Written Answers of 10 April 2001

WALES

  Foot and Mouth
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions(a) he and (b) staff in his Department had with officials of the National Assembly concerning possible outbreaks of foot and mouth disease, prior to 19 February; and if he will make a statement. [154825]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I regularly meet the First Secretary to discuss a range of issues affecting Wales, including agricultural matters. My officials and officials within the Assembly are also in frequent contact about agricultural issues.

  However, prior to the 19 February, these discussions did not include the possible outbreak of foot and mouth disease.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what additional resources are being made available to the National Assembly for Wales to help agricultural and tourism-related businesses to survive the financial effects of the consequences of foot and mouth disease. [154840]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The Assembly is involved in the decisions being made on assistance for rural businesses affected by the consequences of foot and mouth disease. Any additional funding for the Assembly would be provided under the funding arrangements for the devolved Administrations, which were set out in the Statement of Funding Policy in July 2000.

  GM Crops
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what date he received notification from the Department of the Environment, Transport and Regions of its recent decision to license GM crop sites in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [157986]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I was aware, as were Assembly Ministers and officials, that sites across the UK were being sought for the second year of the Farm Scale Evaluations programme.

  The decision on locations for the trials was taken by the Scientific Steering Committee for the programme, on the basis of advice from the Research Consortium and information about the availability of sites from the Supply Chain Initiative on Modified Agricultural Crops (SCIMAC).

  DETR officials informed relevant officials about the three GM maize sites proposed for Wales once they had themselves been notified of the exact locations by SCIMAC. DETR then announced the sites on Tuesday
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  3 April and wrote to county and community councils in Wales with proposed sites in their areas to provide information about the Farm Scale Evaluation programme.

  Any further information on the detail of the announcement would be a matter for the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Jay Abatan
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Solicitor-General if he will review the decisions taken by the Crown Prosecution Service following the fatal attack on Jay Abatan in Brighton in January 1999, following the findings of the review by Essex police into the handling of the case in Sussex. [157143]

  The Solicitor-General
  The aim of review by the Essex police into the fatal attack on Jay Abatan was to examine the conduct of the investigation by Sussex police officers. The review was commissioned by the Sussex police. The Crown Prosecution Service in Sussex has not yet received a copy of the review but remain willing to consider any findings relating to the way the CPS dealt with the prosecution of the case.

  I explained in a detailed written answer on 24 May 2000, Official Report, columns 528–31W, when responding to a question put down by the hon. Member, that the decisions made by the Sussex Crown Prosecution Service were entirely satisfactory, given the evidence produced by the initial police investigation. I am willing to reconsider that conclusion in the light of any findings of the review.

  Sussex police have appointed a new investigation team. Consistent with this fresh start, the Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Sussex made arrangements for a senior lawyer from Hampshire Crown Prosecution Service to deal with any prosecution which may result from the new investigation.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Child Road Deaths
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish a breakdown of the main reasons for child road deaths in each of the last three years. [157095]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 5 April 2001]: Statistics on the main contributory factors in child road fatalities are not available. However, the main road user types of child fatalities can be identified as follows:

  Child fatalities aged 0–15: Great Britain

  1997

  1998

  1999

  Pedestrians

  138

  103

  107

  Cyclists

  33

  32

  36

  Car occupants

  74

  64

  71

  Others

  10

  7

  7

  All road users

  255

  206

  221

  Single European Sky
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what topics are under discussion in relation to the proposed Single European Sky for report to the Gothenburg European Council in June. [157336]

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  The European Commission is still working on its Single Sky proposals which it intends to elaborate in a second Communication on Single Sky. Until the Communication has been formally presented to the College of Commissioners it is not possible to determine what precise proposals are to be put forward. The issue is expected to be discussed at the Gothenburg Council in June in general terms.

  £ million

  Nature of funding

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  12001–02

  Housing Investment Programme

  213.581

  12.421

  13.792

  336.442

  449.785

  Housing Revenue Account Subsidy

  £853.30 per

  £958.02 per

  dwelling

  —

  —

  —

  dwelling

  Capital Receipts Initiative

  2.878

  9.702

  10.111

  n/a

  n/a

  Neighbourhood Renewal Funding

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4.198

  ERDF funding

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Transport Supplementary Grant

  4.835

  4.501

  3.490

  0.245

  2.250

  Transport Annual Capital Guideline

  4.785

  4.802

  3.653

  0.535

  0

  Transport Block Supplementary Credit Approval

  5.670

  4.163

  4.218

  9.683

  2.250

  Rural Bus Challenge Grant

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Rural Bus Subsidy Grant

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1 Where known

  2 1997–98 HIP allocation inherited from the previous Government's spending plans. Present Government introduced CRI from 1997–98.

  3 Single Housing Pot introduced from 2000–01 resulting in CRI being merged with HIP.

  4 Resource accounting has resulted in a change to the way capital resources are allocated for 2001–02, with the introduction of a new Major Repairs Allowance (MRA) to cover the cost of maintaining local authority housing in a sound condition. The Leeds MRA allocation for 2001–02 is £35.656 million and, for comparison purposes, is included in the 2001–02 HIP allocation above.

  Note:

  Leeds' overall capital allocation of £49.785 million represents an increase of 266.7 per cent. on the inherited 1997–98 allocation.

  Further transport figures:

  In addition, the following funds have been allocated to the West Yorkshire PTA, some of which have been/will be spent in the Leeds CC area.

  Nature of funding

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Transport Block Supplementary Credit Approval

  0

  0

  3.000

  2.500

  157.607

  Rural Bus Challenge Grant

  0

  0

  0.364

  0.209

  0.917

  Rural Bus Subsidy Grant

  0

  0.556

  0.556

  0.556

  0.710

  1 This figures has yet to be split between the five West Yorkshire authorities.

  The Leeds Initiative SRB Round 1 scheme: Removing barriers—creating opportunities

  The programme consists of a package of employment and job creation measures designed to reduce unemployment and crime in inner city areas. The scheme is focused on four Community Priority Areas (CPAs):

  East Leeds CPA

  North Leeds CPA

  West Leeds CPA

  South Leeds CPA.

  Departmental Policies (Leeds, Central)
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  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(a) Leeds, Central parliamentary constituency and (b) the City of Leeds, the effects of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [157442]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The principal funding that this Department has provided to City of Leeds local authority in 1997 to present is shown in the table. This includes grants and borrowing approvals for revenue and capital expenditure.

  It is not possible to determine how much of this money has been spent on Leeds, Central constituency. It is for the local authority to decide where within its boundary these resources are applied.

  Lifetime total SRB funding is £16.48 million which is expected to lever in an additional investment of £26.5 million from other public and private sector sources over a seven year period commencing 1995–96.

  The Leeds Initiative SRB Round 2 scheme: Rebuilding our communities

  The programme aims to build on Round 1 activities by investing in physical regeneration in the East Bank area of Richmond Hill and by capitalising on training, employment and business growth opportunities in the East Bank and Chapeltown/Harehills, Hyde Park/Burley and Beeston Urban Renewal Areas. The scheme is primarily

  495W
  housing led and aims to stimulate local business and employment growth through major housing investment programmes.

  The scheme has attracted a lifetime total SRB funding of £12.5 million which is expected to lever in an additional investment of £55.7 million from other public and private sector sources over a seven year period commencing 1996–97.

  Community action and support against crime—SRB Round 2 scheme

  A three year scheme commenced 1996–97 and targeted on the Chapeltown and Harehills area of Leeds. The scheme provided a local focus for tackling high crime rates by strengthening community resolve to fight crime and overcome the fear of crime. It mixed target hardening and property marking with increased community participation in Neighbourhood Watch, enhanced victim support services, diversionary activities for youth and drugs counselling. The SRB contribution totalled £200,000.

  The Leeds Initiative SRB Round 3 scheme: Leeds partnership with young people

  The scheme proposes to tackle deprivation by providing assistance to young people aged nine to 25 living in the four most deprived electoral wards in the city: Burmantofts, Chapel Allerton, Harehills and the University.

  The lifetime total SRB funding is £23.9 million which is expected to lever in an additional investment of £49.1 million from other public and private sector sources over a seven year period commencing 1997–98.

  The Leeds Initiative SRB Round 4 scheme: Investing in the community

  This scheme is targeted at the communities of Beeston Hill and Holbeck. The overall objective is to develop a sustainable regeneration strategy for the target area that will provide the local communities with an improvement to the quality of their lives.

  The scheme has attracted a lifetime total SRB funding of £7.4 million which is expected to lever in an additional investment of £16 million from other public and private sector sources over a seven year period commencing 1998–99.

  The Leeds Initiative SRB Round 5 scheme: Better neighbourhoods and confident communities

  A seven year scheme, commencing 1999–2000, targeted at the most socially excluded neighbourhoods in Leeds. Its focus cuts across the range of SRB Objectives and seeks to address issues of neighbourhood decline in the following four main areas of concern:

  Community Involvement

  Neighbourhood Management

  Community Safety

  Improving Opportunities.

  The overall lifetime funding package totals £61.164 million, of which the SRB contribution is £24.864 million.

  The Leeds Initiative SRB Round 6 scheme: Aire Valley employment area

  The overall objective of this seven year scheme, commencing 2000–01, is to transform the area, which forms the region's largest industrial site, into a high quality, sustainable employment base for the people of
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  Leeds (particularly deprived communities in the east and south of the city) and the Yorkshire and Humberside region as a whole.

  The overall lifetime funding package totals £46.4 million, of which the SRB contribution is £11.6 million.

  European Funding

  Leeds was not eligible for Objective 2 funding under the 1997–99 programme. However, it was eligible for support under the KONVER Community Initiative (to support diversification of economic activities in areas dependent on the defence sector). Projects in the area received offers of support totalling nearly £860,000 via ERDF measures and £234,000 via ESF.

  The Chapeltown/Harehills area was also eligible for support under the URBAN Community Initiative (to support the development of urban areas in crisis). Projects in the area received offers totalling some £2.2 million via ERDF measures and £300,000 via ESF. The initiative was actually managed by a Board/Committee made up of local authority and local community representatives.

  For Objective 3 (ESF), Leeds had £2.86 million in 1997, £4.1 million in 1998 and £8 million in 1999–2000.

  For Objective 4 (ESF), it had £105,000 in 1998 and £1.5 million in 1999.

  Packaging Waste (Pots)
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if plastic plant pots are considered to be packaging for the purposes of the Producer Responsibility Obligation (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997. [157603]

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  A recent High Court ruling confirmed the interpretation of the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 (as amended) that has been taken since the Regulations came into force in 1997. Where an empty plant pot is brought as a retail product, it is not packaging. Where a plant is bought in a pot and will be kept in the pot throughout its life, or where a pot is made of biodegradable material and will be planted in the garden with the plant, the pot is not regarded as packaging. However, where plants are bought in a plant pot or a seed or bedding tray and will be transplanted to the garden, such pots are packaging. This is because these pots are used to keep the plants in good condition throughout the sales process until replanting and contain the plants for the ease and convenience of the purchaser in handling and transporting them. As such, each pot constitutes a 'sales' unit at the time of purchase.

  Transport Council
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the outcome was of the Transport Council held in Brussels on 4 and 5 April; what the Government's voting record was at the Council; and if he will make a statement.[157537]
  497W
  Mr. Hill
  I represented the United Kingdom at the Council, which was held in Luxembourg.

  The Council opened with a policy debate on the Commission's second package of maritime safety issues. The Presidency presented a questionnaire focusing on the three elements in the package: improved ship monitoring, an additional compensation fund mechanism in cases of oil pollution, and the creation of a European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). The Commission hoped for common positions at the June Council. I stressed the importance of considering these proposals in the context of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and of existing member state competence, an approach shared by most member states present.

  On Galileo, the Council adopted an approach that established milestones for future significant decisions about the launch of the development (December 2001) and the deployment (December 2003) phases. I was one of a number of Ministers to speak in support of this approach, which is intended to ensure that the project is based on sound financial management and private sector financing, as required by successive conclusions of the European Council. The decision milestones are necessary if Galileo is to deliver tangible benefits to the public and provide the taxpayer with good value for money. I also argued for more work to be carried out this year to meet UK and other member states' concerns about costs, management arrangements, the definition of the services and attracting private finance. This work will help the Council make an informed decision in December about the future of the project.

  The Council agreed a Resolution setting out priorities for further progress in integrating environmental issues into transport policy. The Commission said it would follow up many of these priorities in the forthcoming Common Transport Policy White Paper.

  There was a progress report and policy debate on the draft regulation establishing a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The Presidency sought views on the key issues of which aircraft should be covered, the mechanism for appointment of the Executive Director, and inspections of member states and investigations of undertakings. I joined others in expressing the views that only member state registered aircraft should be covered, that the Executive Director should be appointed by the Agency's Administrative Board, and that EASA should have the powers of inspection and investigation. The Presidency concluded that discussion should continue in the Working Group, aiming for a common position as soon as practicable.

  The Council agreed Conclusions urging member states to be in a position to ratify the Montreal Convention on air carrier liability by 31 December 2002. The Council also agreed a Decision for Community ratification of the Convention, to be deposited simultaneously with those of the member states. The Presidency hoped that a decision on a revision of Regulation 2027/97 would be taken in June.

  The Commissioner reported on her recent visit to the United States to discuss ways to limit aircraft noise in future. She felt the exchange had been useful and further technical meetings had since been arranged.
  498W
  The Commissioner also initiated a discussion on the state of the European airline industry, arguing that a Community mandate to negotiate with the US was a necessary precursor of airline consolidation.

  The Presidency presented a framework for the Community to negotiate on aviation environmental issues, particularly aircraft noise, in the run-up to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) General Assembly in September. This framework was agreed unanimously.

  Pending the First Reading of the European Parliament there was political agreement on the text of a Regulation requiring third country lorry drivers to carry a certificate of legal employment. The UK maintained a parliamentary scrutiny reserve.

  Following a Commission presentation, the Presidency confirmed that the directive on professional driver training would be discussed at the June Council.

  The Council debated a proposed amendment to the directive on weights and dimensions of heavy vehicles, requiring member states to accept the use of 15 metre buses. The Presidency presented a global compromise addressing delegations' outstanding concerns. At the end of the debate, the Presidency concluded that there was general political agreement, but that the text of a derogation for the UK (addressing our concerns at the out-swing of these vehicles) would be remitted to Coreper for further consideration.

  The Council adopted Conclusions on the Commission's recent Recommendation on the maximum permitted blood alcohol level for drivers. The Conclusions underline the importance of progress on a range of drink drive measures including collaboration between member states.

  The Council discussed a proposed amendment to the directive on compulsory use of safety belts and child restraint systems. The text under discussion attempted to solve outstanding concerns on the detailed requirements for young children to use adult seat belts in the absence of appropriate child restraints. A number of member states had concerns about the proposals. The UK was among those taking the view that it required further examination. The Presidency concluded that the Council could not reach agreement and remitted the text for further consideration at the technical level, hoping for a common position in June.

  There was a progress report and policy debate on new proposals to update the procurement procedures for public transport services. The Commission hoped that the new regulations would be discussed in June.

  There was a discussion over lunch of the draft directive on the harmonisation of weekend lorry bans. The Commission emphasised the importance of harmonising the periods during which member states may impose bans and stressed that the proposal applied only to new bans and to the transport Trans-European Network. Consultation would be required on the imposition of new bans. I joined a number of member states in supporting the proposal.
  499W
  The Commission noted the success of the Ecopoints system in managing lorry transits through Austria. It would be maintained only until 2003. The Commission undertook to issue a report soon about operation of the system.

  No formal votes were taken at this Council.

  Energy Efficiency Savings
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the time scale for achieving the 30 per cent. energy efficiency savings laid down in the House Energy Conservation Act 1995. [157539]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Home Energy Conservation Act 1995 requires designated energy conservation authorities to prepare a report setting out energy conservation measures that the authority considers practicable, cost-effective and likely to result in significant improvement in the energy efficiency of residential accommodation in its area.

  In England, the Secretary of State for the Environment asked energy conservation authorities to prepare a strategy for making at least substantial progress towards a 30 per cent. improvement in energy efficiency over a 10-year period commencing 1 April 1996. Strategies were not expected to exceed 15 years. Similar arrangements apply in the devolved Administrations.

  I have placed in the Library information on improvements reported by each local authority in England from 1 April 1996 to 21 March 2000 (the latest data available).

  M27
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when resurfacing of junctions 2 to 4 of the M27 motorway will commence; and if he will make a statement. [157966]

  Mr. Hill
  Resurfacing of the M27 between junctions 2 and 4 is programmed to start in late autumn 2001, subject to funds being available.

  Bus Services
  Mr. Grogan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many bus services were operated from Tadcaster(a) in May 1997 and (b) on the most recent date for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [157961]

  Mr. Hill
  The total number of bus departures from Tadcaster bus station on an average weekday were 85 in May 1997 and 100 in April 2001.

  Mr. Grogan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many buses were operated from Selby(a) in May, 1997 and (b) on the most recent date for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [157960]

  Mr. Hill
  The total number of bus departures from Selby bus station on an average weekday were 190 in May 1997 and 214 in April 2001.

  Pilots' Licences
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to amend the Air Navigation Order to give effect to a national private pilot's licence; when he hopes to amend the ANO; and if he will permit flying hours undertaken by student pilots from 1 May to count towards the issue of an NPPL. [157962]

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  The Civil Aviation Authority advises that detailed negotiations with industry representatives over proposals for a national private pilots licence are moving towards a satisfactory conclusion. Once agreement has been reached, there will follow the normal period of consultation and, subject to general agreement on the proposals, it is hoped to amend the ANO in order to give effect to a NPPL from the beginning of next year.

  As regards previously accumulated flying hours, the NPPL is envisaged as being a "stand alone" licence, with no read across or equivalence to the Joint Aviation Requirements—Private Pilot's Licence. It will, in effect, exist in isolation of other ICAO compliant licences. Therefore, training to the NPPL syllabus will not be permitted prior to its coming into effect, and no credit will be granted for flying hours acquired under other training syllabuses.

  Railtrack
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much Government funding has been provided to Railtrack through other bodies in each year since 1997. [157752]

  Mr. Hill
  My answer dated 18 December 2000,Official Report, column 7W, provided details of Government funding to train operating companies (TOCs) in 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000. In addition, the Government paid freight grants of £21 million, £19 million and £17 million respectively to freight operating companies (FOCs) in those years. That funding is not hypothecated to cover particular types of expenditure, so it cannot be directly identified as the source of payments made by TOCs and FOCs to Railtrack. For example, in addition to Government funding, TOCs receive income from Passenger Transport Executives, from fares paid for passenger services and from payments made for other services.

  The table provides details, for 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000, of access charges paid to Railtrack by TOCs and FOCs, as stated in Railtrack's Annual Reports and Accounts 1998–99 and 1999–2000.

  Access charges paid to Railtrack by Tocs and Focs

  £ million cash prices

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Passenger access charges paid by TOCs

  2,149

  2,169

  2,175

  Freight access charges paid by FOCs

  164

  169

  158

  Railtrack's passenger and freight income

  2,313

  2,338

  2,333

  Note:

  Railtrack's passenger and freight income makes up some 90 per cent. of its total income. The company's profitability is therefore contingent on Government funding.

  London Underground
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many fires there have been on London Underground property in each of(a) the last 10 years (b) the past 12 months. [157473]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: London Underground have provided the following figures for fires on their property in recent years and by month in 2000–01.

  Year

  Total

  1996–97

  378

  1997–98

  407

  1998–99

  360

  1999–2000

  301

  2000–01

  280

  Month

  Total

  2000

  April

  19

  May

  36

  June

  35

  July

  26

  August

  18

  September

  15

  October

  27

  November

  17

  December

  12

  2001

  January

  25

  February

  22

  March

  28

  Figures for years before 1996–97 could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many services on the London Underground have been delayed for more than 30 minutes due to train or passenger accidents in each of(a) the last 10 years and (b) the past 12 months. [157471]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: This is an operational matter for London Underground Ltd. (LUL) who have provided the following information on delays to train services of 30 minutes and over as a result of train or passenger accidents, for recent years and in the last 12 months.

  Total

  1996–97

  64

  1997–98

  51

  1998–99

  48

  1999–2000

  57

  2000–01

  52

  Total

  April 2000

  1

  May 2000

  10

  June 2000

  5

  July 2000

  2

  August 2000

  4

  502W

  Total

  September 2000

  1

  October 2000

  7

  November 2000

  4

  December 2000

  3

  January 2001

  5

  February 2001

  7

  March 2001

  3

  Figures for years before 1996–97 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Channel Tunnel Rail Link
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the projected cost is of the revised Channel Tunnel Rail Link II; how much of this will be(a) public and (b) private finance; how many extra train paths per hour it is estimated will be provided (i) between St. Pancras-Kings Cross and Fawkham Junction and (ii) between Fawkham Junction and the Channel Tunnel; when it is expected that tunnelling for CTRL II will be completed; and when work on the remodelled St. Pancras-Kings Cross International station will be completed. [157463]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: Following the collapse of the original 1996 agreement with London and Continental Railways and the re-structuring of the deal in 1998, the total cost of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link is expected to be £5.2 billion in outturn (ie nominal) prices. Section 1 is expected to cost £1.9 billion and Section 2 £3.3 billion.

  Government will provide grants of £2.3 billion for the construction of Section 2. Thus up to the completion of construction £2.3 billion of funding will be public and £1 billion private sector. Government will also receive land rental payments from leasing the land on which the CTRL is built to the Concession holder.

  When complete the full length of the CTRL will allow for up to six Eurostar paths per hour, eight paths reserved for the Domestic Operator, two Open Access paths and paths for high speed freight.

  The current Section 2 programme shows tunnelling to be completed in June 2005 and work at St. Pancras in March 2006. The Section 2 of the CTRL is expected to open and services to start running in 2007.

  Foot and Mouth
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will place Stafford borough council and Newcastle-under-Lyme borough council on the list of those areas in receipt of business rate relief in respect of foot and mouth disease. [157613]

  Mr. Meacher
  Stafford borough council and Newcastle-under-Lyme borough council are not authorities which meet the criteria or rurality used for the targeting of this scheme. However, I have agreed to keep the operation of the scheme under review.
  503W
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the rural local authorities to which the emergency business rate relief scheme is applicable due to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease. [157497]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Mid-Worcestershire (Mr. Luff) on 26 March 2001, Official Report, columns 425–26W.

  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to ensure there is adequate landfill capacity to dispose of animal carcases from the foot and mouth disease outbreak; and if he will make a statement. [158295]

  Mr. Meacher
  I issued yesterday the Waste (Foot and Mouth Disease) (England) Regulations 2001 for statutory consultation with appropriate bodies and a copy was placed in the Library of the House.

  The main purpose of the proposed Regulations is to enable the Secretary of State to issue directions requiring the holders of waste management licences for specified landfill sites to accept and dispose of specified kinds of agricultural waste. These Regulations and the consequential directions are necessary to ensure that waste arising from the foot and mouth disease outbreak is disposed of effectively and in ways which ensure protection for the environment and human health.

  Recycling
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many projects in Coventry, funded by his Department, are designed to improve levels of recycling. [157860]

  Mr. Meacher
  The provision of recycling facilities is the responsibility of local authorities and in this case Coventry city council. Major extra funding for local authorities was announced in the Spending Review 2000. By 2003–04 revenue support will have risen by £1.1 billion over 2000–01 provision, in the Environmental Protection and Cultural Services allocation, which includes waste. There will also be a £140 million ring fenced fund for waste and recycling, and £220 million for PFI waste schemes over the next three years.

  Coventry may also benefit from projects over wider areas, but I am not aware of any projects funded by DETR which are specific to supporting recycling in Coventry.

  Kyoto Agreement
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress is being made to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol. [157859]

  Mr. Meacher
  Under the Kyoto Protocol, the UK has agreed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5 per cent. relative to the 1990 level over the period 2008–12. The Government have recently published figures which show that in 1999 the UK's greenhouse gas emissions were 14.5 per cent. below 1990 levels. This represents a 6.5 per cent. reduction between 1998 and 1999.
  504W
  The Government have also published provisional estimates of carbon dioxide emissions in 2000. These show that emissions were 7.5 per cent. below 1990 levels in 2000, consistent with the general downward trend in emissions shown in the UK Climate Change Programme. However, emissions increased by about 2 per cent. between 1999 and 2000, mainly as a result of increased use of coal in power stations because of maintenance and repair at nuclear and Combined Cycle Gas Turbine power stations and higher gas prices towards the end of the year.

  The UK Climate Change Programme, published in November 2000, sets out a range of policies and measures that could reduce the UK's greenhouse gas emissions to 23 per cent. below 1990 levels in 2010, significantly beyond the UK's target under the Kyoto Protocol.

  Housing Costs
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many organisations indicated their views on the exclusion of elements of housing costs from the calculation of household income used to define fuel poverty(a) by making submissions to the consultation on the new HEES scheme and (b) by appending their names to other submissions; and how many organisations supported (i) the exclusion of housing costs, (ii) the inclusion of housing costs, (iii) other suggestions and (iv) making no comment. [158003]

  Mr. Meacher
  The consultation document on the New Home Energy Efficiency Scheme invited comment on whether the calculation of household income should exclude any element of housing costs such as rent or mortgage payments.

  A total of 252 responses to the consultation document were received. Some organisations submitted both an individual response as well as appending their names to a response from an umbrella organisation in the area.

  The breakdown of responses is as follows:

  (i) 20 per cent. of respondents supported the exclusion of some or all housing costs in the calculation of household income;

  (ii) 34 per cent. of respondents supported the inclusion of housing costs in the calculation of household income;

  (iii) 6 per cent. of respondents offered other suggestions;

  (iv) 40 per cent. of respondents made no comment.

  A copy of the full analysis of the consultation responses was placed in the House of Commons Library in November 1999.

  The consultation draft of the UK Fuel Poverty Strategy shows the number of fuel poor both on the basis of making no allowance for housing costs in the calculation of household income, and by excluding any Housing Benefit or Income Support for Mortgage Interest (ISMI) payments. Comments are invited on the draft strategy by 31 May 2001.

  Rural Taskforce
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many businesses in rural areas have applied for rate relief under the terms of the Rural Taskforce package announced on 20 March. [158001]
  505W
  Mr. Meacher
  It is for local authorities to operate the discretionary hardship rate relief scheme for businesses affected by foot and mouth disease in rural areas and take up will depend on what type of scheme is introduced by the authority. It is too early to estimate how many businesses will apply for these schemes.

  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many of the measures announced by the Minister for the Environment in his statement on foot and mouth of 20 March 2001,Official Report, columns 191–93, have been implemented in full; and if he will make a statement. [158004]

  Mr. Meacher
  Of the measures announced on 20th March, we have taken the statutory measures necessary to introduce additional financial support for local authority discretionary hardship rate relief schemes to help businesses affected by foot and mouth disease in rural areas and issued guidance to authorities. Implementation is for authorities and many have announced their intention to introduce a scheme. The deferral of tax, VAT and NIC payments is being considered on a case by case basis in response to applications by business. The Small Business Service is providing advice and business support and extension of the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme was announced on 6th April. The details of operation of the matched funding scheme for charities were announced by the Countryside Agency on 28th March.

  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from the Local Government Association about(a) the cost of district councils' contribution to the rate relief package announced on 20 March and (b) the list of councils whose business ratepayers are eligible for relief. [157996]

  Mr. Meacher
  I and Ministerial colleagues have met with representatives of the Local Government Association to discuss operation of the discretionary hardship rate relief scheme for businesses affected by foot and mouth disease in rural areas. Members of the Association have put forward concerns on the application of the scheme to larger businesses, the 5 per cent. contribution made by local authorities, and additions to the list of 151 authorities to whom the scheme applies.

  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from district councils about the cost of their contribution to the rate relief package announced on 20 March. [157995]

  Mr. Meacher
  I have received representations from district councils with mixed urban and rural areas who have sought to be included with the 151 rural authorities who will benefit from the higher rate of contribution to the costs of hardship rate relief which I have made available.

  In addition I understand that some small rural district authorities are concerned that it will be difficult for them to find the 5 per cent. of the cost which the scheme requires.

  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many times the Rural Taskforce has met; and what budget has been allocated to it. [157994]
  506W
  Mr. Meacher
  The Rural Taskforce has now met four times under my chairmanship, and the fifth meeting will be on Wednesday 11 April. The costs involved in providing support for the Taskforce are being met from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions' running costs budget.

  Railway Disruption
  Mr. Hurst
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he is taking to ensure rail passengers affected by the recent disruptions are compensated; and if he will make a statement. [158070]

  Mr. Hill
  Late last year, train operators announced two compensation packages totalling £70 million for passengers with monthly or longer season tickets whose journeys were severely disrupted by speed restrictions, Railtrack's track renewal programme and widespread flooding. Weekly and daily ticket holders can claim compensation for delays under their train operator's Passenger Charter. Bidders for replacement franchises will be expected to improve on current Passenger Charter obligations

  Virgin Trains
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the grounds on which the Strategic Rail Authority agreed to Virgin Trains' proposals for a 10 per cent. increase in rail fares. [157783]

  Mr. Hill
  The increases announced by Virgin relate in the main to unregulated fares. Under the terms of its franchise, any increase in unregulated fares is a commercial matter for Virgin. However, in the light of recent disruption on the rail network, and the wish to attract more passengers to rail, the Government find Virgin's announcement regrettable. The Strategic Rail Authority will be meeting representatives from Virgin shortly to discuss the matter.

  Departmental Policies (Camden)
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out the effects, with statistical information on(a) Hampstead and Highgate and (b) the London borough of Camden of his Department's policies since 2 May 1997. [158020]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The principal funding that this Department has provided to the London borough of Camden since 2 May 1997 is shown in the table. This includes grants and borrowing approvals for revenue and capital expenditure.

  It is not possible to determine how much of this money has been spent on Hampstead and Highgate. It is for the local authority to decide where within its boundary these resources are applied.
  507W

  £ million

  Nature of funding

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–021,2

  Revenue Support Grant

  59.755

  137.006

  137.060

  137.020

  144.218

  Income from National Non-Domestic Rates

  1.238

  43.051

  46.794

  52.353

  53.063

  Housing Investment Programme

  9.924

  8.787

  9.824

  32.280

  18.758

  Housing Revenue Account Subsidy

  102.273

  96.985

  90.429

  93.095

  —

  Capital Receipts Initiative

  2.658

  8.612

  9.262

  —

  —

  Cash Incentive Scheme

  0.500

  0.189

  0.050

  —

  —

  SRB funding3

  0.301

  0.849

  1.153

  2.351

  —

  Neighbourhood Renewal Funding

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  2.110

  Transport Supplementary Grant

  0.325

  0.280

  0.359

  —

  —

  Transport Annual Capital Guideline

  0.325

  0.280

  0.359

  —

  —

  Transport Block Supplementary Credit Approval

  2.066

  2.450

  0.890

  2.805

  —

  Capital Challenge (Basic Credit Approvals)

  —

  1.717

  2.859

  —

  —

  Capital Challenge (Supplementary Credit Approvals)

  0.729

  0.388

  0.369

  —

  —

  n/a = Not Applicable

  1Where known

  2Figures provided where possible; however, not all grants for 2001–02 have been determined as yet

  3Figures shown are only for the SRB schemes for which Camden is the accountable body

  Note:

  The figures shown are the most accurate currently available, as the London Development Authority SRB database is currently in the process of verification

  Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) Schemes

  London borough of Camden are the accountable body for the West Euston and the All Change at Camden Central SRB Schemes. There are three other SRB schemes that cover parts of the borough, which are run in partnership with other London boroughs and other external stakeholders.

  West Euston

  The West Euston Scheme was approved under SRB Round 3 and covers an area bounded by Euston Station in the East, Euston road to the South and Albany street to the West. The scheme's key objectives are to regenerate the West Euston area, to create economic opportunities, to make the area safe and secure to live and work, and to assist the unification of the community. Major projects cover racial integration, training, housing improvements and facilities for the elderly in the community.

  All Change at Camden Central

  The scheme aims to transform the lives of deprived and socially excluded people living in parts of Somers Town, St. Pancras, Regent's Park and Camden wards. Its objectives are to address inequalities through capacity building; education, employment and training initiatives; accessible I.T. provision; community safety and anti-social behaviour measures; health and sports provision; and housing improvements.

  The other SRB schemes that cover parts of London borough of Camden are New Commitment to Kilburn (Brent and Camden), which received £6.599 million in total funding; Kings Cross, which received £37.5 million; and Young People, Drugs and Crime in Gospel Oak (Camden and Islington) which received £1.0 million.

  Single Rail Franchise (Wales)
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the date for the commencement of the single rail franchise for Wales, and if he will make a statement. [158096]

  Mr. Hill
  The Strategic Rail Authority announced on 15 February that Arriva plc/Connex Transport UK Ltd., FirstGroup plc, National Express Group plc and Serco 508W
  Rail had been shortlisted to compete for the Wales and Borders franchise. It is not possible to publish a commencement date as there is no set timetable for awarding this franchise.

