all but one of the DCMS sponsored museums in London from 1 April 1999 and, from 1 April 2000, free entry for the over 60s at most of them.

  Additional funding will be offered to enable universal free access at nearly all of the DCMS sponsored museums and galleries from 1 December 2001.

  The following London boroughs have a DCMS sponsored museum or gallery within its boundaries:
  London borough of Camden
  The British Museum
  London borough of Greenwich
  The National Maritime Museum
  London borough of Hackney
  The Geffrye Museum
  London borough of Southwark
  The Homiman Museum
  London borough of Southwark

  The Design Museum

  HMS Belfast

  The Imperial War Museum

  Tate Modern

  London borough of Tower Hamlets
  The Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood
  City of London
  The Museum of London
  City of Westminster

  Apsley House

  The Cabinet War Rooms

  The National Gallery

  The National Portrait Gallery

  Tate Britain

  The Theatre Museum

  The Wallace Collection

  395W
  Royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea

  The Natural History Museum

  The Science Museum

  The Victoria and Albert Museum.

  The benefits of extended access and the services provided by DCMS sponsored museums are available to the residents of all London boroughs and beyond.

  An additional part of the package of museum measures arising from the 1999–2002 Review was the introduction of the Designated Museums Challenge Fund (DMCF) to support some of the country's leading non-national museums.

  DMCF allocations of £581,000 were announced by London museums July 1999; a further £1,511,000 in May 2000 and £1,470,000 in March 2001 supporting a variety of projects in the institutions concerned.

  Information from English Heritage (EH) is:
  53 grants to churches, totalling £1,775,000;
  152 grants to historic buildings and monuments, totalling £3,243,000;
  contributions to 42 Conservation Area Partnership/Heritage Economic Regeneration schemes, totalling £4,135,000;
  79 local authority conservation officer posts funded, at a total cost of £1,742,000.

  Information on the number of beneficiaries of free television licences by constituency is not available, but estimates based on the 1991 Census indicate that there are approximately 442,000 people aged 75 or over living in London.

  London Arts received £26,765,000 in 2000–01 from the Arts Council to support arts and cultural activity across its region. In 2001–02 this will increase to £29,886,048 or by 11.66 per cent.

  Departmental Policies (Houghton and Washington, East)
  Mr. Kemp
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the constituency, the effects on Houghton and Washington, East of his Department's actions since 2 May 1997. [152986]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Since May 1997 my Department has introduced and developed a variety of initiatives which will impact on my hon. Friend's constituency which promote our objectives of access, excellence, education, and creativity and employment. We have published our strategies to take this forward in "Tomorrows Tourism" and "A Sporting Future for All", which was recently followed up by "The Government's Plan for Sport". We have tackled the issue of social inclusion taking forward the recommendations of Policy Action Team 10 on Arts and Sport and developing social inclusion policies across all our areas which is recognised within the most recent progress report "Building on PAT10".

  We have given more support to the cultural and sporting infrastructure. The Spending Review 2000 secured a doubling of the budget for sport and the largest ever increase for the arts: an increase of 80 per cent. from £186 million in 1997–98 to £336 million in 2003–04. In taking forward our aim to develop the educational potential of culture and sport, £40 million has been
  396W
  allocated to developing Creative Partnerships; we have established through lottery funding, the £30 million National Foundation for Youth Music; and secured an additional £130 million for primary schools sports and arts facilities through the Space for Sport and the Arts programme. With £120 million of central Government and Lottery funding we will be providing a school sports co-ordinator in one in four secondary schools to work with local primary and special schools to improve sporting provision and physical education for children in the most deprived areas. We have delivered free access to national museums for children and the over 60's and additional money will be provided to allow this to be extended to everyone in December 2001. We have commissioned a taskforce which is currently considering the issues facing non-national museums in the regions.

  We have made improvements in the way the Lottery is spent to ensure a fairer distribution. The introduction of the New Opportunities Fund for spending on health, education and the environment has made a real difference to communities everywhere. For instance it has invested £120 million to support the People's Network, which will enable all 4,300 public libraries to offer free public Internet access through UK online learning centres; and a further £50 million to stimulate development of content to support the Network.

  We have set up a Regional Cultural Consortium in each of the English regions outside London to champion culture and creativity, including heritage, sport and tourism, and to draw up regional cultural strategies identifying regional objectives and priorities.

  We have published a Green Paper "Culture and Creativity: The Next Ten Years", setting out how individual creative talent can be given the support it needs from childhood to flourish; how artists and cultural institutions can be freed from bureaucratic controls; and how the freedom to explore and enjoy creativity and culture can be made available to all.

  Through their commitment to public service broadcasting, the Government have helped to foster an environment in which a creative, commercially successful broadcasting industry provides a wide range of UK-made, high-quality, original programmes catering for all viewers and listeners. We have ensured a secure funding base for the BBC and S4C, while giving them the freedom to develop commercial operations which complement and support their public service remit. We have made it clear in the Communications White Paper that public service broadcasting will continue to have a key role to play in the digital future. The Government have introduced free television licences for people aged 75 or over from 1 November last year.

  My Department sponsors the British Tourist Authority (BTA) which continues to promote Britain effectively as an attractive tourist destination for overseas visitors. The BTA's successful marketing activities are aimed at bringing benefits to all parts of the UK, including Houghton and Washington, East.

  In delivering these initiatives we aim to make cultural and sporting activities inclusive ones, boosting participation and improving the quality of life for all.

  397W
  Houghton and Washington, East

  According to the information supplied to us by the distributing bodies for the national lottery awards database, there have been 78 national lottery awards to Houghton and Washington, East, totalling £2,147,172. This includes an award from the Millennium Festival of £30,000.

  Forty Millennium Award Winners have been identified from Houghton and Washington, East and between them they have received grants totalling £79,993.

  Information on the number of beneficiaries of free television licences by constituency is not available, but estimates based on the 1991 Census indicate that there were approximately 4,000 people aged 75 or over living in the Houghton and Washington, East constituency.

  English Heritage have offered £48,874 for Freemason's Hall (Phoenix Lodge), Queen Street East, Sunderland; and £19,000 for St. Michael's & All Angels, Church Street, Houghton-Le-Spring.

  There are of course other initiatives in the wider context of the region which may have an effect on the Houghton and Washington, East constituency. These are:
  Northern Arts Board received £9,249,000 in 2000–01 from the Arts Council to support arts and cultural activity across its region. In 2001–02 this will increase to £10.170,654 or by 9.96 per cent.
  Sunderland Library authority is a partner in the Information North consortium which received £498,000 in 1998–99 for an ICT project.
  Under the Space for Sport and Arts scheme Sunderland local education authority has been allocated up to £2.2 million and Gateshead local education authority up to £1.75 million, towards providing improved facilities for sport and arts in primary schools which can also be used by the wider community.
  All Northern constituencies will be influenced by the Youth Music Action Zone in Gateshead, who have been offered £350,878 for work across the whole region.
  On 15 March Resource: The Council of Museums, Libraries and Archives announced a £470,000 Designated Museums Challenge Fund award for the joint Tyne & Wear Museums/Beamish. The North of England Open Air Museum project to create a new store to safely house large objects owned by the two partners. This follows previous allocations of £30,000 and £300,000 for this project in 1999 and 2000 respectively.
  DCMS became the direct sponsors of Tyne & Wear Museums, succeeding the Museums and Galleries Commission, from 1 April 2000.

  Departmental Policies (Jarrow)
  Mr. Hepburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will set out, with statistical information, relating as directly as possible to the constituency, the effects on Jarrow of his Department's actions since 2 May 1997. [153565]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Since May 1997 my Department has introduced and developed a variety of initiatives which will impact on my hon. Friend's constituency which promote our objectives of access, excellence, education, and creativity and employment. We have published our strategies to take this forward in "Tomorrows Tourism" and "A Sporting Future for All", which was recently followed up by "The Government's Plan for Sport". We have tackled the issue of social inclusion taking forward the recommendations of Policy Action Team 10 on Arts 398W
  and Sport and developing social inclusion policies across all our areas which is recognised within the most recent progress report "Building on PAT10".

  We have given more support to the cultural and sporting infrastructure. The Spending Review 2000 secured a doubling of the budget for sport and the largest ever increase for the arts: an increase of 80 per cent. from £186 million in 1997–98 to £336 million in 2003–04. In taking forward our aim to develop the educational potential of culture and sport, £40 million has been allocated to developing Creative Partnerships; we have established through lottery funding, the £30 million National Foundation for Youth Music; and secured an additional £130 million for primary schools sports and arts facilities through the Space for Sport and the Arts programme. With £120 million of central Government and lottery funding we will be providing a school sports co-ordinator in one in four secondary schools to work with local primary and special schools to improve sporting provision and physical education for children in the most deprived areas. We have delivered free access to national museums for children and the over 60's and additional money will be provided to allow this to be extended to everyone in December 2001. We have commissioned a taskforce which is currently considering the issues facing non-national museums in the regions.

  We have made improvements in the way the Lottery is spent to ensure a fairer distribution. The introduction of the New Opportunities Fund for spending on health, education and the environment has made a real difference to communities everywhere. For instance it has invested £120 million to support the People's Network, which will enable all 4,300 public libraries to offer free public internet access through UK online learning centres; and a further £50 million to stimulate development of content to support the Network.

  We have set up a Regional Cultural Consortium in each of the English regions outside London to champion culture and creativity, including heritage, sport and tourism, and to draw up regional cultural strategies identifying regional objectives and priorities.

  We have published a Green Paper "Culture and Creativity: The Next Ten Years", setting out how individual creative talent can be given the support it needs from childhood to flourish; how artists and cultural institutions can be freed from bureaucratic controls; and how the freedom to explore and enjoy creativity and culture can be made available to all.

  Through their commitment to public service broadcasting, the Government have helped to foster an environment in which a creative, commercially successful broadcasting industry provides a wide range of UK-made, high-quality, original programmes catering for all viewers and listeners. We have ensured a secure funding base for the BBC and S4C, while giving them the freedom to develop commercial operations which complement and support their public service remit. We have made it clear in the Communications White Paper that public service broadcasting will continue to have a key role to play in the digital future. The Government have introduced free television licences for people aged 75 or over from 1 November last year.
  399W
  My Department sponsors the British Tourist Authority (BTA) which continues to promote Britain effectively as an attractive tourist destination for overseas visitors. The BTA's successful marketing activities ones are aimed at bringing benefits to all parts of the UK, including Jarrow.

  In delivering these initiatives we trim to make cultural and sporting inclusive activities ones, boosting participation and improving the quality of life for all.

  Jarrow

  According to the information supplied to us by the distributing bodies for the national lottery awards database, there have been 103 national lottery awards to Jarrow totalling £4,228,149. This includes three awards from the Millennium Festival totalling £130,000.

  Twenty Millennium Award Winners have been identified from Jarrow and between them they have received grants totalling £43,060.

  Under the Space for Sport and Arts SSA scheme, South Tyneside local education authority has been allocated up to £2.2 million towards providing improved facilities for sport and arts in primary schools which can also be used by the wider community.

  The constituency of Jarrow is within the area served by Tyne and Wear Museums. On 15 March Resource: The Council of Museums, Libraries and Archives announced a £470,000 Designated Museums Challenge Fund award for the joint Tyne and Wear Museums/Beamish The North of England Open Air Museum project to create a new store to safely house large objects owned by the two partners. This follows previous allocations of £30,000 and £300,000 for this project in 1999 an(2000 respectively.

  DCMS became the direct sponsors of Tyne and Wear Museums, succeeding the Museums and Galleries Commission from 1 April 2000.

  South Tyneside Library authority was a partner in the Information North consortium which received £498,000 in 1998–99 for an ICT project.

  Information on the number of beneficiaries of free television licences by constituency is not available, but estimates based on the 1991 Census indicate that there were approximately 4,700 people aged 75 or over living in the Jarrow constituency.

  There are of course other initiatives in the wider context of the area which may have an elect on the Jarrow constituency. These are:
  Northern Arts Board received £9,249,000 in 2001–01 from the Arts Council to support arts and cultural activity across its region. In 2001–02 this will increase to 10.170,654 or by 9.96 per cent.
  The National Foundation for Youth Music has awarded £350,878 for a Youth Music Action Zone in Gateshead.

  Departmental Policies (Truro and St. Austell)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will set out, including statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Truro and St. Austell constituency, the effects on Truro and St. Austell of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [154533]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Since May 1997 my Department has introduced and developed a variety of initiatives which will impact on the hon. Member's constituency which 400W
  promote our objectives of access, excellence, education, and creativity and employment. We have published our strategies to take this forward in "Tomorrow's Tourism" and "A Sporting Future for All", which was recently followed up by "The Government's Plan for Sport". We have tackled the issue of social inclusion taking forward the recommendations of Policy Action Team 10 on Arts and Sport and developing social inclusion policies across all our areas which is recognised within the most recent progress report "Building on PAT10".

  We have given more support to the cultural and sporting infrastructure. The Spending Review 2000 secured a doubling of the budget for sport and the largest ever increase for the arts: an increase of 80 per cent. from £186 million in 1997–98 to £336 million in 2003–04. In taking forward our aim to develop the educational potential of culture and sport, £40 million has been allocated to developing Creative Partnerships; we have established through lottery funding the £30 million National Foundation for Youth Music; and secured an additional £130 million for primary schools sports and arts facilities through the Space for Sport and the Arts programme. With £120 million of central Government and lottery funding we will be providing a school sports co-ordinator in one in four secondary schools to work with local primary and special schools to improve sporting provision and physical education for children in the most deprived areas. We have delivered free access to national museums for children and the over 60's and additional money will be provided to allow this to be extended to everyone in December 2001. We have commissioned a taskforce which is currently considering the issues facing non-national museums in the regions.

  We have made improvements in the way the lottery is spent to ensure a fairer distribution. The introduction of the New Opportunities Fund for spending on health, education and the environment has made a real difference to communities everywhere. For instance it has invested £120 million to support the People's Network, which will enable all 4,300 public libraries to offer free public internet access through UK online learning centres; and a further £50 million to stimulate development of content to support the Network.

  We have set up a Regional Cultural Consortium in each of the English regions outside London to champion culture and creativity, including heritage, sport and tourism, and to draw up regional cultural strategies identifying regional objectives and priorities.

  We have published a Green Paper, "Culture and Creativity: The Next Ten Years", setting out how individual creative talent can be given the support it needs from childhood to flourish; how artists and cultural institutions can be freed from bureaucratic controls; and how the freedom to explore and enjoy creativity and culture can be made available to all.

  Through their commitment to public service broadcasting, the Government have helped to foster an environment in which a creative, commercially successful broadcasting industry provides a wide range of UK-made, high-quality, original programmes catering for all viewers and listeners. We have ensured a secure funding base for the BBC and S4C, while giving them the freedom to develop commercial operations which complement and support their public service remit. We have made it clear

  401W
  in the Communications White Paper that public service broadcasting will continue to have a key role to play in the digital future. The Government have introduced free television licences for people aged 75 or over from 1 November last year.

  My Department sponsors the British Tourist Authority (BTA) which continues to promote Britain effectively as an attractive tourist destination for overseas visitors. The BTA's successful marketing activities are aimed at bringing benefits to all parts of the UK, including Truro and St. Austell.

  In delivering these initiatives we aim to make cultural and sporting activities inclusive ones, boosting participation and improving the quality of life for all.

  Truro and St. Austell

  According to the information supplied to us by the distributing bodies for the national lottery awards database, there have been 205 national lottery awards to Truro and St. Austell totalling £8,690,170.

  Forty-six Millennium Award winners have been identified from Truro and St. Austell and between them have received grants totalling £157,092.

  On 21 February, I announced the 16 areas in which it is hoped Creative Partnership pilots will be developed. Cornwall is one of these areas. The Arts Council of England, which is delivering the initiative, will be consulting schools and creative organisations in each location over the next few months to establish which bodies will be involved. Details on how schools and cultural organisations can take part in Creative Partnerships will be available from the Arts Council from early May. Funding for the initiative will come on stream in April 2002.

  Under the Space for Sport and the Arts scheme, Cornwall local education authority has been allocated up to £3.1 million towards providing improved facilities for sport and arts in primary schools which can also be used by the wider community.

  School Sport Co-ordinators will be based in families of schools, in areas of greatest need, linked wherever possible through local education authorities to specialist sport colleges. They will provide opportunities for young people to compete regularly for their school and take part in a wide range of sports. By 2004, there will be about 250 families established, with 1,000 secondary schools and up to 6,000 primary schools benefiting directly from this programme. Truro and St. Austell was awarded £945,689 in the first round of awards. It has three Partnership Managers, 15 School Sports Co-ordinators and 68 Primary Link Teachers.

  English Heritage have offered the following grants:

  £

  Site

  Grant offer

  Payment made to date

  St. Mylors Church

  4,956

  0

  St Just's Church

  21,062

  20,194

  St. Sampson's Church

  17,608

  0

  Caerhays Castle (two offers)

  115,341

  114,911

  Cornwall Monument Management Scheme (three offers)

  29,830

  19,421

  402W
  Information on the number of beneficiaries of free television licences by constituency is not available, but estimates based on the 1991 Census indicate that there were approximately 8,900 people aged 75 or over living in the Truro and St. Austell constituency.

  There are of course other initiatives in the wider context of Cornwall and the south-west which may have an effect on the Truro and St. Austell constituency. These are:
  South West Arts received £6,694,000 in 2000–01 from the Arts Council to support arts and cultural activity across its region. In 2001–02 this will increase to £7,766,575 or by 16 per cent.
  National Foundation for Youth Music has awarded £476,770 for a Youth Music Action Zone in Cornwall.
  The Eden Project, a landmark Millennium project, which received £43,150,000 from the Millennium Commission.

  Departmental Policies (Newbury and West Berkshire)
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will set out, including statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Newbury constituency, the effects on Newbury and West Berkshire of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [154569]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 20 March 2001]: Since May 1997 ray Department has introduced and developed a variety of initiatives which will impact on the hon. Member's constituency which promote our objectives of access, excellence, education, and creativity and employment. We have published our strategies to take this forward in "Tomorrows Tourism" and "A Sporting Future for All", which was recently followed up by "The Government's Plan for Sport". We have tackled the issue of social inclusion taking forward the recommendations of Policy Action Team 10 on Arts and Sport and developing social inclusion policies across all our areas which is recognised within the most recent progress report "Building on PAT10".

  We have given more support to the cultural and sporting infrastructure. The Spending Review 2000 secured a doubling of the budget for sport and the largest ever increase for the arts: an increase of 80 per cent. from £186 million in 1997–98 to £336 million in 2003–04. In taking forward our aim to develop the educational potential of culture and sport £40 million has been allocated to developing Creative Partnerships; we have established through lottery funding, the £30 million National Foundation for Youth Music; and secured an additional £130 million for primary schools sports and arts facilities through the Space for Sport and the Arts programme. With £120 million of central Government and lottery funding we will be providing a school sports co-ordinator in one in four secondary schools to work with local primary and special schools to improve sporting provision and physical education for children in the most deprived areas. We have delivered free access to national museums for children and the over 60's and additional money will be provided to allow this to be extended to everyone in December 2001. We have commissioned a taskforce which is currently considering the issues facing non-national museums in the regions.
  403W
  We have made improvements in the way the lottery is spent to ensure a fairer distribution. The introduction of the New Opportunities Fund for spending on health, education and the environment has made a real difference to communities everywhere. For instance it has invested £120 million to support the People's Network, which will enable all 4,300 public libraries to offer free public internet access through UK online learning centres; and a further £50 million to stimulate development of content to support the Network.

  We have set up a Regional Cultural Consortium in each of the English regions outside London to champion culture and creativity, including heritage, sport and tourism, and to draw up regional cultural strategies identifying regional objectives and priorities.

  We have published a Green Paper "Culture and Creativity: The Next Ten Years", setting out how individual creative talent can be given the support it needs from childhood to flourish; how artists and cultural institutions can be freed from bureaucratic controls; and how the freedom to explore and enjoy creativity and culture can be made available to all.

  Through their commitment to public service broadcasting, the Government have helped to foster an environment in which a creative, commercially successful broadcasting industry provides a wide range of UK-made, high-quality, original programmes catering for all viewers and listeners. We have ensured a secure funding base for the BBC and S4C, while giving them the freedom to develop commercial operations which complement and support their public service remit. We have made it clear in the Communications White Paper that public service broadcasting will continue to have a key role to play in the digital future. The Government have introduced free television licences for people aged 75 or over from 1 November last year.

  My Department sponsors the British Tourist Authority (BTA) which continues to promote Britain effectively as an attractive tourist destination for overseas visitors. The BTA's successful marketing activities are aimed at bringing benefits to all parts of the UK, including Newbury.

  In delivering these initiatives we aim to make cultural and sporting activities inclusive ones, boosting participation and improving the quaky of life for all.
  Newbury

  According to the information supplied to us by the distributing bodies for the national lottery awards database, there have been 87 national lottery awards to Newbury, totalling £3,464,734.

  Six Millennium Award Winners have been identified from Newbury and between them they have received grants totalling £11,980.

  Information on the number of beneficiaries of free television licences by constituency is not available, but estimates based on the 1991 Census indicate that there were approximately 5,900 people aged 75 or over living in the Newbury constituency.
  404W
  There are of course other initiatives in the wider context of the region which may have an effect on the Newbury constituency. These are:
  Awards have been made to the Rural History Centre (Museum of English Rural Life), University of Reading.
  Southern Arts received £8,026,000 in 2000–01 from the Arts Council to support arts and cultural activity across its region. In 2001–02 this will increase to £9,182,875 or by 14.4 per cent.

  Departmental Policies (Lancaster and Wyre)
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Lancaster and Wyre constituency, the effect on Lancaster and Wyre of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [154687]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 21 March 2001]: Since May 1997 my Department has introduced and developed a variety of initiatives which will impact on my hon. Friend's constituency which promote our objectives of access, excellence, education, and creativity and employment. We have published our strategies to take this forward in "Tomorrows Tourism" and "A Sporting Future for All", which was recently followed up by "The Government's Plan for Sport". We have tackled the issue of social inclusion taking forward the recommendations of Policy Action Team 10 on Arts and Sport and developing social inclusion policies across all our areas which is recognised within the most recent progress report "Building on PAT10".

  We have given more support to the cultural and sporting infrastructure. The Spending Review 2000 secured a doubling of the budget for sport and the largest ever increase for the arts: an increase of 80 per cent. from £186 million in 1997–98 to £336 million in 2003–04. In taking forward our aim to develop the educational potential of culture and sport £40 million has been allocated to developing Creative Partnerships; we have established through lottery funding, the £30 million National Foundation for Youth Music; and secured an additional £130 million for primary schools sports and arts facilities through the Space for Sport and the Arts programme. With £120 million of central Government and Lottery funding we will be providing a school sports co-ordinator in one in four secondary schools to work with local primary and special schools to improve sporting provision and physical education for children in the most deprived areas. We have delivered free access to national museums for children and the over–60's and additional money will be provided to allow this to be extended to everyone in December 2001. We have commissioned a taskforce which is currently considering the issues facing no-national museums in the regions.

  We have made improvements in the way the Lottery is spent to ensure a fairer distribution. The introduction of the New Opportunities Fund for spending on health, education and the environment has made a real difference to communities everywhere. For instance it has invested £120 million to support the People's Network, which will enable all 4,300 public libraries to offer free public internet access through UK online learning centres; and a further £50 million to stimulate development of content to support the Network.
  405W
  We have set up a Regional Cultural Consortium in each of the English regions outside London to champion culture and creativity, including heritage, sport and tourism, and to draw up regional cultural strategies identifying regional objectives and priorities.

  We have published a Green Paper "Culture and Creativity: The Next Ten Years", setting out how individual creative talent can be given the support it needs from childhood to flourish; how artists and cultural institutions can be freed from bureaucratic controls; and how the freedom to explore and enjoy creativity and culture can be made available to all.

  Through their commitment to public service broadcasting, the Government have helped to foster an environment in which a creative, commercially successful broadcasting industry provides a wide range of UK-made, high-quality, original programmes catering for all viewers and listeners. We have ensured a secure funding base for the BBC and S4C, while giving them the freedom to develop commercial operations which complement and support their public service remit. We have made clear in the Communications White Paper that public service broadcasting will continue to have a key role to play in the digital future. The Government have introduced free television licences for people aged 75 or over from 1 November last year.

  My Department sponsors the British Tourist Authority (BTA) which continues to promote Britain effectively as an attractive tourist destination for overseas visitors. The BTA's successful marketing activities are aimed at bringing benefits to all parts of the UK, including Lancaster and Wyre.

  In delivering these initiatives we aim to make cultural and sporting activities inclusive ones, boosting participation and improving the quality of life for all.
  Lancaster and Wyre

  According to the information supplied to us by the distributing bodies for the national lottery awards database, there have been 99 national lottery awards to Lancaster and Wyre, totalling £8,858,790.

  Nineteen Millennium Award Winners have been identified from Lancaster and Wyre and between them they have received grants totalling £55,572.

  Information on the number of beneficiaries of free television licences by constituency is not available, but estimates based on the 1991 Census indicate that there were approximately 8,000 people aged 75 or over living in the Lancaster and Wyre constituency.

