Written Answers of 19 December 2001

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what form consultations with the Government of Gibraltar will take prior to the next meeting with Spain under the terms of the Brussels Process. [21684]

  Peter Hain
  Ministers and officials will continue actively to maintain and pursue contacts with the Chief Minister and Government of Gibraltar.

  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what future discussion he has planned with the Governor of Gibraltar. [23913]

  Peter Hain
  Normal contacts between Ministers and officials and the Governor of Gibraltar will continue.

  Jim Sheridan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when a decision will be taken on the model adopted by Gibraltar for the 2004 European elections; and what discussions he has had with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar on the participation of Gibraltar in the 2004 European elections. [24028]

  Peter Hain
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer (UIN 21531) I gave to the hon. Member for Southwark, North and Bermondsey (Simon Hughes) on 10 December 2001,Official Report, column 632W.

  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with(a) the Spanish Government and (b) EU partners regarding participation of Gibraltar in the 2004 European elections. [24029]

  Peter Hain
  Following the European Court of Human Rights' judgment in Matthews v. UK, the extension of the European parliamentary franchise to Gibraltar was discussed with our EU partners in the relevant Council working group.

  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Bromsgrove (Miss Kirkbride) on 5 December 2001, Official Report, column 312W.

  John Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he proposes to introduce legislation to allow Gibraltar to participate in the 2004 European elections; and when the next round of discussions under the Brussels process will take place. [24030]

  Peter Hain
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Southwark, North and Bermondsey (Simon Hughes) by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Transport, Local Government and the Regions on 11 December 2001,Official Report,
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  column 800W; and to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for West Suffolk (Mr. Spring) on 5 December 2001, Official Report, column 311W.

  Zimbabwe
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with Southern African Governments about the situation in Zimbabwe. [22721]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Ministers and officials at all levels are in regular contact with representatives of Southern African Governments. My noble Friend Baroness Amos has recently spoken to representatives of the South African, Malawian, Mozambican and Zimbabwean Governments, among others. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary spoke to the Botswana Foreign Minister on 3 December and plans to meet him again during the meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group on 20 December.

  Oman
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next plans to visit Oman. [23231]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  The Secretary of State has no plans to visit Oman at present.

  EU Accession
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's position for the date of entry to the European Union of the applicant countries. [23230]

  Peter Hain
  The Laeken European Council (14–15 December) stated its determination to complete accession negotiations by the end of 2002 with those candidates that are ready, so they can participate in the 2004 European Parliament elections as members. The Government welcome these conclusions, which echo the objective set by the Prime Minister in Warsaw last year.

  General Affairs Council
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome was of the General Affairs Council held in Brussels on 10 to 11 December; what the Government's position was on each issue discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement. [23886]

  Peter Hain
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I represented the UK at the General Affairs Council (GAC) in Brussels on 10 December.

  The GAC adopted the 16 "A" Points listed in document number 15005/01. It also noted the resolutions, decisions and opinions adopted by the European Parliament in its part-session of 12–15 November 2001 in its part-session in Strasbourg listed in document number 13612/01. Copies of both documents have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The Conclusions of the Council were adopted by consensus. The only formal vote took place on the Generalised System of Preferences (see following).
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  Work in other Council Formations
  The Presidency drew attention to the Secretariat's stocktaking report of the main issues being discussed by other sectoral meetings of the Council of Ministers, with particular reference to the European Arrest Warrant, Galileo and the Community Patent.

  Preparations for Laeken (including Council Reform)
  The Presidency issued a draft agenda for the first day of the Laeken summit. The following items featured:

  post-11 September—an updated road-map and report of EU action

  Afghanistan

  the Middle East Peace Process

  the Western Balkans

  ESDP

  Justice and Home Affairs

  EU enlargement

  Economic/social issues (taking forward the Lisbon process to Barcelona, Community Patent, introduction of the euro).

  modalities for a Convention on the Future of the EU

  EU agency locations.

  Enlargement
  Conclusions were agreed by Council underlining the EU's commitment to meeting the Gothenburg timetable, noting that enlargement was affordable within the current financial perspective, welcoming the recent signs of progress in the UN Cyprus process and confirming that the provisions of a Cyprus settlement could be accommodated within the terms of its accession to the EU. The UK welcomed in particular the emphasis on meeting the timetable set at the Gothenburg European Council.

  EU follow-up to 11 September
  The Council, as co-ordinator of the EU's Action Plan against terrorism, examined the updated roadmap outlining the current state of play. It was encouraged by substantial development made, particularly in priority areas. It also welcomed the Presidency's prospective report to the Laeken European Council on the implementation of the Action Plan.

  The Council reached political agreement on EU measures to freeze terrorist assets in pursuit of UN Security Council Resolution 1373. The Council also agreed to consider further the implications of the 11 September attacks for EU non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control policy.

  The Council welcomed progress made on 7 December on the European arrest warrant, a common definition of terrorist offences and minimum sentencing thresholds and a decision to make Eurojust fully operational. It reiterated the Union's commitment to winning the fight against terrorism and welcomed the support of candidate countries as noted at the meeting of the European Conference on 20 October. The UK underlined the need for continuing work to ensure rapid implementation of the commitments made by the Union.

  General System of Preferential Tariffs 2002–04
  The Council adopted by a qualified majority the new GSP Regulation, which provides for enhanced EC trade preferences to developing countries. All member states except Portugal voted for the regulation.
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  Governance White Paper
  The Council noted with interest the measures proposed in the Commission's White Paper on European governance. It undertook to hold a detailed discussion at a subsequent meeting, giving the Commission its reaction in due course and aimed to co-ordinate a plan of action during the first half of 2002. The UK is keen to see a debate on the measures proposed in the White Paper.

  ESDP
  The Presidency's draft report, summarising progress over the last six months on the European Security and Defence Policy, was discussed by Ministers and will be forwarded to the European Council at Laeken. The UK supported the draft report and in particular the emphasis on capabilities.

  Middle East Peace Process
  The Council reiterated its commitment to the Middle East peace process. It concluded that only determined and concerted action by the European Union, the United Nations, the United States and the Russian Federation would help break the cycle of violence and restore the negotiations.

  The Council noted that this required: the reaffirmation and full recognition of Israel's irrevocable right to live in peace and security within internationally recognised borders; the establishment of a viable and democratic Palestinian State; and an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories.

  The Council stated that, as a first step, the following pledges had to be given: by the Palestinian authority to dismantle Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorist networks plus a public appeal for an end to the armed intifada; from Israel, a pledge to withdraw its military forces, end extrajudicial executions, lift all restrictions imposed on the Palestinian people, and impose a freeze on settlements.

  The Council asked Javier Solana, High Representative for CFSP, to go to the region and report back to Laeken European Council. The UK supported this proposal.

  Afghanistan
  The Council confirmed the appointment of Klaus Klaiber, a senior German diplomat, as EU Special Representative for Afghanistan. The Council adopted Conclusions underlining the importance of effective donor co-ordination in the reconstruction effort. The UK emphasised the importance of early, visible results.

  Western Balkans
  The Council noted that the planned Macedonia donors' conference would not be held before next year, after the adoption of the local self-government law required by the August 2001 Framework Agreement. It confirmed the appointment of Erhard Busek as EU Special Representative for the Stability Pact.

  AOB: Gender Mainstreaming in the EuroMed/Barcelona Process
  The Presidency reported on its programme for developing gender mainstreaming in the Barcelona Process, highlighting its EuroMed conference on the role of women in economic development.
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  Egypt
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many visas have been issued for settlement for spouses from Egypt in the last five years. [23777]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  The total number of settlement visas issued in Cairo between 1996 and 2000 is as follows:

  Year

  Number

  1996

  104

  1997

  164

  1998

  185

  1999

  194

  2000

  152

  Note:

  Figures do not distinguish between spouse and other settlement visas. This information could be obtained only by mutual search of Post's records, at disproportionate cost.

  The Home Office has provided the following information on the number of settlement applications received from Egyptian nationals at all ports, which resulted in the applications being accepted.

  Year

  Number

  1996

  190

  1997

  190

  1998

  210

  1999

  210

  2000

  210

  Note:

  Figures for both spouses and unmarried partners, rounded to the nearest five.

  Yemen
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to visit Yemen. [23779]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  The Secretary of State has no plans to visit Yemen at present.

  Afghanistan
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about British diplomatic representation in Kabul. [24543]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Following discussions with the incoming Interim Administration, we expect to renew diplomatic relations with Afghanistan on 22 December and to re-designate the Office of the British Representative in Kabul as an embassy, headed by a Chargé d'Affaires. We last had permanent diplomatic representation in Kabul in 1989. We did not have normal government-to-government dealings with the Taliban regime.

  Data Protection
  Mrs. Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the certificates he has signed under section 28 of the Data Protection Act 1998, covering personal data processed by(a) the SIS and (b) GCHQ. [24960]
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  Mr. Straw
  On 8 December I revoked Data Protection Act exemption certificates dated 30 July 2000 and issued new ones. I have placed copies of the new certificates, and a statement outlining the reasoning behind their issue, in the Library of the House.

  Regional Funding
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had regarding the implications of European Union enlargement on regional structural fund programmes in Wales. [23981]

  Alan Johnson
  I have been asked to reply.

  There have so far been no specific discussions on the implications of EU enlargement for the Structural Funds programmes in Wales. However, as the Minister in the DTI responsible for the Structural Funds, I represented the UK at an informal meeting of EU regional policy Ministers held in Namur on 13 July under the Belgian Presidency of the EU, at which the Structural Funds was the main item on the agenda. More recently, I also touched on the subject with Michel Barnier, European Commissioner responsible for Regional Affairs, during his visit to the UK in early November. On both these occasions I put forward the current UK position that there should be a thorough review of the purpose and added value of the Structural Funds, and of the balance between the role of the EU and that of member states in providing assistance to lagging regions, before we enter into a debate about the implications for different member states, nations and regions of possible future Structural Funds regimes.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 21 June 2000,Official Report, column 230W, on small businesses, how many of the improvements listed have been instigated; and what is his assessment of (a) the costs and (b) benefits to business therefrom. [19627]

  Nigel Griffiths
  I have been asked to reply.

  Heads of Government will review progress on reform undertaken as a result of the Lisbon and Stockholm European Councils at their Council in Barcelona in March 2002.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Trial Delays (Counsel)
  Andrew Mackinlay
  To ask the Solicitor-General if she will make a statement on the circumstances in which major trials have been delayed recently owing to commitment of Counsel to other cases for which they have agreed to be instructed which are listed at the same time. [24153]

  The Solicitor-General
  It is important that major trials are conducted expeditiously in the interests of justice. Decisions as to the timing of trials are for the judges to determine, bearing in mind the representations that they receive. I am aware of the case to which this question refers, the name of which I am omitting since the matter
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  is sub judice; however, I hope that the following information will be of assistance. The trial was originally fixed to commence on 2 October 2001. Application was made on behalf of one defendant for that date to be vacated due to serious illness rendering him unfit to stand trial. The matter was investigated by the Crown Prosecution Service and an independent medical report confirmed the position.

  The case was therefore listed again before the trial judge to fix a new date. At this hearing it was clear that the first defendant would not be fit for trial for a period of six months. All parties, prosecution and the four defendants, were agreed that it was in the interests of justice that all should be tried together. However, when Counsel for the Crown sought a listing on the first available date in April 2002, six months ahead, Counsel for another defendant opposed this, on the grounds that neither he nor his junior, who had represented their client from the first appearance before the Crown court, would be available until the end of October 2002, and it would be unjust to deprive him of both counsel in those circumstances.

  The Counsel for the prosecution opposed a delay of this length. In the event, the trial judge, having accepted that a delay until April was unavoidable because of the first defendant's illness and having weighed all the competing interests, ruled, with, she said, great reluctance, that the trial should be fixed for 4 November 2002.

  One defendant involved in these proceedings is already serving a sentence of imprisonment having been convicted following an earlier linked trial.

  Sellafield
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Solicitor-General if she will make a statement on the legal implications for the United Kingdom of the adjudication of the United Nations International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea, Ireland v. United Kingdom, on the Sellafield MOX plant, given on 3 December in Hamburg. [22825]

  Peter Hain
  I have been asked to reply.

  By its order of 3 December 2002, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea "pending a decision by the Annexe VII arbitral tribunal" prescribed a provisional measure that Ireland and the United Kingdom "shall co-operate and shall for this purpose enter into consultations forthwith in order to:

  (a) exchange further information with regard to possible consequences for the Irish Sea arising out of the commissioning of the MOX plant;

  (b) monitor risks or the effects of the operation of the MOX plant for the Irish Sea;

  (c) devise, as appropriate, measures to prevent pollution of the marine environment which might result from the operation of the MOX plant."

  This provisional measure is legally binding and the United Kingdom will comply fully with it.
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  Staff
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Solicitor-General how many people were employed in her Department in each of the last four years. [23791]

  The Solicitor-General
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Cabinet Office.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Public Service Agreements
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if she will make a statement on the contribution made by the New Audiences Fund to the efforts to widen access to the arts; [22540]

  (2) if she will make a statement on progress towards the Public Service Agreement target to increase access to the performing arts by attracting new audiences. [22542]

  Dr. Howells
  Attendance figures at organisations funded by the Arts Council of England increased by nearly 2 million between 1999–2000 and 2000–01. The contribution of the New Audiences Programme to this improvement is set out in the 2001 DCMS annual report.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if she will make a statement on progress towards the Public Service Agreement to devolve decision-making to the regions; [22561]

  (2) if the New Opportunities Fund has established a network of regionally based staff in pursuit of the PSA target to devolve decision-making to the regions and strengthen regional bodies. [22582]

  Dr. Howells
  The Regional Cultural Consortiums have all produced regional cultural strategies. The Heritage Lottery Fund in England is now devolved to nine separate regional decision-making committees and by April 2002 the fund will open offices in each English region. The New Opportunities Fund now has a regional team and one representative in each region.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if she will make a statement on progress towards the Public Service Agreement target to work with the British film industry to implement a new joint funded strategy for the development of the industry; [22543]

  (2) if she will make a statement on progress towards the Public Service Agreement target to develop film culture and a sustainable domestic film industry; [22564]

  (3) if she will make a statement on progress towards the target for improving strategic mechanisms for influencing anti-fraud standards in sponsored bodies; [22523]

  (4) if she will make a statement on progress towards the Public Service Agreement target for performance-related funding agreements of non-departmental public bodies. [22560]

  Dr. Howells
  The current position is set out in the Department's 2001 Annual Report (CM5114).
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  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what standard performance targets have been incorporated in the funding agreements of her Department's sponsored museums and galleries. [22559]

  Dr. Howells
  The following core performance targets appear in the current funding agreements

  Number of total visitors

  Number of adult visitors

  Number of child visitors

  Number of over-60s visitors

  Number of website visits

  Number of UK and overseas loan venues

  Percentage of collection stored in correct environmental conditions

  Percentage of collection internet-accessible

  Number of learners in on-site educational programmes

  Grant-in-aid per visitor

  Average days lost sick per employee excluding long-term sickness.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on progress towards the Public Service Agreement target of extending social inclusiveness by increasing the involvement of identified priority groups in each of the sectors for which her Department has responsibility. [22552]

  Dr. Howells
  In January this year, DCMS published a sectoral social inclusion strategy for libraries, museums, galleries and archives. Counterpart documents on the historic and built environment and on the arts will follow. In its follow-up report to the work of the Policy Action Team 10 on Arts and Sport, published in February 2201, the Department also presented an action plan for disabled people and an outline action plan for people from ethnic minorities.

  DCMS is working with the Arts Council of England to develop the £40 million Creative Partnerships programme, bringing together arts and media professionals with children in 16 deprived areas. All pilots will be up and running by April 2002. DCMS is also working alongside Department for Education and Skills, the New Opportunities Fund, Sport England and the Arts Council of England on the Space for Sport and Arts programme. This will fund new or renovated sports and arts facilities in around 300 primary schools in 65 deprived local education authority areas.