  Advisory Group on Motorcycling
  Mr. Pound
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress of the Advisory Group on Motorcycling. [158177]

  Mr. Hill
  The Advisory Group on Motorcycling has been meeting since May 1999 to discuss issues of concern to those who ride motorcycles. The Government are today publishing an Interim Report of the Advisory Group on Motorcycling. Copies have been placed in the Library of the House.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Miners (Compensation)
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish the number of claims and the amount of compensation paid to ex-miners under the(a) miners' compensation scheme and (b) vibration white finger scheme in the Caerphilly parliamentary constituency. [157545]

  Mr. Hain
  The Department's claim handling agents, IRISC, have registered 3,268 claims in respect of chronic bronchitis and emphysema from claimants in the Caerphilly constituency, as defined by post codes CF46, CF81, CF82, CF83 and NP1. As at 4 April the Department had settled 93 claims in full, and made a further 896 interim settlements.

  In addition, IRISC have registered 2,282 claims in respect of Vibration White Finger from claimants in the Caerphilly constituency. As at 4 April the Department had settled 466 claims in full, and made a further 360 interim settlements.
  509W
  In total the Department has paid out nearly £9.3 million in respect of respiratory and Vibration White Finger related compensation in the Caerphilly constituency.

  Healthcall Ltd.
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the length of the contractual agreement is between his Department and Healthcall Ltd. in respect of their work in the medical assessment of ex-miners; when the contract will terminate; and if the contract will be re-tendered if the compensation process is unfinished by the end of the current contract. [157582]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: The contract signed by the Department with Healthcall Services Ltd. runs for 36 months from 1 November 1999, and is subject to an additional 12 month extension. No decision has been taken at present as to whether the contract will be re-tendered if the assessment process is unfinished. I have met its managers regularly over the past two months to discuss progress in compensation payments and they are co-operating fully in speeding up the system of medical assessments.

  Hawk Jets (Exports)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what support his Department has given to British Aerospace with regard to that company's contract to supply Hawk jets to India; [156885]

  (2) which 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. [156886]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  [holding answer 4 April 2001]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence on 9 April 2001, Official Report, column 367W.

  One North East
  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much was spent on industrial investment and environmental improvements by One North East in the Blyth Valley constituency in each year since 1997. [157296]

  Mr. Caborn
  One North East commenced its operations on 1 April 1999. The total expenditure by One North East since then in the Blyth Valley constituency amounts to £8.94 million as shown in the table.

  £ million

  Year

  Single Regeneration Budget

  Land and Property Budget

  1999–2000

  1.917

  1.515

  2000–01

  1.933

  3.575

  Most expenditure related to industrial investment and environmental improvements but the total does include an element of expenditure on community/social inclusion activity.

  National Weights and Measures Laboratory
  Valerie Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the conclusions of the Quinquennial Review of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory. [158294]

  Dr. Howells
  The first stage of the five-yearly Review of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory (NWML) has now been completed.

  NWML will continue as an Executive Agency of the DTI.

  NWML is a regulatory body. The current functions of NWML form a coherent group that benefits from being managed as a whole Ministers have therefore decided not to proceed with the alternative option considered by the Review, that of transferring the bulk of NWML's work to NPL Management Ltd. (the company which runs the National Physical Laboratory under contract to the DTI) with a small policy unit kept in the DTI. This organisational separation of policy from operations would risk reducing the quality of the work, and has been criticised by interested parties. The present integrated structure is seen as a great strength of NWML.

  As announced on 28 July 2000, Official Report, column 1095W, the reviewer recommended that the policy part of NWML should be taken back into the Department organisationally and that the operational part should be contractorised by merger with NPL, which is already contractorised. However, the Review Steering Board recommended that this option should not be proceeded with until a business plan for the merger could be prepared and until Ministers had assessed its value for money and feasibility.

  I have now considered the business plan prepared by NPL Management Ltd. and have received further advice from the Review Steering Board. I have also had the benefit of representations made by many interested parties. I accept that the merger with NPL would result in financial savings to the Department, but they are relatively modest. However, I have come to the conclusion that the benefits to the Department, to the users of NWML's services, and to the UK, which arise from having NWML run as an integrated body outweigh these potential savings.

  This announcement will appear on the DTI's website.

  Post Office
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has approved the Post Office's five-year Strategic Plan 2001 to 2006; and if he will make a statement. [158292]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The Government have approved the Post Office's five-year Strategic Plan for 2001–06, endorsing the Board's view that this should be the basis on which management should drive the business forward. This is a five-year rolling Plan which is updated annually. The Plan represents a key element in the new arms-length relationship that the Government have established with the Post Office in fulfilment of the reforms described in the White Paper published in July 1999. The Post Office is continuing to build on last year's Plan. Nevertheless, it recognises that there remains much to do in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
  511W
  The key features of the Strategic Plan are commercially confidential, and as such will not be published. In approving the Plan, the Government have maintained the medium term target for the Post Office to achieve a 13 per cent. return on capital employed for its operational business. This excludes the network of post offices and any non-operational interest arising from past surpluses. Return on capital employed is defined as profit before interest payable and tax, but after operating interest receivable, divided by operating capital employed.

  Steel Plants
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to introduce set aside systems for steel plants until the depression in the steel trade ends. [157786]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  My Department has no plans to introduce set aside systems for steel plants.

  Electrical Waste
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of schemes for retail take-back of electrical waste in(a) Austria, (b) Germany, (c) the Netherlands and (d) Switzerland. [157610]

  Ms Hewitt
  Detailed assessments for the four named countries have not been undertaken. The formal take-back schemes are relatively new and vary greatly in scope and approach to funding. Direct comparison is difficult. Switzerland (1998) and the Netherlands (1999, 2000) have both legislated for retailer take back but the Government are unaware of any formal assessments by the Swiss or Dutch Governments. Germany has developed a draft ordinance (1999) which is currently the subject of a review. Austria introduced a draft ordinance in 1994 covering only lamps and white goods. This is currently being reviewed by the Austrian authorities.

  Pyrolysis
  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will include energy from waste by pyrolysis in the renewables obligation. [157227]

  Mr. Hain
  No firm commitment can yet be made regarding the status of pyrolysis or other energy from waste technologies under the Renewables Obligation. My Department is still considering the responses to the consultation document on the Obligation. A summary of the responses was published on 20 March, and we will publish our revised proposals as soon as possible.

  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will assess the benefits of energy from waste generated by pyrolysis; [157225]

  (2) if his Department will promote energy from waste by small-scale pyrolysis. [157228]

  Mr. Hain
  Pyrolysis may prove to be a cleaner means of energy recovery from waste than incineration and cost-effective at a smaller scale. This could contribute to achieving the proximity principle proposed in the Government's Waste Strategy and complement local recycling schemes.
  512W
  My Department is currently supporting three research projects assessing the potential of pyrolysis through its New and Renewable Energy R&D Programme. These are two projects monitoring the waste gas technology installation at the Nash sewage works near Newport, South Wales and a comparative technical assessment of energy conversion technologies for municipal solid waste concentrating on pyrolysis being undertaken by Mitsui Babcock.

  In addition, the Department's Programme supported earlier monitoring work with Compact Power that helped them move from pilot to demonstration.

  The Programme maintains strong links with the IEA Bioenergy Agreement and through participation in this has access to relevant work in most other OECD countries.

  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will assess the potential effect of pyrolysis on the level of the waste stream to landfill. [157226]

  Mr. Hain
  The extent to which pyrolysis reduces the volume of waste to landfill depends very much on the pyrolysis technology employed. Some of these technologies produce a glass-like residue that can be used for road aggregate avoiding almost any landfill stream, some a lighter ash and some a charcoal-type material that can be quite bulky. However, I do wish to find ways of encouraging new technology that converts waste into renewable energy, after maximum recycling.

  Employment Tribunals (Scotland)
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many persons have been appointed chairman or part-time chairman of employment tribunals in Scotland without being a Scottish advocate or solicitor of not less than seven years' standing. [157611]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: Part-time Chairmen of Employment Tribunals in Scotland are appointed by the Lord President of the Court of Session in accordance with Section 5a of the Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 1993.

  Telecommunications Council
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the outcome of the Telecommunications Council held in Brussels on 4 and 5 April was; what the Government's voting record at the Council was; and if he will make a statement. [157538]

  Ms Hewitt
  I represented the UK on the telecommunications aspects of the Transport and Telecommunications Council held in Luxembourg on 4–5 April.

  The Council reached political agreement on common positions in respect of three proposals for Directives arising from the European Commission's 1999 communications review: on a common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services; on access to, and interconnection of, electronic communications networks and associated facilities; and on the authorisation of electronic communications networks and services. I strongly welcomed this

  513W
  agreement as a significant step toward fostering the competitive communications markets that are a vital element in the European Union's target to be the most successful knowledge economy in the world by 2010.

  The Presidency gave a progress report on a fourth proposal for a Directive, on universal service and users' rights relating to electronic communications networks and services.

  The Presidency indicated that it expects the Council to reach common positions on all four proposals at the next Transport and Telecommunications Council, to be held in Brussels on 27–28 June.

  The Presidency also indicated that it expects the Council to reach common positions on proposals for a Regulation on the implementation of the Internet top level domain "EU" and on amending Directive 97/67/EC with regard to further opening to competition of Community postal services at the next Transport and Telecommunications Council.

  The Council also held discussions on a Commission Communication on the introduction of third generation mobile communications in the EU; on the eEurope 2002 Action Plan, including network security and a Commission Communication on creating a safer information society by improving the security of information infrastructures and combating computer-related crime; and on international aspects of the organisation and management of the Internet.

  The Commission provided information on implementation by member states of the Regulation on unbundled access to the local loop.

  Engineers (Recruitment)
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what targets he has set for the recruitment of engineers in the next 10 years; and what account he has taken of the current level of UCAS acceptances for engineering degrees. [156167]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The Government do not set targets for the recruitment of engineers. However, we do listen carefully to employers when developing strategies to meet future skills needs in engineering. We also take account of statistical data and research reports from a wide variety of sources, including UCAS. The National Training Organisations (NTOs) also have a key role in providing detailed and accurate information on future skills issues across a range of sectors and we hope to see this role developed and enhanced as a result of the current consultation exercise aimed at strengthening the NTO Network.

  It has, however, become increasingly apparent that there is a need for improved information on the developing skills needs in engineering over the longer term, particularly in relation to the new technologies. The need for such information was recognised as a key issue for the Hawley Review of the Engineering Council set up by my noble Friend the Minister for Science and Innovation in October 1999. It is currently being considered in further detail by the Education and Training working group set up by the Engineering Council as part of the transitional arrangements for the establishment of the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) in October
  514W
  2001. Lord Trefgarne. Chairman of the Engineering and Marine Training Authority (EMTA), the National Training Organisation for engineering manufacture, chairs this group.

  The Government recognise the fundamental importance of maintaining an adequate flow of bright and well-motivated people into engineering and we continue to support a wide range of initiatives aimed at promoting engineering as a rewarding and challenging career. These include the Campaign to Promote Engineering (CPE) and the Science Engineering Technology Mathematics Network (SETNET).

  The latest initiative in this area is the Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) Delivery Programme, to which DTI has committed £6 million over the next three years. This aims to provide young people and their science teachers with access to the very best business-sponsored support materials and schemes by providing a single point of support through each Learning and Skills Council area in England (separate arrangements will apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). The key objective for the programme will be to ensure that every young person in the UK under 16 should have the opportunity to experience an appropriate STEM activity at least once in each Key Stage.

  The STEM Delivery Programme will also include the establishment of a nation-wide Science and Engineering Ambassadors Scheme (SEAS) to encourage younger people engaged in careers in science and engineering to go back into schools to encourage others to follow them. This will be launched jointly by DTI and DfEE at the start of Science Year in September 2001.

  Departmental Policies (Ribble Valley)
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  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 Ribble Valley constituency, the effects on Ribble Valley of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [157848]

  Mr. Caborn
  This Department does not maintain statistical information at constituency level.

  The people of Ribble Valley, like many others throughout Lancashire, have benefited from my Department's Employment Rights policies which include National Minimum Wage, Working Time Directive, Part Time Working Regulations and improved maternity leave.

  In addition, five wards in Ribble Valley are eligible for Enterprise Grant Scheme funding.

  In the North West region, my Department'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.

  Urban 2 Programme
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress of the bids under the Urban 2 Programme scheme. [157438]
  515W
  Mr. Caborn
  The Government are still in negotiations with the European Commission about the number of projects which the Commission will accept from the United Kingdom under the new round of the Urban Community Initiative.

  Industrial Property
  Mr. Salter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what advisory structure he proposes for intellectual property following the recent review of the Standing Advisory Committee on Industrial Property. [158293]

  Dr. Howells
  I propose to reform the Standing Advisory Committee on Industrial Property in line with the recommendations of the recent review of SACIP. The review identifies a need for the Patent Office and DTI Ministers to have access to independent, horizon-scanning advice on intellectual property in the round, which would allow us to view policy in its broad economic and social context. The committee's name will be changed to the IP Advisory Committee. It will have new terms of reference and its remit will include copyright as well as patents, trade marks and designs. Members will be appointed in accordance with the guidance from the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

  Mox Fuel
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on UK-US collaboration on Mox fuel development. [156372]

  Mr. Hain
  I am not aware of any such collaboration.

  Motor Vehicle Body Repairs
  Mr. Stevenson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the Director General of Fair Trading will include motor vehicle body repair in the inquiry into standards in the vehicle servicing and repair sector. [157125]

  Dr. Howells
  The Director General of Fair Trading completed his inquiry into the car servicing and repair industry and reported his conclusions in August last year. His inquiry concentrated on the provision of routine maintenance and the replacement, repair and adjustment of defective parts and components, as the majority of consumer complaints he received were about these subjects.

  I understand that the Director General has no plans to conduct any further inquiries into the car repair sector at present.

  Paypoint Terminals
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 2 April 2001,Official Report, column 4W, on paypoint terminals, what assessment he has made of the implications for competitiveness in convenient bill payment facilities of the Post Office's policy. [157631]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  This issue was reviewed by the Office of Fair Trading in 1998 whose conclusion was that the Post Office policy in this regard neither created a significant issue for consumers nor constituted a barrier to competitors, such as PayPoint, except to a very marginal degree.
  516W
  The Performance and Innovation Unit also examined Post Office policy in this area and concluded in their June 2000 report "Counter Revolution Modernising the Post Office Network" that there were good network-sustaining reasons for such a policy.

  Electricity Supplies
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what regulations on interruptions to domestic electricity supplies will apply from April 2002; and what compensation will be available to residents whose supply is significantly interrupted after that date. [157583]

  Mr. Hain
  Regulations 17 and 23(1) of the Electricity Supply Regulations 1988, as amended, cover interruptions to domestic electricity supplies. Regulation 17 relates to the sufficiency of an electricity supplier's works and regulation 23(1) relates to the precautions, which a supplier has to take against supply failure. These requirements are to be carried forward in the draft Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2001. These draft regulations, which are currently at the public consultation stage, are expected to be in force by the end of this year.

  Compensation payable to a resident if supply is not restored in a given time is covered by the Office of Gas and Electricity Market's (OFGEM's) Guaranteed Standards of performance. This is currently £50 plus £25 for each additional 12 hours if electricity supply is not restored within 18 hours of a fault. It is recognised, however, that changes to the Guaranteed Standards will be required from April 2002 but this is a matter that is currently under discussion. Also under consideration is a new Guaranteed Standard which covers the level of compensation payable to residents who have suffered more than a specified number of interruptions in a given period of time. That standard will apply from April 2002.

  Hollis Industries
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he was advised that the inquiry into Hollis Industries had obtained evidence of an invoice of £200,000 payable to the hon. Member for Coventry, North-West (Mr. Robinson). [157165]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 6 April 2001]: I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker), on 2 April 2001, Official Report, columns 5–6W. This makes it clear that, acting on the advice of my Permanent Secretary, I ruled myself out of the involvement in the inquiries into the companies associated with my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, North-West (Mr. Robinson), principally Hollis Industries plc. As a result I did not see or receive advice on any evidence obtained during these inquiries.

  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 2 April 2001,Official Report, column 7W, on Hollis Industries, if he will place in the Library the advice to which he refers. [157167]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 6 April 2001]: As the right hon. Member is aware, the actual confidential minutes containing advice from officials to Ministers are not published. This has been the practice under successive administrations.
  517W
  However, the statement issued by the Department on 23 March 2001 made it clear that I received advice from the Permanent Secretary on 8 January 1999 that I should rule myself out of any inquiries into companies associated with my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, North-West (Mr. Robinson), or out of any decisions that needed to be taken but that this matter should be delegated to officials. I accepted this advice.

  Grant-making Schemes
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list each grant-making scheme and initiative which has been launched by his Department since May 1997, together with funds available for distribution in 2001–02. [157162]

  Dr. Howells
  Information on the Department's schemes and initiatives together with planned expenditure for 2001–02 and outturns are available in the annual Expenditure Plans Reports, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.

  A list of main grant-making schemes and initiatives launched by the Department since May 1997 is as set out.

  DTI grant-making schemes and initiatives launched since May 1997

  Biotechnology Exploitation Platform Challenge

  Biowise

  Coal Operating Aid Scheme

  Development Fund and Community Finance Initiative elements of the Phoenix Fund

  Enterprise Grant Scheme

  Higher Education Innovation Fund/Reach Out Fund

  ICT Carrier programme

  Internet Incubator Fund

  Joint Infrastructure Fund (and its predecessor, Science Research Infrastructure Fund)

  LINK Foresight Awards

  Manufacturing for Biotechnology

  Partnership Fund

  Public Sector Research Exploitation Fund

  Recycling Programme

  Regional Innovation Fund

  Science Enterprise Challenge

  Sustainable Technologies Initiative

  University Challenge

  University Innovation Centres

  Note: Some of these were launched jointly with other organisations

  Departmental Policies (Tiverton and Honiton)
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  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 Tiverton and Honiton constituency, the effects on Tiverton and Honiton of his Department' s policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [157806]

  Mr. Caborn
  The Department has provided the following support for businesses in Tiverton and Honiton Constituency since May 1997.
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  Enterprise Grants

  The Enterprise Grants scheme is a simplified scheme that was introduced in April 2000 to help small firms undertake fixed capital investment projects. Two offers totalling £2,965 have been made to firms in the Tiverton and Honiton constituency.

  Smart

  Smart awards are designed to help small firms with the introduction of new products and processes. Four Smart awards totalling £268,125 have been made to firms in the Tiverton and Honiton constituency.

  Business Link

  PROSPER Business Link has provided services to small businesses in the Tiverton and Honiton constituency since 1997. These include general and specialised advice to help businesses grow, export development counselling, ICT advice, and a full range of specialist information. From April 2001 these services will be provided by the Small Business Service operating through a franchise awarded to a PROSPER led partnership. This new service will be more customer focused ensuring that services are driven by local need.

  Ministerial Conference, Doha
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry where and when the strategic goals to be pursued by the European Union at the four Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation scheduled for Doha in November were(a) agreed and (b) made public; and which Ministers and officials were present when the goals were agreed. [157327]

  Mr. Caborn
  The EU's aims for a New Round of multilateral trade talks were set out ahead of the three Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at Seattle in the General Affairs Council (GAC) Conclusions of 26 October 1999. Those aims were discussed in European Standing Committee C on Monday 22 November 1999 and the Government's proposals were accepted.

  The GAC in Seattle on 3 December 1999, attended by myself and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, confirmed the EU's comprehensive approach to a New Round.

  Following the failure at Seattle to launch a New Round, the UK has been fully involved in reviewing the EU's position through numerous discussions at Ministerial and official level. These include a Ministerial meeting in Porto which I and other EU Trade Ministers attended, on 17–18 March 2000, and most recently another Ministerial meeting of EU Trade Ministers on 25 February 2001, which I attended.

  The EU is still seeking the launch of a comprehensive round of talks: we maintain that only a broad-based inclusive agenda can encompass priority issues for every WTO Member, increasing the incentive to tackle more difficult areas and so bringing greatest benefits to all.

  The EU's principle of a comprehensive mandate was supported by the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Union in its report on the EU Mandate after Seattle (HL Paper 76: published 13 June 2000). That report noted the need for it to be pragmatic and flexible in its execution of that mandate.

DEFENCE

  Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) the original in-service date, (b) the revised in-service date and (c) the latest expected in-service date for ASRAAM; and if he will make a statement. [157179]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: The in-service date set at the main approval point for ASRAAM was December 1998. Technical problems with the missile hardware and software, combined with a decision to alter the delivery programme to align better with the candidate aircraft, resulted in the approval of a revised in-service date of April 2001

  Matra BAE Dynamics (MBD), the prime contractor for ASRAAM, has not yet achieved the missile performance level required by the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The company has encountered a number of technical problems, which have caused some delay to the programme and mean that the in-service date of April 2001 will not be achieved. The MOD is not prepared to take delivery of any missiles until MBD can show that an acceptable standard can be met. However, we have made clear to the company the need to resolve the problems and to agree a revised programme to its entry into service. Until that time, Tornado F3, Harrier GR9 and Sea Harrier FA2 aircraft will continue to have an effective short-range air-to-air capability using Sidewinder missiles.

  Agency Performance Targets
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what performance targets have been set for the Naval Manning Agency for 2001–02. [158296]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Key Targets that have been set for the Chief Executive of the Naval Manning Agency for the financial year 2001–02 are set out. The targets build upon progress made by the Agency since it formed on 1 July 1996.

  Deployment:

  (a) The percentage of filled Officer billets to be—94 per cent. or greater.

  (b) The percentage of filled rating billets to be—92 per cent. or greater.

  (c) The percentage of filled other rank t fillets to be—90 per cent. or greater.

  Manpower Planning:

  The variation of strength to requirement to be—between plus ½ and minus 2 per cent.

  Career Management:

  (a) The percentage of Officers receiving the required Notice of Change to be—60 per cent. or greater.

  (b) The percentage of ratings receiving the required Notice of Change to be—98 per cent. or greater.

  (c) the number of occurrences where Minimum Time Ashore criteria are met to be—99 per cent. or greater.

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  NMA Corporate Efficiency:

  (a) To achieve strict control of NMA manpower overheads to within plus or minus 2 per cent. of the baseline established for manpower overheads as at 1 April 2000.

  (b) To carry out two benchmarking exercises.

  (c) To achieve a Customer Confidence Score of 63.

  Financial:

  (a) To operate the NMA within zero to minus 1 per cent. of its 2001–02 Net Cash-Allocation for Operating Activities.

  (b) Production of Annual Accrual Accounts to be completed by July 2002.

  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the Naval Recruiting and Training Agency for 2001–02. [158297]

  Mr. Spellar
  These key targets have been set for the Naval Recruiting and Training Agency for 2001–02:

  To deliver RN personnel to the trained strength (or to other training organisations) within 4 per cent. variance from the tasked requirement.

  To deliver RM recruits to Commandant General Royal marines within 3 per cent. variance from the tasked requirement.

  To obtain 96 per cent. "Satisfactory" assessments from the employers of NRTA trainees.

  To maintain success rates of 95 per cent. in Career Training and 97 per cent. in examined pre-joining training.

  To reduce the variance between RNR Trained Strength and Total Requirement to 32 per cent.

  To retain tasked capacity while operating NRTA within its 2000‒01 resource allocation.

  To achieve net benefits of £12 million in FY 2001–02 from the partnering arrangement with Flagship Training Ltd.

  Mrs. Golding
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what performance targets have been set for the Defence Communication Services Agency for 2001–02. [158298]

  Mr. Spellar
  Key Targets have been set for the Chief Executive of the DCSA for the financial year 2001–02. The targets build on the progress already made by the Agency since it formed in April 1998 and are:

  Key Target 1—Service Assurance

  To meet an average of 98 per cent. for measured services against the performance targets agreed with the Agency' s customers.

  Key Target 2—Service Positioning

  To commission on average 93 per cent. of new information service requests on, or before, the dates agreed with customers when the order is initially agreed by the DCSA.

  Key Target 3—Operationally Urgent Service Restoration

  To restore an average 96 per cent. of interrupted services classed as operationally urgent within four hours of the fault being reported to the DCSA, or within other specific periods agreed with customers.

  Key Target 4—Service Support

  To achieve an 85 per cent. average success rate against agreed standards in response to demands on all DCSA Operator Assistance Centres (OACs) and helpdesk facilities.
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  Key Target 5—Customer Satisfaction

  To achieve a 75 per cent. average of customers/users who express moderate or high satisfaction with the way they have been treated by the Agency and the subsequent services and support provided by the DCSA.

  Key Target 6—Efficiency Measurement

  To achieve an improvement in efficiency by reducing the average unit cost of output for DCSA products by 5 per cent. per annum.

  Key Target 7—Introduction of New Projects on Time

  To determine a baseline for the average cumulative slippage of complex projects' In Service Dates (ISD) and then to set performance improvements to reduce that figure.

  Non-lethal Weapons
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many times officials from his Department have held meetings with the United States Department of Defence under the information exchange agreement on non-lethal weapons systems signed on 2 February 1998 under the US-UK Master Information Exchange Memorandum of Understanding on non-lethal weapons; when and where each meeting was held; and with which section of the United States Department of Defence each meeting was held. [157343]

  Mr. Hoon
  Five formal meetings have been held:

  13–14 May 1998 at Farnborough (UK)

  18–19 November 1998 at San Antonio

  29–30 April 1999 at Quantico, Virginia

  21 January 2000 at Quantico, Virginia

  1 December 2000 in London.

  Under the auspices of the Master Information Exchange Memorandum of Understanding on Non-Lethal Weapons there have also been a series of non-lethal weapons-related wargames, now completed, as follows:

  19–20 January 2000 at Quantico, Virginia

  11–14 April 2000 at quantico, Virginia

  13–16 June 2000 at Carlisle (US)

  12–15 September 2000 at Newport (US)

  29–30 November 2000 in London.

  All these meetings were held with the US Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many information exchanges have been signed under the US-UK Master Information Exchange Memorandum of Understanding on non-lethal weapons since 18 November 1994; on what date and at what location and with which section of the US Department of Defense each information exchange was signed. [157301]

  Mr. Hoon
  One Annexe to the Master Information Exchange Memorandum of Understanding on non-lethal weapons has been signed: UK-RN-N-97–5951 on Non-lethal Weapons Systems. This was signed on 2 February 1998, with a duration of five years, at Quantico, Virginia with the US Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate.

  Heavy Lift Aircraft
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many heavy lift aircraft there are in the UK; and how many more will be acquired as a part of the Strategic Defence Review. [157862]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Strategic Defence Review concluded that we needed to improve our strategic airlift capability to allow us to move forces and equipment quickly to an overseas theatre. In my statement on 16 May 2000,Official Report, columns 149–61, I announced the intention to order 25 A400M to fulfil our long-term outsize airlift requirements from the latter part of the decade.

  I also announced that we would be leasing four C-17 aircraft to improve our strategic airlift capability until A400M enters service. This contract has now been signed and we expect to take delivery of the aircraft in May this year.

  The RAF's heavy lift capability is currently provided by the following in-service aircraft types:

  Aircraft type

  Number in-service

  C-130J

  115

  C-130K

  239

  VC10 C Mk 1 K

  11

  TriStar KC Mk 1

  4

  1Of the 25 ordered, 17 have been delivered to date, of which two are completing the acceptance process

  2The C-130K fleet size is planned to reduce progressively to 26 aircraft as C-130J deliveries are completed

  Macedonia (Rules of Engagement)
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what British troops are stationed on the Macedonian border; and what their rules of engagement are. [157863]

  Mr. Spellar
  At the end of March, the British-led Task Force CAMBRAI deployed to the US-led sector in MNB(E), with an area of responsibility which includes a stretch of the Kosovo/Macedonian border. This Task Force currently totals some 400, of whom some 200 are British troops.

  The rules of engagement for British troops in MNB(E) are robust, as they are for other UK troops serving in KFOR.

  Defence Jobs (Coventry)
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many jobs in Coventry are dependent on the UK defence industry. [157864]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Amphibious Landing Vessels
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the capabilities will be of the amphibious landing vessels that will replace the existing ones. [157865]
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  Mr. Hoon
  The Alternative Landing Ships Logistic (ALSLs) are designed for the carriage and offload at sea of troops, their equipment and stores, including ammunition, directly into a potentially hostile environment. They represent an important element of the modernisation of the UK amphibious capability foreseen in the Strategic Defence Review.

  The current Landing Ships Logistics (LSLs) are mostly over 30 years old and of decreasing utility. The four new ALSLs will each have double the Linear Metre capacity of an LSL, thus providing greater vehicle and equipment carriage to support the embarked troops. This represents a marked increase in our amphibious lift capability. The ALSLs will be able to offload troops more quickly, by sea and air simultaneously, at a safer distance, and in significantly worse sea conditions. They can also provide tactical logistics support to land forces, and are flexible ships which can undertake a wide variety of other military tasks.

  General Service Medal
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to award a general service medal to veterans of the Suez emergency. [157987]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Suez operation of 1956 is recognised by the "Near East" clasp to the General Service Medal. There are no plans to institute a medal for the earlier period of emergency from 1951 onwards. The then Under-Secretary of State for Defence my hon. Friend the Member for Warley (Mr. Spellar), reviewed the matter in 1998 and found no evidence that he believed would enable him to persuade the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals to overturn their policy of non-retrospection, or to revoke any of the decisions made at the time or following various Departmental reviews since 1990. No such evidence has subsequently come to light.

TREASURY

  Limited Liability Partnerships
  Barbara Follett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what powers he has to authorise limited liability partnerships under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. [158182]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  From 6 April 2001, businesses are able to organise themselves as limited liability partnerships (LLPs), in addition to other existing business structures.

  The effect of EC law is to prevent insurance business being undertaken by LLPs. We will ensure FSMA is consistent with that.

  There is no evidence of interest in banking (ie deposit-taking) businesses seeking to be organised as LLPs. Were there any evidence of interest in using the LLP structure, we would need to examine the issues closely.

  LLPs carrying on financial services business, other than insurance or deposit taking, may seek authorisation under the FSMA from the Financial Services Authority after N2.

  Departmental Administration Expenditure
  Mr. St. Aubyn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what the latest estimate is, measured in(a) resource accounting terms and (b) resource accounting terms at 2001 prices, of the planned increase in the annual total gross expenditure on administration by all Departments from 1996–97 to 2003–04; [157875]

  (2) what the latest estimate is, measured in (a) cash terms and (b) cash terms at 2001 prices, of the planned increase in the annual total gross expenditure on administration costs by all Departments from 1996–97 to 2003–04. [157874]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses (PESA) 2000–01 (Cm 4601, 2000) published the final set of departmental administration cost plans on a cash basis. In accordance with "Better Accounting for the Taxpayer's Money" (Cm 2626, 1994), Departments were required to produce resource information from April 1998. This year's edition of PESA 2001–02 (Cm 5101, 2001) contains resource-based administration cost plans from that date, although estimates for the earlier years are included in footnote six.

  The latest GDP deflator is published on the Treasury website (www.hm-treasury.gov.uk).

  Disabled Persons Tax Credit
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in Hampstead and Highgate will benefit from the recent rise in Disabled Persons Tax Credit. [158012]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer my hon. Friend to my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Lancaster and Wyre (Mr. Dawson) on 22 January 2001,Official Report, column 425W. All recipients of the Disabled Persons Tax Credit will benefit from this month's increases, and from the further increase to the basic credit in June.

  Energy-saving Materials
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to extend the reduced rate of VAT on energy-saving materials to energy-saving materials sold direct for fitting by the purchaser. [157888]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Energy-saving materials sold direct to the public are not included in the list of goods and services to which, under agreements with our European partners, a reduced rate of VAT may apply. We will be seeking their inclusion as a result of the European Commission's general review of reduced rates planned for 2003.

  Pay-slip Booklets
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many pay-slip booklets for the 12-month period commencing April 2001 were re-issued by the Inland Revenue; for what reason the re-issue was necessary; and what the total cost of re-issuing the booklets was. [157896]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue issues approximately 1.3 million pay-slip booklets during February/March each year to all employers, for their use in making payment in the year commencing on the following 6 April. Thereafter, the IR issues booklets
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  weekly to new employers and to those employers who have requested a re-issue due to loss, eg because of change of address or damage. Re-issues are not counted separately from new cases but the average weekly issue of 100 since the bulk issue does not suggest re-issues are occurring on a wide scale for a particular reason.

  European Community (Contributions)
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out the annual(a) gross and (b) net contributions to the European Community made by the United Kingdom since 1973. [157398]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 6 April 2001]: Details of the United Kingdom's gross contributions, abatement, public sector receipts and net contributions for the period 1973–74 to 1998–99 can be obtained from various Departmental Reports of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Departments or, previously, Government Expenditure Plans.

