Written Answers of 27 April 2001

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Pig Farming
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many pig farmers were offered aid under the Outgoers 1 Scheme; on what basis tenders were assessed; and if he will make a statement. [159829]

  Ms Quin
  The Pig Industry Restructuring Scheme (PIRS)—Outgoers, closed for applications on 2 March, and all applicants were informed of their success or otherwise on 23 March. There were a total of 1,237 bids in the UK as a whole (England 650, Northern Ireland 510, Scotland 53, Wales 24). A total of 205,327 sow places were offered, greatly exceeding the target of 120,000 sow places.

  As was made clear from the beginning, successful bids under PIRS—Outgoers would be assessed on a value for money basis. To achieve this, bids were assessed using value for money criteria agreed by MAFF and the devolved authorities in advance of opening the bids. This was done in order to avoid any accusations of manipulating the criteria to achieve a specific result.

  The criteria defined what would be judged as value for money in terms of cost per sow place. It was agreed that bids greater than 125 per cent. of the average (the top 10 per cent. and bottom 10 per cent. of tenders were removed while calculating the average figure) tender bid in terms of £ per sow place would be rejected. The highest tender to be accepted was calculated at £237 per sow place, giving a maximum payment of £142 per sow place (the full 60 per cent. allowable was paid to successful applicants).

  The final result of PIRS—Outgoers was a total of 432 accepted bids (England 315, Northern Ireland 87, Scotland 20, Wales 10), with an average tender of £185 per sow place (average payment of £111 per sow place). A total of £10.6 million has been offered to the successful applicants.

  Payments are now being made to the first claims under PIRS—Outgoers from successful applicants.

  Foot and Mouth
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the estimated cost is to each British family of the measures taken to eradicate(a) foot and mouth disease and (b) BSE in Britain. [156268]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 30 March 2001]It is, at present, too soon to carry out an estimate of the cost of measures taken so far to eradicate foot and mouth disease to each British family.
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  The total cost of the BSE crisis to the UK up to and including 2000–01 was approximately £3.5 billion. This figure relates to various financial measures, and not solely eradication measures. To calculate a more specific figure, relating solely to eradication measures and the average cost per family, would involve disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what advice he has given to the operators of landfill sites about the precautions they should take to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease. [153822]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 15 March 2001]The disposal of carcases during the foot and mouth outbreak takes place in accordance with the detailed 'Best Practice' protocol prepared by the Environment Agency, MAFF and the Environmental Services Association. This protocol provides in-depth advice to landfill site operators, in order to minimise the risks of disease spread.

  My Department authorises the disposal of carcases under the Animal By-Products Order 1999 for each and every landfill site. The Environment Agency is responsible for modifying the waste management licences to allow the burial of carcases, and each licence modification refers to the 'Best Practice' protocol.

  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what compensation will be available to livestock farmers who have been unable to move stock to slaughter as a consequence of their being in foot and mouth exclusion zones. [155657]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 27 March 2001]Compensation is not generally payable for consequential losses caused by foot and mouth controls, for example those caused by movement restrictions. There are no plans to make such payments in response to the current outbreak, but the situation will be kept under review.

  The Livestock Welfare Disposal Scheme was opened to applicants on 22 March 2001. As with the Pig Welfare Disposal Scheme in Norfolk and Suffolk last year, this voluntary slaughter scheme is intended to help resolve serious animal welfare difficulties arising from disease control measures which cannot be alleviated by movement under licence or in other ways. It is not a market support measure. The Government will meet the costs of transport, slaughter and disposal of animals under the scheme.

  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if(a) he, (b) ministerial colleagues and (c) his officials were in discussions with timber merchants with a view to supplying pyres for the disposal of carcases for foot and mouth in the three months prior to 19 February. [155268]

  Ms Quin
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Eddisbury (Mr. O'Brien) on 23 April 2001,Official Report, column 50W. Ministers were not involved in any such discussions with timber merchants.

  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reason the Government have prevented chemists and other parties from offering advice on the efficacy of homoeopathic Borax in the prevention of foot and mouth disease. [157709]
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  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]Products that are presented for the treatment or prevention of disease in animals, or which have that function, must be authorised under the terms of the Marketing Authorisations for Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulations 1994 before they can be legally sold or supplied in the United Kingdom. This ensures that such products are properly assessed and are demonstrated as being safe, of consistent good quality and effective when used in accordance with the label instructions.

  Some pharmacies have advertised the homoeopathic product Borax 30 as a preventive measure against foot and mouth disease. However, this product has not been authorised under these regulations. We have received no scientific evidence to demonstrate its effectiveness against foot and mouth disease and we have not assessed its safety or quality.

  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with homoeopathic vets concerning the use of homoeopathic Borax in the prevention of foot and mouth disease. [157707]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]My officials have been in correspondence with the Veterinary Dean of the Homoeopathic Faculty in London on the use of the homoeopathic product Borax. In this correspondence we have stressed that foot and mouth disease is a notifiable disease and, if suspected, must be notified to the local MAFF Divisional Veterinary Manager.

  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evidence he has assessed on the(a) safety and (b) quality of homoeopathic borax in the prevention of foot and mouth disease. [157711]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 24 April 2001,Official Report, column 257W.

  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the Government will issue advice to farmers on the use of homoeopathic borax in the prevention of foot and mouth disease. [157708]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]Advice regarding the use of the homoeopathic product Borax has been given to farmers via the MAFF foot and mouth website, and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate website.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to offer financial compensation for residents of properties who have been subject to extreme inconvenience and disruption from prolonged burning of carcases adjacent to their homes. [157714]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]Compensation is payable for the market value of animals slaughtered to control foot and mouth disease. It is not payable for the consequential losses caused by foot and mouth controls, or for any inconvenience caused to residents by the cremation of animal carcases.

  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many(a) farmers and (b) others are prevented from (i) sending or (ii) receiving mail due to the restrictions imposed as a result of the foot and mouth outbreak; what mechanisms he intends to put in place to
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  ensure that such persons will be able to vote by post at the forthcoming local elections; and if he will make a statement about the implications of the foot and mouth outbreak for those who wish to vote by post. [156811]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 3 April 2001]There is no reason why farmers on infected premises should be prevented from sending and receiving mail. Movements on and off an infected premises are licensed by the State Veterinary Service. These licences would set out the cleansing and disinfection arrangements that should be followed and might specify a prescribed route so as to minimise the risk of spreading disease. In some cases arrangements have been made for mail to be left at, and collected from, the farm boundary.

  The new rules on absent voting allow for postal votes on demand. The Home Office has made large quantities of postal vote leaflets (including application forms) available to electoral registration officers. They have been encouraged to publicise the availability of postal votes, particularly in areas affected by foot and mouth disease to ensure that no one is disfranchised.

  Mr. Leigh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent research he has commissioned on the risk associated with grain exports being a source of infection for foot and mouth disease. [156742]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 3 April 2001]A general risk assessment of the grain trade spreading foot and mouth disease has been carried out and posted on the MAFF website http://www.maff.gov.uk/. Grain that is now available for export will have been harvested in the summer of 2000 (or earlier). It could not have been infected at the time of harvest as foot and mouth disease was not present in the country at that time. The grain is stored under conditions which would effectively prevent surface contamination, and is protected during transport in covered vehicles. In addition, no movement of grain is permitted from UK farms where foot and mouth is suspected or has been confirmed. There is therefore no reason why grain exports should not continue.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has for sheep to be ear tagged; and if he will make a statement. [159379]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 26 April 2001]The Sheep and Goats Identification (England) Order took effect on 1 September 2000. This legislation requires all sheep and goats born after 1 January 2001 or first moved off their holding of birth after that date to be permanently identified with an eartag or tattoo identifying the animals' holding of birth.

  In my right hon. Friend the Minister's statement of 27 March he indicated that, once we were beyond the current difficulties, we would be looking at a range of issues surrounding the operation of the livestock sector to see if more could be done to minimise disease risks still further. This work will include consideration of the identification and tracing of sheep.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received concerning meat imports from countries within the EU where foot and mouth has been diagnosed; and if he will make a statement. [158963]
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  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 26 April 2001]I have received a number of representations concerning the importation of meat from EU countries in which foot and mouth disease has been diagnosed. These countries are France, the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands and in all cases, import restrictions were placed on products derived from foot and mouth disease susceptible species in line with Community legislation. Restrictions have now been lifted in respect of France and the Republic of Ireland.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what role tag markings play in tracing animal movements from auction marts to farms during the foot and mouth crisis. [154284]

  Ms Quin
  Cattle have a unique individual identification displayed on their eartag. When an animal moves an entry must be made in the farm register recording the animal's unique identity and where it has moved to. This information must also be sent to the British Cattle Movement Service at Workington, for entry on the Cattle Tracing System database. Movements of cattle via auction marts can therefore be traced by reference to farmers' records, to auction marts' records and to those held at the BCMS.

  Sheep and goats born after 1 January 2001, or moved off the holding of birth after that date are required to be identified by means of an eartag (or tattoo). There is no requirement for markets to record eartag details. Sheep, goats and pigs when they move within Great Britain are required to be identified by a temporary paintmark which identifies the premises from which the animal last moved. Markets are required to keep records of all batches of sheep, goats and pigs moving through the market and their temporary mark.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many livestock in Wales he estimates will be slaughtered owing to foot and mouth disease outbreaks; and how many have been slaughtered to date. [155017]

  Ms Quin
  As of 10 April 2001, a total of approximately 84,600 sheep, 7,800 cattle, 500 pigs and 17 goats have been slaughtered in Wales.

  The Government have published independent research on the epidemiology of the foot and mouth outbreak. The reports support the view that this outbreak will last several months and that there will continue to be new cases throughout that time. The epidemiological forecasts foresee the outbreak lasting at least until June and possibly beyond July. However, the Chief Veterinary Officer will not make a specific prediction on how long the outbreak will last, nor can we make a specific prediction of the number of animals that will be slaughtered.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what virus dissemination prediction(a) models and (b) equipment are in use in connection with foot and mouth disease. [156920]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 27 March 2001]The Ministry has access to aGaussion plume dispersion model for modelling spread up to 10 kilometres, and access to a Meteorological Office NAME model for predicting spread over long distances. There is also a collaborative
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  arrangement with the Danish Meteorological Institute and the Risø??? National Laboratory using the Rimpuff model and numerical weather prediction models. These models have all been scaled specifically for the biological parameters for foot and mouth disease and validated against previous outbreaks. The output from the UK Meteorological Office is input into MAFF geographical information systems to link with our database of farms and infected premises.