  The Millennium Commission made decisions on their fifth funding round in June 2001, for projects that reflect the aims and aspirations of ethnic minority communities in the UK. The Commission awarded 10 grants with a total value of £23.6 million. Grants were awarded during 2000 for projects that reflected the aims and aspirations of black communities in the UK.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the Public Service Agreement target to transfer her Department's responsibility for underwater archaeology to English Heritage. [22563]

  Dr. Howells
  The Government are supporting a Private Member's Bill introduced into another place in July 2001 by Baroness Anelay of St. Johns, which includes provisions that were originally in the Culture and 312W
  Recreation Bill to transfer underwater archaeology to English Heritage. The Bill has completed its passage through the other place and will shortly be introduced into the Commons.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what assessment she has made of the margin of failure to achieve the target for reduced sickness absence in the Royal Parks Agency in 2001; [22571]

  (2) what steps she is taking to assist the Royal Parks Agency in meeting its 2003 target for reduced sickness absence. [22570]

  Dr. Howells
  The Chief Executive of the Royal Parks Agency (RPA) is responsible for meeting the targets set for reduced sick absence. He has put in place a strategy to deliver improved performance in this area. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State monitors the performance of the parks through a funding agreement. Should the RPA fail to meet any of its targets the Chief Executive is required to report this to the Secretary of State.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on progress towards the Public Service Agreement target of increasing visitor numbers in major national museums. [22525]

  Dr. Howells
  Visitors to DCMS sponsored museums and galleries increased by 22 per cent, in 2000–01. Child visitors have increased by up to 20 per cent, since 1 April 1999 and visits from people over 60 increased by 40 per cent, in 2000–01. Free access for all to permanent collections held by DCMS sponsored museums was introduced on 1 December 2001.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on progress towards the Public Service Agreement target of promoting quality tourism development. [22547]

  Dr. Howells
  Using the performance measure of the level of expenditure in the United Kingdom by domestic and overseas tourists, the target for 2000, £29.1 billion, was exceeded with an outturn of £38.9 billion.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on progress towards the target for answering external correspondence. [22579]

  Dr. Howells
  In the period April-October 2001 (latest figures) 88 per cent. of all external correspondence was answered within 18 working days.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of improved performance as a result of redeveloped funding agreements with non-departmental public bodies. [22565]

  Dr. Howells
  It is too early to make a full assessment because the new funding agreements came into effect in April of this year. Regular six-monthly reports on the funding agreement targets will be monitored by the Department and will feed into the assessment of progress towards the value-for-money target in the DCMS 2001–04 Public Service Agreement.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on progress towards the target for the effective use of her Department's estate. [22575]
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  Dr. Howells
  The progress statement in the Department's 2001 Annual Report is still current. With regard to the property at 7 St. James's Square, this has been disposed of by assigning the lease.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what percentage of invoices to her Department in 2000–01 were undisputed. [22580]

  Dr. Howells
  In 2000–01, 99.4 per cent, of invoices were undisputed.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on progress towards the target for the review of her Department's services and activities. [22574]

  Dr. Howells
  The Department is on schedule to meet its current Service Delivery Agreement target to review 50 per cent, (by expenditure) of its services and activities by December 2004. We completed a review of facilities management, accounting for 8 per cent, of spend, in 1999–2000; the function was contracted out. We are about to carry out a review of the core functions of policy-making and sponsorship of non-departmental public bodies. This review will account for a further 40 per cent, and will be completed during 2002–03. Information technology support (5 per cent.) will be reviewed in 2003–04, when contracts are up for renewal.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on progress towards the Public Service Agreement target for long-term savings in the support for heritage, sport and tourism. [22557]

  Dr. Howells
  The Department is currently conducting the second stage of a Quinquennial Review of Sport England and the first stage of a review of English Heritage. These reviews will examine, among other issues, the scope for improvements in efficient, effective and responsive service delivery. Following the reconstitution of the English Tourist Board as the English Tourism Council (ETC), resources have been freed up to allow an increase in support to the English Regional Tourist Boards of over a third.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on progress towards the Public Service Agreement target of ensuring that public service broadcasters sustain the quality and range of their output. [22544]

  Dr. Howells
  On 13 September 2001, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave the BBC approval to launch three new digital television channels—BBC4 and two children's channels—and five new digital radio channels. The approval was subject to conditions, including commitments to high quality, interactivity and the use of home-grown talent and productions. The new channels should educate and inform as well as entertain, and they should attract a wider range of viewers to all digital services. On 4 December 2001, my right hon. Friend received an application from the BBC to launch BBC3, a channel targeted at younger people, which will be considered in accordance with the published criteria for BBC new services.
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  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on progress towards the Public Service Agreement target for the number of new educational sessions undertaken by arts organisations. [22555]

  Dr. Howells
  Estimates based on returns received by the Arts Council of England indicate that the PSA target has been exceeded.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if the target for the disposal of surplus properties at St. Pancras has been achieved. [22568]

  Dr. Howells
  The land to the north of the British Library at St. Pancras has been temporarily transferred to the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, for purposes connected with the channel tunnel rail link. Once the land is returned to DCMS, disposal will be considered in the light of available opportunities.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on progress towards the target for the reduction of running costs as a proportion of the departmental expenditure limit. [22578]

  Dr. Howells
  On the basis of my Department's current expenditure limits for the financial years 2001–02 to 2003–04, the average annual reduction in running costs is forecast to be approximately 4 per cent.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on performance against the target for the Millennium celebrations. [22524]

  Dr. Howells
  The Department remains committed to co-ordinating the Government's interest in the Millennium following an array of successful celebrations during the year 2000. After the closure of the Millennium Experience on 31 December 2000 which was operated by the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC), the Department has continued to worked closely with the Millennium Commission which is distributing over £2 billion of Lottery funds. The commission has invested carefully and the projects it has funded will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

  The commission's projects have created an estimated 13,300 permanent jobs and many capital projects have also acted as a catalyst for the regeneration of key areas throughout the country. Projects have levered in significant additional funding from a wide variety of sources, and the capital projects programme has constituted 1.35 per cent, of the total UK construction industry by value since 1994.

  A study into the economic impact of the Millennium Experience at Greenwich which was jointly commissioned by NMEC, English Partnerships and the London borough of Greenwich, has established that the Dome eventually generated contracts worth more than £500 million for UK companies; generated £385 million in direct spending by visitors on transport, accommodation, catering etc.; provided work for over 7,700 people in construction and over 5,000 in management and operation between 1997 and 2000; and led to the regeneration of nearly 300 acres of formerly derelict, contaminated land.
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  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on progress towards the Public Service Agreement target to raise standards of care of museum collections and public access to them. [22553]

  Dr. Howells
  Since 1999, the Designated Museums Challenge Scheme has provided support for each museum with designated collections. £15 million has been awarded to help improve the care of and access to those collections, in recognition of their outstanding importance. The number of museums in the scheme was increased to 62 in 1999.

  Works of Art
  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much has been spent by the Government since 1 May 1997 on acquiring works of art; and how much has been realised from the sale of works of art. [23073]

  Dr. Howells
  Since 1 May 1997 the Government Art Collection has spent £688,000 on purchases of works of art. No works of art have been sold from the Government Art Collection. The Foreign Office and Commonwealth Office has spent approximately £506,501 and the Department for Education and Skills approximately £26,451.

  We have been notified of no other purchases or sales by other Government Departments.

  Public Libraries
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many public libraries there were in the Buckingham constituency in(a) 1997 and (b) 2001. [23749]

  Dr. Howells
  There are eight public libraries in the Buckingham constituency: Buckingham; Haddenham; Ivinghoe; Long Crendon; Steeple Claydon; Stewkley; Wing; and Winslow. This is the same number as in 1997. The Buckingham mobile library (full-time) and the Aylesbury Urban and Aylesbury Rural mobiles (part-time), also serve the constituency.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate she has made of the percentage of adults in the Buckingham constituency that are library members. [23748]

  Dr. Howells
  Such statistics are not maintained on a constituency basis, and Buckinghamshire do not currently differentiate between adult and child members. However, Buckinghamshire county council's statistics show that 75 per cent, of the population of the county are library members. This is in excess of the national average.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the libraries based in the Buckingham constituency which have received funding from the DCMS/Wolfson Public Libraries Challenge indicating(a) the nature of the project, (b) the date of the award and (c) the amount of funding provided in each case. [23747]

  Dr. Howells
  No libraries in the Buckinghamshire constituency have been successful in their applications for match funding from the DCMS/Wolfson Public Libraries Challenge Fund since the programme began in 1998.
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  Arts Bodies
  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the evidence presented in the Arts Council of England's two consultation periods; and if she will make a statement. [23570]

  Dr. Howells
  Following the first consultation my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State wanted to see proposals which created a dynamic new organisation; brought the regions into the heart of the funding system; delegated real decision making to regional level; set challenging targets for administrative savings; was simpler and more consistent for those applying for funding.

  We are confident that the new proposals will deliver this.

  The Secretary of State has just received a progress report following the second consultation exercise and will respond to the Arts Council in due course.

  PFI/PPP Contracts
  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many(a) PFI and (b) PPP contracts her Department maintains; if she will list those contracts, giving their (i) length and (ii) value, and the businesses involved in fulfilling them; what assessment she has made of those contracts; and if she will make a statement. [23575]

  Dr. Howells
  The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has not itself entered into any PFI or PPP contracts. The Royal Parks Agency, which is an executive agency, has entered into one PFI contract, Pembroke Lodge, Richmond, relating to the restoration of building and operation of catering facilities, which is to last for 30 years. Its value is £1 million, and The Hearsum Family Ltd. is fulfilling the contract. The Agency has employed consultants to advise on whether construction works are compliant with the contract.

  Gambling Report
  Lawrie Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many responses the Government have received to recommendations(a) 60, (b) 61, (c) 62, (d) 63 and (e) 64 of the Gambling report, indicating how many (i) supported, (ii) opposed and (iii) were in neutral in respect of each recommendation. [23781]

  Mr. Caborn
  By the end of the consultation period we had received 20 responses supporting and 10 opposing recommendation 60, nine responses supporting and seven opposing recommendation 61; 11 responses supporting and 11 opposing recommendation 62; eight responses supporting and 10 opposing recommendation 63; and nine responses supporting and 13 opposing recommendation 64. A very much larger number of responses did not specifically refer to this group of recommendations. Since these we have received a number of further letters from hon. Members enclosing correspondence from constituents operating or employed in businesses involving gaming machines which children may currently play, criticising the recommendations.
  317W
  Lawrie Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what estimate she has made of the impact on the Government's policies to regenerate seaside resorts of the implementation of recommendations 60–64 of the Gambling Review report; [23780]

  (2) what estimate the Government have made of the impact on jobs of the implementation of recommendations 60–64 of the Gambling Review report. [23782]

  Mr. Caborn
  We have not yet completed out consideration of the report.

  Betting Levy Board
  Mr. John Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the use by the Betting Levy Board of its general funds to finance a pension shortfall. [23767]

  Mr. Caborn
  The Horserace Betting Levy Board is responsible for its pension commitments and may properly use Levy income for these purposes.

  Millennium Dome
  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has received about making the Millennium Dome a listed building; what the earliest possible date for listing the Dome would be; and if she will make a statement. [24130]

  Dr. Howells
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received no representations this year about making the Dome a listed building. The general rule when looking at buildings for listing is that those less than 10 years old are not eligible for consideration. There is no reason for us to adopt a different policy for the Millennium Dome.

  Public Entertainment Licences
  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has received regarding the issuing of public entertainment licences; and if she will make a statement. [24133]

  Dr. Howells
  Representations from hon. Members, industry, performers and licensing law practitioners concerning public entertainment licensing law have tended to fall into five main categories. These are concerns about inconsistent approaches adopted by different licensing authorities; the scope for local licensing authorities to impose disproportionate and burdensome requirements on smaller venues; the duplication of the requirements with the fire safety and health and safety regulations; some evidence of excessive fee charging; and the limitations on the exemption from public entertainment licensing for public houses in the Licensing Act 1964. Changes to public entertainment licensing laws require primary legislation, and our reform of the alcohol and public entertainment licensing laws will address these anxieties. We shall present the necessary legislation as soon as Parliamentary time permits.

  "Time for Reform"
  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to implement the 318W
  proposals outlined in 'Time for Reform'; what estimate she has made of the time scale for implementation; and if she will make a statement. [24132]

  Dr. Howells
  We remain fully committed to the proposals set out in the White Paper "Time for Reform" and intend to introduce legislation to implement them. The timetable for implementation inevitably depends on when it will be possible to introduce the necessary legislation in Parliament and this will be done as soon as parliamentary time permits.

  Capital Assets
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's answer of 12 December 2001,Official Report, column 889W, on capital assets, if she will place in the Library information on the accounting treatment of the public private partnership projects relating to (a) British Library corporate bibliographic services, (b) British Library provision of catering services and (c) the Royal Parks Embassy Pembroke Lodge; and if she will make a statement. [24258]

  Dr. Howells
  The contract for the British Library corporate bibliographic services project has been terminated. I refer the hon. Member to the Minister for Sport's letter of 18 November 2001 to the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Laws), a copy of which has been placed in the Library. The British Library provision of catering services project is treated as the purchase of services and is accounted for off balance sheet. The Royal Parks Agency Pembroke Lodge project is accounted for on balance sheet in accordance with the Accounting Standards Board's Statement of Standard Accounting Practice—Accounting for Leases and Hire Purchase Contracts.

  Regional Arts Boards
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on what date she received the responses to consultations about the Arts Council of England's proposals to merge the regional arts boards to create a single organisation for arts funding; and if she will place a copy of the responses in the Library. [24080]

  Dr. Howells
  The Arts Council of England has submitted a progress report on its proposed reorganisation on 29 November 2001. This includes a summary of responses to the consultation and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will respond to this in due course.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on what date she received the business plan supporting the Arts Council of England's proposals to merge the regional arts boards to create a single organisation for arts funding; and if she will place a copy of the plan in the Library. [24081]

  Dr. Howells
  On 29 November my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State received a progress report on which she will respond shortly.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the
  319W
  Chairman of the Arts Council of England's handling of the proposals to merge the regional arts boards to create a single organisation for arts funding. [24077]

  Dr. Howells
  The Government have every confidence in the ability of the Chairman of the Arts Council to deliver a streamlined system for funding the arts in this country. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received a progress report to which she will respond shortly.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will assess the Arts Council of England's proposals to create a single organisation for arts funding against the criteria for new organisations established by her Department. [24082]

  Dr. Howells
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received a progress report from the Arts Council of England, which she will assess against her original criteria. These are to create a dynamic new organisation which brings regions to the heart of the funding system, delegates decision making, sets challenging targets for administrative savings and is simpler and more consistent for those applying for funding.

  Go Digital
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the Go Digital research programme. [24079]

  Dr. Howells
  The Go Digital pilot project, being led by the Independent Television Commission, and comprising Government and industry partners, has been established to trial the conversion of 300 homes to digital television. Its aim is to address technical and social issues related to switchover. We expect the conversion of 30 homes comprising the first phase of the trial to take place early in 2002.

  Arts Funding
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the funding of arts in England. [24076]

  Dr. Howells
  Arts funding in England is now higher than it has ever been. Funding will rise to £338 million by 2003–04 which represents an increase of over £100 million over four years.

  Arts Subsidies
  Paul Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate she has made of the total spending by her Department in the next 12 months in subsidising(a) live drama, (b) art galleries, (c) ballet, (d) opera and (e) literature. [24394]

  Dr. Howells
  The Department for Culture, Media and Sport allocates funds to the Arts Council of England, which in turn allocates funds to the regional arts boards as appropriate, and to those arts organisations that it deems most deserving and which meet the criteria set for the various funding programmes. The Department allocated a total of £252.2 million to the Arts Council for 2001–02 and £297 million to the Arts Council for 2002–03.
  320W

TREASURY

  Pension Credit
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many recipients will pay an effective marginal tax rate of 40 per cent, as a result of the pension credit. [14444]

  Mr. McCartney
  I have been asked to reply.

  Most pensioners do not pay tax. Very few of those receiving pension credit will be liable. Pension credit is not taxable.

  Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many formal notices his Department has received in the last year from the Parliamentary Ombudsman expressing an intention to carry out an investigation; and in respect of each notice how long it took to respond. [18761]

  Ruth Kelly
  [holding answer 27 November 2001]: Information on the outcome of statutory investigations which were concluded during 2000–01 are set out in the Parliamentary Ombudsman's Annual Report for 2000–01, copies of which are available in the Library of the House, or on the Parliamentary Ombudsman's website at www.ombudsman.org.uk/pca/document/par01/index.htm.

  Since 1 April 2001, the Treasury has received three new statutory statements of complaint from the Parliamentary Ombudsman. So far, the Treasury has responded to all three of these cases, and the average time taken to respond overall is 24 days.

  National Health Service
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy not to allow(a) social insurance, (b) a ring-fenced hypothecated tax and (c) additional health user charges as solutions for the future funding mechanism for the national health service; and if he will make a statement. [23659]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The Government have made their commitment to increasing resources over the next three years for the NHS, funded from general taxation and linked to reform. Decisions on taxation and spending will be taken in future Budgets and in the spending review next year.

  Financial Services Authority
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent the FSA complied with the service level agreement concluded on 18 December 1998 in(a) 1999 and (b) 2000. [13256]

  Ruth Kelly
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 9 November 2001,Official Report, columns 489–90W.

  Equitable Life
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact on the reserves of using them for compensation payments for Equitable Life policy-holders. [14387]

  Ruth Kelly
  Equitable Life's reserves are a matter for the board of Equitable life and its members.
  321W

  Treasury Website
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much the latest overhaul of the HM Treasury website cost; and what the breakdown of spending on the website has been in each year since 1997. [18307]

  Ruth Kelly
  HM Treasury's new website was launched in November this year and replaces the site originally launched in 1994, which was struggling to cope with the levels of traffic it attracted on Budget day.

  The new site is designed to cope with the growing demands being placed upon the Treasury's website, to offer a better service to the public, and to ensure that the Treasury is prepared for future technological developments.

  On PBR day the new site was accessed by 20,000 visitors who between them downloaded 183,250 separate documents. This represents a 50 per cent, growth in the number of recorded visitors to the site compared with Budget 2001. There were no reports of anyone being unable to access the site.

  This new, more robust site employs completely new computer hardware and software so that it can handle both the tens of thousands of visitors that it receives on Budget day and the increasing number of Treasury documents being made available on the site. The latest version of the site includes new services, such as a comprehensive search facility. It is also designed to cope with emergent technologies, such as mobile internet devices and digital television.

  The total cost of launching the new site was £240,595. This included the costs of purchasing new computer hardware and software, software development and integration, and web page design.

  This is the first capital expenditure by the Treasury on the www.hm-treasury.gov.uk site since it was launched in 1994.

  This investment is intended to ensure that the Treasury is ready to meet its current and future information obligations.

  Pension Funds
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what HM Treasury's estimate is of the asset mix of UK pension funds in(a) 2005 and (b) 2010; [23764]

  (2) if he will make a statement on his assessment of the implications of current trends in respect of the equity/bond asset mix of UK pension funds for (a) overall equity risk and (b) access to equity finance for small companies. [23760]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Treasury has made no forecast of the asset mix of UK pension funds. However, it keeps developments in financial markets under constant review.

  War Risk Insurance
  John Barrett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total cost was of the Government's decision to underwrite the third party war risk insurance for UK airline and service providers. [22963]
  322W
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The total cost of the scheme is unquantifiable at this time, as it depends on potential claims—if any—made under the scheme to the Treasury as reinsurer. Full details of the scheme and the liabilities entered into were submitted to Parliament in a Treasury Minute of 28 November 2001.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will reply to the question of 15 October from the hon. Member for Hertsmere, on the subject of fraud and the WFTC. [23151]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I have done so today, at columns 323–24W.