  English Heritage input

  Offered £

  Comment

  Victoria Pavilion, Lancaster

  5,000

  None paid as yet

  Leighton Hall, Lancaster

  1,145

  All paid

  Leighton Hall, Lancaster

  14,957

  Paid £10,826

  St. Wilfred's Melling, Lancaster

  34,700

  All paid

  Cockersand Abbey, Lancaster

  420

  All paid

  Twetfield

  323

  All paid

  Lancaster City Conservation Area Partnership Scheme

  144,000

  406W
  There are of course other initiatives in the wider context of the region which may have an effect on the Lancaster and Wyre constituency. These are:
  Under the Space for Sport and Arts scheme
  Lancashire local education authority has been allocated up to £1.75 million towards providing improved facilities for sport and arts in primary schools which can also be used by the wider community.
  North West Arts Board received £14,061,000 in 2000–01 from the Arts Council to support arts and cultural activity across its region. In 2001–2002 this will increase to £15,491,266 or by 10.17 per cent.
  More Music in Morecambe has worked with many school choirs. For Singing Challenge 1 there will be four open sessions as part of the local West End Festival to encourage new singers to participate. For Singing Challenge 2 there will be a set of linked local projects comprising workshops in the summer and autumn months.
  North Lancashire Youth Music Action Zone: £145,000. More Music in Morecambe is running the Action Zone working across the north-west. The Zone will provide a range of music opportunities to young people throughout the north-west these include a range of music activities exclusively for under-18s, a singing project for under-5s and an expansion of More Music in Morecambe's national training programme for musicians.

  Departmental Policies (North Devon)
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will set out, including statistical information relating as directly as possible to the North Devon constituency, the effects on North Devon of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [155901]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Since May 1997 my Department has introduced and developed a variety of initiatives which will impact on the hon. Member's constituency which promote our objectives of access, excellence, education, and creativity and employment. We have published our strategies to take this forward in "Tomorrows Tourism" and "A Sporting Future for All", which was recently followed up by "The Government's Plan for Sport". We have tackled the issue of social inclusion taking forward the recommendations of Policy Action Team 10 on Arts and Sport and developing social inclusion policies across all our areas which is recognised within the most recent progress report "Building on PAT10".

  We have given more support to the cultural and sporting infrastructure. The Spending Review 2000 secured a doubling of the budget for sport and the largest ever increase for the arts: an increase of 80 per cent. from £186 million in 1997–98 to £336 million in 2003–04. In taking forward out aim to develop the educational potential of culture and sport £40 million has been allocated to developing Creative Partnerships; we have established through lottery funding, the £30 million National Foundation for Youth Music; and secured an additional £130 million for primary schools sports and arts facilities through the Space for Sport and the Arts programme. With £ 120 million of central Government and Lottery funding we will be providing a school sports co-ordinator in one in four secondary schools to work with local primary and special schools to improve sporting provision and physical education for children in the most deprived areas. We have delivered free access to national museums for children and the over 60's and additional money will be provided to allow this to be

  407W
  extended to everyone in December 2001. We have commissioned a Taskforce which is currently considering the issues facing non-national museums in the regions.

  We have made improvements in the way the Lottery is spent to ensure a fairer distribution. The introduction of the New Opportunities Fund for spending on health, education and the environment has made a real difference to communities everywhere. For instance it has invested £120 million to support the People's Network, which will enable all 4,300 public libraries to offer free public Internet access through UK online learning centres; and a further £50 million to stimulate development of content to support the Network.

  We have set up a Regional Cultural Consortium in each of the English regions outside London to champion culture and creativity, including heritage, sport and tourism, and to draw up regional cultural strategies identifying regional objectives and priorities.

  We have published a Green Paper "Culture and Creativity: The Next Ten Years" setting out how individual creative talent can be given the support it needs from childhood to flourish; how artists and cultural institutions can be freed from bureaucratic controls; and how the freedom to explore and enjoy creativity and culture can be made available to all.

  Through their commitment to public service broadcasting, the Government have helped to foster an environment in which a creative, commercially successful broadcasting industry provides a wide range of UK-made, high-quality, original programmes catering for all viewers and listeners. We have ensured a secure funding base for the BBC and S4C, while giving them the freedom to develop commercial operations which complement and support their public service remit. We have made it clear in the Communications White Paper that public service broadcasting will continue to have a key role to play in the digital future. The Government have introduced free television licences for people aged 75 or over from 1 November last year.

  My Department sponsors the British Tourist Authority (BTA) which continues to promote Britain effectively as an attractive tourist destination for overseas visitors. The BTA's successful marketing activities are aimed at bringing benefits to all parts of the UK, including North Devon.

  In delivering these initiatives we aim to make cultural and sporting activities inclusive ones, boosting participation and improving the quality of life for all.
  North Devon

  According to the information supplied to us by the distributing bodies for the national lottery awards database, there have been 206 national lottery awards to North Devon totalling £4,867,877. This includes £20,000 from the Millennium Festival for a Millennium Celebrations Schools Pageant.

  Twenty seven Millennium Award Winners have been identified from North Devon and between them they have received grants totalling £94,839.
  408W
  Information on the number of beneficiaries of free television licences by constituency is not available, but estimates based on the 1991 Census indicate that there were approximately 8,300 people aged 75 or over living in the North Devon constituency.
  Information from English Heritage (EH):
  Nine grants have been offered totalling £221,079
  Conservation Area Partnership Scheme
  Ilfracombe 1997–98 offered £50,000.

  There are of course other initiatives in the wider context of the area which may have an effect on the North Devon constituency. These are:
  Devon Library authority, which includes the North Devon constituency, received an award of £113,647 from the DCMS/Wolfson Fund in 1997–98
  South West Arts received £6,694,000 in 2000–01 from the Arts Council to support arts and cultural activity across its region. In 2001–02 this will increase to £7.766,575 or by 16 per cent.

  Departmental Policies (Hazel Grove)
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will set out, including statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Hazel Grove constituency, the effects on Hazel Grove of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [156175]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Since May 1997 my Department has introduced and developed a variety of initiatives which will impact on the hon. Member's constituency which promote our objectives of access, excellence, education, and creativity and employment. We have published our strategies to take this forward in "Tomorrows Tourism" and "A Sporting Future for All", which was recently followed up by "The Government's Plan for Sport". We have tackled the issue of social inclusion taking forward the recommendations of Policy Action Team 10 on Arts and Sport and developing social inclusion policies across all our areas which is recognised within the most recent progress report "Building on PAT10".

  We have given more support to the cultural and sporting infrastructure. The Spending Review 2000 secured a doubling of the budget for sport and the largest ever increase for the arts: an increase of 80 per cent. from £186 million in 1997–98 to £336 million in 2003–04. In taking forward our aim to develop the educational potential of culture and sport £40 million has been allocated to developing Creative Partnerships; we have established through lottery funding, the £30 million National Foundation for Youth Music; and secured an additional £130 million for primary schools sports and arts facilities through the Space for Sport and the Arts programme. With £120 million of central Government and Lottery funding we will be providing a school sports co-ordinator in one in four secondary schools to work with local primary and special schools to improve sporting provision and physical education for children in the most deprived areas. We have delivered free access to national museums for children and the over 60's and additional money will be provided to allow this to be extended to everyone in December 2001. We have commissioned a taskforce which is currently considering the issues facing non-national museums in the regions.
  409W
  We have made improvements in the way the Lottery is spent to ensure a fairer distribution. The introduction of the New Opportunities Fund for spending on health, education and the environment has made a real difference to communities everywhere. For instance it has invested £120 million to support the People's Network, which will enable all 4,300 public libraries to offer free public internet access through UK online learning centres; and a further £50 million to stimulate development of content to support the Network.

  We have set up a Regional Cultural Consortium in each of the English regions outside London to champion culture and creativity, including heritage, sport and tourism, and to draw up regional cultural strategies identifying regional objectives and priorities.

  We have published a Green Paper "Culture and Creativity: The Next Ten Years", setting out how individual creative talent can be given the support it needs from childhood to flourish; how artists and cultural institutions can be freed from bureaucratic controls; and how the freedom to explore and enjoy creativity and culture can be made available to all.

  Through their commitment to public service broadcasting, the Government have helped to foster an environment in which a creative, commercially successful broadcasting industry provides a wide range of UK-made, high-quality, original programmes catering for all viewers and listeners. We have ensured a secure funding base for the BBC and S4C, while giving them the freedom to develop commercial operations which complement and support their public service remit. We have made it clear in the Communications White Paper that public service broadcasting will continue to have a key role to play in the digital future. The Government have introduced free television licences for people aged 75 or over from 1 November last year.

  My Department sponsors the British Tourist Authority (BTA) which continues to promote Britain effectively as an attractive tourist destination for overseas visitors. The BTA's successful marketing activities are aimed at bringing benefits to all parts of the UK, including Hazel Grove.

  In delivering these initiatives we aim to make cultural and sporting activities inclusive ones, boosting participation and improving the quality of life for all.
  Hazel Grove

  According to the information supplied to us by the distributing bodies for the national lottery awards database, there have been 39 national lottery awards to Hazel Grove totalling £2,440,915.

  Seven Millennium Award Winners have been identified from Hazel Grove and between them they have received grants totalling £46,104.

  Information on the number of beneficiaries of free television licences by constituency is not available, but estimates based on the 1991 Census indicate that there were approximately 6,100 people aged 75 or over living in the Hazel Grove constituency.
  410W
  There are of course other initiatives in the wider area which may have an effect on the Hazel Grove constituency. These are:
  £20,090,000 for the Manchester Millennium Quarter Project nearby.
  North West Arts Board received £14,061,000 in 2000–01 from the Arts Council to support arts and cultural activity across its region. In 2001–02 this will increase to £15,491,266 or by 10.17 per cent.

  Departmental Policies (Luton, South)
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the constituency, the effects on the Luton, South constituency of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [156164]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Since May 1997 my Department has introduced and developed a variety of initiatives which will impact on my hon. Friend's constituency which promote our objectives of access, excellence, education, and creativity and employment. We have published our strategies to take this forward in "Tomorrows Tourism" and "A Sporting Future for All", which was recently followed up by "The Government's Plan for Sport". We have tackled the issue of social inclusion taking forward the recommendations of Policy Action Team 10 on Arts and Sport and developing social inclusion policies across all our areas which is recognised within the most recent progress report "Building on PAT10".

  We have given more support to the cultural and sporting infrastructure. The Spending Review 2000 secured a doubling of the budget for sport and the largest ever increase for the arts: an increase of 80 per cent. from £186 million in 1997–98 to £336 million in 2003–04. In taking forward our aim to develop the educational potential of culture and sport £40 million has been allocated to developing Creative Partnerships; we have established through lottery funding, the £30 million National Foundation for Youth Music; and secured an additional £130 million for primary schools sports and arts facilities through the Space for Sport and the Arts programme. With £120 million of central Government and Lottery funding, we will be providing a school sports co-ordinator in one in four secondary schools to work with local primary and special schools to improve sporting provision and physical education for children in the most deprived treas. We have delivered free access to national museums for children and the over-60's and additional money will be provided to allow this to be extended to every one in December 2001. We have commissioned a taskforce which is currently considering the issues facing nun-national museums in the regions.

  We have made improvements in the way the Lottery is spent to ensure a fairer distribution. The introduction of the New Opportunities Fund for spending on health, education and the environment has made a real difference to communities everywhere. For instance it has invested £120 million to support the People's Network, which will enable all 4,300 public libraries to offer free public Internet access through UK online learning centres; and a further £50 million to stimulate development of content to support the Network.
  411W
  We have set up a Regional Cultural Consortium in each of the English regions outside London to champion culture and creativity, including heritage, sport and tourism, and to draw up regional cultural strategies identifying regional objectives and priorities.

  We have published a Green Paper "Culture and Creativity: The Next Ten Years" setting out how individual creative talent can be given the support it needs from childhood to flourish; how artists and cultural institutions can be freed from bureaucratic controls; and how the freedom to explore and enjoy creativity and culture can be made available to all.

  Through their commitment to public service broadcasting, the Government have helped to foster an environment in which a creative, commercially successful broadcasting industry provides a wide range of UK-made, high-quality, original programmes catering for all viewers and listeners. We have ensured a secure funding base for the BBC and S4C, while giving them the freedom to develop commercial operations which complement and support their public service remit. We have made it clear in the Communications White Paper that public service broadcasting will continue to have a key role to play in the digital future. The Government have introduced free television licences for people aged 75 or over from 1 November last year.

  My Department sponsors the British Tourist Authority (BTA) which continues to promote Britain effectively as an attractive tourist destination for overseas visitors. The BTA's successful marketing activities are aimed at bringing benefits to all parts of the UK, including Luton, South.

  In delivering these initiatives we aim to make cultural and sporting activities inclusive ones, boosting participation and improving the quality of life for all.
  Luton, South

  According to the information supplied by the distributing bodies for the national lottery awards database, there have been 56 national lottery awards to Luton, South totalling £4,896,824.

  Twenty Eight Millennium Award Winners have been identified from Luton, South and between them they have received grants totalling £39,779.

  Under the Space for Sport and Arts scheme, Luton local education authority has been allocated up to £1.75 million towards providing improved facilities for sport and arts in primary schools which can also be used by the wider community. Farley, Foxdell and St Matthew's junior schools in the hon. Member's constituency have been chosen to develop schemes under the SSA.

  English Heritage (EH) have awarded the following grants since 2 May 1997:
  Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme
  Luton (Plaiter's Lea and High Town): 1999–2000–£100,000 offered. 2000–01–£100,000 offered.

  Information on the number of beneficiaries of free television licences by constituency is not available, but estimates based on the 1991 Census indicate that there were approximately 5,000 people aged 75 or over living in the Luton, South constituency.
  412W
  East England Arts received £6,202,000 in 2000–01 from the Arts Council to support arts and cultural activity across its region. In 2001–02 this will increase to £7,116,585 or by 14.74 per cent.

  Departmental Policies (Great Grimsby)
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the constituency, the effect on the Great Grimsby constituency of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [156244]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Since May 1997 my Department has introduced and developed a variety of initiatives which will impact on my hon. Friend's constituency which promote our objectives of access, excellence, education, and creativity and employment. We have published our strategies to take this forward in "Tomorrows Tourism" and "A Sporting Future for All", which was recently followed up by "The Government's Plan for Sport". We have tackled the issue of social inclusion taking forward the recommendations of Policy Action Team 10 on Arts and Sport and developing social inclusion policies across all our areas which is recognised within the most recent progress report "Building on PAT10".

  We have given more support to the cultural and sporting infrastructure. The Spending Review 2000 secured a doubling of the budget for sport and the largest ever increase for the arts: an increase of 80 per cent. from £186 million in 1997–98 to £336 million in 2003–04. In taking forward our aim to develop the educational potential of culture and sport £40 million has been allocated to developing Creative Partnerships; we have established through lottery funding, the £30 million National Foundation for Youth Music; and secured an additional £130 million for primary schools sports and arts facilities through the Space for Sport and the Arts programme. With £120 million of central Government and lottery funding we will be providing a school sports co-ordinator in one in four secondary schools to work with local primary and special schools to improve sporting provision and physical education for children in the most deprived areas. We have delivered free access to national museums for children and the over 60's and additional money will be provided to allow this to be extended to everyone in December 2001. We have commissioned a Task Force which is currently considering the issues facing non-national museums in the regions.

  We have made improvements in the way the lottery is spent to ensure a fairer distribution. The introduction of the New Opportunities Fund for spending on health, education and the environment has made a real difference to communities everywhere. For instance it has invested £120 million to support the People's Network, which will enable all 4,300 public libraries to offer free public internet access through UK online learning centres; and a further £50 million to stimulate development of content to support the Network.

  We have set up a Regional Cultural Consortium in each of the English regions outside London to champion culture and creativity, including heritage, sport and tourism, and to draw up regional cultural strategies identifying regional objectives and priorities.
  413W
  We have published a Green Paper "Culture and Creativity: The Next Ten Years", setting out how individual creative talent can be given the support it needs from childhood to flourish; how artists and cultural institutions can be freed from bureaucratic controls; and how the freedom to explore and enjoy creativity and culture can be made available to all.

  Through their commitment to public service broadcasting, the Government have helped to foster an environment in which a creative, commercially successful broadcasting industry provides a wide range of UK-made, high-quality, original programmes catering for all viewers and listeners. We have ensured a secure funding base for the BBC and S4C, while giving them the freedom to develop commercial operations which complement and support their public service remit. We have made it clear in the Communications White Paper that public service broadcasting will continue to have a key role to play in the digital future. The Government have introduced free television licences for people aged 75 or over from 1 November last year.

  My Department sponsors the British Tourist Authority (BTA) which continues to promote Britain effectively as an attractive tourist destination for overseas visitors. The BTA's successful marketing activities are aimed at bringing benefits to all parts of the UK, including Great Grimsby.

  In delivering these initiatives we aim to make cultural and sporting activities inclusive ones, boosting participation and improving the quality of life for all.
  Great Grimsby

  According to the information supplied to us by the distributing bodies for the national lottery awards database, there have been 76 national lottery awards to Great Grimsby, totalling £2,640,333. This includes one grant from the Millennium Festival totalling £50,000.

  Five Millennium Award Winners have been identified from Great Grimsby and between them they have received grants totalling £36,114.

  Information on the number of beneficiaries of free television licences by constituency is not available, but estimates based on the 1991 Census indicate that there were approximately 6,100 people aged 75 or over living in the Great Grimsby constituency.

  There are of course other initiatives in the wider context of the area which may have an effect on the Great Grimsby constituency. These are:
  £18,746,000 for the Deep Millennium Project nearby.
  Yorkshire Arts received £9,288,000 in 2000–01 from the Arts Council to support arts and cultural activity across its region. In 2001–02 this will increase to £10,315,832 or by 11 per cent.

  Foot and Mouth (Tourism)
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with(a) the British Tourist Authority and (b) other tourist bodies regarding the impact of foot and mouth disease on the tourist trade. [157027]

  Janet Anderson
  Close contact is being maintained with the British Tourist Authority on the impact of foot and mouth disease on the tourism trade. In addition, we have been in frequent contact with tourism industry 414W
  representatives both at formal meetings and through visits around the country; for example, on 5 April 2001 my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State hosted a summit meeting of industry representatives to discuss foot and mouth.

  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the impact of foot and mouth disease on non-rural tourism in Britain. [157030]

  Janet Anderson
  We are making inquiries of a range of tourism-related bodies to determine the impact of foot and mouth disease on both rural and non-rural tourism businesses. This research is at an early stage but it would seem that while the responses are very variable, it is clear that many businesses have been affected.

  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions his Department has had with official veterinary agencies of foreign Governments on the giving of advice on travel to the United Kingdom. [157029]

  Janet Anderson
  My Department has not had discussions with any official veterinary agencies of foreign Governments.

  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, through its posts overseas, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food have been in close contact with veterinary authorities, agriculture ministries and other parts of government worldwide to reassure them that, provided individuals observe the standard guidance on travel to the countryside, there is no reason why visitors should not travel to the UK.

  Lindisfarne Gospels
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport m hat discussions he has had with the British Museum about exhibiting the Lindisfarne Gospels in the north of England: and if he will seek the inclusion of Holy Island in any future programme to exhibit the Gospels outside London. [156969]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The Lindisfarne Gospels are a national treasure. They are the property of the British Library under the British Library Act 1972. We appreciate the particular importance of the Gospels to the people of the North-East where they have been exhibited recently. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State recently met a delegation, led by the Bishop of Durham. Following that meeting, my right hon. Friend has written to the Chairman of the British. Library inviting them to discuss with the delegation the feasibility of exhibiting the Gospels in the North-East on a mare regular basis. No doubt the question of an exhibition of the Gospels on Holy Island could form part of such a discussion.

  Music Librarians
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media And Sport what measures he is taking to encourage the recruitment and retention of music librarians by public libraries; and if he will make a statement. [157562]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  My responsibility under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 is to ensure that library authorities in England meet their statutory duty to provide
  415W
  a "comprehensive and efficient" public library service. The day-to-day management of library services, however, is for library authorities, who must make their own decisions about the detailed nature of the library service they provide, based on local resources and priorities. This includes such matters as the numbers, grading and qualifications of staff, and where they are employed within the library service.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many local authorities employ full-time music librarians; and how many did so in 1996–97. [157563]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  This information is not collected centrally. The CIPFA Public Library Statistics, which are available in the Library of the House, provide information on the numbers of professional, other non-manual and manual posts in public libraries but do not identify the numbers of posts in the various libraries and departments of any library authority.

  Concessionary Television Licences
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to amend the regulations governing the Accommodation for Residential Care concessionary television licence scheme to prevent residents losing their entitlement to the concession following changes introduced by then housing managers. [157854]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  A number of hon. Members have expressed concern about residents in sheltered accommodation losing their entitlement to the £5 Accommodation for Residential Care television licence fee concession, as the result of changes to the way their accommodation is provided or managed. The Government share these concerns. We propose to introduce measures to preserve the rights of beneficiaries a the concessionary scheme who remain in a sheltered housing complex or residential home provided or managed by a local authority, a housing association or a development corporation, when the social mix or the level of warden cover change. We are consulting with the BBC on the formulation of the necessary amendments to the regulations governing the concessionary scheme.

  UK Standards Authority for Sport
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress has been made on the establishment of the UK Standards Authority for Sport; and what the membership is of the authority. [156487]

  Kate Hoey
  Over recent months I have been in discussion with sporting and medical experts over whether there is a need for a UK Standards Authority for Sport and Exercise Medicine which could ensure that adequate standards are in place to minimise the risk of injury or illness through sport.

  In order to consider current provision, and whether such an authority should be established, I have convened a working group who will meet over the next few months to explore the key issues involved. The working group will then make recommendations to me on whether there is a need for a UK Standards Authority for Sport and Exercise Medicine, and if so what its role and remit might be, and how it might be established.
  416W
  Under the chairmanship of Sir Oliver Popplewell, the group met for the first time on 27 March and have now begun a process of consultation with experts from a range of medical and sporting backgrounds.

  The other members of the working group are David Oxley, OBE, Chairman of the Central Council for Physical Recreation; Peter Hamlyn, consultant neurosurgeon; Professor Donald Macleod. Vice President of the Royal College of Surgeons; Dr. Stephanie Cook, MBE, modern pentathlon gold medal winner at Sydney 2000; Dr. Nick Webborn, Medical Adviser for the National Sport Medicine Institute; and Karen Hambly, Sports Medicine Co-ordinator for the UK Sports Institute.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  India
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement about the(a) medical supplies and (b) other help the UK sent to India following the recent earthquake there. [157411]

  Clare Short
  During my statement in the House on Monday 29 January I announced an overall allocation of up to £10 million to support the emergency relief effort in Gujarat without reducing spending in other parts of India. To date nearly £9 million of the total allocation has been spent.

  We provided immediate support to the Search and Rescue effort with a UK team of 69 personnel as well as supporting the Russian Ministry of Emergencies to deploy a team of 75 with an airmobile hospital. In addition we transported numerous relief items to the region (on behalf of agencies such as the Red Cross and Save the Children Fund) including medical supplies, tents and plastic sheeting. We have also channelled funds through a number of agencies for the provision of essential relief items such as tents, blankets, medical supplies, food, water and sanitation. We also established an Emergency Field Office in Gujarat to monitor DFID funded projects and ensure effective targeting of relief assistance.

TREASURY

  Homosexual Couples
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to treat inheritance tax for homosexual couples in the same way as for heterosexuals. [157486]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The inheritance tax rules make no special provision for couples, whatever their sexual orientation. Spouse relief is available for transfers between partners in a marriage; we have no plans to alter the scope of this relief.

  Office of Government Commerce
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what targets have been set for the OGCbuying.solutions trading fund for 2001–02.[158058]
  417W
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I am pleased to announce that the new Office of Government Commerce trading fund, OGCbuying.solutions, came into being on 3 April 2001. The new trading fund is based on The Buying Agency, but includes certain managed services provided in the past by the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency. I announced the creation of OGCbuying.solutions in a written answer on 19 December 2000,Official Report, column 162W.

  have set the following challenging targets for the trading fund for 2001–02.
  OGCbuying.solutions: Targets for 2001–02

  1. By comparison over a representative basket of goods and services bought regularly by central Government, the Agency will demonstrate that it offers on average a 5 per cent. price advantage, on a like for like basis, to users of its contracts.

  2. The Agency will put in place tools to measure and an action plan to improve the match between its range of contracts and the needs of central civil Government.

  3. The Agency will increase the proportion of its business done with central civil Government by 10 per cent. by 31 March.

  4. The Agency will ensure 90 per cent. of the goods and services offered through its catalogues are available for electronic ordering by customers. Furthermore the Agency will put in place an incentivisation scheme aimed at increasing dramatically the take-up of e-commerce by its customers.

  5. The Agency will achieve levels of customer satisfaction above 90 per cent. as measured by regular customer feedback.

  6. The Agency will generate 8 per cent. Return On Capital Employed (ROCE).

  7. To explore options for collaborative PPP arrangements to implement an e-commerce system to enhance the service to customers.

  A copy of the new framework document for GCbuying.solutions has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. A copy of their business plan for 2001 can be found on their website: http://ogcbuyingsolutions.gov.uk.

  Valuation Office Agency
  Barbara Follett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what targets for the Valuation Office Agency will be set for the year 2001–02. [158060]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I have set the following key targets for the Valuation Office Agency.Operational
  To clear by 31 March 2002 90 per cent. of 1995 list rating appeals and 45 per cent. of the 2000 rating appeals outstanding on 30 September 2000.
  To clear by 31 March 2002 council tax appeals equal to the number received in the 12 months to 31 December 2001 up to a maximum of 42,000 in England and 3,700 in Wales.
  To generate income of at least £13.5 million from "land services".
  To clear by 31 March 2002 no fewer than the number of cases received from Inland Revenue in the 12 months to 31 December 2001 up to a maximum of 49,000 within the agreed performance timetable set out in the Agency's Forward Plan.
  Customer service and quality
  To achieve specified standards for valuation accuracy and timeliness in 90 per cent. of cases.
  To secure Charter Mark awards for 50 per cent. of our Groups by 31 March 2002.
  418W
  Finance and efficiency
  To recover full resource costs, including a return on capital of 6 per cent., from fees and charges.
  To achieve an increase in the VOA's efficiency index to 1.175 (1998–99 = 1.00).