  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the frequency was of contact between his Department, including its regional offices, and suppliers of materials required to deal with the current foot and mouth epidemic in the last 30 years. [156416]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 30 March 2001]I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 23 April 2001,Official Report, column, 50W in connection with a number of related questions.

  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the potential benefits of the use of homeopathic Borax as a means of preventing the spread of foot and mouth; and if he will publish the scientific evidence he has received on this. [158498]

  Ms Quin
  We have not received any evidence of the effectiveness of Borax against foot and mouth disease nor have we received any other scientific evidence to demonstrate its efficacy, safety or quality. Without such evidence which is required for the authorisation of a veterinary medicinal product, no claim for treatment or prevention of disease is allowed under the legislation.

  Animal Exports
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what personnel resources are available within his Department to monitor compliance with United Kingdom legislation in respect of animal exports. [154665]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 20 March 2001]All export consignments of farm livestock and most other animals may only be exported with an export health certificate. The drafting and issuing of such certificates is carried out by staff in MAFF's Animal Health International Trade Unit and Veterinary International Trade Team, and issuing is carried out by all Animal Health Divisional Offices (AHDOs). Local veterinary inspectors certify on behalf of MAFF whether the animals meet the animal health requirements in the certificate, and are fit to travel, after inspecting animals destined for export. Staff from the MAFF portal office also check every export consignment of sheep through the Port of Dover.

  Where exporters are required to draw up route plans under the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997 (WATO), applications are submitted to AHDOs. If satisfactory, the plans are then stamped and sent to the local veterinary inspectors for issue with the linked export health certificate.

  The operations team within the London based Animal Welfare Divisions advises AHDOs whether any new routes comply with statutory journey time limits. They also maintain and monitor a database of transporter authorisations and reported infringements of WATO

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  and arrange non-discriminatory checks on animals in co-operation with other member states. Primary responsibility for enforcement of the transport rules rests with local authorities with whom AWD liaise on a regular basis.

  Farming Subsidy
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the amounts paid to the top 20 recipients of farming subsidy in Britain for each year from 1997 to 2001 inclusive. [158455]

  Ms Quin
  The Ministry is responsible for making CAP subsidy payments in England. The devolved Administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are responsible for making subsidy payments in those parts of the United Kingdom.

  The amounts paid to the top 20 recipients of farming subsidy in England in the years 1997–98 to 2000–01 were as follows:

  Amounts in pound sterling (£)

  2000–01

  1999–2000

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1.

  1,802,158

  2,300,908

  1,910,463

  2,187,283

  2.

  1,156,148

  1,742,094

  1,576,178

  1,442,703

  3.

  1,161,308

  1,119,379

  1,135,536

  1,232,225

  4.

  1,093,565

  1,064,246

  1,114,764

  1,085,269

  5.

  1,009,664

  1,055,409

  999,079

  1,000,008

  6.

  991,358

  982,137

  965,428

  988,090

  7.

  932,953

  928,375

  913,603

  981,514

  8.

  743,651

  869,752

  903,401

  783,316

  9.

  739,173

  762,271

  756,124

  707,736

  10.

  737,461

  750,625

  669,144

  689,791

  11.

  723,750

  733,734

  668,847

  666,559

  12.

  715,172

  728,555

  657,449

  658,615

  13.

  693,404

  728,323

  640,406

  652,879

  14.

  635,948

  694,145

  605,350

  631,607

  15.

  629,247

  663,086

  602,188

  589,829

  16.

  622,638

  655,798

  590,882

  584,956

  17.

  616,175

  652,749

  563,821

  570,006

  18.

  603,091

  631,751

  558,024

  563,382

  19.

  586,159

  616,694

  547,768

  551,612

  20.

  578,178

  610,307

  546,132

  551,106

  Meat Imports (South Africa)
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) when the European Union converted its temporary suspension on South African livestock imports into a formal import ban following the outbreak of swine fever in KwaZulu-Natal; and how the terms of the ban differed from those of the suspension; [153244]

  (2) what period and on which products and geographical areas the European Union imposed a temporary suspension of South African livestock imports following the outbreak of foot and mouth in KwaZulu-Natal last year. [153245]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  EU rules do not allow imports of livestock into the Community from South Africa. EU measures introduced last year in relation to KwaZulu-Natal related only to imports of fresh meat.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information his Department provided to 410W
  (a) staff at third country border inspection posts and (b) importers in response to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in KwaZulu-Natal last year. [153365]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  Letters explaining the situation were sent to border inspection posts and traders after a Declaration was issued on 5 January 2001 suspending imports of fresh meat and certain products of animal origin from South Africa and Swaziland. Prior to that, on 22 September, the South African authorities suspended issue of export health certificates for live animals, animal products and genetic material from the affected areas, thereby effectively preventing exports.

  Vets
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many vets were employed at each third country border inspection post in the United Kingdom in each year since 1997. [153243]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  Each third country Border Inspection Post (BIP) is under the authority of an official veterinarian who is responsible for carrying out veterinary checks on imports of live animals and animal products. One or more veterinary staff work at BIPs at any one time, according to workload. Checks at live animal BIPs are carried out by State Veterinary Service veterinary staff, assisted by technical and administrative staff from the local Animal Health Divisional Office. Checks at product BIPs are the responsibility of local authorities who employ the necessary veterinarians and support staff.

  Departmental Consultants
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the total gross running costs to his Department of fees and disbursements paid to consultants in the last 12 months. [149148]

  Ms Quin
  From information held centrally, the gross running costs to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of fees and disbursements paid to consultants in the last 12 months, up to 31 January 2001, was £12,851,425.

  Ministerial Meetings
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many ministerial meetings with hon. Members have been cancelled by Ministers since 1 January. [155245]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  My right hon. Friend the Minister of State has postponed three meetings with hon. Members since 1 January, while my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary has postponed one.

  Classical Swine Fever
  Mrs. Shephard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when farmers affected by last summer's outbreak of classical swine fever will receive their producer levy payments. [158883]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 26 April 2001]On 19 April the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced an interest-free loan of £4 million to the MLC to enable the immediate payment of the industry top-up to the Pig Welfare Disposal Scheme payments. The
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  Intervention Board began processing payments that day and estimate that they are now about halfway through making the payments.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Illegal Logging
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action her Department is proposing to stop imports of illegally logged timber entering the United Kingdom. [158760]

  Clare Short
  The enforcement of import policy is a matter for the Department of Trade and Industry and Her Majesty's Customs and Excise.

  In developing countries my Department provides capacity-building assistance to Governments and institutions to help them monitor logging and enforce forestry laws. For example, last year we initiated a £25 million project in Indonesia which will, among other things, help civil society groups and reformers in the Government tackle the illegal logging problem in their country. We are also co-sponsoring, with the World Bank and other donors, a ministerial-level East Asia Forest Law Enforcement Conference later this year.

  The UK has also taken a lead in the G8 in promoting action to tackle illegal logging. Following the Okinawa Summit last July, central Government Departments are now required actively to seek to purchase timber and timber products from legal and sustainable sources. DFID is funding research into options for intergovernmental action to address illegal logging, including the possible creation of an international legal framework.

  Sudan
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the size of the food deficit in(a) The Upper Nile, (b) the Southern Blue Nile, (c) Twitch County, (d) The Nuba Mountains and (e) Eastern Equatoria regions of
  Sudan. [158773]

  Clare Short
  There are indications that there may be food deficits in some parts of Sudan this year. We are monitoring the situation closely, both from London and through our DFID representative at the British Embassy in Khartoum. In terms of the specific areas mentioned, UN assessments have suggested that there may be food deficits emerging as a result of variable agro-climatic conditions, compounded by security-related disruptions to production.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much the 2001 UN World Food Programme Appeal for Sudan has requested; how much her Department has provided for the 2001 appeal; how much the EU has provided; and how much the US has provided. [158772]

  Clare Short
  The funding required for the World Food Programme (WFP) under the 2001 United Nations Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for Sudan is $145,844,286. DFID is considering a contribution towards the WFP's food aid operations. To date, the US has promised 41,870 metric tonnes of food aid to Sudan, at 412W
  least 15,000 of which will go through WFP. The EU have announced they will be contributing 13,000 metric tonnes of food aid: this will be made direct to their implementing INGOs, rather than through WFP.

DEFENCE

  New DERA
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what(a) consultancy and (b) other fees were paid in finding a name for the public company taking over the role of New DERA. [158863]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 26 April 2001]I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my right hon. Friend the Member for Walsall, South (Mr. George) on 24 April 2001,Official Report, column 233W.

  Defence Fire Service
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the locations served by appliances and firefighters of the Defence Fire Service in(a) the United Kingdom and (b) outside the United Kingdom. [159162]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 26 April 2001]The areas specifically served by Defence Fire Service (DFS) appliances and firefighters based in the United Kingdom and overseas are set out in the table.