  Benefit Fraud
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he has taken to(a) encourage and (b) enable the public to provide information about fraudulent or improper claims for working families tax credit or other tax credits. [23308]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue treats all information received from members of the public about suspected fraud, including tax credit fraud, very seriously. Members of the public are able to inform the Inland Revenue about potential fraudulent or improper claims to tax credits in a number of ways. They can write to or telephone the Tax Credit Office or a local office or telephone a helpline, including the Benefits Anti-fraud Hotline. The Tax Credit Office also has a Childcare Tax Credit Hotline for child care providers to give information of suspected improper claims for child care costs.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many employers have been(a) investigated and (b) prosecuted in respect of fraudulent claims for (i) working families tax credit and (ii) other tax credits in each year since the relevant credit commenced. [23309]

  Dawn Primarolo
  (a) In 2000–01, routine checks were carried out on the payroll records of approximately 6,800 employers who made payments of tax credits to their employees. The checks established that the vast majority of employers were operating tax credit payments correctly.

  In addition, 199 employer cases were taken up by local offices for action in 2000–01 where the Tax Credit Office suspected error or breakdown of the payment system. Of those cases
  13 resulted in recovery of tax credits and payment of penalties;
  161 were settled in other ways, for instance by giving educational assistance and explanations to the employer, that enabled the employee to receive the tax credits due to them;
  25 cases are still working, and the outcome is not yet known.
  (b) There have been no prosecutions of employers in respect of tax credits.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many(a) investigations, (b) penalties and (c) prosecutions in respect of (i) working families tax credit and (ii) disabled person's tax credit involved the child care tax credit in each year since the credit commenced. [23306]
  323W
  Dawn Primarolo
  The following table lists the number of investigations, penalties and prosecutions involving child care for working families and disabled person's tax credits, broken down into financial years since the schemes began in October 1999.

  Period

  Child care investigations

  Penalties

  Prosecutions

  Working families tax credit

  1 October 1999 to 31 March 2000

  55

  2

  0

  1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001

  263

  0

  0

  1 April 2001 to 30 November 2001

  100

  0

  0

  Disabled person's tax credit

  1 October 1999 to 31 March 2000

  1

  0

  0

  1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001

  14

  0

  0

  1 April 2001 to 30 November 2001

  5

  0

  0

  Tax Credit Claims
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what guidance is given to resource officers concerning tax credit claims where the claimant is allegedly in receipt of payment at a rate beneath the minimum wage. [23310]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue computer system prompts staff looking at working families tax credit applications to check whether the National Minimum Wage is being paid for each employment. The Employment Relations Act 1999 makes provision for information about apparent non-compliant employers to be passed to the National Minimum Wage Unit for further investigation.

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his Department spent to counter fraud in the working families tax credit in nominal terms and expressed as a percentage of the total working families tax credit expenditure in the last three years. [1151]

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the extent of fraud in working families tax credit; how many prosecutions have been undertaken in respect of such fraud; and what plans he has to tackle fraud in WFTC. [7471]

  Mr. Goodman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what estimate he has made of the level of WFTC fraud; and if he will make a statement; [18884]

  (2) how many investigations have been conducted into WFTC fraud; and how many successful prosecutions there have been since the commencement of the scheme. [18885]

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many(a) investigations of fraudulent claims, (b) penalties for fraudulent claims, (c) prosecutions of fraudulent claims and (d) successful prosecutions for fraudulent claims there have been in respect of the working families tax credit, since its introduction, broken down into (i) monthly and (ii) quarterly periods. [2272]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 28 June 2001]: The Inland Revenue is currently undertaking an exercise to benchmark the level of fraud within the working families tax credit. The full results of this will be known early next
  324W
  year. The findings of this exercise will then be used by the Inland Revenue to ensure that WFTC compliance work is adjusted if necessary.

  The Revenue's approach to compliance is based on the progressive use of civil penalties, and prosecution in cases of criminal fraud.

  The tables show the number of WFTC applications investigated by the Inland Revenue for the period from October 1999 (when the scheme began) to September 2001. Of the applications investigated for this period, 8,852 were closed in the Department's favour by recovering overpaid tax credits. At present, there are 7,560 WFTC investigations under way.

  Month ending

  WFTC investigations opened in period

  Total WFTC investigations opened for quarter ending

  1999

  October

  0

  —

  November

  608

  —

  December

  730

  1,338

  2000

  January

  1,518

  —

  February

  3,009

  —

  March

  5,189

  9,716

  April

  2,620

  —

  May

  2,930

  —

  June

  2,987

  8,537

  July

  3,012

  —

  August

  3,797

  —

  September

  2,368

  9,177

  October

  1,553

  —

  November

  2,135

  —

  December

  1,692

  5,380

  2001

  January

  2,446

  —

  February

  2,483

  —

  March

  2,393

  7,322

  April

  1,257

  —

  May

  1,317

  —

  June

  1,486

  4,060

  July

  2,749

  —

  August

  1,349

  —

  September

  1,615

  5,713

  Number

  Approximate number of penalties imposed for false WFTC applications1

  478

  Number of successful prosecutions for false WFTC applications1

  13

  Number of prosecutions for false WFTC applications1

  22

  Number of prosecutions pending as at 22 November 2001

  9

  1October 1999 to September 2001

  While tax credit applications are received and processed centrally, compliance work associated with them is also undertaken in network offices throughout the UK and consequently it is not possible to answer specific questions about the proportion of the Inland Revenue's compliance costs that relate to Tax Credits.

  Tax Fraud
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the outcome is of the Inland Revenue benchmarking exercise to establish the level of fraud in
  325W
  tax credit claims; if he will place a copy of reports received from the Inland Revenue (a) relating to this exercise and (b) otherwise concerned with fraud in tax credit, in the Library; by what criteria the seriousness of fraud cases is assessed with a view to prosecution; and if he will make a statement. [23228]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Field) on 3 April 2001,Official Report, column 154W. The Inland Revenue assess cases for prosecution according to their published prosecution policy, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Gentleman.

  Rebated Fuels
  Barbara Follett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has for consultation on the proposal to introduce an approval scheme for distributors of rebated fuels. [25096]

  Mr. Boateng
  Customs and Excise today published a formal consultation document on this proposal, copies of which have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  National Statistics Code of Practice
  Barbara Follett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the National Statistics Code of Practice will be released for public consultation. [25097]

  Ruth Kelly
  The National Statistics Code of Practice, which represents a significant step in the implementation of the proposals contained in the White Paper "Building Trust in Statistics" (Cm 3882), is being published today. Copies are available in the Libraries of both Houses and electronic copies are accessible via the National Statistics website www.statistics.gov.uk. The code sets out the professional standards applicable to National Statistics, the range of official statistics that together provide an accurate, up-to-date, comprehensive and meaningful description of the UK economy and society.

  The public consultation will end on 28 March 2002. Responses should be sent by post to James Denman, Room D4/12, ONS, 1 Drummond Gate, London, SW1V 2QQ, or via e-mail to codeofpractice@statistics.gov.uk. Hard copies of the consultation documents are available from either of these addresses.

  Debt Management
  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the UK Debt Management Office's debt management accounts. [25098]

  Ruth Kelly
  The first published Debt Management Account covering the period 15 November 1999 to 31 March 2001 is being laid before the House and published today. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Aggregates Levy
  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost of the introduction 326W
  of the aggregates levy in Scotland; and what the cost will be to Scottish local authorities per year in each of the five years after April 2002. [23954]

  Mr. Boateng
  No estimates have been made.

  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what aid the Government will provide to businesses in Scotland which will be affected by the aggregates levy. [23955]

  Mr. Boateng
  The aggregates levy receipts will be returned to business through a 0.1 percentage point reduction in employers' national insurance contributions, and the £35 million Sustainability Fund. The Government will not provide specific aid to businesses affected by the levy because their objective is to provide an incentive to make more efficient use of virgin aggregate and to use more recycled or alternative materials.

  Tax Credit Fraud
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff are employed by the Inland Revenue in investigating fraudulent claims for tax credits. [22941]

  Dawn Primarolo
  As at 31 December 2001, there were a total of 542 Inland Revenue staff involved in investigating possible false applications for tax credits. This figure comprises 27 Investigators and 226 support staff employed centrally at the Tax Credit Office. There are a further 247 Inland Revenue Network staff who also deal with tax credit investigations, and a specialist team of 42 staff dealing with the most serious cases including those resulting in prosecution.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the value is of(a) overpayments and (b) penalties recovered by the Inland Revenue as a result of fraud investigations in respect of each tax credit in each year since their introduction. [22929]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I will write to the hon. Member about this matter and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

  Air Passenger Duty
  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue has been raised by air passenger duty in each year since 1997. [24027]

  Mr. Boateng
  Receipts of air passenger duty for the financial years 1997–98 to 1999–2000 are published in Table A1 of the tables and statistics accompanying the HM Customs and Excise Annual Report for 2000, available on the Customs and Excise website www.hmce.gov.uk/general/about/index.htm—scroll down to 'Annual Report 2000', click on 'Tables and Statistics'.

  Details for the year 2000–01 can be found in the National Statistics Publication "Financial Statistics" Table 2. ID.

  Stamp Duty
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the VAT which will be forgone in this financial year as a result of the new stamp duty exemptions for properties where the price does not exceed £150,000. [23761]
  327W
  Mr. Boateng
  The stamp duty exemption will have no direct impact on VAT receipts. Any VAT due on the sale of a property is charged before stamp duty is calculated.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people were employed in his Department in each of the last four years. [23783]

  Ruth Kelly
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on 18 December 2001,Official Report, column 256W.

  National Insurance
  Adam Price
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much the national insurance fund is in surplus. [23978]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to table 2 of the report by the Government Actuary on the drafts of the Social Security Benefits Up-rating (No. 2) Order 2000 and the Social Security (Contributions) (Re-rating and National Insurance Funds Payments) Order 2001 (Cm 4933), a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.

  Stakeholder Pensions
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the first stage of the changes to NIRS2 needed to support the introduction of stakeholder pensions was completed by the October deadline. [24236]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The first stage of changes to NIRS2 needed to support the introduction of stakeholder pensions was delivered on time and to the required standard.

  Tax Credits
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reason it was decided to base entitlement to the child tax credit and the working tax credit on current year income. [24232]

  Dawn Primarolo
  No such decision has been taken. It has been decided that tax credits will be based on the income of a tax year. The Tax Credits Bill allows for a variety of approaches to responding to changes in income as between one year and the next.

  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of total compliance costs for employers the reduction listed in paragraph 2.20 of the Inland Revenue Regulatory Impact Assessment for the new tax credits is; and if he will make a statement. [24129]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The estimated recurrent compliance costs to business of the working families tax credit and the disabled person's tax credit were set out in paragraph 44 of the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Tax Credits Act 1999 and accompanying regulations (December 1999).

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library(a) a summary and (b) a complete set of the responses to the Inland Revenue consultation paper, "New Tax Credits". [24241]
  328W
  Dawn Primarolo
  The Treasury issued a summary of the responses to the Inland Revenue's consultation paper, "New Tax Credits: supporting families, making work pay and tackling poverty" (July 2001). This summary was attached to a Treasury press notice of 29 November 2001 (no. 132/01). A copy has been placed in the House of Commons Library. A complete set of responses, except for those we have been asked to keep confidential, has also been placed in the Library.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the minimum age of working tax credit recipients will be. [24233]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Workers with a disability or with children will be eligible for the working tax credit from the age of 16. The minimum age for those without children or a disability is to be set at 25, since those aged 25 or over are more likely to face severe financial barriers to work or suffer persistent poverty.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether entitlement to the child tax credit and the working tax credit will be based on net income. [24231]

  Dawn Primarolo
  No. The Government have decided, in the light of representations received in response to consultation, that entitlement to the working tax credit and the child tax credit will be based on gross income.

  Public Expenditure
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the reasons for the difference between the initial voted annually managed expenditure and provisional outturn for financial year 2000–01, as listed in the Treasury document, "Public Expenditure 2000–01: Provisional Outturn", for the accounting and other adjustments category; and if he will make a statement. [24109]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The Treasury document "Public Expenditure 2000–01: Provisional Outturn" presented early estimates of annually managed expenditure accounting adjustments in 2000–01, based on the difference between published national accounts estimates of total spending and Treasury estimates for the identified individual components of spending. Updated estimates, which remain provisional, of the outturn for 2000–01 were published in the 2001 pre-Budget report (Cm 5318), Table B13. The pre-Budget report also includes, in Table B15, a detailed breakdown of accounting and other adjustments.

  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for (1) what reason the final departmental expenditure limit and provisional outturn rows relating to the Capital Modernisation Fund in Table 1 of the Treasury document, Public Expenditure 2000–01: Provisional Outturn are blank; and if he will make a statement; [24106]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 11 December 2001, Official Report, columns 769–70W, for what reason the Capital Modernisation Fund capital budget line for financial year 2000–01, Table B16 of the Treasury document, 'pre-Budget report 2001' is blank; and if he will make a statement. [24126]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The line for the CMF 2000–01 is left blank in the public expenditure outturn white paper and the pre-Budget report because the fund for that
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  year was fully allocated to Departments. Allocations for 2001–01 from the CMF have been drawn down into the capital Expenditure Limits for individual departments and will be included in the outturn figures for those departments.

  Customs and Excise
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many people arriving in the Channel ports in each of the last four years were found to have(a) alcohol and (b) tobacco in excess of EC-defined minimum guide levels; what proportion were unable to satisfy Customs that those goods were for their own use; and if he will make a statement; [23257]

  (2) how many people were stopped by HM Customs at the Channel ports in each of the past four years. [23256]

  Mr. Boateng
  [holding answer 17 December 2001]: While Customs do maintain and publish records on the number of people they have searched and on the numbers of seizures they have made, there are no records either of the total numbers of people spoken to by Customs officers or of the qualities of goods they were carrying.

  Customs use the indicative levels set out in EC legislation as a guide to help distinguish between goods being imported for individuals' own use and goods which may be being imported for a commercial purpose. Customs then consider a range of other factors in order to determine whether goods are actually being brought into the UK for a commercial purpose.

  It is estimated that—in the majority of cases—those individuals with goods in excess of the indicative levels who were stopped and asked questions by Customs when entering the Channel ports in 2000–01 were able to demonstrate that the goods they are carrying were for their own use and were allowed to travel on freely.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has set a specific target for the rate of checks to be carried out by HM Customs and Excise on spirits consignments entering this country under duty suspension, pursuant to paragraph 4.23 of 'Tackling Indirect Tax Fraud'. [23273]

  Mr. Boateng
  [holding answer 17 December 2001]: No specific targets have been set.

  Excise Warehouses
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what plans he has to strengthen the controls on bonded warehouses within the United Kingdom; [23275]

  (2) when he will complete the review of excise warehouse approvals. [23274]

  Mr. Boateng
  [holding answer 17 December 2001]: Customs have already begun to strengthen the controls on excise warehouses by increasing the number of visits made to excise warehouses and by extending the range of checks performed during those visits. Customs are also tightening up procedures for the approval of warehouse premises and for the authorisation and registration both of warehouse-keepers and of the owners of excise goods held in warehouses. A review of current warehouse approvals will be completed by 31 March 2002.
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  Older People
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out for each of the conclusions in section 6.4 of the Performance and Innovation Unit report, 'Winning the Generation Game',(a) what progress his Department has made and (b) what future plans his Department has for acting on them; and if he will set out against each of the conclusions the targets and deadlines that have been set. [24204]

  Ruth Kelly
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him today by the Minister of State, Cabinet Office.

  Euro
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the preliminary technical work to be undertaken before the assessment of the five economic tests for Euro entry will be completed. [24825]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Government have said that they will complete an assessment of the Five Tests within two years of the start of this Parliament. The assessment has not yet started, but the necessary preliminary analysis—technical work that is necessary to allow us to undertake the assessment within two years as promised—is under way.

  Asbestos Victims
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what measures he will introduce to stop companies and insurers avoiding their asbestos liabilities; [24878]

  (2) if he will ensure that Treasury officials assist the lawyers acting for UK claimants to co-ordinate their claims against Turner and Newall with lawyers working for creditors against Federal Mogul; [24877]

  (3) what money Turner and Newall put aside for future asbestos claims; and (a) whether this constitutes a trust and (b) how it is affected by the administration order; [24879]

  (4) when he expects the stop that has been placed on compensation cheques by Turner and Newall to be lifted; [24880]

  (5) what action he will take to ensure that the interests of UK asbestos victims are protected during (a) the administration of Turner and Newall and (b) the Chapter II reorganisation of Federal Mogul pending in the USA bankruptcy court in Wilmington, Delaware; [24876]

  (6) what was the basis of the financial package Turner and Newall agreed with a consortium of European re-insurers to cap their asbestos liabilities in November 1996; [24883]

  (7) if he will set up a public inquiry (a) to examine the sale of Turner and Newall to Federal Mogul and (b) to ascertain whether the company has been managed in accordance with good business practice; [24881]

  (8) what the trading position of Turner and Newall is; and on what date it formally stopped trading in the U.K. [24875]

  Ruth Kelly
  Since 1 October, Turner and Newall have been operating under an Administration Order, and as a consequence all legal actions against the company have been stayed. They are continuing to trade. We understand
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  the driver for the administration is to crystallise asbestos claims in the US and UK in a consistent and fair manner so the company can arrange for their payments. The administrators are exploring ways of trying to resolve this problem, and if necessary will seek direction from the courts to do that. We do not yet know when the stay on legal actions will be lifted. The insurance and compensation arrangements surrounding asbestos-related claims against Turner and Newall are very complex, and not yet completely clear. Officials are in contact with the administrators and are looking into this as a matter of urgency. Therefore I am not able to make further comments about Turner and Newall's insurance arrangements or payment of compensation claims.

  Once the situation is clear the Government will be in a position to assess whether and what action is required.

  User Fees
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the 2001 IMF Article IV consultation, Concluding Statement, regarding user fees; and if he will make a statement. [23759]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The Government have made their commitment to increasing resources for the NHS over the next three years funded from general taxation and linked to reform. Decisions on taxation and spending will be taken in future Budgets and the Spending Review next year.