  Further details are contained in the Valuation Office's Forward Plan, copies of which will be placed in the Library of the House on publication.

  UK Debt Management Office
  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the UK Debt Management Office's targets and business plan for 2001–02. [158059]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The DMO's targets for 2001–02 are as set out. The range of targets has been extended somewhat since 2000–01 to reflect the development of the DMO's responsibilities. The DMO is today also publishing its Business Plan for 2001–02. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.Targets for the Debt Management Office 2001–02
  To ensure full compliance with the Government's remit for the DMO as set out in he Debt and Reserves Management Report 2001–02, within the tolerances and subject to the review triggers notified separately to the Office and consistent with the objectives of monetary policy.
  To ensure that the maximum time taken to issue the results of gilt auctions does not exceed 40 minutes, that for structured Treasury Bill tenders does not exceed 30 minutes, and that for ad hoc Treasury Bill or other tenders does not exceed 15 minutes, while achieving complete accuracy.
  To achieve complete accuracy, within agreed accounting tolerances, in the recording and reporting or transactions through the Department Management Account (DMA). and in delivering money (and reconciling payments) to the National Loans Fund (NLF).
  To acknowledge all letters and e-mail inquiries from the public within five working days and for at least 95 per cent. to be sent a substantive reply within two weeks.
  To achieve less than eight breaches of the operational market notices (excluding any breaches that the Treasury accept were beyond control of the Office).
  To ensure that the qualifications that the National Audit Office (NAO) have made in respect of the accounts of the Gilt-edged Official Operations Account are satisfactorily addressed in the running and presentation of the DMA; and that the 1999–2001 DMA accounts are presented to the NAO by the statutory deadline.
  To ensure that the statutory constraint on DMO market borrowing (not to exceed its deposits with the NLF and Bank of England) is always met.
  To ensure that, where there is a late change in the forecast, any necessary use of end-of-day borrowing or lending facilities is notified by the due time.
  To ensure that instructions to counterparties, agents and external systems are complete, accurate and timely, and that monitoring of the progress of transactions through to settlement is effective, so that DMO achieves at least 99 per cent. (by value) successful settlement of agreed trades on the due date.
  To achieve 100 per cent. accuracy in material published on the DMO website (in so far as the material is under the control of the DMO and not third parties).

  Tax Credits (Fraud)
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people have been(a) subjected to a financial penalty and (b) prosecuted because of a fraudulent claim for the Working Families Tax Credit. [157081]
  419W
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many prosecutions for fraud it claiming Working Families Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit have taken place; and how many are pending. [157137]

  Dawn Primarolo
  To date, there have been 16 prosecutions in respect of Working Families Tax Credit, two of which have been concluded through the courts. Approximately 300 financial penalties have been levied.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Johnny Adair
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the result war of his inquiry into an attempt to poison Mr. Johnny Adair in Maghaberry Prison; and what actions have been taken as a result. [156154]

  Mr. Ingram
  Following receipt of information from the Forensic Science Agency on 6 March 2001 that the sample of Mr. Adair's protein supplement powder, sent away for analysis, was contaminated. Mr. Adair and the RUC were notified immediately. Due to the potentially serious nature of the incident the RUC was then requested to carry out an investigation, which is still on-going.

  It would be inappropriate to comment on the circumstances surrounding the incident at this stage.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  General Mediterranean Holdings Ltd.
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will provide details of the(a) grants and (b) export credits awarded to.(i)General Mediterranean Holdings Ltd. and (ii) its associate companies. [156884]

  Mr. Caborn
  [holding answer 4 April 2001]: ECGD has no record of any dealings with this company or any other of its listed subsidiaries.

  Selective Assistance (Blyth Valley)
  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what selective assistance grants he has provided to Blyth Valley since May 1997. [157294]

  Mr. Caborn
  The two main forms of selective assistance available to business in Blyth Valley are Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) and the new Enterprise Grant (EG) launched in January 2000. Details of take up in Blyth Valley are given in the tables.

  Applications

  Grant (£)

  Capital expenditure (£)

  Jobs

  1997–98

  RSA

  6

  2,220,000

  12,012,300

  678

  1998–99

  RSA

  14

  2,739,000

  16,042,700

  387

  1999–2000

  RSA

  11

  1,960,000

  16,452,000

  374

  2000–01

  RSA

  0

  0

  0

  0

  EG

  3

  41,150

  275,400

  19

  Supermarkets
  Mr. Donaldson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress he has made towards publishing a code of practice for supermarket chains to regulate their dealings with suppliers in the farming sector. [157578]

  Dr. Howells
  The Office of Fair Trading is currently consulting with supermarkets and the representatives of suppliers and farmers on a draft Code of Practice. The Director General will advise my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on the terms of the Code of Practice on the completion of this consultation.

  Departmental Policies (Manchester, Gorton)
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the constituency, the effects on the Manchester, Gorton constituency of his Department's policies and actions since 20 November 2000. [154495]

  Mr. Caborn
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, answered my right hon. Friend's similar question on 20 November 2000,Official Report, column 70W, explaining that the DTI does not maintain such statistical information.

  My right hon. Friend may wish to be aware that in the north-west region the DTI's policies have contributed to growth in employment by 107,000 and a fall in unemployment by 63,000; reductions in youth unemployment by 75 per cent. and long-term unemployment by 54 per cent. since 2 May 1997.

  Miners' Compensation
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations(a) he has made to Healthcall Ltd. and (b) he has received from other organisations, concerning the fee paid to consultants by Healthcall Ltd. for the medical assessment of ex-miners. [157581]

  Mr. Hain
  Following discussions with the solicitors representing the miners, and in light of the need to attract more Respiratory Specialists to undertake medical assessments, the Department asked the Medical Reference Panel (MRP), the panel of respiratory specialists that advises the Department and claimants' solicitors on the Coal Health Compensation Scheme, to advise on appropriate rates for the work done. They proposed a rate based on the British Medical Association (BMA) scales. Healthcall has revised its rates accordingly. The rate for centre—based assessments has been increased significantly.

  Rates for domiciliary visits and deceased assessments were already in line with the proposed new rates and have not changed. The revised rate, which has been agreed by the MRP, will be effective from 1 April, and will be reviewed in three months' time. Healthcall is also investigating how doctors can be used more flexibly to get greater volumes of MAPs completed.
  421W
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the waiting list is for ex-miners awaiting first appointments for their assessment for compensation in each assessment centre in Wales; and what was the corresponding figure on 30 October 2000. [155641]

  Test centre

  28 February 2001

  Newport

  Cardiff

  Swansea

  Mountain Ash

  Wrexham

  Ammanford1

  Claimants mailed

  5,425

  316

  4,698

  5,127

  570

  —

  Claimants to be mailed

  35

  33

  223

  633

  11

  121

  Total appointments made

  4,776

  221

  4,138

  4,645

  463

  —

  No reply to Healthcall appointment letter

  273

  22

  251

  280

  9

  —

  Claimants awaiting appointment/to be tested2

  684

  128

  783

  1,115

  118

  121

  1Ammanford did not open until 1 March 2001.

  2Claimants awaiting appointments = (claimants mailed - total appointments made) + claimants to be mailed.

  Note:

  New claims are currently still being received at over 1,000 per week. For week commencing 5 March 2001, 1,600 new claims were received.

  Figures on the numbers of claimants waiting to be mailed are calculated only at the end of each month in a continuously updated format and not stored. Therefore the number of claimants waiting to be mailed on 30 October

  Test centre

  30 October 2000

  Newport

  Cardiff

  Swansea

  Mountain Ash

  Wrexham

  Claimants mailed

  5,399

  305

  4,508

  4,806

  479

  Claimants to be mailed

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total appointments made

  4,724

  214

  3,872

  4,083

  348

  No reply to Healthcall appointment letter

  255

  28

  370

  521

  121

  Claimants awaiting appointment/to be tested1

  675

  91

  636

  723

  131

  1Claimants awaiting appointments = claimants mailed - total appointments made.

  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the performance of the contractor managing British Coal's employment records in relation to mineworkers' compensation claims. [156224]

  Mr. Hain
  The Department continually monitors the performance of Hays Information Management, the company contracted to provide copies of miners' employment records.

  Getting copies of employment records has proved difficult because British Coal records are stored on very antiquated microfiche and in paper systems. The volumes of records returned have been less than planned and the Department therefore embarked on two major projects to scan the earnings records from microfiche into a database and to scan the whole of the employment records pack.

  Unfortunately, there have been problems with scanning but these have now been addressed and the volume of records scanned is rising. Hays will provide an increased level of photocopied records until scanned records hit their required targets.

  Post Office Counters (Tribunals)
  Mr. Page
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many employment tribunals involving Post Office Counters are awaiting hearing; how many employment tribunal cases are unresolved in the Manchester area; and what steps he is taking to resolve these cases. [157004]
  422W
  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 27 March 2001]: The number of claimants awaiting their first assessment appointment to be made on 28 February 2001 was as follows:

  2000 is not available. Of those claimants that had been mailed by 30 October 2000, the following numbers were awaiting their first assessment appointment to be made:

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  [holding answer 5 April 2001]: I understand that there are currently 18 employment tribunal cases involving Post Office Counters Ltd. that are awaiting hearing. These concern either Post Office Counters Ltd.'s directly employed staff or subpostmasters and other agents. Post Office Counters Ltd.'s legal agents in Manchester are currently dealing with six cases in the North West. A further employment tribunal case in the Manchester area has gone to appeal. Legal decisions on how the law applies in particular circumstances are for the tribunals and courts.

  Mr. Page
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the legal costs were for 2000 to Post Office Counters in representation at employment tribunals. [157005]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  [holding answer 5 April 2001]: Details of the legal costs of Post Office Counters Ltd. are commercially confidential, under Exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Public Information.

  Fish Genetics
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the research programmes into fish genetics that his Department has been involved with in the last 10 years. [157274]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The Department is supporting the FISHSENSE project in the LINK Cell Engineering programme. The aim of this project is to develop a bioassay for environmental toxicity testing using cell lines from the bluegill sunfish which have been successfully
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  transfected with the luciferase gene from the firefly. These transfected cells are used to assay for the presence of various toxicants by measuring the light produced by the luminescent luciferase protein.

  In addition, I understand that the Research Councils, supported by this Department, have been and are funding a number of relevant projects.

  Britain-Israel Trade Missions
  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many Britain/Israel trade missions have taken place in each of the last six years. [R][156893]

  Mr. Caborn
  The table summarises the supported trade missions from the UK to Israel that have taken place in each of the last six years.

  Year

  Number of missions

  1995

  6

  1996

  8

  1997

  8

  1998

  8

  1999

  11

  2000

  7

  Note:

  There have also been other trade missions that were not supported by my Department.

  Advantage West Midlands
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what funding for April 2001 to March 2002 is unallocated by Advantage West Midlands; and if he will make a statement on the single regeneration budget. [157115]

  Mr. Caborn
  The information requested is as follows:Funding during the 2001–02 financial year

  Advantage West Midlands' total programme budget for the 2001–02 financial year is £148,135,000 gross. In addition, in its Corporate Plan it has identified £10,823,000 committed expenditure from the last financial year which will be transferred into the 2001–02 financial year. The Corporate Plan identifies £143,665,000 expenditure already committed and sets out the Agency's plans for using the uncommitted funding in support of the Regional Strategy.
  Single Regeneration Budget

  In the Spending Review 2000, RDAs were given considerable additional funding and flexibilities to deliver their regional strategies, whose primary purpose is to enhance the region's competitiveness through sustainable economic development, regeneration and business growth. A key flexibility is the introduction of a single budget from April 2002, which will subsume all current RDA funding streams. There will not, therefore, be a national SRB bidding round for new schemes in 2001–02.

  Those RDAs with sufficient resources, after commitments from earlier SRB rounds are taken into account, have been invited to put forward proposals for using funds from their SRB expenditure line in their Corporate Plans for 2001–02. Each RDA will be able to decide on its own approach, which will contribute to the development of the RDAs' regional Strategies.
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  RDAs will be expected to meet their commitments to schemes from SRB Rounds 1–6 from their single budget.

  Motor Vehicle Repairs
  Mr. Stevenson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what regulations govern the use of non-original equipment parts in motor vehicle body repairs. [157124]

  Mr. Hill
  I have been asked to reply.

  None. However some other vehicle parts, such as tyres, brake linings and lamps have to meet minimum European safety standards. These standards are applied equally to both original equipment parts and non-original equipment parts.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  Foot and Mouth
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, if the Commissioners will suspend rent payments on those farms which they own on which cases of foot and mouth disease have been confirmed. [157147]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  The Commissioners fully recognise the seriousness of the foot and mouth crisis, not least in Cumbria where they have a number of confirmed cases and much of their land is subject to exclusion orders.

  Any request to help in case of hardship will be considered on its merits. Tenants who have had cases of foot and mouth confirmed among their livestock, as well as those who are subject to consequential losses, will be given sympathetic consideration in accordance with the Church Commissioners' long standing policy.

SCOTLAND

  Single European Currency
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations she has made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding the impact of a single European currency on the Scottish economy. [145642]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I have regular discussions with my right hon. Friend on a wide range of issues. The determining factor underpinning any Government decision to join the single currency is whether the economic case is clear and unambiguous. The Government have said that they will make another assessment of the five economic tests early in the next Parliament.

  Drug Deaths
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action her Department is taking in relation to the increase in the number of drug deaths in Scotland. [145643]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Government work in partnership with the Scottish Executive to combat the menace of drugs in Scotland.
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  Reduction of drug-related deaths is a key objective of the Scottish Executive's drug strategy "Tackling Drugs in Scotland: Action in Partnership" which was published in March 1999.

  Winter Deaths
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will make a statement on the(a) number of and (b) trends in excess winter deaths in Scotland since May 1997. [145663]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The collection of statistics on excess winter deaths in Scotland is a devolved matter.

  Fuel poverty contributes to the number of excess winter deaths among pensioners. The UK Government and the Scottish Executive have been working together to tackle fuel poverty and the Government and the devolved Administrations recently published a UK Fuel Poverty Strategy. The Government have taken direct action to help older households with their fuel bills by increasing the Winter Fuel Allowance to £200. The Allowance is paid to over 700,000 eligible households in Scotland. We have also taken other action, such as reducing the level of VAT on domestic fuel to 5 per cent.

  Govan Shipyard
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will make a statement on the employment impact of recent orders won by Govan shipyard. [145941]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Subject to agreement on satisfactory terms and conditions, the Ministry of Defence intends to place orders for two Alternative Landing Ships Logistics with BAE Systems at Govan. I understand that the yard has also secured other commercial and defence contracts. These orders further help the position of the yard until potential work on the First of Class for the Type 45 Destroyers materialises. Management and unions at the yard recognise the need to secure further short-term work.

  Special Advisers
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many special advisers have been employed by the Scotland Office in(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99, (c) 1999–2000, and (d) 2000–01; and what the total costs were. [150060]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 12 February 2001]: In the Scottish Office in 1997–98 there were two special advisers and during 1998–99 there were three special advisers in post at any given time. The costs for each year were: 1997–98 £166,933; 1998–99 £295,676.

  The Scotland Office was established in its present form on 1 July 1999. In 1999–2000 and 2000–01, there were three special advisers in post at any one time, one of whom was unpaid. The costs for 1999–2000 were £76,367 and the costs in 2000–01 (to end of March) are £92,379.

  GM Trials
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what safety tests genetically modified 426W
  crops being grown on UK farm scale trials have been subjected to in order to establish their safety for (a) human consumption and (b) use as animal fodder; if he will provide details of these tests, including studies of toxicity; and if she will make a statement; [156770]

  (2) what monitoring of herbicide use is included in the on-going genetically modified farm scale trials; if such monitoring includes studies of (a) run off, (b) leaching, (c) groundwater, (d) the effect on the marine environment and (e) the impact on weeds and wild plants adjacent to the trial crop; and if she will make a statement. [156767]

  Mrs. Liddell
  In Scotland, these matters are devolved.

CABlNET OFFICE

  Anti-drugs Strategy
  Mr. Hendrick
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement on funding being made available to support young people as part of the anti-drugs strategy. [157947]

  Marjorie Mowhum
  In addition to the £220 million announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Budget, new funding of £5 million will also be made available to expand and develop the "Positive Futures" initiative. "Positive Futures" is a partnership between the UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordination Unit, the Youth Justice Board and Sport England designed to divert youngsters away from drug misuse and crime through the provision of sporting and educational programmes.

  Duchy of Lancaster
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list the assets of the Duchy of Lancaster in the county of Yorkshire and the income they generated in each of the last three years. [157703]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The Duchy of Lancaster's Yorkshire Survey consists of 7,012 hectares including 4,221 hectares of Goathland Moor. The Duchy owns Tickhill, Pontefract and Pickering Castles, the last two of which are under the guardianship of Wakefield district council, and English Heritage respectively. Under its Urban Survey the Duchy owns property in Harrogate, Knaresborough, York and Doncaster. These include shop and business properties and 103 hectares of open space known as Harrogate Stray. Knaresborough Castle is leased to Harrogate borough council.

  Gross income generated in the last three years was:

  £

  Year to March 1998

  1,057,000

  Year to March 1999

  1,192,000

  Year to March 2000

  1.318,000

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Nursery Places (Wansbeck)
  Mr. Denis Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many free nursery places have been created for three and four-year-olds in Wansbeck since 1997. [153144]

  Ms Hodge
  As figures are not held for each individual constituency, the information provided relates to Northumberland local education authority area.

  Since September 1998, all four-year-olds in Northumberland have been able to access a free, part-time, early education place. By March 2004, we expect all three-year-olds in Northumberland will have this entitlement.

  The following table shows how many free early education places have been made available for three and four-year-olds since 1997 in Northumberland.

  Year

  Number of places available

  Percentage of children

  1997–98

  5,,902

  83

  1998–99

  5,833

  83

  1999–2000

  5,000

  81

  2000–01

  5,713

  83

  In 2001–02 Northumberland will receive additional funding of £702,108 to provide place: for 591 three-year-olds. This is in addition to the places that the authority will make available through their own resources (including Standard Spending Assessment).

  The figures include those funded through the nursery education grant and the LEAs own resources (including
  Standard Spending Assessment).The drop in the number
  of places since 1997–98 is due to demographic changes in the number of three and four-year-olds.

  In addition to early education places, since April 1999, 1,072 new child care places have been created in the Northumberland area.

  Child Care Places (Shrewsbury and Atcham)
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many child care places there were in Shrewsbury and Atcham on(a) 1 May 1997 and (b) the latest available dates for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [154647]

  Ms Hodge
  Details of the number of child care places are not available by constituency. Between May 1997 and March 1999, the National Childcare Strategy created 7,855 child care places in the West Midlands. Since April 1999 local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships have provided details of the new child care places that have opened by constituency. Between April 1999 and December 2000 Shropshire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership have reported the creation of 142 new child care places in the Shrewsbury and Atcham area.
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  Since 1997, 1,639 new early education places have been created for three and four-year-olds in the Shropshire area1.
  1Shropshire split into two authorities from April 1998. The figure for early education places for three and four-year-olds relates to the combined Shropshire authority area that existed in April 1997.

  Child Care Places (Leeds, Central)
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what has been the total number of(a) new early education places for three year olds and (b) new child care places created in the Leeds, Central parliamentary constituency since May 1997. [156747]

  Ms Hodge
  [holding answer 3 April 2001]: As figures for early years education places are not held by individual constituencies, the information provided relates to Leeds local education authority.

  The overall proportion of three-year olds in the Leeds area able to access a free, part time, early education place was 66 per cent. in May 1997. All three-year olds in Leeds will be able to access a free early education place from this month. 1,621 additional early education places were created for three-year olds in Leeds local education authority between May 1997 and March 2001.

  Child care figures by constituency are only available from April 1999. 208 new child care places have been created in Leeds, Central since April 1999. Between May 1997 and March 1999 the National Childcare Strategy created 7,759 child care places in Yorkshire and Humberside.

  LEA Funding
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on local education authority funding for 2001–02. [156859]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The overall increase in Education Standard Spending (ESS) in 2001–02 is over billion. In addition to the increase in ESS, the Government are also increasing Standards Fund grant by over £400 million; and following the recent budget announcement schools will also benefit from an increase of £350 million in direct grants. Taken together all these increases represent an 8 per cent. cash increase in revenue support for authorities and their schools next year, a real terms increase of £200 per pupil.

  The schools' capital allocation for 2001–02 is £2.2 billion: this is part of an allocation of £8.5 billion over the three years covered by the Year 2000 Spending Review.

  Since 1997, funding has increased by £540 per pupil in real terms. Under the last Government, funding per pupil fell by £80 in real terms between 1994–95 and 1997–98. The total increase following the Year 2000 Spending Review will be around £750 between 1997–98 and 2003–04.

  While we have been increasing resources to education authorities, we have been reviewing the formula for allocating funds to local authorities. We are currently working on a reformed system, with the aim of moving towards it in 2002–03.

  Early Years Education (Amber Valley)
  Judy Mallaber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what has been the total number of(a) new early years education places for three year olds and (b) new child care places created in Amber Valley since May 1997. [157119]

  Ms Hodge
  Between spring 1998 and spring 2001 3,435 additional, free, early years places have been created for three-year-olds in the Derbyshire local education authority area1. These places were funded either through Nursery Education Grant funding or from the Authority's own resources.

  Between May 1997 and March 1999, the National Childcare Strategy created 5,901 child care places in the East Midlands. Since April 1999 local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships have provided information by constituency of all new child care places except for child minder places. Between April 1999 and December 2000 Derbyshire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership have reported the creation of 548 new child care places in Amber Valley. During that same period 261 new child minder places were created across the Derbyshire local education authority area.
  1As a result of boundary changes and the creation of a new unitary authority in Derby City, meaningful figures are only available from January 1998 onwards.

  Classroom of the Future Roadshows
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment on what dates, and at what locations, his Department has held Classroom of the Future roadshows in the last year; what criteria are used for determining locations; and what roadshows are planned for the next two months. [157378]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 6 April] 14 Classroom of the Future roadshows were held in total in the last year, eight for teachers and head teachers and six for school governors. The roadshows for teachers and heads were held on the following dates and locations:

  Date (2000)

  Location

  7 March

  Heathrow, London

  9 March

  Leeds

  13 March

  Newcastle

  15 March

  Axbridge

  6 March

  Manchester

  22 March

  Dudley, Birmingham

  23 March

  Leicester

  3 April

  Central London

  For school governors they were held on the following dates and locations:

  Date

  Location

  30 October 2000

  Chelmsford

  8 November 2000

  Chiswick, London

  29 January 2001

  Manchester

  1 February 2001

  Bristol

  12 February 2001

  Solihull, Birmingham

  14 February 2001

  Darlington

  The locations for the roadshows were chosen to allow a good spread across the country to enable as many schools,
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  teachers and governors to participate as possible.No further roadshows are planned for the next two months. We will continue to seek opportunities to raise the profile of ICT in education and to share good practice, and may decide to run a further series of similar events in the coming year.

  General Teaching Council
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of his nominees to the General Teaching Council have declared political activity for(a) the Labour party, (b) the Conservative party,
  (c) the Liberal Democrats and (d) other parties. [157509]

  Jacqui Smith
  Of the Secretary of State's 13 appointees to the General Teaching Council only one declared political activity and in this instance it was for the Labour party.

  Teaching Awards Ceremony
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what preparation has been made for the 2001 teaching awards ceremony; and what venue has been chosen. [157510]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The Teaching Awards 2001 are run by an independent charity, The Teaching Awards Trust, in partnership with BT and other private sponsors. I understand that me national ceremony is due to take place on 28 October after a series of good practice workshops on 27 October. The Teaching Awards Trust has not yet secured a venue for this event, although it is likely to be in central London.

  Nurseries (Funding)
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the eligibility for additional funding of nurseries and playgroups designed to enable them to extend their hours and service: 4, announced by the Prime Minister on 26 March. [157712]

  Ms Hodge
  My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister specifically announced that an extra £15 million over three years is being made available for maintained nursery schools to extend the services they offer to include out of hours child care facilities, services for a wider age range of children, and family services. This will help around 45,000 children and their families.

  My right hon. Friend also announced that £4 million over 12 months will be made available to provide support for playgroups and other early years or child care providers in England intending to expand their services from the traditional two and a half hours early education and/or care session to provide a longer day care facility. This will help around 15,000 children and their families by creating more child care places and providing greater choice, flexibility and quality child care facilities.

  Through the Neighbourhood Nursery initiative, Early Excellence Centre, Sure Start and other programmes we will create, and encourage others to create, by 2004, up to 100,000 new full-time integrated nursery education and child care places. These initiatives are available to a range of providers, including nurseries and playgroups.
  431W
  By March 2004 we plan to have spent over £1 billion on child care initiatives, as well as helping lower income working parents to pay for child care through the Working Families Tax Credit, and these resources will contribute to the extension of services for children, including nurseries and playgroups extending their hours.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  JPs (Chorley)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many justices of the peace there are in Chorley, broken down by party political affiliation. [157715]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  I have been asked to reply.

  There are currently 71 magistrates assigned to the Chorley Bench. Of these, 25 give their political views as being Conservative; 18 Labour, and five Liberal Democrat. A further 22 magistrates indicate that they are uncommitted.

HEALTH

  Gelatine
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what sorts of gelatine are used in the manufacture of hard and soft capsules for drugs used in Britain. [143100]

  Yvette Cooper
  The measures are laid down in the Note for Guidance on minimising the risk of transmitting animal spongiform encephalopathy a gents via medicinal products. This guideline has been a force of law by virtue of a Commission Directive 1999/82 and has been incorporated into the United Kingdom domestic law. This guidance note focuses on the cumulative contribution of three factors to the safety of gelatine: the origin of the animals, type of tissue and manufacturing process. It is also recommended that appropriate quality system, such as ISO 9000 certification and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point, should be put in place for monitoring of the production process and batch delineation. Procedures should also be in place to ensure tractability and to audit suppliers of starting materials.