  The net contribution figure for 1999–2000, and the Government's latest estimate for 2000–01, can be found at footnote 2 to Table C11 of the Budget 2001 (HC 279) published in March. Details of these two figures, ie gross contribution, abatement and public sector receipts, will be included in this year's Departmental Report of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Departments.

  Widowers
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to pay retrospectively widower's bereavement payments to all men widowed between 6 April 1994 and 5 April 2000 who paid tax in(a) the year in which they were widowed and (b) the following year. [157856]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Argyll and Bute (Mrs. Michie) on 23 November 2000,Official Report, column 317W.

  Departmental Policies (Ribble Valley)
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Ribble Valley constituency, the effects on Ribble Valley of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [157843]

  Mr. Timms
  Ribble Valley, along with the rest of the United Kingdom, is benefiting from the long-term action we have taken to build economic stability and secure high and stable levels of growth and employment. Since the general election, claimant unemployment in the constituency has fallen by 436, or 45 per cent., youth unemployment is down by 77 per cent., and long-term unemployment has fallen by 70 per cent.

  Macro-economic stability is being complemented at the micro-economic level by the Government's policies to ease the transition from welfare into work and to make work pay. To the end of January 2001, the new deal for 18-24 year olds had helped 215 young people in Ribble Valley constituency gain valuable skills and experience—114 (53 per cent.) of whom had moved into employment. The Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC), introduced in
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  October 1999, is helping to make work pay for low and middle-income families. In August 2000, 1,400 families in the constituency were benefiting from WFTC.

  The Government are also committed to policies that enable pensioners to share in the country's rising prosperity. All pensioners, including 18,800 in Ribble Valley, will receive an above-inflation increase in the basic state pension from April 2001. Single pensioners will receive an extra £5 a week, and couples will receive an extra £8 a week. All pensioners aged 75 or over have also been entitled to a free TV licence since November 2000—including around 7,500 in Ribble Valley.

  Departmental Policies (Tiverton and Honiton)
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Tiverton and Honiton constituency, the effects on Tiverton and Honiton of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [157811]

  Mr. Timms
  Tiverton and Honiton, along with the rest of the United Kingdom, are benefiting from the long-term action we have taken to build economic stability and secure high and stable levels of growth and employment. Since the general election, claimant unemployment in the constituency has fallen by 562, or 39 per cent., youth unemployment is down by 84 per cent., and long-term unemployment has fallen by 73 per cent.

  Macro-economic stability is being complemented at the micro-economic level by the Government's policies to ease the transition from welfare into work and to make work pay. To the end of January 2001, the New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds had helped 423 young people in Tiverton and Honiton constituency gain valuable skills and experience—236 (56 per cent.) of whom had moved into employment. The Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC), introduced in October 1999, is helping to make work pay for low and middle income families. In August 2000, 2,100 families in the constituency were benefiting from WFTC.

  The Government are also committed to policies that enable pensioners to share in the country's rising prosperity. All pensioners, including 22,500 in Tiverton and Honiton, will receive an above-inflation increase in the basic state pension from April 2001. Single pensioners will receive an extra £5 a week, and couples will receive an extra £8 a week. All pensioners aged 75 or over have also been entitled to a free TV licence since November 2000—including around 9,700 in Tiverton and Honiton.

  Foot and Mouth
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will permit the early review of the working families tax credit assessments of those affected by foot and mouth disease. [157596]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Families whose income is affected by the foot and mouth outbreak may be able to take advantage of the working families tax credit by applying to the Inland Revenue. The Tax Credit Office helpline—which can advise on eligibility and issue application forms—can be contacted on 0845 609 5000 in Great Britain and 0845 609 7000 in Northern Ireland.
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  Mrs. Gilroy
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received about the operation of the Working Families Tax Credit in relation to small businesses which are suffering a substantial reduction in cash flow as a result of foot and mouth disease; and if he will make a statement. [157223]

  Dawn Primarolo
  An employer who does not have enough PAYE tax, National Insurance contributions or student loan deductions out of which to pay the Working Families Tax Credit that is due to an employee can telephone the Inland Revenue Accounts Office to ask for additional funding. We are aware of only one such request to date as a result of cash flow problems arising from foot and mouth disease. The necessary funding was provided in this case.

  Motorcycling (VAT)
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his answer of 2 April 2001,Official Report, column 46W, on motorcycling (VAT), if he will reduce VAT on vital replacement parts for motorcycle helmets and safety clothing worn by motorcyclists, to the lowest applicable rate. [157632]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Replacement parts for motorcycle helmets and safety clothing worn by motorcyclists are subject to VAT at the standard rate. EU law does not permit a reduced rate for such items.

  Epilepsy
  Mr. O'Hara
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many deaths from epilepsy were recorded in the periods between(a) 1 November 1999 and 28 February 2001 and (b) 1 November 1997 and 28 February 1999. [157553]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Karen Dunnell to Mr. Eddie O'Hara, dated 10 April 2001:
  The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question about the number of deaths from epilepsy recorded between (a) 1 November 1999 and 28 February 2001 and (b) 1 November 1997 and 28 February 1999 (157553). I am replying in his absence.
  There were 1,144 deaths from epilepsy (classified according to the International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision, ICD(9)345) occurring between 1 November 77 and 28 February 1999. Information is not yet available on the number of deaths that occurred between 1 November 1999 and 28 February 2001. Data based on date of occurrence of death in 2000 will not be available until October 2001.

  Minimum Wage
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in Hampstead and Highgate will benefit from the uprating of the national minimum wage. [158022]

  Mr. Timms
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
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  Letter from Karen Dunnell to Ms Glenda Jackson, dated 10 April 2001:
  The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question about the number of people in Hampstead and Highgate who will benefit from the uprating of the national minimum wage (NMW) (158022). I am replying in his absence.
  The Office for National Statistics has published estimates of the number of jobs paid at less than NMW rates for 1998, 1999 and 2000. These estimates are based on an improved methodology using data from the New Earnings Survey (NES) and Labour Force Survey (LFS). This methodology provides the best estimates for the number of jobs in the UK paid below low hourly rate thresholds and was developed to overcome the deficiencies inherent in using the NES and LFS separately for measuring low pay.

  Estimates for the United Kingdom and Government Office Regions are posted on the National Statistics website at: www.statistics.gov.uk/ nsbase/themes/labour-market/nmw-lowpay-ables.asp

  Estimates for Parliamentary Constituencies of numbers of jobs paid below NMW rates are not available on the basis of the methodology applied for producing the national and regional level figures.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in Pendle benefited from the introduction of the national minimum wage; and how many are estimated to benefit from its recent increase. [157772]

  Mr. Timms
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Karen Dunnell to Mr. Gordon Prentice, dated 10 April 2001:
  The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question about the number of people in Pendle who have benefited from the introduction of the national minimum wage (NMW), and the number who will benefit from the increase to £4.10 (157772). I am replying in his absence.
  The Office for National Statistics has published estimates of the number of jobs paid at less than NMW rates for 1998, 1999 and 2000. These estimates are based on an improved methodology using data from the New Earnings Survey (NES) and Labour Force Survey (LFS). This methodology provides the best estimates for the number of jobs in the UK paid below low hourly rate thresholds and was developed to overcome the deficiencies inherent in using the NES and LFS separately for measuring low pay.
  Estimates for the United Kingdom and Government Office Regions are posted on the National Statistics website at:
  www.statistics.gov.uk/nsbase/themes/labour_market/ nmw_lowpay_tables.asp
  Estimates for Parliamentary Constituencies of numbers of jobs paid below NMW rates are not available on the basis of the methodology applied for producing the national and regional level figures.

  Ministerial Residences
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the budget figure for the cost of maintaining, servicing and victualling official residences for Ministers in the 2000–01 Budget year. [146373]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 22 January 2001]: This is a matter for the Prime Minister, who answered the right hon. Gentleman's question on 2 February 2001, Official Report, columns 331–32W.

  Motor Insurance
  Mr. Stevenson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of(a) the value of United Kingdom motor insurance claims and (b) the number of such claims in (i) 1999 and (ii) 2000. [157139]

  Mr. Timms
  Statistics on United Kingdom motor insurance claims are published annually by the Association of British Insurers. Such market trends are kept under review.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Holocaust Denial
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has held with EU colleagues in relation to legislation against holocaust denial; and if he will make a statement. [156113]

  Mr. Vaz
  Holocaust denial was discussed in January at the Stockholm International Forum on Combating Intolerance, at which my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Home Affairs led the UK delegation. The Government continue to play a leading role in post-Holocaust affairs, in particular through their active membership of the International Task Force on Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Research, and through its role as Account Holder for the Nazi Persecution Relief Fund. The Government have also been closely following developments on slave/forced labour compensation and have made clear that they expect fair treatment for any eligible British citizens.

  Visa Applications
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Mr. Ruffley), of 22 March 2001,Official Report, column 317W, on visas, how many of the cases in which the Minister for Europe intervened related to (a) his constituency and (b) the Indian sub-continent. [156356]

  Mr. Vaz
  [holding answer 30 March 2001]: (a) None. (b) I have overturned 34 decisions related to the subcontinent since October 1999. This represents 0.01 per cent. of over 308,000 applications received in the sub-continent in that period.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions(a) he and (b) the Minister for Europe have replied personally to representations by hon. Members concerning refusals of visa applications lodged in (i) Islamabad, (ii) Delhi and (iii) Bombay since 1999. [156529]

  Mr. Vaz
  [holding answer 2 April 2001]: Hon. Members' representations about visa refusals are not recorded separately. The information requested could be collected only at disproportionate cost by examining all the case files for the posts in question since 1999.

  Air Passenger Duty
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he 530W
  has received from the EU associated member states regarding changes to air passenger duty: and if he will make a statement; [156826]

  (2) what discussions he has had with the Republic of Slovenia regarding changes to air passenger duty. [156828]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Slovenian Ambassador wrote to my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on 22 September 2000 on behalf of 11 negotiating EU applicants (all except Hungary) to ask if we could bring forward the application of the European Economic Area rate to Slovenia and other EU associate member countries.

  After detailed consultation with other Government Departments, in particular HM Custom and Excise, the Foreign Secretary replied formally on 5 February 2001 that we could not as this was a taxation issue with both legislative and revenue consequences. In response to a further letter from the Ambassador a meeting with relevant officials was suggested to discuss the matter further.

  Turkey
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Turkish Government regarding the case of Fatima Pollattas and Ceven Salmanoglu and their colleagues. [156541]

  Mr. Vaz
  [holding answer 3 April 2001]: We are very concerned about the case of Ms Pollattas, Mr. Salmanoglu and others. Our Embassy in Ankara raised this case most recently on 23 March with the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Our Consulate-General in Istanbul attended the first hearing on 21 March. We will continue to monitor developments in this case.

  Biological Weapons Convention
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to attend the negotiations in Geneva on a protocol to strengthen the Biological Weapons Convention. [156968]

  Mr. Wilson
  A total of seven weeks of meetings are scheduled for the rest of this year in Geneva on a Protocol to strengthen the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). The Protocol is an important arms control objective for the Untied Kingdom and Foreign Office Ministers have already addressed the BWC ad hoc group on two separate occasions to stress the need for a successful outcome to the negotiations. We are currently assessing the contents of the draft Protocol which was tabled by the Chair of the BWC ad hoc group (Ambassador Toth, Hungary) on 30 March, and also await first reactions for the other countries involved. We welcome the appearance of the text at this stage of the negotiations. We will consider ministerial attendance as negotiations proceed.

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the status of the negotiations with the ad hoc group in Geneva for a protocol to strengthen the Biological Weapons Convention. [157114]

  Mr. Wilson
  On 30 March the Chairman of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) ad hoc group, Ambassador Tibor Toth of Hungary, tabled the text of a draft Protocol to the BWC. This has been sent to all States
  531W
  Parties and will come under discussion at the next negotiating session which begins in Geneva on 23 April. The UK has played a leading role throughout these negotiations as we have had responsibility for the section of the text on compliance measures—the core of the future Protocol. We welcome the appearance of the text and are currently assessing this overall content. A successful outcome by the time of the BWC Review Conference remains a possibility but will depend upon the reaction to the text from all countries involved over the coming months. An effective BWC Protocol remains an important arms control objective for the United Kingdom as it will help fill the last remaining gap in Treaty provisions designed to stem the proliferation of WMD.

  Panikos Tsiakourmas
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had regarding the case of Mr. Panikos Tsiakourmas of Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [157031]

  Mr. Vaz
  We remain deeply concerned about the continued detention of Mr. Tsiakourmas. During my visit to Cyprus on 14 March, I raised the issue with Mr. Denktash, and urged him to find a satisfactory resolution to the case. I also met Mrs. Tsiakourmas and reassured her that we would remain strongly engaged in seeking Mr. Tsiakourmas' release.

  Libya
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress of negotiations with Libya [156906]

  Mr. Battle
  The UK and US began talks with Libya in New York at the beginning of February. These trilateral talks are focused on how Libya can comply with the requirements of the UNSCRs: no more, no less. The trilateral talks are supported by bilateral talks in London and Tripoli.

  Foot and Mouth (Tourism)
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures diplomatic posts are taking to ensure that potential foreign visitors are aware of tourism opportunities in the United Kingdom. [156979]

  Mr. Wilson
  Diplomatic Posts work closely with the British Tourist Authority overseas to promote the UK as a tourist destination. Since the outbreak of foot and mouth disease earlier this year posts have been implementing a pro-active public diplomacy campaign to provide the most up to date facts about how the UK is handling the disease.

  At the Prime Minister's request posts have also redoubled their efforts to promote the message that Britain is open for business. This has included updating websites, placing articles, giving interviews and rebutting false allegations. The target audience for this activity has included the media, the travel industry and the local business community. Here we have held regular briefings for London-based foreign correspondents and have used the FCO's dedicated TV and radio services to feed stories into thousands of broadcasts around the world.

  Palestine
  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to Yasser Arafat regarding the release from prison of members of(a) Hamas and (b) Islamic Jihad. [156907]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Secretary of State raised concerns about the release of prisoners belonging to groups responsible for terrorist acts during his meeting with President Arafat on 11 October 2000.

  The Government are in regular contact with the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel, and urge them to resume security co-operation and to do all in their power to end violence, restrain extremism and minimise incitement and provocations.

  Rapid Reaction Force
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 20 March 2001,Official Report, column 109W, on the Rapid Reaction Force, what obligations are waived for Denmark and applicable to the United Kingdom. [157403]

  Mr. Vaz
  Under Protocol 5 of the Treaty on European Union, Denmark does not participate in the elaboration and the implementation of decisions and actions of the Union which have defence implications and is not obliged to contribute to the financing of operational expenditure arising from such measures. The UK participates fully in the development of the European Security and Defence Policy.

  China
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action the United Kingdom proposes to take in(a) London and (b) Geneva, to encourage UN Commission for Human Rights members to vote against the no-action motion China will propose at the 57 UNCHR. [157451]

  Mr. Battle
  EU Foreign Ministers agreed at the General Affairs Council on 19 March that the EU should oppose and actively lobby against any no-action motion tabled by China at the 57th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights.

  Lobbying in Geneva and the capitals of some UNCHR member states has already been carried out on behalf of EU member states, including the United Kingdom, by the Swedish Presidency. This will continue until the vote, which is expected to take place on 18 April.

  Brigadier Stephen Saunders
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the investigation into the murder of Brigadier Stephen Saunders, former defence attaché to Greece. [157597]

  Mr. Battle
  A team of Metropolitan police officers continues to work closely with the Hellenic National police in Athens on the investigation into the murder of Brigadier Saunders. Operational details of the
  533W
  investigation must remain confidential but we, and the Greek Government, remain committed to bringing Brigadier Saunders' murderers to justice.

  Belize
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 29 March 2001,Official Report, column 746W, what information the British High Commission has received from (a) Belize Telecommunications, (b) its representatives as to the steps it intends to take either to (i) pursue its claims and (ii) to resolve the dispute; and if he will make a statement. [157959]

  Mr. Battle
  This issue is now in the hands of the Belize Public Utilities Commission and the Belizean Government. We hope that it will soon be resolved.

  EU Newsletter
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the cost of the(a) publication and (b) distribution of the spring 2001 EU Newsletter was; how many copies were published; and to whom it was distributed. [157763]

  Mr. Vaz
  The production costs came to £3,896.00 for 10,000 copies. Due to the use of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office internal post system for the distribution of many copies, we estimate that postage fees totalled less than £100.00.

  Recipients included UK MEPs, MPs, British Embassies in the EU, UK Universities, Local Government Authorities and the European Commission Representation in the UK for onward transmission to public libraries and European Information Centres.

  Keith Vaz
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 16 March 2001,Official Report, column 776W, if, in his discussions with the hon. Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz), he asked the hon. Member if he had sought to ensure the co-operation of witnesses in respect of each of the complaints in relation to which the Parliamentary Commissioner reported she had not completed her inquiry. [157564]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: As was clear from the previous reply, the discussion referred to took place after the publication of the report of the Committee on Standards and Privileges and after the Commissioner had brought her inquiries to a conclusion.

  Kyoto Agreement
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action is being taken by Her Majesty's Government and other European Governments to bring the United States back into the Kyoto Agreement. [157861]

  Mr. Battle
  The UK has raised climate change and the importance of the Kyoto Protocol at the highest levels in the US Administration. Our EU partners have also taken steps to persuade the Americans to remain in the Kyoto process; there have been bilateral contacts as well as a534W
  visit by the Environment Minister of Sweden, the Environment Commissioner and senior Belgian officials to Washington last week.

  Over the period of the recently-launched US review of climate policy and in the run up the resumed international negotiations on the Kyoto Protocol in Bonn in July, the Government will continue strongly to urge full US participation in the international efforts to tackle climate change.

  Ministerial Visits (Balkans)
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what dates he has visited(a) Croatia and (b) Bosnia-Herzegovina since January 2000. [157978]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Foreign Secretary has visited Croatia twice since January 2000: on 13 March 2000, meeting President Mesic and Prime Minister Racan, and on 23–24 November 2000 to attend the Zagreb Summit. I visited Croatia in February 2000. The Secretary of State last visited Bosnia in March 1998.

  Human Rights (China)
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the objectives of the human rights dialogue between the United Kingdom and the People's Republic of China and the criteria he has established for the evaluation of its success. [157528]

  Mr. Battle
  HMG's overall objective in pursuing a structured human rights dialogue with China is to promote the highest possible adherence by China to existing international standards on human rights. While the specific objectives of each round of dialogue reflect issues of particular interest or concern at that time, the strategic direction of the dialogue process remains constant. To that end, the dialogue is accompanied by a comprehensive programme of technical advice and assistance on specific areas which give rise to human rights concerns.

  In taking forward our dialogue with the Chinese Government, we are guided inter alia by the objectives agreed by the EU General Affairs Council on 22 January for the EU's own dialogue with China. These are:

  ratification and implementation of the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights;

  co-operation with human rights mechanisms (visit by the UN Rapporteur on Torture, invitation to other Rapporteurs, follow-up to recommendations from conventional mechanisms and recommendations by Rapporteurs, implementation of the agreement with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights);

  in the context of seeking the universal abolition of capital punishment including in China, as a first step to promoting compliance with ECOSOC guarantees for the protection of those sentenced to death and restriction of the cases in which the death penalty can be imposed, in keeping with Article 6 of the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; provision of statistics on use of the death penalty;

  reform of administrative detention; introduction of judicial supervision of procedures; respect for the right to a fair and impartial trial and for the rights of the defence;

  respect for the fundamental rights of all prisoners, including those arrested for membership of the political opposition, unofficial religious movements or other movements; progress on access to

  535W
  prisoners in Chinese prisons, including in the autonomous regions; constructive response to individual cases raised by the EU;

  exercise of freedom of religion and belief, both public and private; respect for the right to organise;

  respect for cultural rights and religious freedoms in particular in Tibet and Xinjiang, halt to the "patriotic education" campaign in Tibet, access for an independent delegation, acceptable to both sides, to visit Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the child designated by the Dalai Lama as 11th Panchen Lama.

  In addition, the UK's approach to the last two rounds of the dialogue with China was aimed at:

  the end to jamming of the BBC World Service broadcasts;

  freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

  We will carry out regular reviews of the dialogue process, which will include an assessment of progress achieved on these objectives.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Departmental Policies (Lincoln)
  Gillian Merron
  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 Lincoln constituency, the effects on Lincoln of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [152982]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 20 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 "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 60s 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.
  536W
  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 on-line 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 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 Lincoln.

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

  Lincoln

  According to the information supplied to us by the distributing bodies for the national lottery awards database, there have been 98 national lottery awards to Lincoln, totalling £9,064,778.

  Ten Millennium Award Winners have been identified from Lincoln and between them they have received grants totalling £29,400.

  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 Lincoln constituency.

  English Heritage input:

  Places of Worship Grants

  St. Swithin, Lincoln, offered £28,700

  St. John Ermine, Lincoln, offered £70,000—£66,000 paid to date

  537W

  Secular Grants

  17 Minster Yard, Lincoln £16,000 all paid

  18 Minster Yard, Lincoln £21,000 all paid

  Lincoln Castle (walls) £25,000 all paid (in two offers)

  Conservation Area Partnership Scheme 1997–98 and 1998–99 total of £314,000 offered

  Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme 1999–2000 and 2000–01 total of £200,000 offered.

  There are of course other initiatives in the wider context of the region which may have an effect on the Lincoln constituency. These are:

  East Midlands Arts Board received £6,853,000 in 2000–01 from the Arts Council to support arts and cultural activity across its region. In 2001–02 this will increase to £7,771,701 or by 12.4 per cent.

  Lincolnshire Library Authority which received £60,980 in 1999–2000 for an ICT project

  The National Foundation for Youth Music are currently considering bids for Lincoln but they have not been confirmed as yet.

  My Department has also given support to Supporters Direct, who have been instrumental in assisting the formation of the Supporters' Trust that has recently taken over the ownership of Lincoln City Football Club.

  Departmental Policies (Chichester)
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  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 Chichester constituency, the effects on Chichester of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [155280]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Since May 1997 my Department has introduced and developed a variety of initiatives which will impact on the constituency of Chichester which 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 60s and additional money will be provided to allow this to be
  538W
  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 thaw 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 Chichester.

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

  Chichester

  According to the information supplied to us by the distributing bodies for the national lottery awards database, there have been 93 national lottery awards to Chichester totalling £8,561,530.

  Thirty-five Millennium Award Winners have been identified from Chichester and between them have received grants totalling £80,834.

  ReSource have recently allocated £75,888 from the Designated Challenge Fund to the 'Weald and Downland Open Air Museum'. They were previously allocated £64,000 in May 2000 and £72,800 in July 1999.

  English Heritage have offered the following grants.
  539W

  £

  Site

  Offer date

  Grant offer

  Payments to date

  St. Andrew's Church, Tangmere

  13 March 2001

  17,000

  None

  Cowdray Castle, Midhurst

  27 March 2000

  200,000

  None

  St. Giles Church, Merston

  30 March 2000

  32,385

  None

  St. Mary and St. Gabriel, South Harting

  12 January 1998

  81,100

  72,990

  The Chapel, Petworth House

  24 March 1998

  18,000

  18,000

  Chichester Cathedral (South West Tower)

  —

  2,500

  2,500

  Chichester Cathedral (Nave Aisle)

  —

  13,000

  13,000

  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 were approximately 10,500 people aged 75 or over living in the Chichester constituency.

  There are of course other initiatives in the wider context of West Sussex which may have an effect on the Chichester constituency. These are:

  West Sussex Library Authority, which includes the Chichester constituency, was a partner in a consortium which received an award of £145,138 from the DCMS/Wolfson Public Libraries Challenge Fund in 1998–99.

  South East Arts received £4,046,000 in 2000–01 from the Arts Council to support arts and cultural activity across its region. In 2001–02 this will increase to £4,847,711 or by 19.8 per cent.

  DCMS/Wolfson Public Libraries Challenge Fund—awards to London library authorities

  £

  Local authority

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  Barking and Dagenham

  —

  —

  —

  60,000

  Barnet

  114,873

  —

  —

  1160,739

  Bexley

  —

  —

  —

  47,571

  Brent

  63,000

  —

  —

  49,758 and 1116,823

  Bromley

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Camden

  —

  —

  1109,233

  1160,739 and 1116,823

  City of London

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Croydon

  —

  128,446

  —

  1149,645

  Ealing

  49,096

  —

  102,187

  27,845

  Enfield

  —

  —

  —

  160,739

  Greenwich

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Hackney

  —

  —

  1109,233

  166,649

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  —

  —

  —

  1116,823

  Haringey

  86,419

  —

  —

  1160,739 and 166,649

  Harrow

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Havering

  —

  —

  —

  1160,739

  Hillingdon

  —

  —

  —

  1116,823

  Hounslow

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Islington

  —

  —

  1109,233

  1149,645 and 1160,739 and 166,649

  Kensington and Chelsea

  —

  —

  —

  1116,823

  Lambeth

  —

  —

  165,679

  —

  Lewisham

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Merton

  —

  —

  —

  32,225 and 17,482

  Newham

  —

  —

  —

  1160,739

  Redbridge

  —

  —

  —

  1160,739

  Richmond Upon Thames

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Southwark

  40,191

  —

  —

  25,189

  Sutton

  —

  —

  —

  17,482

  Tower Hamlets

  —

  —

  —

  1160,739

  Upper Norwood

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Waltham Forest

  —

  —

  —

  1160,739

  Wandsworth

  50,000

  —

  —

  —

  Westminster

  —

  —

  —

  1116,823

  1 The authority was a partner in a consortium of authorities which received the amount indicated. It is not possible to say what proportion of consortium awards benefited a particular partner authority

  Grants (London Boroughs)
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list(a) each category of grant and (b) the amount of each grant paid by his Department to each London borough in (i) 1997–98, (ii) 1998–99, (iii) 1999–2000 and (iv) 2000–01; and what the projected figure is for 2001–02. [155431]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Information about the various grants awarded by non-departmental public bodies such as the Arts Council of England, Sport England and English Heritage can be obtained from those bodies.

  Information about grants awarded by the DCMS/Wolfson Public Libraries Challenge Fund and the Designated Museums Challenge Fund are described in the following tables:
  541W
  We cannot give projected figures for 2001–02 as DCMS/Wolfson is a challenge fund and considers projects from across England on the basis of merit.

  Designated Museums Challenge Fund1

  £2

  Borough/Museum

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Total

  City of Westminster

  Courtauld Gallery

  50

  75

  75

  200

  London Transport Museum

  52.5

  95

  95.5

  243

  Total City of Westminster

  102.5

  170

  170.5

  443

  LB of Camden

  University College London, Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology

  62

  105

  119

  286

  Jewish Museum

  50

  85

  65

  200

  Sir John Soane's Museum

  0

  95

  82.5

  177.5

  Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art

  0

  85

  33.5

  118.5

  Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons

  0

  60

  49

  109

  Total LB of Camden

  112

  430

  349

  891

  LB of Lewisham

  Homiman Museum

  100

  99.5

  63.5

  263

  City of London

  Museum of London

  0

  131.5

  218.5

  350

  LB of Greenwich

  Royal Artillery Museum of Rotunda

  0

  0

  89

  89

  LB of Southwark

  Dulwich Picture Gallery

  52

  80

  60

  192

  1 Allocations have been made to institutions in London between 1999–2000 and 2001–02 (the life of the fund)

  2 Rounded to the nearest £500

  Note:

  The figures reflect the Designated Museums Challenge Fund allocations made to museums and galleries in London in those years. These are not necessarily the figures drawn down by the institutions concerned in those years.

  Departmental Policies (Southwark)
  Ms Harman
  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 London borough of Southwark, the effects on the London borough of Southwark of his Department's policies and actions since May 2 1997. [155981]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 2 April 2001]: Since May 1997 my Department has introduced and developed a variety of initiatives which will impact on my right 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 "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
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  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 60s 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 it 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.
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  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 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 the London borough of Southwark.

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

  London borough of Southwark

  According to the information supplied to us by the distributing bodies for the national lottery awards database, there have been 470 national lottery awards to the London borough of Southwark totalling £52,454,303. 158 Millennium Award Winners have been identified from the London borough of Southwark and between them they have received grants totalling £400,323.

  Under the Space for Sport and Arts scheme, Southwark 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.

  English Heritage (EH) Grants awarded since 2 May 1997:

  Dulwich College—offered £56,118. Fully paid

  St. George the Martyr—offered £36,298. Paid £33,153

  St. Mary's, Rotherhithe—offered £50,960 Paid £44,350 (Project completed)

  85 Blackfriar's road—offered £38,000. Paid £25,998

  St. Peter's Walworth—offered £59,872. Paid £1,145

  Conservation Area Partnership Schemes (CAPS)

  Bankside offered £51,300

  Bermondsey street offered £255,000

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  Local Authority Conservation Staff

  Offered £47,559. Paid £17,321

  Southwark Church of England Cathedral:

  1998–99—offered £10,943. Fully paid

  1999–2000—offered £8,852. Fully paid

  2000–01—offered £55,000. Paid £47,000

  Southwark Roman Catholic Cathedral:

  1998–99—offered £45,000. Fully paid.

  The Dulwich Picture Gallery has received the following allocations from the DCMS sponsored Designated Museums Challenge Fund:

  £

  1999–2000

  52,000

  2000–01

  80,000

  2001–02

  60,000

  Total

  192,000

  Additional DCMS resources are being allocated to its sponsored national museums and galleries to enable those that charge for admission currently to go free from 1 December 2001. This will include the Imperial War Museum's Lambeth Road Headquarters subject, as elsewhere, to the agreement of its Trustees.

  Information on the number of beneficiaries of free television licences by borough is not available, but estimates based on the 1991 Census indicate that there were approximately 5,600 people aged 75 or over living in the North Southwark and Bermondsey constituency.

  There are other initiatives in the wider area which may have an effect on the London borough of Southwark. These are:

  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.

  Camberwell and Peckham have received one grant for £27,000 from the Millennium Festival.

  Tobacco Sponsorship
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what help has been given to those sports which have relied on tobacco sponsorship; and if he will make a statement. [157315]

  Kate Hoey
  [holding answer 6 April 2001]: Over the past two years, there has been extensive contact with the seven sports that sought assistance to make the transition from tobacco sponsorship. The taskforce of business and sponsorship has been there to make information available, offer advice to support the development of new marketing strategies, make initial contact with potential sponsors and offer professional advice on how the sports can start to position themselves in a changing marketplace.

  The taskforce has now concluded the first phase of its work to identify the needs of the sports and ascertain how best it can assist them. Assistance with the replacement of existing contracts can most effectively be targeted in the 12 to 18 months before they lapse, which is the normal lead-in time for negotiating new sponsorship agreements.

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  I am in close touch with the seven sports affected and the taskforce has made clear to them that its assistance is still available as and when they require it.

  The "Hanover"
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if the Advisory Committee on historic wreck sites was consulted about the length of the licence granted to excavate the wreck site of the "Hanover"; and if he will make a statement; [157425]

  (2) for what reason the licence to excavate the wreck site of the "Hanover" is without a specific time limit; and if he will make a statement. [157426]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  In July 1997 the "Hanover" wreck site was the subject of an emergency designation under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. Mr. Colin Martin, who was working on the site at the time, immediately applied for leave for judicial review of the Designation Order. The terms of the licence were agreed as part of the settlement of the action. The Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites was not formally consulted on the terms of the licence but they were kept informed of developments throughout. Decisions on the granting of licences are for the Secretary of State to make, consulting as he sees appropriate. There is no set time limit for licences granted under the Protection of Wrecks Act.

  Listed Buildings (Liverpool)
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the listed buildings there are in(a) the City of Liverpool and (b) Riverside constituency; and how much funding has been allocated to them to assist conservation in the last three years. [157432]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Statistics are not available for these geographical areas, but there are 3,125 listed buildings on Merseyside. The list can be consulted at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, at Liverpool City Council or at the National Monuments Record Centre in Swindon. Over the last three years, buildings in Liverpool have attracted conservation grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and English Heritage totalling £43.4 million, of which £42.8 million was for buildings in Liverpool Riverside. These figures include a grant of £26.7 million from the HLF for development and refurbishment of the Liverpool Museum and Walker Art Gallery.

  Royal Opera House
  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what discussions he has had with the Royal Opera House regarding its concessionary ticketing policy; and if he will make a statement; [157534]

  (2) what discussions he has had with the Royal Opera House regarding the availability of standby tickets; and how many performances since the Royal Opera House reopened there have been for which standing tickets were available. [157535]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have discussions from time to time with the Chairman and management of the Royal 546W
  Opera House to ensure that Covent Garden is open to a broader audience and for the public to have the widest possible access to performances.