  Government Underspend
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his forecast is for total Government underspend in this financial year; and what the figures are for(a) health and (b) education. [20472]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  We make no forecast. Provisional outturn data on Supply spending for the Department of Health, Department for Education and Skills and other departments for the first six months of this financial year was shown in Table 1.6 of the Winter Summary Supplementary Request for Supply (HC391) presented on 4 December.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, when and on how many occasions the Chairman and individual members of the Commission have received complaints concerning the conduct of the Commissioner for Standards. [23666]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]: No complaints have been received by the Commission and no individual Commissioner has raised a complaint with the Commission.

  David Winnick
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, if the Commission will consult the Committee on Standards in Public Life on where 332W
  responsibility should lie for the appointment of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards; and if he will make a statement. [23321]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  [holding answer 17 December 2001]: The Committee on Standards in Public Life recommended in its first report (Cm 2850), page 43, that the House of Commons itself should take responsibility for appointing a Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. Accordingly, at the conclusion of the selection process now under way, the House of Commons Commission proposes to make a recommendation to the House. Any change in the method of appointment would be a matter for decision by the House.

  Select Committee on Standards and Privileges
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the annual cost was of meeting the staffing needs of the Select Committee on Standards and Privileges in each year since its establishment; and what his estimate is of the(a) funding requirements and (b) staffing needs of the Select Committee in the next three years. [23665]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]: The staff of the Committee consisted of the following:

  Date

  As Clerk of the Committee:

  November 1995 to October 1997

  1 principal clerk

  November 1997 to present

  1 deputy principal clerk

  As Second Clerk:

  November 1995 to October 1999

  1 senior clerk

  November 1999 to October 2000

  1 assistant clerk

  November 2000 to present

  1 senior clerk

  and, as secretary:

  November 1995 to present

  1 secretary grade 3

  all of whom had other duties in the Department of the Clerk of the House. It is not possible to specify precisely how much time each of these staff devoted to the work of the Committee, and so it is not possible to calculate a total attributable cost.

  The Committee on Standards and Privileges will continue to be funded and staffed on the same basis as other Select Committees, commensurate with the work load.

  Commission
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many times the Commission has met in the past two years; how this body is serviced; how many staff at what grades are attached to the Commission; what the job title is of each post; by what method the staff are recruited; what the breakdown is of employees by(a)gender and (b) ethnicity; and what plans he has to make the work of the Commission more transparent. [23664]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]: In the two years to 31 December 2001 the Commission will have met 19 times.
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  The Commission is advised and assisted by the Finance and Services Committee and the five Domestic Committees, by the Board of Management, and by other Committees, Chairmen, individual Members and Officers of the House, according to the business under consideration. It draws upon outside advice when appropriate.

  The Secretary to the Commission is a Principal Clerk, who also serves as Clerk of the Finance and Services Committee and as a Clerk at the Table. On Commission business he is supported by one Grade 2 Secretary (this post is job shared) and one Grade 3 Secretary, who also help support the Finance and Services Committee and the Domestic Committees. All four staff are permanent members of the House of Commons Services; all were recruited by open competition. Three are female and one is male. Ethnic origin information is provided by staff in confidence; it is the House's practice not to disclose the ethnic mix of small groups of staff, in order to maintain that confidence.

  The Commission reports on its work in its Annual Report, which also includes sections on the Board of Management, and on the performance and plans of individual Departments. It now includes the Annual Report of the Audit Committee. The latest Report, for 2000–01 (HC 155 of Session 2001–02), is available from the Vote Office and on the internet. The Commission is seeking further to improve content and presentation in the Annual Report for 2001–02. In addition, it has approved intranet webpages covering the Audit Committee, the Board of Management and the Office of the Clerk, as well as the Commission itself. These will be available shortly.

  Standards Commissioner
  Peter Bottomley
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, if the Commission will establish an inquiry into reports of briefing against the Standards Commissioner. [22723]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  [pursuant to his reply, 17 December 2001, c. 2W]: The Parliamentary Commissioner has now replied to Mr. Speaker's letter of 6 December. Following discussion at the meeting of the Commission on 18 December Mr. Speaker has passed the Parliamentary Commissioner's letter to the Standards and Privileges Committee for consideration.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Human Rights Commission
  Mr. Tom Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission will submit their second Annual Report as required by paragraph 5(1) of Schedule 7 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998. [24959]

  Mr. Browne
  I have today laid before Parliament the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission's second Annual Report.
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  New Deal (Young People)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people are employed by the Department under the new deal for young people; and at what cost to public funds. [21324]

  Dr. John Reid
  The NIO (and its agencies) currently employs one person under the new deal for young people. New dealers are recruited to the NIO on a subsidised basis and take up existing vacancies. Therefore extra costs are limited to the subsidy and any additional training and development which may be needed. The cost of the latter cannot be readily identified.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

  Ministerial Visits (North-East)
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many times since November 2000 Ministers from the Cabinet Office have visited(a) the Teesside area and (b) Middlesbrough South and Cleveland, East constituency to meet locally based businesses. [19076]

  Mr. Leslie
  There have been five visits to the Teesside area by Cabinet Office Ministers since November 2000, involving meetings with locally based businesses.

  Cross-Government Communications
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if new electronic tools for cross-Government communication, presentation, policy analysis and development were delivered by April. [21462]

  Mr. Leslie
  Yes. The Government's programme of work to ensure that the UK is a world leader in the knowledge economy were published on 4 December 2001 in the Second UK Online Report. This includes details of the UK strategy for transforming Government, empowering people to make the best of new technology, and putting in place the infrastructure for e-Government (please see Chapter 5 of the report, available at: hhtp: //www.e-envoy.gov.uk/ukonline/progress/anrep2001/ default.htm).

  Public Service Agreements
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) if he will make a statement on progress since April 2000 in meeting the public service agreement target for promoting the needs of women in society; [21258]

  (2) in pursuit of the PSA target on women's interests, by what means his Department has involved the Treasury in realising the potential of women in addressing the productivity gap. [21259]

  Mrs. Roche
  There is no public service agreement target for promoting the needs of women in society nor is there a public service agreement on women's interests. However, the Government are committed to bringing about practical improvements to women's lives that benefit society as a whole. The Women and Equality Unit, a cross-cutting unit within the Cabinet Office, supports the Ministers for Women in delivering these changes.
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  For example, next year I will be running a series of seminars to encourage more women to take up public appointments.

  Older People
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will set out for each of the conclusions in section 6.4 of the Performance and Innovation Unit report, 'Winning the Generation Game',(a) what progress his Department has made and (b) what future plans his Department has for acting on them; and if he will set out against each of the conclusions the targets and deadlines that have been set. [24205]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Civil Service is committed to the active employment of older people. Figures for April 2000, for example, show that the Civil Service as a whole has more staff in the 55–75 age group (47,680) than it does in the 16–24 age group (31,770). In the light of the recommendations in the "Winning the Generation Game" report, Departments and agencies have been considering what further action they can take to improve their record by offering more options for employees over 50 to work in different ways and at different levels towards the end of their working lives.

  The Cabinet Office is in the process of collecting data from Departments on their current position in considering each of the recommendations of the "Winning the Generation Game" report in order to have a full picture in the new year.

  I will write to the hon. Member once all Departments have provided the information.

  Departmental Expenditure Limits
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the reasons for the difference between the final voted departmental expenditure limit and provisional outturn for financial year 2000–01, as listed in the Treasury document, Public Expenditure 2000–01: Provisional Outturn, for Vote XVII, Cabinet Office, subcategory 3 Cabinet Office: civil superannuation; and if he will make a statement. [24113]

  Mr. Leslie
  Full details of outturn against 2000–01 voted provision will be published in the appropriation accounts to be presented to the House of Commons by 31 January. The resource accounts on an accruals basis will also be presented to the House of Commons by 31 January.

DEFENCE

  Drug Misuse
  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action he has taken on trends in the percentage of service personnel testing positive for controlled substances. [23693]

  Mr. Ingram
  Since routine, random compulsory drug testing became regular practice across the three services in 1998, the percentage of armed forces personnel proving positive has only risen from 0.45 per cent, to 0.54 per cent, (in 2000) of the total number tested. The services reflect the society from which they are recruited and employ mainly 336W
  young people who are at an age when they are most vulnerable to drug misuse. In addition to rigorous single service drug education programmes, the compulsory drug testing programme is a specific deterrent against the misuse of drugs by service personnel. Despite the comparatively low number of personnel who return positive results, the services continue to examine their drugs policies to remain vigilant against the problem.

  Recent improvements in drug testing methods have given the Ministry of Defence a more reliable detection capability for the Class A drug, Ecstasy. While this and an increase in the number of service personnel being tested generally, year on year, is reflected in the overall number of positive findings, our enhanced drug testing capability is viewed as a positive measure against members of the armed forces misusing drugs.

  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many convictions there were for drug-related offences among armed forces personnel in each year since 1995; [23694]

  (2) which units have been subjected to compulsory drug testing since January 2000; and how many personnel tested positive in each unit, broken down by substance. [23692]

  Mr. Ingram
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Special Educational Needs
  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of children of armed forces personnel have special educational needs. [23206]

  Mr. Ingram
  There is no remit on service personnel to inform the Ministry of Defence when their children have special educational needs. Therefore, this information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Submarines
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which submarines will receive the final stage of the Swiftsure and Trafalgar Update; and for what reasons the remaining fleet submarines are not receiving this upgrade. [23618]

  Mr. Ingram
  The submarines which will receive the final stage of the update are HMS Torbay, HMS Trenchant, HMS Talent and HMS Triumph.

  The remaining Swiftsure and Trafalgar Class submarines have insufficient remaining planned service life for the procurement and fitting of the final phase of the update to be cost effective.

  Sea Eagle Missile
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Sea Eagle anti-ship missile will be withdrawn from service; and what anti-surface capability the aircraft carriers will have after the withdrawal of the Sea Eagle missile. [24025]

  Mr. Ingram
  The decision to withdraw the Sea Eagle anti-ship missile from service in April 1999 was taken as a consequence of the Strategic Defence Review. The review
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  concluded that since the end of the cold war the threat of open ocean warfare had reduced and that the requirement for air launched anti-surface ship capability had diminished. While our carriers no longer possess an organic anti-surface ship capability, they would normally operate as part of a Maritime Task Group whose component escorting vessels would typically be armed with a potent mixture of anti-surface weapons including the long range, ship launched Harpoon missile and the helicopter launched Sea Skua missile.

  Leisure Time (Submarine Crews)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the set number of hours given over to downtime for sleep and rest in every 24 hours are for submarine naval officers; and if he will make a statement. [23288]

  Mr. Ingram
  Warfare officers in submarines operate in a six hours on, six hours off watch-keeping routine when at sea in a nuclear powered attack submarine. Their 12 hours off watch in each 24-hour period are used for sleep, meals, rest and recreation as well as dealing with routine administrative work.

  Submarine Officers
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what training is expected to have been completed by submarine officers before being left as duty officers of a nuclear powered cruise missile-equipped submarine; and if he will make a statement. [23286]

  Mr. Ingram
  All Royal Navy warfare officers undergo a lengthy period of training, progressing from general naval training to specific disciplines, such as navigation, to the level of detail necessary to conduct safely a warfare officer's first appointment. Beyond this, submariners sub-specialise and receive an appropriate level of training tailored to meet the particular demands of watch-keeping in submarines.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment is made of the competency and physical fitness of officers before they are placed in charge of a nuclear powered submarine; and if he will make a statement. [23291]

  Mr. Ingram
  Any officer appointed to a submarine is required to be assessed as medically fit for his duty. A comprehensive training and assessment regime is in place to ensure that such officers possess the professional ability and competence required by their duties. This includes a Basic Sea Qualification, which all officers must undertake in the submarine in which they are serving; this is a stringent test to ensure that they have knowledge of the systems onboard required to operate the boat effectively and safely.

  HMS Triumph
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he intends to hold an inquiry into the events which led to the court martialling of Lieutenant Ashley Philpott and Lieutenant Ian Tabberer; and if he will make a statement. [23302]
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  Mr. Ingram
  A full board of inquiry was held into the circumstances surrounding the grounding of HMS Triumph immediately after the incident occurred in November 2000. It is not intended to hold another inquiry.

  Spanish Airspace
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the cost of UK military aircraft avoiding Spanish airspace over the last year. [23814]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]: This information is not held and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many joint military operations with(a) other EU partners and (b) non-EU states have taken place in Gibraltar in each of the last three years. [23815]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]: None.

  HMS Gannet
  Sandra Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total cost is of the HMS Gannet site, including rates and utilities. [23935]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]: The total cost of the HMS Gannet site, including rents, rates, utilities and property management, is in the order of £1.736 million per year, inclusive of VAT.

  Sandra Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if serving personnel based at HMS Gannet are renting private accommodation to armed forces personnel based at HMS Gannet(a) as part of the Hambros scheme and (b) by other methods. [23936]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]: Three Naval personnel, currently serving at HMS Gannet, are renting accommodation which they own to other armed forces personnel also based at HMS Gannet. The property involved is rented by Hambros Countrywide Mobility Service, who are the agents for Substitute Single Service Accommodation on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

  We do not hold records on personnel based at HMS Gannet who are renting out private accommodation by means other than through the Hambros scheme, as that would be a private transaction.

  Sandra Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many military personnel who are in the Hambros scheme were previously accommodated at HMS Gannet. [23937]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]: There are 78 Naval personnel and 21 RAF personnel currently living in Substitute Single Service Accommodation (the Hambros scheme), who were previously accommodated at HMS Gannet.

  Sandra Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the cost of the leases of HMS Gannet site are(a) detailed and (b) publicly available in the asset register of Defence Estates. [23938]
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  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]: HMS Gannet is occupied and held by Commander in Chief Fleet and therefore Defence Estates do not show the property in their annual accounts, but do show it within their property records, as per all other departmental properties.

  Because the property is held at market rent there is no value in the land to the Department, however the Ministry of Defence buildings on site are shown on page 298 of the National Asset Register holdings of Commander in Chief Fleet under the heading "Royal Naval Air Station Prestwick".

  While the actual cost of the leases of the property are detailed within departmental records, the precise details are commercial in confidence and I am therefore withholding details under exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Recruitment (Medical Rejections)
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the number of applicants to the(a) Army, (b) RAF, (c) Royal Navy and (d) Royal Marines turned down on medical grounds in each quarter of the last seven years. [21818]

  Mr. Ingram
  Information on the number of applicants rejected on medical grounds is not held centrally in the format or for the time period requested. Details which are available are as follows:

  Medical rejections

  Service/financial year

  Officers

  Other ranks

  Royal Navy

  1996–97

  32

  544

  1997–98

  16

  764

  1998–99

  32

  813

  1999–2000

  39

  821

  2000–01

  43

  923

  2001–021

  35

  626

  Royal Marines

  1996–97

  3

  52

  1997–98

  1

  93

  1998–99

  3

  103

  1999–2000

  18

  215

  2000–01

  21

  247

  2001–021

  7

  187

  Army

  1995–96

  30

  2—

  1996–97

  38

  2—

  1997–98

  41

  1,880

  1998–99

  42

  2,304

  1999–2000

  60

  1,660

  2000–01

  33

  1,132

  2001–021

  43

  2—

  Royal Air Force

  1996–97

  3184

  56

  1997–98

  3183

  88

  1998–99

  >3215

  105

  1999–2000

  3215

  126

  2000–01

  3255

  193

  2001–021

  3107

  184

  1The figures for 2001–02 are as at 7 December 2001

  2Army Other Rank figures unavailable for these years

  3These figures are for RAF Officers and Airmen Aircrew combined

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  Royal Scots Regiment
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will state the(a) establishment and (b) current strength of the Royal Scots regiment. [23766]

  Mr. Ingram
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 6 December 2001,Official Report, columns 455–56W, to the hon. Member for Hereford (Mr. Keetch).

  Afghanistan
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what his latest estimate is of(a) the deployment of United Kingdom military personnel in the Afghan theatre of war and (b) the total value of ordnance dropped in the conflict; [23639]

  (2) what the total number of United Kingdom military personnel serving in Afghanistan is; and under whose command they operate. [23644]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]: There are approximately 3,800 involved in support of Operation Veritas, the UK element of Operating Enduring Freedom. This figure excludes the number of UK personnel operating within Afghanistan, and I am withholding this information in accordance with Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  British troops operating in Afghanistan are under the overall command of the UK Chief of Joint Operations, and are available for specific tasks to the US Commander-in-Chief, Central Command.

  We have not estimated the value of ordnance dropped in the operation.

  Army HQ
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the final cost was of moving the army's northern headquarters from York to Edinburgh; what estimates he has made of the economic consequences for York of this move; and what estimates he has made of the economic benefit to the area around Craigiehall. [24021]

  Mr. Ingram
  A final assessment of the cost of moving the Army's northern headquarters from York to Edinburgh will be made shortly, now that the organisation is fully established in its new location. It is already clear, however, that the increase in the number of people working both at Craigiehall and in York continues to benefit both locations.

  Military Training Grounds
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures are being taken to ensure that Kenyan civilians are not killed, disabled and injured by unexploded munitions on military training grounds used by the British Army in the central part of Kenya. [23130]

  Mr. Ingram
  The British Army takes every precaution to minimise danger to the Kenyan people and follows the same infantry training regulations in Kenya for live firing as it does in the UK. These are laid down in Infantry Training Volume 4, Pamphlet Number 21, and Artillery Training Volume 3, Pamphlet 19. Details of ammunition used are recorded and units are required to submit a
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  certificate to state that the range has been cleared of ammunition fired during that exercise. In addition, we have a continuing programme of activity, which we carry out in conjunction with the Kenyan authorities. This includes the provision of training for Kenyan range staff; the construction of a range control centre; the employment and training of range wardens; and the erection of substantial warning signs on specific areas of the training area. Beyond that, we are also engaged in a continuing information campaign and provide assistance to the Kenyan authorities with range clearance. Our mutual aim is to ensure that the ranges are as safe as they can be.