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps he has taken to ensure that gelatine used in soft and hard drug capsules is not contaminated with BSE prions; [143098]

  (2) what recent tests his Department has (a) carried out and (b) commissioned to ensure that gelatine used in drug capsules does not contain the prion for BSE. [143099]

  Yvette Cooper
  Gelatine used for formulating medicines can be sourced from porcine and bovine hides (skin) and bovine bones. Acid process is applied to bovine bones, hides and porcine skins. An alkaline process is used to produce soft gelatine.

  There are no tests designed specifically to detect BSE agent in gelatine.

  Departmental Policies (Slough)
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Slough constituency, the effects on Slough of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [146928]

  Ms Stuart
  Detailed information on the impact of Department of Health policies nationally is set out in the Department of Health Annual reports. A copy of the most recent report "Department of Health—Government Expenditure Plans 2000–01" is available in the House of Commons Library and on the Department of Health website at www.doh.gov.uk/dhreport

  The impact of policies is not examined by constituency and statistics collected centrally by the Department are not collected on a constituency basis.

  My hon. Friend's constituency falls within the geographical area covered by Berkshire health authority and Slough social services.

  The increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02 for Berkshire health authority are set out in the table:

  Increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02

  Increase

  £ million (cash)

  144.9

  million (real terms)

  95.6

  Percentage (cash)

  41.65

  Percentage (real terms)

  25.51

  Note:

  Increases for 1999–2000 onwards are for unified allocations which cover hospital and community health services, prescribing and discretionary family health services. Those for previous years cover hospital and community health services only.

  Berkshire health authority has also received additional funding for certain policies. This includes: £1.2 million for accident and emergency modernisation in 2000–01; £144,000, £279,000, £418,000 and £283,000 for improving cancer services (breast, colorectal, lung and cancer outpatients) in 1997–98, 1999–2000 and 2000–01 respectively.

  Berkshire health authority has also received £1.4 million for investment in cancer equipment that has already been delivered and is now in use; £5.3 million, £0.4 million and £0.3 million to reduce waiting lists and times in 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01 respectively; £1.6 million to expand critical care services in 2000–01; £2.5 million and £1.6 million to deal with winter pressures in 1998–99 and 2000–01 respectively; £254,000 for heart disease services in 2000–01; £340,000 invested in dentistry in 2000–01

  In addition, my hon. Friend's constituents will benefit from the new £74.0 million major hospital development that is being developed at Royal Berkshire and Battle Hospitals National Health Service Trust.

  Slough local authority came into existence on 1 April 1998. Its personal social services standard spending assessment for 2001–02 is £22.383 million.

  In addition to its SSA, Slough has received additional funding in the form of a number of special and specific grants as set out in the table.
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  £000

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Special Transitional Grant1

  758

  —

  —

  —

  Partnership grant2

  —

  577

  493

  654

  Prevention grant2

  —

  46

  70

  654

  Carers grant3

  —

  45

  123

  173

  Children's grant3

  —

  250

  389

  946

  MH Core grant

  116

  199

  230

  4261

  Training Support Grant

  60

  137

  147

  4173

  1The special transitional grant ended in 1998–99

  2The partnership and prevention grants have been combined in 2001–02 and called the promoting independence grant

  3The carers' and children's grants were introduced in 1999–2000

  4Indicative allocation

  Departmental Policies (Morecambe and Lunesdale)
  Miss Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out, including statistical information, the effect on the Morecambe and Lunesdale constituency of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [149120]

  Mr. Denham
  Detailed information on the impact of Department of Health policies nationally is set out in the Department of Health Annual Reports. A copy of the most recent report, "Department of Health—Government Expenditure Plans 2000–01", is available in the Library and on the Department of Health website at www.doh.gov.uk/dhreport.

  The impact of policies is not examined by constituency and statistics collected centrally by the Department are not collected on a constituency basis.

  My hon. Friend's constituency falls within the geographical area covered by Morecambe Bay health authority and Lancashire social services authority.

  Increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02 for Morecambe Bay health authority are shown in the table.

  Increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02

  Increase

  £ million (Cash)

  58.5

  £ million (Real terms)

  35.2

  Percentage (Cash)

  34.0

  Percentage (Real terms)

  18.7

  Note:

  Increases for 1999–2000 onwards are for unified allocations which cover hospital and community health services, prescribing and discretionary family health services. Those for previous years cover hospital and community health services only.

  Morecambe Bay health authority has also received additional funding for certain policies. This includes: £550,000 for accident and emergency modernisation at Morecambe Bay Hospitals National Health Service Trust; £27,000, £117,000. £197,000 and £130,000 for improving cancer services (breast, colorectal, lung and cancer outpatients) in 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01 respectively; £2.1 million recurrently in 1999–2000 and £1.7 million recurrently to reduce waiting times and lists; £18,000 in 1997–98; £2.5 million in 1998–99; £232,000 in 1999–2000 and £296,000 in 2000–01 non recurrently to reduce waiting times and lists; £820.000 to
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  expand critical care services in 2000–01; £1.1 million in 1997–98, £1.3 million in 1998–99 and £0.8 million in 2000–01 to deal with winter pressures; £492,000 in 2000–01, and a further £392,000 in 2001–02, for developing intermediate care services; £126,000 for heart disease services in 2000–01. For 2001–02, the authority plans to spend £1.9 million more on heart disease services, including drugs, from the real terms funding increase shown; add £129,000 invested in dentistry in 1998 in Morecambe.

  In addition, my hon. Friend's constituents will benefit from £33.2 million investment at Morecambe Bay Hospitals and Bay Community NHS Trusts.

  Lancashire local authority's personal social services standard spending assessment for 2001–02, compared with 1996–97, is set out in the table.

  Percentage increase

  £ million

  Real

  Cash

  1996–97

  187.309

  —

  —

  2001–02

  186.291

  -11.9

  -0.5

  Note:

  The SSA has decreased because of boundary changes resulting from local government re-organisation.

  In addition to the SSAs referred to, Lancashire local authority received additional funding in the form of a number of special and specific grants as set out in the table.

  £000

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Special Transitional Grant1

  8,064

  —

  —

  —

  Partnership grant2

  —

  5,5552

  4,700

  6,412

  Prevention grant2

  —

  436

  650

  6,412

  Carers grant3

  —

  435

  1,050

  1,452

  Children's grant3

  —

  1,366

  2,167

  5,433

  Mental Health Core grant

  1,045

  1,763

  2,085

  2,600

  Training Support Grant

  644

  654

  616

  4399

  1The special transitional grant ended in 1998–99

  2The partnership and prevention grants have been combined in 2001–02 and called the promoting independence grant

  3The carers' and children's grants were introduced in 1999–2000

  4Indicative allocation

  Departmental Policies (Bolton, West)
  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Bolton, West constituency, the effects on Bolton, West of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997.[150607]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 5 February 2001]: Detailed information on the impact of Department of Health policies nationally is set out in the Department of Health Annual Reports. A copy of the most recent report, "Department of lit alth—Government Expenditure Plans 2000–01", is available in the Library and on the Department of Health website at www.doh.gov.uk/dhreport.

  The impact of policies is not examined by constituency and statistics collected centrally by the Department are not collected on a constituency basis.
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  My hon. Friend's constituency falls within the geographical area covered by Wigan and Bolton health authority and Wigan and Bolton social services authorities.

  Increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02 for Wigan and Bolton health authority are shown in the table.

  Increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02

  Increase

  £ million (Cash)

  122.7

  million (Real terms)

  80.3

  Percentage (Cash)

  40.9

  Percentage (Real terms)

  24.8

  Note:

  Increases for 1999–2000 onwards are for unified allocations which cover hospital and community health services, prescribing and discretionary family health services. Those for previous years cover hospital and community health services only

  Wigan and Bolton health authority has also received additional funding for certain polices. This includes: £3.1 million for accident and emergency modernisation between 1997–98 and 2000–01: £456,000, £210,000, £347,000 and £239,000 for improving cancer services (breast, colorectal, lung and cancer outpatients) in 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01 respectively; £3.7 million recurrently in 1999–2000 and £3.4 million recurrently in 2000–01 to reduce wailing times and lists; £4.5 million in 1998–99, £165,000 in 1999–2000 and £333,000 in 2000–01 non recurrenty to reduce waiting times and lists; £0.9 million to expand critical care services in 2000–01; £1.2 million in 1997–98, £2.4 million in 1998–99, and £0.8 million in 2000–01 to deal with winter pressures; £2.1 million in 2000–01 and £0.1 million in 2001–02 for developing intermediate care services; £183,000 for heart disease services in 2000–01. For 2001–02, the health authority plans to spend £1.3 million more on heart disease services, including drugs, from the real terms funding increase highlighted.

  In addition, my hon. Friend's constituents will benefit from redevelopment of the Roya1 Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan at a cost of £24 million.

  Bolton local authority's personal social services standard spending assessment for 2001–02 compared with 1996–97 is set out in the table.

  Percentage increase

  £ million

  Real

  Cash

  1996–97

  37.958

  —

  —

  2001–02

  50.460

  17.7

  32.9

  In addition to the SSAs referred to, Bolton local authority received additional funding in the form of a number of special and specific grants as set out in the table:

  £000

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Special Transitional Grant1

  2,043

  —

  —

  —

  Partnership grant2

  —

  1,464

  1,241

  1,674

  Prevention grant2

  —

  109

  163

  1,674

  Carers grant3

  —

  108

  269

  373

  Children's grant3

  —

  397

  625

  1,536

  Mental Health Core grant

  280

  472

  562

  4816

  Training Support Grant

  279

  301

  381

  4372

  436W

  1The special transitional grant ended in 1998–99

  2The partnership and prevention grants have been combined in 2001–02 and called the promoting independence grant

  3The carers' and children's grants were introduced in 1999–2000

  4Indicative allocation

  Departmental Policies (Bristol, East)
  Jean Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Bristol, East constituency, the effects on Bristol of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [150554]

  Ms Stuart
  Detailed information on the impact of Department of Health policies nationally is set out in the Department of Health Annual reports. A copy of the most recent report "Department of Health—Government Expenditure Plans 2000–01" is available in the House of Commons Library and on the Department of Health website at www.doh.gov.uk/dhreport.

  The impact of policies is not examined by constituency and statistics collected centrally by the Department are not collected on a constituency basis.

  My hon. Friend's constituency falls within the geographical area covered by Avon health authority and City of Bristol social services.

  The increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02 for Avon health authority are set out in the table:

  Increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02

  Increase

  £ million (cash)

  184.5

  £ million (real terms)

  118

  Percentage (cash)

  38.57

  Percentage (real terms)

  22.78

  Note:

  Increases for 1999–2000 onwards are for unified allocations which cover hospital and community health services, prescribing and discretionary family health services. Those for previous years cover hospital and community health services only.

  Avon health authority has also received additional funding for certain policies. This includes: £2.521 million for accident and emergency modernisation in 2000–01; £158,000, £368,000, £535,000 and £366,000 for improving cancer services (breast, colorectal, lung and cancer outpatients) in 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01 respectively; £4.677 million and £8.035 million to reduce waiting lists and times in 2000–01 and 2001–02 respectively; £3.191 million to expand critical care services in 2000–01; £4.677 million to deal with winter pressures in 2000–01, of this £2.043 million went to social services; £2.847 million and £722,000 for developing intermediate care services in 2000–01 and 2001–02 respectively; £350,000 and £1.9 million for heart disease services 2000–01 and 2001–02 respectively; and £70,000 invested in dentistry in 2000–01.

  In addition, my hon. Friend's constituents will benefit from an award of £68 million for Avon and Western Wiltshire Mental Health NHS Trust's scheme to replace dilapidated and outdated facilities in unsuitable locations in order to deliver responsive mental health services to the local communities. Work to develop this scheme is due to start in 2001.
  437W
  My hon. Friend's constituents will also benefit from UBHT scheme of £104 million which will enable them to reconfigure acute and critical care facilities on the main site, together with a diagnostic and treatment centre and development of intermediate care centres in Keynsham Hospital and at the Bristol General.

  Bristol local authority's personal social services standard spending assessment (SSA) for 2001–02 compared with 1996–97 is set out in the table.

  Percentage increase

  £million

  Real

  Cash

  1996–97

  59.599

  —

  —

  2001–02

  76.203

  13.2

  27.9

  In addition to the SSAs referred to, Bristol local authority received additional funding in the form of a number of special and specific grants as set out in the table.

  £000

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Special Transitional Grant1

  2,837

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Partnership grant2

  —

  2,103

  1,801

  2,423

  Prevention grant2

  —

  165

  248

  2,423

  Carers grant2

  —

  164

  423

  584

  Children's grant3

  —

  714

  1,134

  2,778

  Mental Health Core grant

  412

  695

  802

  4121

  Training Support Grant

  373

  427

  518

  4501

  1The special transitional grant ended in 1998–99

  2The partnership and prevention grants have been combined in 2001–02 and called the promoting independence grant

  3The carers' and children's grants were introduced in 1999–2000

  4Indicative allocation

  Departmental Policies (Blackpool, North and Fleetwood)
  Mrs. Humble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out, including statistical information, the effect on the Blackpool, North and Fleetwood constituency of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [150719]

  Mr. Denham
  Detailed information on the impact of Department of Health policies nationally is set out in the Department of Health Annual Reports. A copy of the most recent report "Department of Health—Government Expenditure Plans 2000–01" is available in the House of Commons Library and on the Department of Health website at www.doh.gov.uk/dhreport.

  The impact of policies is not examined by constituency and statistics collected centrally by the Department are not collected on a constituency basis.

  My hon. Friend's constituency falls within the geographical area covered by North West Lancashire Health Authority and Blackpool social services authority.

  Increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02 for North West Lancashire Health Authority are shown in the table.
  438W

  Increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02

  Increase

  £ million (cash)

  100.8

  £ million (real terms)

  64.3

  Percentage (cash)

  38.7

  Percentage (real terms

  22.9

  Note:

  Increases for 1999–2000 onwards are for unified allocations which cover hospital and community health services, prescribing and discretionary family health services. Those for previous years cover hospital and community health services only.

  North West Lancashire health authority has also received additional funding for certain policies. This includes: £450,000 for accident and emergency modernisation at Blackpool Victoria Hospital NHS Trust; £25,000, £147,000. £296,000 and £199,000 for improving cancer services (breast, colorectal, lung and cancer outpatients) in 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–00 and 2000–01 respectively; £27000, £3.8 million, £160,000 and £345,000 in 1997– 98, 1998–99, 1999–00 and 2000–01 respectively to reduce waiting times and lists; £1.8 million to expand critical tare services in 2000–01; £0.6 million in 1997–98; £1.9 million in 1998–99 and £0.7 million in 2000–01 to deal with winter pressures; £1.3 million in 2000–01 and £4.4 million in 2001–02 for developing intermediate care services; and £178,000 for heart disease services in 2000–01. For 2001–02, the authority plans to spend £1.9 million more on heart disease services, including drugs, from the real terms funding increase highlighted.

  In 1997–98, dental practices in the Blackpool, North and Fleetwood areas received more than £160,000 through the Investing in Dentistry initiative. In 2001, Blackpool town centre will receive funding for a personal dental services pilot aimed at improving access across the town.

  In addition, my hon. Friend's constituents will benefit from the new £30 million Phase V development at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

  Blackpool local authority came into existence on 1 pril 1998. Its personal social services standard spending assessment for 2001–02 is £31.646 million.

  In addition to its SSA, Blackpool has received additional funding in the form of a number of special and specific grants as set out in the table.

  £000

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Special Transitional Grant1

  1,422

  —

  —

  —

  Partnership grant2

  —

  944

  793

  1,071

  Prevention grant2

  —

  72

  106

  1,071

  Carers' grant3

  —

  72

  175

  240

  Children's grant3

  —

  237

  379

  979

  Mental Health Core grant

  173

  293

  350

  4444

  Training Support Grant

  86

  197

  270

  4311

  1The special transitional giant ended in 1998–99

  2The partnership and prevention grants have been combined in 2001–02 and called the promoting independence grant

  3The carers' and children's grants were introduced in 1999–2000

  4Indicative allocation

  Departmental Policies (Stroud)
  Dr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out, with statistical information relating as
  439W
  directly as possible to the constituency, the effects on the Stroud constituency of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [152402]

  Ms Stuart
  Detailed information on the impact of Department of Health policies nationally is set out in the Department of Health Annual Reports. A copy of the most recent report "Department of Health—Government Expenditure Plans 2000–2001" is available in the Library and on the Department of Health website at www.doh.gov.uk/dhreport.

  The impact of policies are not examined by constituency and statistics collected centrally by the Department are not collected on a constituency basis.

  My hon. Friend's constituency falls within the geographical area covered by Gloucestershire health authority and Gloucestershire social services.

  The increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02 for Gloucestershire health authority are set out in the table:

  Increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02

  Increase

  £ million (cash)

  93

  £ million (real terms)

  55.3

  Percentage (cash)

  33.29

  Percentage (real terms)

  18.10

  Note:

  Increases for 1999–2000 onwards are for unified allocations which cover hospital and community health services, prescribing and discretionary family health services. Those for previous years cover hospital and community health services only.

  Gloucestershire health authority has also received additional funding for certain policies. This includes: £1.479 million for accident and emergency modernisation in 2000–01; £123,000, £210,000, £308,000 and £205,000 for improving cancer services (breast colorectal, lung and cancer outpatients) in 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01 respectively; £2.632 million to reduce waiting lists and times in 2000–01; £1.314 million to expand critical care services in 2000–01; £1.508 million to deal with winter pressures in 2000–01, of this £536,000 went to Gloucestershire social services; £1.551 million and £389,000 for developing intermediate care services in 2000–01 and 2001–02 respectively; £172,000 and £1.034 million for heart disease services in 2000–01 and 2001–02 respectively; and £95,000 invested in dentistry in 2000–01.

  Gloucestershire local authority's personal social services standard spending assessment (SSA) for 2001–02 compared with 1996–97 is set out in the table.

  Percentage increase

  Year

  million

  Real

  Cash

  1996–97

  61.579

  —

  —

  2001–02

  81.227

  16.8

  31.9

  In addition to the SSAs referred to, Gloucester local authority received additional funding in the form of a number of special and specific grants as set out in the table.
  440W

  £000

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Special Transitional Grant1

  2,402

  —

  —

  —

  Partnership grant2

  —

  2,465

  2,097

  2,914

  Prevention grant2

  —

  197

  294

  2,914

  Carers grant2

  —

  199

  467

  654

  Children's grant3

  —

  524

  821

  2,044

  Mental Health Core Grant

  457

  771

  890

  41,168

  Training Support Grant

  310

  405

  337

  4338

  1The special transitional grant ended in 1998–99

  2The partnership and prevention grants have been combined in 2001–02 and called the promoting independence grant

  3The carers' and children's grants were introduced in 1999–2000

  4Indicative allocation

  Departmental Policies (Warrington, North)
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Warrington, North constituency, the effects on Warrington, North of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [152317]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 6 March 2001]: Detailed information on the impact of Department of Health policies nationally is set out in the Department of Health Annual Reports. A copy of the most recent report "Department of Health—Government Expenditure Plans 2000–01" is available in the House of Commons Library and on the Department of Health website at www.doh.gov.uk/dhreport.

  The impact of policies is not examined by constituency and statistics collected centrally by the Department are not collected on a constituency basis.

  My hon. Friend's constituency falls within the geographical area covered by North Cheshire health authority and Halton and Warrington social services authorities.

  Increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02 for North Cheshire health authority are shown in the table.

  Increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02

  Increase

  £ million (cash)

  57.6

  £ million (real terms)

  34.7

  Percentage (cash)

  34.20

  Percentage (real terms)

  18.91

  Note:

  Increases for 1999–2000 onwards are for unified allocations which cover hospital and community health services, prescribing and discretionary family health services. Those for previous years cover hospital and community health services only.

  North Cheshire health authority has also received additional funding for certain policies. This includes: £864,000 for accident and emergency modernisation between 1997–98 and 2000–01; £31,000, £125,000, £192,000 and £129,000 for improving cancer services (breast, colorectal, lung and cancer outpatients) in 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01 respectively; £2.1 million in 1999–2000 recurrently and £1.7 million recurrently in 2000–01 to reduce waiting times and lists; £75,000 in 1997–98, £2.5 million in 1998–99, £90,000 in 1999–2000 and £226,000 in 2000–01 non recurrently to reduce waiting times and lists; £1.5 million to expand

  441W
  critical care services in 2000–01; £1.2 million in 1997–98, £1.2 million in 1998–99, and £1.1 million in 2000–01 to deal with winter pressures; £0.6 million in 2000–01 and 2001–02 for developing intermediate care services; £122,000 for heart disease services in 2000–01. For 2001–02, the authority plans to spend £0.6 million more on heart disease services, including drugs, from the real terms funding increase given; and £110,000 has been invested in dentistry between 1997–98 and 2000–01.

  In addition, my hon. Friend's constituents will benefit from the new purchase of the Daresbury Wing (a private hospital facility on the Warrington Hospital) by the National Health Service in 1999–2000 which cost £1.8 million. A further £1.2 million has been provided by the North West Regional Office of the Department of Health to equip the facility so that it can carry out orthopaedic surgery for the residents of Warrington and the surrounding areas.Warrington local authority came into existence on 1 April 1998. Its personal social services standard spending assessment for 2001–02 is £28.699 million.

  In addition to its SSA, Warrington has received additional funding in the form of a number of special and specific grants as set out in the table.

  £000

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Special Transitional Grant1

  1,179

  —

  —

  —

  Partnership grant2

  —

  847

  726

  984

  Prevention grant2

  —

  65

  98

  984

  Carers grant3

  —

  65

  157

  218

  Children's grant3

  —

  195

  306

  766

  Mental Health Core grant

  157

  265

  312

  4373

  Training Support Grant

  106

  175

  198

  4225

  1The special transitional grant ended in 1998–99.

  2The partnership and prevention grants have been combined in 2001–02 and called the promoting independence grant

  3The carers' and children's grants were introduced in 1999–2000

  4Indicative allocation.

  Departmental Policies (Newbury)
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out, including statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Newbury constituency, the effects on Newbury and west Berkshire of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [154573]

  Ms Stuart
  Detailed information on the impact of Department of Health policies nationally is set out in the Department of Health Annual Reports. A copy of the most recent report "Department of Health—Government Expenditure Plans 2000–01" is available in the House of Commons Library and on the Department of Health website at www.doh.gov.uk/dhreport.

  The impact of policies are not examined by constituency and statistics collected centrally by the Department are not collected on a constituency basis.

  The hon. Member's constituency falls within the geographical area covered by Berkshire health authority and West Berkshire social services.

  The increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02 for Berkshire health authority are set out in the table.
  442W

  Increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02

  Increase

  £ million (cash)

  144.9

  £ million (real terms)

  95.6

  Percentage (cash)

  41.65

  Percentage (real terms)

  25.51

  Note:

  Increases for 1999–2000 onwards are for unified allocations which cover hospital and community health services, prescribing and discretionary family health services. Those for previous years cover hospital and community health services only.

  Berkshire health authority has also received additional funding for certain policies. This includes: £1.2 million for accident and emergency modernisation in 2000–01; £144,000, £279,000, £418,000 and £283,000 for improving cancer services (breast, colorectal, lung and cancer outpatients) in 1997–98, 1999–00 and 2000–01 respectively.

  Berkshire health authority has also received £1.4 million for investment in cancer equipment that has already been delivered and is now in use; £5.3 million, £0.4 million and £0.3 million to reduce waiting lists and times in 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01 respectively; £1.6 million to expand critical care services in 2000–01; £2.5 million and £1.6 million to deal with winter pressures in 1998–99 and 2000–01 respectively; £254,000 for heart disease services in 2000–01; £340,000 invested in dentistry in 2000–01.

  In addition, the hon. Gentleman's constituents will benefit from the new £74.0 million major hospital development that is being developed at Royal Berkshire and Battle NHS Trust.

  West Berkshire local authority came into existence on 1 April 1998. Its personal social services standard spending assessment for 2001–02 is £16.331 million.

  In addition to it SSA, West Berkshire has received additional funding in the form of a number of special and specific grants as set out in the table.

  £000

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Special Transitional Grant1

  669

  —

  —

  —

  Partnership grant2

  —

  491

  416

  581

  Prevention grant2

  —

  42

  62

  581

  Carers grant3

  —

  42

  97

  137

  Children's grant3

  —

  112

  187

  412

  Mental Health Core grant

  106

  179

  820

  4236

  Training Support Grant

  57

  121

  123

  4153

  1The special transitional grant ended in 1998–99

  2The partnership and prevention grants have been combined in 2001–02 and called the promoting independence grant

  3The carers' and children's grants were introduced in 1999–2000

  4Indicative allocation

  Departmental Policies (Truro and St. Austell)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out, including statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Truro and St. Austell constituency, the effects on Truro and St. Austell of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [154529]
  443W
  Ms Stuart
  Detailed information on the impact of Department of Health policies nationally is set out in the Department of Health Annual Reports. A copy of the most recent report "Department of Health-Government Expenditure Plans 2000–01" is available in the House of Commons Library and on the Department of Health website at www.doh.gov.uk/dhreport

  impact of policies is not examined by constituency and statistics collected centrally by the Department are not collected on a constituency basis.

  The hon. Member's constituency falls within the geographical area covered by Cornwall and Isles of Scilly health authority and Cornwall social services.

  The increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2000–01 for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly health authority are set out in the table.

  Increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02

  Increase

  £ million (cash)

  94

  £ million (real terms)

  58.3

  Percentage (cash)

  36.25

  Percentage (real terms)

  20.72

  Note:

  Increases for 1999–2000 onwards are for unified allocations which cover hospital community health sell ices, prescribing and discretionary family health services. Those for previous years cover hospital and community health services only.

  Cornwall health authority has received funding for certain policies. This includes: £99,000, £193,000, £266,000 and £192,000 for improving cancer services (breast, colorectal, lung and cancer outpatients) in 1997–98, 1998–99 1999–2000 and 2000–01 respectively; £2.499 million and £4.198 million to reduce waiting lists and times in 2000–01 and 2001–02 respectively; £1.407 million to expand critical care services in 2000–01; £580,000 to deal with winter pressures in 2000–01, of this £125,000 went to social services; £1.488 million and £377,000 for developing intermediate care services in 2000–01 and 2001–02 respectively; £785,000 and £1.002 million for hart disease services 2000–01 and 2001–02 respectively; and £80,000 invested in dentistry in 2000–01.

  Pecentage increase

  Year

  £ million

  Real

  Cash

  1996–97

  60.814

  —

  —

  2001–02

  83.924

  22.2

  38.0

  In addition to the SSAs referred to, Cornwall local authority received additional funding in the form of a number of special and specific grants as set out in the table.

  £000

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Special Transitional Grant1

  3,598

  —

  —

  —

  Partnership grant2

  —

  2,537

  2,184

  3,086

  Prevention grant2

  —

  198

  298

  3,086

  Carers grant3

  —

  204

  476

  669

  Children's grant3

  —

  488

  764

  41,917

  Mental Health Core grant

  454

  766

  885

  41,191

  Training Support Grant

  266

  229

  297

  4315

  444W

  1The special transitional grant ended in 1998–99

  2The partnership and prevention grants have been combined in 2001–02 and called the promoting independence grant

  3The carers' and children's grants were introduced in 1999–2000

  4Indicative allocation

  Departmental Policies (Lancaster and Wyre)
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Lancaster and Wyre constituency, the effect on Lancaster and Wyre of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [154682]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 21 March 2001]: Detailed information on the impact of Department of Health policies nationally is set out in the Department of Health Annual reports. A copy of the most recent report "Department of Health—Government Expenditure Plans 2000–01" is available in the Library and on the Department of Health website at www.doh.gov.uk/dhreport.

  The impact of policies is not examined by constituency and statistics collected centrally by the Department are not collected on a constituency basis.

  My hon. Friend's constituency falls within the geographical area covered by Morecambe Bay health authority and Lancashire social services authority.

  Increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02 for North West Lancashire health authority are shown in the table.

  Increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02

  Increase

  £ million (Cash)

  58.5

  £ million (Real terms)

  35.2

  Percentage (Cash)

  34.0

  Percentage (Real terms)

  18.7

  Note:

  Increases for 1999–2000 are for unified allocations which cover hospital and community health services, prescribing and discretionary family health services. Those for previous years cover hospital and community health services only.

  Morecambe Bay health authority has also received additional funding for certain policies. This includes: £550,000 for accident and emergency modernisation at Morecambe Bay Hospitals National Health Service Trust; £27,000, £117,000, £197,000 and £130,000 for improving cancer services (breast, colorectal, lung and cancer outpatients) in 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01 respectively; £2.1 million recurrently in 1999–2000 and £1.7 million recurrently in 2000–01 to reduce waiting lists and times; £18,000 in 1997–98, £2.5 million in 1998–99, £232,000 in 1999–2000 and £296,000 in 2000–01—non recurrently to reduce waiting times and lists; £820,000 to expand critical care services in 2000–01; £1.1 million in 1997–98, £1.3 million in 1998–99 and £0.8 million in 2000–01 to deal with winter pressures; £492,000 in 2000–01 and £392,000 in 2001–02, for developing intermediate care services; £126,000 for heart disease services in 2000–01; for 2001–02, the authority plans to spend £1.9 million more on heart disease services, including drugs, from the real terms funding increase shown; and £12,000 invested in dentistry in 1998 in Lancaster.
  445W
  In addition, my hon. Friend's constituents will benefit from £33.2 million investment at Morecambe Bay Hospitals and Bay Community NHS Trusts.

  Lancashire local authority's personal social services standard spending assessment for 2001–02 compared with 1996–97 is set out in the table.

  Percentage increase

  £ million

  Real

  Cash

  1996–97

  187.309

  —

  —

  2001–02

  186.291

  -11.9

  -0.5

  Note:

  The SSA has decreased because of boundary changes resulting from local government re-organisation.

  In addition to the SSAs referred to, Lancashire local authority received additional funding in the form of a number of special and specific grants as set out in the table.

  £000

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Special Transitional Grant1

  8,064

  —

  —

  —

  Partnership grant2

  —

  5,552

  4,700

  6,412

  Prevention grant2

  —

  436

  650

  6,412

  Carers grant3

  —

  435

  1,050

  1,452

  Children's grant

  —

  1,366

  2,167

  5,433

  MH Core grant

  1,045

  1,763

  2,085

  2,600

  Training Support Grant

  644

  654

  616

  4399

  1The special transitional grant ended in 1998–99

  2The partnership and prevention grants have been combined in 2001–02 and called the promoting independence grant

  3The carers' and children's grants were introduced in 1999–2000

  4Indicative allocation

  Departmental Policies (Chichester)
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Chichester constituency, the effects on Chichester of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [155288]

  Ms Stuart
  Detailed information on the impact of Department of Health policies nationally is set out in the Department of Health Annual reports. A copy of the most recent report "Department of Health—Government Expenditure Plans 2000–01" is available in the House of Commons Library and on the Department of Health website at www.doh.gov.uk/dhreport.

  The impact of policies is not examined by constituency and statistics collected centrally by the Department are not collected on a constituency basis.

  The constituency falls within the geographical area covered by West Sussex health authority and West Sussex social services.

  The increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02 for West Sussex health authority are set out in the table:

  Increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02

  Increase

  £ million (cash)

  146.0

  £ million (real terms)

  92.9

  Percentage (cash)

  38.35

  Percentage (real terms)

  22.59

  446W
  Note:

  Increases for 1999–2000 onwards are for unified allocations which cover hospital and community health services, prescribing and discretionary family health services. Those for previous years cover hospital and community health services only.

  West Sussex health authority has also received additional funding for certain policies. This includes: £2.2 million for accident and emergency in 2000–01; £144,000, £308,000, £438,000 and £293,000 for improving cancer services (breast, colorectal, lung and cancer outpatients) in 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01 respectively; West Sussex health authority has also received £296,000 for investment in cancer equipment that has already been delivered and is now in use. £5.8 million, £0.4 million and £0.3 million to reduce waiting lists and times in 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01 respectively; £1.8 million to expand critical care services in 2000–01; £2.9 million and £1.2 million to deal with winter pressures in 1998–99 and 2000–01 respectively; £1.8 million for heart disease services in 2000–01; £255,600 invested in dentistry in 2000–01.

  In addition, constituents will benefit from the new £24.0 million major scheme for the reprovision of services relating to Grayling well Hospital.

  West Sussex local authority's personal social services standard spending assessment for 2001–02 compared with 1996–97 is set out in the table:

  Percentage increase

  £ million

  Real

  Cash

  1996–97

  94,602

  —

  —

  2001–02

  118.454

  10.9

  25.2

  In addition to the SSAs referred to, West Sussex local authority received additional funding in the form of a number of special and specific grants as set out in the table.

  £000

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Special Transitional Grant1

  5,151

  —

  —

  —

  Partnership Grant2

  —

  3,575

  3,071

  4,484

  Prevention Grant2

  —

  314

  474

  4,484

  Carers Grant3

  —

  317

  725

  1,033

  Children's Grant3

  —

  676

  1,062

  2,682

  MH Core Grant

  767

  1,197

  1,381

  41,784

  Training Support Grant

  396

  542

  677

  4607

  1The special transitional grant ended in 1998–99

  2The partnership and prevention grants have been combined in 2001–02 and called the promoting independence grant

  3The carers' and children's grants were introduced in 1999–2000

  4Indicative allocation

  Departmental Policies (North Devon)
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out, including statistical information relating as directly as possible to the North Devon constituency, the effects on North Devon of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [155898]

  Mr. Denham
  Detailed information on the impact of Department of Health policies nationally is set out in the Department of Health Annual Reports. A copy of the most recent report 'Department of Health—Government
  447W
  Expenditure Plans 2000–01" is available in the House of Commons Library and on the Department of Health website at www.doh.gov.uk/dhreport.

  The impact of policies is not examined by constituency and statistics collected centrally by the Department are not collected on a constituency basis.

  The hon. Member's constituency falls within the geographical area covered by North and East Devon health authority and Devon Social Services.

  The increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2000–01 for North and East Devon health authority are set out in the table.

  Increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02

  Increase

  £ million (cash)

  84.7

  £ million (real terms)

  50.6

  Percentage (cash)

  33.60

  Percentage (real terms)

  18.37

  Note:

  Increases for 1999–2000 onwards are for unified allocations which cover hospital and community health set vices, prescribing and discretionary family health services. Those for previous years cover hospital and community health services only.

  North and East Devon health authority has received funding for certain policies. This includes: £1.352 million for accident and emergency modernisation in 2000–01; £157,000, £211,000, £273,000 and £186,000 for improving cancer services (breast, colorectal, lung and cancer outpatients) in 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01 respectively; £3.186 million and £3.994 million to reduce waiting lists and times in 2000–01 and 2001–02 respectively; £1.333 million to expand critical care services in 2000–01; £804,000 to deal with winter pressures in 2000–01, £368,000 of this went to Devon Social Services; £1.422 million and £359,000 for developing intermediate care services in 2000–01 and 2001–02 respectively; £470,000 and £954,000 for heart disease services 2000–01 and 2001–02 respectively; and £50,000 invested in dentistry in 2001–01.

  Devon local authority's personal social services standard spending assessment (SSA) for 2001–02 compared with 1996–97 is set out in the table.

  Percentage increase

  £ million

  Real

  Cash

  1996–97

  138.497

  —

  —

  2001–02

  110.339

  -29.4

  -20.3

  Note:

  The SSA has decreased because of boundary changes resulting from local government re-organisation

  In addition to the SSAs referred to Devon local authority received additional funding in the form of a number of special and specific grants as set out in the table.

  £000

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Special Transitional Grant1

  4,890

  —

  —

  —

  Partnership Grant2

  —

  3,407

  2,917

  4,140

  Prevention Grant3

  —

  280

  420

  4,140

  Carers Grant3

  —

  289

  662

  923

  Children's Grant3

  —

  624

  986

  2,471

  Mental Health Core Grant

  667

  1,1446

  1,207

  41,408

  Training Support Grant

  381

  450

  484

  4473

  448W

  1The special transitional grant ended in 1998–99

  2The partnership and prevention grants have been combined in 2001–02 and called the promoting independence grant

  3The carers' and children's grants were introduced in 1999–2000

  4Indicative allocation

  Departmental Policies (North Cornwall)
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out, including statistical information relating as directly as possible to the North Cornwall constituency, the effects on North Cornwall of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [156123]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 30 March 2001]: Detailed information on the impact of Department of Health policies nationally is set out in the Department of Health Annual Reports. A copy of the most recent report "Department of Health—Government Expenditure Plans 2000–01" is available in the Library and on the Department of Health website at www.doh.gov.uk/dhreport.

  The impact of policies is not examined by constituency and statistics collected centrally by the Department are not collected on a constituency basis.

  The hon. Member's constituency falls within the geographical area covered by Cornwall and Isles of Scilly health authority and Cornwall Social Services authority.

  The increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02 for Cornwall health authority is set out in the table.

  Increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02

  Increase

  £ million (cash)

  94.0

  £ million (real terms)

  58.3

  Percentage (cash)

  36.25

  Percentage (real terms)

  20.72

  Note:

  Increases for 1999–2000 onwards are for unified allocations which cover hospital and community health services, prescribing and discretionary family health services. Those for previous years cover hospital and community health services only.

  Cornwall health authority has received funding for certain policies. This includes: £99,000, £193,000, £266,000 and £192,000 for improving cancer services (breast, colorectal, lung and cancer outpatients) in 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01 respectively; £2.499 million and £4.198 million to reduce waiting lists and times in 2000–01 and 2001–02 respectively; £1.407 million to expand critical care services in 2000–01; £580,000 to deal with winter pressures in 2000–01, of this £125,000 went to social services; £1.488 million and £377,000 for developing intermediate care services in 2000–01 and 2001–02 respectively; £785,000 and £1.002 million for heart disease services 2000–01 and 2001–02 respectively; and £80,000 invested in dentistry in 2000–01.

  In addition, the hon. Member's constituents will benefit from a new major capital investment of £101 million major hospital development due to start in 2002 at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust.

  Cornwall local authority's personal social services standard spending assessment (SSA) for 2001–02 compared with 1996–97 is set out in the table.
  449W

  Percentage increase

  £ million

  Real

  Cash

  1996–97

  60.814

  —

  —

  2001–02

  83.924

  22.2

  38.0

  In addition to the SSAs referred to, Cornwall local authority received additional funding in the form of a number of special and specific grants as set out in the table.

  £000

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Special Transitional Grant1

  3,598

  —

  —

  —

  Partnership grant2

  —

  2,537

  2,184

  3,086

  Prevention grant2

  —

  198

  298

  3,086

  Carers grant3

  —

  204

  476

  669

  Children's grant3

  —

  488

  764

  1.917

  Mental Health Core grant

  454

  766

  885

  41.191

  Training Support Grant

  266

  229

  229

  4315

  1The special transitional grant ended in 1998–99.

  2The partnership and prevention grants have been combined in 2001–02 and called the promoting independence grant.

  3The carers' and children's grants were introduced in 1999–2000.

  4Indicative allocation.

  Independent Advocacy Services
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how the Independent Advocacy Services will be(a) commissioned, (b) funded and (c) provided. [155953]

  Ms Stuart
  Subject to legislation in the Health and Social Care Bill, Independent Advocacy Services will be commissioned to assist patients who are making complaints about National Health Service organisations. Patients will be able to access the service directly or may be referred to it by Patient Advocacy Liaison Service or NHS Direct.

  The Bill requires that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State consult the Patients' Council and other relevant bodies on the best approach for a locality before commissioning and funding a service.

  Beef Imports
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to review the Fresh Meat (Beef Controls) Regulations 1996; and if he will list the countries from which over-30-month beef may be imported. [156484]

  Ms Stuart
  The Fresh Meat (Beef Controls) (No 2) Regulations 1996 set out the generally applicable ban on the sale for human consumption of beef from cattle aged over thirty months at slaughter (OTM rule).

  As far as United Kingdom slaughterings are concerned,
  I am advised by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) that, as recommended in its review of BSE controls, it intends to review in August 2001 the effectiveness of the tightened animal feed controls introduced in August 1996 and the evidence of BSE incidence five years after that time. Depending on the outcome of that review, it is anticipated that it may be possible in early 2002 for the FSA to advise the date of birth of cattle that need not enter the OTM scheme and which could be sold for human consumption. This date of birth could not be earlier than August 1996 when the enhanced feed ban was
  450W
  implemented. Such a change could not be introduced unilaterally but would require the agreement of the European Commission and other member states.

  Beef from cattle aged OTM at slaughter may be imported from any country but it may only be sold for human consumption if it comes from animals that were born, reared and slaughtered in Argentina, Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Mauritius, Namibia, New Zealand, Paraguay, Poland, South Africa. Swaziland, Uruguay. United States of America and Zimbabwe. These are countries that historically supplied the UK and in which there was no history of BSE. The review of BSE controls recognised the need to keep up to date the list of countries that are considered to be BSE free and I am advised by the FSA that it is being reviewed in the light of recent European Union assessments of geographical risk.

  Copies of the FSA's review of BSE controls are available in the Library.

  Urologist Consultants
  Mr. Pound
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many urologist consultants are projected to be in post in 2005. [157086]

  Mr. Denham
  Figures from the specialty workforce advisory group show that the number of consultants in the urology specialty in England and Wales is set to increase from 442 in 1999 to 570 in 2005, an increase of nearly a third.

  Mr. Pound
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many consultant urologist posts there were in the NHS in(a) 1990, (b) 1995 and (c) 2000; and how many of those posts were vacant. [157109]

  Mr. Denham
  The number of consultant urologists in each year mentioned is set out in the table.

  Hospital medical urology consultants

  At 30 September

  Number

  1990

  220

  1995

  310

  2000

  380

  Notes:

  1. Figures rounded to the nearest 10

  2. Figures exclude locums

  3. These are headcount figures

  Source:

  Department of Health medical and dental workforce census

  We are unable to provide vacancy information for consultant urologists. Vacancy information for the surgical group, which includes urology, is set out in the table.

  Department of Health vacancies survey: Number of consultant vacancies in the surgical group three month vacancy figures1

  England

  Year

  Vacancies

  1999

  60

  2000

  62

  1Posts that had been vacant for three months or more at 31 March each year.

  Notes:

  1. Figures are whole-time equivalents rounded to the nearest whole number.

  2. Vacancy information has been collected only since 1999.

  Source:

  Department of Health vacancies survey

  EU Tobacco Directive
  Dr. Whitehead
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if it is his intention to apply for a derogation until 2007 for the EU Directive on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products. [156798]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 4, April 2001]: The Directive on manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products, once adopted, will permit member states to delay applying new tar, cat bon monoxide and nicotine limits to cigarettes intended for export outside the European Community until January 2007. We will consult in due course on the details of transposing the Directive into United Kingdom law, including the length of the transitional period for third country exports. Ministers will take a final decision in the light of that consultation.

  Dr. Whitehead
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if it is the intention of the Government to publish its preferred position on derogation of the implementation of the EU Directive on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products prior to consultations on the transposition of the directive into UK law. [156799]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 4 April 2001]: We will consult on the policy options for transposing this Directive into United Kingdom law in due course, including the length of any derogations. Ministers will then take final decisions in the light of that consultation.

  Care Homes
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to publish the national minimum standards for care homes for adults; and if he will make a statement. [157280]

  Mr. Hutton
  We hope to be able to publish the consultation document on the care homes regulations and the national minimum standards for care homes for younger adults and adult placements in the next few weeks.

  Child Sex Abuse
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 12 March 2001,Official Report, column 423W, how many local authorities have access within their local areas to specialist services for children who sexually abuse other children. [157363]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 6 April 2001]: The information requested is not held centrally.

  Under section 17 of the Children Act 1989 it is the duty of every local authority to safeguard and promote the welfare of children within their area who are in need. Children who sexually abuse other children are likely to have considerable, often complex, needs.

  Consequently, children who sexually abuse other children may receive a whole range of services from several different agencies including social services, Youth Offending Teams, health authorities and voluntary organisations.

  Consultancy Payments
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total gross running costs were to his 452W
  Department of fees and disbursements paid to consultants
  (a) in the period February 1996 to January 1997 and (b) in the financial year 1996–97.[157614]

  Ms Stuart
  The Department's expenditure on external management consultants in the financial year 1996–97 was £15.789 million.

  The Department does not hold the 1996 data in a form that would allow us to calculate the consultancy spend over the specific period February 1996 to January 1997.

  Newcastle City Health Trust
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what deficit he expects in respect of(a) elderly and (b) rehabilitation services of the former Newcastle City Health Trust; if (i) bridging and (ii) brokerage finance has been agreed; and if the successor trusts will receive similar support. [157100]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Newcastle City Health National Health Service Trust is forecasting a revenue breakeven position for 2000–01. Information on the financial position of individual service components of the trust is not held centrally.

  The trust received £1 million assistance in respect of the Newcastle strategic review (NSR) bridging arrangements, which was partially funded from national special assistance funding. This funding is non-repayable. In addition, the trust received £1.8 million cash in March 2001, which will become repayable in April 2001 from successor organisations as part of the management of year end balances in the local health economy. Newcastle and North Tyneside health authority is to receive £2.5 million national special assistance in 2001–02.

  Bed Closures (Newcastle)
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when, and by whom, it was decided to close beds at Hunters Moor Hospital, Newcastle; on what grounds the decision was taken; and when those beds will be reopened. [157102]

  Mr. Hutton
  Northgate and Prudhoe National Health Service Trust agreed in October 2000 to upgrade the facilities for patients as soon as possible after they began to manage the rehabilitation services provided at Hunters Moor Hospital, as requested by both Newcastle and North Tyneside health authority and Newcastle community health council. Work to upgrade facilities began in December and five beds were closed at that time. Three beds reopened as work progressed and as of 4 April all beds were open.

  Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland Trust
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health who has been appointed Chair and non-executive directors of the Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland Neuro-rehabilitation Trust. [157101]

  Mr. Hutton
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has appointed Ms Sue Whittaker to chair the new Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland Mental Health National Health Service Trust until 30 November
  453W
  2004. An announcement on the appointment of four of the non-executive directors of the new trust will be made very shortly.

  Newcastle (Strategic Review)
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when decisions were taken to(a) establish the Newcastle Acute Services Review, (b) replace the present Northern Centre for Cancer Treatment, Newcastle and (c) replace the present Hunters Moor Hospital, Newcastle; when the outline business cases were submitted for (b) and (c); and when he will invite bids for the work. [157015]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Newcastle strategic review (NSR), as a strategy, was approved by Ministers in December 1993. The first support to its capital investment implications commenced in 1995, with the start of an allocation of £8.4 million of "fast track" capital to commence movement of acute services off the Newcastle General Hospital site. Confirmation of the support to larger scale capital investment was provided by the approval of the second wave strategic outline case (SOC) in April 1998, revisions to which were approved in September 1999.

  The 1993 NSR strategy document did not include provision for the relocation of the northern centre for cancer treatment (NCCT) from the Newcastle General Hospital site. It became subsequently apparent as acute services were relocated off the Newcastle General Hospital site that the NCCT would become increasingly isolated from access to surgery, medicine, anaesthetics, critical care and other clinical services. Consequently, the subsequent SOC (approved in April 1998) included the reprovision of the NCCT on the Freeman Hospital site.

  Public consultation was undertaken during Summer 2000 on the reconfiguration of neuro-disability services for the northern part of the region. In September 2000 Newcastle and North Tyneside health authority supported the option to reprovide the services including those currently provided at Hunters Moor Hospital with new facilities on the Walkergate Hospital site.

  The business cases for the main elements of the NSR (which includes reprovision of the NCCT) were received on 14 February 2001. The date for when bids for the work will be sought is dependent on the completion of the refinement of the outline business cases, which is now being undertaken by the trust and health authority.

  Although a business case for the development at Walkergate is in preparation, a definitive version has not yet been submitted to the regional office of the National Health Service Executive for approval. Consequently it is not yet possible to say when bids for this scheme will be invited.

  NHS Vacancies
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS vacancies there were for(a) doctors, (b) nurses, (c) midwives, (d) health visitors, (e) professions allied to medicine and (f) management and administration staff for each of the last 10 years for which figures are available; how many posts in each category have been vacant for longer than three months; and if he will make a statement. [157323]
  454W
  Mr. Denham
  The Department has collected data on the number of posts that have been vacant for three months or more as at 31 March in 1999 and 2000. The information is in the table.

  Department of Health Vacancies Survey Three month vacancy figures1 in England as at 31 March for each year

  1999

  2000

  Consultants

  530

  760

  Qualified nurses

  7,150

  9,870

  Of which

  Midwives

  370

  490

  Health visitors

  95

  191

  Professions allied to medicine2

  860

  1,510

  Administration and estates3

  640

  1,740

  1Posts that had been vacant for three months or more at 31 March each year.

  2Professions allied to medicine staff include the following occupation groups: Chiropody, dietetics, occupational therapy. orthoptics/optics, physiotherapy, diagnostic radiography, therapeutic radiology, art/music/drama therapy.

  3Management and administration staff are part of administration and estates staff group, and cannot be separately identified.

  Note:

  Figures are whole time equivalents rounded to the nearest 10.

  Source:

  Department of Health Vacancies Survey

  Locum Doctors
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost was to the NHS of employing locum doctors in(a) general practice and (b) hospital medicine in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [157324]

  Mr. Denham
  This information is not collected or held centrally.

  Epilepsy
  Mr. O'Hara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what change there has been in recorded cases of epilepsy between 1 November 1999 and 28 February 2001. [157555]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is not available in the format requested. The table shows the number of admissions by month to National Health Service hospitals in England for epilepsy in 1999–2000. Data for 2000––01 are not yet available. The figures do not reflect the numbers of individuals involved, neither do they include cases of epilepsy that do not result in admission to hospital.

  Admissions to NHS hospitals in England where the main diagnosis was epilepsy, 1999–2000

  Year/month

  Admissions

  1999

  April

  3,030

  May

  3,163

  June

  3,110

  July

  3,071

  August

  3,282

  September

  3,234

  October

  3,104

  November

  3,020

  December

  2,783

  455W

  Admissions to NHS hospitals in England where the main diagnosis was epilepsy, 1999–2000

  Year/month

  Admissions

  2000

  January

  2,929

  February

  2,873

  2,847

  Notes:

  1. The main diagnosis is the first of seven diagnosis fields in the HES data set, and provides the main reason why the patient was in hospital

  2. Figures have not yet been adjusted for shortfalls in data

  Source:

  Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Department of Health

  Correspondence
  Mrs. Roe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the hon. Member for Broxbourne will receive a reply to her letters of 12 January, 8 February, 8 March and 4 April relating to a constituent, Mrs. Ruth Cooper of Hoddesdon. [157458]

  Mr. Denham
  A reply to the hon. Member's letters was sent 19 February 2001.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Private Security Industry Bill
  Mr. Michael Jabez Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whit proposals he has for licensing wheel-dampers. [156030]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Private Security Industry Bill, which was introduced in the Houselast month, sets out proposals to regulate private wheel-clampers. Under the Bill anyone engaged in wheel-clamping by way of business or employment or for monetary gain will need to obtain a licence from the regulatory authority which is also being set up under the legislation.