  The Royal Opera House currently offers a number of concessionary and standby rates. These include:

  For performances in the main auditorium where standby tickets have been made available on the day of performance, senior citizens, students, under 18s, those in receipt of Job Seeker's Allowance or Invalid Care Allowance, members of BECTU, MU, Equity, Incorporated Society of Musicians, the Friends of Covent Garden and Stage Pass, holders of a City of Westminster ResCard and residents of London WC2 postal area can buy one reduced-price ticket per person from the Box Office. Stand-by tickets for the best available seat are £12.50 for ballet and £15 for opera performances and, when available, will be released for sale four hours before curtain-up.

  Customers with disabilities who join the free Royal Opera House Access List receive a 50 per cent. discount on tickets for themselves and a companion.

  Senior citizens, students, under 18s and those in receipt of Job Seeker's Allowance receive a £1 discount off the ticket price of Backstage Tours.

  Standing tickets are available at all performances of ballet and opera in the main auditorium.

  Outside companies using the Linbury Studio Theatre or the Clore Studio Upstairs must honour the existing concessionary schemes.

  Each season, at least two productions of opera will be relayed into the Covent Garden piazza free of charge.

  The Royal Opera House companies continue to attract a large and varied audience for their work. In the first season after re-opening the House achieved over 90 per cent. capacity for performances of opera and ballet with ticket prices reduced in many areas. A broad and innovative programme of education work has involved over 100,000 school children as well as young people and adults from all backgrounds. I commend the board and management of the House for their commitment to making the Royal Opera House accessible to the widest possible audience.

  Richmond Park
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he will reopen Richmond Park to vehicular traffic. [157764]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Discussions are under way between the relevant bodies, including the Royal Parks Agency and Historic Royal Palaces. I am hopeful that an announcement about the re-opening of Richmond Park, Bushy Park and the Home Park at Hampton Court will be made in the next few days.

  Regional Arts Boards
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will initiate consultations upon the proposals made by the Arts Council of England to wind up the regional arts boards prior to their implementation; and if he will make a statement. [157988]

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State was consulted personally by the Chairman and the Chief Executive of the Arts Council prior to the announcement of the proposed changes, and the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions was also informed. The development of the proposals will involve
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  further consultation with colleagues and stakeholders, and the views of the Regional Arts Boards themselves are being sought and will be considered closely.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  A/F Protein Inc.
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) if(a) she and (b) her Department's officials met representatives of A/F Protein Inc. of Waltham, Massachusetts, USA; [157759]

  (2) what representations (a) she and (b) her officials have received from representatives of A/F Protein Inc. of Waltham, Massachusetts, United States and what her response was. [157760]

  Clare Short
  Neither I nor any of my officials has met representatives of A/F Protein Inc. or have received representation from them.

  Fish (Research)
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) if she will list the overseas academic private sector, Governmental and non-Governmental organisations which have been funded partly or wholly by her Department to(a) conduct and (b) co-operate in, transgenic and genetic research into fish; and if she will list the purpose, timescale, costs and titles of that research; [157757]

  (2) if she will provide a full project summary for project R7284, genetic improvement and utilisation of indigenous tilapia in Southern Africa, and the names of participating institutions and organisations in the United Kingdom and Africa. [157758]

  Clare Short
  This information is available on the DFID website www.dfid.gov.uk.

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the international visits her Department has undertaken in connection with fish genetics programmes. [157277]

  Clare Short
  Staff in my Department participated in a workshop on "Practical Strategies for Poverty Targeted Research" which took place in Hanoi in November 2000.

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) if she will list the members of the Aquaculture Research Programme, indicating their(a) scientific qualifications and (b) commercial interests; [157272]

  (2) if she will list the advisers (a) to and (b) within the Fish Genetics Programme, indicating their commercial interests. [157273]

  Clare Short
  The information requested is available in the Bibliography of DFID fisheries research programmes, 1990–98.

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the commercial partners involved in her Department's programmes working on GM fish stocks(a) in the UK and (b) internationally. [157278]
  548W
  Clare Short
  There are no UK or international commercial partners involved in our programme on GM fish stock which is entirely funded by my Department.

  Debt Cancellation
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will urge other countries to adopt a policy of 100 per cent. debt cancellation to the heavily indebted poor countries at the next meeting of the World bank. [157536]

  Clare Short
  I am pleased that a number of countries are following the UK's lead in providing additional relief on their remaining bilateral debts for Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC).

  We will continue to take every opportunity to encourage others to follow the UK's example, including at the spring meetings of the World Bank and IMF.

  Palestinian National Authority
  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make further aid to the Palestinian National Authority conditional on a reduction in corruption; and if she will make a statement. [156897]

  Clare Short
  All UK aid is provided in a way which is well protected against corruption.

  The people of the West Bank and Gaza are suffering badly from the effects of the current conflict and the economic sanctions imposed by Israel. We will continue to provide help to reduce poverty and support democratic and accountable government in the West Bank and Gaza.

SCOTLAND

  Postal Services
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are being taken to improve postal services in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [153579]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The Horizon project to computerise all post office systems is nearing completion. This will mean that all customers, regardless of location, will now have access to the same high technology and top quality service. Ring fenced support has been allocated over the next three years to implement recommendations in the Performance and Innovation Unit report on modernisation of the Post Office network.

  The Government fully recognise the pivotal role which the Post Office plays in communities across Scotland. A new £2 million UK wide fund, which is available for the 2001–02 financial year to support initiatives to maintain or re-open post office facilities in areas where the traditional post office is closing, will help to strengthen the rural post office network in Scotland. All of these initiatives will ensure that we can build a post office network which goes from strength to strength.

  Departmental Policies (Edinburgh, South)
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Edinburgh, South
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  constituency, the effects on Edinburgh of the Department's policies and actions in health, education and other services since 2 May 1997. [155338]

  Mr. Foulkes
  [holding answer 26 March 2001]: On health, a range of policies have been adopted since May 1997 to improve the NHS in Scotland. These measures include, for example, the abolition of the internal market and the commitment to substantial increases in expenditure on the NHS. All areas of Scotland, including Edinburgh and Edinburgh, South, benefit from these policies.

  On education, between 1997 and 1999 there was a 10 per cent. reduction (from 63 to 57) in the number of primary school classes in Edinburgh, South with more than 30 pupils. Between 1996 and 1999, the number of teachers (full-time equivalent) employed in Edinburgh, South rose by 15 in primaries and by 12 in secondaries. The pupil-teacher ratio dropped from 21.5 to 19.7 in primaries and from 13.3 to 13.0 in secondaries over this period.

  Between 1996 and 1999, the percentage of the S4 school roll gaining five or more Standard Grades at levels 1–4 in secondary schools in Edinburgh, South rose from around 61 per cent. to around 74 per cent.

  Early in 1999, the City of Edinburgh council was awarded funding of £600,000 over three years for a New Community schools project under phase 1 of the pilot programme. Four primary schools in Edinburgh, South are included in the project (Fernieside, Gilmerton, Moredun and St. John Vianney RC).

  Also early in 1999, the City of Edinburgh council was awarded £1.5 million over three years to implement an Education Action Plan to improve attainment in schools facing particular challenges. Two secondary schools in Edinburgh, South are covered by the Education Action Plan (Gracemount and Liberton High Schools).

  Additional capital resources of £0.6 million in 1997–98 and £1.7 million in 1998–99 and 1999–00 were made available to the City of Edinburgh council under the New Deal for Schools for repairs to school buildings across the council's area.

  The recurrent grant in aid allocations to the three Edinburgh Further Education colleges rose from £30.762 million for financial year 1997–98 by 9.9 per cent. to £33.812 million for financial year 1999–2000.

  Since 1 July 1999, health and education have been mainly devolved matters for the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Executive.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Capital Modernisation Fund
  Maria Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the impact of the Capital Modernisation Fund on his Department. [158176]

  Mr. Straw
  Modernising the criminal justice system is a cornerstone of effective crime fighting and in reducing the fear of crime. Capital Modernisation Fund investment 550W
  in innovative Departmental programmes is ensuring that crimes are detected, offenders prosecuted, and victims supported more quickly, effectively and efficiently.

  The Home Office has benefited from over £220 million investment from Round 1 of the Capital Modernisation Fund, including £150 million funding for a joint project with the Department for the Environment Transport and the Regions to reduce vehicle crime and improve security on housing estates.

  It has also benefited from over £162 million investment from Round 2 of the Capital Modernisation Fund, including £25 million for the National Technical Assistance Centre to assist law enforcement agencies' ability to fight crime in the information age.

  £4 million investment has already been secured from Round 3 of the Capital Modernisation Fund for the development by the Youth Justice Board of two small mother and baby units for girls under 18 which will enable sentenced or remanded young mothers to remain with their young babies where appropriate. The first unit should open by early 2003. A further £18 million has been secured to fund the capital costs of the Youth Justice Board's expansion of the secure juvenile estate.

  I intend to announce details of further allocations to my Department from Round 3 of the Capital Modernisation Fund bidding process shortly.

  Corruption White Paper
  Mr. Pond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Government's response to comments on the White Paper, "Raising Standards and Upholding Integrity: the Prevention of Corruption" (CM 4759). [158179]

  Mr. Straw
  The main proposals in the White Paper were to reform the law of corruption in the light of recommendations made by the Law Commission; to put beyond doubt that the crime of corrupting public officials extends to foreign public officials; to introduce a new offence of 'trading in influence'; and to take jurisdiction over United Kingdom nationals who commit bribery offences abroad.

  We received six comments on the White Paper, most of which were broadly favourable to our main proposals. The main points made by commentators, and the Government's reaction to them, are contained in a paper which I have today, placed in the Library.

  I have decided to make two changes to the scheme set out in the White Paper in the light of comments received. Firstly, the legislation will include proposals for a new offence of 'trading in influence' which will apply to both the public and the private sectors. As the extension of the offence to the private sector is a new proposal I shall listen most carefully to the arguments on both sides when the Bill comes before the House. Secondly, the legislation will extend not only to England and Wales but to Northern Ireland as well.

  I will bring forward legislation to implement the proposals at the earliest opportunity.

  Asylum and Immigration Act
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to ensure that employers do not unlawfully discriminate when using the statutory defence against prosecution under section 8 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996. [158180]

  Mrs. Roche
  Section 8 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 ("the 1996 Act") allows for the prosecution of employers who knowingly employ individuals without permission to work in the United Kingdom. A statutory defence against prosecution is available which requires that the employer obtain a copy of a document showing that the individual is entitled to take work.

  There were concerns that, in seeking to avail themselves of this defence, employers were unlawfully discriminating by making more checks on job applicants than the defence in Section 8 requires or by targeting checks on racial grounds. That is why we undertook, in the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, to issue a Code of Practice to employers on how to avoid racial discrimination when seeking to apply the defence.

  In the light of that commitment the Government have prepared a Code of Practice that sets out the responsibilities of employers under the Race Relations Act 1976 and the 1996 Act and describes how employers can use the statutory defence in a way that avoids racial discrimination. In preparing the draft Code of Practice and summary, we consulted the Commission for Racial Equality, the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and a number of other organisations.

  We propose that this Code of Practice should come into force on 2 May. We plan to distribute copies to interested organisations, together with a summary, which should ensure that all employers can easily understand their responsibilities in avoiding racial discrimination. A copy of the code of practice has been placed in the Library.

  Immigration Services
  Mr. Plaskitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the regulation of immigration advisers and immigration services providers. [158181]

  Mrs. Roche
  I announced on 6 March 2001,Official Report, column 121W, that the scheme for regulating immigration advisers under part V of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 would be brought into force on 30 April 2001. I have now signed a commencement order to that effect. From that date, it will be a criminal offence to provide immigration advice or immigration services in the course of a business in breach of the requirements of the Act.

  It has never been the Government's intention that Members of Parliament should be subject to the regulatory scheme. Our advice is that Members of both Houses of Parliament, Members of the European Parliament, Members of the devolved legislatures, local councillors, and their staff, are not subject to the regulatory scheme when providing immigration advice or services in connection with their parliamentary and constituency duties. Immigration advice and services given in other circumstances, however may be subject to the scheme.
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  I have also signed two exemption orders under section 84 (4)(d) of the Act, which will come into effect on 30 April 2001.

  The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (part V exemption: educational institutions and health sector bodies) Order 2001 will exempt certain educational establishments and a number of public sector health bodies from the prohibition on giving immigration advice or services unless qualified. While there are some small differences between various parts of the United Kingdom, the main bodies exempted under the order are:

  Universities, colleges and other bodies authorised to award degrees

  Colleges of further education

  Finally registered independent schools

  The students' unions of all such bodies, as above

  National Heath Service Health Authorities, Trusts and Boards.

  The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (part V exemption: eligible voluntary bodies and relevant employers) Order 2001 will give a temporary exemption from the prohibition until the end of January 2002 to:

  voluntary bodies which, by 30 April 2001, have provided the Legal Services Commission with written confirmation of their firm intention to apply for the Community Legal Service Quality Mark (ie. have committed themselves to apply for the Quality Mark)

  employers and prospective employers of work permit holders.

  Although these orders exempt the bodies concerned from the general prohibition on giving immigration advice and services and the associated criminal sanctions for breaching the prohibition, the exempted organisations, nevertheless, have to comply with the Code of Standards published by the Immigration Services Commissioner.

  Home Detention Curfews
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list, for the period between the commencement of the Home Detention Curfew scheme and 31 March inclusive(a) the number of prisoners released on the scheme, (b) the number of prisoners convicted of each offence who were released on the scheme, with a breakdown of the offences committed, including offences committed by prisoners normally classified under the categories (i) other homicide and attempted homicide, (ii) other violence against the person, (iii) drug offences, (iv) assaults and (v) other offences, including a breakdown of the prisoners normally classified in the sub-category of other offences called other offences, (c) the average sentence (i) received and (ii) served, and the average period spent on the scheme, in respect of each offence, (d) the number of prisoners released on the scheme, with a breakdown of the offences committed who (i) breached the conditions of the curfew, (ii) disappeared and were recaptured, (iii) disappeared and remain unlawfully at large and (iv) had their licences revoked with reasons, (e) a breakdown of the offences committed by prisoners released on the scheme while on the scheme, including offences committed by prisoners who committed more than one offence and (f) a breakdown of the specific offences committed by prisoners released on the scheme who committed a further offence while on the scheme that was similar in character to that for which they were originally

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  convicted, including offences committed by prisoners who committed more than one offence; and if he will make a statement. [157979]

  Mr. Boateng
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Electoral Register
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer to the right hon. Member for Maidstone and The Weald (Miss Widdecombe), of 11 December 2000,Official Report, column 59W, on the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, when it is proposed that on-line access to the electoral register will be provided to registered political parties and the Electoral Commission to enable them to fulfil the requirements of Part IV of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000; and if he will make a statement about the progress being made in providing such access. [158035]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The project to provide such access has begun and bids to undertake the work have been invited. But it will take time to set up the necessary management mechanisms and put in place the technical requirements. We expect access to be available by 2003.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what action he is taking to ensure that registered political parties and the Electoral Commission are provided with updates of the electoral register to enable them to fulfil the requirements of Part IV of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000; [158005]

  (2) pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Hall Green (Mr. McCabe) of 26 March 2001, Official Report, column 496W, and to the oral statement of 4 April 2001, Official Report, column 422, on updates of the electoral register, when he will publish amendments to paragraph 47 of the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 to provide for registered political parties and the Electoral Commission to receive copies of updates of the electoral register; when he proposes that the amendments will come into force; and in what form the updates will be provided; [157984]

  (3) pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Hall Green (Mr. McCabe) of 26 March 2001, Official Report, column 496W, and to the oral statement of 4 April 2001, Official Report, column 422, on updates of the electoral register, if he will instruct electoral registration officers to provide registered political parties and the Electoral Commission with updates of the electoral register to enable them to fulfil the requirements of Part IV of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. [157985]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We hope to publish, for consultation, draft regulations making further provision for the sale and supply of the electoral register towards the end of April. Subject to parliamentary approval, we anticipate that the regulations providing for the supply of updates of the full electoral register to registered political parties will come into force by the summer recess. The regulations will provide for updates to be supplied in data format unless the recipient requests otherwise.
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  In the meantime, it is open to registered political parties to request a copy of each new revised version of the register as it is published or to make other appropriate arrangements to check whether a donor is registered at the time his or her donation is received by the party.

  As the supply of the register to registered parties is currently governed by regulation 47 of the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001, we cannot instruct electoral registration officers to undertake any actions that falls outwith that regulation.

  The supply of the electoral register to the Electoral Commission is governed by regulation 46 of the 2001 Regulation. Regulation 46 already provides for the Commission to receive copies of lists of amendments to the published registers.

  Firearms (Police)
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library a copy of the ACPO manual of guidance on police use of firearms which immediately preceded that issued in January. [157878]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The previous manual of guidance was, and must remain, confidential, because it contained numerous points of information which could have been valuable to criminals. The guidance has now been revised and has been placed in the Library, although some information must remain confidential for the reasons stated.

  Prisoner Activity
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average amount of purposeful activity per week per prisoner in 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [157982]

  Mr. Boateng
  The number of average weekly purposeful activity hours for the period April 2000 to the end of February 2001 was 23.7. The data for February included in these figures are provisional and subject to validation by prisons.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Audit Commission report, "Halfway Home: An Analysis of the Variation in the Cost of Supporting Asylum Seekers". [157981]

  Mrs. Roche
  Following the publication last year of the Audit Commission's Report, "Another Country" we requested that it undertake research into why some local authorities were able to live within the grant limits set for supporting asylum seekers, while others, in similar circumstances, could not. The report, "Half Way Home" is the result.

  We welcome this report and the sensible recommendations it makes about the way local authorities are reimbursed for supporting asylum seekers. We will discuss with the Local Government Association and the Association of London Government the best way of taking this forward, with a view to implementing a new grant scheme for this (2001–02) financial year.
  555W
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many and what percentage of asylum seekers from Zimbabwe who applied for asylum in(a) each of the last six months and (b) in total have received a positive initial decision on their application (i) in total and (ii) of those who have been sent to Oakington; and if he will make a statement. [157980]

  Mrs. Roche
  The number of asylum applications from nationals of Zimbabwe during the last six months is shown in the table.

  Month

  Asylum Applications1.2

  September 2000

  85

  October 2000

  90

  November 2000

  130

  December 2000

  145

  January 2001

  125

  February 2001

  125

  Total

  700

  1 Figures rounded to the nearest 5

  2 Provisional figures

  The number of initial decisions relating to applications of asylum from Zimbabwean nationals between September 2000 and February 2001 is only available for applicants dealt with at Oakington—the monthly breakdown is shown in the table. Information on the other Zimbabwean applications made in that period could be obtained only by examination of individual case records and is, therefore, available only at disproportionate cost.

  Months

  Total Principal Applicants (Zimbabweans)

  Number of Grants of Asylum

  Percentage of Grants from Total

  September 2000

  42

  0

  0

  October 2000

  54

  0

  0

  November 2000

  60

  4

  6.7

  December 2000

  59

  0

  0

  January 2001

  83

  1

  1.2

  February 2001

  89

  2

  2.2

  Total

  387

  7

  n/a

  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers have been housed in(a) England, (b) Barnsley and (c) Doncaster in the last 12 months. [157298]

  Mrs. Roche
  As at the end of February 2001, 21,4101 asylum seekers (including dependants) were allocated accommodation in the UK by the National Asylum Support Service. Of these, 1101 were allocated accommodation in Barnsley and 4001 were allocated accommodation in Doncaster.

  Information on the number of asylum supported by local authorities under the previous arrangements is not held centrally.

  1 Figures rounded to the nearest 10.

  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what limits he has placed on the period an asylum seeker can be held in prison. [157011]

  Mrs. Roche
  There is no time limit on the period an individual may be detained under the Immigration Act 1971. However, detention is used only sparingly and for the shortest period necessary.
  556W
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many reports the Immigration and Nationality Directorate have received of asylum seekers convicted of offences while in the United Kingdom since 1999; and if he will make a statement. [157529]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: The Immigration and Nationality Directorate is not routinely informed of the immigration status of all third country nationals convicted of criminal offences in the United Kingdom. The number who were referred for court recommended deportation in 1999 was 350. In the first half of 2000, 320 persons were recommended for deportation by the courts. It is not recorded how many of these had claimed asylum.

  Details of the nationality or immigration status of a defendant charged or convicted with committing a criminal offence are not collected centrally on the Home Office Court Proceedings Database.

  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost of asylum support is, including unaccompanied minors(a) in the period 2000–01, (b) estimated for the current financial year 2001–02 and (c) estimated for the period 2002–03; and if he will make a statement. [157522]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: Estimated expenditure on asylum support, including unaccompanied asylum seeking minors in 2000–01 is £751 million (estimated final outturn). This is made up of:

  Grant payments to local authorities for Adult, Families and unaccompanied asylum seeking children—£575 million

  Support payments by the National Asylum Support Service—£115 million

  Payments to Department of Social Service (DSS) for supporting asylum seekers on benefit—£56 million

  Payments to the Scottish Executive for support to adults and families who applied before April 2000—£5 million.

  sThe budget of £702 million for 2000–01 was made up of an original sum of £604 million for asylum support costs together with transfers of £60 million from the Department of Health for the costs of unaccompanied asylum seeking children and £38 million from DSS for Housing Benefit costs. The additional £49 million expenditure was as a result of additional funds being provided to asylum support because of savings elsewhere in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate budget.

  Provisional estimates for asylum support costs for 2001–02 and 2002–03 were given in my reply of 24 July 2000, Official Report, column 450W, to the hon. Member for Aylesbury (Mr. Lidington). This funding will be reviewed if needed.

  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers are(a) supported by NASS under the new support arrangements, (b) supported by local authorities under the previous support arrangements and (c) unaccompanied minors; and if he will make a statement. [157523]
  557W
  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: As at the end of February 2001, 11,630 asylum1 seekers (including dependants) were allocated subsistence only support by the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) and 21,4001.2 asylum seekers (including dependants) were allocated accommodation and subsistence support by NASS.

  Information on the number of asylum seekers being supported by local authorities under the previous support arrangements is not held centrally.

  As at the 26 January 2001 there were 5,5401 unaccompanied minors being supported in England by local authorities. The figures for unaccompanied minors being supported in Scotland and Wales are not held centrally.

  1 All figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

  2 A very small proportion of these cases may be allocated accommodation support only.

  Departmental Policies (Hampstead and Highgate)
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the effects, with statistical information, on Hampstead and Highgate of his Department's policies since 2 May 1997. [158015]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Home Office is working to build a safe, just and tolerant society in which the rights and responsibilities of individuals, families and communities are properly balanced, and the protection and security of the public are maintained. Detailed information on the impact of Home Office policies across the full range of responsibilities is set out in Home Office Annual Reports. A copy of the most recent report, Home Office Annual Report 2000–01, is available in the Library. Information on recorded crime and policing is also published. 'Recorded Crime England and Wales, 12 months to September 2000' and 'Police Service Strength England and Wales, 30 September 2000' can be found in the Library. The recorded crime statistics include information on recorded crime by Basic Command Unit and Crime and Disorder partnerships.

  The impact of Home Office policies and actions is not normally examined by constituency and the statistics which the Department collects, such as recorded crime, cannot be matched in the way requested although set out below are examples relating to the Hampstead and Highgate constituency or the immediate locality:

  Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)

  London Borough of Camden, in partnership with the Metropolitan Police, were awarded £598,000 for a scheme extending the existing Camden Town Centre system with 17 new cameras and provision of a centralised control room. The scheme will encompass three London Underground stations in Camden Town, Chalk Farm and Mornington Crescent.

  Youth Offending

  Hampstead and Highgate is covered by the Camden Youth Offending Team (YOT). Multi-agency partnerships have been strengthened through the establishment of YOTs, involving staff from Social Services, Education, Police, Probation and Health Departments. Seven Youth Justice Board (YJB) Development Grants have been awarded to Camden YOT and Youth Service. The local authority continues to allocate over £300,000 per annum in grants to voluntary organisations, the YOT and other
  558W
  departments to develop preventative initiatives. Links are being developed between the YOT and the local minority ethnic communities.

  A youth inclusion programme has been established in Castlehaven Ward for over 50 young people most at risk of re-offending. This is being funded through YJB and local authority grants for 2 years. The YJB awarded Camden YOT £94,000 for 2000–01 to develop a range of new services including: substance misuse; new Referral Orders and accommodation advice and support. Conditional approval has been given by the YJB for a new Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Scheme (ISSP), between Camden, Islington, Hackney and Tower Hamlet YOTs, to prevent custody and reduce re-offending by the most persistent offenders. Camden YOT is involved with the Police, Housing and Youth Service in response to anti-social behaviour and other local crime issues.

  Camden is on course to achieve the multi-agency target of a 15 per cent. reduction in youth offending by March 2002. The YOT is working closely with the police and youth court to halve the time from arrest to sentence of persistent young offenders from 142 to 71 days. YOT preventative and early intervention referrals and services have increased significantly. These include: restorative conferences between victims and offenders; assessments and intervention in response to anti-social behaviour (to prevent the need for anti-social behaviour orders); assessments and enhanced services for looked after children at risk of re-offending; assessments and intervention for other high risk groups including young people involved in substance misuse and excluded from school.

  Contact time with young people on court orders has doubled to twice weekly for three months, in accordance with revised national standards. The YOT national assessment tool has been implemented in Camden, enabling analysis of risk factors that contribute to young people offending. A new information system has also been purchased for the YOT, to enhance quality of monitoring.

  More generally, all of the policies of the Home Office will impact on the residents of Hampstead and Highgate to a greater or lesser extent. For example:

  376 Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships have been established;

  racial harassment and racially motivated crimes have been made criminal offences by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998;

  the asylum backlog has been cut from 103,495 at the end of January 2000 to 49,590 by the end of February 2001; andl

  good progress is being made in reducing the incidence of fire deaths in England and Wales. They have dropped from 605 in 1997 to 534 in 1999.

  Information on the Home Office and its policies is also published on its website "www.homeoffice.gov.uk".

  Borough By-elections
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on the holding of a borough by-election on the same day as the county council election and general election; and if he will make a statement. [157869]
  559W
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  None. Under existing legislation there is nothing to prevent a borough by-election from being held on the same day where the polls for the ordinary elections for county councils and a general election are being taken together. In that event, discretion on whether or not that casual election should also be combined with the other elections rests with the returning officers concerned.

  Police Numbers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cause was of each revision to the statistics on police numbers for 31 March 2000 published in November 2000; and what the impact of each revision was on the difference between total police numbers for 31 March 2000 published in(a) November 2000 and (b) the final figures published on 15 January 2001. [157121]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  No police strength figures were published in. November 2000. The figures for 31 March first appeared in the Home Office Statistical Bulletin 'Police Service Personnel England and Wales as at 31 March 2000' published on 30 August 2000. A correction to the 31 March 2000 figures was made in the next police strength Bulletin (concerned with figures for 30 September 2000), which was first published on 14 December 2000. This correction was made because it was discovered there had been some double counting of the number of secondments to central services. This originated from the National Criminal Intelligence Service return being completed incorrectly. The overall police strength figures were revised downwards by 248 from 124,418 to 124,170.

  The figures for 30 September 2000 which were published on 14 December 2000 were subsequently revised, and the Bulletin re-issued on 16 January 2001. There were no differences between the police figures for 31 March 2000 in these two Bulletins. The revisions made in the 16 January 2001 publication related to the figures for 30 September. There were two changes. First, the overall police strength figures were revised upwards by 451 officers because of undercounting by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). The number of officers seconded to Hertfordshire, Essex and Surrey had been deducted twice from the total number of officers.

  Secondly, the MPS figure on minority ethnic officers on 30 September was corrected from 1,227 to 1,013 because the higher figure had included in the minority ethnic group some 214 officers classified as 'White Irish' or 'Other White'.

  A further revision to the 30 September 2000 figures was made in the written answer given on 22 March 2001, Official Report, column 324W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Gravesham (Mr. Pond) which concerned police strength numbers on 31 January 2001. This was due to a correction from Northumbria police who reduced their total number of officers by 67 from 3,885 to 3,818.

  Police Costs
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost of employing police officers as a percentage of the total force budget for each police force in England for each year since 1990. [156174]
  560W
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information requested is set out in the table which has been placed in the Library.

  Illegal Trafficking (Prostitution)
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) arrests and (b) successful prosecutions there have been of individuals suspected of illegal trafficking in women and girls for the purpose of prostitution in the last 12 months. [157525]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  It is not possible to identify persons in the Home Office's Court Proceedings Database who are arrested or prosecuted for offences connected with illegal trafficking in women and girls for the purpose of prostitution.

  The available information relates to persons proceeded against and those convicted of certain offences of procuration as follows:

  Persons convicted of certain offences of procuration in England and Wales in 1999

  Proceeded against

  Convicted

  Procuring female for immoral purposes, or using drugs to obtain or facilitate sexual intercourse (Sexual Offences Act 1956, sections 2, 3, 4, 22 and 23)

  5

  1

  Detention of female in brothel or other premises (ibid, sections 24)

  —

  —

  Living on earnings of prostitution or exercising control over prostitute (ibid, sections 30 and 31)

  48

  37

  Information for 2000 is not yet available.

  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been deported from the United Kingdom due to their involvement in the illegal importation of women and girls from abroad for the purpose of sexual exploitation or prostitution in the last 12 months. [157526]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Immigration Service does not routinely receive statistics on prosecutions for non-immigration criminal offences, such as the involvement in the illegal importation of women and girls from abroad for the purpose of sexual exploitation or prostitution, therefore no correlation of these offences and the deportation of offenders can be made.

  Voluntary Search and Rescue
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what support his Department gives to local voluntary search and rescue organisations. [157439]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Local voluntary search and rescue organisations benefit from the support which the Home Office gives to the search and rescue community at the national level.

  The Home Office (HO) provides technical advice on radio communications and spectrum matters to the National Controlling Committee which meets under the auspices of Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). The committee, among other activities, vets applications by local voluntary search and rescue organisations to use dedicated HO frequencies.
  561W
  It is anticipated that the work of this committee and HO support will be transferred during April 2001 to the United Kingdom Search and Rescue (SAR) Communications Working Group under the newly formed UK SAR Strategic Committee.

  Wrongful Convictions
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress he has made in providing support for people who have been wrongfully convicted. [157445]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Home Office has set up a working party to look at what might be needed, in terms of advice and counselling, needed by those released after successful appeal against conviction. A report has been prepared by a consultant and recommendations will go to Ministers by the summer.

  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been released on grounds of wrongful conviction in the past five years. [157446]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Provisional figures relating to prisoners whose appeal was upheld on release and who were discharged on appeal for the past five years are shown in the table.

  Provisional figures for this year from 1 January to 28 February, inclusive, show that of the 13,587 final discharges so far, 58 had their appeal upheld on release and 25 were discharged on appeal.

  Number of prisoners whose appeal was upheld on their final release from prison, and the number of prisoners who were discharged on appeal, for the past five years

  Year

  Appeal upheld on release

  Discharged on appeal

  1996

  222

  218

  1997

  231

  251

  1998

  404

  287

  1999

  473

  282

  2000

  405

  220

  Total

  1,735

  1,258

  Racism
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many complaints in relation to allegations of racism(a) were made, (b) were investigated by the police, (c) resulted in prosecutions and (d) resulted in successful prosecutions in (i) 1999 and (ii) 2000. [156076]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [holding answer 29 March 2001]: Information recorded centrally shows that the number of racist incidents recorded by the police throughout England and Wales for the financial year 1998–99 was 23,049 and for 1999–2000 was 47,814. These are incidents recorded either under the Association of Chief Police Officers' definition of a racist incident
  "any incident in which it appears to the reporting or investigating officer that the complaint involves an element of racial motivation, or any incident which includes an allegation of racial motivation made by any person"
  562W
  which applied until February 1999 or under the new simplified definition of a racist incident proposed by the Lawrence Inquiry, adopted at that time ("any incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person"). Incidents included here are therefore wider than the normal definition of a crime in the Crime Statistics and include low level harassment.

  Information has been recorded centrally since 1999, relating to racially aggravated offences (the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 introduced a series of new racially aggravated offences from 30 September 1998), and published in 'Statistics on Race and the Criminal Justice System' on 18 January 2001 (a copy of which is in the Library). During the financial year 1999–2000 21,750 racially aggravated offences were recorded by police throughout England and Wales, of which 34 per cent. were detected by police. 3,815 racially aggravated offences were prosecuted at magistrates court. 1,073 (28 per cent.) resulted in convictions and 1,755 (46 per cent.) were either terminated early or acquitted and 990 (26 per cent.) cases were committed to he Crown Court for trial. A further 178 persons were tried at Crown Court, of whom approximately one half were convicted.

  In terms of figures relating to investigations by police of these offences and any details regarding prosecutions relating to racist incidents, data are unavailable.

  Police (Greater Manchester)
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many vacancies there were for police officers in the Greater Manchester Constabulary in(a) 1992, (b) 1997 and (c) 2001. [156182]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The available information is set out in the table. It compares the actual number of officers in post with the police authority's budgeted provision. Information on budgeted figures has been provided, where available, by the Chief Constable.