  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what (1) the procedure is for clearing live ammunition from military training grounds in the UK; [23133]

  (2) what regulations are in place to govern the clearance of live ammunition from military training grounds; [23131]

  (3) what records the British Army keeps during training exercises with live ammunition, of the number of rounds of ammunition fired and the number of unexploded ammunition; and if these records are published. [23134]

  Mr. Ingram
  The regulations and procedures for the clearance of live ammunition from military training grounds are laid down in Infantry Training Volume 4, Pamphlet Number 21, and Artillery Training Volume 3, Pamphlet 19. These regulations and procedures are adhered to wherever British forces are required to train with live ammunition, whether in the UK or overseas.

  Each unit training on a range or training area is required to clear military debris from the range after live firing or training with pyrotechnics, with details of the ammunition used recorded on a relevant form. In addition, units are required to submit a certificate to state that the range has been cleared.

  Any live ammunition that has not been used during training is returned to the ammunition store for use at another time. We aim to recover any ammunition not accounted for during the clearance operation at the end of the training. If there have been misfires —where a round does not fire correctly —or blinds —where a round is fired but does not explode correctly —a qualified individual would destroy the misfire or blind on site.

  Joint Service Publication 403 —Defence Land Ranges Safety-Volume 1, Chapter 6 requires that records are kept of all live ammunition firing, the amount of live ammunition fired and the number of misfires or blinds. These records are not made public.

  Territorial Army
  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the Territorial Army have served with regular army forces overseas in each of the last five years; and in which countries. [23667]

  Dr. Moonie
  The numbers of Territorial Army personnel that have served with regular army forces overseas in each of the last five years are shown in the table.
  342W

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  12001

  Bosnia

  640

  609

  489

  129

  210

  Kosovo

  0

  0

  290

  291

  289

  Sierra Leone

  0

  0

  0

  0

  51

  Macedonia

  0

  0

  0

  0

  9

  Total

  640

  609

  779

  420

  559

  1To date

  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what discussions he has had, and with whom, concerning the location of the headquarters of the Territorial Army in Scotland; and if he will make a statement; [23201]

  (2) if he has had discussions with (a) the Scottish Executive and (b) Scottish local authorities on the siting of TA Brigade headquarters in Scotland; and if he will make a statement; [23203]

  (3) which local authorities in Scotland have been consulted regarding the location of TA brigade headquarters in Scotland; [23204]

  (4) what discussions he has had regarding the amalgamation of 51 and 52 Brigade of the Territorial Army in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [23202]

  Mr. Ingram
  The roles and responsibilities of the regional brigade structure in Scotland have been studied extensively by the Ministry of Defence as part of a wider examination of our force structure. This work has now concluded and I am pleased to announce that 52 (Lowland) Brigade will re-role to become a light infantry brigade, retaining command of the light role battalions in Redford Barracks and Dreghorn Barracks, Edinburgh and assuming command of those based at Preston and Chester. It will also retain responsibility for public duties. The Brigade will be known as 52 Infantry Brigade and the HQ will continue to be based at Edinburgh Castle. In parallel, 51 (Highland) Brigade will become the Scottish Regional Brigade assuming the infrastructure responsibilities of both 51 and 52 Brigades. The Brigade will be known as 51 (Scottish) Brigade and will be based at Forthside in Stirling.

  These changes support the Strategy for the Army, are wholly consistent with the conclusions of the Strategic Defence Review and will enhance our military capability.

  There have been no discussion about these plans outside my Department but I have written to the First Minister for the Scottish Parliament to advise him of these changes.

  HMS Invincible
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when HMS Invincible's refit will be complete; and when HMS Invincible will be withdrawn from service. [23614]

  Mr. Ingram
  HMS Invincible will complete her current refit and return to operational status in the summer of 2003. On current plans she will be withdrawn from service towards the end of this decade.

  Sub-harpoon Anti-ship Missiles
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the sub-harpoon anti-ship missiles will be withdrawn from service; and what effect this will have on submarine capabilities. [24026]
  343W
  Mr. Ingram
  On current plans the sub-harpoon anti-ship missiles will be withdrawn from service in 2008. Subsequent to this date it is assessed that the anti-surface ship capability required of the nuclear submarine flotilla will be delivered by the Spearfish heavyweight torpedo.

  Departmental Expenditure Limits
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the reasons for the difference between the final voted departmental expenditure limit and provisional outturn for financial year 2000–01, as listed in the Treasury document, Public Expenditure 2000–01: Provisional Outturn, for Vote VI, Defence, subcategory 2 Defence: Armed Forces retired pay, pensions etc; and if he will make a statement. [24115]

  Mr. Ingram
  Outturn was lower than estimated in financial year 2000–01 mainly because receipts from the Accruing Superannuation Liability Charge were slightly higher than anticipated, and because the overall increase in pensions was lower than forecast. For further information I refer the hon. Member to the Armed Forces Pension Scheme Resource Accounts for 2000–01, published on 21 November 2001. A copy is available in the Library of the House.

  Army Pensions
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the pre-1973 army pensioners and army widows identified as entitled to tax free pensions under the pre-1973 attributable tax exercise of 1999 were entitled due to aggravated unfitness. [24181]

  Dr. Moonie
  The figures available to us on service pensions do not differentiate between those awarded for injuries or conditions that were attributable to, and those that were aggravated by, service. Figures could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Moved Bases
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list any major moves of(a) Army, (b) Navy and (c) Airforce bases since 1997. [24020]

  Mr. Ingram
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Palestinian Authority
  Mr. Lazarowicz
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with other European Governments regarding the provision of emergency aid for the Palestinian Authority. [21888]

  Clare Short
  Without peace, the prospects for economic growth and improved quality of life are negligible. But the potential for the region is considerable. Following the Oslo Accords in 1993, the area enjoyed a period of relative peace and economic growth. This benefited Palestinians and Israelis. Events took a downward turn in September 2000. Since then, there has been a continuing cycle of violence. Various attempts to re-engage the peace process have made little progress.344W
  Following the events of 11 September, there has been increased pressure from the international community for a resumption of productive dialogue, accompanied by renewed calls for the creation of a viable Palestinian state.

  This is the context for UK development assistance to Palestinians and Palestinian refugees. Our assistance is part of an international effort, with the international financial institutions, the US, and the European Community playing leading roles.

  We have provided over £43 million in development assistance and a further £61 million to UNRWA since the establishment of the PA in 1994. We also contribute substantially through our share of the EC and World bank spending. Between 1995 and 1999, the EC's MEDA programme provided euro 3.4 billion (about £2 billion), of which the UK share was 16 per cent, (about £320 million). The World bank has provided some $380 million to the West Bank and Gaza Strip; the UK share is about 5 per cent.

  In response to the current crisis, I have increased our contribution to UNRWA by a further £7 million, to a total of £25 million for calendar year 2001. I have also increased our support to the Palestinian Authority by £6 million, to a total of £14 million for 2001–02 financial year.

  World Trade Round
  Ann McKechin
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on how she intends to help developing countries to make gains from trade following the launch of a new trade round at the ministerial meeting in Doha. [21889]

  Hilary Benn
  Following the outcome of last month's meeting in Doha, the new trade round could potentially provide significant benefits for developing countries. The challenge now will be to deliver on that potential in the negotiations.

  As part of this process, we are continuing to support capacity building in developing countries. Last month, my right hon. Friend announced further help to strengthen involvement in trade policy making and negotiating, and assist countries seeking accession to the WTO.

  Afghanistan
  Derek Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance her Department is providing to the people of Afghanistan to help them throughout the winter. [21890]

  Clare Short
  We have so far provided almost £40 million to United Nations agencies, the Red Cross movement and NGOs, including support for provision and stockpiling of assistance for the winter. The UN is aiming to maximise delivery through both road and air routes and is prioritising deliveries to areas where access may become more difficult over the winter, including the central Highlands, the Panjshir valley and the north-east of the country.

  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the amount of aid reaching the people of Afghanistan. [21892]
  345W
  Clare Short
  United Nations agencies, particularly the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF, the Red Cross movement and NGOs continue to make good progress in transporting essential relief supplies into Afghanistan. Over the past month, WFP has delivered over 68,000 tonnes of food, exceeding its monthly target. International staff of humanitarian agencies have now returned to some areas of the country and are working with national staff to reach those in need of assistance. However, progress is heavily dependent on improved security. Despite the best efforts of humanitarian agencies, some areas of Afghanistan are still proving difficult to access because of continuing insecurity.

  Mr. Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the situation in the central highlands of Afghanistan with regard to the distribution of humanitarian aid. [21893]

  Clare Short
  United Nations agencies, particularly the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF, the Red Cross movement and NGOs continue to make good progress in transporting essential relief supplies into the central Highlands. UN international staff have now returned to the area.

  WFP has achieved its target delivery of 33,000 tonnes of food aid to the central Highlands; the food will be distributed by partner NGOs to support up to a million people over the winter.

  Other agencies, including UNICEF, the International Organisation for Migration and Oxfam, have continued to deliver health, shelter and education supplies.

  Mr. Neil Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department is taking to support recovery and reconstruction in Afghanistan. [21896]

  Clare Short
  I have just announced an additional £20 million to support the UN-led recovery effort. We are fully committed to supporting Ambassador Brahimi and the United Nations system in their central role to help the people of Afghanistan and their new Interim Authority to begin this huge task. A copy of our updated "Emergency Plan to Initiate Recovery" has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Bailey
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department is taking to relieve the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. [21903]

  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. [21904]

  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent assessment she has made of the international aid situation in Afghanistan;and if she will make a statement. [21906]

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. [21908]

  Clare Short
  The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan remains serious. The United Nations estimates at least 5 million people are in need of assistance, and over 1 million have been displaced from their homes.
  346W
  UN agencies, particularly the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF and the Red Cross movement continue to make good progress in transporting essential relief supplies into Afghanistan. Over the past month, WFP has delivered over 68,000 tonnes of food, exceeding its monthly target. International staff of humanitarian agencies have now returned to some areas of the country and are working with national staff to reach those in need of assistance. However, progress is heavily dependent on improved security. Despite the best efforts of humanitarian agencies, some areas of Afghanistan are still proving difficult to access because of continuing insecurity.

  My Department has so far allocated £60 million to United Nations agencies, the Red Cross movement and NGOs for their response to the Afghan crisis.

  EU Aid
  Mr. Baron
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the distribution of the EU aid package to overseas countries. [21894]

  Clare Short
  European Community aid is distributed on a regional basis to all developing countries and countries in transition. Provisional figures for 2000 show that the percentage of EC development assistance spent in low-income countries continues to fall and is now below 50 per cent. This is unsatisfactory but difficult to change because many members states and large parts of the Commission support the distribution of aid for political rather than developmental purposes.

  In November 2000, the Council and Commission adopted a new development policy which makes poverty reduction the central objective for all EC programmes in developing countries. In line with our published strategy on working with the European Community we continue to work to improve the impact of EC aid on the Millennium Development Goals including through the allocation of a much higher percentage of EC aid to poor countries.

  Sierra Leone
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance she is giving to the amputee victims of terrorism in Sierra Leone. [21897]

  Clare Short
  There are around 1,000 amputee victims of the conflict in Sierra Leone. DFID has provided £110,000 to the Mercy Ships project, which helps both conflict amputees and polio victims —the latter greatly exceed the former. Through our contributions to the EC's humanitarian programme we also support the work of Handicap International, the main provider of prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation support at the amputee centre in Murray Town, Freetown.

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the work of her Department in Sierra Leone. [21895]

  Clare Short
  In Sierra Leone, we are engaged primarily in promoting security and good governance. We are providing £30 million per annum to provide long-term support to the police, strengthening the Ministry of Defence to ensure the armed forces are more democratically accountable, and helping reintegrate
  347W
  ex-combatants wishing to return to civilian life. We are supporting the Anti-Corruption Commission, helping to reform the judiciary, training the media, assisting the Government to prepare for elections next year, and providing budgetary support to help meet the running costs of government. We also provide substantial support to meet the ongoing humanitarian needs of those displaced by the conflict.

  Somalia
  Brian White
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support her Department has given to Somalia in the last 12 months. [21898]

  Clare Short
  This calendar year we have pledged almost £3 million to Somalia, mainly directed towards emergency and humanitarian activities:

  International Committee of the Red Cross

  2001 Appeal for Somalia —£1,000,000

  United Nations

  2001 Consolidated appeal for Somalia —£410,850

  World Vision

  Primary health care in Middle Juba —£328,785

  Primary health care in Bay Region —£266,163

  International Organisation for Migration

  Workshop to encourage Somali women's participation in the peace process —£88,969

  Norwegian People's Aid

  Water rehabilitation, Sool region —£200,173

  Medecins sans Frontieres

  Health assistance, Bakool Region —£207,000

  Health assistance, Middle Shabelle —£377,689

  Africa Educational Trust

  Developing community school partnerships in Somaliland — £123,863.

  The pursuit of a lasting peace agreement in Somalia remains the highest priority. To this end we, with the international community, continue to support the efforts of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

  Palestinian Territories
  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the work of her Department in the Palestinian territories. [21899]

  Clare Short
  I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 12 December 2001,Official Report, columns 915–16W.

  Latin America
  Mr. Bryant
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans her Department has for further work in Latin America following the economic crisis in Argentina. [21900]

  Clare Short
  We are working to implement our existing strategy for Latin America, which is focused on reducing poverty in the region through the promotion of pro-poor growth, reducing inequality and improving governance. In addition to our programmes in Guatemala and El Salvador we provide support to improve the effectiveness of national development programmes in 348W
  middle-income countries with major inequality and poverty problems such as Brazil and Peru. In Nicaragua, Honduras and Bolivia, which are highly indebted poor countries (HIPC) we are working with the Government, civil society and other donors to help with the implementation of their poverty reduction strategies.

  Details of our strategy for Latin America will be published in various country strategy papers in the new year.

  UNICEF
  Tony Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she next plans to meet the Executive Director of UNICEF to discuss its work. [21901]

  Clare Short
  I met the Executive Director of UNICEF in February in New York and briefly in Paris in October in the margins of a Unesco conference. I have no plans to meet her in the near future but I would hope to see her next time I am in New York, she is in London or we are both attending the same international conference.

  HIV/AIDS
  Joan Ryan
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's work on HIV/AIDS. [21902]

  Clare Short
  HIV/AIDS is the single most important development challenge in Africa. We know what needs to be done to tackle the disease, and countries such as Uganda, Thailand and Cambodia have shown that political commitment and leadership can help to contain the spread of the disease. My Department supports comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, control and mitigation programmes. We continue to give greatest priority to prevention, but we also place emphasis on reducing the personal, social and economic impact of illness and death caused by the disease.

  We seek to support the development, strengthening and implementation of national strategies to combat HIV/AIDS and to provide assistance in the framework of such strategies. We have recently approved several new major programmes to support national HIV/AIDs responses in, for example, Russia, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Nigeria, China and India totalling around £300 million, and a £20 million programme is being designed to support Mozambique. A major new multi-sectoral HIV programme for South Africa is also planned for this year.

  My Department is supporting the development of HIV/AIDS vaccines through the support of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative. Work is under way to support the development of microbicides to prevent HIV. We are also working on a range of initiatives which aim to increase the long-term affordability and availability of treatment for HIV/AIDS and related infections.

  Our strategy for our HIV/AIDS works is outlined in our HIV/AIDS strategy paper published in summer 2001 and available in the Library of the House.

  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department is taking to help poor countries which have been hard hit by HIV and AIDS. [21911]
  349W
  Clare Short
  HIV/AIDS is the single most important development challenge in Africa. The epidemic is undermining economic growth and fundamentally threatens social and economic development in many countries. It also poses a threat to health in many other countries around the world. My Department supports comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, control and mitigation programmes. We continue to give greatest priority to prevention, but we also place emphasis on reducing the personal, social and economic impact of illness and death caused by the disease.

  We seek to support the development, strengthening and implementation of national strategies to combat HIV/AIDS and to provide assistance in the framework of such strategies. We have recently approved several new major programmes to support national HIV/AIDS responses in, for example, Russia, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Nigeria, China and India totalling around £300 million, and a £20 million programme is being designed to support Mozambique. A major new multi-sectoral HIV programme for South Africa is also planned for this year. We have committed £25 million to support the International Partnership Against AIDS in Africa.

  In addition, the Government are exploring the potential of a number of options for increasing the long-term affordability and availability of treatment for HIV/AIDS and related infections, while maintaining a focus on the development of sustainable health systems which is needed to deliver them.

  Our strategy for our HIV/AIDS work is outlined in our HIV/AIDS strategy paper published in summer 2001 and available in the Library of the House.

  Development Targets
  Paul Goggins
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had with the World bank about progress towards the 2015 development targets. [21905]

  Clare Short
  I have regular discussions with the World bank about this issue. The most recent occasion was at the meeting of the World bank/International Monetary Fund Development Committee in Ottawa, 17–18 November. I am pleased to report that there is an increasingly strong commitment within the World bank and its member countries for concerted action to meet the 2015 targets. This includes growing recognition of the need to increase the volume of resources made available to poor countries committed to the policy and institutional changes needed to reduce poverty and achieve the other targets; and to enhance the effectiveness of this aid, including by untying it. The UK has already untied its aid, and pledged to increase the oda/GNI ration from 0.32 per cent, in 2000 to 0.33 per cent, by 2003–04. Substantial progress is being made towards the key 2015 target of halving the proportion of people living in extreme poverty. While regional progress varies, the best available evidence suggests that on present trends the global target will be met but some of the targets, particularly the reduction of maternal mortality, will not be met. Progress varies between regions and countries. Very few African countries are on track to meet the targets.
  350W

  Bangladesh
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the programme to develop the technical competence of engineers in Bangladesh. [21907]

  Clare Short
  My Department has just completed a successful five-year project to strengthen the Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh and to establish an Engineers Registration Board to enable Bangladeshi engineers to be internationally recognised within the various branches of the engineering profession.

  We have recently commenced a new project to strengthen the professional engineering associated in eight developing countries (including Bangladesh) following on from the success achieved to date under the previous project.