  Ms Dari Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received regarding the Private Security Industry Bill. [156054]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  We have received representations from a number of organisations and individuals including:companies and individuals working in the private security industry;
  local authorities and their associations;
  Members of Parliament;
  Members of the House of Lords;
  representative bodies in the leisure industry;
  the police;
  trade and professional associations;
  trade unions; and
  members of the public.

  The representations related to a number of provisions of the Bill, including the regulation of in-house manned guards and other sectors of the industry, wheel-clamping and the licensing of security companies.

  Mr. Hope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans for regulation of club and pub doormen. [156038]
  456W
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Private Security Industry Bill provides for the establishment of a Security Industry Authority which will have responsibility for licensing individuals employed in designated sectors of the security industry, including door supervisors.

  The Authority will be responsible for establishing a licensing regime for all door supervisors. This will involve setting national criteria, in consultation with the police, industry and local authorities, which will be used in deciding whether to grant a licence. Initially the criteria will involve a criminal record check, but it is envisaged that over time additional criteria relating to training and similar issues will be imposed. This aim is to ensure that only fit and proper people receive licences to operate as door supervisors. Those who do not meet the published criteria will be refused licences.

  Clubbers (Safe Havens)
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to encourage safe havens for clubbers. [156031]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Following the sad deaths of three young men in Norwich, we welcome and support the local initiative to provide a refuge for vulnerable young people who are affected by alcohol on busy clubbing nights; we will see what wider lessons can be learned from it.

  Hilda Murrell
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his answer of 9 March 2001,Official Report, column 386W, on Hilda Murrell, if he will make a statement on the staged examinations of samples being carried out by the Forensic Science Service. [156032]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  West Mercia constabulary and the Forensic Science Service are working together on a structured approach to the examination of all potential DNA-bearing material relating to this case. This has involved setting up a staged process applying the DNA techniques in a priority order so as to conserve as far as possible samples for future analysis if the current tests are unsuccessful. The examinations have been carefully prioritised and are being undertaken in a sequential manner using the latest DNA techniques such as Second Generation Multiplex Plus and the more sophisticated Low Copy Number.

  As I indicated in my answer of 9 March 2001, Official Report, column 386W, so far the test results have provided no positive results. The samples currently under examination are being processed as a Major Crime Service priority using the Low Copy Number method. The results of these tests are expected in the week beginning 23 April.

  Disorderly Licensed Premises
  Liz Blackman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has had with the police regarding powers to close disorderly licensed premises. [156033]
  457W
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has had with licensees and pub managers about police powers to close disorderly licensed premises. [156034]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We have discussed on a number of recent occasions with both the Association of Chief Police Officers and the licensed trade the relevant provisions of the Criminal Justice and Police Bill.

  Drugs (Tower Hamlets)
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what initiatives his Department has supported in Tower Hamlets to combat the drugs problem. [156035]

  Mr. Boateng
  We have supported the work of the Drugs Action Team with:some £36,000 last year and this, for support and co-ordination;
  some £64,000 for this year as the Home Office contribution to supporting services for young people under Drugs Action Team planning requirements;
  £180,000 over the next three years for a community development project on the Ocean Estate;
  over £76,000 last year and likely the same this for arrest referral schemes;
  some £580,000 this year for treatment provision, to which the Home Office has made significant contribution.

  In addition, there will be a Tower Hamlets allocation—yet to be decided—from the £220 million announced for action against local drugs markets.

  Business Watch Schemes
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice and assistance his Department offers to business watch schemes; and if he will make a statement. [156036]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  We do not provide any direct formal or financial assistance to business watch schemes, and there are no central records available as to the number of such schemes. We do, of course, welcome any such initiatives to combat crime. Among the projects to assist business to reduce crime is Business Crime Check which seeks to create, maintain and promote a database of information relevant to those who wish to reduce crime against business.

  The Home Department is also intending to launch later this month a Business and Retail Crime Toolkit. This is one of 22 Toolkits that are designed to help provide local crime and disorder partnerships, and the wider community, with information about different crimes and ways to help tackle them. As well as outlining the main crimes affecting business this will include a guide to best practice in combating such crimes. It will also include information on how to go about setting up a project to tackle a problem as well accessing possible sources of funding.

  Severe Personality Disorders
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress made in agreeing protocols between health authorities and police on information exchange regarding individuals with severe personality disorders. [156037]
  458W
  Mr. Boateng
  It is vital for the effective protection of the public that there should be effective arrangements for information-sharing, between all the agencies involved, about anyone who may pose a serious risk to others because of a personality disorder or other mental disorder. In some parts of England and Wales health authorities do take part in the work of Multi-Agency Risk Panels and Public Protection Panels. In others, concerns about breaking professional codes of practice relating to patient confidentiality have prevented them from doing so. In the White Paper "Reforming the Mental Health Act", published on 20 December last year, we made it clear that new mental health legislation will create a statutory duty covering the disclosure of information between agencies in these circumstances.

  Human Rights Act
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the implications of the Human Rights Act 1998 for the maintenance of law and order. [156039]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Human Rights Act will help the maintenance of law and order by the development of a culture of rights and responsibilities across the United Kingdom.

  Robberies
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he is taking to reduce the number of robberies committed in England and Wales. [156040]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  We are determined to reduce the number of robberies. That is why we have given the five metropolitan forces an additional £20 million specifically to assist their efforts in tackling robbery, and have set them the challenging target of a 14 per cent. reduction of robbery in our principal cities by March 2005. The additional funds have enabled those forces to introduce a number of new initiatives and to reinforce good practice.

  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has also launched a separate initiative with the police and the mobile phone industry to crack down on robbery of mobile phones. We have also published a Robbery Toolkit which is available to all forces and those involved in crime reduction and community safety and will help them to work as effectively as possible in tackling robbery.

  Drugs Education Programmes
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make extra funds available to police forces to advise on drugs education programmes. [156042]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Drugs education in schools is a matter for the Secretary of State for Education and Employment. The police can, and do, support schools, but this must come from existing and planned provision.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the number of applications for political asylum in the last 12 months. [156043]
  459W
  Mrs. Roche
  There were 75,720 asylum applications made from March 2000 to February 2001.

  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers who were refused asylum were deported in 2000. [156046]

  Mrs. Roche
  8,980 failed asylum seekers were removed or left voluntarily in 2000.

  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received on the criteria for assessing asylum applications. [156051]

  Mrs. Roche
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department receives a number of representations on a wide range of asylum issues, including the application of the 1951 Convention criteria for determining asylum claims.

  Each application for asylum is considered on its individual merits to determine whether the applicant can demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution in a particular country for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.

  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the numbers of asylum seekers in the United Kingdom whose addresses are not known by his Department. [156052]

  Mrs. Roche
  The precise number of asylum applicants whose address is not known could only be determined by examination of individual case files at disproportionate cost. However, in most cases a contact address is likely to have been given.

  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is on choice of area for the placement of asylum seekers on the basis of local economic conditions. [156053]

  Mrs. Roche
  Areas that are to be used as clusters are researched centrally by the National Asylum Support Service and there is a full consultation process to enable local authorities, usually through the Regional Consortia, to have input into the decision making process. Each area is considered on its own particular merits and factors such as economic conditions are taken into account. It is not the intention to exacerbate local economic difficulties but to achieve a fair and equitable dispersal.

  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers there are in the United Kingdom who have not yet had their application accepted. [156041]

  Mrs. Roche
  The number of outstanding asylum applications awaiting an initial decision at the end of February 2001 was 49,690.

  Crime Reduction
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Government's strategy to reduce crime. [156044]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Government are committed to reducing crime, tackling its causes, ensuring proper punishment of those who break the law and providing the 460W
  resources necessary to tackle crime. As a result, the British Crime Survey showed that crime fell by 10 per cent. between 1997 and 1999. In addition, the number of police officers rose by 444 in the six months to September 2000.

  Crime Statistics
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the level of crime in England and Wales. [156047]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The British Crime Survey (BCS), published on 17 October, shows an overall fall of 10 per cent. in crimes measured by the BCS between 1997 and 1999. The most recently published recorded crime statistics show that in the 12 months to September 2000 there was a fall in recorded crime of 0.2 per cent. In the same period, domestic burglary fell by 10 per cent. and vehicle crime by 7 per cent.

  Surrey Police Force
  Mr. St. Aubyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the funding of Surrey police force. [156048]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Under the police funding settlement for 2001–02 Surrey Police Authority will receive £111 million in central Government supported funding. It will also continue to benefit from the Crime Fighting Fund and Rural Policing Fund. Surrey will receive £2.3 million from the Crime Fighting Fund and £11,048 from the Rural Policing Fund. £220,000 has also been allocated to Surrey under the Targeted Policing Initiative.

  The budget set by Surrey Police Authority for 2001–02 is £122.4 million, an increase of 2.1 per cent. (+£2.5 million) over the previous year.

  In addition, commencing 1 April the Home Office has agreed to fund 75 per cent. of the cost of the new allowance of £2,000 per annum to be paid to officers serving in the Surrey Police who were appointed on or after 1 September 1994 and who are not in receipt of housing allowance.

  Police Recruitment and Retention
  Maria Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he is taking to improve recruitment and retention of police officers. [156049]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  We have established the Crime Fighting Fund (CFF) to enable forces to recruit 9,000 officers over and above the number they had previously planned in the three years 2000–01 to 2002–03. Forces report that about 2,800 CFF officers were recruited in 2000–01.

  We have launched the first national police recruitment advertising campaign. There had been over 129,000 responses to the campaign by 25 March 2000 and over 27,000 expressions of interest had been passed to forces.

  We are reviewing entry requirements for the Police Service to ensure consistency across forces and a good supply of quality candidates.
  461W
  In order to improve retention of police officers, we have been considering how we might be able to encourage more officers who have completed 30 years' service but not reached compulsory retirement age, to remain, where they have key skills and experience. Measures to address sickness rates and medical retirement are set out in my answer to the hon. Member for Southwark, North and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes) on 18 December 2000, Official Report, column 59W.

  Measures to improve both retention and recruitment are:
  £3,327 per annum increase in London Allowance for officers in the Metropolitan and the City of London police who joined on or after 1 September 1994 and receive no housing allowance;
  provision (at a cost of £2.45 million next year) of free rail travel within a 70 mile radius of London for Metropolitan police officers;
  allowances for officers serving in the south-east, as set out in my answer to the hon. Member for Banbury (Mr. Baldry) on 12 March 2001, Official Report, column 485W;
  the Government's Starter Homes Initiative under which £250 million will be made available over the next three years. Bids covering a number of police force areas have proceeded to Stage 2 of the bidding round.

  Violence against Women
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans to combat violence against women. [156050]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Government are determined to reduce all crimes of violence including violence against women. We set out our strategy for doing so in "fighting violent crime together: an action plan" which was published in January.

  In support of the action plan, we announced on
  23 March an extra £3.7 million to fund a further
  24 projects addressing violence against women. This funding is on top of the £7 million announced last summer which provides funding for 34 projects as part of our Crime Reduction Programme. These projects are helping to identify what works best in tackling violence against women, including domestic violence.

  In addition to the increased funding, our programme against domestic violence includes, within the last year, guidance to agencies dealing with domestic violence, along with specific guidance to health service professionals; a Home Office circular to the police to build on the progress made in addressing domestic violence and reducing repeat victimisation; inclusion of this issue within police Best Value performance indicators; £120 million additional capital funding for a new Safer Communities Supported Housing Fund for specified vulnerable groups, which includes the survivors of domestic violence; and increased funding for Victim Support.

  We are also working with the Association of Chief Police Officers on a circular to the police on the effective use of provisions in the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 with particular regard to domestic violence and violence against women; we are evaluating probation service domestic violence perpetrator programmes; developing a domestic violence toolkit as part of the
  462W
  programme of toolkits on the crime reduction website; and we shall be including a special module on domestic violence as part of the British Crime Survey 2001.

  Prison Education Service
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to improve the prison education service. [156056]

  Mr. Boateng
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Stockport (Ms Coffey) on 14 February 2001,Official Report, column 172W.

  Local Elections
  Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to extend the pilot schemes on alternative voting arrangements for the local elections. [156057]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  None at present. After only one round of pilots we believe that there is insufficient evidence on which to base an extension of any piloted arrangements. Notices of the local elections for 3 May have now been issued but we look forward to further pilot schemes taking place in the future.

  Closed Circuit Television (Nottingham)
  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment has been made of the benefits of CCTV in the suppression of crime in Nottingham. [156058]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Crime Concern have recently published a City-wide strategy for Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) for the Nottingham Community Safety and Youth Justice Partnership. This report is being used to assess the effectiveness of current CCTV systems installed in Nottingham and to decide future deployment.

  More generally, police operational experience and general research studies show that CCTV has considerable crime reduction and detection potential, particularly when used as part of a wider strategy.

  Schemes funded under the Crime Reduction Programme CCTV Initiative will be evaluated to build up the knowledge bast of what works best in what context. Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships will also be evaluating schemes locally.

  Police Suspensions
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the(a) duration and (b) scale of police officers' suspensions, and the costs of suspensions and subsequent out-of-court settlements made in compensation. [1560591

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  This information is not held centrally and it could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Alcohol Misuse (Young People)
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the misuse of alcohol by young people. [156045]
  463W
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We are taking decisive action to minimise the impact of alcohol on young people's lives. In the Criminal Justice and Police Bill, we have sought to introduce provisions placing a positive duty on licensees not to sell alcohol to minors and by placing test purchasing of alcohol on a statutory footing for the first time.

  MOT Certificates
  Mr. Goggins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the penalties for failing to obtain a valid MoT certificate. [156055]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The maximum penalty for the offence of driving a motor vehicle without a valid Ministry of Transport (MoT) certificate under section 47 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 is a fine of up to £2,500 in the case of a vehicle adapted to cary more than eight passengers and £1,000 for any other motor vehicle. The maximum penalty for the related, but more serious offence, of forgery of an MoT certificate, under section 173 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, is two years imprisonment. We are conducting a review of Road Traffic Penalties and have now received responses to our consultation paper published last December. In relation to the fraud offence the consultation paper proposes that the existing anomaly whereby imprisonment is not available where the offence is tried in the magistrates court is removed so that a sentence of imprisonment of up to six months is available for summary disposal of these cases. We made no express proposals in respect of the driving

  Police force net expenditure (England) and percentage change in cash and real terms, 1990–91 to 2000–01

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  Percentage change

  Percentage change

  Percentage change

  £000

  cash terms

  real terms

  £000

  cash terms

  real terms

  £000

  cash terms

  real terms

  Avon and Somerset

  107,282

  10.9

  2.9

  116,004

  8.1

  1.9

  127,928

  10.3

  6.8

  Bedfordshire

  36,053

  11.2

  3.1

  40,027

  11.0

  4.6

  45.036

  12.5

  9.0

  Cambridgeshire

  43,173

  11.2

  3.1

  48,001

  11.2

  4.8

  51,126

  6.5

  3.1

  Cheshire

  63,620

  7.6

  (0.2)

  68,496

  7.7

  1.4

  74,058

  8.1

  4.7

  City of London

  38,288

  7.5

  (0.3)

  41,919

  9.5

  3.1

  45,151

  7.7

  4.3

  Cleveland

  52,889

  11.3

  3.2

  58,690

  11.0

  4.5

  62,269

  6.1

  2.7

  Cumbria

  41,312

  13.4

  5.2

  46,548

  12.7

  6.2

  50,736

  9.0

  5.6

  Derbyshire

  62,086

  4.2

  (3.3)

  66,686

  7.4

  1.2

  76,554

  14.8

  11.2

  Devon and Cornwall

  107,378

  13.0

  4.8

  119,619

  11.4

  5.0

  129,634

  8.4

  4.9

  Dorset

  50,150

  15.0

  6.7

  54,239

  8.2

  1.9

  57,639

  6.3

  2.9

  Durham

  45,673

  10.2

  2.2

  49,517

  8.4

  2.1

  53,853

  8.8

  5.3

  Essex

  106,902

  15.7

  7.3

  119,118

  11.4

  5.0

  129,559

  8.8

  5.3

  Gloucestershire

  41,526

  13.3

  5.1

  46,370

  11.7

  5.2

  49,361

  6.5

  3.1

  Greater Manchester

  236,520

  9.6

  1.6

  256,562

  8.5

  17.2

  281,761

  9.8

  6.4

  Hampshire

  114,172

  12.5

  4.4

  127,841

  12.0

  5.5

  142,133

  11.2

  7.7

  Hertfordshire

  59,681

  13.7

  5.4

  63,633

  6.6

  0.5

  70,029

  10.1

  6.6

  Humberside

  71,151

  10.6

  2.6

  78,591

  10.5

  4.1

  86,795

  10.4

  6.9

  Kent

  107,675

  10.2

  2.2

  128,118

  19.0

  12.1

  136,307

  6.4

  3.0

  Lancashire

  114,195

  13.7

  5.5

  127,076

  11.3

  4.8

  132,092

  3.9

  0.7

  Leicestershire

  63,597

  9.9

  2.0

  70,562

  11.0

  4.5

  75,262

  6.7

  3.3

  Lincolnshire

  43,025

  13.4

  5.2

  48,704

  13.2

  6.6

  53,039

  8.9

  5.5

  Merseyside

  165,167

  10.1

  2.1

  182,680

  10.6

  4.2

  193,410

  5.9

  2.5

  Metropolitan police

  1,273,265

  18.2

  9.6

  1,420,575

  11.6

  5.1

  1,513,654

  6.6

  3.2

  Norfolk

  49,106

  13.4

  5.2

  56,134

  14.3

  7.7

  60,658

  8.1

  4.6

  Northamptonshire

  41,997

  10.6

  2.5

  47,081

  12.1

  5.6

  52,575

  11.7

  8.1

  Northumbria

  124,873

  11.1

  3.0

  139,999

  12.1

  5.6

  145,882

  4.2

  0.9

  North Yorkshire

  48.995

  10.5

  2.5

  53.161

  8.5

  2.2

  60,123

  13.1

  9.5

  Nottinghamshire

  79,305

  14.1

  5.9

  85,209

  7.4

  1.2

  92,856

  9.0

  5.5

  South Yorkshire

  101,200

  12.0

  3.9

  108,676

  7.4

  1.2

  122,395

  12.6

  9.1

  Staffordshire

  76,903

  14.8

  6.5

  84,322

  9.6

  3.3

  90,497

  7.3

  3.9

  Suffolk

  44,755

  12.1

  4.0

  49,246

  10.0

  3.7

  52,052

  5.7

  2.4

  464W
  without a valid MoT certificate offence but the review continues and we will consider any representations received.

  Schengen Agreement
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the nature of the partial declassification of the Schengen documentation. [156974]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The rules on the classification of Council documents, including Schengen documents, are set out in Council Decision 2000/527/EC of 14 August 2000. The vast majority of Schengen documents are categorised as "limite" and are not therefore classified within the meaning of the Decision. The Council considers it necessary to classify certain documents containing sensitive operational information. However, even classified documents are subject to the provisions of Council Decision 93/731/EC of 20 December 1993 on public access to Council documents. Any request for access to a classified document is considered on its merits. A decision to refuse access to classified documents is ultimately subject to review by the Court of Justice in Luxembourg.

  Police
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for each police force area in England, what was the force's budget in(a) cash terms and (b) real terms for each year since 1990. [156173]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information is set out in the table.
  465W

  Police force net expenditure (England) and percentage change in cash and real terms, 1990–91 to 2000–01

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  Percentage change

  Percentage change

  Percentage change

  £000

  cash terms

  real terms

  £000

  cash terms

  real terms

  £000

  cash terms

  real terms

  Surrey

  59,126

  11.2

  3.1

  64,426

  9.0

  2.7

  71,426

  10.9

  7.4

  Sussex

  94,916

  10.5

  2.5

  108,489

  14.3

  7.7

  117,529

  8.3

  4.9

  Thames Valley

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  156,072

  n/a

  n/a

  165,443

  6.0

  2.7

  Warwickshire

  37,963

  18.5

  9.9

  41,479

  9.3

  2.9

  44,128

  6.4

  3.0

  West Midlands

  231,478

  10.7

  2.7

  254,477

  9.9

  3.6

  188,798

  13.5

  9.9

  West Yorkshire

  190,733

  13.0

  4.8

  206,169

  8.1

  1.8

  215,727

  4.6

  1.3

  Wiltshire

  41,547

  15.3

  7.0

  46,907

  12.9

  6.4

  51,912

  10.7

  7.2

  Total (England)

  4,308,157

  9.2

  1.3

  4,931,259

  14.5

  7.8

  5,323,895

  8.0

  4.6

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Percentage change

  Percentage change

  Percentage change

  £000

  cash terms

  real terms

  £000

  cash terms

  real terms

  £000

  cash terms

  real terms

  Avon and Somerset

  134,323

  5.0

  2.3

  141,105

  5.0

  3.6

  141,091

  0.0

  -2.8

  Bedfordshire

  48,666

  8.1

  5.3

  51,514

  5.9

  4.4

  54,533

  5.9

  2.9

  Cambridgeshire

  56,879

  11.3

  8.4

  58,553

  2.9

  1.5

  60,917

  4.0

  1.1

  Cheshire

  79,971

  8.0

  5.2

  82,804

  3.5

  2.1

  86,786

  4.8

  1.9

  City of London

  50.920

  12.8

  9.9

  52,185

  2.5

  1.1

  55,851

  7.0

  4.0

  Cleveland

  66,289

  6.5

  3.7

  69,007

  4.1

  2.7

  67,861

  -1.7

  -4.4

  Cumbria

  51,699

  1.9

  -0.7

  53.981

  4.4

  3.0

  53,196

  -1.5

  -4.2

  Derbyshire

  78,964

  3.1

  0.5

  84,362

  6.8

  5.4

  86,012

  2.0

  -0.9

  Devon and Cornwall

  137,578

  6.1

  3.4

  140,830

  2.4

  0.9

  144,513

  2.6

  -0.3

  Dorset

  59,345

  3.0

  0.3

  66,285

  11.7

  10.1

  63,040

  -4.9

  -7.6

  Durham

  57,825

  7.4

  4.6

  59,237

  2.4

  1.0

  62,432

  5.4

  2.4

  Essex

  136,952

  5.7

  3.0

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  Gloucestershire

  51,298

  3.9

  1.2

  55,006

  7.2

  5.7

  53,815

  -2.2

  -4.9

  Greater Manchester

  302,885

  7.5

  4.7

  319,467

  5.5

  4.0

  329,893

  3.3

  0.4

  Hampshire

  146,008

  2.7

  0.1

  155,257

  6.3

  4.9

  163,085

  5.0

  2.1

  Hertfordshire

  74,029

  5.7

  3.0

  84,435

  14.1

  12.5

  87,825

  4.0

  1.1

  Humberside

  90,194

  3.9

  1.2

  92,365

  2.4

  1.0

  96,418

  4.4

  1.5

  Kent

  142,749

  4.7

  2.0

  153,757

  7.7

  6.2

  155,223

  1.0

  -1.9

  Lancashire

  142,518

  7.9

  5.1

  144,420

  1.3

  10.1

  151,646

  5.0

  2.1

  Leicestershire

  78,201

  3.9

  1.2

  81,166

  3.8

  2.4

  86,855

  7.0

  4.0

  Lincolnshire

  55,645

  4.9

  2.2

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  58,974

  n/a

  n/a

  Merseyside

  207,217

  7.1

  4.4

  215,139

  3.8

  2.4

  219,547

  2.0

  -0.8

  Metropolitan police

  1,545,265

  2.1

  -0.6

  1,581,975

  2.4

  1.0

  1,635,386

  3.4

  0.5

  Norfolk

  63,907

  5.4

  2.6

  68,392

  7.0

  5.5

  70,233

  2.7

  -0.2

  Northamptonshire

  55,136

  4.9

  2.2

  59,983

  8.8

  7.3

  56,742

  -5.4

  -8.0

  Northumbria

  158,758

  8.8

  6.0

  174,700

  10.0

  8.5

  177,760

  1.8

  -1.1

  North Yorkshire

  62,805

  4.5

  1.8

  63,166

  0.6

  -0.8

  62,846

  -0.5

  -3.3

  Nottinghamshire

  98,224

  5.8

  3.0

  105,645

  7.6

  6.1

  106,334

  0.7

  -2.2

  South Yorkshire

  128,102

  4.7

  2.0

  136,352

  6.4

  5.0

  143,113

  5.0

  2.0

  Staffordshire

  96,404

  6.5

  3.8

  99,778

  3.5

  2.1

  98,286

  -1.5

  -4.2

  Suffolk

  55,237

  6.1

  3.4

  56,751

  2.7

  1.3

  55,724

  -1.8

  -4.6

  Surrey

  75,322

  5.5

  2.7

  84,371

  12.0

  10.5

  83,000

  -1.6

  -4.4

  Sussex

  122,444

  4.2

  1.5

  130,124

  6.3

  4.8

  137,785

  5.9

  2.9

  Thames Valley

  178,169

  7.7

  4.9

  190,492

  6.9

  5.4

  193,124

  1.4

  -1.5

  Warwickshire

  47,139

  6.8

  4.1

  49,517

  5.0

  3.6

  47,553

  -4.0

  -6.7

  West Mercia

  91,372

  8.1

  5.3

  98,032

  7.3

  5.8

  95,815

  -2.3

  -5.0

  West Midlands

  296,973

  2.8

  0.2

  311,337

  4.8

  3.4

  329,194

  5.7

  2.8

  West Yorkshire

  224,987

  4.3

  1.6

  234,588

  4.3

  2.8

  237,084

  1.1

  -1.8

  Wiltshire

  54,272

  4.5

  1.8

  59,182

  9.0

  7.5

  54,456

  -8.0

  -10.6

  Total (England)