  Greater Manchester Police

  Year

  Budgeted police numbers

  Actual police numbers1

  Vacancies

  31 March 1992

  7,057

  7,061

  0

  31 March 1997

  2n/a

  6,922

  n/k

  31 January 20013

  46,935

  6,867

  68

  1 Before 1 April 1955 actual police numbers were based on a headcount. Since April 1995 they have been counted on a full-time equivalent basis.

  2 The Greater Manchester Police budgeted figure for March 1997 was based on a headcount of 7,050. It is not therefore comparable to the actual figure which is based on full-time equivalents.

  3 Latest available published figures are currently those for 31 January 2001.

  4 The figures for January 2001 include the force's Crime Fighting Fund allocation.

  I understand from the Greater Manchester Police that the vacancies at 31 January 2001 have now been filled.

  Female Prisoners (Shackling)
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the shackling of a female prisoner from Highpoint to a prison officer during medical treatment recently. [155152]
  563W
  Mr. Boateng
  I have written separately to the hon. Member on this issue.

  Pensioners (Home Security)
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many pensioner households have had Government funded and approved locks fitted to their homes; and if he will make a statement. [157587]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The "locks for pensioners" scheme that we are funding in conjunction with the Department for Environment, Transport and the Region's Home Energy Efficiency Scheme enables certain low income pensioners in high crime areas to have their house checked for security and if necessary to have additional security features such as door and window locks fitted. The scheme has been running in England for eight months and, by the end of March, almost 47,000 houses had been surveyed of which 22,441 were found to require security upgrades. So far, 21,715 of these have been referred to the registered installers and for 10,778 houses, the security upgrades are known to have been completed. The true figure will, however, be significantly higher as there can be a delay of several weeks between the work being completed and confirmation of this fact being received by the two organisations managing the scheme.

  The equivalent scheme started in Wales only in February and, as yet, there are no centrally held figures for the numbers of Welsh households that have had improved security fittings as a result.

  We have also funded a number of projects that provide security upgrades to burglary victims or other vulnerable people under our Reducing Burglary Initiative. We do not, however, have central records of the numbers fitted or whether the recipients were pensioners.

  Juries
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the progress of the review on whether deaf people should be allowed to serve on juries. [157232]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Government are intending to publish a consultation paper on the implications of third party support for jurors, including the use of interpreters for deaf jurors, within the next few months.

  Domestic Violence
  Ms Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the cost to public funds of dealing with domestic violence in the last 12 months. [157547]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  We have not, in the last 12 months, undertaken an assessment of the cost to public funds of dealing with domestic violence. We know that this cost is a significant one: the research study "Counting the costs; estimating the impact of domestic violence in the London Borough of Hackney" published by Crime Concern in 1998, estimated the total cost of providing services for the survivors of domestic violence in Greater London to be in the region of £278 million per annum. This gives a fair indication of the scale of the costs involved.
  564W
  The Government are determined to reduce all crimes of violence including domestic violence, which is a serious crime accounting for just under a quarter of all violent crime. Our strategy for doing so is set out in "fighting violent crime together: an action plan" which was published in January.

  Crime (Blyth Valley)
  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he proposes to tackle crime in Blyth Valley. [157297]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Government are committed to tackling crime effectively, not only by reacting properly when it occurs and having the appropriate measures in place to deal with the perpetrators, but by preventing it happening in the first instance.

  Recorded crime statistics published on 16 January 2001 showed that overall crime had fallen by 0.2 per cent. in England and Wales in the 12 months to September 2000. This compared with an overall fall in the Northumberland police area of 5.5 per cent.—the 10th consecutive year of crime reduction in that area. Data relating to the Blyth Valley Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership showed lower than average rates of offences per 1,000 population in key areas, including violence against the person, robbery, domestic burglary and theft of and from a vehicle.

  We support the Partnership in its work to develop local strategies for reducing crime and disorder. Its local initiatives to bring about overall crime reduction and tackle drug-related crime, include targeted policing, Closed Circuit Television and Neighbourhood Warden schemes.

  We have recently announced £60 million funding over the next three years to support Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships and £300 million to tackle drug-related problems, £220 million of which will be directed through the 376 Partnerships, to deliver community-based strategies.

  Police Protection (Ministers)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the total cost of police protection was for former Ministers who(a) are and (b) are no longer hon. Members for the latest 12 months for which figures are available. [157608]

  Mr. Straw
  We seek to ensure the most effective and efficient protective security arrangements for public figures in the light of the changing threat from terrorism and other continuing risks. It is not our policy to comment on the details of protection arrangements for individuals, as to do so could compromise their security.

  Departmental Policies (Amber Valley)
  Judy Mallaber
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 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. [157132]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Home Office is working to build a safe, just and tolerant society in which the rights and responsibilities of individuals, families and
  565W
  communities are properly balanced, and the protection and security of the public are maintained. Detailed information on the impact of Home Office policies across the full range of responsibilities is set out in Home Office Annual Reports. A copy of the most recent report, Home Office Annual Report 2000–01, is available in the Library. Information on recorded crime and policing is also published. "Recorded Crime England and Wales, 12 months to September 2000" and "Police Service Strength England and Wales, 30 September 2000" can be found in the Library. The recorded crime statistics include information on recorded crime by Basic Command Unit and Crime and Disorder partnerships.

  The impact of Home Office policies and actions is not normally examined by constituency and the statistics which the Department collects, such as recorded crime, cannot be matched in the way requested although set out are examples relating to the Amber Valley constituency or the immediate locality:

  Targeted Policing Initiative (TPI)

  Derby constabulary was awarded a total of £407,000 for two schemes under round 2 of the TPI.

  Derbyshire constabulary was awarded £317,000 for a force-wide project, which included; Mapping of the drug markets, identifying key targets and routes of supply, analysing information about the market and the production of an individual strategy for each market. The mapping of drug markets will allow for the creation of a dynamic approach to tackling the problem.

  Derbyshire police (with other forces) was awarded £90,000 for a force-wide project, which included; Distraction burglary—Undertake research into the distraction burglary problem: its true extent, how offenders target victims and how offenders can be deterred once they have selected a potential target.

  Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)

  Amber Valley borough council was awarded approximately £127,000 for a 10-camera scheme, expanding the existing system into areas of Amber Valley's four main town centres, Alfreton, Belper, Heanor and Ripley.

  Youth Offending

  Amber Valley is covered by the Derbyshire Youth Offending Team (YOT). The Derbyshire YOT is providing Appropriate Adult services for young people when interviewed by police and has dealt with 242 requests for their services between April and December 2000. The Derbyshire YOT is utilising the ASSET assessment system in order to ensure intervention work is effectively targeted at the personal, family, social, educational and health problems that contribute to the causes of a young person's offending behaviour. The health staff attached to the YOT are carrying out basic assessments of young offenders for substance misuse and, where appropriate, referring them on to specialist substance misuse services for young people.

  The police officers seconded to the Derbyshire and Derby City YOT have delivered 50 training sessions on the final warning scheme to over 1,200 police officers in order to ensure consistency of police assessment and referral to the YOTs. More than 12 community reparation schemes have been established throughout Derbyshire in order to allow the YOTs to deliver victim-offender
  566W
  mediation services. There is a wide range of activities available to meet the needs of the young person and provide opportunities for further development through accredited training and skills.

  Youth Service staff play a lead role in the development of preventative initiatives to support the action plans of local Crime and Disorder youth crime reduction strategies at local council level. Derbyshire Youth Offending Service was successful in being awarded "Summer Splash" funding in July 2000. The service worked with other providers front both voluntary agencies and the local district council to deliver a variety of activities in four wards of Bolsover. This resulted in a marked reduction of nuisance calls and offending in this area.

  More generally, all of the policies of the Home Office will impact on the residents of Amber Valley to a greater or lesser extent. For example:
  376 Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships have been established;
  racial harassment and racially motivated crimes have been made criminal offences by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998;
  the asylum backlog has been cut from 103,495 at the end of January 2000 to 49,690 by the end of February 2001; and
  good progress is being made in reducing the incidence of fire deaths in England and Wales. They have dropped from 605 in 1997 to 534 in 1999

  Information on the Home Office and its policies is also published on its website www.homeoffice.gov.uk.

  Departmental Policies (Eccles)
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 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. [157286]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Home Office is working to build a safe, just and tolerant society in which the rights and responsibilities of individuals, families and communities are properly balanced, and the protection and security of the public are maintained. Detailed information on the impact of Home Office policies across the full range of responsibilities is set out in Home Office Annual Reports. A copy of the most recent report, Home Office Annual Report 2000–01, is available in the Library. Information on recorded crime and policing is also published. "Recorded Crime England and Wales, 12 months to September 2000" and "Police Service Strength England and Wales, 30 September 2000" can be found in the Library. The recorded crime statistics include information on recorded crime by Basic Command Unit and Crime and Disorder partnerships.

  The impact of Home Office policies and actions is not normally examined by constituency and the statistics which the Department collects, such as recorded crime, cannot be matched in the way requested although set out are examples relating to the Eccles constituency or the immediate locality:

  Reducing Burglary Initiative

  Greater Manchester police in partnership with Salford city council were awarded approximately £253,000 for two schemes under round 2 of the Reducing Burglary Initiative.
  567W
  One scheme for Pendlebury, Swinton Town Center, Valley Estate and Swinton Park was awarded nearly £80,000. The main interventions proposed are target hardening; community mobilisation; targeted policing and property marking.

  One scheme covering Peel Green, Patricroft, Salford was awarded £173,000. The main interventions proposed are target hardening; a landlord accreditation service; community mobilisation and environmental resistance.

  Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)

  Salford city council has one scheme, potentially worth over £411,000, shortlisted for further consideration under round 2 of the CCTV Initiative. The scheme would cover parts of the Salford and Eccles constituencies.

  Youth Offending

  Eccles is covered by the Salford Youth Offending Team (YOT). While crime and fear of crime remain the most significant issue for communities, considerable progress has been made in the City during the past year, with the largest reduction of recorded crime within all of Greater Manchester. Total recorded crime reduced by 5.4 per cent, including a reduction in domestic burglary of 19 per cent., other burglary of 13 per cent. and a reduction in vehicle crime of 7 per cent. These figures indicate the success of a range of initiatives, such as the burglary reduction programmes. They reflect the determination of the partnership to continue in its multi-agency approach to the reduction of crime.

  The Salford Youth Inclusion Project (YIP) is located in Seedley/Langworthy. The project started in July 2000 and receives up to £75,000 a year under the Youth Inclusion Programme. The objectives of YIP, administered by the Youth Justice Board are to: reduce arrest rates in the target group by 60 per cent.; reduce recorded crime in the area by 30 per cent. and achieve at least 1–3 reduction in truancy and exclusions among the target young people. YIPs provide targeted assistance to a core group of 13 to 16-year-olds most at risk of offending and school exclusion.

  The Salford YIP is already working with 15–20 young people in this high-risk target group and over 60 young people more generally. The Salford YIP offers young people a robust assessment of their personal and training needs and an individually tailored package of assistance. This may include: mentoring; sports activity; arts and craft sessions themed around consequences of offending behaviour; education and training and pre-employment support and social skills development and health sessions.

  The Salford YIP has successfully supported three of the 10 young people identified at most risk, into employment. A further two have taken up part-time employment. Five of the eight most persistent truants in the area have returned to school and a further group of at risk young people have taken up volunteering opportunities, continued into further education or joined the Army Cadets.

  More generally, all of the policies of the Home Office will impact on the residents of Eccles to a greater or lesser extent. For example:
  376 Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships have been established;
  racial harassment and racially motivated crimes have been made criminal offences by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998;
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  the asylum backlog has been cut from 103,495 at the end of January 2000 to 49,690 by the end of February 2001; and
  good progress is being made in reducing the incidence of fire deaths in England and Wales. They have dropped from 605 in 1997 to 534 in 1999.

  Information on the Home Office and its policies is also published on its website www.homeoffice.gov.uk.

  Stuart Howarth
  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will instruct the Prison Service authorities to move Stuart Howarth (Et 7916) to an open prison: and what representations he has received concerning the appropriateness of the prison location where he is serving his sentence. [157229]

  Mr. Boateng:
  No. The categorisation and allocation of prisoners is a matter for the Director General of the Prison Service. The Prison Service carries out the categorisation of prisoners according to a rigorous and objective assessment of the risk they present, and in accordance with established guidelines. These assessments are best carried out by those on the ground, but I can say that under the Prison Service Order on categorisation and allocation, a prisoner sentenced to more than 12 months for an offence of violence would not normally be regarded as suitable for category D (open conditions) on initial categorisation.

  Mr. Howarth was sentenced on 27 March 2001, and following receipt of the necessary reports from the police and probation services and others, he will be categorised according to the likelihood that he will seek to escape and the risk that he would pose should he do so. Mr. Howarth's custodial behaviour and the risk he poses to control will also be taken into consideration.

  Mr. Howarth's allocation to a prison establishment will depend on his security category, the need to make the best possible use of available spaces in training prisons, and his particular needs. I have not received any representations concerning the appropriateness of his current prison location. Furthermore, I understand from the governor of Manchester prison that Mr. Howarth has not made any representations locally about his location.

  Immigration Rules
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on changes to the immigration rules to facilitate the entry into the UK of information technology and e-commerce specialists. [157695]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Government have made a number of changes in the immigration system in order to facilitate the entry into the United Kingdom of highly skilled people.

  The results of a fundamental review of the work permit system, operated by the Department for Education and Employment, were announced in the 2000 Budget statement and a range of measures have been introduced to streamline the system over the last year. This has led to a number of changes facilitating the entry of information technology and e-commerce specialists. For example, the skills shortages list, which makes it easier to obtain a permit where no European Economic Area (EEA) resident

  569W
  is available to fill a post, has been updated to include more information technology and e-commerce jobs. Additionally, to ensure that the system responds quickly to shortages, a sector panel for the Information Technology Communications and Electronics industry has been established. Also, to be eligible for a work permit, two years' post-graduate work experience is no longer needed, thereby enabling non-EEA students with specialist skills to work immediately after graduation in the UK.

  Other changes include a pilot scheme, launched by the Home Office in September 2000, to attract more business innovators to the UK. It is aimed at those entrepreneurs looking to develop business ideas in the service and technology sectors, especially e-commerce, even if they do not have substantial amounts of their own money to invest. 38 applications have so far been approved.

  We are also developing a scheme designed to allow individuals of outstanding ability to come to the UK to seek work. This will help the UK in competing for highly skilled workers.

  Security Service
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to recruit officers for the Security Service at universities other than Oxford, Cambridge and London. [157330]

  Mr. Straw
  The Security Service is committed to a policy of equal opportunity. The Service advertises in the national press and in media specifically offering employment opportunities for graduates from any higher education establishment, and not specific universities. Of those graduates recruited for the year 2000–01 as intelligence desk officers, at least 74 per cent. graduated from universities other than Oxford, Cambridge or London.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many members of each ethnic group are employed in senior grades of the Security Service; and what proportion each grade represents of the total. [157331]

  Mr. Straw
  Currently, all senior employees in the Security Service, equivalent to Senior Civil Service grades, are white. The number of such employees represents 1.4 per cent. of total staffing

  The Security Service has been working to raise its profile as an employer among under-represented groups, for example through the use of carefully targeted advertising. The Service is determined, through continuing recruitment campaigns, to have a work force that fully reflects the society that it defends.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of employees in senior grades in the Security Service are women. [157332]

  Mr. Straw
  Currently, 13.8 per cent. of the senior grades in the Security Service, that is grades equivalent to Senior Civil Service grades, are women.

  Election Literature
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the total costs were of 570W
  (a) paper, (b) printing, (c) distribution and (d) circulating letters dated 14 February to acting returning officers for parliamentary constituencies in England and Wales, returning officers for local government areas in England and Wales and electoral registration officers for district and London boroughs in England and Wales in relation to leaflet ER3 published by the Communications Directorate of his Department in January; what the cost was of the destruction of the leaflet; and if he will make a statement. [157634]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: The leaflet "Make Your Voice Heard" informs the public of changes to the system of updating the electoral register allowed by the Representation of the People Act 2000 and implemented on 16 February 2001. The costs for production of this leaflet, which was changed due to an error in calculating the cut-off date for applying for registration on April's "rolling register", are (a) £15,627.50 for paper; (b) £23,905.38 for printing; and (c) £947.50 for distribution. The costs of informing electoral administrators about the availability of the leaflet were marginal as notification was sent by e-mail. The cost of re-cycling the leaflet is £200. The leaflet was re-issued and has been replaced by another which is not date specific.

  Tower Blocks
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the safety and security of residents in tower blocks. [156023]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  [pursuant to the reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Regent's Park and Kensington, North (Ms Buck) in response to a supplementary question to that asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, Central on 9 April 2001, Official Report, column 693]My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary recently met my hon. Friend and local people involved in tackling the problems of drug abuse. I understood that the Home Secretary visited the Regent's Park and Kensington, North constituency as I informed the House but I have now been told that the meeting was at the House of Commons. I do, however, continue to assure my hon. Friend that tackling crack and associated drugs is high on the Government's agenda. We cannot tolerate the behaviour experienced by the residents in her constituency, and we are committed to addressing it.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  School Discipline
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance he plans to issue on school discipline following the outcome of the Marjorie Evans case. [155231]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I have been asked to reply.

  In Wales, that is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

  Employment Service
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what target levels have been set for the aims and objectives of the Employment Service in 2001–02. [156866]

  Mr. Blunkett
  The targets for the Employment Service, which I am announcing today, build on the success of the agency in delivering the Government's welfare to work policies, working in close partnership with employers and others. These targets pave the way for the new agency, Jobcentre Plus, whose pathfinder offices will begin work in October. They give stronger emphasis than ever before to helping individuals facing particular difficulty in the labour market to move from unemployment and economic inactivity into sustainable employment. The highest priority will be given to helping people who have been economically inactive for long periods, including lone parents, to find work, and to capitalise on the opportunities created by the new generation of New Deals. For the first time, the Employment Service will have a target to measure its success in helping long term unemployed people not only to find work but to remain in work. I will also be introducing, from October, two new targets: to support ES' s efforts to achieve parity of outcomes for ethnic minority clients by 2004, and to support the key role which ES will play in identifying and remedying shortfalls in the basic skills of unemployed people, to enhance their employability.

  I commend this package of targets. They are challenging for the Employment Service to deliver. I believe that the job entry targets are very stretching. I am looking for improved levels of customer service to jobseekers and employers, together with consolidation of the improved performance against the Jobseeker's Allowance Labour Market Activity target. These targets cover a full year, but I propose to carry out a comprehensive consultation and review later in the year that will inform the setting of targets for the new Agency for people of working age, called Jobcentre Plus, for 2002–03.

  The targets for the Employment Service for 2001–02 are:

  ES APA Text

  Vision and Purpose
  The Employment Service aims to make a major contribution to an efficient and flexible labour market, and to the Government's objectives of an increase in the effective supply of labour, and countering poverty and social exclusion by helping welfare recipients facing the most severe disadvantages to compete effectively for jobs. It does this by working closely with employers and with its private, voluntary and public sector partners to provide a quality service for all people without a job and to promote employment opportunities for all who can work. It aims to attract a diverse range of vacancies and to fill those vacancies quickly by matching the right people and skills with the right jobs. Its chief priority is to help individuals facing particular difficulty in the labour market to move from welfare and economic inactivity into sustainable employment. It does this through correct application of the Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) regime, delivery of the New Deals, and provision of appropriate information, advice, training and support. The challenge and opportunity for the Employment Service, is to sustain continuous improvement in its services to jobseekers and employers and to make those services more accessible and relevant to customer needs, through effective use of modern technology and close working with a wide range of partners.
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  Aim
  To help people without jobs to find work and employers to fill their vacancies.

  Objectives and Targets

  Objective A
  To help all people without jobs, and particularly those on welfare and at a disadvantage in the labour market, to find and keep work by providing appropriate information, advice, training and support and by encouraging employers to open up more opportunities to them.

  Targets

  A1: To help into work 70,000 people who are either jobless lone parents, participants in the New Deal for Partners, participants in the New Deal for Disabled People or other disabled people claiming 'inactive' benefits.

  A2: To help into work 410,000 participants in the JSA New Deals, New Deal 50+, Employment Zones, other disabled people not recorded in A1, and others at a particular disadvantage.

  A3: To help into work 720,000 welfare recipients and other disadvantaged people.

  A4: To help into work 1,225,000 jobless people.

  A5: For 75 per cent. of long-term claimants to be off benefit 13 weeks after starting a job into which they were placed by the Employment Service.

  Objective B
  To ensure that the rights and relevant labour market responsibilities of people on JSA and other benefits are fulfilled, while helping to combat fraud and abuse of the benefit system.

  Target
  B1: To ensure that the relevant labour market responsibilities of people on JSA are fulfilled in 90 per cent. of cases checked.

  Objective C
  To harness new technology, the pursuit of excellence and continuous improvement to deliver effective, efficient and accessible services to all people without jobs and to employers, in Jobcentres and increasingly through other locations and means of communication.

  Targets

  C1: To achieve a 92.5 per cent. customer service level for jobseekers.

  C2: To achieve an 82 per cent. customer service level for employers.

  Objective D
  To deliver services to all ES customers in a way which respects individual differences, helps to overcome disadvantages due to ethnicity, gender, age or disability and achieves the best possible outcome for each of them.

  Dl: From October: To achieve a proportion of new ethnic minority claimants who leave JSA for a job within 12 months, which is equal to the percentage of all white claimants leaving JSA for a job within 12 months (to work towards equality of outcomes by 2004.) (Target level to be announced.)

  D2: From October: To screen benefit claimants for basic skills requirement and where needed refer for appropriate training. (Exact target wording and level to be announced.)

  Milestone Target
  By 30 September 2001, for 95 per cent. of jobseekers claiming JSA to have been asked to identify their ethnicity and for this answer to be recorded.

  Target levels for the Employment Service in Scotland and Wales, derived from the GB wide targets, will be announced shortly.

  Teacher Vacancies (Hazel Grove)
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many vacancies for teachers there were in the Hazel Grove constituency in(a) 1992, (b) 1997 and (c) 2001. [156176]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The information requested above is not held centrally. The number of vacancies for teachers in the maintained sector for Stockport LEA were as follows:

  January

  1992

  1997

  2000

  Maintained nursery, primary and secondary schools

  0

  1

  6

  Maintained special schools

  1—

  0

  1

  Total

  0

  1

  7

  Vacancy rate (percentage)

  0.0

  0.1

  0.3

  1 Not available

  The latest year for which published data are currently available is 2000.

  In 1992, vacancy figures were collected for the maintained nursery, primary and secondary sector only.

  The number of regular teachers (excluding short-term supply) in the maintained schools sector in England at January 2000 was 404,600, the highest for ten years and 6,900 higher than January 1998.

  There was a growth of 2,300 in the number of people recruited to train to be teachers between 1999–2000 and 2000–01, the first such increase since 1992–93.

  From April 2001 new graduate recruits can expect to earn £17,000 a year (up 6 per cent. from the previous year) and starting salaries in Inner London will rise to £20,000 (up 9 per cent. from the previous year).

  Sure Start
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many of the districts invited to develop programmes for the fourth wave of Sure Start programmes are districts which qualify for funding under the Neighbourhood Nurseries Initiative. [157116]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: All 66 fourth wave Sure Start districts will be able to apply for funding under the Neighbourhood Nurseries Initiative. All the fourth wave Sure Start districts have large proportions of their population living in wards which are among the most deprived 20 per cent. in England according to DETR's Index of Deprivation. Any area covered by wards in the most deprived 20 per cent. wards in England can apply for funding under the Neighbourhood Nurseries Initiative. Guidance on the two initiatives strongly encourages close and co-operative working between Sure Start programmes and Neighbourhood Nurseries.

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 28 March 2001,Official Report, columns 679–80W, on Sure Start (1) (a) if the information available on deprivation included statistics on the varying levels of
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  deprivation within the borough of Warrington and (b) what assessment was made of health inequalities within Warrington when making a decision; [157176]

  (2) what information was available to him on levels of deprivation and health inequalities in the (a) Bewsey, (b) Orford, (c) Poplars, (d) Hulme and (e) Poulton North wards in Warrington prior to making a decision on the fourth wave of Sure Start. [157177]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: The Government identify Sure Start areas at the local authority district level using information from DETR's Index of Deprivation on levels of deprivation at the district level. Stakeholders in these districts are then invited to select a local catchment area for a Sure Start programme in that district based on their knowledge about local needs and levels of poverty and disadvantage and the Government's requirement that the area must
  "largely be covered by wards within the worst 20 per cent. of wards in England according to DETR's Index of Deprivation".

  The stakeholders would be able to look at more detailed sub-district information, including that on health inequalities, in deciding on the local catchment area.

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the Sure Start programmes identified to date, indicating the programmes which are located in areas which are among the 20 per cent. most disadvantaged areas as identified by the DETR index. [157117]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: The information requested is contained in tables, copies of which have been placed in the Libraries.

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 28 March 2001,Official Report, columns 679–80W, on Sure Start, if he will list those districts assessed for the fourth wave of Sure Start programmes; which indices were used to measure levels of deprivation in those areas; and if he will publish the results. [157175]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: The information requested is contained in tables, copies of which have been placed in the Libraries.

  Infant/Primary Schools
  Judy Mallaber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list for each infant and primary school in Amber Valley the number of classes containing over 30 pupils on(a) 1 May 1997 and (b) the latest date for which figures are available. [157118]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The Government do not publish figures for individual schools. In the table are the figures for the Amber Valley constituency and Derbyshire LEA. These clearly show that a significant number of children in Derbyshire are benefiting from being in smaller primary classes as a result of the Government's investment in education.
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  Number of classes with over 30 pupils—January 1997 and 2001

  1997

  2001

  Derbyshire

  KS1 classes

  408

  29

  All primary classes

  1,314

  613

  Derby

  KS1 classes

  1—

  3

  All primary classes

  1—

  191

  Amber Valley

  KS1 classes

  33

  5

  All primary classes

  22

  95

  1 Not applicable

  Notes:

  1. In April 1997 Derbyshire LEA divided into two separate authorities—Derbyshire and City of Derby

  2. Figures derived from returns made to the Department in January each year—Annual Schools Census

  British Sign Language
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of schools teaching deaf children offer British sign language as part of the curriculum. [157233]

  Jacqui Smith
  This information is not collected centrally.

  Stockholm European Council
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what studies have been made by institutions of the European Union concerning the demographic challenge referred to in paragraph 7 of the Presidency Conclusions of the Stockholm European Council. [157335]

  Ms Jowell
  I welcome the references in the Stockholm Conclusions to demography and active ageing, particularly the call at paragraph 9 for a joint report by 2002 covering this topic. I understand that European institutions have undertaken a range of studies, including a European Commission communication published in October 2000 and entitled "Communication on the future evolution of social protection from a long-term point of view: Safe and sustainable pensions". The Economic Policy Committee produced a report on a similar theme on 6 November 2000 entitled "Progress report to the ECOFIN Council on the impact of ageing populations on public pensions". A more technical overview is given by the Commission's Economic Paper 138, published in November 1999 by K. McMorrow and W. Roeger, entitled "The economic consequences of ageing populations" Further information on these and related documents can be found on the European Union's "Europa" website.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment where the new European Social Agenda, referred to in paragraph 25 of the Presidency Conclusions of the Stockholm European Council adopted at Nice was published; and what changes are envisaged in EU social policy in the next five years. [157337]

  Ms Jowell
  The new European Social Agenda was published as Annexe 1 to the Presidency Conclusions of the Nice European Council Meeting held on 7, 8 and 9 December 2000. This is easily accessible through 576W
  the European Union "Europa" website. A text of the European Social Agenda was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 19 December 2000.

  The European Social Agenda sets out a framework and proposals to modernise European social policy over the next five years. Many of the proposals will contribute directly to the Lisbon strategic goal of becoming "The most competitive and dynamic knowledge based economy in the world", for example commitments to increasing employability through lifelong learning, and addressing skills shortages, particularly in ICT.

  The initiative now lies with the Commission to bring forward individual proposals. The UK Government will continue to scrutinise each proposal as it is brought forward to ensure that it has a proper treaty base.

  School Standards and Framework Act
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if it is the policy of the Government that independent appeals tribunals under section 94(6) of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 should inform appellants that their decisions are binding in law. [157459]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: Paragraph 15 of Schedule 24 to the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 specifies what information an appeal panel must give to appellants when informing them of the panel's decision on their appeal for a school place. It does not require appeal panels to inform appellants that its decision is binding on the admission authority whose decision is the subject of the appeal.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the compatibility of his powers to overrule an independent appeals panel under section 94(6) of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 with the United Kingdom's obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights. [157460]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: Section 96 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 provides local education authorities with a power of last resort to direct the admission of children to a foundation school when those children have been refused admission to, or been excluded from, all schools within a reasonable distance. Upon a referral from the governing body concerned, section 97 of the 1998 Act empowers the Secretary of State to name an alternative school in the direction. The Colne Community School was the subject of the last direction proposed by the Essex local education authority and referred to the Secretary of State. In the event, a vacancy arose and the pupil was admitted without the need for a direction.

  The Court of Appeal has held, in R v. Richmond LBC ex parte JC, that the requirements of Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights are not engaged in admission appeals, because admission appeals are determinative only of parents' preferences as to the school at which they wish education to be provided for their child, rather than any civil right of the child.
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  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the policy of the Government is concerning overcrowded schools, with particular reference to the Colne Community School, Essex. [157461]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: The School Standards and Framework Act 1998 requires each maintained school to have a 'standard number', which is the minimum number of pupils it must admit, if there is demand. This continues a principle established in the Education Reform Act 1988. Where an individual school chooses to have a higher 'admission number', that is the minimum number of pupils it must admit, where there is demand. Once an admission number has been set, the admission authority must respect that number, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

  The Colne Community School, like all other maintained schools, can refuse applications for places once the standard number, or higher admission number, has been reached. But the 1998 Act makes sensible provision for local education authorities to place children in schools which have reached their standard number, or higher admission number, if all other schools within a reasonable distance have refused the child a place or where the child has been excluded from all other schools within a reasonable distance. The alternative would mean the pupil attending a school beyond a reasonable distance.

  Administrative Burdens (Schools)
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to reduce administrative burdens in schools. [157775]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Government are fully committed to reducing administrative burdens in schools in order to allow teachers to concentrate on teaching and raising standards. Examples of our action to do so include:

  We have guaranteed to cut by a third the number of documents, and by a half the number of pages, that the Government send automatically to schools during this school year—in the first two terms of this school year, we will have halved the paperwork we sent to schools, compared with the first two terms last year.

  We have radically simplified this year's Standards Fund—we have replaced bidding, claiming and reporting with a single expenditure returns sheet; we have allowed schools to vire funds between almost all grant headings; we have allowed schools to carry funds over to the end of the school year; and we have introduced monitoring against existing targets.

  We have placed model schemes of work on the DfEE website to underpin all National Curriculum subjects at Key Stages 1–3—they are entirely voluntary and teachers may adopt them or adapt them as they wish. These have now been joined by over 1,000 useful lesson plans and resources in a further effort to reduce paperwork and make the necessary lesson preparation as straightforward as possible.

  We have developed new ICT resources, including the launch of:

  (a) EASEA—a full electronic in-tray and document archiving service for head teachers, teachers and governors that now has 7.000 registered users

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  (b) TeacherNet—a single web page offering links to the full range of educational resources on the internet

  (c) an internet based "A-Z" of school leadership and management—an electronic encyclopaedia for heads with succinct, practical guidance on a wide range of topics, full search facilities, and links through to reference material on organisational and legal issues, and examples of good practice.

  We have harnessed DfEE and Cabinet Office resources to simplify some of the paperwork that schools complete—the first results of this joint project are set out in the "Making a Difference: Reducing School Paperwork" report. This shows potential savings for a typical school of over 200 hours every year—equivalent to more than a month's work for one person; and across the school system 4.5 million hours could be saved annually.

  We are reducing data collection and avoiding data request duplication. We have set up a high level group with head teacher representation to review all new and existing DfEE data collection. This approach has been extended to involve QCA, Ofsted and TTA. We are also developing a common set of data for schools that, from 2002, will be collected once only and shared electronically by all authorised parties and agencies.

  Teacher workload is being reduced with 44,000 FTE extra non-administrative support staff, including teaching assistants and learning mentors, since 1997. Within this, we have provided funding to recruit and train an additional 20,000 FTE teaching assistants between 1999 and 2002.

  We have introduced a £35 million Technology Package to enable schools to invest in new computers for management and administration, provide training and install software to introduce a seamless system that will save the average school five days work per year.

  We have reviewed Ofsted procedures. Ofsted inspections can be a source of pressure on teachers and we have taken steps to reduce that pressure through the reduced notice period; shorter 'light touch' inspections for the most effective schools; and extending the maximum interval between inspections to six years.