  Corruption
  Mr. Clelland
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her Department's priorities are for tackling corruption. [21909]

  Clare Short
  The priorities of our bilateral programmes are to support national strategies which address both enforcement action against corruption, such as strong and effective anti-corruption agencies, and preventive measures, such as strengthening capacity for public sector budgetary and financial management, procurement, accounting and audit; reforming civil service management, enhancing public oversight through strengthened parliamentary committees, developing measures to reduce judicial corruption and supporting civil society to promote transparency and accountability in public life.

  At the multilateral level, negotiations for a United Nations Convention Against Corruption commence in January. This is a major opportunity to develop global standards for tackling corruption and improving international co-operation. We will be playing an active role in these discussions.

  We attach importance also to strengthening collaboration with other bilateral development agencies and multilateral partners, in particular through supporting the implementation conventions against bribery in international trade and strengthening regional anti-money-laundering mechanisms.

  Pakistan
  Liz Blackman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's assistance to Pakistan. [21910]

  Clare Short
  We are committed to supporting Pakistan's economic and social development for the long haul. This includes support for the Road Map to Democracy announced by President Musharraf in August 2001, which envisages national elections by October 2002.We are working closely with the international financial institutions and other multilateral organisations to ensure sustainable improvements in the lives of poor people in Pakistan. Our bilateral assistance is designed as a contribution to this wider international effort; and my Department meets the UK share of expenditure by the World bank, Asian Development bank, European Commission and UN agencies.
  351W
  Our bilateral programme is focused on three objectives: creating the economic conditions for poverty reduction; strengthening health systems and improving quality and management in education. These are pursued through support to the process of devolution; support to rural livelihoods; and support to the development of the poverty reduction strategy paper.

  In health, we are working to improve access to —and quality of —public health services, especially for the poorest. For example, we are helping to improve reproductive health through support for social marketing of condoms through Population Services International. We are also working up an HIV/AIDS drug harm prevention project. On education, we are supporting the implementation of the devolution of education management to provincial and district levels in North West Frontier Province and Northern Areas. We are also helping to raise quality standards by collaborating on reform of the National Education Assessment System.

  In terms of support for the political reform effort, examples of these are the assistance my Department is providing to improve the quality of governance by supporting the Elections Commission in the run up to next year's provincial and national elections, and the National Reconstruction Bureau in its deliberations on constitutional reform. We are also focused on working

  Pakistan bilateral aid programme

  Projects

  Project budget (£000)

  Education

  Punjab Middle School Project

  4,900

  NWFP Primary Education (including contribution to PEPCO)

  6,500

  Northern Areas Education

  3,900

  Sindh Education Foundation

  150

  Support for National Education Foundation

  167

  Support to IED, Aga Khan Uni-Policy Research and Decision Making Education

  80

  National Education Assessment System and MSU Workshops

  140

  WB and BC Courses on Education Reform

  91

  Review Present Status of EMIS and Edu GIS in Pakistan

  33

  Sub total

  15,961

  Health

  Private Sector Population KSM/FG

  9,886

  Chitral Primary Health Care III

  3,380

  PAVHNA: Phases I and II

  4,382

  Surveys of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

  700

  Evaluation of Lady Health Workers Programme

  1,207

  Lady Health Worker Programme

  5,200

  FPAP Doorsteps Project

  517

  Social Marketing of Condoms (PSI/SMP)

  4,073

  The Network

  1,808

  Marie Stopes International—Khaipur

  1,828

  HIV-Aids Drug Harm Reduction—Main Project

  600

  Neelum Valley AJK

  1,186

  Health and Population Section (including Hon. and P Adviser)

  1,327

  TB Scoping Mission (PPP) and Follow-up

  75

  NWFP Devolution/Reform Support—Prep

  50

  HIV Aids Mainstreaming

  20

  NWFP Drugs

  1,000

  Balochistan Drugs

  1,000

  Sub total

  38,239

  Water/Sanitation

  Rural Water Supply and Sanitation NWFP

  6,500

  Sub total

  6,500

  352W
  with the appropriate Government Departments and civil society groups to address gender discrimination and violence against women.

  In recognition of Pakistan's reform progress to date, and to support the new three-year Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility agreed with the IMF earlier this month, I have allocated a further £15 million for budgetary aid this financial year, and £45 million for each of the subsequent two years. This is in addition to the on-going technical assistance programme, and represents a major increase in our engagement with Pakistan's medium-term reform programme.

  As announced in my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Islington, North (Jeremy Corbyn) on 15 October 2001, Official Report, column 802W, I have also allocated £11 million of short-term assistance to help host communities affected by the refugee influx.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the projects which she is funding in(a) part and (b) whole in Pakistan; and what is the cost involved in each case. [22978]

  Clare Short
  The following projects are being, or have been, funded by my Department in the current financial year 2001–02. Implementation periods can range between a few weeks to several years.
  353W

  Pakistan bilateral aid programme

  Projects

  Project budget (£000)

  Human Rights (including Gender Equality)

  Protect Rights and Livelihoods of Working Children

  1,225

  JPO for UNICEF (Shiona Hood) + Extension

  232

  Gender Equality Project

  2,800

  Violent Crimes Against Women (VCAW)

  700

  Safety, Security and Access to Justice

  90

  Sub total

  5,047

  Economic Management/Public Sector Reforms

  Pakistan WTO Trade Policy Project

  1,081

  General Sales Tax Reforms Phases I–III

  2,378

  Governance and World bank (includes NAB, NRB and Civil Service Reform (TR))

  170

  Social Sector Public Expenditure Analysis

  40

  PRGF Budget Support

  15,000

  Sub total

  18,669

  Electoral Systems Transition to Democracy

  UNDP Support for Elections

  1,200

  Analysis of Local Elections (PATTAN)

  50

  Democracy Study

  100

  Support for Democratic Elections

  63

  Sub total

  1,413

  Corruption

  National Accountability Bureau (NAB)

  81

  Anti-Corruption Strategy

  350

  Sub total

  431

  Sustainable Livelihoods

  AKRSP Chitral Phase III

  8,120

  AKRSP Gilgit 1997–2001

  8,000

  Lachi Poverty Reduction Project

  2,900

  NWFP SRSP Capacity Building

  1,830

  Alternative Patterns of Land Tenure (Haris Gazdar Study)

  52

  RSP Network Project

  1,032

  Faisalabad Area Upgrading I-G.cd 018–001

  12,520

  Traidcraft 'PRIDE' Feasibility Study

  90

  Micro Finance for Women—KASHF

  3,200

  Micro Finance Group

  300

  SRSP Community Infrastructure

  1,120

  Sub total

  39,164

  Poverty Policy

  Participatory Poverty Assessment (PPA)

  2,562

  Assistance to PIHS Phase II —Extension

  1,498

  Building Capacity for Poverty Analysis—Main Project

  300

  Sub total

  4,360

  Environment

  Clean Fuels Study

  165

  Sub total

  165

  Other

  Small Grants Scheme (SGS)

  176

  BHC Development Section Project (BHCDSP)

  2,920

  Sub total

  3,096

  Projects funded by Civil Society Department

  Civil Society Challenge

  Population Concern—Integrated Rural Reproductive Health Project (Lahore)

  210

  Joint Funding Scheme

  Learning for Life—Community Education Programme

  237

  Population Concern—Kohat Family Planning and Mother and Child Health

  278

  Sub total

  725

  Total

  133,770

  354W 355W

  Older People
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will set out for each of the conclusions in section 6.4 of the Performance and Innovation Unit report, "Winning the Generation Game",(a) what progress her Department has made and (b) what future plans her Department has for acting on them; and if she will set out against each of the conclusions the targets and deadlines that have been set. [24199]

  Clare Short
  The information is as follows:

  Conclusion 6:
  My Department will within the next few weeks publish a booklet for staff on alternative working patterns. The booklet, which has been approved following discussion by a staff Consultative Group on Diversity, will explain the options available for adjusting working patterns in a way which will permit part-time working or downshifting.

  Conclusion 7:
  My Department already makes extensive use of retired staff for suitable short-term assignments.

  Conclusion 8:
  A review of the implications of allowing staff to serve to age 65 is in hand and will be completed by 31 March 2002.

  Conclusion 9:
  My Department has decided not to introduce a short service concession on the grounds that a considerably smaller proportion of men rather than women would be able to comply with the criterion of having less than 20 years service and that the adoption of such a condition would therefore be potentially indirectly discriminatory under s. 1 of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 as amended. There are also potential difficulties associated with the concept of the "normal age of retirement" which defines the upper age limit applicable to complaints of unfair dismissal in terms of s.109 of the Employment Rights Act 1996.

  Conclusion 10:
  Discrimination on grounds of age is already forbidden by my Department's Equal Opportunities policy as published in our Staff Handbook (and has been for some years).

  Conclusion 11:
  Is for action by the Cabinet Office rather than Departments.

  Conclusion 12:
  My Department already recruits a considerable number of staff (particularly in professional and specialist grades) in mid to late career and age does not figure in our recruitment advertising or in our selection processes.

  Refugees (Former Yugoslavia)
  Tony Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to support internally displaced people and refugees within the former Yugoslavia during the winter months. [23263]

  Clare Short
  Humanitarian assistance from the international community, including assistance for internally displaced persons and refugees, is co-ordinated by the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and the European Commission 356W
  Humanitarian Affairs Office (ECHO). The UK provides funds for these agencies, including 19.7 per cent, of the ECHO budget.

  We are not planning to provide bilateral assistance to refugees and internally displaced persons this winter. By agreement with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, our bilateral programme focuses on providing technical assistance for institution and capacity building, and for economic and social reform. We aim to address the longer-term needs of poor people in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia by helping to restructure the economy, strengthen public administration and improve the delivery of social and health care services. This strategy is described in the DFID country strategy paper for the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

  Nigeria
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what actions her Department has taken to further good governance in the oil producing states of Nigeria. [21858]

  Clare Short
  My Department is focusing on three key areas of assistance in Nigeria: a governance and economic reform programme at federal level, with particular emphasis on strengthening the justice sector (including the police), implementing key economic reforms and promotion of an effective poverty reduction strategy; support in the continuing fight against HIV/AIDS; and working closely with four identified reforming states of the 36 states of Nigeria to demonstrate that reform can deliver practical benefits for the poor. None of our four focal states, Benue, Jigawa, Ekiti and Enugu, is oil producing. However, DFID supports good governance in oil producing states through the European Commission, which is implementing a large programme of small-scale community driven projects. These projects implement progressive and participatory community development, with the aim of enhancing the voice of the communities to articulate effective demand on services from state and local government. The programme is operational in Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states and will expand to a further three states. A DFID-seconded official has assisted the Delegation of the Commission in the development and implementation of this programme.

  Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Bill
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the OECD convention on bribery and the impact it will have on the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Bill. [21859]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  I have been asked to reply.

  Part 12 of the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 is intended to meet two recommendations made by the Organisation for Economic, Co-operation and Development (OECD) Bribery Working Group. The provisions provided for two changes in the law to ensure that: it covers the bribery of foreign public officials, ministers, Members of Parliament and judges; and the United Kingdom has jurisdiction over acts committed by our nationals and companies abroad.
  357W

WORK AND PENSIONS

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many lone parents who have participated in the new deal for lone parents have later returned to income support, broken down into(a) those who originally left the NDLP because they found work, (b) those who left the NDLP to return immediately to income support and (c) those who left the NDLP for other reasons. [7911]

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will publish an evaluation of the proportion of lone parents who return to income support within(a) one month, (b) six months and (c) one year of finding work under the new deal. [7985]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  Information on the number of lone parents returning to income support will be included in the evaluation of the new deal for lone parents national programme, which is expected to be published in spring 2003.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his answer of 9 July 2001,Official Report, column 371W, for what reason the publication of the evaluation of the new deal for lone parents has been put back to 2003. [7912]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The publication of the evaluation of the new deal for lone parents (NDLP) national programme has been delayed until spring 2003 to extend the data collection period thereby increasing the quantity of available data on NDLP participants and non-NDLP participants. This will allow the evaluation team to present a more informed and accurate evaluation.

  Young People
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of persons leaving(a) the gateway period and (b) each of the four options in the new deal for young people entered (i) unsubsidised jobs and (ii) sustained jobs in each year since the inception of the new deal for young people. [7977]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The table shows the proportion of all new deal for young people leavers who move into sustained, unsubsidised jobs from the gateway stage of the programme and from each of the options. In addition to these job outcomes we know from survey findings that around two-thirds of young people who leave options for unknown destinations do in fact find work.

  There is an on-going programme of database development to capture outcomes. For the subsidised employment option in particular, the figures prior to 2001 reflect follow-up work with employers to capture lost performance. This exercise will be repeated for 2001 leavers and we expect the figure of 37 per cent, to be revised in line with previous years' figures.
  358W

  Proportion of new deal leavers moving into jobs by year

  Percentage

  Stage of leaving new deal

  1998

  1999

  2000

  20011

  Gateway

  49

  45

  44

  42

  Subsidised employment

  56

  51

  51

  237

  Full-time education and training

  38

  32

  31

  30

  Voluntary sector

  37

  33

  33

  31

  Environmental task force

  33

  30

  31

  30

  1To end of July

  2Initial figure

  Note:

  By definition, all jobs gained by new deal leavers are sustained, unsubsidised jobs (ie to have left the programme, they must not re-claim jobseeker's allowance within 13 weeks).

  All figures are immediate destinations on leaving new deal

  Source:

  New Deal Evaluation Database

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of persons on each of the four options in the new deal for young people have left the option and returned to benefits in each year since the inception of the new deal. [7984]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The information is in the table. Around one-third of young people starting the new deal go onto one of the options. The figures in the table therefore relate only to this group of new dealers. The design of the new deal includes a period of follow-through during which people return to JSA if they don't move into work immediately at the end of an option. The follow-through provides each individual with help to make the most of the skills they have gained on their option so that they can find work as soon as possible.

  Proportion of people who left direct from the option and returned to claim jobseeker's allowance

  Percentage

  New deal option

  1998

  1999

  2000

  20011

  Subsidised employment

  50

  39

  37

  39

  Full-time education and training

  67

  69

  63

  65

  Voluntary sector

  63

  67

  62

  65

  Environmental task force

  69

  67

  64

  64

  1To end of July

  Source:

  New Deal Evaluation Database

  Third-age Apprenticeships (Wirral)
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to develop third age apprenticeships in the Wirral. [15594]

  Mr. McCartney
  Third age apprenticeships are still in the early stages of development. Their purpose is to increase the take up of training within the new deal 50-plus programme, and to engage more directly with employers in particular sectors of the market rather than in particular locations.

  The new deal 50-plus is already operational in the Wirral, helping with the recruitment and training of older people. In the first 18 months of national operation the new deal 50-plus has helped over 51,000 people back into work. Up to the end of September 2001, 382 people in the Wirral unit of delivery area had returned to work with the help of the Employment Credit1

  Source:

  New Deal Evaluation Database
  359W

  Departmental Initiatives
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list for each(a) area-based and (b) other regeneration-related initiative for which his Department is responsible (i) the amount budgeted and (ii) the total expenditure in each financial year for the planned lifetime of each initiative (a) in the UK and (b) in the Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East constituency. [16432]

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list for each(a) area-based and (b) other regeneration-related initiative for which his Department is responsible (i) the amount budgeted and (ii) the total expended in each financial year for the planned lifetime of each initiative. [14037]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  [holding answer 20 November 2001]: Action Teams for Jobs are the Department's main Area-Based Initiative. They are based in some of the most employment-deprived areas of Great Britain and work closely with local regeneration-related initiatives.

  Action teams were announced as a one-year initiative in the March 2000 Budget. Three pathfinder Teams started in June 2000, 37 others followed in mid-October 2000, all completed their first year on 12 October 2001. Although final figures are not yet available, initial results indicate that the Teams have engaged over 38,000 clients and helped 41 per cent, (over 15,500) of them into work.

  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in the Budget that the initiative would be extended to March 2004 and expanded to include seven new areas, while a number of existing areas would be divided to sharpen their focus on the most disadvantaged areas. By 2002 there will 63 action teams across GB.

  Information on action team budgets and expenditure is not available in the form requested. £45.5 million was available for the original 40 teams for their initial one-year life-span. £133 million in total has been allocated to the initiative for the period October 2001 to March 2004.

  An action team has been operating in the area covered by the Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland Employment Zone since October 2000. It did not originally include any part of the Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East constituency. However, in March 2001 the Team's remit was extended to cover certain disadvantaged groups across the whole of Redcar and Cleveland.

  From January 2002 there will be two separate action teams in the Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland area. One in Middlesbrough, covering 13 wards with high levels of worklessness (Ayresome; Beckfield; Beechwood; Berwich; Easterside; Grove Hill; Hemlington; North Ormsby; Pallister; Park End; St. Hilda's; Stainton and Thornton and Thorntree) and another in Redcar and
  360W
  Cleveland covering six wards (Coatham; Newcomen; Grangetown; South Bank; Kirkleatham and Easton). The Middlesbrough Action Team will include two wards in the Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East constituency, Hemlington and Park End.

  The current Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland Action Team has been allocated £625,000 for the period October 2000 to December 2001. The new Middlesbrough Action Team has been allocated £760,000 a year from January 2002 and the new Redcar and Cleveland Action Team has been allocated £500,000 a year.

  Another Area-Based Initiative is the Employment Zone initiative which was introduced in April 2000 to test out an alternative approach to delivering help to long-term unemployed people find work. They are located in 15 areas of the country where there are high concentrations of long-term unemployment.

  Originally intended to run for two years until March 2002, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment announced in February 2001 that the Zones would be extended for one year until March 2003.

  The amount budgeted and the total expenditure to date is as follows:

  £ million

  Year

  Budget

  Spend

  2000–01

  52.945

  68.273

  2001–02

  83.374

  —

  2002–03

  53.574

  —

  The Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland Employment Zone covers the following wards in the Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East constituency: Hutton, Guisborough, Saltburn, Skelton, Belmont, Brotton, Lockwood, Loftus, Hemlington and Park End. The Zone's total expenditure for the financial year 2000–01 was nearly £3.2 million.