  Defence Fire Service

  Locations

  County/Country

  UK based

  HMNB Clyde

  Faslane, Scotland

  RNAD Coulport

  Dunbartonshire, Scotland

  DSDC Bicester

  Oxfordshire

  DSDC Donnington

  Shropshire

  DM East Riggs

  Dumfrieshire, Scotland

  DM Kineton

  Warwickshire

  DM Longtown

  Cumbria

  Marchwood Mil Port

  Hampshire

  AAC Middle Wallop

  Hampshire

  AAC Netheravon

  Wiltshire

  RMCS Shrivenham

  Oxfordshire

  AAC Wattisham

  Suffolk

  RAF Aldergrove1

  Northern Ireland

  RAF Boulmer

  Northumberland

  RAF Cosford

  West Midlands

  RAF Fylingdales

  North Yorkshire

  202 Sqn Det Leconfield

  North Humberside

  RAF Leeming

  North Yorkshire

  RAF Leuchars

  Fife, Scotland

  RAF Linton on Ouse2

  North Yorkshire

  RAF Lossiemouth

  Morayshire, Scotland

  RAF Lyneham

  Wiltshire

  RAF Northolt

  Middlesex

  RAF Neatishead

  Norfolk

  RAF Oakhanger

  Hampshire

  RAF Sealand

  Flintshire

  RAF Shawbury3

  Shropshire

  RAF Spadeadam

  Cumbria

  RAF Stafford

  Staffordshire

  DM Welford

  Berkshire

  LATCC West Drayton

  Middlesex

  USAF RAF Menwith Hill4

  North Yorkshire

  USAFE RAF Mildenhall4

  Suffolk

  USAFE RAF Fairford4

  Gloucestershire

  USAFE RAF Croughton4

  Northamptonshire

  USAFE RAF Lakenheath4

  Suffolk

  USAFE RAF Alconbury4

  Cambridgeshire

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  Defence Fire Service

  Locations

  County/Country

  Based overseas

  RAF Akrotiri

  Cyprus

  Ayios Nikolaos Station

  Cyprus

  Dhekalia Garrison

  Cyprus

  BF Episkopi

  Cyprus

  Troodos Station

  Cyprus

  RAF Gibraltar

  Gibraltar

  DSDC Dulmen

  Germany

  Gutersloh Garrison

  Germany

  BF Fallingbostel

  Germany

  UKSC(G) Rheindahlen

  Germany

  BF Sennelager

  Germany

  BF Sipovo

  Bosnia

  BF Banja Luka

  Bosnia

  BF Pristina

  Kosovo

  BF Podujevo

  Kosovo

  1 Includes Bessbrook

  2 Includes Dishforth/Topcliffe/Church Fenton

  3 Includes Tern Hill

  4 USAF provides appliances

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consultation has been held with the representative body of fire-fighters serving in the Defence Fire Service about(a) the Fire Service Study 2000 and (b) the competitive tendering for the defence fire services; and if he will make a statement. [159163]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 26 April 2001]Fire Service Study 2000 has been developed with full Fire Service and Trade Union consultation and support. In addition, one of the two new working groups currently being formed to handle the final stages of the study will include full Trade Union representation.

  The plan to seek bids for airfield support services, which includes the capability currently provided by the Defence Fire Service, is covered by the Airfield Support Services Project (ASSP). This project is looking at the viability of a PFI/PPP solution for the provision of airfield support services to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) world-wide. MOD Trades Unions were consulted in December 1996 on the proposals for a Feasibility Study and again in February 1998 following the outcome of the study. Further meetings were held between Project staff and the TGWU on 29 April 1999 and 17 November 1999. The most recent pan-Trades Unions meeting took place at RAF Brampton on 10 November 2000. Formal consultation on the proposals for the next stage of the process was initiated on 18 April 2001.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what circumstances have caused bids to be sought for the running of the service provided by the Defence Fire Service, (b) who authorised the soliciting of such bids and(c) if he will detail the conditions relating to such bids; and if he will make a statement. [159164]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 26 April 2001]The Government are committed to seeking value for money through Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) by involving private sector management expertise, innovation and capital investment in the delivery of services to the public sector. Against this background, a feasibility study, commissioned in 1995, reported in 1997 that there was significant private sector interest in providing airfield support services and that the private sector had the necessary expertise and ability to provide it.
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  Further work has established a good case that PFI/PPP arrangements have the potential to provide the Ministry of Defence's requirement for airfield support services, which includes the service provided by the Defence Fire Services, at the greatest value for money. In the light of this, ministerial approval was given in early April 2001 to issue Invitations To Negotiate (ITN) seeking proposals from three consortiums for PFI/PPP solutions for airfield support services.

  The ITN will seek bids for both a 15 and 25-year solution and the service provision will be specified in output terms. Bidders will be required to examine the feasibility of the employment of Sponsored Reserves within the project. Bids will be required to demonstrate value for money and provide the manpower and equipment to maintain the required operational capability.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions, and for what purposes, Defence Fire Service personnel have been deployed overseas in the last two years. [159161]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 26 April 2001]I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason he has not announced to the House his plans to seek tenders to run the Defence Fire Service; and if he will make a statement. [159170]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 26 April 2001]The Ministry of Defence plans to issue, in July, Invitations to Negotiate (ITN) seeking binding proposals from three consortiums for Private Finance Initiative/Public Private Partnering (PFI/PPP) solutions for airfield support services. The PFI/PPP process follows a well-established system and would not always involve announcements to the House, particularly at this early stage of the PFI process.

  Porton Down
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what breaches of security at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment at Porton Down have been reported in the past 12 months. [157560]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]The Chemical and Biological Defence Sector of DERA at Porton Down has not reported any breaches in security during the past 12 months.

  Alternative Landing Ships Logistics
  Mr. Quentin Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the latest in-service date is for the 4 Amphibious Landing Ships Logistics. [157729]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 24 April 2001]The approved in-service dates for the two Alternative Landing Ships Logistic to be built by Swan Hunter (Tyneside) Ltd. are October 2004 and June 2005. Pending the outcome of negotiations with BAE Systems Marine, we expect all four ships to be in service by the summer of 2006.

  Chemical Agent CR
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date the chemical agent CR was first authorised for use in 1973; and in what formats it was weaponised(a) then and (b) subsequently. [158788]

  Mr. Spellar
  CR was first authorised for use by British forces in October 1968, although authorisation for its use in Northern Ireland, in special circumstances only, was not given until October 1973. Strict guidelines govern both deployment and use of CR.

  In 1973 CR was available both in aerosol form and for use in water cannon. Subsequently, a wheeled dispenser was introduced in December 1974, a vehicle-based version was deployed in 1976, and a projectile delivery device was authorised for use in 1977.

  Chinook Crash
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Defence Research Agency's report on the 1994 Chinook helicopter crash on the Mull of Kintyre supports the RAF Board of Inquiry's verdict that the pilots were guilty of gross negligence. [1589071

  Mr. Spellar
  The RAF Board of Inquiry analysed the information provided by the Defence Research Agency's report to help build up a picture of the aircraft's flight path shortly before impact. This report was a part of the evidence available to the Board of Inquiry, against which the determination of the reviewing officers was made.

  Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the partners in the consortiums bidding for the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft project. [158862]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 26 April 2001]I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

HEALTH

  Osteoporosis
  Mr. Hurst
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to introduce a screening programme to identify those at risk from osteoporosis. [158766]

  Yvette Cooper
  Screening for osteoporosis was considered by the United Kingdom national screening committee (NSC) in June 1999. The NSC recommended that screening should not be offered as there was no simple, reliable test for osteoporosis that would meet its criteria for a screening programme. At present there is a comprehensive approach for the prevention and treatment of this disease (hormone replacement therapy, diet, exercise and the use of specific drugs) which can be directed towards the general population.

  Matrons
  Mr. Hurst
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures his Department is taking to reintroduce matrons into the NHS. [159373]
  416W
  Mr. Denham
  Guidance was issued to the National Health Service on 4 April. Health Service Circular 2001/10, "Implementing the NHS Plan—Modern Matrons", sets out the action required to establish matron posts by April 2002. Copies are available in the Library.

  TB Vaccine
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the number of tuberculosis vaccine shortages in England in each of the last 10 years. [158964]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 26 April 2001]BCG vaccine has been in limited supply for some time owing to severe manufacturing problems encountered by the sole United Kingdom licensed source. As a result, we had no alternative but to request that health authorities suspend their routine schools immunisation programme for 10 to 14-year-olds from September 1999. This allowed us to maintain supplies of the vaccine for all those at a higher risk of tuberculosis (TB).

  In July 2000, we advised that there was a sufficient supply of vaccine to initially restart the routine schools programme in the London area, where the highest rate of TB in the country currently occurs, in addition to the continued use for those in higher risk categories.

  On 24 March, we announced that the routine schools BCG programme could begin again in schools across the country.

  The 1994–95 school BCG programme was delayed in some areas because of the measles/rubella campaign.

  Information about BCG vaccinations is contained in the statistical bulletin "National Health Service immunisation statistics, England: 1999–2000". A copy of the bulletin is in the Library and can also be found on the Department's website www.doh.gov.uk/public/sb0026.htm.

  Correspondence
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 19 February on behalf of his constitutent Mr. R. Cawood; [159222]

  (2) when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 19 February on behalf of his constituent, Mrs. J. Wort; [159213]

  (3) when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 19 February on behalf of his constituent, Dr S. A. Steel; [159215]

  (4) when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 19 February on behalf of the British Organ Donor Society; [159208]

  (5) when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 19 February on behalf of his constitutent Mr. S. O'Keeffe. [159217]

  Mr. Denham
  Replies to the right hon. Member's letters were sent on 23 April 2001.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Recruitment Industry
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what estimate he has made of the impact of allowing a maximum four week quarantine period for(a) temp to temp fees and (b) temp to third party fees for specialist IT employment businesses; and if he will include that estimate in the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations; [159485]

  (2) for what reasons an assessment of the impact of a four week quarantine period for (a) temp to temp fees and (b) temp to third party fees was not included in the draft regulatory impact assessment for the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations; and if he will make a statement. [159486]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  It was not possible to identify quantifiable costs for most of the measures in the Regulations, since they are likely to lead to changes in the behaviour of the organisations and workers in the private recruitment industry. Moreover, statistical information on the industry is limited. The draft regulatory impact assessment presents the available information.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what estimate his Department has made of the percentage of the temporary workforce that specialised in IT in(a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) 2000; and if he will include that estimate in the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations; [159482]

  (2) what estimate his Department has made of the percentage of IT workers in the UK that worked on temporary contracts rather than permanent employment in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c), 1999 and (d) 2000; and if he will include that estimate in the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations; [159481]

  (3) what estimate his Department has made of the total number of IT workers who sought work through employment businesses in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) 2000; and if he will include that estimate in the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations; [159480]>

  (4) what assessment his Department has made of the importance to the UK economy of IT workers seeking work through employment businesses; and if he will make a statement. [159483]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  Detailed information on specific occupational groups of agency workers is not available.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the ability of employment businesses to continue to offer internet services to work-seekers in the light of Clauses 2 and 14 of the proposed Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations; and if he will make a statement. [159487]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The Regulations have been designed to cover internet-based services, and will allow most dealings between employment businesses and 418W
  work-seekers to be conducted electronically. The Regulations should therefore improve the ability of employment businesses to offer services to work-seekers via the internet.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the average cost of a specialist IT employment business placing a specialist IT worker in a six month temporary contract; what proportion of these costs relate to(a) placement fees and (b) payroll costs; and if he will make a statement. [159484]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  I have made no such estimate. Our draft Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2001 are designed to benefit recruitment agencies, employment businesses, their clients and those seeking employment through them. They will remove unnecessary restrictions on organisations in the recruitment industry, including the IT sector, and the services they can offer, while protecting the interests of work seekers and vulnerable groups. I recognise that the IT sector plays an increasingly important role in the recruitment industry.