  5,604,671

  5.3

  2.6

  5,867,013

  4.7

  3.2

  6,008,912

  2.4

  -0.4

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Percentage change

  Percentage change

  Percentage change

  £000

  cash terms

  real terms

  £000

  cash terms

  real terms

  £000

  cash terms

  real terms

  Avon and Somerset

  152,087

  7.8

  4.4

  152,673

  0.4

  -2.4

  162,726

  6.6

  3.6

  Bedfordshire

  56,627

  3.8

  0.6

  58,570

  3.4

  0.6

  61,778

  5.5

  2.5

  Cambridgeshire

  65,024

  6.7

  3.4

  68,681

  5.6

  2.7

  73,432

  6.9

  3.9

  Cheshire

  94,177

  8.5

  5.1

  104,005

  10.4

  7.4

  107,093

  3.0

  0.1

  City of London

  57,317

  2.6

  -0.6

  57,893

  1.0

  -1.8

  60,350

  4.2

  1.4

  466W 467W

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Percentage change

  Percentage change

  Percentage change

  £000

  cash terms

  real terms

  £000

  cash terms

  real terms

  £000

  cash terms

  real terms

  Cleveland

  73,108

  7.7

  4.4

  75,426

  3.2

  0.3

  81,295

  7.8

  4.8

  Cumbria

  56,856

  6.9

  3.5

  61,709

  8.5

  5.5

  62,532

  1.3

  -1.5

  Derbyshire

  90,420

  5.1

  1.8

  95,641

  5.8

  2.9

  100,064

  4.6

  1.7

  Devon and Cornwall

  150,392

  4.1

  0.8

  155,435

  3.4

  0.5

  166,330

  7.0

  4.0

  Dorset

  67,831

  7.6

  4.2

  69,727

  2.8

  0.0

  73,117

  4.9

  2.0

  Durham

  68,035

  9.0

  5.6

  75,166

  10.5

  7.4

  74,673

  -0.7

  -3.4

  Essex

  151,412

  n/a

  n/a

  157,487

  4.0

  1.1

  156,822

  -0.4

  -3.2

  Gloucestershire

  58,420

  8.6

  5.2

  58,633

  0.4

  -2.4

  62,862

  7.2

  4.2

  Greater Manchester

  341,170

  3.4

  0.2

  353,319

  3.6

  0.7

  354,171

  0.2

  -2.5

  Hampshire

  172,845

  6.0

  2.7

  180,791

  4.6

  1.7

  186,661

  3.2

  0.4

  Hertfordshire

  88,863

  1.2

  -2.0

  93,011

  4.7

  1.8

  95,068

  2.2

  -0.6

  Humberside

  99,719

  3.4

  0.2

  106,220

  6.5

  3.6

  112,571

  6.0

  3.0

  Kent

  161,625

  4.1

  0.9

  174,211

  7.8

  4.8

  175,577

  0.8

  -2.0

  Lancashire

  161,865

  6.7

  3.4

  169,275

  4.6

  1.7

  177,310

  4.7

  1.8

  Leicestershire

  92,853

  6.9

  3.6

  98,789

  6.4

  3.5

  102,790

  4.1

  1.2

  Lincolnshire

  61,508

  4.3

  1.0

  66,184

  7.6

  4.6

  66,664

  0.7

  -2.1

  Merseyside

  221,172

  0.7

  -2.4

  224,327

  1.4

  -1.4

  240,267

  7.1

  4.1

  Metropolitan police

  1,683,181

  2.9

  -0.3

  1,676,617

  -0.4

  -3.1

  1,716,425

  2.4

  -0.5

  Norfolk

  75,547

  7.6

  4.2

  80,222

  6.2

  3.3

  80,543

  0.4

  -2.4

  Northamptonshire

  59,252

  4.4

  1.2

  64,605

  9.0

  6.0

  67,057

  3.8

  0.9

  Northumbria

  186,410

  4.9

  1.6

  195,092

  4.7

  1.8

  205,270

  5.2

  2.3

  North Yorkshire

  67,042

  6.7

  3.4

  71,840

  7.2

  4.2

  75,344

  4.9

  2.0

  Nottinghamshire

  113,591

  6.8

  3.5

  120,556

  6.1

  3.2

  127,018

  5.4

  2.4

  South Yorkshire

  150,949

  5.5

  2.2

  166,027

  10.0

  7.0

  167,159

  0.7

  -2.1

  Staffordshire

  107,832

  9.7

  6.3

  110,264

  2.3

  -0.6

  116,231

  5.4

  2.5

  Suffolk

  60,963

  9.4

  6.0

  63,676

  4.5

  1.6

  66,096

  3.8

  0.9

  Surrey

  85,345

  2.8

  -0.4

  90,976

  6.6

  3.7

  91,425

  0.5

  -2.3

  Sussex

  150,626

  9.3

  5.9

  157,631

  4.7

  1.8

  161,847

  2.7

  -0.2

  Thames Valley

  201,397

  4.3

  1.0

  210,333

  4.4

  1.6

  209,675

  -0.3

  -3.1

  Warwickshire

  47,686

  0.3

  -2.8

  51,003

  7.0

  4.0

  52,015

  2.0

  -0.8

  West Mercia

  102,078

  6.5

  3.2

  107,788

  5.6

  2.7

  113,755

  5.5

  2.6

  West Midlands

  337,992

  2.7

  -0.5

  360,129

  6.5

  3.6

  368,608

  2.4

  -0.5

  West Yorkshire

  265,233

  11.9

  8.4

  281,745

  6.2

  3.3

  277,994

  -1.3

  -4.1

  Wiltshire

  59,993

  0.2

  6.7

  58,535

  -2.4

  -5.1

  68,811

  17.6

  14.3

  Total (England)

  6,298,443

  4.8

  1.6

  6,524,212

  3.6

  0.7

  6,719,426

  3.0

  0.1

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  Percentage change

  Percentage change

  £000

  cash terms

  real terms

  £000

  cash terms

  real terms

  Avon and Somerset

  174,336

  7.1

  4.7

  181,210

  3.9

  2.2

  Bedfordshire

  63,611

  3.0

  0.6

  66,426

  4.4

  2.6

  Cambridgeshire

  75,052

  2.2

  -0.1

  79,244

  5.6

  3.8

  Cheshire

  113,280

  5.8

  3.3

  114,576

  1.1

  -0.6

  City of London

  57,852

  -4.1

  -6.3

  58,947

  1.9

  0.1

  Cleveland

  85,256

  4.9

  2.5

  85,600

  0.4

  -1.3

  Cumbria

  64,786

  3.6

  1.2

  67,400

  4.0

  2.2

  Derbyshire

  105,590

  5.5

  3.1

  110,819

  5.0

  3.1

  Devon and Cornwall

  175,055

  5.2

  2.8

  182,873

  4.5

  2.7

  Dorset

  76,957

  5.3

  2.8

  80,996

  5.2

  3.4

  Durham

  79,662

  6.7

  4.2

  85,775

  7.7

  5.8

  Essex

  167,969

  7.1

  4.6

  184,485

  9.8

  7.9

  Gloucestershire

  65,755

  4.6

  2.2

  68,695

  4.5

  2.7

  Greater Manchester

  374,804

  5.8

  3.4

  400,004

  6.7

  4.9

  Hampshire

  197,483

  5.8

  3.4

  202,527

  2.6

  0.8

  Hertfordshire

  104,448

  9.9

  7.3

  120,945

  15.8

  13.8

  Humberside

  113,944

  1.2

  -1.1

  119,900

  5.2

  3.4

  Kent

  186,261

  6.1

  3.6

  193,127

  3.7

  1.9

  Lancashire

  182,004

  2.6

  0.3

  190,181

  4.5

  2.7

  Leicestershire

  107,262

  4.4

  1.9

  110,150

  2.7

  0.9

  Lincolnshire

  69,378

  4.1

  1.7

  72,725

  4.8

  3.0

  Merseyside

  248,414

  3.4

  1.0

  257,114

  3.5

  1.7

  Metropolitan police

  1,838,888

  7.1

  4.7

  1,837,571

  -0.1

  -1.8

  Norfolk

  87,182

  8.2

  5.7

  91,514

  5.0

  3.2

  Northamptonshire

  69,148

  3.1

  0.7

  73,076

  5.7

  3.9

  Northumbria

  212,704

  3.6

  1.2

  218,387

  2.7

  0.9

  North Yorkshire

  78,178

  3.8

  1.4

  83,750

  7.1

  5.3

  468W 469W

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  Percentage change

  Percentage change

  £000

  cash terms

  real terms

  £000

  cash terms

  real terms

  Nottinghamshire

  129,465

  1.9

  -0.4

  134,302

  3.7

  2.0

  South Yorkshire

  176,007

  5.3

  2.9

  181,054

  2.9

  1.1

  Staffordshire

  127,000

  9.3

  6.7

  126,964

  0.0

  -1.7

  Suffolk

  70,506

  6.7

  4.2

  74,061

  5.0

  3.2

  Surrey

  100,094

  9.5

  7.0

  120,130

  20.0

  18.0

  Sussex

  165,564

  2.3

  -0.1

  172,513

  4.2

  2.4

  Thames Valley

  227,020

  8.3

  5.8

  236,952

  4.4

  2.6

  Warwickshire

  55,164

  6.1

  3.6

  59,011

  7.0

  5.1

  West Mercia

  111,446

  -2.0

  -4.3

  125,700

  12.8

  10.9

  West Midlands

  381,484

  3.5

  1.1

  395,102

  3.6

  1.8

  West Yorkshire

  286,088

  2.9

  0.5

  304,125

  6.3

  4.5

  Wiltshire

  69,823

  1.5

  -0.9

  71,981

  3.1

  1.3

  Total (England)

  7,074,920

  5.3

  2.9

  7,339,912

  3.7

  2.0

  Notes:

  1994–95 figures for Lincolnshire and Essex and 1995–96 figures for Essex were not available. The compilers adjusted the grand total for comparison.

  From 1996–97, expenditure was recorded net of police loan charges grant on pre-April 1990 debt charges.

  Loan charge grant for 1993–94 to 1995–96 has been deducted from forces' expenditure for comparative purposes.

  Deductions for loan charge grants have been made at the grand total level only for 1990–91 to 1992–93 (ca. £30 million per annum).

  Percentage changes have been calculated in real terms at 1999–2000 prices using GDP deflators (March 2001).

  Source:

  CIPFA Police Statistics: Actuals except for 2000–01 (estimates),

  Damilola Taylor
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the level of compensation to the parents of Damilola Taylor; and if he will review the guidance relating to levels of compensation. [157440]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Under the terms of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, the determination of individual applications is entirely a matter for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and the complementary Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeals Panel. Ministers do not comment on, or intervene in, decisions in individual cases.

  Under the terms of the Scheme, each qualifying relative of a murder victim receives a fixed fatal award (at level 10 of the tariff, or at level 13 if there is only one eligible claimant). Reasonable funeral expenses are also met, and additional (and sometimes very substantial) compensation is paid where there is financial dependency on the victim, or to replace the services of a murdered parent.

  Contrary to the impression conveyed by some recent press coverage of this tragic case, the fixed fatal award does not put a 'value' on the life of a victim. No sum of money could reasonably do that. The fatal award is in the nature of a gesture of condolence on behalf of society. And the award is in fact more generous than the amount payable under the fatal accidents legislation.

  We have just completed a thorough review of the Scheme based on the findings from a public consultation exercise that was launched in 1999. On 1 April 2001, having secured the necessary parliamentary approval in March, we brought in a wide-ranging package of improvements, worth £20 million in a full year, to what is already probably by far the most generous scheme in the world.
  470W
  Responses to the consultation exercise were evenly split on whether there should be any increase to the fixed fatal award. On balance, we decided not to recommend changes to the tariff level at which the fatal award is fixed, although the actual amount payable went up by 10 per cent. from 1 April as a result of a general up-rating of most of the tariff bands.

  Wrongful Convictions
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases are awaiting a decision by the(a) Criminal Cases Review Commission and (b) Appeal Court in respect of wrongful conviction. [157444]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I understand that at the end of February 2001, the latest date for which figures are available, 1,100 cases were awaiting a decision by the Criminal Cases Review Commission.

  Forced Marriages
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he has taken as a result of the recent report on forced marriages. [157548]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  'A Choice by Right', the report of the working group on forced marriage, was published in June last year. It made a number of recommendations for tackling the problem of forced marriage.

  Since then we have made progress on a number of fronts. Together with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office we have developed and published a Joint Action Plan to address the overseas dimension of forced marriage. This includes gaining a better understanding of the problem, forging links with agencies overseas and looking at our own procedures for handling these cases.
  471W
  We are working with colleagues from other Government Departments and non-governmental organisations to develop a package of care for the victims of forced marriage—to give them a real choice and enable them to take appropriate action to address, or escape, the problem.

  The work is being overseen by the Inter-departmental Group on Violence against Won en and Domestic Violence. The All-party Parliamentary Group on Domestic Violence have also agreed to take this issue within its remit. Many of the protocols and procedures aimed at tackling domestic violence are also appropriate for dealing with forced marriage.

  I hope to be able to make a fuller announcement this month.

  Freemasons (Police Service)
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to make a decision on the compulsory registration of freemasonry in the police service. [157152]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary will make a decision as soon as possible following his consideration of the outcome of consultation with the police service about ways of achieving an acceptable rate of registration.

  Criminal Records Bureau
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of(a) the number of requests for checks, (b) the income from fees and (c) the expenditure associated with running the Criminal Records Bureau in the first two years of operation; and if he will make a statement. [157172]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [holding answer 6 April 2001]: The Criminal Records Bureau will begin to issue Standard and Enhanced Disclosures later in the current financial year. It is anticipated that demand will be at a low level initially, and will build up. Basic disclosures will not begin to be issued before the 2002–03 financial year. Cost and business projections have been based on the following levels of demand during this and the next financial year:

  2001–02

  2002–03

  Enhanced disclosures

  1,216,751

  3,182,690

  Standard disclosures

  109,526

  296,590

  Basic disclosures

  0

  2,786,350

  Estimated total revenues, and the estimated total cost of operating the Bureau, during the same two years are as follows:

  £

  2001–02

  2002–03

  Estimated total revenues

  12,655,727

  63,430,902

  Estimated total cost

  48,277,786

  80,425,047

  On the best information available, we anticipate that, despite the low level of income initially, progressively higher income will enable recovery of the full cost of establishing and operating this new service to be achieved within a period of five years.

  Lords-Lieutenant
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many deputy lords-lieutenant are members of political parties, broken down by party. [157716]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We do not hold this information. The deputy lieutenants of a county or area are appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant. Appointments are not based on political affiliation, but on place of residence and service to the community.

  Former New Towns (Police Stations)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assistance is provided for former new towns with a requirement for new police stations. [157702]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Police resources are allocated between all 43 forces in England and Wales according to a formula that allocates central Government supported funding to provide a standard level of service. The formula is weighted according to population, so that forces with larger populations receive more money. The socio-demographic nature of the population is also taken into account. Decisions relating to the location of police stations are operational matters for the chief constable of the force concerned.

  Lay Magistrates
  Mr. David Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the role of lay magistrates in reducing average time delays for dealing with persistent young offenders. [157565]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  We welcome the valuable contribution that lay magistrates are making to reducing the time from arrest to sentence for persistent young offenders. The overall average has been cut from 142 days in 1996 to 89 days by January this year; and cases sentenced in the magistrates courts averaged 82 days. This represents significant progress thanks to the commitment, hard work and co-operation of all the agencies involved in youth justice.

  Police Recruits
  Mr. Salter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many new police recruits there were in(a) the Thames Valley Police Force, (b) the Hertfordshire Constabulary, (c) the Essex Police Force, (d) the Kent County Constabulary, (e) the Surrey Police Force, (f) the Hampshire Constabulary, (g) the Sussex Police Force and (h) England and Wales in the period (i) 1 May 1994 to 30 April 1995, (ii) 1 May 1995 to 30 April 1996, (iii) 1 May 1996 to 30 April 1997, (iv) 1 May 1997 to 30 April 1998, (v) 1 May 1998 to 30 April 1999, (vi) 1 May 1999 to 30 April 2000 and (vii) since 1 May 2000. [151120]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Recruitment figures for constable recruits are available from January 1994 to January 2001, and are given in the table.
  473W

  Essex

  Hampshire

  Hertfordshire

  Kent

  Surrey

  Sussex

  Thames Valley

  England and Wales

  January 1994 to March 19951

  115

  129

  91

  110

  98

  116

  161

  6,386

  April 1995 to March 1996

  106

  263

  83

  152

  47

  326

  31

  5,963

  April 1996 to March 1997

  194

  357

  133

  291

  60

  167

  201

  6,429

  April 1997 to March 1997

  119

  201

  71

  119

  116

  135

  273

  6,437

  April 1998 to March 1999

  95

  117

  73

  120

  138

  99

  152

  5,292

  April 1999 to March 2000

  91

  148

  154

  173

  183

  98

  190

  4,476

  April 2000 to January 2001

  194

  191

  104

  258

  216

  165

  208

  6,528

  1Before April 1995 information was collated on a calendar year basis. The data cover the transitional 15 month period.

  2The figures are as now provided in the Home Office Statistical Bulletin on Police Service Strength. Numbers are mainly new recruits, hut also include those who have previously been police constables in non-Home Office forces and any who may have previously left and subsequently rejoined the service.

  Drug-related Crime
  Mr. Pond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what new funding will be made available to tackle drug-related crime. [153893]

  Mr. Straw
  In addition to the £220 million announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Budget, new funding of £50 million will also be made available over the two years, 2002–03 to 2003–04, to accelerate the programme to extend drug testing within the criminal justice system. The initial pilot phase of the programme is due to start in the spring.

  Evidence of the effectiveness of these pilots will inform final decisions on where best to spend this new funding within the criminal justice system.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Logos and Branding
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much has been spent by his Department on departmental and agency logos and associated branding since 1 May 1997. [152647]

  Ms Quin
  The amount spent by my Department on logos or associated branding since 1 May 1997 is £25,773. Information relating to agencies is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Animal Disease (Planning)
  Mr. Nicholls
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements his Department makes for conducting emergency planning exercises in relation to the possible outbreak of infectious diseases among animals; if such exercises(a) involve liaising with the (i) police and (ii) the armed forces; and are conducted periodically; by what grade of civil servant such exercises are authorised and supervised; if the type of the diseases concerned is specified to the suppliers in the case of materials to be used in connection with a real outbreak; if he will list the emergency planning exercises that have been conducted in the last two years; and if he will make a statement. [155927]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 27 March 2001]: MAFF regularly holds emergency exercises which may involve liaison with the police, but not the armed forces. Such exercises are generally authorised and supervised by the Divisional Veterinary Manager or regionally, by a Veterinary Head of Service.
  474W
  Animal Health Offices are required regularly to update their local contingency plans. This includes contacting potential suppliers of materials and services to be used in the event of an outbreak. The reason for any such inquiry should be explained fully. Detailed information on emergency exercises held over the last two years is not held centrally and can be collected only at disproportionate cost. However, between 1994 and 1999, MAFF carried out 84 separate exercises aimed at planning to control notifiable animal diseases.

  Foot and Mouth
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when, and in what locations,(a) the epidemic strain of foot and mouth virus associated with the current outbreak and (b) its close relatives have been recorded in previous outbreaks. [155837]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 27 March 2001]: The pandemic serotype O virus (now named the pan-Asian strain) was first isolated in northern India in 1990. Since then it has been found in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Iran, Iraq. Syria, Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and the Arabian peninsula, Nepal Bhutan, the People's Republic of China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Korea, Japan and South Africa.

  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in relation to the current foot and mouth epidemic, to what level of discrimination the specific epidemic strain of the Pan-Asia O virus has been identified; and what the strain classification is. [155850]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 27 March 2001]: Analysis carried out by the Foot and Mouth Reference Laboratory in Pirbright has identified the strain responsible for the current outbreak as FMD virus serotype O. It was identified as the Pan-Asian using nucleotide sequence data obtained for the complete VPI gene. The same strain has been responsible for the outbreaks in different parts of Great Britain, and for those in the Netherlands and Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what average time it takes to answer callers to the foot and mouth helplines; and how many callers(a) were disconnected and (b) hung up before their call was answered. [156214]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 30 March 2001]: During the period 22 February 2001 to 29 March 2001, 60,979 telephone calls to the foot and mouth disease helpline were answered successfully. The average call answer time was 35 seconds.
  475W
  During the period 22 February 2001 to 25 March 2001, 2,140 calls were disconnected before entering the queue while 9,051 calls were abandoned while held in the queue.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many vets from each EU member state he has employed since the start of the outbreak of foot and mouth. [156536]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 2 April 2001]: This Department is receiving assistance from EU veterinarians, who receive travel and subsistence expenses from this Department but are employed by their respective Governments. We are also liaising with other member states and it is likely that veterinarians from these countries will soon join in the eradication of FMD. The following EU member states have already supplied vets.

  Member states

  Number

  ROI

  9

  Germany

  2

  Denmark

  3

  Holland

  2

  Finland

  3

  France

  6

  In addition this Department is in the process of appointing Temporary Veterinary Inspectors (TVIs) from the following EU member states:

  Temporary Veterinary Inspectors

  Number

  Holland

  3

  France

  1

  Greece

  1

  Portugal

  1

  Denmark

  1

  Austria

  1

  Italy

  2

  ROI

  3

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what support he will provide to farmers to manage lambing on split sites. [157393]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 6 April 2001]: Farmers should, first of all, do everything possible to look after their sheep where they are. We have produced advice to help with the welfare issue. If this is not possible, the sheep may be moved under the available welfare movement schemes. Finally, when all other options have been explored, there is the Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to speed up the process of slaughtering livestock under the animal welfare scheme for farmers in Lancashire. [157163]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 6 April 2001]: The scheme has been slow to start due to the need to secure landfill disposal, as all bar one rendering plant is needed for what must be our top priority, the compulsory cull to control disease. We have arranged extra on-farm slaughters for acute welfare cases and will continue to do so, but cases must be prioritised. I can assure my hon. Friend that we are doing everything we can to speed the movement of livestock to slaughter through this scheme, under which we have now slaughtered over 19,500 animals.
  476W
  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food from which organisations he has(a) sought and (b) received advice about animal welfare in respect of the options available to the Government for containing the outbreak of foot and mouth disease. [157224]

  Mr. Morley
  All the major welfare organisations, including the Farm Animal Welfare Council, have offered us advice on welfare aspects of the foot and mouth disease outbreak. I have also held a meeting, at my request, with representatives of the RSPCA, Compassion in World Farming and the Humane Slaughter Association.

  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make arrangements for local veterinary inspectors' expenses arising from the welfare movement and welfare disposal schemes to be paid direct by his Department. [156921]

  Mr. Morley
  The expenses of LVIs undertaking inspections under the livestock welfare (disposal) scheme are met by the Department. The welfare movement schemes are supported by declarations given by the applicant's private veterinary surgeon.

  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the consequential losses made by businesses in Gloucestershire due to(a) foot and mouth disease and (b) the cancelling of the Cheltenham Festival; and if he will make a statement. [154310]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 19 March 2001]: The taskforce chaired by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment is considering the economic impact of foot and mouth disease generally, and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions is collecting information from all parts of the country. We are aware that the cancellation of the Cheltenham Festival and other sporting events is having very serious consequences for many businesses. The measures announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment on 20 March are designed to alleviate these effects.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what response he made to the letter from Mr. Lawrence of Ciel Logistics in May 2000 concerning the health risks associated with consignments of bush meat arriving at Heathrow from Africa. [155560]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 26 March 2001]: None; the letter was passed to Her Majesty's Customs and Excise for reply. I replied on 28 March to a letter sent to me on 11 March 2001 by Mr. Lawrence.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what discussions he has had with Commissioner Byrne and Commissioner Fischler on animal health, in particular the risk from imports from countries with infected animals; [156278]

  (2) when he will reply to the question tabled by the hon. Member for Vale of York on 27 March relating to discussions with European Commissioners about animal health (ref: 156278). [157365]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answers 2 April 2001 and 6 April 2001]: My right hon. Friend the Minister has spoken and written to both Commissioners Byrne and Fischler. In addition, the European Commission's Standing Veterinary

  477W
  Committee meets regularly to discuss all animal health matters, including the risk of importing disease from infected animals.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Departmental Policies (Amber Valley)
  Judy Mallaber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Amber Valley constituency, the effects on Amber Valley of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [157134]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Department's policies and initiatives have made a significant contribution to the Government's overall objectives of: eradicating child poverty in 20 years, and halving it within 10; promoting work as the best form of welfare for people of working age while protecting the position of those in greatest need; and, combating poverty and promoting security and independence in retirement for today's and tomorrow's pensioners.

  These goals are being pursued nationwide and our achievements are set out in our annual "Opportunity for all" reports. Our second report, "Opportunity for all—One year on: making a difference" (CM4865, September 2000) sets out what progress has been made in the past year, as well as highlighting what more needs to be done. Nationwide statistical information is necessarily more complete than data at a local authority level, but the following provides a comparative guide to the effect of the Department's policies and actions in Amber Valley since May 1997.

  Measures in our five Budgets so far will lift over 1.2 million children nationally out of poverty. These include record increases to Child Benefit, the introduction of the Working Families Tax Credit, increases in the income-related benefits, the minimum wage and tax changes.

  Child Benefit will be worth £15.50 a week for the eldest child and £10.35 a week for other children from April 2001: nationally about 7 million families receive Child Benefit, and in Amber Valley 11,193 families benefit.