  It is not possible to identify other specific regeneration-related expenditure in any meaningful way. All the programmes run by the Department for Work and Pensions aim to support the Government's overarching commitment to tackling social exclusion and poverty and improving economic growth. We are doing this in particular by providing a joined-up approach to employment and benefit policies for people of working age, with a single modern, nationwide point of delivery for advice and support on jobs and benefits through Jobcentre Plus; and by introducing a new Pension Service to provide advice and support to today's and tomorrow's pensioners, including the introduction of the pension credit.

  New Deal
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Glasgow(a) are unemployed and (b) have found work from the new deal. [21665]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The information is as follows:

  (a) There are currently 17,992 unemployed claimants in Glasgow, a fall of one-third since 1997.

  361W

  (b) The available information is in the table.

  Programme

  Number of people helped into work in the Glasgow Unit of Delivery area1

  New deal for young people

  6,369

  New deal 25 plus

  1,071

  New deal for lone parents

  2,073

  New deal 50 plus2

  3907

  New deal for partners

  432

  Total

  10,452

  1Up to the end of September 2001

  2Employment credit claims

  3At end of October 2001

  4At 26 October 2001—Source: Employment Service Labour Market System

  Source:

  New Deal Evaluation Database

  The information is not available for the new deal for disabled people.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what(a) record is kept and (b) assessment is made of the destinations of people who leave the new deal for 50-plus for employment. [18056]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  Records are kept of participants in new deal 50-plus who have entered work with the support of the new deal 50-plus employment credit, broken down by gender, ethnicity, disability and type of employment (full-time, part-time or self-employed). An assessment of the destinations will be covered by the evaluation of the programme.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how much public money has been given to each private company in Leicester operating a new deal initiative; [20258]

  (2) how much public money has been spent on the new deal in the city of" Leicester. [20257]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The total expenditure on new deal programmes in the Leicestershire unit of delivery since the introduction of new deal in April 1998 until the end of October 2001 is £22,283,937. This includes staffing costs for the Employment Service, programme expenditure and other associated costs.

  It is not possible to give details of how much public money is given to individual private companies involved in the programmes, as this would be a breach of commercial confidentiality.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what steps he is taking to prevent(a) local authorities and (b) monopoly training agencies diverting new deal training budgets from training provision to administrative budgets; [20758]

  (2) what action he will take to ensure that the organisations that provide training for new deal trainees receive the bulk of money allocated for the purpose; [20756]

  (3) if he will take action to prevent (a) local authorities and (b) other training agencies from top-slicing the individual cash allocation for training each new deal trainee in such a way that the bulk of the budget goes for administration rather than training. [20757]
  362W
  Nicholas Brown
  Costs associated with training provision are reflected in the contract price. Payment is made to contractors in line with actual performance in delivering training to agreed standards.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the answer of 19 November 2001,Official Report, column 160W, what proportion of the number of people leaving for (a) employment and (b) sustained employment in Government Departments represents of the (i) total number of people leaving the new deal for the long-term unemployed and (ii) the number of people leaving the new deal for the long-term unemployed for employment. [18040]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  This information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Soft Skills
  Mr. Goodman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list the soft skills promoted by his Department; and if he will make a statement on how they relate to hard skills. [18904]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  There is no formal list of soft skills provided through the Department's employment and training programmes. Soft skills relate to good work discipline, attitude and behaviour, which are necessary skills for everyone entering or wanting to re-enter employment. Our programmes include help with motivation, attitude problems, interpersonal skills and customer care skills. These skills relate to hard skills in that both are necessary to find and retain work.

  Benefit Fraud (Publicity Campaign)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the breakdown of the costs of the publicity campaign to tackle benefit fraud. [18985]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Northavon (Mr. Webb) on 26 October 2001,Official Report, column 438W.

  Independent Living Fund
  Mr. Mark Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when his Department will publish the results of the quinquennial review into the Independent Living Fund; and what plans he has to abandon its means test. [23141]

  Maria Eagle
  I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for the City of York (Mr. Bayley) today.

  Attendance Allowance
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if adjudicating officers deciding on the eligibility for attendance allowance are advised to consider virtual inability to walk as defined by Cassinelli v. Secretary of State for Social Services TLR 6/12/91 as evidence that constant daytime supervision is required. [22959]
  363W
  Maria Eagle
  When assessing whether someone satisfies the qualifying conditions for attendance allowance, decision makers (known as adjudication officers until 1999) are advised to take into account, among other things, whether that person needs supervision from another to avoid danger. It is the Department's view that the Court of Appeal in Cassinelli v. Secretary of State for Social Services is not relevant here as it did not address the question of supervision and only considered the meaning of "severe discomfort" as it related to mobility allowance, a benefit replaced in 1992 by disability living allowance.

  Industrial Injuries
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when Pat Sutton, a constituent, will receive an answer from the Department's Medical Services about her industrial injuries benefit; and if he will make a statement. [20448]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  [holding answer 4 December 2001: ] I have written to my hon. Friend.

  Unemployment (Disabled People)
  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the performance of Disability Employment Service instigated courses in finding work for unemployed disabled people. [11374]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The majority of unemployed disabled people find work through mainstream Jobcentre services and programmes which include vacancy displays, the various New Deals, Work Based Learning for Adults, Programme Centres and Work Trials.

  The number of disabled people who entered work using these services last year (to March 2001) totalled 83,523. The number who have entered work this year up to the end of September totals 48,081.

  In addition to these services there is a range of specialised support available from the Employment Service Disability Service Teams accessed through Disability Employment Advisers (DEAs) who are based in Jobcentres. DEAs support clients who are more significantly disadvantaged in their search for work as the result of a disability and offer a range of additional programmes and services to their clients. These include the Access to Work programme, the Work Preparation programme, Workstep, Residential Work Based Learning for Adults and the Job Introduction scheme.

  The number of people helped into work by DEAs last year (to March 2001) totalled 18,754. The number helped into work by DEA's this year, up to the end of September, totals 8,314.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will answer the questions tabled by the hon. Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak on 15 October, ref. 8410 and 8 October, ref. 7989. [16191]

  Mr. McCartney
  Question 8410 was answered on 30 November and question 7989 was answered on 29 November.
  364W

  Winter Fuel Payment (Buckingham)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many(a) women aged over 60, (b) men aged over 65 and (c) men aged 60 to 65 receive the winter fuel payment in the Buckingham constituency. [22638]

  Mr. McCartney
  The information is not available in the format requested. However, for winter 2000–01, around 5,800 men aged 60 and over and around 8,800 women aged 60 and over in the Buckingham constituency received a winter fuel payment. The figure for this year will be similar.

  Minimum Income Guarantee (Buckingham)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners received the minimum income guarantee in the Buckingham constituency in each year since 1998. [22636]

  Mr. McCartney
  The latest figures as at August 1998, 1999 and 2000 show that there were 1,400 pensioners in the Buckingham constituency receiving the minimum income guarantee. By August 2001 this figure had risen to 1,500 pensioners.

  Private Pension Provision
  Mr. Hepburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how his Department plans to encourage private pension provisions. [22664]

  Mr. McCartney
  This Government are committed to encourage private pension provision —through pension education, making saving pay, providing appropriate savings vehicles and better regulation. This strategy goes hand-in-hand with our broader reform of the pensions landscape with introduction of the state second pension and the launch of the pension service.

  Our pension education campaign has been driving home the message that those who can afford to save have an obligation to do so. As part of this, combined pension forecasts will ensure that people have the right information to make well-informed decisions on their retirement income.

  The introduction of stakeholder pensions has a significant impact the pensions landscape. Stakeholders are safe, flexible and value for money. For the first time, we have also opened up private pensions to non-earners — giving carers and the disabled a chance to build up a private pension. Since October, all employers with five or more employees must offer access to a stakeholder pension, unless they already offer an appropriate alternative, greatly increasing the coverage of private pension saving.

  The Association of British Insurers has calculated that by the end of October nearly 300,000 employers had designated a scheme. The figures also show that some 492,000 policies have been sold in the first seven months since the introduction of stakeholder pensions in April.

  We are committed to reforming the regulation of private pension provision. That is why we have commissioned Alan Pickering to lead a review of the regulatory regime, and to report in July with a package of measures for simplification. We have already accepted the recommendations of the Myners Review of institutional

  365W
  investment, are developing proposals to replace the minimum funding requirement with a long-term scheme-specific standard, and have consulted on a package of measures to speed up the winding-up of occupational pension schemes. Better regulation will be better for the individuals —by maintaining their security while removing unnecessary barriers to providing pensions.

  From 2003, around half of all pensioners will stand to gain from the new pension credit. For the first time, saving will be rewarded rather than penalised. All single pensioners with weekly incomes of up to £135, and couples with weekly incomes up to £200, will receive a cash top-up. This reward will also be good news for women —around two in three recipients of the credit will be women, as women tend to have smaller pensions than men.

  We believe that those who can afford to save for their retirement have an obligation to do so. Our policies will encourage and facilitate that saving, and allow every individual to make informed choices to safeguard their future.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what records his Department keeps of the number of notified changes to housing benefit claims each year in each local authority; and whether such information is published. [17864]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Data are collected quarterly, through the Housing Benefit Management Information System, on specified changes of circumstances notified to local authorities by people claiming Housing Benefit. This information is not routinely published.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what discussions he has had with local authorities regarding the introduction of an integrated claim form for housing benefit, council tax benefit and other benefits. [18001]

  Malcolm Wicks
  We expect Jobcentre Plus and local authorities to work closely together to provide a coherent service for customers. From next October, Jobcentre Plus offices plan to introduce an electronic process which allows us to collect information on a range of benefits only once and pass relevant housing benefit and council tax benefit claim details to local authorities. We are discussing these plans with the local authority associations on an on-going basis to ensure local authorities play a full role in the new processes we are developing.
  366W
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for what reason it is not possible for housing benefit administrators to share data with his Department on benefits other than income support and jobseeker's allowance; and if he will make a statement. [15859]

  Malcolm Wicks
  All local authorities have clerical access to information held by the Department which is relevant to the processing of housing benefit claims.

  Electronic access to income support and jobseeker's allowance data is already available through remote access terminals sited in local authorities. We are currently investigating how we can give local authorities tailored electronic access to other Departmental benefit data.

  Jobcentre Plus
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if his Department was involved in consultation with the Health and Safety Executive prior to the removal of glass security screens from new Jobcentre Plus offices. [14236]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  Yes.

  Disabled People
  Mr. Mark Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has for disabled people in work to be charged on their earnings. [17672]

  Maria Eagle
  This Government are committed to removing barriers to work for severely disabled people, making work possible and making it pay for those who can move into employment. To this end the Departments of Health and for Work and Pensions have both recently announced significant improvements in this area. The Department of Health issued new guidance for local councils setting out a new fairer charging framework for home care services on 23 November requiring councils to disregard earnings in assessing ability to pay a charge by no later than 1 October 2002.

  My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions announced in his uprating statement on 28 November that the earnings rule in the independent living funds will be abolished from April 2002, removing a disincentive for severely disabled people and/or their partners to obtain or retain work, or to seek advancement at work.

  Benefit Take-Up
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what action has been taken by each local authority in(a) 1999–2000 and (b) 2000–01 to increase benefit take-up; how much each campaign has cost; and how many people are employed by each local authority to improve benefit take-up. [15150]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
  367W

PRIME MINISTER

  Secondment (BP)
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister how many BP employees are on secondment to the Government; for what purposes; and on what terms. [22990]

  The Prime Minister
  The Government are committed to interchange which promotes the exchange of people and good practice between the Civil Service and other organisations.

  Information about individual secondments to Government from outside organisations is not held centrally.

  Since May 1997 there have been no inward secondments from BP to the Cabinet Office, including No. 10.

  Interception of Communications
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) in respect of the allegations made by Lord Ahmed of telephone tapping, for what reason his spokesman departed from the normal policy of neither confirming nor denying; and if he will make a statement; [24375]

  (2) if it is his policy that in respect of Members of the House of (a) Commons and (b) Lords, no authorization will be given for the interception of communications; and if he will make a statement. [24376]

  The Prime Minister
  As I informed the House on 30 October 1997,Official Report, column 861, Government policy remains as stated in 1966 by the then Prime Minister, the Lord Wilson of Rievaulx. In answer to questions on 17 November 1966, Lord Wilson said that he had given instructions that there was to be no tapping of the telephones of Members of the House of Commons and that if there were a development which required a change of policy, he would at such moment as seemed compatible with the security of the country, on his own initiative, make a statement in the House about it. The then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, Lord Bassam, confirmed on 27 September 2000 that this policy extended to Members of the House of Lords.

  With this long-standing exception in relation to Members of Parliament, it remains the normal policy of the Government neither to confirm nor deny allegations in respect of interception matters.

  National Health Service Review
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will publish the terms of reference of the inquiry into the NHS headed by Adair Turner; and if he will publish the final report; [24092]

  (2) if he will publish the review by Adair Turner of the workings of the NHS. [24618]

  The Prime Minister
  Adair Turner is working with my Forward Strategy Unit to provide advice as required on taking forward the NHS Plan and its objectives. Internal policy advice to Ministers remains confidential. Any decisions made by Ministers in the light of it will, of course, be made public.
  368W

  European Union
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Prime Minister what the purpose is of the proposal to create an elected President of Europe discussed at the European Union Summit; if the proposal is subject to unanimity; and what the policy of Her Majesty's Government is on the issue. [24287]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr. Redwood) in the House on 17 December 2001,Official Report, columns 34–35.

  Quality of Life Speech
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Prime Minister what progress has been made on the issues outlined in his Quality of Life speech in April; and if he will make a statement. [21926]

  The Prime Minister
  We are delivering on our commitment to improve the lives of people through the regeneration of our communities and neighbourhoods. The Neighbourhood Renewal Unit was established in April 2001, dedicated to ensuring no one is seriously disadvantaged by where they live. Substantial resources have been made available, including the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund which will provide £900 million over the next three years to improve services in the most deprived neighbourhoods. Proposals in the Police Bill and Local Government White Paper will also take forward the liveability agenda, helping to make our streets and neighbourhoods safer, cleaner and more accessible.

SCOTLAND

  Departmental Spending
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what the total expenditure was on(a) advertising, (b) polling, (c) focus groups, (d) design consultants, (e) caterers, (f) production of departmental publications and (g) photographs/photographers by her Department for each year since 1995 in (i) cash and (ii) real terms; what was (A) the annual percentage increase in spending on each category and (B) spending on each category as a percentage of the total departmental running costs; and if she will make a statement. [6922]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Government are committed to using only whatever media and channels are judged to be the most cost-effective way to deliver the publicity necessary to support the implementation of policy. Paid advertising is only resorted to after careful consideration of the cost benefits.

  As the volume of information requested spans Scottish Office/Scotland Office dates, I shall write to the hon. Member with the information as soon as possible.

  Press Notices
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many(a) press notices and (b) consultation
  documents were issued by her Department during the Summer recess. [9226]
  369W
  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 23 November 2001]: 59 press notices were issued during the summer recess. They are published on the Scotland Office website, which is freely available to the public. No consultation documents were issued during the period.

  Departmental Promotions
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much her Department spent on information literature, advertising and campaign material in the financial years(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1997–98, (d) 1998–99,(e) 1999–2000 and (f) 2000–01; and if she will make a statement. [12276]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Scottish Office spends on information literature, advertising and campaign material are listed:

  £

  Year

  Total spend

  1995–96

  2,778,000

  1996–97

  3,778,621

  1997–98

  3,344,245

  1998–99

  5,644,262

  1999–June 1999

  878,330

  The Scotland Office was established in its present form on 1 July 1999. The spends on information literature, advertising and campaign material since this date are listed.

  £

  Year

  Total spend

  1 July 1999–2000

  1,131.63

  2000–01

  322,136.64

  Departmental Name Change
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what the cost was of re-branding her Department following its name change after the general election. [17863]

  Mrs. Liddell
  My Department did not change its name after the general election.

  Air Services
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions she has had with(a) airline companies and (b) others regarding the extra costs of flights to and from Scotland since 11 September. [22969]

  Mrs. Liddell
  On 3 December I hosted a meeting attended by most of the major airlines, airport operators, business representatives and development and tourism agencies.

  While some of the airlines have experienced additional security costs following the events of 11 September, a number of operators confirmed that they were successfully generating new business.

  Night Flights
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what discussions she has had with 370W
  representatives of the airline industry regarding the noise of night flights arriving at or departing from Scottish airports; [22966]

  (2) what complaints the Government have received about the noise of night flights from people living under the flight path or close to (a) Edinburgh Airport, (b) Glasgow Airport and (c) Aberdeen Airport. [22967]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The control and regulation of noise generated by the use of airports in Scotland is a devolved responsibility and is therefore a matter for the Scottish Executive.

  Tourism
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment she has made of the impact on Scottish tourism of the additional costs imposed on flights to and from Scotland since 11 September. [22968]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Sponsorship of the tourism industry in Scotland is a matter for the Scottish Executive and Visit Scotland.

  Boundary Commissions
  Mr. Connarty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to ensure the publication of alternative proposals made by electoral boundaries commissions to the Boundary Commissioners, at the same time as the commissioners publish their proposals for boundary changes. [23494]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The publication of provisional recommendations for parliamentary constituencies is a matter solely for the Boundary Commission for Scotland in accordance with the provisions of the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986, as amended.

  Older People
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will set out for each of the conclusions in section 6.4 of the Performance and Innovation Unit report, 'Winning the Generation Game',(a) what progress her Department has made and (b) what future plans her Department has for acting on them; and if she will set out against each of the conclusions the targets and deadlines that have been set. [24194]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given today by my hon. Friend the Minster of State, Cabinet Office, at column 335.

WALES

  EU Structural Funds
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the reason for the projected change in the level of receipts from the EU from 2001–02 to 2002–03. [24836]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The projected level of receipts from the EU shows a progressive increase between 2001–02 and 2002–03 to reflect the expected build-up of spend in the Structural Fund programmes. The management of EU Structural Funds is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.
  371W

  Government Accounts
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the financial implications of the participation by his Department in the whole of Government Accounts project. [24729]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I expect any net additional costs to be minimal.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the reason for the change in the cost of depreciation from 1999 to 2001 to 2001 to 2004. [24733]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The implementation of Resource Accounting and Budgeting has altered the way that depreciation is reflected in Government accounts. Depreciation factors reflect best accounting practice and may vary depending on the nature of the asset involved.