  British Nuclear Fuels
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received from British Nuclear Fuels regarding the future of new nuclear power plant development in(a) Scotland and (b) the rest of the UK. [159443]

  Mr. Hain
  None.

  Property Values (Stoke-on-Trent)
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the report into the impact of mine shafts on property values in Stoke-on-Trent will be published. [159476]

  Mr. Hain
  My Department has now received the final version of the report from Heriot-Watt University on the impact of former coal-mine shafts on the property market in Stoke-on-Trent. I intend to publish and respond to the final report when I have had an opportunity to consider its findings and will place a copy in the Library of the House.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Arms Sales (Iran)
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on arms sales to Iran. [156807]

  Mr. Wilson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the statement on arms embargoes made by my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Central (Mr. Lloyd) on 28 January 1998,Official Report, columns 274–75W. In accordance with his undertaking of 28 July 1999, we will continue to keep the House updated on an annual basis.

  Middle East
  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he has
  419W
  taken since the meeting between the Minister of State and Nabil Sha'ath on 20 March regarding Palestinian violence. [R][156898]

  Mr. Wilson
  Since my meeting with Palestinian Minister for Planning and International Co-operation Nabil Sha'ath on 20 March, the UK has continued to be actively engaged in the search for peace in the middle east. The Foreign Secretary spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres on 21 and 28 March, and to Nabil Sha'ath on 27 March. His messages to his Israeli and Palestinian counterparts were reinforced by his statement of 29 March, which called for an end to the cycle of violence and retaliation.

  I met Jordanian Foreign Minister Abdul Illah Al-Khatib on 3 April. At the Prime Minister's request and with the support of the Foreign Secretary, Lord Levy travelled to Israel and the Palestinian Authority on 4–5 April as the Prime Minister's personal envoy. He met, among others, Prime Minister Sharon and President Arafat. He urged both parties to take immediate steps to stop the violence and build confidence. EU Foreign Ministers discussed the situation in the middle east at the General Affairs Council in Brussels on 9 April.

  On 18 April, the Foreign Secretary spoke again to Shimon Peres and Nabil Sha'ath, and to Syrian Foreign Minister Farouq al-Shara'a and US Secretary of State Colin Powell. He also issued a statement calling on both sides to show restraint and draw back from confrontation. I reiterated our position in discussions on the situation in the middle east during my attendance at meetings of EU and Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) Ministers in Bahrain on 22–23 April.

  Biological Weapons Convention
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress made in the negotiations in Geneva on a protocol to strengthen the Biological Weapons Convention. [157441]

  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 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 its 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.

  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a copy of the most recently available text of the protocol to the Biological Weapons Convention being negotiated in Geneva. [157604]
  420W
  Mr. Wilson
  The text of the draft Protocol to the Biological Weapons Convention, which was tabled on 30 March, is now a formal document of the BWC Ad Hoc Group and will be under discussion for the first time at the negotiating session which started on 23 April. Its reference number is BWC/Ad Hoc. Group/CRP.8. A copy will be placed in the Library of the House at the earliest opportunity.

  Entry Clearance
  Mr. Bercow

  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 30 March 2001,Official Report, column 797W, on entry clearance, how many of the cases involving entry clearance were investigated by the Minister for Europe; in how many cases the Department's judgment was overturned; in how many cases (a) a constituent of the Minister and (b) an individual covered by an interest declared by an hon. Member, was involved; by what mechanism conflicts of interest were avoided; and if he will make a statement. [158333]

  Mr. Vaz
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Friend the Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Mr. Ruffley) on 22 March 2001,Official Report, columns 316–17W. In accordance with normal Government practice, I do not make decisions on visa cases relating to my own constituency. I will only investigate cases brought to me by right hon. and hon. Members, who I would expect to declare any particular interest in a case when making their representations to me.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 30 March 2001,Official Report, column 797W, on entry clearance, by what means waiting times were reduced; what change in entry denial rates routes occurred; and if he will make a statement. [158334]

  Mr. Vaz
  Waiting times for interview in Islamabad were reduced by the posting of additional staff; by the appointment of a new management team; by a reduction in the amount of documentation required from applicants; by the implementation of new procedures recommended by external and internal review teams; and by hard work by the staff at Post. I am very pleased with the efforts made by the staff.

  The improvement in waiting times is shown in the table.

  December 1999

  December 2000

  March 2001

  Visit Visas

  Tier 3

  5 days

  40 days

  10

  Settlement Visas

  Q1

  9 weeks

  5 weeks

  5 weeks

  Q2

  39 weeks

  18.5 weeks

  13 weeks

  Q3

  44 weeks

  24 weeks

  16 weeks

  Q4

  50 weeks

  31 weeks

  23 weeks

  1 Same day service

  Notes:

  Tier 3—Visit visa applications requiring in-depth interview (target: 10 days)

  Queue 1—Right of abode cases and Dependant Relatives over 65 (target: 13 weeks)

  Queue 2—Spouses and Children under 18 (target: 13 weeks)

  Queue 3—Fiancé(e)s and Other First Time Applicants (target: 26 weeks)

  Queue 4—Re-applicants (target: 39 weeks)
  421W
  Refusal rates in Islamabad, as a percentage of the total number of non-settlement and settlement applications received, have been as follows:

  Percentage

  Non-settlement

  Settlement

  1998

  15

  16

  1999

  21.4

  25.5

  2000

  11

  20.6

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many applications for entry visas made in Pakistan have been(a) granted and (b) refused in the last 12 months. [158388]

  Mr. Vaz
  In the year 2000, a total of 75,527 visas were issued in Posts in Pakistan and 15,989 were refused.

  In January and February 2001, 4,132 visas were issued in Karachi and 1,123 were refused.

  In January 2001, 3,693 visas were issued in Islamabad and 1,686 were refused.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many applications for entry visas made in India have been(a) granted and (b) refused in the last 12 months. [158520]

  Mr. Vaz
  In the year 2000, a total of 165,998 visas were issued by Posts in India, and 20,622 were refused.

  For the months of January and February 2001, Posts in India issued a total of 16,814 and refused 1,244.

  Special Advisers (Overseas Visits)
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions between 31 March 2000 and 31 March 2001(a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity. [158551]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  Between 31 March 2000 and March 2001 the Foreign Secretary's two special advisers made the following official visits:Michael Williams
  2000
  15–22 April—India/Thailand/Nepal
  18–19 May—Croatia
  7–9 June—Sierra Leone
  25–28 June—China
  11–16 September—New York (UNGA)
  23–24 November—Zagreb
  2001
  10–15 February—China
  David Clark
  2001
  12 February—Stockholm.

  Parvez Masih
  Mr. Andy King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Pakistani authorities concerning the case of Parvez Masih. [158923]
  422W
  Mr. Wilson
  Although no representations have been made to the Pakistani authorities concerning the arrest of Parvez Masih, my noble Friend Baroness Scotland reiterated our concerns over the position of religious minorities and the abuse of the blasphemy laws with the Pakistani Attorney General and Minister of Law. Justice and Human Rights, Ms Shahida Jamil on 3 April.

  Cryptography Documents
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will release to the Public Record Office the(a) cryptographic memorandum No. 101 JNA 10 Naval Attache Code and Additive Cypher and (b) cryptographic memorandum No. 119 of June 1946, The JN 11 Cyphers. [158992]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  [holding answer 26 April 2001]These memoranda underwent sensitivity reviews in 1999 and, on the basis of those reviews, will continue to be withheld for the foreseeable future.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will release to the Public Record Office the(a) report on the interrogation of Lt. Frowein of OKM/4SKL/111 on his work on the security of the German naval four-wheel Enigma (TICOM 1–38), (b) OKW/Chi cryptanalytic research Enigma, Hagelin and cipher teleprinter machines (TICOM 1–45), (c) paper by Dr. Otto Buggisch of OKH/In7/V1 and OKW/Chi on TYPEX (TICOM 1–66), (d) first part of the report by Wm Buggisch on SG41 (TICOM 1–72), (e) translations of joint report made by doctors Huettenhain, Fricke on the Zaehlwerk Enigma (TICOM 1–77) and (f) further statement on Typex by Huettenhain, Fricke and Mettig (TICOM 1–61). [158991]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  [holding answer 26 April 2001]The reports in question will undergo a sensitivity review in about 18 months time. If they are deemed releasable, and are accepted by the Public Record Office, they will be made available to the public in about two years from now.

  Religious Freedom
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for International Development about the promotion of religious freedom in Government aid programmes. [159392]

  Mr. Battle
  According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. However, reality can fall far short of the standards set down in international law.

  Promotion of human rights is at the heart of our foreign policy and we regard religious freedom as a fundamental human right. We condemn instances where individuals are persecuted because of their faith, wherever it happens and whatever the religion of the individual or group concerned.

  We take every opportunity, often working with our EU partners, to urge states to pursue laws and practices which foster tolerance and mutual respect and to protect religious minorities against discrimination, intimidation and attacks. We also regularly raise specific cases of religious persecution with the Governments concerned.
  423W
  Wherever possible we aim to work with officials, religious leaders and non-governmental organisations at international and local level to promote mutual understanding and tolerance. Where the possibility of meaningful dialogue on human rights issues exists, we believe that this is the best way to achieve lasting change.

WALES

  Brookhill Landfill Site
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what discussions he has had with the First Secretary concerning the representations of Flintshire county council against the disposal of carcases at the Brookhill landfill site; and if he will make a statement; [159236]

  (2) what discussions he has had with the First Secretary concerning the disposal of carcases following welfare culling at the Brookhill landfill site at Buckley, Flintshire; and if he will make a statement. [159235]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I meet the First Secretary regularly to discuss a range of issues including measures to control the current outbreak of foot and mouth disease.