  We have provided specific help for small schools. In 2000, we set up two grants within the Standards Fund to assist small schools and we have now merged these into a single Small Schools Fund. The Fund provides support for small schools to help them with the extra difficulties that administration and collaboration present. The Fund is worth £80 million in 2001–02 and is guaranteed for at least three years.

  School Leavers
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) male and (b) female 16-year-olds left school in the last six years without recognized qualifications. [157824]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The numbers of(a) male and (b) female pupils in England aged 16 who achieved no GCSE or GNVQ equivalent passes in the last six years are shown in the table.
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  (a) Male

  (b) Female

  Total

  1994–95

  27,453

  19,153

  46,606

  1995–96

  27,142

  19,071

  46,213

  1996–97

  26,216

  18,738

  44,954

  1997–98

  22,539

  15,329

  37,868

  1998–99

  20,942

  14,094

  35,036

  1999–2000

  19,191

  13,114

  32,305

  Head Teachers (Coventry)
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much money will be paid to head teachers in schools in Coventry, South as a part of the education funding announced in the budget. [157857]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Schools will receive School Standards Grant (SSG) on the basis of the number of pupils on roll as at 18 January 2001. The following table shows the amounts individual schools will receive:

  Amount (£)

  Primary schools; middle deemed primary with no year 8 or 9 class; nursery schools; PRUs

  Fewer than 100.5 pupils

  7,000

  At least 100.5 but fewer than 200.5

  13,500

  At least 200.5 but fewer than 400.5

  24,000

  At least 400.5 but fewer than 600.5

  30,000

  600.5 or more

  48,000

  Secondary schools; middle deemed secondary; and middle deemed primary with year 8 or year 9 class

  Fewer than 600.5

  58,000

  At least 600.5

  70,000

  1200.5 or more

  82,000

  Special schools

  Fewer than 100.5

  20,000

  100.5 or more

  28,000

  Percentage

  Reading

  Writing

  Spelling

  English

  Mathematics

  Key Stage 1: Achieving level 2 or above

  79

  78

  64

  —

  87

  Key Stage 2: Achieving level 4 or above

  79

  50

  —

  72

  70

  Key Stage 3: Achieving level 5 or above

  —

  —

  —

  64

  59

  Teacher Support (Special Needs)
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to help teachers support pupils with social and emotional difficulties in schools; and if he will make a statement. [157906]

  Jacqui Smith
  Support is provided through the special educational needs component of the Standards Fund. In 2001–02, we are supporting expenditure to a total of £82 million on SEN. This includes support for the training and professional development of teachers and others dealing with pupils with SEN. It also covers support for work with pupils with emotional, behavioural and social development difficulties as part of activity designed to promote inclusion. Support is also provided through the National Healthy School Standard, which includes emotional health and wellbeing as one of its eight key themes.
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  It is intended that maintained schools will receive these sums in their delegated budget shares by mid May.

  Also, schools will receive additional devolved capital funding, via a formula, based on a lump sum of £6,000 per school plus an amount based on the number of pupils in the school. In Coventry, South the nursery school will receive £7,168; primary schools will receive an average £10,639; secondary schools will receive an average £28,905 and special schools will receive an average £10,826.

  General Teaching Council
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has for the involvement of teachers employed by local education authorities in central support services, in membership and registration on, and the work of, the General Teaching Council. [157866]

  Jacqui Smith
  From 1 June, all qualified teachers employed to teach in maintained schools and non-maintained special schools will be required to register with the General Teaching Council (GTC). Those that are employed by local education authorities in their central support services, but who are not deployed to teach pupils in schools, may be eligible to register voluntarily. The GTC is an independent organisation and it is for the Council to decide whether or how to involve teachers and others in their work.

  Literacy and Numeracy (Camden)
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the data for the most recent figures which are available for(a) literacy and (b) numeracy in the London borough of Camden. [158017]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The table shows the percentage pupils reaching the expected level or above in the Key Stage 1, 2 and 3 tests in Camden in 2000.

  The Government will shortly be publishing good practice guidance on promoting children's mental health in early years and school settings. The guidance will offer pointers and examples of good practice in the area of early identification and intervention for children and young people experiencing mental health problems in pre-school and school settings.

  Departmental Policies (Amber Valley)
  Judy Mallaber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment 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. [157127]

  Mr. Wills
  Details of the effects of a range of the Department's policies on the Amber Valley constituency and Derbyshire LEA have been placed in the Library.

  Departmental Policies (Eccles)
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment 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. [157285]

  Mr. Wills
  Details of the effects of a range of the Department's policies on the Eccles constituency and Salford LEA have been placed in the Library.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Legal Aid
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much was spent on(a) criminal and (b) civil legal aid in (i) 1998–99, (ii) 1999–2000 and (iii) 2000–01; and what the projected figure is for 2001–02. [R] [157429]

  Mr. Lock
  I shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the impact of the Legal Services Commission on people excluded from civil legal aid as a result of the Access to Justice Act 1999. [R] [157434]

  Mr. Lock
  The Lord Chancellor's Department has commissioned a joint research project involving the universities of Nottingham, Oxford and Surrey. This will be the first major comparative evaluation of the effects of conditional fees on personal injury litigation and will report towards the end of this year. The research will contribute to a better understanding of the range of methods available for supporting litigation where risks are substantially removed from the claimant. It will also inform us how the legal services conditional fee market is operating and developing. The researchers will create a database that can be used in conjunction with data collected in future for the purposes of policy evaluation and for future policy changes.

  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much was spent on civil legal aid in relation to(a) social security, (b) employment, (c) landlord and tenant disputes, (d) immigration and nationality and (e) consumer issues in (i) 1998–99, (ii) 1999–2000 and (iii) 2000–01; what has been the change in the level of civil legal aid since the creation of the Community Legal Service, to civil legal aid in each of these areas; and what plans he has to increase the allocation of civil legal aid for these areas. [R] [157430]

  Mr. Lock
  This information is not available in the format requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Information is, however, available for expenditure on legal advice and assistance for 1998–99 and 1999–2000.

  £ million

  (a) Social security and welfare

  (i) 1998–99

  16.651

  (ii) 1999–2000

  14.903

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  £ million

  (b) Employment

  (i) 1998–99

  2.038

  (ii) 1999–2000

  1.936

  (c) Landlord and tenant disputes

  (i) 1998–99

  14.580

  1999–2000

  13.262

  (d) Immigration and nationality

  (i) 1998–99

  >48.800

  (ii) 1999–2000

  46.167

  (e) Consumer issues

  (i) 1998–99

  2.697

  1999–2000

  2.518

  Information for 2000–01 is not yet available.

  Legal aid provision, whether under the previous or current legislation has never been allocated to specific case categories. Rather, the grant of legal aid has always depended on the merits of each individual application.

  Community Legal Service
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the capacity of the community legal service to reduce(a) child poverty and (b) social exclusion; and how these policy aims were incorporated in the Legal Service Commission corporate plan for 2000 to 2004. [R][157433]

  Mr. Lock
  One of the key aims of the community legal service (CLS) is to help tackle social exclusion through improving access to legal advice, information and representation. This is reflected in the Lord Chancellor's Department's strategic objectives and public service agreement targets.

  In order to measure how effectively the CLS is tackling social exclusion through meeting previously unmet need for legal help and information, we have commissioned the legal services research centre to undertake a major long-term research project to measure and characterise levels of legal need in England and Wales. It will be known as the national periodic survey and will be based on a survey of 4,500 households, and it should provide a reliable source of information on how well the CLS is achieving its aims. The national periodic survey will be complemented by the local needs surveys carried out by the CLS partnerships.

  The Lord Chancellor's Department is also producing a paper in collaboration with the Law Centres Federation which will set out how the CLS is helping to tackle social exclusion and the future role it can play.

  The Legal Services Commission's corporate plan for 2000 to 2004, includes a section on the CLS. The opening part of the section is concerned with the overall purpose and objectives of the CLS and it refers to the key aim of helping to reduce social exclusion. The plan makes the link between the Lord Chancellor's Department's strategic objectives and the public service agreement targets and explains how the CLS will help to reduce social exclusion.
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  There are no specific CLS initiatives or targets in relation to the category of child poverty, but this category is being taken forward under the overall heading of tackling social exclusion.

  Disability Discrimination Act (Claims)
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many people have received legal aid in respect of claims under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. [157234]

  Mr. Lock
  In the 11 months from 1 April 2000 to 28 February 2001, two certificates were issued for people to receive legal representation in court cases under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. It is not possible to identify the number of people who have received other levels of publicly funded legal service under the Disability Discrimination Act, as no specific case category exists on the computer system that records these types of work.

  Immigration Adjudicators
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many(a) full-time and (b) part-time immigration adjudicators are employed to hear immigration and asylum appeals. [157506]

  Jane Kennedy
  As of 1 April 2001 there are:

  (a) 76 full-time and

  (b) 323 part-time adjudicators.

  Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when she will publish the framework document for the children and family court advisory and support service. [158232]

  Jane Kennedy
  The framework document for CAFCASS has been published today. Copies have been placed in the Library and sent to interested parties. Further copies are available from the Department on request.

  Law Centres
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much money was allocated to neighbourhood law centres in(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000; and what plans he has to increase the budget allocation for such centres. [R] [157437]

  Mr. Lock
  The Legal Aid Board made grants to nine law centres. It made payments to these and other not-for-profit (NfP) organisations (including to law centres not funded by grants from the board) for civil legal aid work that they undertook. Total payments to law centres were:

  (a) in 1997–98, £4.439 million out of a total payment to NfPs of £12.927 million;

  (b) in 1998–99, £4.164 million out of a total payment to NfPs of £17.321 million; and

  (c) in 1999–2000, £4.044 million out of a total payment to NfPs of £18.478 million.

  Since January 2000, the Legal Services Commission (which has replaced the Legal Aid Board) has provided legal help services exclusively under contracts with providers able to meet the specified quality standards. The
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  Lord Chancellor has directed the commission to spend at least £20 million on contracts with NfP organisations, including law centres and neighbourhood advice agencies. Contracts with NfP organisations let in the 15-month period January 2000-March 2001 had a value of £36,111,227.

  On 12 March 2001, the Legal Services Commission issued a consultation paper about future funding within the CLS for the nine law centres which it funds by grants. The paper set out proposals for translating current grant funding into contract funding. The Lord Chancellor has said that he expects these grants to be phased out by April 2002 and to be replaced by contracted funding targeted on eligible clients and priority needs. The Legal Services Commission is working with the Law Centres Federation and the law centres to effect this change.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Forestry Commission Research Agency
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what targets were set for the Forestry Commission Research Agency for 2000–01; and what targets have been set for 2001–02. [158233]

  Mr. Morley
  The targets for the Forestry Commission Research Agency in 2000–01 and 2001–02 are as follows:2000–01

  1. To achieve a customer satisfaction rating of at least 96 per cent.

  2. To increase the output of peer reviewed scientific papers submitted and subsequently accepted for publication by 10 per cent. on the 1998–99 actual.

  3. To have the work of Woodland Ecology Branch and the statisticians reviewed by visiting groups.

  4. To hold the weighted average cost of a researcher day to the same level as 1999–2000 in real terms.

  5. To achieve a 2 per cent. reduction in real terms in the cost of support services.

  6. To achieve 100 per cent. cost recovery including a return on capital employed of 6 per cent. in real terms.

  2001–02

  1. To achieve a satisfaction rating for FC customers of at least 96 per cent.

  2. To maintain the output of peer reviewed scientific papers submitted and subsequently accepted for publication at 2000–01 levels.

  3. To have the work of Pathology Branch and Environmental Research Branch reviewed by visiting groups.

  4. To hold the weighted average cost of a researcher day and support services at 2000–01 levels in real terms.

  5. To achieve at least 99 per cent. cost recovery including a return on capital employed of 6 per cent. in real terms.

  Copies of the Forest Research Agency's Corporate Plan for 2001–04, which contains more information about the Agency's targets, will be placed in the Library of the House when it is published in May.

  EU Enlargement
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement setting out the factors so far identified in the EU enlargement negotiations which could lead to a breaching of the current agricultural budgetary guideline. [157524]
  585W
  Ms Quin
  The financial perspective for 2000–06, agreed at the Berlin Council in March 1999, set aside up to 58 billion euro for spending in the new member states. This included 12.41 billion euro to extend CAP and rural development measures to the new member states. The Government's objective is to ensure that the financial perspective is respected.

  Foot and Mouth
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what basis the level of compensation for the Animal Welfare Disposal scheme was set for(a) new season lambs and (b) ewes in lamb or with lamb. [156653]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 2 April 2001]: The welfare payment for breeding ewes was derived from the pre-FMD value of a breeding ewe with lambs at foot which are normally traded at a fixed price per life. The value for new season lambs that have already been weaned and are being fed concentrates for the early lighter lamb market is a percentage of the expected market value. The rates of payment announced will apply for two months and be reviewed before expiry of the period.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the impact on the value of(a) domestic and (b) overseas United Kingdom livestock trade in each of the next five years based on the assumption of endemic foot and mouth disease. [156917]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 5 April 2001]: No such estimate has been, or will be made. As my hon. Friend knows, the Government are committed to reduce and then completely eradicate the current foot and mouth disease outbreak thus ensuring that FMD does not become endemic in the UK.

  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that RSPCA officers are present during any cull of over 5,000 livestock. [157541]

  Mr. Morley
  The RSPCA have an open invitation to visit the major culling sites and they have already been to Great Orton several times.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will relax the rules regarding set-aside grasslands so that cattle from other farmers can be grazed on such grasslands where feed supplies are running short. [157371]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 6 April 2001]: A derogation from the arable area payment scheme to allow set-aside land to be used for grazing, where foot and mouth disease restrictions prevent movement of the animals, was announced on 16 March.

  Organic Farming Scheme
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many farmers have made applications for funds from the organic farming scheme; and how many of those applications have been successful in each phase of the scheme since it began. [157161]
  586W
  Mr. Morley
  Between the organic farming scheme opening on 6 April 1999 and it closing for review on 30 November, 1,270 valid applications were received. Since the scheme re-opened on 2 January this year around 600 further valid applications have been received.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will respond to the fax of 20 March from the hon. Member for North Essex concerning restrictions relating to the welfare, movement and sale of livestock belonging to Mr. P. Gladwin of Can House Farm, Great Wigborough, Essex. [157390]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 6 April 2001]: I replied to the fax from the hon. Member for North Essex on 4 April 2001.

  Fisheries
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to ensure that the English fishing fleet receives financial assistance equivalent to that provided by the Scottish Executive for the Scottish fishing industry. [157241]

  Mr. Morley
  The decision to provide additional assistance worth £11.5 million for the restructuring of the fishing industry and rejuvenation of ports in England was made after careful consideration of the difficulties the industry has been facing.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the recent OECD report on transitional financial assistance to the fishing industry. [157237]

  Mr. Morley
  The report by OECD on the economic and policy implications of transition to responsible fisheries is a welcome examination of the challenges involved in adopting more sustainable fishing methods across the developed world. One finding is that direct financial assistance to fishing industries can be detrimental to long-term sustainability unless it is carefully targeted at restructuring and complementary to management controls. This is consistent with the UK Government's view and the £22.5 million package of aid for the English industry which I announced on 2 April is designed with long-term environmental and economic sustainability in mind.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make available transitional aid to allow the fishing industry the means to introduce conservation measures and meet short-term losses arising from their introduction. [157240]

  Mr. Morley
  Grant is available under the EU fisheries scheme FIFG for the adoption of conservation measures, for example, selective fishing gear and diversification away from pressure stocks. This is a priority area of the funding I announced on 2 April. It is, however, not appropriate to compensate fishermen for conserving stocks from which they will attain long-term benefit.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much of the package of aid to the English fishing industry contained in the press release on this Department's website (Ref: 1219/01) is funding which has already been announced. [157881]
  587W
  Mr. Morley
  As explained in the press release, £11 million had already been committed to the FIFG grants scheme and I was launching the scheme in England. The £6 million funding for restructuring the industry and the £5.5 million DETR funding for rejuvenation of fishing ports were new announcements.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the criteria used for awarding the package of aid to the English fishing industry for decommissioning. [157880]

  Mr. Morley
  I will shortly be discussing with representatives of the industry how these restructuring funds should be used.

  Aquaculture
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the compatibility of UK policies with the Code of Conduct drawn up by the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers for the development of sustainable aquaculture. [157269]

  Mr. Morley
  No formal assessment has been carried out, but the Government welcome the code as an initiative which promotes best practice which is consistent with statutory requirements.

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the research studies used by the Government to evaluate the potential impact of the introduction of new, non-indigenous species to aquatic aquaculture. [157268]

  Mr. Morley
  There has been no need to date to conduct research studies in order to operate the controls which the Government apply, under the Prohibition of Keeping or Release of Live Fish (Specified Species) Order 1998, to the introduction into the wild of non-native species of fish.

PRIME MINISTER

  Ministerial Code of Conduct
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer of 17 January 2001,Official Report, column 340, what advice he has received from the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards regarding his ministerial code of conduct. [146655]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 22 January 2001]: I have nothing to add to my answer of 17 January.

  Hollis Industries
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Prime Minister when No. 10 was advised that the inquiry into Hollis Industries contained evidence of £200,000 payable to the hon. Member for Coventry, North-West (Mr. Robinson). [157166]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 6 April 2001]: I refer the right hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry's reply to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 2 April 2001, Official Report, columns 5–6W, which sets out the facts relating to the conduct of the 1999 investigation into
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  companies associated with my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, North-West (Mr. Robinson) (principally Hollis Industries plc).

  At no point were the contents of any papers or other documents obtained by the Department of Trade and Industry during the course of the investigation disclosed to No. 10.

  Foot and Mouth
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Prime Minister if he has approved the transport to and entombment of animals from foot and mouth infected counties in landfill sites in foot and mouth free counties. [157753]

  The Prime Minister
  The disease eradication effort is organised on the basis of infected and non-infected areas, not county boundaries. Except in a few cases at the beginning of the outbreak, the policy has been to dispose of slaughtered animals within their infected areas, not to transport animals and carcases from infected to non-infected areas.

  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer of 28 March 2001,Official Report, column 954, if he will provide a breakdown of the figure for sheep movements in February. [157512]

  The Prime Minister
  Sheep movements are not centrally recorded. We have refined the estimate which I provided on 28 March. We now estimate that around 2 million sheep movements took place in Great Britain in February, before movement restrictions were imposed. This is broken down as follows:980,000 movements to abattoirs; some 845,000 clean sheep and 135,000 ewes were slaughtered in February.
  700,000 movements through markets; based on an estimate provided by the Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC). This estimate does not include multiple movements through markets. Some animals will enter more than one market either because they are withdrawn, or not sold and taken home, or sold and re-sold (often as dealers split and mix loads of sheep from different sources so as to produce uniform consignments that meet specific buyers' requirements).
  100,000 movements; through private sales between farmers or between farmers and dealers, which do not figure in any of the above categories.
  30,000 movements leading to live export.

  Other movements, including a limited number of movements between holdings or back from winter grazings, brings the total to around 2 million.

  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the changes in the handling of the foot and mouth outbreak which have resulted from his actions since he took personal charge of the matter. [157793]

  The Prime Minister
  The overriding priority since the outbreak was first discovered on 19 February has been to mobilise the resources and logistics required to control and eradicate the disease. This has been achieved by keeping the situation under constant review within Government, and by involving all Departments that have a positive role to play in the eradication strategy.

  Doctors and Dentists Pay Review Body
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make an announcement regarding the Chair of the Doctors and Dentists Pay Review Body from 1 March. [158178]

  The Prime Minister
  I have appointed Mr. Michael Blair QC to be Chair of the Doctors and Dentists Pay Review Body from 1 March for a period of three years.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  RUC
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applications for early retirement and severance from the RUC have been turned down by the Chief Constable in the past three years, broken down by(a) perceived community origin, (b) gender, (c) police division, (d) membership of specialist units and (e) rank; and what the reasons were for turning down applications.[153819]

  Mr. Ingram
  No eligible officer has been turned down for voluntary severance/early retirement in the past three years.

HEALTH

  Small Acute Hospitals
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had with the Royal College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Physicians regarding the clinical standards set in small acute hospitals. [156296]

  Mr. Denham
  Ministers regularly meet the Royal Colleges of Surgeons and Physicians. These colleges produce guidance on clinical standards in a wide variety of contexts. The NHS Plan sets out our intention to establish the Medical Education Standards Board to ensure that patient standards and the service needs of the NHS are fully aligned with the development of the curriculum and approval of training programmes.

  Transplant Centres
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will announce his decision on the rationalisation of transplant centres. [156297]

  Mr. Denham
  Our decision will be announced in due course.

  Placebo Medicines and Surgery
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent investigations he has made into the outcomes of the use of placebo(a) medicines and (b) surgery. [156298]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department, via the NHS Research and Development Health Technology Assessment Programme, funded a systematic review of the role of expectancies in the placebo effect and their use in the 590W
  delivery of health care. The review was published as a monograph in March 1999, and a copy has been placed in the Library.

  IVF Treatment
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many requests for IVF treatment were granted in the last year for which figures are available in(a) Darlington, (b) Southampton, Itchen, (c) Barrow and Furness, (d) Pontefract and Castleford, (e) Birmingham, Edgbaston and (f) Colchester constituencies. [156299]

  Yvette Cooper
  The information requested is not available centrally. Parliamentary constituency and health authority boundaries are not coterminous. The Department published a report of a baseline survey it undertook of infertility services in the National Health Service in 1997. Copies are available in the Library.

  Cancer
  Mr. St. Aubyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what targets he has set with respect to improving cancer treatment. [156301]

  Yvette Cooper
  The cancer plan sets out targets for waiting times standards so that by 2005 there will be a maximum two month wait from urgent general practitioner referral to treatment for all cancers. Linked to this is the extension of the cancer services collaborative from April; and the introduction of booked admissions for cancer patients by 2004.

  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his strategy to combat cancers in men. [156304]

  Yvette Cooper
  The cancer plan is a strategy to tackle all cancers in the whole population. The NHS prostate cancer programme sets out our aims to improve treatment and research in this area, which affects a significant number of men every year.

  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress is being made in delivering improved cancer services. [156309]

  Yvette Cooper
  Cancer services are receiving record levels of investment For this financial year £255 million is available for the achievement of cancer targets and milestones. It will support the appointment of new consultants; implementation of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance to end the postcode lottery of care; cutting waiting times for cancer and increasing National Health Service investment in specialist palliative care services.

  Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress is being made on reducing waiting times for cancer treatment. [156319]

  Yvette Cooper
  The National Health Service cancer plan published in September sets out new waiting time targets for cancer treatment which will be implemented over the next five years.

  Since April 1999 over 140,000 women with suspected breast cancer have benefited by being referred urgently by their GP and offered an appointment with a specialist

  591W
  within two weeks. During 2000 this two week standard was rolled out for all patients with suspected cancer requiring urgent specialist investigation.

  The cancer services collaborative (CSC) has demonstrated that by changing the way cancer services are provided, for example by pre-planning and pre-booking care, waiting times can be cut and a major impact can be made on cancer care. From 1 April 2001 the improvements in cancer care developed by the CSC are being rolled out to every cancer network in the country, supported by up to £15 million central funding to ensure the improvements are implemented throughout the country.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what factors underlay the Government's estimate of the number of lives that will be saved from the Government's 10-year cancer plan target; and if he will make a statement. [156564]

  Yvette Cooper
  The "Saving Lives: Our Healthier Nation" White Paper published in July 1999 included a target to reduce the death rate from cancer in people under 75 by at least a fifth. Based on the assumption of steady improvement towards the target and the population characteristics present in 1997, it was estimated that achievement of the target would be associated with up to 100,000 lives saved over the period 1997 to 2010. Independent expert advice at this time suggested that 40 per cent. of the target reduction could come from improvements or extensions to screening programmes and better treatment, and 60 per cent. of the target reduction could be achieved through primary prevention such as reductions in smoking and improvements in fruit and vegetable consumption.

  Health Inequalities (Halton)
  Mr. Derek Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the allocation of resources to deal with health inequalities in Halton. [156302]

  Yvette Cooper
  The NHS plan says that by 2003, following review of the existing weighted capitation formula, reducing inequalities will be a key criterion for allocating NHS resources. While the review is undertaken, the "health inequalities" adjustment is being introduced for the year 2000–01 as a new non-recurrent allocation. North Cheshire health authority has received £1.15 million "health inequalities" adjustment, which will be used for the benefit of the residents of Halton and Warrington.

  NHS Plan (Birmingham)
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress is being made in implementing the NHS plan in Birmingham. [156303]

  Yvette Cooper
  The NHS plan is being integrated with the Birmingham health authority health improvement programme and service and financial framework programmes to ensure a coherent and consistent approach to delivering the plan.

  Additionally, the Secretary of State recently approved a major hospital development in South Birmingham and development of an ambulatory care and diagnostic centre on the City Hospital site.

  Bed Blocking (Essex)
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will investigate the causes and consequences of bed blocking in Essex. [156305]

  Mr. Denham
  The causes and consequences of delayed discharge are dealt with locally as part of the winter planning process. Considerable work has been undertaken on this issue by North and South Essex health authorities and local authorities.

  Primary Care Trusts
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received from doctors regarding the operation of primary care groups. [156306]

  Mr. Denham
  We have regular meetings with a range of organisations and receive feedback from primary care professionals on the operation of primary care groups. Primary care groups continue to provide a strong framework for doctors and nurses to support each other, and enable practices to innovate while ensuring that the benefits of innovation deliver high quality services for the whole local population.

  Mr. Healey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the role of primary care trusts in relation to local mental health services. [156320]

  Mr. Hutton
  Where it is appropriate and a primary care trust (PCT) has the capacity to do so, it can directly provide mental health services to its population in a primary or community setting. Alternatively where it is appropriate for mental health services to be provided by another organisation such as a National Health Service mental health trust, the role of the PCT will be to commission the service from that trust.

  The decision as to which role a PCT will play is one for each local health system following consultation on any proposals to change the way services may be provided. These proposals would be as a result of the clinical needs of their patients as determined through the implementation of the National Service Framework for mental health services and the NHS plan.

  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to increase the number of general practitioners to improve the services of primary care trusts; and if he will make a statement. [156300]

  Mr. Denham
  We have recently announced measures (including financial incentives) to encourage general practitioner recruitment and retention. The primary care workforce review, due to report shortly, is expected to include further recommendations on numbers of GPs and other staff and on ways of working to deliver the planned expansion of primary care.

  Care for the Elderly
  Mrs. Humble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about improving the standards of care for the elderly. [156307]

  Mr. Hutton
  We are determined that older people should receive higher standards of care from the NHS and social services. The National Service Framework for
  593W
  Older People, published on 27 March will deliver high quality health and social care, based on clinical and assessed need, not age. National minimum standards for care homes for older people, published on 2 March, will promote better quality care and help prevent abuse by grounding practice in the principles of dignity, choice, privacy and respect.

  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in making intermediate care available to ensure that elderly people remain independent for as long as possible. [156310]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Government are committed to promoting older people's independence. Additional money this winter was focused primarily on intermediate and transitional care. Recent intermediate care guidance and the National Service Framework for Older People emphasise the importance of establishing intermediate care as a mainstream service and a development priority. Targets have been set to ensure continued progress, backed by significant extra funding announced in the NHS Plan.

  Smoking
  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress is being made in preventing young people from taking up smoking. [156308]

  Yvette Cooper
  The most recent survey results indicate that smoking prevalence among children aged 11–15 is now at 9 per cent., down from 13 per cent. in 1996. This is very encouraging, but we are determined to ensure that this downward trend continues, for example by banning tobacco advertising, which particularly appeals to young people.

  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress is being made in preventing young people from taking up smoking. [156293]

  Yvette Cooper
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for North-West Leicestershire (Mr. Taylor) on 10 April 2001,Official Report, column 842.

  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress his Department has made towards tackling smoking. [156321]

  Yvette Cooper
  We announced on 29 January 2001 a £3 million initiative to help co-ordinate locally all services for pregnant women who wish to give up smoking and on 14 March that we intend to amend the relevant regulations so as to allow doctors to prescribe any available nicotine replacement therapy as part of National Health Service treatment.

  The Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Bill published on 14 December 2000 will ensure that tobacco is no longer promoted through advertising, sponsorship or other promotional schemes.

  On 13 September 2000 we launched an enforcement protocol with local authorities to strengthen the enforcement of the existing legislation on under-age sales of cigarettes.

  Respite Care
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his policy towards the provision of respite care. [156312]

  Mr. Hutton
  Respite care is important because it helps older people and disabled people to live in the community, and it allows informal or family carers to have a break from caring. The extra resources which the Government have provided for the National Health Service and for social services mean that more people can benefit from respite care, in a domiciliary setting, in a residential care home or nursing home, or in hospital.

  Waiting Lists (Southend Hospital)
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in reducing waiting lists in Southend Hospital. [156313]

  Mr. Denham
  Significant progress has been made in reducing the waiting lists at Southend Hospital NHS Trust and it is working with primary care organisations to examine options for modifying referral patterns to help with this. The latest figures show that total number of patients waiting are about 4 per cent. below the end-March 1997 level.

  Southend Hospital NHS Trust has made good progress with patients waiting over 12 months for treatment particularly in ophthalmology which contributed to over half of the waiting list last year.

  Private Residential Nursing Homes
  Mr. John Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase the use of private residential nursing homes by the NHS. [156314]

  Mr. Hutton
  We see an important role for the independent sector, working in partnership with the NHS and councils, in providing services and making best use of resources and facilities. A framework for closer partnership was set out in the Concordat between the National Health Service and the independent sector, "For the Benefit of Patents", signed on 31 October 2000. Intermediate care was one of three areas highlighted as a particular area for co-operation. Guidance issued earlier this year asked the NHS and councils to take into account the potential contribution of the voluntary and private sectors in providing intermediate care and, where appropriate, to develop services in partnership with independent providing. In order to help local health and social care partners to engage more effectively with the independent sector in the short term the Department has developed model contracts, available on the Department's website, as a basis for local contracts with independent providers.

  Nursing homes can also be an appropriate setting in which people receive continuing health care fully funded by the NHS. Currently 10 per cent. of residents are fully funded by the NHS. It is, however, for local agencies to decide on the best way of providing services to meet the needs of local people.

  Beta Interferon
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the costs of beta interferon to the NHS relative to those borne in other countries. [156316]

  Mr. Denham
  The Department has made no detailed assessment of the costs of beta interferon treatment in other countries. Direct comparisons of prices of products of this type can be misleading because they are often supplied direct to hospitals, making published list prices less significant. Furthermore some countries include distribution costs and some aspects of care within the list price while others account for them separately.

  Pharmacists
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress he has made in improving the use of pharmacists within the NHS. [156317]

  Mr. Denham
  On 12 September 2000 we published "Pharmacy in the Future-Implementing the National Plan" (a copy of which is available in the Library). This set out our programme for pharmacy in the National Health Service, to make better use of the skills and expertise of pharmacists.

  We have since made good progress in implementing that programme. For example: on 18 October, we launched the first NHS Direct information points. 16 are located in community pharmacies; on 12 December, we launched the hospital medicines management performance framework, to make the best clinical and cost effective use of medicines and pharmacists' skills in hospitals; on 21 December we published the Health and Social Care Bill, which includes measures relating to the establishment of local pharmaceutical services and the extension of prescribing rights to now groups of health professionals, including pharmacists; and on 12 March we invited bids for the sites to take part in a national medicines management collaborative programme, a key step towards our target that by 2004 all primary care groups and trusts will have schemes so that people get more help from pharmacists in using their medicines.

  Paddington Regeneration Partnership
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which members of Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster health authority attended meetings of the Paddington Regeneration Partnership from its inception to 13 July 2000. [156318]

  Mr. Denham
  The Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster health authority representative on the Paddington Regeneration Partnership from June 1998 to the present time has been Mr. Paul Mason. Mr. Mason is an assistant director and therefore not a board member of Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster health authority. He did, however, act up to the post of board level director for six months of the period in question.

  Barnsley Health Authority
  Mr. Illsley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received about the end of year 2000–01 financial status of Barnsley health authority. [156322]
  596W
  Yvette Cooper
  For the financial year-end 2000–01, Barnsley health authority is expected to show an operational financial balance (OFB) underspend of £500,000 against its revenue resource limit of £173,646,000. This has been agreed and accepted by the Trent regional office of the National Health Service Executive and will be carried forward to be used in the financial year 2001–02.

  Within the OFB surplus, there are a number of overspending budgets (including cost per case contracts, out of area placements for learning disability and continuing care), which are offset by underspending budgets, including community prescribing.

  In terms of cash control, the health authority has exactly met its revenue and capital cash limits for the year.

  Abattoirs
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact of the ban on pithing on the future of small abattoirs. [142890]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 18 December 2000]: I am advised on questions of food safety by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The ban on pithing is a requirement of a recent European Union decision on specified risk material, which introduced new EU-wide rules for the protection of both human and animal health from the risks of BSE.