  We now have the lowest unemployment rate in 25 years. The New Deals have helped lone parents, the young unemployed, the long-term unemployed, the over-50s and partners of the unemployed to move from benefit into work. In the period since May 1997 the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance nationally has reduced from 1,562,400 to 960,600; in Amber Valley the number has reduced from 1,900 to 1,600. Since May 1997 the number of lone parents who claim Income Support has decreased from 1,013,500 to 894,100 nationally; in Amber Valley the number has increased from 900 to 1,000.
  478W
  Older people are disproportionately affected by fuel poverty. So we have introduced Winter Fuel Payments to help with their heaviest fuel bill. This winter, the payment is £200 for households who qualify. Around 18,600 older people in Amber Valley have received a Winter Fuel Payment for this winter (2000–01).

  To demonstrate our commitment to combating pensioner poverty, this year we will spend £4.5 billion extra in real terms on pensioners. Some 17,100 pensioners in Amber Valley will benefit from the substantial increases in the basic state pension this April and next; this year's increase is £5 a week for single pensioners and £8 for couples. In addition we have introduced free TV licences for the over-75s of whom we estimate there are about 7,600 in Amber Valley. 2,500 pensioner families in Amber Valley are receiving the Minimum Income Guarantee, which we introduced in April 1999 to help our poorest pensioners. From April they will be at least £15 a week, or £800 a year, better off in real terms as a result of Government measures since 1997.

  Other reforms in the pipeline include: the new Pension Credit in 2003 designed to ensure that pensioners benefit from their savings; the launch of Stakeholder Pensions in April this year; and the introduction of the State Second Pension in April 2002 both of which will help provide greater security for tomorrow's pensioners.

  Departmental Policies (Eccles)
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will set out, including statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Eccles constituency, the effects on Eccles of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [157289]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Department's policies and initiatives have made a significant contribution to the Government's overall objectives of: eradicating child poverty in 20 years, and halving it within 10; promoting work as the best form of welfare for people of working age while protecting the position of those it greatest need; and combating poverty and promoting security and independence in retirement for today's and tomorrow's pensioners.

  These goals are being pursued nationwide and our achievements are set out in our annual "Opportunity for all" reports. Our second report, "Opportunity for all—One year on: making a difference" (CM4865, September 2000), sets out what progress has been made in the past year, as well as highlighting what more needs to be done. Nationwide statistical information is necessarily more complete than data at a local authority level, but the following provides a comparative guide to the effect of the Department's policies and actions in Eccles since May 1997.

  Measures in our five Budgets so far will lift over 1.2 million children nationally out of poverty. These include record increases to Child Benefit, the introduction of the Working Families Tax Credit, increases in the income-related be refits, the minimum wage and tax changes.
  479W
  Child Benefit will be worth £15.50 a week for the eldest child and £10.35 a week for other children from April 2001: nationally about 7 million families receive Child Benefit, and in Eccles 11,761 families benefit.

  We now have the lowest unemployment rate in 25 years. The New Deals have helped lone parents, the young unemployed, the long-term unemployed, the over 50s and partners of the unemployed to move from benefit into work. In the period since May 1997 the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance nationally has reduced from 1,562,400 to 960,600; in Eccles the number has reduced from 2,200 to 1,300. Since May 1997 the number of lone parents who claim Income Support has decreased from 1,013,500 to 894,100 nationally and in Eccles from 2,400 to 2,100.

  Older people are disproportionately affected by fuel poverty. So we have introduced Winter Fuel Payments to help with their heaviest fuel bill. This winter, the payment is £200 for households who qualify. A round 18,400 older people in Eccles have received a Winter Fuel Payment for this winter (2000–01).

  To demonstrate our commitment to combating pensioner poverty, this year we will spend £4.5 billion extra in real terms on pensioners. Some 17.500 pensioners in Eccles will benefit from the substantial increases in the basic state pension this April and next; this year's increase is £5 a week for single pensioners and £8 for couples. In addition we have introduced free TV licences for the over 75s of whom we estimate there are about 7,500 in Eccles. 3,900 pensioner families in Eccles are receiving the Minimum Income Guarantee, which we introduced in April 1999 to help our poorest pensioners. From April they will be at least £15 a week, or £800 a year, better off in real terms as a result of Government measures since 1997.

  Other reforms in the pipeline include: the new Pension Credit in 2003 designed to ensure that pensioners benefit from their savings; the launch of Stakeholder Pensions in April this year; and the introduction of the State Second Pension in April 2002 both of which will help provide greater security for tomorrow's pensioners.

  Council Tax Benefit
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what savings have been made from the council tax benefit restriction scheme in each year of its operation. [155590]

  Angela Eagle
  I refer my hon. Friend to my written answer on 23 November 2000,Official Report, column 320W.

  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many and what percentage of residents in(a) band F, (b) band G and (c) band H are restricted to Council Tax Benefit at band E in (i) England, (ii) London and (iii) inner London. [155591]

  Angela Eagle
  The available information is in the table. Percentages are not provided as there are no data available to determine them. Data are not available for Inner London.
  480W

  Council Tax Benefit cases restricted to band E by band in England and London—May 1999

  England

  Greater London

  Total of bands F, G and H

  18,000

  7,000

  Band

  F

  13,000

  5,000

  G

  4,000

  2,000

  H

  1—

  1—

  1Data nil or negligible

  Notes:

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

  2. Figures have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

  3. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

  Source:

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

  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the(a) total annual cost and (b) average annual cost borne by restricted households claiming Council Tax Benefit was in (i) England, (ii) London and (iii) inner London for (1) all bands, (2) band F, (3) band G and (4) band H. [155589]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the tables.

  Total annual cost for Council Tax—May 1999

  £

  Band

  England

  London

  F

  528,000

  358,000

  G

  287,000

  74,000

  H

  36,000

  1—

  Total

  851,000

  432,000

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

  £

  Band

  England

  London

  F

  153.20

  157.70

  G

  315.00

  218.10

  H

  294.70

  1—

  Average

  190.00

  165.50

  1Insufficient data for statistically reliable estimates.

  Notes:

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

  2. Total costs are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds. Average costs are rounded to the nearest ten pence.

  3. The data exclude any cases where there is Transitional Protection in place, i.e. the Council Tax and Council Tax Benefit is not restricted to band E. Data are not available for Inner London.

  Source:

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

  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many Council Tax Benefit claims are restricted to band E in(a) England, (h) London and (c) Inner London broken down by (i) all property types, (ii) owner occupied properties, (iii) privately rented properties, (iv) properties rented from registered social landlords and (v) properties rented from local authorities. [155592]
  481W
  Angela Eagle
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is as follows.

  Council Tax Benefit recipients subject to council tax band restrictions split by tenure type—May 1999

  England

  London

  All Properties

  18,000

  7,000

  Owner-occupied properties

  8,000

  2,000

  Privately rented properties

  8,000

  3,000

  Registered Social Landlords/Housing Association properties

  1,000

  1,000

  Local authority properties

  1,000

  1,000

  Notes:

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

  2. Figures have been rounded to the nearest thousand

  3. Data are not available for Inner London

  Source:

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

  Departmental Expenditure (Scotland)
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what has been the annual expenditure on office equipment for his Department in Scotland in the(a) 1998–99, (b) 1999–2000 and (c) 2000–01 financial years; and what the planned expenditure for 2001–02 is; [155090]

  (2) what has been the annual expenditure on (a) fixtures and fittings and (b) general office expenses for his Department in Scotland for the (i) 1998–99, (ii) 1999–20(X) and (iii) 2000–01 financial years; and what the planned expenditure for 2001–02 is. [155092]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 23 March 2001]: The information on expenditure by the Department on office equipment, fixtures and fittings and general office expenses in Scotland is not collected centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what has been the annual expenditure of his Department in Scotland on(a) buildings and (b) insurance of buildings and staff in the (i) 1998–99, (ii) 1999–2000 and (iii) 2000–01 financial years and what the planned expenditure for 2001–02 is. [155091]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 23 March 2001]: The information is in the table. It covers only those activities of the Department located in Scotland. Many services provided by the Department to residents in Scotland are located elsewhere.

  Expenditure by the Department on buildings in Scotland

  £

  Facilities price1

  Utilities2

  Rates

  Total

  1998–99

  23,039,436

  1,638,672

  4,173,952

  28,852,060

  1999–2000

  22,380,266

  1,070,952

  4,279,356

  27,730,574

  2000–01

  23,182,510

  1,523.097

  4,714,471

  29,420,078

  2001–023

  23,946,790

  1,527,494

  4,635,386

  30,109,670

  1The Facilities Price is a single unitary charge, that varies for each building, and which is payable to Trillium, the PRIME contractor for the provision of serviced office accommodation. Services included in the Facilities Price are:

  Building Management and Maintenance (inc. Customer Service Centre)

  Equipment Maintenance

  482W

  Energy and Utilities Management

  External and Internal Cleaning

  Landscape Maintenance

  Security (inc. facilities and equipment)

  Catering (inc. facilities and equipment)

  Porterage

  Waste Management

  2Utilities include Standing charges for Gas, Electricity and Fossil Fuels. Actual charges for water and sewerage.

  3Forecast

  Regarding insurance for buildings and staff I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave the hon. Member on 21 March 2001, Official Report, column 265W.

  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what has been the annual expenditure on vehicles for his Department in Scotland in the(a) 1998–99, (b) 1999–2000 and (c) 2000–01 financial years; and what the planned expenditure for 2001–02 is. [155089]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 23 March 2001]: The information is not available in the format requested.

  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what has been the annual expenditure on training and development for his Department in Scotland for the(a) 1999–2000 and (b) 2000–01 financial years; and what the planned expenditure for 2001–02 is. [155088]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 23 March 2001]: The annual expenditure on training and development for the Department in Scotland for 1999–2000 was £6,719,482; for 2000–01 was £5,676,701; planned expenditure for 2001–02 will be known mid-April 2001. This expenditure supports the Department's work not only in Scotland but also elsewhere in the UK. Similarly, training undertaken elsewhere in the UK benefits the Department's work in Scotland.

  Benefits Statistics
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much has been paid in(a) state retirement benefits to pensioners and (b) in Child Benefit to parents residing in each parliamentary constituency in the United Kingdom in each of the past five years. [157395]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 6 April 2001]: Information on annual benefit spending by parliamentary constituency is not available. For 1999–2000 and 2000–01, information is available from a point-in-time scan of administrative data which show numbers of recipients and average amounts of Retirement Pension received by constituency. Similarly, information on numbers of first and subsequent children in each constituency is available for 1999–2000 and 2000–01 from a point-in-time scan. This information has been placed in the Library.

  As the information is for a certain point-in-time in each year, any calculation based on the numbers and average amounts would not correspond to the actual annual expenditure in the t constituency. Nor would a total so derived match the total spending on the benefits shown in the accounts.

  Foot and Mouth (Benefits)
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many additional benefit claims are expected as a result of the effects of foot and mouth disease,
  483W
  broken down into (a) Jobseeker's Allowance, (b) Housing Benefit, (c) Council Tax Benefit and (d) other benefits; and what extra support is being offered to the Benefits Agency and local authorities to ensure that these claims are processed quickly. [157078]

  Angela Eagle
  It is not possible to estimate with any degree of accuracy the number of claims to benefit that will result from the outbreak of foot and mouth disease.

  Details of the robust measures being taken to ensure that claims to benefit from people affected by the outbreak of foot and mouth disease are dealt with quickly and sensitively were set out by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in his reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster, Central (Ms Winterton) on 30 March 2001, Official Report, column 794W.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he ha made of the effect of the repeal of Regulation 100 under the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Act 20110 on the ability of local authorities to seek recovery if overpayment of Housing Benefit. [156339]

  Angela Eagle
  Regulation 100 of the Housing Benefit (General) Regulations was revoked to simplify the procedure for local authorities to recover Housing Benefit overpayments. The regulation duplicated the primary power set out in section 75(1) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 and had caused some administrative confusion.

  The revocation did not alter the powers of local authorities to seek recovery of a Housing Benefit overpayment once it had been decided that the overpayment was recoverable.

  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the procedure is for appealing against the decision of a rent officer regarding the amount of Housing Benefit to be paid to an individual. [156340]

  Angela Eagle
  Rent Officers do not decide the amount of Housing Benefit payable to a person. The amount of Housing Benefit to be paid is determined by the relevant local authority after they have considered the claim under the Housing Benefit (General) Regulations. If a person disagrees with their award they may appeal against this decision.

  Where the Housing Benefit award against which an appeal is made is based on the level of rent set by a Rent Officer, or if the local authority believes the Rent Officer's decision may be erroneous, the local authority has the power to arrange for the Rent Service to revisit the decision. This action is carried out by a Rent Officer other than the one who made the original decision, and normally one from a different rent registration area.

  Single Room Rent
  Mr. Lepper
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 23 March 2001,Official Report, column 370W on single room rent, what representations he has received concerning the impact of the single room rent in Brighton and Hove; what assessment he has undertaken of the likely impact of the proposed new young person's rent regulations in Brighton
  484W
  and Hove; and what consideration was given in drafting the proposed new young person's rent regulations to the submission sent to him by the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavillion on behalf of various agencies in Brighton and Hove. [156647]

  Angela Eagle
  I am aware of my hon. Friend's representations on behalf of Brighton and Hove to the effect that the current rules were too restrictive and that they should be eased. We gave full consideration to these representations as we did to others. The new rules from July this year are therefore designed to reflect better what the market generally has to offer on a national basis. Moreover, local authorities will have the discretion to provide additional support in individual cases under the new arrangements for Discretionary Housing Payments, which will also apply from July. We are considering how best to monitor their operation.

  Our objectives for the single room rent are to ensure that young people have access to accommodation so that they can concentrate on finding work, balanced against our aim of making sure that the benefit system does not provide out of work young adults with better housing than their working peers could afford. We made these objectives clear, including the option of broadening the definition of the single room rent, in our Housing Green Paper "Quality and Choice: A decent home for all" on which we consulted widely.

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 23 March 2001,Official Report, column 370W, how many organisations commented in response to the proposals in the Government's Housing Green Paper, "Quality and Choice: A decent home for all", on the single room rent; how many of these responses (a) supported abolition, (b) favoured abolition in preference to a broadening of the definition, (c) supported broadening the definition and (d) supported no change to the current definition; and if he will place these responses in the Library. [156714]

  Angela Eagle
  Two hundred and five respondents commented on the proposals to broaden the single room rent (SRR) set out in the Housing Green Paper. Information on the views of the respondents is not available in the format requested. However, a detailed analysis of all responses to the Housing Green Paper proposals was carried out by independent consultants. This analysis is available on the Internet at www.housing.detr.gov.uk/information/consult/responses/analysis/index.htm and a copy has been placed in the Library.

  Winter Fuel Payments
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received concerning the late payment of back-dated winter fuel allowance. [156342]

  Mr. Rooker
  There have been a number of representations from hon. Members and the public. Statistics on these representations are not available.

  Our intention has always been to make payments for past winters as soon as practically possible. The first payments were issued in the week commencing 19 June last year, just two months after the claims process was up and running.
  485W
  Claims for past winters are not subject to any time limits. As it is up to the individual to choose whether and when to claim, we are still receiving and processing new claims.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost of the advertising campaign to inform men aged 60–64 of their eligibility for backdated Winter Fuel Payments. [157051]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is not available in the format requested. The total cost of the overall communication campaign for Winter Fuel Payments which ran from April 2000 was £1.1 million. The campaign, which featured national and regional press advertising, information leaflets and posters in outlets such as post offices, supermarkets and libraries, included messages for those seeking retrospective Winter Fuel Payments alongside information for people who get their payments automatically and for those who have to claim.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to continue with the advertising campaign informing men aged 60–64 of their eligibility for backdated Winter Fuel Payments. [157052]

  Mr. Rooker
  The communications strategy for delivery of Winter Fuel Payments for 2001 is currently being developed.

  Home Visits (Benefit Claims)
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what information he collects on the number of home visits made by local authority employees in connection with social security claims. [156532]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 2 April 2001]: Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit statistical returns collected by the Department include information about the number of home visits successfully made by local authority benefit fraud officers.

  Minimum Income Guarantee
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners he expects to be eligible for the Minimum Income Guarantee following the introduction of the new capital limits; and what plans he has to contact them. [156978]

  Mr. Rooker
  In March, some 102,000 pensioners were written to with information on the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) and invited to make a claim. These consisted of pensioners who were part of the original take-up campaign but were not entitled due to excess income or capital and those pensioners who had been excluded from the original mailings because they held capital over £8,000. Some 140,000 pensioners will newly benefit as a result of this month's increase to the MIG rates and capital limits.

  Fraud
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much he expects to pay to organisations who have provided information under the terms of the Social Security Fraud Bill in the first year after the Bill is enacted. [157083]
  486W
  Mr. Rooker
  The costs to the Department of using the powers to obtain information are detailed in paragraphs 20 to 23 of the Regulatory Impact Assessment of the Fraud Bill. The exact amount paid to the information providers will depend upon detailed negotiations after the Bill has received Royal Assent.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many telephone calls have been made to the National Benefit Fraud Hotline in each month since May 1997. [157075]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is in the table.

  Number of calls received by the National Benefit Fraud Hotline [NBFH]

  Month

  Number

  June 1997

  16,272

  July 1997

  18,808

  August 1997

  14,755

  September 1997

  16,236

  October 1997

  13,202

  November 1997

  11,770

  December 1997

  10,829

  January 1998

  17,206

  February 1998

  15,780

  March 1998

  15,345

  April 1998

  19,007

  May 1998

  13,149

  June 1998

  13,692

  July 1998

  15,512

  August 1998

  11,104

  September 1998

  13,694

  October 1998

  12,805

  November 1998

  14,285

  December 1998

  12,160

  January 1999

  13,925

  February 1999

  13,798

  March 1999

  16,901

  April 1999

  11,996

  May 1999

  11,303

  June 1999

  13,415

  July 1999

  10,491

  August 1999

  10,336

  September 1999

  12,971

  October 1999

  9,291

  November 1999

  14,683

  December 1999

  10,906

  January 2000

  14,272

  February 2000

  19,285

  March 2000

  23,118

  April 2000

  12,815

  May 2000

  21,674

  June 2000

  18,212

  July 2000

  17,440

  August 2000

  20,289

  September 2000

  15,851

  October 2000

  13,980

  November 2000

  15,243

  December 2000

  9,073

  January 2001

  17,340

  February 2001

  18,191

  March 2001

  28,093

  Community Service Orders
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many benefit claimants have been subjected to sanctions under the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Act 2000 for failing to comply with community service orders. [157082]
  487W
  Angela Eagle
  None. These measures will be commenced on 15 October 200 Initially they will be piloted in four areas from that date.

  Pensions Advertising Campaign
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 26 March 2001 to my hon. Friend the Member for Beckenham (Mrs. Lait),Official Report, column 481W, on the pensions advertising campaign, what subjects apart from pension education were included in the brief given to the agency responsible for the current advertising campaign. [157084]

  Mr. Rooker
  The pensions education marketing brief covered all aspects of the future pens ion policy.

  Personal Pension
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many new personal pension schemes were first made available; and how many personal pension products ceased to be open to new members for each year between 1988 and 2000. [157072]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is in the table.

  Number of personal pension schemes newly registered in each year between 1988 and 2000

  year

  Number of schemes newly registered

  Number of frozen or closed schemes

  1988

  197

  n/a

  1989

  47

  n/a

  1990

  30

  n/a

  1991

  37

  n/a

  1992

  16

  n/a

  1993

  6

  n/a

  1994

  2

  n/a

  1995

  9

  n/a

  1996

  18

  n/a

  1997

  16

  33

  1998

  22

  1

  1999

  14

  4

  2000

  13

  0

  Total

  427

  38

  Notes:

  1. The information in the table is on schemes that are required to pay the Pension Schemes Registry levy.

  2. Information on frozen and closed schemes was only required to be reported from 1997. "Frozen schemes" are schemes which admit no new members and do not permit existing members to make new contributions. "Closed schemes" are schemes that admit no new members but allow existing members to continue to contribute.

  3. In addition there are 83 schemes that are no longer required to pay the Registry levy. These include schemes that have merged or wound up.

  Source:

  Pension Schemes Registry.

  Stakeholder Pensions
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the Government's estimate is of the fines likely to be imposed on employers who fail to offer access to a stakeholder pension; and what leeway will be offered to employers in the first year of the scheme. [157071]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority (Opra) will have the power to impose fines, under the Pensions Act 1995, on an organisation for failure to provide employer access to a stakeholder 488W
  pension. The level of any fine will depend upon the circumstances surrounding a breach, including how the employer has responded on being contacted about the breach.

  Departmental Advertising
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security on what basis he calculated the figures for the costs of his Department's advertising campaigns in(a) his answer of 7 March 2001, Official Report, column 233W, (b) his answer of 19 March 2001, Official Report, column 75W and (c) the most recent departmental annual report. [157106]

  Mr. Rooker
  The figures given in my answer on 19 March 2001,Official Report, column 75W, were for all estimated advertising related expenditure for current campaigns. These cover advertising and other marketing activity eg. leaflets, research, direct mail, etc.

  Figures given in my answer on 7 March 2001, Official Report, column 233W, were estimated for spend solely on advertising to be consistent with figures given for previous years as requested in the question.

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many lone parents, under the New Deal for Lone Parents, have(a) been issued with an initial invitation letter (b) requested information on the scheme, (c) booked initial interviews with personal advisers, (d) attended initial interviews, (e) agreed to participate in the programme, (f) been referred to Employment Service programmes or other training, (g) obtained jobs following participation and (h) increased hours of work following participation. [157076]

  Angela Eagle
  We are giving lone parents more choices and more help than ever before to move off welfare and into work.

  The latest information available about the New Deal for Lone Parents (NDLP) is in the table.

  Prototype phases 1 and 21

  National programme2

  Initial invitation letters issued

  50,612

  761,290

  Lone parents requesting information

  —3

  —3

  Initial interviews booked

  30,826

  4254,853

  Initial interviews attended

  23,300

  212,490

  Number agreeing to participate

  20,191

  188,500

  Number entering education/training

  2,944

  20,450

  Jobs obtained (Number of these obtained by

  6,271

  77,140

  part-time workers increasing their hours)

  (842)

  (2,470)

  1July 1997 to October 1998

  2October 1998 to January 2001

  3As lone parents may request further information about NDLP in a number of different ways it would be impossible to quantify this figure.

  4The number of initial interviews booked is taken from internal management information and so has not been validated in the same way as other figures for the National Programme

  Benefits Agency (Performance Targets)
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what performance targets he has set the Benefits Agency for 2001–02; and if he will make a statement. [158057]

  Mr. Darling
  The Benefits Agency in 2001–02 is continuing to improve performance on the ground while gearing up for the introduction of "Jobcentre Plus" and "The Pension Service".

  Further information, including performance targets is set out in the Benefits Agency's Business Plan for
  490W
  2001–02, which has been published today. Copies have been placed in the Library.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  High Sheriffs
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the President of the Council how many high sheriffs appointed since 1990 were members of political parties, broken down by party. [157717]

  Mrs. Beckett
  This information is not collected. Sheriffs are, however, asked to refrain from party political activity during their year of office.

  Yugoslav War Crimes Tribunal
  Yugoslav War Crimes Tribunal
  Angola
  Angola
  Balibo: Death of Journalists
  Balibo: Death of Journalists
  European Cybercrime Convention
  European Cybercrime Convention
  Abnormal Loads
  Abnormal Loads
  Government Website Probes
  Government Website Probes
  Prison Service Instructions
  Prison Service Instructions
  Criminal Cases Review Commission: Consideration of Human Rights
  Criminal Cases Review Commission: Consideration of Human Rights
  Hi-tech Crime Investigation
  Hi-tech Crime Investigation
  Lewes Prison Report
  Lewes Prison Report
  Drug-related Crime
  Drug-related Crime
  Freedom of Information Legislation
  Freedom of Information Legislation
  Asylum Seekers: Detention at Oakington
  Asylum Seekers: Detention at Oakington
  Police Station Closures
  Police Station Closures
  Vladimiro Montesinos: Bank Accounts
  Vladimiro Montesinos: Bank Accounts
  Personal Data
  Personal Data
  Foot and Mouth Disease: Compensation
  Foot and Mouth Disease: Compensation
  Foot and Mouth Disease: Imports from South Africa
  Foot and Mouth Disease: Imports from South Africa
  Animal Welfare Organisations and MAFF
  Animal Welfare Organisations and MAFF
  Foot and Mouth Disease: Assistance to Businesses Affected
  Foot and Mouth Disease: Assistance to Businesses Affected
  Lords of Appeal
  Lords of Appeal
  Consolidation Bills
  Consolidation Bills
  Prudential Assurance Company and Commission for Holocaust Claims
  Prudential Assurance Company and Commission for Holocaust Claims
  Gulf Veterans: Symptom Data
  Gulf Veterans: Symptom Data
  Manual of Military Law, Part III
  Manual of Military Law, Part III
  Kosovo: Cluster Bombs
  Kosovo: Cluster Bombs
  Army Rifle: Calibre
  Army Rifle: Calibre
  Balkans and Iraq: Call Out of Reservists
  Balkans and Iraq: Call Out of Reservists
  Late Payment of Commercial Debts
  Late Payment of Commercial Debts
  Clothing and Footwear Sizes: Standardisation
  Clothing and Footwear Sizes: Standardisation
  Sex and Relationship Education
  Sex and Relationship Education
  European Year of Languages: MPs Taking Courses
  European Year of Languages: MPs Taking Courses
  Foot and Mouth Disease: Human Infection
  Foot and Mouth Disease: Human Infection
  Hospital Hygiene
  Hospital Hygiene
  NHS Performance Fund Payments
  NHS Performance Fund Payments
  Widows Inherited SERPS
  Widows Inherited SERPS
  State Retirement Pensions
  State Retirement Pensions
  Pensioners Living Abroad: Pensions Uprating
  Pensioners Living Abroad: Pensions Uprating
  Tourism: CBI Recommendations
  Tourism: CBI Recommendations
  English Tourism Marketing
  English Tourism Marketing