  The National Assembly approves the use of landfill sites for the Livestock Welfare Disposal Scheme on the basis of Environment Agency advice as to suitability. Carwyn Jones, Assembly Secretary for Rural Affairs, recently met representatives of Flintshire county council and the Brookhill site operators to discus local concerns.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  London Underground
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many suicides and attempted suicides there were on London Underground property in each of last 10 years and in each of the past 12 months. [157470]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]London Underground emphasise that safety and security are their top priorities, and they do everything possible to prevent suicide attempts. They have provided the following

  Percentage

  Lines

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  Bakerloo

  91.4

  93.6

  92.5

  90.5

  83.0

  Central (inc. Waterloo and City)

  95.3

  95.2

  95.3

  96.6

  97.0

  Circle and Hammersmith

  90.9

  93.0

  91.4

  89.7

  81.6

  District

  96.0

  98.3

  97.4

  97.0

  93.0

  Jubilee

  96.4

  98.0

  97.5

  92.7

  89.8

  East London

  97.3

  97.3

  92.7

  95.7

  94.5

  Metropolitan

  95.9

  98.0

  97.5

  96.7

  95.4

  Northern

  94.4

  95.5

  90.2

  94.9

  96.6

  Piccadilly

  93.5

  92.9

  89.5

  90.9

  86.9

  Victoria

  95.0

  95.1

  96.1

  97.4

  96.1

  Total

  94.5

  95.5

  93.6

  94.3

  91.9

  424W
  information on all incidents where, after full examination of the incident, they have recorded suicide or attempted suicide as a cause.

  Total

  1996–97

  45

  1997–98

  52

  1998–99

  48

  1999–2000

  52

  2000–01

  47

  2000–01 total

  April 2000

  1

  May 2000

  7

  June 2000

  4

  July 2000

  4

  August 2000

  0

  September 2000

  4

  October 2000

  5

  November 2000

  3

  December 2000

  3

  January 2001

  4

  February 2001

  7

  March 2001

  5

  Figures for years before 1996–97 could be provided only at disproportionate cost. It should be noted that Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate separately publish figures in the HMRI Annual Report on Railway Safety, which include totals of suicides and attempted suicides on London Underground. However, those figures are lower because they are based on statutory returns from Coroners made under the Coroners Act 1988. The LUL figures are based on LUL's subsequent investigation into each fatality.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate has been made of the average punctuality and reliability of services on each of the London Underground lines in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [157480]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 9 April 2001]This is an operational matter for London Underground who inform me that although they do not keep statistics on punctuality of services, they do keep information on train service reliability in terms of the percentage of scheduled kilometres operated. The table shows the percentage of scheduled kilometres operated for each of the Underground lines over the last five years.
  425W
  In 2000–01 the reliability figure of 91.9 per cent. shown in the table for the year to February reflects the demands of a substantial increase in kilometres operated, and continuing strong growth in passenger demand. LUL's performance was measured against an original target of operating 67.3 million train kilometres in the year (an increase of 4.2 million on 1999–2000 performance). Although this was not attained, the underlying figures for actual train kilometres delivered during 2000–01 and earlier years have been on an increasing trend, as follows:

  Train kilometres operated (million)

  1996–97

  58.6

  1997–98

  62.1

  1998–99

  61.2

  1999–2000

  63.1

  2000–01

  164.1

  1 Current estimate

  Whistleblowers
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his policy is on introducing protection for whistleblowers who reveal that a company is breaking environmental laws. [158671]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 23 April 2001]The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 protects workers who make qualifying disclosures either to the employer or a prescribed person. The Department of Trade and Industry has published a guide to the Act (PL502) which is available on their website. Independent advice is available from the charity Public Concern at Work. I have no evidence that this does not provide protection for those who blow the whistle on companies which break environmental laws.

  Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to implement the policies under the consultation draft of the UK Fuel Poverty Strategy in order to satisfy the requirements of the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000, with particular reference to section 2 (1) of that Act. [158993]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 26 April 2001]The draft UK Fuel Poverty Strategy will be reviewed in the light of responses to the current consultation, and the final version published in summer 2001. The policies set out in the draft strategy have either been, or are in the process of being, implemented. A Fuel Poverty Advisory Group, consisting of representatives of a range of organisations with experience in this area, will be set up to advise Ministers on practical implementation issues. We intend to monitor progress carefully and remain ready to review and revise policies in the light of practical experience.

  As this is a devolved matter, it is the responsibility of the respective Parliament and Assemblies to comment on the situation in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

  Waste Recycling
  Mr. Hurst
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures his Department is taking to promote the recycling of waste. [159368]

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  The Government's policy on recycling is set out in Waste Strategy 2000, published last May. We have now set statutory performance standards for each local authority under the best value regime which will triple the recycling of household waste to 25 per cent. in 2005–06 and announced in last year's spending review significant extra funding for local authorities to help meet those targets. In Waste Strategy 2000, the Government also set a target of reducing the amount of industrial and commercial waste sent to landfill by 2005, to 85 per cent. of that landfilled in 1998.

  We continue to implement EC legislation and voluntary agreements on producer responsibility on a range of materials including packaging. The landfill tax will continue to rise and the aggregates levy will come into force in April 2002, both of which provide incentives to find alternative uses for materials.

  In November, the Government established the new Waste and Resources Action Programme with a budget of £40 million over three years to tackle the market obstacles to recycling. Most recently, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport consulted on proposals for the next round of lottery funding (the New Opportunities Fund), including a programme to expand community sector waste re-use, recycling and composting.

  Road Deaths
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people have died in road accidents in each of the last four months. [158875]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 26 April 2001]National statistics for deaths in road accidents in the last four months are not yet available.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Ludlow of 4 April on the Rural Task Force. [159385]

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  I replied to the hon. Member's letter on Tuesday 24 April.

  Kirkbam and Wesham Station
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his Department's role in considering Railtrack's decisions to cancel its contributions towards the building of a passenger lift at Kirkham and Wesham station. [159237]

  Mr. Hill
  Such decisions are matters for Railtrack. However, the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) will consider better access to the network, particularly for those with disabilities, when assessing bids for replacement franchises.

  Housing Developments
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers are available to local authorities to use their planning powers to specify the tenure of housing in a new development; what plans he has to review those powers; and if he will make a statement. [159430]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Government's policy on planning for affordable housing is set out in Planning Policy Guidance note 3: "Housing" and Circular 6/98, "Planning and Affordable Housing". This states that planning policy should not be expressed in favour of any particular form of tenure and that the term "affordable housing" encompasses both low-cost market and subsidised social housing. Based on their own assessments of need in their area, and development plan policies which state their intention to seek an element of affordable housing in suitable developments, local planning authorities may negotiate with developers for the types of affordable housing that will best meet local housing needs. We have no plans at present to revise the guidance.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Porton Down
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will place in the Library copies of the sections of each version of the War Pensions Manual produced since 1993 by the War Pensions Agency which relate to former service personnel claiming disablement as a result of experiments at the Chemical Defence Establishment at Porton Down. [157302]

  Mr. Bayley
  It is not current practice to place individual items from the departmental guidance manuals in the Library, however we have arranged to place the complete manuals in the Library today.

  Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme
  Mr. Denis Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claims have been made to the Vaccine Damage Payment scheme in each of the last five years; and how much compensation has been paid by the scheme since June 2000. [158459]

  Mr. Bayley
  The Vaccine Damage Payment (VDP) scheme, which has been in place since 1979, provides a one-off payment to people severely disabled as a result of vaccination against certain diseases. The scheme is not intended as compensation but is designed to ease the burdens of those suffering from vaccine damage and their families.

  The number of claims to the scheme in each of the last five years is in the table. On 27 June 2000 my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced an increase in the VDP for new cases from £40,000 to £100,000 as well as other enhancements to the scheme. This included top-up payments to all existing cases so that they are put on an equal footing in real terms with new claimants. 825 such payments have been made totalling £55.7 million. Since June 2000, one new award has been approved and is awaiting payment of £100,000.
  428W

  Year

  Number of claims made

  1996–97

  70

  1997–98

  201

  1998–99

  135

  1999–2000

  75

  2000–01

  203

  Total

  684

  Personal Pensions
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will set out his Department's policy in relation to the application of a cap on rebates to appropriate personal pensions from 2002 onwards. [159396]

  Mr. Rooker
  Age-related rebates to appropriate personal pensions are capped for two reasons. First, the cap restricts the cost to public funds. Secondly, the cap also discourages those approaching pensionable age from making what could be inappropriate pension arrangements, given the short amount of time they would have to benefit from investment growth in a money purchase scheme.

  We have increased the cap which will apply to age-related rebates in respect of earnings from April 2002, so that all those who are currently unaffected by the cap (that is those who will be up to age 50 in April 2002) will remain unaffected by it.

  Rachel Akuany
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he expects the Benefits Agency to reach a decision on the claim for Income Support from Ms Rachel Akuary. [158942]

  Mr. Bayley
  The administration of Income Support is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Hilary Benn, dated 26 April 2001:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking when he expects the Benefits Agency to reach a decision on the claim for income support from Mrs Rachel Akuany.
  As details about individual customer claims are confidential I will write to you privately on this matter.

TREASURY

  Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 19 March 2001,Official Report, column 29W, on CCTA, (1) what the total income and expenditure of the CCTA in the last five financial years for which information is available was; [155828]

  (2) if he will place details of the CCTA's methods for calculating the savings from S-Cat and G-Cat in the Library; and what independent verification mechanism was used; [155830]
  429W
  (3) on what dates reviews were completed of whether G-Cat and S-Cat are compliant with EC tendering rules; which organisation conducted these reviews; and if he will place copies of the reviews in the Library; [155831]

  (4) what compulsion is on a G-Cat or S-Cat purchaser to put information on their contracts in the public domain; [155832]

  (5) pursuant to his answer of 19 March 2001, Official Report, column 29W, on CCTA, what the total value of orders placed through G-Cat and S-Cat in each of the past five years was. [155829]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  [holding answer 27 March 2001]The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Office of Government Commerce, whom I have asked to reply.