  The FSA carried out a full public consultation on proposals to implement the pithing ban. All licensed red meat slaughterhouses were consulted. A number of the responses received raised concerns that many small abattoirs would be unable safely to slaughter animals without pithing unless structural changes to their premises were made and maintained that many of these would be unable to afford the costs of such changes.

  The FSA agrees that changes in structure or equipment, as well as in working practices, may be needed to enable abattoirs to comply with a pithing ban without putting worker safety at risk. However, the FSA considers that alternatives to pithing should be available at reasonable cost in most cases and therefore sees no fundamental reason why the need to make such changes should affect the future of small abattoirs. Nevertheless the FSA is monitoring the introduction of the pithing ban in small abattoirs in order to ensure that any significant problems are reported and investigated.

  HIV
  Mr. Ian Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the Government will publish a national strategy on HIV for public consultation. [144508]

  Ms Stuart
  The incorporation of the HIV strategy within an integrated sexual health and HIV strategy was announced in May 2000. This work is well advanced and should be ready for publication shortly.

  Beef Imports
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if imported processed beef products are subject to the same checks for specified risk material contamination as imported carcase beef. [147856]
  597W
  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 30 January 2001]: I am advised by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) that all checks for specified risk material (SRM) contamination rely on a careful visual inspection of carcase meat to ensure that the specified tissues have been fully removed. A visual check for SRM contamination is not possible once meat has been processed. Advice on the safety of imported beef and beef products was issued by the FSA on 22 December.

  Departmental Policies (Don Valley)
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to Don Valley constituency, the effects on Doncaster of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [153520]

  Yvette Cooper
  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 Doncaster health authority and Doncaster metropolitan borough council (MBC) social services.

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

  Increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02

  Increase

  £ million (cash)

  62.7

  £ million (real terms)

  40.5

  Percentage (cash)

  39.51

  Percentage (real terms)

  23.61

  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.

  Doncaster health authority has also received additional funding for certain policies. This includes: £196,000 for accident and emergency modernisation between 1997–98 and 2000–01; A further £836,000 has been invested in an existing scheme to modernise the layout of the accident and emergency at Doncaster Royal Infirmary; £47,000, £130,000, £213,000 and £139,000 for improving cancer services (breast, colorectal, lung and cancer outpatients) in 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01 respectively; £5.004 million to reduce waiting lists and times between 1997–98 and 2000–01; £1.294 million to expand critical care services in 2000–01; £250,000 to deal with winter pressures and delayed discharges in 2000–01; £131,000 for heart disease services between 1997–98 and 2000–01; and £115,400 invested in dentistry between 1997–98 and 2000–01.
  598W

  Doncaster MBC's personal social services standard spending assessment (SSA) for 2001–02 compared with 1996–97

  Percentage increase

  £ million

  Real

  Cash

  1996–97

  40.283

  —

  —

  2001–02

  52.524

  15.5

  30.4

  In addition to the SSAs referred to, Doncaster MBC 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 Grant

  2,159

  —

  —

  —

  Partnership grant2

  —

  1,528

  1,300

  Prevention grant2

  —

  112

  168

  1,768

  Carers grant3

  —

  113

  281

  390

  Children's grant3

  —

  396

  618

  1,566

  Mental Health Core Grant

  300

  337

  614

  4855

  Training Support Grant

  258

  240

  302

  4303

  1 The special transitional grant ended in 1998–99

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

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

  4 Indicative allocation

  Departmental Policies (Lincoln)
  Gillian Merron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Lincoln constituency, the effects on Lincoln of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [152978]

  Yvette Cooper
  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 Lincolnshire health authority and Lincolnshire county council social services.

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

  Increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02

  Increase

  £ million (cash)

  119.8

  £ million (real terms)

  75.6

  Percentage (cash)

  37.16

  Percentage (real terms)

  21.53

  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.

  Lincolnshire health authority has also received additional funding for certain policies. This includes: £233,000 for accident and emergency modernisation between 1997–98 and 2000–01; £107,000, £228,000,

  599W
  £244,000 and £208,000 for improving cancer services (breast, colorectal, lung and cancer outpatients) in 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01 respectively; £9.631 million to reduce waiting lists and times between 1997–98 and 2000–01; £1.662 million to expand critical care services in 2000–01; £622,000 to deal with winter pressures and delayed discharges in 2000–01; £238,000 for heart disease services between 1997–98 and 2000–01; £307,000 invested in dentistry between 1997–98 and 2000–01.

  In addition, my hon. Friend's constituents will benefit from Special Assistance Funding of £4.4 million invested in 1999–2001 in order to reconfigure and restructure services in Lincolnshire. Lincolnshire residents have also benefited from a £1.446 million major hospital redevelopment scheme at Pilgrim hospital, Boston.

  Lincolnshire county council'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

  73.704

  —

  —

  2001–02

  95.326

  14.5

  29.3

  In addition to the SSAs referred to Lincolnshire county council 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

  4,015

  —

  —

  —

  Partnership grant2

  —

  2,890

  2,478

  3,520

  Prevention grant2

  —

  237

  357

  3,520

  Carers grant3

  —

  245

  565

  793

  Children's grant3

  —

  566

  890

  2,163

  Mental Health Core grant

  539

  910

  1,051

  41,351

  Training Support Grant

  352

  859

  336

  4307

  1 The special transitional grant ended in 1998–99

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

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

  4 Indicative allocation

  Departmental Policies (Stourbridge and Dudley)
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to(a) Stourbridge and (b) Dudley metropolitan borough the effects on the area of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [154729]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 20 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 are not examined by constituency and statistics collected centrally by the Department are not collected on a constituency basis.
  600W
  My hon. Friend's constituency falls within the geographical area covered by Dudley health authority and Dudley social services authority.

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

  Increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02

  Increase

  £ million (cash)

  57.6

  £ million (real terms)

  36.8

  Percentage (cash)

  38.52

  Percentage (real terms)

  22.73

  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.

  Dudley health authority has also received additional funding for certain policies. This includes: £0.6 million for accident and emergency modernisation at Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley; £28,000, £57,000, £177,000 and £105,000 for improving cancer services (breast, colorectal, lung and cancer outpatients) in 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01 respectively; £3.86 million on action to reduce waiting lists and times; £0.32 million to expand critical care services in 2000–01; £2.6 million winter pressures in 2000–01; and £0.064 million for heart disease services 2000–01.

  In addition, my hon. Friend's constituents will benefit from the new £68 million major hospital development that is being developed at Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust.

  Dudley's personal social services standard spending assessment for 2001–02 compared with 1996–97

  Percentage increase

  £ million

  Real

  Cash

  1996–97

  37,476

  —

  —

  2001–02

  53,637

  26.8

  43.1

  In addition to the SSAs referred to, Dudley 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

  2,239

  —

  —

  —

  Partnership grant2

  —

  1,608

  1,364

  Prevention grant2

  —

  121

  179

  1,864

  Carers grant3

  —

  123

  291

  403

  Children's grant3

  —

  324

  507

  1,295

  Mental Health Core grant

  282

  476

  550

  733

  Training Support Grant

  233

  280

  309

  4291

  1 The special transitional grant ended in 1998–99

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

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

  4 Indicative allocation

  Departmental Policies (Great Grimsby)
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health 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. [156245]

  Yvette Cooper
  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.

  My hon. Friend's constituency falls within the geographical area covered by South Humber health authority and Lincolnshire county council social services.

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

  Increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02

  Increase

  £ million (cash)

  56.6

  million (real terms)

  34.1

  Percentage (cash)

  34.01

  Percentage (real terms)

  18.74

  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.

  South Humber health authority has also received additional funding for certain policies. This includes: £978,000 for accident and emergency modernisation between 1997–98 and 2001–02; £61,000, £107,000, £175,000 and £131,000 for improving cancer services (breast, colorectal, lung and cancer outpatients) in 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01 respectively; £4.306 million to reduce waiting lists and times between 1997–98 and 2000–01; £1.066 million to expand critical care services in 2000–01; £905,000 to deal with winter pressures and delayed discharges in 2000–01; £88,000 for heart disease services in 2000–01; £109,000 invested in dentistry between 1997–98 and 2000–01.

  Percentage increase

  £ million

  Real

  Cash

  1996–97

  73.704

  —

  —

  2001–02

  95.326

  14.5

  29.3

  In addition to the SSAs referred to, Lincolnshire county council 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

  4,015

  —

  —

  —

  Partnership grant2

  —

  2,890

  2,478

  Prevention grant2

  —

  237

  357

  3,520

  Carers grant3

  —

  245

  565

  793

  Children's grant3

  —

  566

  890

  2,163

  Mental Health Core grant

  539

  910

  1.051

  41,351

  Training Support Grant

  352

  359

  336

  4307

  602W

  1 The special transitional grant ended in 1998–99

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

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

  4 Indicative allocation

  Department al Policies (Amber Valley)
  Judy Mallaber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health 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. [157131]

  Yvette Cooper
  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 Southern Derbyshire health authority and Derbyshire county council social services.

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

  Increases in allocations between 1996–97 and 2001–02

  Increase

  £ million (cash)

  105.4

  £ million (real terms)

  66.9

  Percentage (cash)

  37.88

  Percentage (real terms)

  22.16

  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.

  Southern Derbyshire health authority has also received additional funding for certain policies. This includes: £56,000, £150,000, £304,000 and £204,000 for improving cancer services (breast, colorectal, lung and cancer outpatients) in 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01 respectively; £7.898 million to reduce waiting lists and times between 1997–98 and 2000–01; £541,000 to expand critical care services in 2000–01; £265,000 to deal with winter pressures and delayed discharges in 2000–01; £192,000 for heart disease services between 1997–98 and 2000–01; £136,400 invested in dentistry between 1997–98 and 2000–01.

  In addition, my hon. Friend's constituents will benefit from a major hospital development scheme costing £177 million which will see acute hospital services centralised on the Derby City General Hospital site and the development of the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary as a community hospital. The development is being funded through the Private Finance Initiative.

  Southern Derbyshire also received £1.2 million of Special Assistance Funding for reconfiguration and restructuring of services in 1999–2000.
  603W
  Derbyshire county council'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

  118.872

  —

  —

  2001–02

  118.717

  -11.6

  -0.1

  Note:

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

  In addition to the SSAs referred to, Derbyshire county council 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

  5,063

  —

  —

  —

  Partnership Grant2

  —

  3,590

  3,315

  Prevention Grant2

  —

  268

  404

  4,350

  Carers Grant2

  —

  272

  628

  884

  Children's Grant3

  —

  604

  957

  2,476

  Mental Health Core Grant

  662

  1,117

  1,397

  41,735

  Training Support Grant

  450

  514

  658

  4534

  1 The special transitional grant ended in 1998–99

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

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

  4 Indicative allocation

  GP Budgets
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average GP budget was in(a) May 1997 and (b) in the most recent financial year for which figures are available in Shrewsbury and Atcham; and if he will make a statement. [156498]

  Yvette Cooper
  Information is not collected centrally in regard to individual general practitioner's budgets.

  Indeed, as independent contractors, GPs do not receive budgets as such. Also, because of variations such as list size, age of patients and environmental and health factors, as well as changes to the way in which moneys are allocated, it would be difficult to produce meaningful statistics for comparative purposes.

  "Feet First" Report
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish the review of the "Feet First" report; and if he will make a statement. [155579]

  Mr. Hutton
  "Meeting the Challenge: A Strategy for the Allied Health professions", published on 15 November 2000, raises the profile of chiropody and podiatry services alongside other health professions, and we have no current plans to publish the specific review of the "Feet First" report. Its impact has been to ensure that the significance of chiropody services informs policy development. For example, there is professional chiropody/podiatry involvement in the Expert Reference Group, and sub groups of the Diabetes National Standards Framework and the Department is also working with tie Society on the new Allied Health Professions consultant role and the workforce review. The review of evidence based literature 604W
  in Feet First Review has been made available to the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists for dissemination. There will be a ministerial meeting with the Society on 30 April.

  Royal Shrewsbury Hospital
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when it was originally planned that the cobalt radiotherapy unit would be phased out at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital; when he expects the new linear accelerator unit to be treating patients at the hospital; and if he will make a statement. [156495]

  Yvette Cooper
  In August 2000 the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital National Health Service Trust's business case for the provision of a second linear accelerator service to replace the existing cobalt unit was approved.

  The new linear accelerator is expected to begin treating patients in spring 2002, forming part of the trust's plan to improve cancer services.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients(a) in May 1997 and (b) on the most recent date for which information is available were treated at the Royal Shrewsbury hospital in mixed sex wards; and if he will make a statement. [156500]

  Yvette Cooper
  Information on the number of patients treated in mixed sex wards is not collected centrally.

  We have set three specific objectives to eliminate mixed sex accommodation:
  ensuring that appropriate organisational arrangements are in place to secure good standards of privacy and dignity for hospital patients;
  achieving fully the patient's charter standard for segregated washing and toilet facilities across the National Health Service; and
  providing safe facilities for patients in hospital who are mentally ill which safeguard their privacy and dignity.

  The audit of single sex accommodation (30 September 2000) showed that the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital NHS Trust had achieved these three objectives.

  Meningitis C
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the number of people who have received vaccination against group C meningitis in Shrewsbury and Atcham in the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [156499]

  Yvette Cooper
  The new meningitis C vaccine became available in autumn 1999 and was introduced into the routine childhood immunisation programme given at age two, three and four months in November 1999. A 'catch-up' campaign to offer vaccine to all those under the age of 18 years not covered by the routine programme was also undertaken from that date.

  Information on the number of children immunised during the catch-up campaign will be available shortly and will be published in the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre's "Communicable Disease Report". The most recent coverage figures by regional health authority for the routine meningitis C programme were

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  published in the "Communicable Disease Report" (Vol.11, No. 12, 22 March 2001). In Shropshire health authority area—which includes Shrewsbury and Atcham—an estimated 1,780 children had received the vaccine through the routine programme due at two, three and four months by December 2000.

  Free Dental Treatment
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce free dental treatment for all people over 75 years of age. [157157]

  Mr. Hutton
  We have no plans to introduce free dental treatment for all people over 75 years of age; we believe that it is a better use of limited resources to base help with charges for NHS dentistry on the individual's ability to pay, so ensuring help is focused on those who need it most. Pensioners who get Income Support pay nothing for their dental treatment and under the National Health Service low income scheme some are entitled to free treatment, while others, who are not entitled to full remission of charges, can get partial help.

  Average daily number of available beds in wards open overnight, NHS trusts within Northumberland health authority, 1997–98 to 1999–2000 1997–98

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Northumberland Mental Health NHS Trust

  230

  211

  199

  Northgate and Prudhoe NHS Trust

  652

  534

  476

  Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust

  —

  1,392

  1,379

  North Tyneside Healthcare NHS Trust

  523

  —

  —

  Cheviot and Wansbeck NHS Trust

  659

  —

  —

  Northumberland Community Health NHS Trust

  19

  —

  —

  Northumberland health authority area

  2,083

  2,137

  2,054

  Source:

  DH form KHO3

  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the change in the number of beds in Northumberland district health authority in each year since 1997. [157295]

  Average daily number of available beds in wards open overnight, NHS trusts within Northumberland health authority

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Northumberland Mental Health NHS Trust

  230

  211

  199

  Northgate and Prudhoe NHS Trust

  652

  534

  476

  Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust

  —

  1,392

  1,379

  North Tyneside Healthcare NHS Trust

  523

  —

  —

  Cheviot and Wansbeck NHS Trust

  659

  —

  —

  Northumberland Community Health NHS Trust

  19

  —

  —

  Northumberland health authority area

  2,083

  2,137

  2,054

  Change in number of beds from previous year

  +54

  -83

  Source:

  DH form KHO3

  Premature Babies
  Mrs. Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures are in place to prevent premature babies contracting respiratory infections which are common amongst such babies. [157231]

  Continence Pads
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines exist to prevent the repackaging of continence pads that have been opened after sterilisation. [R][156658]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 2 April 2001]: Continence pads are not required to be supplied sterile. Providing basic hygiene procedures are followed; for example, hand washing; patients' health should not be compromised from splitting bulk packs of continence pads.

  "Good Practice in Continence Services" introduced by PL/CMO/2000/2, was issued in April 2000.

  Bed Numbers (Northumberland)
  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many beds were available in the National Health Service in each year since 1997 in(a) Northumberland health authority and (b) Cheviot and Wansbeck Hospital. [157293]

  Mr. Hutton
  Information on bed numbers is collected annually from National Health Service trusts and not by individual hospital or health authority. The table shows the average daily number of available beds in NHS trusts within Northumberland health authority.

  Mr. Hutton
  The table shows the average daily number of available beds and the change in the number of beds in National Health Service trusts within Northumberland health authority area.

  Yvette Cooper
  Research indicates that pre-term babies are more susceptible to severe respiratory illness than healthy full term babies. The illness is often caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), for which there is at present no active vaccine. However there is increasing use of an immune globulin, which can be given by
  607W
  injectioneach month, to try to prevent this illness in very vulnerable babies.

  Travel Grants (Australia)
  Mr. Grogan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many travel grants have been made to fund visits to Britain by former child migrants to Australia; [157236]

  (2) what the total cost is of travel grants made from the Special Travel Fund set up to finance a single visit to see family members in Britain by former child migrants to Australia. [157235]

  Mr. Hutton
  As at 31 March 2001, 126 former child migrants have travelled from Australia with assistance from the Government funded Chili Migrant Support Fund. The total cost of their travel/subsistence was £214,000.

  Fourth Transplant Unit
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list those(a) hon. Members and (b) others who have made representations to his Department seeking a delay in the announcement of the fourth transplant unit to remain in operation after 1 April 2002. [156683]

  Mr. Denham
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received no representations from anyone seeking to delay the announcement of the site of the fourth national cardiothoracic transplant centre.

  Tuberculosis
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of TB were reported in the UK in(a) 1999 and (b) 2000. [157871]

  Yvette Cooper
  The number of reported cases for all types of tuberculosis in the United Kingdom for 1999 was 6,701 and 7,264 (provisional) for 2000.

  This information is publicly available. Information for England and Wales is published on the PHLS website (www.phls.org.uk), Scotland publish their data in the Scottish Health Statistics booklet and Northern Ireland publish their data via their Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre.

  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of drug resistant TB were reported in the UK in(a) 1999 and (b) 2000. [157870]

  Yvette Cooper
  The 1998 Public Health Laboratory Service tuberculosis survey found that there has been no increase in the proportion of strains of TB resistant to one or more of the standard anti-TB drugs since 1994. The United Kingdom has heightened its surveillance of drug and multi-drug resistant TB through a scheme co-ordinated by the PHLS, through the UK Mycobacterial Resistance Network or MYCOBNET.

  Information taken from MYCOBNET shows that 33 cases of drug resistant tuberculosis (ie resistant to standard antibiotic drugs) were reported in the UK in 1999 and 36 (provisional figure) in 2000. These figures show a slight decrease in the number from previous years, which have averaged at 49 cases per year since 1994.

  Bed Blocking and Surgery Cancellations
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact of closures within the private nursing home and residential care sector on bed blocking and cancellation of elective surgery in National Health Service hospitals. [156311]

  Mr. Hutton
  We are providing new intermediate care services, which will enable patients to move on from hospital with minimal delay and we provided last year, an extra 523 adult critical care beds to expand post operative capacity. The Department is working to develop a new concordat with the care home sector to maintain capacity and stability in the sector. These initiatives mean that delays in hospital discharge are beginning to reduce.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he will reply to the letter sent to him on 18 December by the hon. Member for North-East Derbyshire, reference Part 3 5120/99; [149116]

  (2) when the hon. Member for North-East Derbyshire will receive replies to his letters concerning a constituent, dated 13 November 2000, 18 December 2000, 13 February, 20 February and 21 February. [155604]

  Yvette Cooper
  I apologise for the delay in replying to my hon. Friend's correspondence and subsequent parliamentary questions. The reasons are that a number of sensitive issues have been raised which require thorough investigation to ensure a full explanation can be given. I have met my hon. Friend to discuss these issues further.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will give a substantive answer to the question tabled on 28 March by the hon. Member for Ruislip-Northwood on isolation wards for tuberculosis in NHS hospitals. [157958]

  Yvette Cooper
  I replied to the hon. Member's question, tabled for answer on 2 April, on 6 April.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Single Room Rent
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, (1) pursuant to his answer on 23 March 2001,Official Report, column 370W, what consideration was given to providing additional exemptions from the proposed new Younger Person's Rent regulations for (a) young pregnant women, (b) young people in receipt of the disability working allowance and incapacity benefit, (c) young people considered vulnerable under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996, (d) care leavers under the age of 25 years and (e) young people rehoused through resettlement programmes operated by the Rough Sleepers Unit and others; [156723]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 23 March 2001, Official Report, column 370W, what consideration was given to including accommodation in which a small kitchen is provided within the definition of the proposed new Younger Person's Rent. [156724]
  609W
  Angela Eagle
  The existing exemptions from the single room rent will remain in force when the broader definition of the single room rent is implemented from July this year. We have no current plans to increase the number of exemptions. However, local authorities will have the discretion to provide additional support in individual cases where there is a shortfall in rent under the new arrangements for discretionary housing payments, which will also be implemented from July. The broader definition of the single room rent retains the use of a kitchen, but only where it is shared.

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many(a) young people have ceased to claim housing benefit for private sector accommodation since the introduction of the single room rent and (b) more young people are likely to claim housing benefit for private sector accommodation under the proposed new Younger Person's Rent regulations; [156708]

  (2), pursuant to his answer of 23 March 2001, Official Report, column 370W, how much has been saved in housing benefit payments since the introduction of the single room rent; and what costings his Department have undertaken in relation to the proposed new Younger Person's Rent regulations. [156720]

  Angela Eagle
  It is not possible to quantify accurately the numbers of people who move on or off Housing Benefit solely because of changes to the benefit rules. There are many other factors including employment conditions which will influence whether a person claims benefit.

  However, our approximate estimate is that about 25,000 fewer people are receiving Housing Benefit than if the single room rent had not been introduced. This represents an estimated reduction in Housing Benefit expenditure of £65 million a year.

  Around 5,000 young people are expected to flow back on to Housing Benefit each year following the introduction of the broader definition of the single room rent in July this year. The estimated additional cost in 2001–02 is £20 million.

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 23 March 2001,Official Report, column 370W, what assessment has been made of (a) the likely impact of the proposed younger person's rent regulations in areas where there is a shortage of shared accommodation available to young people, (b) the number of additional units of accommodation that may become available in England as a result of the proposed younger person's rent regulations and (c) the likely impact of the proposed new younger person's rent regulations on shortfalls faced by young people between rent due and Housing Benefit paid. [156721]

  Angela Eagle
  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 in our Housing Green Paper, "Quality and Choice: A decent home for all" on which we consulted widely in order to assess the potential impact of our proposals. We received representations
  610W
  from a number of different organisations concerning the operation of the single room rent rules and these were taken into consideration. The new rules from July this year are designed to better reflect what the market generally has to offer on a national basis.

  Local authorities will have the discretion to provide additional support in individual cases where there is a shortfall in rent under the new arrangements for discretionary housing payments, which will also be implemented from July.

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what assessment he has made of(a) changes in the behaviour of young people following the introduction of the single room rent; and (b) the likely impact of the proposed new younger person's rent on the behaviour of young people; and what plans he has to monitor the behaviour of young people under the proposed new younger person's rent. [156709]

  (2) pursuant to his answer on 23 March 2001, Official Report, column 370W, on single room rent, what plans his Department has to commission research into the impact of the proposed new Younger Person's Rent regulations. [156707]

  Angela Eagle
  In 1997, together with the Department of the Environment Transport and Regions (DETR) we commissioned the London Research Centre to explore the role of Housing Benefit in the private rented sector. The report entitled "Housing Benefit and the Private Rented Sector" was published by DETR in 1999.

  The report concluded that the single room rent restriction was causing difficulties for some young people under 25 in accessing and retaining accommodation. Our broadening of the definition of the single room rent from July this year will better reflect what the market has to offer. This is designed to ease the problem faced by young people in obtaining accommodation, so that they can concentrate their efforts on finding work.

  We are currently considering the possibility of research examining the impact of broadening the single room rent and will reach a decision in due course.

  Ms Buck
  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, how many exceptional hardship payments have been awarded to young people subject to the single room rent in each of the last three years. [156710]

  Angela Eagle
  The information requested is not available.

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 23 March 2001,Official Report, column 370W, what assessment has been made of (a) the number of young people who will be unable to find accommodation matching the definition in the proposed new Younger Person's Rent regulations, and (b) the number of young people who will be forced to move away from their local authority area to find accommodation matching the definition in the proposed new Younger Person's Rent regulations. [156722]

  Angela Eagle
  The information required to make such assessments is not available. The Rent Service has confirmed that, in general, the market is active in
  611W
  providing shared accommodation to young people within the broader definition of the single room rent we are introducing from July this year. We do not hold information about an individual's accommodation unless they make a claim to benefit. This information would not identify whether an individual had previously been seeking accommodation in their own or other localities.

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, (1) pursuant to his answer of 23 March 2001,Official Report, column 370W, what consideration was given to consulting more widely than the local authority associations on the proposed new Younger Person's Rent regulations; [156715]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 23 March 2001, Official Report, column 370W, what advice his Department sought from the Rent Service in relation to the proposed new Younger Person's Rent regulations; and if he will place this advice in the Library; [156719]

  (3) pursuant to his answer of 23 March 2001, Official Report, column 370W, if correspondence from his Department to the Social Security Advisory Committee concerned possible consultations on the proposed new Younger Person's Rent regulations; and if he will place a copy of that correspondence in the Library; [156717]

  (4) pursuant to his answer of 23 March 2001, Official Report, column 370W, what representations the Social Security Advisory Committee have received on the proposed new Younger Person's Rent regulations; [156716]

  (5) what recent representations his Department has received in relation to review of the definition of the single room rent; [156706]

  (6) pursuant to his answer of 23 March 2001, Official Report, column 370W, what consultations have taken place between his Department and Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions in relation to the proposed new Younger Person's Rent regulations. [156718]

  Angela Eagle
  In order to implement these changes as early and simply as possible, we have decided to retain the term "Single Room Rent". This will avoid, among other things, costly changes to computer software for local authorities and rent officers. 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. Our response to the consultation said that we will proceed with broadening the definition so as to enable young people to access and maintain accommodation and to encourage landlords to rent to young people.

  In addition to consulting the Local Authority Associations the draft legislation was seen by the Social Security Advisory Committee. I will arrange for a copy of the relevant correspondence to the Committee to be placed in the Library. The Committee did not request the formal referral of the regulations.
  612W
  The Committee may report on proposals for regulations to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State following public consultation exercises, but it is otherwise not under any duty to routinely inform my right hon. Friend of representations it may receive from time to time. In response to inquiries, officials have been informed that the Committee received one representation, from Shelter.

  In developing the proposal to broaden the definition of the single room rent we did not seek comprehensive written advice, but we had detailed discussions with officials from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, the Scottish Executive and the National Assembly for Wales, as well as the Rent Service and rent officers from Scotland and Wales. The new definition takes account of these discussions and is based on a sample analysis of rental data which shows that most young people tend to share accommodation. Comments on the draft legislation were sought from these interested parties. We have received further recent representations on our proposal from Barnardos, the Association of Housing Advisory services and the National Private Landlord and Tenant Working Group.

  Winter Fuel Payments
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what delays there have been in the payment of the 2000–01 Winter Fuel Payment. [157057]

  Mr. Rooker
  Over 11 million Winter Fuel Payments have been made so far. For both automatically processed cases and claims, payments were made before Christmas where entitlements were established by 9 November 2000.

  We continue to process claims received after 9 November 2000. The timing of payments made depends on when people choose to send in their claims and whether they are completed correctly.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the monetary value of unclaimed Winter Fuel Payments by men aged 60–64 for the(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000 winters. [157054]

  Mr. Rooker
  It is not possible to provide a reliable estimate of the monetary value of unclaimed Winter Fuel Payments by men aged 60–64 in respect of winters 1997–98; 1998–99 and 1999–2000.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the monetary value of unclaimed 2000–01 Winter Fuel Payments by newly eligible men by 30 March. [157056]

  Mr. Rooker
  It is not possible to provide a reliable estimate of the monetary value of unclaimed Winter Fuel Payments by newly eligible men in respect of winter 2000–01.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the number of men aged 60–64 who made an(a) successful and (b) unsuccessful claim for the (i) 1997–98, (ii) 1998–99 and (iii) 1999–2000 Winter Fuel Payment. [157053]

  Mr. Rooker
  The administration of benefits is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Alexis Cleveland. She will write to the hon. Member.
  613W
  Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Steve Webb, dated 9 April 2001:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking if he will estimate the number of men aged 60–64 that made an (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful claim for the 1997/98, 1998/99, 1999/00 winter fuel payment.
  As of 3 April 2001, 1,046,020 claims for Winter Fuel Payments in respect of retrospective year's 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000 had been processed for males. Information relating solely to men aged 60–64 cannot be provided.
  The decisions made following the ruling by the European Court of Justice meant that the majority of people newly eligible would be men aged 60–64. However, people over state pension age but who had not received a Winter Fuel Payment before because they were not getting a qualifying benefit were also brought into the scheme.
  Current records show that we have received over 1 million claims in respect of past winters from men of which around 85,000 were unsuccessful, in the first instance. If a customer feels that the decision on their claim is incorrect they can ask for it to be looked at again. We do not hold statistics on successful claims following such reconsiderations.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the average length of time is from the receipt of application for back-dated winter fuel allowance to be paid. [156343]

  Mr. Rooker
  This is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Simon Thomas, dated 10 April 2001:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what the average length of time is from the receipt of application for backdated winter fuel allowance to be paid.
  The average length of time taken to process a backdated claim from date of receipt to date of payment is not available. However, I can inform you that over 90% of claims for the financial years 1997/98, 1998/99 and 1999/00 have been processed without the need for further investigation. In these circumstances claims are paid within five weeks of receiving the application form.
  The remaining claims require further investigation and inevitably take longer to clear. Where only minimal investigation is required, claims may still be paid in five weeks.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Pensions
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what progress is being made in reforming the regulations in the social security system governing capital limits for pensioners. [156573]

  Mr. Rooker
  This month, the lower capital limit in the income related benefits, such as Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit, for those over 60 increases from £3,000 to £6,000. In addition, the upper limit of £8,000 in the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) and Jobseeker's Allowance for those over 60 rises to £12,000. These changes to capital limits will better reward savers with low incomes and will benefit around half a million pensioners by £5 a week, on average.
  614W
  Under the proposals for the Pension Credit, the capital rules will be abolished and instead income from capital will be considered.

  Benefit Regulation Circulars
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit regulations and operations and adjudications circulars have been issued in each year since 1992. [152441]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is in the table.

  The numbers of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit regulations and operations and adjudications circulars identified as being issued since 1992

  Regulations

  Circulars

  1992

  12

  35

  1993

  12

  46

  1994

  10

  34

  1995

  13

  58

  1996

  16

  57

  1997

  19

  83

  1998

  15

  89

  1999

  15

  81

  2000

  23

  73

  2001

  7

  22

  Notes:

  1. The Statutory Instruments counted are those which contain one or more regulations on the subject of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and/or Community Charge Benefit.

  2. Statutory Instruments including only orders and schemes are not included in the list.

  Departmental Employees (Scotland)
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people were employed in each pay grade and what the average salary per grade was for(a) full-time and (b) part-time employees working for his Department in (i) Scotland and (ii) the UK in the (A) 1998–99, (B) 1999–2000 and (C) 2000–01 financial years. [155086]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 23 March 2001]: The information has been placed in the Library. Staff employed by the Department in Scotland provide services for claimants in all parts of the UK—for example, Glasgow Benefit Centre provides a service for customers in specified parts of London. Similarly, claimants in Scotland are supported by services provided by staff located outside Scotland—for example, the Child Benefit Directorate in the North-East of England serves the whole of the UK.

  Regulations
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list each change to Social Security regulations since May 1997. [151451]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information has been placed in the Library.

  There were 241 Regulations changed in the period May 1992 to April 1997.

  Minimum Income Guarantee
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to the oral statement of 2 April 2001,
  615W
  Official Report, column 11, by the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr. Rooker), on the take up of the Minimum Income Guarantee, for what reason he described the figure extrapolated by his Department from its survey of take-up as a hocus-pocus figure. [157148]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 6 April 2001]: In my answer to the hon. Member for Havant (Mr. Willetts) I described the figure as legitimate. However, as the survey states,
  "care should be taken in interpreting the take-up statistics".