  Letter from Bob Assirati to Mr. Matthew Taylor, dated 26 April 2001:
  I have been asked to reply to your further Parliamentary Questions regarding GCat and S-CAT, and CCTA's costs and revenues.
  You may wish to be aware that CCTA ceased to exist from the 31st of March 2001, but its functions have been absorbed within the Office of Government Commerce. Responsibility for GCat and S-Cat now rests with the OGC Trading Arm, OGC Buying.Solutions. The outcome of the review of OGC and its Agencies was announced in a Parliamentary Question to the Chief Secretary of the Treasury from Ms Jackie Lawrence MP on 19th December 2000. I am therefore writing to you as the outgoing Chief Executive of CCTA.
  The original assessments of compliance with the EC tender rules in respect of GCat and S-CAT were conducted by CCTA before the contracts were let. In 1997, the position of GCat and S-CAT was considered jointly by CCTA, HM Treasury and the Treasury Solicitor. It was felt that the original assessments remained valid and customers were advised accordingly. In March 2000 both catalogues were again confirmed as fully compliant with EC Directives.
  The details of the review processes referred to above are of a commercial/confidential nature and formed part of CCTA's normal day-to-day business operations.
  The total value of orders exceeding £200,000, in each of the past five years, for the catalogue services are as follows:

  Total value of GCat and S-CAT orders over £200,000

  £ million

  GCat

  S-CAT

  1996

  n/a

  0

  1997

  n/a

  0

  1998

  26.65

  10.187

  1999

  46.54

  8.657

  2000

  43.96

  40.393

  Notes:

  1. The GCat and S-CAT schemes were established in April 1996 and October 1997 respectively.

  2. Unfortunately, the figures for GCat prior to 1998 are not available through the current computer systems and can only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
  430W
  The total value of orders placed, in each of the past five years, through the catalogue services are shown below:

  Total value of all GCat and S-CAT orders

  £ million

  GCat

  S-CAT

  1996

  7.32

  0

  1997

  55.69

  0.063

  1998

  129.99

  21.52

  1999

  188.3

  29.2

  2000

  215.55

  67.23

  At times of contract procurement and subsequent re-competition, it was CCTA's practice to issue as much information as possible to potential bidders about the actual or potential users of the schemes, the nature of the goods and services which may be procured through them and the total annual value of orders that are likely to be placed. Neither the existing procurement directives nor the EC's draft proposals on framework contracts specifically require individual users of such contracts to place information about their orders through the OJEC procedure (though some may do so voluntarily). However, CCTA expected individual users of GCat and S-CAT to comply with the obligations placed on them by open government policies/legislation (e.g. the Code of Practice on Access to Official Information and the Freedom of Information Act 2000) as appropriate.
  Details of the rationale for using framework contracts and catalogues for routine purchases are contained in the Comprehensive Spending Review of Efficiency in Civil Government Procurement Expenditure issued in April 1998, and the case for greater co-ordination and aggregation of Government spending is contained in the Gershon Review of Civil Procurement in Central Government issued in April 1999. I assume that copies of these reports are already available through the H of C Library.
  The total income and expenditure, in the last five financial years for CCTA, was as follows:

  £000

  CCTA total

  Income

  Expenditure

  1996–97

  20,835

  28,676

  1997–98

  22,544

  22,486

  1998–99

  25,200

  23,454

  1999–2000

  28,353

  27,646

  Notes:

  1. There are no figures available prior to CCTA becoming an agency in April 1996.

  2. These figures are published in CCTA's Annual Report and Accounts for 1998–99 and 1999–2000 House of Commons references numbers 370(98/99) and 740(99/00).

  Census Helpline
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many telephone information lines are available on the Census helpline; [158957]

  (2) how many calls have been taken by the Census helpline; [158958]

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

  Letter from Len Cook to Miss Anne McIntosh, dated 30 April 2001:
  As Registrar General for England and Wales, I have been asked to reply to your recent questions asking about callers to the Census Helpline (158957, 158958).

  431W
  In the three weeks since the beginning of the Census 2001 campaign, up to 25 April, the Helpline has received more than 1 million calls, with 240,000 calls received on 23 April alone. This level of response in such a short period of time is unprecedented for a government campaign. In comparison, in 1991 some 125,000 calls were received by the Helpline before Census day and a further 85,000 calls after it.
  The Office for National Statistics is working with Cable and Wireless, who operate the Helpline, to meet demand. The number of telephone lines on the Main Helpline was increased to 1,000 lines on 26 April. The system has also been amended to try and answer the most common queries with recorded information.
  In addition a new dedicated Helpline with 500 lines is operating for 27 April for those people who have not yet received their Census form. The additional Helpline number, which is being advertised in the media, is 0845 301 3000.
  A copy of a recently issued Press Release on the Census Helpline is attached.
  Helping the public with the census—Press Release 24 April 2001 240,000 calls received by helpline in one day.
  The Office for National Statistics is appealing to the media and community groups for assistance in answering the nation's questions about the census. With five days to go to Census Day on Sunday 29 April 2001, the census helpline is receiving an incredible number of enquiries so that some people are unable to get through to the recorded information or speak to an operator.
  In the three weeks since the beginning of the census 2001 campaign, the helpline has received more than 650,000 calls with 240,000 calls received yesterday. This level of response in such a short period of time is unprecedented for a government campaign. In 1991, 125,000 calls were received by the helpline before census day and a further 85,000 calls after it.
  Graham Jones, Director of the Census said, "We are appealing to the media to help us answer the most common enquiries to take some of the pressure off the helpline. The same questions keep coming up. The public are responding quite remarkably in their quest to get the census form right".
  "We have been working with community groups to provide them with material to help people to complete their form or they can pass on enquiries to local census staff."
  The most frequent enquiry is from people who have yet to receive their form and are seeking advice about what they should do. Other common queries are from students (who want to know where to complete the form), retired people (who want advice on the section of the form that refers to employment) and people with second homes. (Common questions and answers attached).
  The Office for National Statistics is working with Cable and Wireless who operate the helpline to meet the demand. The number of telephone lines is being increased by 450 to over 800 lines and the number of helpline operators is also being increased and will reach 100 today (Tuesday) and 190 later this week. The system has been amended to try and answer as many common queries as possible with recorded information.
  If people need assistance and they cannot contact the helpline they can speak to the enumerator who calls at their home or visit the Census website at www.statistics.gov.uk. In addition, information packs have been sent to organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureaux, Age Concern, ethnic or religious organisations to help them deal with enquiries from the public. Three thousand national and regional organisations have been contacted about the census and many more have been contacted by local census managers seeking support for the census.
  Graham Jones said, "We want to reassure people. Census forms are still being delivered. Census forms do not have to be back on 29 April. You can complete and return the form after that date. The helpline will stay open after census day throughout May."
  Tony Chorley, Census Account Manager, at Cable and Wireless the company that runs the census helpline said, "This level of response is unprecedented for a government campaign. The helpline is now taking an huge volume of calls daily, a significant
  432W
  proportion of which are quite complex and taking some time to resolve. We are increasing the number of helpline operators and significantly extending the system to meet demand."
  Most Commonly Asked Questions
  I don't have a form yet
  Don't worry. Forms are still being delivered—they will be delivered throughout this week.
  What if I am away on census day?
  You should complete your form as soon as you can and post it back to us in the pre-paid envelope supplied with your form. (This year the census wants to record you at your usual place of residence).
  Can I sign the form on behalf of someone else?
  Yes, if you've helped someone complete the form or completed the form on their behalf you can sign the form.
  Retired people asking whether we really need to know about the former occupations
  If you are under 75 then you should complete the questions about education and employment (questions 16–35)/ If you are over 75 it is not compulsory to complete these questions (although you can do if you wish).
  Where should students complete the form—at college or at home?
  Students should complete the form at their term time address. They should be included in Table 1 and answer questions 1–6 only on the form or their home address.
  2nd homes—what do I do?
  Fill in the full form at your usual address. The form for your second home will arrive at that property. If you are there, or on your next visit, you should only complete questions H1-H5 in the section entitled "Household Accommodation" on page 3 and sign the declaration on the front of the form. No further questions need to be answered. Please return the form in the pre-paid envelope. Or, if someone is staying in your property (but it is not their usual residence) then they should complete Table 2 and questions H1-H5 on the section entitled "Household Accommodation" on page 3, sign the declaration on page 1 and return the form in the pre-paid envelope.

  Climate Change Levy
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what forecast he has made of annual Exchequer revenues deriving from climate change levy to be paid by the hotel and restaurant industry. [159382]

  Mr. Timms
  It is not possible to say what the precise effect of the levy will be on any one particular industry. The impact of the levy and the associated reduction in NICs will depend on a number of factors, including: the future energy consumption by firms; the level of employment in those firms; what use they make of electricity generated from 'new' renewable sources of energy; and the extent to which they take advantage of the proposed introduction of a system of enhanced capital allowances for energy saving investments. The hotel and restaurant industry stands to benefit from the exemption of electricity generated from 'good quality' combined heat and power plants.

  Correspondence
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 21 March on behalf of his constituent, Mr. Chilton; [159209]
  433W
  (2) when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 6 March on behalf of his constituent, Mr. D. Pears. [159211]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I have already replied to the right hon. Member's letters.

  National Insurance
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the publicity campaign run by his Department in 2000 aimed at women who held a valid election to pay National Insurance contributions at the reduced rate. [159224]

  Dawn Primarolo
  An Inland Revenue Press Release published on 29 September 2000 provided details of the letter which was issued throughout October 2000 to around 250,000 women who had previously elected to pay reduced rate National Insurance contributions. The letter informed them of changes to the structure of employee National Insurance contributions introduced from April 2000 and advised them to consider their elections in light of these changes but taking into account their own particular circumstances. A dedicated helpline was set up to provide further information and assistance and some 63,000 telephone inquiries were received.

  IR35
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes have been made to Inland Revenue guidelines on the implementation of IR35 since 1 April. [159269]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The wording of the guidance manual provided to Inland Revenue employees regarding the interpretation and application of the law on employment status is being reviewed; the underlying case law has not been changed.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what revision has been made since 1 April to his Department's estimate of the revenue which will be raised by IR35. [159268]

  Dawn Primarolo
  None.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what cost has been incurred to date in the implementation of IR35; and what the projected cost is for the 2001–02 financial year. [159226]

  Dawn Primarolo
  So far, the main additional activity undertaken by the Inland Revenue associated with the introduction of the 'ir35' legislation has been the provision of advice to taxpayers and their advisers. This service has been provided by existing staff as part of their normal duties.