  The figure is only a projection of potential pensioners not taking-up their entitlement to the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG). We have taken note of the survey, and gone one step further—we have contacted over 2 million real, identifiable, pensioners in writing as part of this Government's national MIG take-up campaign and so far 930,000 have responded. We have identified from the responses two main reasons for unsuccessful claims—too much income and/or too much capital. More pensioners will become entitled to MIG with this April's increases in the capital limits and with the introduction of Pension Credit we will abolish the capital limits and for the first time reward those with savings income.

  Means-tested Benefits
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 2 April 2001,Official Report, column 17, on means-tested benefits, to what the figure of 9 per cent. refers; what proportion of middle income pensioners are on means-tested benefits; and what will be the proportion from 2003. [157543]

  Mr. Rooker
  The 9 per cent. figure represents overall current spending on income-related benefits as a proportion of total benefit expenditure, for people aged 60 and over, the same as it was in 1997. In 1998–99 30 per cent. of pensioner benefit units in the middle four income deciles were in receipt of Income Related Benefits after Housing Costs have been taken into account, for the middle two income deciles the figure was 28 per cent. By way of comparison the figures for 1996–97 were 32 per cent. and 30 per cent. respectively. The corresponding information for 2003 is not available.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 20 March 2001,Official Report, column 204W, how many applications for Disability Living Allowance were received in each quarter of the last

  Average number of days to process initial claims, reviews, reconsiderations1, supersessions1 and appeals in each quarter from March 1998

  Year to date2

  Initial claims

  Reviews3

  Reconsiderations

  Supersessions

  Appeals

  March 1998

  37.2

  52.3

  —

  —

  33.2

  June 1998

  31.5

  47.0

  —

  —

  32.2

  September 1998

  32.4

  49.0

  —

  —

  34.6

  December 1998

  33.9

  49.5

  —

  —

  35.1

  March 1999

  35.0

  49.7

  —

  —

  36.1

  June 1999

  37.5

  54.8

  —

  —

  40.7

  September 1999

  38.7

  57.3

  —

  —

  46.4

  December 1999

  40.0

  —

  34.4

  42.0

  47.0

  March 2000

  42.6

  —

  55.4

  67.5

  52.7

  616W
  three years; how many of these were (a) successful, (b) unsuccessful, (c) subject to review, (d) successful at review, (e) unsuccessful at review, (f) subject to reconsideration, (g) successful at reconsideration, (h) unsuccessful at reconsideration, (i) subject to supersession, (j) successful at supersession, (k) unsuccessful at supersession, (l) subject to appeal, (m) successful at appeal and (n) unsuccessful at appeal; what the average number of days taken was to process applications; and how many decisions had not been reached at the end of each quarter for (i) first claim, (ii) renewal, (iii) review, (iv) reconsideration, (v) supersession and (iv) appeal stages. [157424]

  Mr. Bayley
  Available information is in the tables.

  Initial claims for Disability Living Allowance in each quarter from March 1998 and whether successful

  Initial decisions

  Quarter ending

  Claims received

  Successful

  Unsuccessful

  March 1998

  97,387

  47,792

  57,148

  June 1998

  96,125

  42,954

  51,796

  September 1998

  103,061

  43,899

  51,754

  December 1998

  96,022

  44,157

  52,083

  March 1999

  103,069

  44,587

  52,564

  June 1999

  98,997

  45,757

  53,746

  September 1999

  97,542

  46,974

  52,716

  December 1999

  91,311

  39,053

  38,248

  March 2000

  104,749

  49,257

  45,680

  June 2000

  104,079

  51,718

  50,554

  September 2000

  100,670

  57,283

  57,814

  December 2000

  96,333

  48,358

  46,708

  Source:

  DSS Information Centre: 100 per cent. data

  Initial claims for Disability Living Allowance which were successful on review, reconsideration1 or appeal in each quarter from February 1998

  Quarter ending

  In time review

  Reconsideration

  Appeal

  February 1998

  8,500

  —

  3,300

  May 1998

  6,900

  —

  3,400

  August 1998

  6,700

  —

  4,200

  November 1998

  6,600

  —

  3,900

  February 1999

  6,700

  —

  3,800

  May 1999

  5,900

  —

  4,100

  August 1999

  6,800

  —

  4,600

  November 1999

  6,000

  400

  3,700

  February 2000

  2,800

  2,600

  3,500

  May 2000

  900

  3,800

  4,100

  Aug 2000

  —

  4,300

  4,400

  1 Reconsiderations replaced in-time reviews under the new system of decision making and appeals which was introduced in October 1999

  Source:

  DSS Information Centre: 5 per cent. data
  617W

  Average number of days to process initial claims, reviews, reconsiderations1, supersessions1 and appeals in each quarter from March 1998

  Year to date2

  Initial claims

  Reviews3

  Reconsiderations

  Supersessions

  Appeals

  June 2000

  50.9

  —

  59.8

  70.3

  67.2

  September 2000

  49.1

  —

  52.3

  64.6

  63.5

  December 2000

  47.8

  —

  49.3

  61.4

  59.4

  1 Reconsiderations and supersessions replaced reviews under the new system of decision making and appeals which was introduced in October 1999

  2 Figures relate to the period starting on April 1

  3 Includes both 'in time' and 'out of time' reviews

  Source:

  BA Disability and Carer Benefits Directorate

  Decisions not reached at end of quarter

  Quarter ending

  Initial claims

  Renewals

  Reviews1

  Reconsiderations

  Supersessions

  Appeals

  March 1998

  35,907

  21,838

  49,406

  —

  —

  4,503

  June 1998

  36,696

  26,683

  52,502

  —

  —

  4,812

  September 1998

  43,501

  26,507

  53,873

  —

  —

  4,835

  December 1998

  42,813

  23,268

  50,417

  —

  —

  3,064

  March 1999

  47,950

  25,579

  55,520

  —

  —

  4,342

  June 1999

  46,842

  29,098

  62,765

  —

  —

  6,012

  September 1999

  44,211

  27,145

  61,407

  —

  —

  6,502

  December 1999

  57,457

  39,491

  —

  28,352

  24,058

  11,964

  March 2000

  67,257

  46,338

  —

  23,495

  43,190

  19,869

  June 2000

  68,309

  37,178

  —

  17,733

  35,977

  23,634

  September 2000

  53,084

  24,737

  —

  14,736

  25,531

  20,413

  December 2000

  53,643

  23,419

  —

  11,047

  23,393

  11,086

  1 Includes both 'in time' and 'out of time' reviews

  Source:

  Disability and Carer Benefits Directorate

  The number of people who receive Disability Living Allowance continues to increase. Significant backlogs of work accrued in the processing of these benefits last year, because of the growing caseload and introduction of a new system of decision making and appeals. The Benefits Agency tackled the backlog as a priority and it has now been substantially cleared. The continuing high level of appeals outstanding reflects the increase in the numbers received following the introduction of the new procedures.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many complaints have been received about the Benefits Agency regarding claims to Disability Living Allowance for each month since May 1997. [155416]

  Mr. Bayley
  The administration of Disability Living Allowance is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. David Willetts, dated 10 April 2001:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many complaints have been received about the Benefits Agency regarding claims to Disability Living Allowance for each month since May 1997.

  Information is not available for the period prior to April 1998. From April 1998, the number of complaints made in respect of Disability Living Allowance by letter, telephone or in person is in the table.

  1998

  1999

  2000

  April

  176

  505

  1,141

  May

  158

  679

  1,262

  June

  258

  909

  1,569

  July

  264

  972

  1,370

  618W

  1998

  1999

  2000

  August

  508

  801

  1,169

  September

  455

  1,004

  912

  October

  461

  807

  950

  November

  563

  886

  773

  December

  270

  962

  530

  January

  337

  886

  791

  February

  419

  961

  614

  March

  407

  1,284

  1—

  1Figures for March 2001 are not yet available

  It should be noted that while the statistics show the number of all types of complaints about the standard of service received, they also include cases in which dissatisfaction has been expressed with the outcome of benefit decisions which must be pursued through the decision making and appeals process.

  There was a steady increase in the figures throughout the period up to June 2000. This can be attributed to an increase in work on hand before and after the introduction of new decision making and appeals procedures. It is well-documented that changes to Disability Living Allowance procedures introduced in October 1999 led initially to a significant increase in the time taken to process each case. This created a temporary backlog of work, which resulted in an increase in the number of complaints. The backlog was tackled as a priority and has now been cleared with the result that the level of complaints have steadily decreased each month since July 2000.

  I hope this information is helpful.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give a breakdown in number and relevant percentage of the DLA decisions on(a) the number of claims received in (i) 1999 and (ii) 2000, (b) the number which went to appeal in (i) 1999 and (ii) 2000, and the number which were turned down, (c) the number which went to tribunal in (i) 1999 and (ii) 2000 and in each year how many were turned down and (d) the

  619W
  average time it took for a decision to be taken (i) initially, (ii) on appeal and (iii) on further appeal to the tribunal in (A) 1999 and (B) 2000. [157983]

  Mr. Bayley
  The available information is in the tables.

  Disability Living Allowance claim, review and appeal decisions

  1999

  2000

  Claims received

  390,919

  405,831

  Reviews1

  Number received

  307,903

  263,840

  All decisions

  278,365

  303,874

  Successful2

  91,994

  122,632

  Successful as percentage of all decisions

  33

  40

  Appeals3

  Number received

  49,166

  104,578

  All decisions

  49,857

  57,522

  Successful2

  24,051

  27,159

  Successful as percentage of all decisions

  48

  47

  1 Figures include reconsiderations and supersessions under the new system of decision making and appeals introduced in October 1999.

  2 Figures relate both to cases where benefit is awarded and cases where the value of an award is increased.

  2 Figures relate to cases at appeal tribunals.

  Source:

  DSS Information Centre: 100 per cent. data.

  Average clearance times for Disability Living Allowance claims in days

  Year1

  Type of decision

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  New Claims (normal rules)

  35.00

  42.60

  46.80

  Reviews

  49.70

  64.30

  —

  Reconsiderations2

  —

  55.40

  46.70

  Supersessions2

  —

  67.50

  58.20

  Appeals

  36.10

  52.70

  55.60

  1 The BA does not routinely collate figures by calendar year.

  2 Reconsiderations and supersessions were introduced in October 1999 under a new system of decision making and appeals.

  Source:

  BA Disability and Carer Benefits Directorate.

  Foot and Mouth
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will review Social Fund adequacy and availability for those affected by foot and mouth disease. [157594]

  Angela Eagle
  I refer my hon. Friend to the written answer from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to my hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster, Central (Ms Winterton) on 30 March 2001,Official Report, column 795W.

  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy(a) to review eligibility for Working Families Tax Credit and other benefits to take account of short-term drops in income as a result of the foot and mouth outbreak and (b) to make representation to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to disregard as income on savings any compensation payments paid by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food whose purpose is to finance restocking of farms. [157837]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I have been asked to reply.
  620W
  A new leaflet, WK11 "Foot and Mouth—Financial help you may get if your employment has been disrupted" has been produced to explain the financial help available to people, via the benefit and tax credit systems, whose employment or business is disrupted because of the foot and mouth outbreak. The leaflet is now available on the DSS website and stocks are being issued to local Benefits Agency offices, local authorities and other agencies in affected areas.

  Compensation for the loss of a farmer's stock is treated as a business asset and will be disregarded when estimating income from personal capital.

  Porton Down
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many former service personnel and members of their families have made appeals to the pensions appeal tribunals since 1 January 1999 regarding claims for disablement arising out of experiments at the Chemical Defence Establishment at Porton Down; and how many such appeals have been(a) approved and (b) rejected. [157303]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Prisoners of War
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applications for compensation by former POWs held in Japan have yet to be processed. [157518]

  Mr. Bayley
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: As at 6 April 2001, 18,302 payments have been issued and 5,629 applications are awaiting determination.

  Departmental Policies (Ribble Valley)
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Ribble Valley constituency, the effects on Ribble Valley of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [157844]

  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 Ribble Valley since May 1997.
  621W
  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 Ribble Valley 11,475 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 Ribble Valley the number has reduced from 1,200 to under 500. Since May 1997 the number of lone parents who claim Income Support has decreased from 1,013,500 to 894,100 nationally; in Ribble Valley the number has increased from 500 to 600.

  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 19,500 older people in Ribble 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 18,800 pensioners in Ribble 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 7,500 in Ribble Valley. 2,100 pensioner families in Ribble 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 (Tiverton and Honiton)
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Tiverton and Honiton constituency, the effects on Tiverton and Honiton of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [157810]
  622W
  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 Tiverton and Honiton 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 Tiverton and Honiton 11,845 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 Tiverton and Honiton the number has reduced from 1,500 to 700. Since May 1997 the number of lone parents who claim Income Support has decreased from 1,013,500 to 894,100 nationally and in Tiverton and Honiton from 1,100 to 800.

  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 24,200 older people in Tiverton and Honiton 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 22,500 pensioners in Tiverton and Honiton 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 9,900 in Tiverton and Honiton. 2,600 pensioner families in Tiverton and Honiton 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.
  623W
  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.

  Home Visits
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 4 April 2001,Official Report, column 204W, on home visits, if he will provide information on a comparable basis on the numbers of home visits in each of the last five years. [157584]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: Information is available from April 1996. The number of visits made is as follows:

  Year

  Number of visits

  1996–97

  785,126

  1997–98

  483,692

  1998–99

  475,550

  1999–2000

  1,976,296

  Income Support
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the amount by which the reduction in Social Security spending in London was attributable to changes in the number of(a) people unemployed and (b) lone parents on Income Support in each year since 1996. [157141]

  Mr. Bayley
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: The estimated reductions in Social Security spending in London each year compared to a baseline of 1996–97 expenditure are shown in the table.

  Estimated amount of reduction in Social Security spending attributable to changes in caseload (London)

  £ million

  Year

  Jobseeker's Allowance

  Is Lone Parents

  1997/98

  190

  10

  1998/99

  270

  50

  1999/2000

  350

  70

  2000/01

  460

  90

  Notes:

  1. Figures are based on a 5 per cent. sample from the Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support quarterly statistical inquiries and are therefore subject to a degree of sampling error.

  2. Figures rounded to the nearest £10 million.

  3. November 1996 is the base quarter.

  4. November 2000 quarterly expenditure has been used as a proxy for the February 2001 quarter, as data are not yet available for this quarter.

  Occupational Pensions
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many occupational pension schemes were(a) opened, (b) closed and (c) wound-up in each year between 1979 and 2000. [157073]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]: The information requested is in the table.
  624W
  Significant fluctuations in the number of occupational pension schemes opened, closed and wound up in any particular year largely take place in years when alterations were made to the pensions regulatory regime. For example, the Social Security Act 1986, which came into force in 1988, permitted contracting-out of the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme on a money purchase basis for the first time; the Pensions Act 1995, which came into force in 1997, contained measures to increase security for members of occupational pension schemes.

  It is important to note that the increases and decreases in these figures do not necessarily reflect large alterations in the overall coverage of occupational pension schemes. For example, most of the schemes registered in the late 1980's and the vast majority of the schemes wound-up in the late 1990's were small schemes with few members.

  Occupational pension schemes opened, closed and wound up in each year between 1979 and 2000

  Year

  Number of schemes first registered in that year1

  Number of occupational schemes with a frozen or closed status and a date of change within a particular year2

  Number of schemes that wound up in that year3

  1979

  4,766

  401

  10

  1980

  4,683

  400

  13

  1981

  4,628

  350

  18

  1982

  5,717

  452

  22

  1983

  6,768

  546

  28

  1984

  8,608

  698

  36

  1985

  10,959

  770

  37

  1986

  11,020

  780

  51

  1987

  12,415

  879

  66

  1988

  22,268

  1,686

  93

  1989

  11,493

  747

  133

  1990

  7,801

  477

  208

  1991

  12,367

  636

  640

  1992

  8,140

  414

  722

  1993

  6,602

  332

  924

  1994

  7,529

  258

  1,199

  1995

  6,603

  190

  1,624

  1996

  8,339

  175

  3,009

  1997

  6,195

  181

  25,294

  1998

  5,007

  148

  6,580

  1999

  3,559

  62

  7,859

  2000

  2,757

  44

  4,677

  1 Figures are based on registrable date which is the closest available information to indicate the start date of the scheme

  2 Figures may not be entirely accurate as there may be many schemes on the Registry's database that were once closed to new members but have now completed their winding-up

  3 Figures are based on the wound-up date of occupational pension schemes. Many of these schemes will have begun the wind-up process in an earlier year

  Source:

  The Pensions Schemes Registry

  H. J. Wilson
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will make a far east prisoner of war compensation payment to Gnr. H. J. Wilson, 118 Field Regiment RA, number 2558494. [157876]

  Mr. Bayley
  The administration of the ex-gratia payment scheme for former far east prisoners of war is a matter for the Acting Chief Executive of the War Pensions Agency, Alan Burnham. He will write to the hon. Member.
  625W
  Letter from Alan Burnham to Mr. Laurence Robertson, dated 10 April 2001:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about Gnr. H. J. Wilson, 118 Field Regiment RA, number 2558494 and his entitlement to the Government's ex-gratia payment to surviving members of the British Groups who were held prisoner by the Japanese during the Second World War.
  I can confirm that a request for a claim form was received by the Agency on 6 April 2001 and a form was sent to Gnr. Wilson the same day. Once the completed form is returned, his application will be considered straight away.
  I hope this information is helpful.

  Departmental Policies (Hampstead and Highgate)
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in Hampstead and Highgate will benefit from the latest rise in Child Benefit. [158011]

  Angela Eagle
  The information as requested is not available.

  However, the latest information shows there are 8,565 families with 14,964 children in the Hampstead and Highgate parliamentary constituency receiving Child Benefit.

  Since 1997 the rate of Child Benefit for the first child has increased by 26 per cent. in real terms. The rates from April 2001 are £15.50 for the first child and £10.35 for all other children.

  Notes:

  1. Figures are based on the November 2000 100 per cent. extract of the Child Benefit computer system.

  2. Cases are allocated to each parliamentary constituency by matching the postcode against the relevant version of the ONS Postcode Directory. Constituency boundaries are represented as at May 1997.

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in Hampstead and Highgate are benefiting from the Disability Income Guarantee. [158018]

  Mr. Bayley
  It is estimated that in 2001–02 approximately 500 cases will benefit from the Disability Income Guarantee in the Hampstead and Highgate constituency.

  Notes:

  1. The figures are based on data taken from November 2000 5 per cent. scans of the Income Support and Disability Living Allowance computer systems.

  2. Due to the small sample sizes involved these figures are subject to a high degree of sampling error and should be used only as a guide.

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the effects, with statistical information, on Hampstead and Highgate of his Department's policies since 2 May 1997. [158016]
  626W
  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 Hampstead and Highgate 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 Hampstead and Highgate 8,565 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 Hampstead and Highgate the number has reduced from 4,600 to 2,500. Since May 1997 the number of lone parents who claim Income Support has decreased from 1,013,500 to 894,100 nationally and in Hampstead and Highgate from 2,500 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. Around 13,700 older people in Hampstead and Highgate have received a Winter Fuel Payment for this winter (2000–2001).

  To demonstrate our commitment to combating pensioner poverty, this year we will spend £4.5 billion extra in real terms on pensioners. Some 12,100 pensioners in Hampstead and Highgate 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 6,000 in Hampstead and Highgate. 3,000 pensioner families in Hampstead and Highgate 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.
  627W
  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.

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in Hampstead and Highgate will benefit from the increase in Minimum Income Guarantee. [158010]

  Mr. Rooker
  We estimate that over 2 million pensioners in Great Britain as a whole will benefit from this April's increases to the Minimum Income Guarantee rates and capital limits. As well as those pensioners who might be newly entitled in Hampstead and Highgate, some 3,000 pensioners who are currently entitled will benefit from the increase.

  Benefits Agency
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, (1) pursuant to his answer of 5 April 2001,Official Report, column 260W, what is the average amount of time decision makers have been employed in the Benefits Agency prior to being appointed to that position; [158007]

  (2) how many decisions made by decision makers in the Benefits Agency have been reversed in (a) 1998, (b) 1999 and (c) 2000; [157993]

  (3) pursuant to his answer of 5 April 2001, Official Report, column 260W, how many decision makers in the Benefits Agency earn annually (a) between £10 and £12,000, (b) £12 to £15,000, (c) £15 to £18,000, (d) £18 to £25,000 and (e) more than £25,000; [158009]

  (4) pursuant to his answer of 5 April 2001, Official Report, column 260W, what the procedure is whereby hon. Members may establish direct contact on behalf of constituents with a particular decision maker. [157977]

  Angela Eagle
  Staff are not employed specifically as decision makers and are not separately identifiable. It is not therefore possible to establish how long staff have been employed in the Benefits Agency prior to undertaking work which involves an element of decision making or the number of decision makers in the pay ranges specified.

  Following the introduction of the decision making and appeals (DMA) provisions during the period July to November 1999 the Benefits Agency has collected data about the numbers of decisions across the major benefits that are revised internally following reconsideration. From the introduction of the DMA provisions until the end of March 2000, approximately 38,000 decisions were revised. From April 2000 to the end of February 2001 approximately 102,000 decisions were revised. This includes decisions that were revised following a request from the customer and those decisions that were revised on the instigation of the decision maker.

  There is no formal procedure in place specifically for hon. Members to establish direct contact with an individual decision maker.
  628W
  Individual decision makers will provide their name and a contact telephone number to customers when asked to do so. They will also include their name and contact number when issuing individual letters to customers. However, individual decision makers' names are not identified on Agency computer generated decision notices.

  As the customer's representative, an hon. Member would be able to approach the individual decision maker, in the same way as any other representative, if they were of the view that it was appropriate to do so. However, as I stated in my written answer on 5 April 2001, Official Report, column 260W the accepted procedure has been for hon. Members to contact the Local Office Manager where a reply is required.

CABINET OFFICE

  People's Panel Support Group
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list the members of the People's Panel Support Group, indicating those who are civil servants. [158006]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  There are 19 members of the People's Panel Support Group. One is from the Thomas Coram Research Institute, one from the Local Government Association, one from the National Consumer Council and two from MORI, who administer the panel.

  Among civil servants, there are up to five representatives from different parts of the Cabinet Office, two from the Department of Health, one from the Home Office, one from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, one from the Department for Education and Employment, one from the Employment Service, two from the Scottish Executive and one from the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister for Northern Ireland.

  Membership of the group is liable to change as individuals change jobs or responsibilities.

  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what are the terms of reference of the People's Panel Support Group. [158008]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The terms of reference for the People's Panel Support Group are"to advise the Modernising Public Services group [in the Cabinet Office] on issues relating to the use and development of the People's Panel".

  Press Advisers
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office since 1996 which personal press advisers to Cabinet Ministers have been funded(a) in whole and (b) in part from public funds; for which Cabinet members they worked; how much they were paid; what staffing, accommodation and access to official information was provided for them; and if she will make a statement. [157310]
  629W
  Mr. Stringer
  Departmental press officers are appointed to serve Ministers and the Department in which they work. They are not appointed as personal press officers. Some special advisers advise on media related issues. Questions about them are a matter for the individual Ministers concerned.

  Civil Service (Equal Pay)
  Barbara Follett
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list the measures the Government have taken to ensure equal pay within the Civil Service since May 1997. [157693]

  Mr. Stringer
  Guidance was issued by the Cabinet Office to all Departments and agencies in October 1998 in order to raise awareness of the implications of equal pay legislation. The guidance was subsequently incorporated into the Civil Service Management Code which requires Departments and agencies to undertake periodic equal pay reviews.

  The Modernising Government White Paper published in March 1999 set out the Government's plans to modernise the public services including their pay systems. The Civil Service response to the White Paper was set out

  Expenditure broken down to show amounts spent on television, newspaper and radio advertising

  £

  Campaign

  Television

  Newspaper

  Radio

  Total

  1996–97

  Chartermark Awards

  —

  3,822

  —

  3,822

  Open Government

  —

  66,110

  —

  66,110

  Nolan Committee

  —

  20,721

  —

  20,721

  Chartermark

  —

  56,450

  —

  56,450

  Total

  —

  147,103

  —

  147,103

  1997–98

  Standards in Public Life

  —

  34,767

  —

  34,767

  Total

  —

  34,767

  —

  34,767

  1998–99

  Party Political Funding

  —

  1,371

  —

  1,371

  Commissioner for Public Appointments

  —

  7,139

  —

  7,139

  Total

  —

  8,510

  —

  8,150

  1999–2000

  Action 2000 Public Awareness

  920,069

  807,828

  155,469

  3,343,856

  Civil Service Pension Scheme

  —

  771

  —

  771

  Total

  920,069

  808,599

  155,469

  3,344,627

  2000–01 to date

  Fuel Crisis Information

  —

  8,340

  —

  8,340

  UK-Online

  —

  99,470

  —

  99,470

  Total

  —

  107,810

  —

  107,810

  Note:

  All figures exclude VAT

  Information on other departmental promotional campaigns is not held centrally and could be produced only at disproportionate cost.
  630W
  in Sir Richard Wilson's report to the Prime Minister of December 1999. The report requires all Departments and agencies to review their pay and performance management systems.

  In addition, virtually all Civil Service posts are underpinned by an analytical job evaluation system designed and tested to be free of any inherent gender bias. The main Civil Service job evaluation system was updated and equality tested before being issued to Departments and agencies in June 1999.

  Promotional Campaigns
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list the television, newspaper and radio advertising and other promotional campaigns conducted by(a) her Department, (b) its agencies and (c) its departmental public bodies, in each of the past five years, showing for each the expenditure incurred by her Department; and if she will make a statement. [153417]

  Mr. Stringer
  The information requested on television, newspaper and radio advertising undertaken by the Department is as follows:

  The figures provided do not cover recruitment advertising.

  Distance Selling Regulations: Compliance by Web Retailers
  Distance Selling Regulations: Compliance by Web Retailers
  Hazardous Waste Imports for Kiln Burning
  Hazardous Waste Imports for Kiln Burning
  Cemfuel
  Cemfuel
  SSSIs: Dependency on Grazing
  SSSIs: Dependency on Grazing
  Streetworks: Highway Authority Charging Powers
  Streetworks: Highway Authority Charging Powers
  Local Authority Publicity
  Local Authority Publicity
  Traveline Public Transport Information Service
  Traveline Public Transport Information Service
  Private Aerodromes: Airspace Safety
  Private Aerodromes: Airspace Safety
  Railway Deaths by Electrocution
  Railway Deaths by Electrocution
  NHS Trusts: Digital Hearing Aid Contract Access
  NHS Trusts: Digital Hearing Aid Contract Access
  Medical Devices Agency: Key Targets
  Medical Devices Agency: Key Targets
  Drug-related Deaths: Response to Report
  Drug-related Deaths: Response to Report
  Haemophilia: Proposed National Blood Distribution Framework
  Haemophilia: Proposed National Blood Distribution Framework
  World Trade Organisation: Sustainability Policy
  World Trade Organisation: Sustainability Policy
  Hydro-electric Power
  Hydro-electric Power
  Third Generation Wireless Telegraphy Act Licences
  Third Generation Wireless Telegraphy Act Licences
  Public Expenditure in England, Scotland and Wales
  Public Expenditure in England, Scotland and Wales
  Heathrow: Stop and Search Statistics
  Heathrow: Stop and Search Statistics
  Customs and Excise: Equality and Diversity Training
  Customs and Excise: Equality and Diversity Training
  European Convention on Cybercrime: Provision against Racism
  European Convention on Cybercrime: Provision against Racism
  Cruelty to Animals: Prosecutions
  Cruelty to Animals: Prosecutions
  Airwave Police Radio Communications Systems
  Airwave Police Radio Communications Systems
  Police Officers: IT Training
  Police Officers: IT Training
  Independent Police Complaints Commission
  Independent Police Complaints Commission
  Countryside Access: Departmental Website as Information Source
  Countryside Access: Departmental Website as Information Source
  Voluntary Bodies Working with Victims and Offenders: Funding
  Voluntary Bodies Working with Victims and Offenders: Funding
  Freedom of Information Act 2000: Implementation
  Freedom of Information Act 2000: Implementation
  Immigration and Nationality Enforcement Manual: Disclosure
  Immigration and Nationality Enforcement Manual: Disclosure
  Standford Hill Prison: Board of Visitors
  Standford Hill Prison: Board of Visitors
  Prison Service: Intrusive Surveillance
  Prison Service: Intrusive Surveillance
  National Technical Assistance Centre
  National Technical Assistance Centre
  Ascitic Mice: Monoclonal Antibody Production Procedures Licensing
  Ascitic Mice: Monoclonal Antibody Production Procedures Licensing
  Race Relations Act 1976: Immigration Functions Authorisations
  Race Relations Act 1976: Immigration Functions Authorisations
  Passport and Records Agency
  Passport and Records Agency
  Review of Crime Statistics: Recommendations
  Review of Crime Statistics: Recommendations
  Criminal Records Bureau Disclosures: Fees
  Criminal Records Bureau Disclosures: Fees
  Baton Round Equipment
  Baton Round Equipment
  Advocates Prosecuting Cases for the Government: Panel
  Advocates Prosecuting Cases for the Government: Panel
  Special Advisers: Expression of Political Views
  Special Advisers: Expression of Political Views
  e-commerce: Regulatory Framework
  e-commerce: Regulatory Framework
  Civil Service Legislation
  Civil Service Legislation
  Non-departmental Public Bodies: Chairmen's Remuneration
  Non-departmental Public Bodies: Chairmen's Remuneration
  Northern Ireland: Racially Motivated Crime
  Northern Ireland: Racially Motivated Crime
  Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
  Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
  Irish Human Rights Commission
  Irish Human Rights Commission
  Strategic Communications Unit and Government Communications and Information Service
  Strategic Communications Unit and Government Communications and Information Service
  Lightening Burdens on Business: European Commission Proposals
  Lightening Burdens on Business: European Commission Proposals
  Millennium Dome: Sale
  Millennium Dome: Sale
  NMEC: £47 Million Grant
  NMEC: £47 Million Grant
  Community Legal Service
  Community Legal Service
  Foot and Mouth Disease: Extra Veterinary Staff
  Foot and Mouth Disease: Extra Veterinary Staff
  Foot and Mouth Disease: Cumbria
  Foot and Mouth Disease: Cumbria
  Foot and Mouth Disease: Livestock Welfare Disposal Scheme
  Foot and Mouth Disease: Livestock Welfare Disposal Scheme
  State Veterinary Service: Staffing
  State Veterinary Service: Staffing
  Foot and Mouth Outbreak, South Africa
  Foot and Mouth Outbreak, South Africa
  EU and US: Transfer of Data
  EU and US: Transfer of Data
  Hunting Bills
  Hunting Bills
  Abnormal Loads: Communication with Escort
  Abnormal Loads: Communication with Escort
  Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act
  Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act
  Asylum Seekers: Exceptional Leave to Remain
  Asylum Seekers: Exceptional Leave to Remain
  Immigration Advice: Regulation
  Immigration Advice: Regulation
  Capital Modernisation Fund
  Capital Modernisation Fund
  Corruption White Paper
  Corruption White Paper
  Asylum and Immigration Act: Employers' Responsibilities
  Asylum and Immigration Act: Employers' Responsibilities
  Afghanistan
  Afghanistan
  British Association for Shooting and Conservation
  British Association for Shooting and Conservation
  Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service
  Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service
  Cluster Bombs
  Cluster Bombs
  MoD Police and Other Police Forces: Co-ordination
  MoD Police and Other Police Forces: Co-ordination
  Tri-service Discipline: Proposed Legislation
  Tri-service Discipline: Proposed Legislation
  MoD Police: Additional Powers
  MoD Police: Additional Powers
  Logistic Vehicle Procurement for the Army
  Logistic Vehicle Procurement for the Army
  Meat Imports from South Africa
  Meat Imports from South Africa
  French Ban on UK Beef Imports
  French Ban on UK Beef Imports
  Forestry Commission Research Agency
  Forestry Commission Research Agency
  Rail Industry Organisations
  Rail Industry Organisations
  Lifeboat Accidents
  Lifeboat Accidents
  Lifeboat Launching Equipment
  Lifeboat Launching Equipment
  Royal Navy Officers: Merchant Navy Master's Certificate
  Royal Navy Officers: Merchant Navy Master's Certificate
  Aviation Health Working Group
  Aviation Health Working Group
  Accessible Public Transport: EC Directive
  Accessible Public Transport: EC Directive
  Transport Council, 5 April
  Transport Council, 5 April
  Wincanton Bypass
  Wincanton Bypass
  Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations
  Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations
  Foot and Mouth Disease: Cancellation of Events
  Foot and Mouth Disease: Cancellation of Events
  NHS Commissioning Arrangements
  NHS Commissioning Arrangements
  Young Unemployed People Setting Up a Business
  Young Unemployed People Setting Up a Business
  New Deal: Training and Self-employment
  New Deal: Training and Self-employment
  Four year-olds: Free Nursery Education in Rural Areas
  Four year-olds: Free Nursery Education in Rural Areas
  Winter Fuel Payments: Severely Disabled People
  Winter Fuel Payments: Severely Disabled People