  VAT (Hearing Aids and Spectacles)
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about changes he has made in VAT charges on(a) hearing aids and (b) glasses since May 1997. [158878]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 26 April 2001]VAT was introduced on hearing aids and spectacles at the standard rate of 15 per cent. in 1988. The standard rate of 434W
  VAT was increased to 17.5 per cent. in 1991. There have been no changes to VAT charged on hearing aids or spectacles since then.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if asylum seekers are given health checks; if they are treated for(a) TB, (b) AIDS and (c) other infectious diseases; and what arrangements are made for maintaining such treatment when asylum seekers are dispersed by private sector accommodation providers. [158919]

  Mrs. Roche
  Asylum seekers are eligible for free treatment by a General Practitioner (GP) and hospital care on the same basis as anyone else eligible to receive National Health Service treatment. Health authorities are encouraged to make contact with asylum seekers and to offer them screening for tuberculosis.

  The National Asylum Support Service is responsible for destitute asylum seekers and, where they give consent, is able to pass their names and addresses on to the health authority responsible for the area to which they are dispersed. Both the accommodation provider and the local one stop service will assist the asylum seekers with registration with a GP.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the reasons were for the increase in the projected costs of(a) the Warnings Index and (b) the National Asylum Seeker's Service IS/IT system as listed on page 116 of his Department's Annual report. [159427]

  Mrs. Roche
  The projected cost of the Warnings Index Redevelopment Project has risen to allow for additional terminals at ports and Immigration Service offices as part of the expansion of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate. While there has been delay to the date of expected completion of redevelopment, this has not added to expected payments from Home Office to ICL as it is a fixed price contract.

  The original cost estimate for Information System/Information Technology (IS/IT) for the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) was £6 million in 1999–2000 and 2000–01, for a 'day one' system when NASS started on 1 April 2000 and subsequent enhancements. The £15 million cost estimate plans for possible further developments up to March 2004, though these have not yet been fully designed or commissioned.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the latest out-turn is for the percentage of substantive asylum applications decided within two months. [159407]

  Mrs. Roche
  Provisional estimates from the Immigration and Nationality Directorate indicate that about half of substantive new applications made in January 2001 (the latest month where data are available) received an initial decision within two months.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to publish the results of a review of the voucher system for persons seeking asylum in the UK. [158970]
  435W
  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 26 April 2001]We had hoped to complete the review early this year. Unfortunately it is taking longer than anticipated to address the issues arising from the review. We now aim to announce our conclusions as early as possible in the summer.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to achieve his PSA target of reducing asylum decision times to two months or less in 70 per cent. of cases. [159032]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 26 February 2001]The Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) Business Plan target for 2000–01 was to decide 70 per cent. of new substantive asylum applications within two months by March 2001. Provisional estimates from IND indicate that about half of substantive new applications made in January 2001 received an initial decision within two months. Performance on applications made in February and March is improved and we are on course to deliver our Public Service Agreement target of deciding 60 per cent. of new substantive asylum cases within two months for the 12 months from April 2001.

  Mr. Linton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers who arrived from Kosovo as minors and applied for refugee status in 1999 are awaiting a decision on their case; and when Miss Klaida Eminaj, a constituent, who entered the United Kingdom in 1999 will get a decision on her case. [158742]

  Mrs. Roche
  Information on the number of asylum seekers who arrived from Kosovo as minors and applied for asylum in 1999 is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost by examination of individual case files. Information relating to the total number of applications from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) includes the Kosovo figures, and is published in the Asylum Bulletin 1999, a copy of which is available in the Library.

  A decision has been reached on Miss Eminaj's application and this will be notified to her via her representative shortly.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to announce the conclusions of his review of the asylum voucher system. [159405]

  Mrs. Roche
  We had hoped to complete the review early this year. Unfortunately it is taking longer than anticipated to address the issues arising from the review. We now aim to announce our conclusions as early as possible in the summer.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which organisations have made representations to him during his review of the asylum voucher system; if he will place copies of these representations in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [159404]

  Mrs. Roche
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Walthamstow (Mr. Gerrard) on 8 January 2001,Official Report, column 421W.

  Oakington Reception Centre
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Oakington Reception Centre will operate at full capacity. [159402]

  Mrs. Roche
  Oakington has been fully operational since 28 January 2001.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum applicants were held at Oakington during the financial year 2000–01; what the average period of time was for which an asylum seeker stayed at Oakington; and if he will make a statement. [159403]

  Mrs. Roche
  From 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001, there were 5,064 principal applicants received at Oakington. These consisted of 4,430 single applicants and 634 families (with 1,210 dependants). Although data for the financial year are not available, the Immigration and Nationality Directorate estimate that the average stay was between seven and 10 days.

  Home Office HQ
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to sign a contract to move to a new London headquarters. [159398]

  Mr. Straw
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Regent's Park and Kensington, North (Ms Buck) on 28 July 2000,Official Report, column 1167W. Contract negotiations for developing the Marsham Street site as a public private partnership project are currently in progress with Anne's Gate Property plc, the preferred bidder. These negotiations are not expected to complete until later this year.

  Race Awareness Training
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which Ministers in his Department have completed a course of race awareness training. [159397]

  Mr. Straw
  The Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Minister for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche) and my noble Friend, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State have completed a specific race awareness training course.

  Operation Leighton
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been(a) arrested, (b) detained and (c) charged with offences; how many had removal or deportation proceedings instituted against them as a result of Operation Leighton; and if he will make a statement. [159429]

  Mrs. Roche
  Operation Leighton, conducted on the morning of 24 April, resulted in 18 people being arrested on suspicion of involvement in facilitation, production of false documents and organising labour. A further 107 persons were arrested on suspicion of entering the United Kingdom illegally, overstaying or working in breach of entry conditions, of that total 94 were detained. To date 77 have been removed.

  Commission for Racial Equality
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the purpose is of the increase in the budget of the Commission for Racial Equality for 2001–02 as set out on page 117 of his annual report. [159428]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Additional grant-in-aid has been provided to enable the Commission for Racial Equality to meet its new responsibilities under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 and to modernise the organisation.

  Asur Saribal
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review the refugee status of Mr. Asur Saribal. [159494]

  Mrs. Roche
  A final decision concerning Mr. Saribal's immigration status will be made when we have completed our inquiries and considered all the issues which have been raised in this case.

  Correspondence
  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 20 March on behalf of his constituent, Mr. W. L. Wainscott. [159210]

  Mr. Straw
  I am sorry that I have not yet replied to the right hon. Member's letter of 20 March on behalf of Mr. Wainscott. The delay has been caused by difficulties in locating case files which had been put into storage. I understand that these papers are now available and I will reply to the right hon. Member shortly.

  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 6 February 2001,Official Report, column 499W, when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive the reply which was promised. [159227]

  Mr. Straw
  I have replied to the right hon. Member's letter today. As the right hon. Member is aware, my Department had no trace of receiving his original letter. I am afraid that the copy was then misplaced. I am very sorry that the reply has been so severely delayed.

  Sir Brian Mawhinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 15 February on behalf of his constituent, Miss R. G. G. Bird. [159212]

  Mr. Straw
  I am song that I have not yet replied to the right hon. Member. The delay has been caused by a sudden increase in the volume of correspondence on sentencing issues. I have written to the right hon. Member today.

  Immigration Detainees
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list those people currently held in detention under immigration law, indicating the number held in each(a) institution, (b) prison and (c) police station. [158973]
  438W
  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 26 April 2001]The latest available information, relating to the number of persons detained under Immigration Act 1971 powers in each place of detention is given in the table. Information on persons detained in police stations is not held centrally and could be obtained only by examining individual case files at disproportionate cost.

  Persons recorded as being in detention1 in the United Kingdom solely under Immigration Act powers as at 31 March 2001, by place of detention

  Location

  Total detainees

  Immigration Detention Centres2

  Campsfield House

  179

  Dover Harbour

  23

  Harmondsworth

  90

  Harwich

  2

  Longport

  4

  Tinsley House

  100

  Prison establishments3

  Acklington

  2

  Bedford

  5

  Belmarsh

  52

  Birmingham

  6

  Brixton

  14

  Canterbury

  4

  Cardiff

  49

  Chelmsford

  6

  Cornton Vale

  2

  Craiginches

  7

  Doncaster

  11

  Dorchester

  4

  Durham

  3

  Feltham

  6

  Forest Bank

  6

  Gateside

  45

  Glen Parva

  2

  Haslar

  135

  High Down

  69

  Highpoint

  2

  Holloway

  22

  Holme House

  50

  Leeds

  2

  Lewes

  2

  Lincoln

  2

  Lindholme

  105

  Liverpool

  76

  Magilligan

  12

  Manchester

  4

  New Hall

  2

  Norwich

  3

  Pentonville

  13

  Rochester

  172

  Wandsworth

  60

  Winchester

  47

  Woodhill

  2

  Wormwood Scrubs

  22

  Other Prison establishments

  12

  Oakington Reception Centre

  307

  Total

  1,743

  1 Figures exclude persons detained in police cells (other than at Dover Harbour).

  2 Figures include the use of police cells at Dover Harbour.

  3 The figures for Prison establishments may include some persons detained under dual immigration and other powers.

  Prison Inspections
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what decisions have been taken about the renewal of the contract of HM Chief Inspector of
  439W
  Prisons when the present contract expires; and if he will recommend the re-appointment of Sir David Ramsbotham for a further term. [158377]

  Mr. Boateng
  Sir David Ramsbotham was appointed for a period of five years, which expired on 30 November 2000. The terms of his appointment allow it to be extended for a maximum period of three years by mutual agreement. Sir David accepted an extension of his appointment until the end of July 2001. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced on 9 June last year that Sir David would retire on that date, 9 June 2000,Official Report, column 392W, and on 14 November that the post of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons would be advertised in the New Year, Official Report, column 638W. We are recruiting a successor to Sir David in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action was taken by(a) him, (b) his officials and (c) the Director of the Prison Service on receipt of Sir David Ramsbotham's recommendation that no more children should be admitted to two specified wings of the Stoke Heath Young Offenders' Institution to ensure that this recommendation was immediately complied with; what changes were introduced in conditions in those wings; and if children are now again being admitted to the two wings. [158375]

  Mr. Boateng
  Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons inspected Stoke Heath in October last year following a difficult period of change. At the time a new governor had just been appointed. With the support of a new management team she immediately began overhauling the regime. Substantial improvements have been made which enable Stoke Heath to continue taking juvenile offenders. In particular:The numbers of adjudications and applications (i.e. requests and complaints) have fallen since October.
  The report counted with alleged assaults all incidents needing completions of an injury or near miss form. The total has been halved.
  A new anti-bullying unit, supported by confidential questionnaires, is dealing with unacceptable behaviour.
  In-cell television has been introduced, leading to a marked improvement in behaviour and in the management of vulnerable trainees. Fewer trainees are harming themselves and there is much less shouting between cells.
  First Night Care Officers have been introduced to deal with newly-arrived trainees.
  Stoke Heath is meeting and exceeding Prison Service accredited education targets.

  The Prison Service and the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (which is responsible for commissioning and purchasing place for young people in the juvenile secure estate) carefully monitor the establishment's progress, and would take further corrective action should it prove necessary.

  Women Prisoners (Children)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women sent to prison in England and Wales during the last 12 months had children under the age of five years at the time they were sentenced. [158386]
  440W
  Mr. Boateng
  Details of the number and ages of children are not recorded on the Prison Service's Inmate Information System. However a survey to determine the level of demand for places in mother and baby units was undertaken in October 2000. Provisional results from the survey show that there were approximately 380 female prisoners with children aged under the age of five. The total female prison population at the end of October 2000 was 3,433.

  Raymond Morris
  Mr. Bruce George
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what tariff has been set for the imprisonment of Raymond Morris, a life sentence prisoner. [158568]

  Mr. Boateng
  Raymond Morris' tariff was set at 25 years. It is now expired.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Job Vacancies (Chelmsford)
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many job vacancies were notified to the Chelmsford Jobcentre in each of the last six months. [158189]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 23 April 2001]Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its Chief Executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Mark Neale to Mr. Simon Burns, dated April 2001:
  As the Employment Service is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State for Education and Employment has asked Leigh Lewis to reply to your question about the number of job vacancies notified to the Chelmsford Jobcentre in each of the last six months. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to Mr Lewis as Chief Executive of the Agency. I am replying on Mr Lewis' behalf.
  Vacancies notified to Chelmsford Jobcentre were as followed:

  Number

  October 2000

  469

  November 2000

  770

  December 2000

  311

  January 2001

  651

  February 2001

  706

  March 2001

  915

  I hope this is helpful.

  National Grid for Learning
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will name the successful applicants for certification under Phase Three of National Grid for Learning Managed Services. [159495]

  Mr. Wills
  National Grid for Learning Managed Services have helped develop a strong, healthy and competitive market for ICT equipment and services to education. Suppliers are proud to hold this certification and it is recognised by both suppliers and customers alike as a quality mark. The NGfL Managed Services Advisory
  441W
  Board has approved the certification of a further four companies under this the third successive year of competition, bringing the total number of suppliers certified to provide NGfL Managed Services to 22. The successful new applicants under Phase Three are:
  The CSE/COMPUSYS Consortium
  Education Joint IT Unit, Staffordshire county council
  TEKSYS Ltd.
  TINY Computers Ltd.

  EC Child Labour Recommendation
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the implications of Commission Recommendation C(2000) 2674 for United Kingdom law, indicating the subsequent proposals under discussion. [158750]

  Ms Jowell
  Commission Recommendation C(2000) 2674 of 15 September 2000 calls on member states, which have not yet done so, to ratify the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, adopted on 17 June 1999. The UK ratified the ILO Convention on 23 March 2000.

  Stockholm European Council
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 10 April,Official Report, column 575W, on the Stockholm European Council, what explanatory memoranda he has sent to the Vote or Printed Paper Offices of Parliament in respect of these documents; in respect of paragraph 9 of the Stockholm Conclusions, which body of the European Community is charged with producing a joint report on these topics; and in what manner the Government are represented on this body. [158812]

  Ms Jowell
  The Commission communication on the "future evolution of social protection from a long-term point of view: safe and sustainable pensions" was deposited on 27 November 2000, EM number 12793/00 (21766). The progress report of the Economic Policy Committee on"the impact of ageing populations on public pension systems"
  was preparatory work for the Commission communication on
  "the contribution of public finances to growth and employment: improving quality and sustainability"
  which was sent to European scrutiny committees 15 January 2001, EM number 5260/01. This work was subsequently taken forward for the Stockholm European Council in the form of the joint Commission and Council report which was sent to scrutiny on 19 March 2001, EM number 6997/01.

  The Commission's Economic Paper 138 entitled "The economic consequences of ageing populations" is a Commission internal working document and therefore not depositable in Parliament. However, this text is accessible through the Commission's section of the European Union's "Europa" website.

  Paragraph 9 of the Stockholm Conclusions calls on the Commission and the Council to produce a joint report, for the Spring European Council in 2002, on how to increase
  442W
  labour force participation and promote active ageing. The UK Government are represented as a member state of the Council of the European Union and on the various committees which will be involved in the production of this report, for example the Employment Committee.

  Oxford and Cambridge Universities (Admissions)
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make it his policy to require Oxford and Cambridge universities to publish annually in a standardised format information on admissions, disaggregated by college, in respect of previous educational establishment categorised by(a) private schools, (b) state grammar schools, c) comprehensive schools, formerly grant maintained, (d) other comprehensive schools, (e) sixth form colleges and (f) other further education colleges. [158034]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 25 April 2001]The Secretary of State does not have any plans to require Oxford or Cambridge to publish admissions data. Oxford and Cambridge already publish data on applications and admissions which I referred to in my reply on 3 April 2001,Official Report, column 124W. Both institutions are aware of the need to continue to review and improve both their admissions procedures and the information which they make publicly available and we look forward to further progress as a result.

  Student Loans
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will accept the recommendation in the report, Student Mobility on the Map, a copy of which has been sent to him, that United Kingdom students studying abroad should have comparable access to student loans to that available to United Kingdom domestic students. [158877]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 26 April 2001]Financial support is availab1e to UK domiciled students studying abroad as part of a higher education course undertaken at an institution in the UK, through student loans and European programmes such as SOCRATES-ERASMUS. We have no plans to change these policies, which already recognise the benefits of student mobility.

  Vocational A Levels
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of pupils gained a grade A to E in the first unit of the vocational A level examination in the current year. [158851]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 26 April 2001]The results of the unit tests of the Vocational A level qualification are not graded. They are not qualifications in their own right.

  Beacon Colleges
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the beacon colleges, indicating how much money each has received from the Standards Fund. [158999]
  443W
  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 26 April 2001]Fifteen colleges have been awarded Beacon status. They are Bishop Burton College, Blackpool and The Fylde College, Carmel College, Greenhead College, Havering College of Further and Higher Education, John Leggott Sixth Form College, Knowsley Community College, Lewisham College, North Lindsey College, Northern College for Residential Adult Education, Park Lane College, Sir John Deane's College, South Cheshire College, St. Charles Catholic Sixth Form College and Tameside College. Every Beacon College is eligible for £50,000 from the Standards Fund to help it promote and disseminate examples of good practice.

  Internet Access
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the local authorities which have implemented the New Opportunities Fund internet access programme. [158873]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 26 April 2001]All local education authorities (LEAs) in England have implemented the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) programme. A significant proportion of schools in every LEA have now registered with ICT training providers approved by NOF, and the number of LEAs where a majority of schools have registered is increasing rapidly.

  New Deal
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many of those people who have left the New Deal since its inception have obtained unsubsidised employment lasting for at least six months. [158844]

  Ms Jowell
  [holding answer 26 April 2001]Over 279,000 young people had moved into work by the end of January 2001, 247,840 into unsubsidised jobs. We do not have figures for the length of time each of these jobs lasts but any job can offer considerable benefits to the participant through increased self-confidence and useful work experience. There is no doubt that New Deal is having a positive impact: independent research by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research concluded that without New Deal youth unemployment would be twice as high.

SCOTLAND

  Special Advisers
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many special advisers are employed by(a) her and (b) the Minister of State; and what the total annual cost was of these advisers for each Minister. [154253]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 19 March 2001]I have two special advisers and the Minister of State has none. As both advisers joined only in February 2001 no annual cost is yet available.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Special Advisers (Overseas Visits)
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department on how many occasions between 5 June 2000 and 31 March 2001(a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity. [158547]

  Mr. Lock
  The Lord Chancellor's Department has one special adviser who has never travelled abroad in an official capacity.

  Family Visit Appeals
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many family visit appeals have been lodged(a) for a full hearing and (b) for a review of the papers since 2 October 2000: how many of these have been determined and, in each category, how many have been (i) allowed and (ii) dismissed; when she expects to complete the ministerial review; and if she will make a statement. [159206]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Immigration Appellate Authority has received 834 family visit visa appeals in the period from 2 October 2000 through to 20 April 2001. Of that total 326 appeals were received for an oral hearing and 508 for a determination on the papers alone.

  Over the same period 538 appeals have been determined by the Adjudicators and the outcomes were as follows:

  Allowed

  Dismissed

  Oral Appeals

  89

  46

  Paper Appeals

  143

  260

  The Immigration Appeal Tribunal, the higher tier of the Authority, has received 14 substantive appeals. Of these, three appeals have been determined on the papers alone and all have been allowed.

  The initial ministerial review was completed in January this year, when the Home Secretary announced reduced visit visa fee rates. A review of the wider scheme will be completed by the end of December this year.

  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when(a) he and (b) the Legal Services Commission will make a statement about the procedure to be adopted by those eligible for controlled legal representation to have family visit appeals fees paid as a disbursement. [159207]

  Mr. Lock
  Full guidance on the availability of Community Legal Service funding for family visit appeals is currently being prepared by the Legal Services Commission for consultation and future inclusion in the General Civil Contract. The Commission has set out its initial guidance on this in Issue 34 of its publication "Focus", dated March 2001. Copies of Focus 34 have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.