  Learning and Skills Act
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the costs to public funds of the implementation in Wales of the Learning and Skills Act 2000. [24760]

  Mr. Touhig
  This is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

  Business Plan
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what cost savings have been identified by his Department's preparation of an annual business plan. [24731]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  My Department's financial provision for capital expenditure and for paybill and general administrative expenditure is constant in cash terms over the period 2001–02 to 2003–04. This provides an automatic mechanism for delivering cost savings at least equal to the rate of inflation each year.

  Welsh Assembly
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the funding settlement for the Welsh Assembly for 2001 to 2004. [24762]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the statement I made to the Welsh Grand Committee on 19 July 2000.

  Departmental Operating Costs
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the reasons for the change in the operating costs of his Department from(a) 1999–2000 to 2000–2001 and (b) 2000–01 to 2001–02. [24735]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  My Department came into being on 1 July 1999 and so was operational for only three-quarters of the financial year 1999–2000.

  Annexe 3 of the Departmental Report 2001 shows an estimated outturn on "paybill and general administrative expenditure" of £2.259 million in 2000–01 and projected expenditure of £2.279 million in 2001–02. This is a change of less than 1 per cent.
  372W

  Departmental Payments
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will make a statement on progress with his Department's target for making payments in accordance with the applicable timetable where a contract applies; [24757]

  (2) if he will make a statement on progress with the target of paying accounts within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice. [24756]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Over the last three months, my Department has on average paid 88 per cent, of its bills on time each month.

  Capital Charges
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the reason for the change in the cost of capital charges from 1999–01 to 2001–04. [24730]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The treatment of capital charges has altered during this period with the introduction of Resource Accounting and Budgeting.

  For my Department, the cost of capital arises essentially from the headquarters building (Gwydyr House) and its contents. Gwydyr House was professionally valued on 31 March 2000 and under current accounting policies is due to have professional revaluations every five years.

  The cost of capital charge is applied to average net assets of a department over a financial year and is charged at 6 per cent, which is the Treasury's discounted rate.

  Children's Commissioner for Wales
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the cost to public funds of the Children's Commissioner for Wales. [24761]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  This is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

  Departmental Expenditure Limit
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the reason for the change in the capital departmental expenditure limit from(a) 1999–2000 to 2000–01 and (b) 2000–01 to 2001–02. [24734]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The capital Departmental Expenditure Limit attributable to my Department meets those administrative costs which are of a capital nature—primarily the need to maintain, refurbish, and improve access to, Gwydyr House, Changes in provision are agreed in the light of expected pressures.

  Information Systems
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on changes resulting from his Department's development of its financial and management information systems. [24732]
  373W
  Mr. Paul Murphy
  My Department's financial and management information systems are being further upgraded; the changes which may result are not yet known.

  Brynglas Tunnels
  Paul Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales whatdiscussions he has had with the First Secretary of the Welsh Assembly on the effects on the future economy of Wales of traffic congestion at the Brynglas Tunnels. [24393]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I meet regularly with the First Minister when we discuss a range of matters, including the economy and the transport infrastructure in Wales.

  The new Southern Distributor Road recently announced by Newport county borough should greatly improve the road network in the Newport area and help provide a boost to economic development prospects.

  The National Assembly is considering other options to alleviate congestion around Newport.

  Job Losses (Nantgarw)
  Mr. David
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what co-operation he has had with the National Assembly in developing a response to the job losses at G.E. Aircraft Engine Services at Nantgarw in South Wales. [23399]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I regret the decision taken by General Electric to shed around 350 jobs at its plant in Nantgarw and the effect this decision will have on those who will lose their jobs and the effects on their families and the community.

  The First Minister met representatives of GE in September of this year. I know that Assembly officials have been in regular contact with GE and will offer and provide whatever support they can.

  Staff Numbers
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Waleshow many people were employed in his Department in each of the last four years. [23788]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Figures are published in annual Departmental Reports.

  Older People
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will set out for each of the conclusions in section 6.4 of the Performance and Innovation Unit report, 'Winning the Generation Game',(a) what progress his Department has made and (b) what future plans his Department has for acting on them; and if he will set out against each of the conclusions the targets and deadlines that have been set. [24195]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  My Department does not employ any staff directly and so is limited in its capacity to influence the terms on which they are employed.

  However I should be delighted to welcome a higher proportion of older people among those being seconded to the Wales Office from other organisations.
  374W

WORK AND PENSIONS

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will publish the list of the changed circumstances a housing benefit claimant must report. [17867]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The duty to notify changes of circumstances is set out in regulation 75 of the Housing Benefit (General) Regulations 1987. Subject to the exceptions set out in regulation 75(2), the regulation provides that a person claiming housing benefit has a duty to notify the local authority in writing of any change of circumstances that he or she might reasonably be expected to know might affect his or her right to housing benefit, the amount of benefit or his or her receipt of benefit. It is not possible to provide a definitive list of relevant changes as these will depend on each person's individual circumstances.

  How people are made aware of their responsibility to notify changes of circumstances is a matter for individual local authorities to decide upon. However, we have developed a model housing benefit and council tax benefit claim form which local authorities are encouraged to use. The guidance for completing the form includes a list of many of the common changes which must be reported.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) if he will list in date order the housing benefit regulations and amendments to them issued since September 2000; [7904]

  (2) how many (a) sets of housing benefit regulations, (b) number of housing benefit regulations, (c) amendments to housing benefit regulations and (d) housing benefit circulars there have been in each year since 1988. [7905]

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) if he will list the date and nature of each of the changes to housing benefit regulations that have been made since April 1997; [15858]

  (2) if he will list the dates and subject matters of the circulars he has sent to local authorities on (a) housing benefit administration and (b) measures to tackle housing benefit fraud since April 2000. [15860]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many regulatory changes affecting the administration of housing benefits have been made(a) in each year since 1997 and (b) in each month since July 2000; [19503]

  (2) how many departmental circulars modifying housing benefit rules have been issued (a) each year since 1997 and (b) each month since July 2000. [19504]

  Malcolm Wicks
  [holding answer 11 December 2001]: Many of the changes we have made to the housing benefit and council tax benefit schemes since 1997 support our wide-ranging welfare reform initiatives.

  We recognise the need to ensure that the impact of such change on local authorities is fully taken into account before implementation. We are, therefore, establishing a

  375W
  Regulation Scrutiny Group, including local authority representatives, to consider future proposed regulations, and to report on the implications for local authorities.

  The available information on the number of sets of housing benefit regulations, statutory instruments containing regulations amending housing benefit provisions and circulars issued is in the table.

  year

  Sets of housing benefit (HB) regulations

  Statutory instruments containing regulations amending HB provisions

  Number of HB circulars issued

  1988

  3

  3

  20

  1989

  2

  2

  25

  1990

  3

  8

  23

  1991

  3

  6

  20

  1992

  4

  11

  35

  1993

  5

  11

  46

  1994

  5

  10

  34

  1995

  7

  13

  58

  1996

  4

  16

  57

  1997

  8

  18

  83

  1998

  4

  14

  89

  1999

  4

  15

  81

  2000

  5

  23

  73

  20011

  8

  20

  74

  1To October 31

  Information on the number of individual provisions, including how they affect administration, within each set of regulations and amendments to them could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, a list of sets of regulations affecting housing benefit (including amendments to these regulations) made between 1 September 2000 and 10 December 2001 has been placed in the Library.

  The numbers of departmental circulars identified as giving guidance on changes to housing benefit rules for each year since 1997 and each month since July 2000 are in the table.

  Year/month

  Number

  1997

  47

  1998

  41

  1999

  43

  2000

  January to June

  21

  July

  3

  August

  1

  September

  6

  October

  2

  November

  5

  December

  3

  Total

  41

  2001

  January

  3

  February

  4

  March

  5

  April

  6

  May

  3

  June

  2

  July

  2

  August

  4

  September

  2

  October

  6

  376W

  Year/month

  Number

  November

  3

  December

  1

  Total1

  40

  1To 30 November

  Note:

  Circulars that confirm, consolidate or reinforce previous guidance are not included. Circulars that interpret changes to rules in relation to the Verification Framework are also not included.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what was the figure for expenditure on the housing benefit under occupation pilot that was not specified on page 103 of the 2001 Departmental report. [18917]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The under-occupation pilot encourages housing benefit recipients living in under-occupied social housing to move to smaller and cheaper accommodation in order to make more efficient use of housing stock. The pilot is expected to run until 2003. Estimated expenditure in 2000–01 was £17,335. This figure is subject to adjustment on receipt of audited claims from participating authorities.

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the(a) costs and (b) savings to the housing benefit budget in each region in England of the introduction of rent restructuring in (i) 2002–03 and (ii) 2003–04. [19820]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The information is not available in the format requested.

  Initial estimates suggest that the overall public expenditure cost of rent restructuring, taking account of housing benefit payments, rental income of councils and grant requirements for new housing association developments is broadly neutral.

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what percentage of all(a) council and (b) registered social landlord tenants in each London local authority are in receipt of housing benefit; [19911]

  (2) what percentage of (a) council and (b) registered social landlord tenants in each London local authority are pensioners and of these what proportion are in receipt of housing benefit. [19821]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Information is not available in the format requested.

  The total number of local authority and social landlord tenants by local authority is not collected centrally. Reliable estimates of the number of pensioners in receipt of housing benefit and living in either local authority or social landlord housing by each London local authority are not available.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of and how many people in receipt of disability living allowance have mental health problems. [20783]

  Maria Eagle
  At 31 May 2001, about 267,500 recipients of disability living allowance—almost 12 per cent, of the total number—had mental health problems recorded as
  377W
  their principal disabling condition. In addition, about 222,200 recipients—almost 10 per cent, of the total number—had learning difficulties so recorded.

  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of claimants in receipt of the mobility components of disability living allowance do so because of mental health problems. [20784]

  Maria Eagle
  At 31 May 2001, about 12 per cent, of people who receive the mobility component of disability living allowance had mental health problems recorded as their principal disabling condition. In addition, about 10 per cent, had learning difficulties so recorded.

  Valerie Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many awards of disability living allowance have been made in each of the last three years to people suffering with sickle cell anaemia. [22178]

  Maria Eagle
  This information is not available in the form requested. About 600 awards of disability living allowance are made each year to people with blood disorders recorded as their principal disabling condition. Some of these cases may involve sickle cell anaemia.

  Jobcentre Plus
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what training front-line staff of Jobcentre Plus receive on working with clients with mental health problems. [20782]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  All staff working in the Jobcentre Plus pathfinder offices work through an open learning module on disability awareness. This covers different types of disabilities including mental health. We are also developing a two-day trainer-led event for front line Jobcentre Plus staff. This includes information on working with customers with mental health conditions provided by The Mental Health Foundation. Our training provision also makes use of a video from the Employers' Forum on Disability.

  New Deal
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his answer of 28 November 2001,Official Report, column 901W, on the new deal, to the hon. hon. Friend the Member for Chatham and Aylesford (Mr. Shaw) how many of the new deal starts in his Department resulted in sustained employment for the person concerned in the Department; if he will give a breakdown of these starts by branch of the new deal; and how many of the starts in other Government Departments resulted in sustained employment for the person concerned in the Department in question. [21267]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  This information is not collected centrally for all of the Department and its agencies, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, in the Employment Service (ES) up to October 2001, of the 768 people taken on under the new deal for young 378W
  people and new deal 25 plus, 284 have gained permanent employment with the ES and a further 87 have found permanent employment outside the ES.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Workand Pensions how many people are employed by the Department under the new deal for young people; and at what cost to public funds. [21312]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  Information follows on the number of people employed by the Employment Service under the new deal for young people. Information for the rest of the Department is not collected centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  New deal recruits take up existing vacancies so extra costs are limited to the subsidy, where appropriate, and any additional training and development which may be needed. The cost of the latter cannot be readily identified.

  Up to October 2001, the Employment Service had recruited 688 people under new deal for young people. The subsidy had been claimed for 562 of these at a cost of approximately £1.3 million. The Employment Service has also taken on 2,254 new deal jobseekers under its normal recruitment processes. This figure includes people on new deal for young people and new deal 25 plus and cannot be broken down. These recruits have been treated the same way as other employees and have generated no extra costs to public funds.

  Wirral Young Carers Project
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State forWork and Pensions when he expects to pay Wirral Young Carers group the money from the European Social Fund applied for in 2000. [21407]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  Payment in respect of the Wirral Young Carers project will be progressed as quickly as possible when an application for an advance claim is received from Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council.

  Maternity Allowance
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Glasgow receive the sure start maternity grant. [21666]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The information is in the table:

  Benefits Agency District

  Number of sure start maternity grants made between 27 March 20001 and 31 October 2001

  Glasgow East

  1,250

  Glasgow North

  1,735

  Glasgow South

  2,380

  Total

  5,360

  1 Sure start maternity grants replaced the social fund maternity payment for any child born or adopted on or after 11 June 2000 at the rate of £200 for each child. 27 March 2000 is the earliest date on which a claim for a sure start maternity grant could be made.

  Notes:

  1. The payments were raised to £300 from 18 September 2000 and the rate is set to increase again to £500 in 2002.

  2. Figures are rounded to the nearest five

  Source:

  Social Fund Policy, Budget and Management System
  379W

  Maternity Pay
  Richard Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much small employers will be able to recover for the statutory maternity pay they pay out from 6 April 2002. [24995]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Currently small employers whose gross national insurance payments in a tax year are £20,000 or less (the small employers relief threshold) can recover 100 per cent, of the Statutory Maternity Pay they pay out plus an additional amount, currently 5 per cent., in compensation for the employers share of national insurance contributions due on SMP payments. The compensation rate is reviewed each year based on a formula which compares the employers' share of national insurance paid on SMP with the total amount of SMP paid by all employers.

  From 6 April 2002 the threshold is being doubled to £40,000. This will mean that an additional 10,000 employers a year will qualify and in all around 60 per cent, of all employers paying SMP in a year will get full reimbursement. At the same time the additional compensation rate is being amended to 4.5 per cent, in line with the estimates made of SMP due to be paid and employers' national insurance costs on those payments from April 2002. Regulations will shortly be laid to achieve these changes.

  Disability Rights Task Force
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proposals have been made by the Disability Rights Task Force; and how they will be implemented. [21808]

  Maria Eagle
  The Disability Rights Task Force issued two reports. The first was on a Disability Rights Commission, which we established in April 2000. The second was on comprehensive civil rights, on which we published our response, "Towards Inclusion", in March 2001. Copies of "Towards Inclusion" are available in the Library.

  Departmental Staff (Home Working)
  Mr. Challen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department is taking to encourage staff to work from home; and how many staff do so on a regular basis. [21828]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The Department for Work and Pensions is committed to the Work-Life balance of its staff. A range of flexible working patterns including part time working, job sharing and homeworking is available to staff by agreement with their management. The flexibility to work at home is most frequently used on an ad-hoc basis, but there are individuals who have homeworking as a regular part of their working pattern. The Department is currently looking at ways in which data on the number of people taking up the flexibility can be captured.

  The Department for Work and Pensions publicises its policy on flexible working and encourages managers to respond positively to requests as part of their commitment to the diversity agenda. Although the current disparate IT systems allow varying degrees of access to systems at the office, the Department is developing IT infrastructures,
  380W
  complete with the necessary security measures that will in the future allow more flexible and widespread access to office IT systems from home.

  Departmental Spending
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the answer of the Secretary of State for Education and Skills of 3 December 2001,Official Report, column 81W, on departmental underspend, how he intends to spend the money transferred to his Department from underspend in the Department for Education and Skills in financial year 2000–01. [22777]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  Of the £326 million, £220 million is ring fenced for European Structural Funds and was included in Department's Estimate at the Winter Supplementary. The Remaining £106 million was available end year flexibility within the Employment Opportunities Fund.

  The Department has included £52.6 million in its estimate at the Winter Supplementary; this has been allocated to the new deal programmes. DfES has included £40 million in their estimate at the winter supplementary and allocated it to new deal for Schools. Any further draw down will need to be agreed with the Treasury.

  Winter Fuel Allowance (Battersea)
  Martin Linton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners in Battersea will receive the £200 winter fuel allowance this winter. [22943]

  Mr. McCartney
  Winter fuel payments are made to most people aged 60 and over, regardless of whether they receive a state retirement pension. The rate is either £200 or £100, depending on whether the person lives alone or with another eligible person. Around 10,400 people in Battersea received a winter fuel payment last year and, of these, around 6,800 received a payment at £200. We expect the figures for this year to be similar.

  Benefits (Epsom and Ewell)
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in the Epsom and Ewell constituency receive(a) disability living allowance and (b) carers allowance. [23428]

  Maria Eagle
  There were 1,795 recipients of disability living allowance in Epsom and Ewell at 31 May 2001.

  No information is available on invalid care allowance by parliamentary constituency. At 30 September 2001 there were 379,780 recipients in Great Britain.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many applicants for carers benefit in the Epsom and Ewell constituency have had their claims refused in each of the past five years. [23427]

  Maria Eagle
  This information is not readily available for individual constituencies.

  Pension Credit
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will place in the Library(a) a summary and (b) a complete set of responses to the Pension Credit consultation paper. [24242]
  381W
  Mr. McCartney
  The responses were placed in the Library on 28 November.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the pension credit, the method of application and who is eligible to receive it. [19364]

  Mr. McCartney
  [holding answer 3 December 2001]: I refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend's oral statement on 28 November.

  A Bill to implement the Government's proposals for Pension Credit was introduced in the House of Lords on 28 November 2001. Copies of the Bill and the explanatory notes have been placed in the Library, together with a booklet, "The Pension Credit: the Government's proposals setting out how Pension Credit will work". Copies are also available in the Vote Office.

  Advertising Campaign
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his answer of 27 November 2001,Official Report, column 828W, which section of the table shows the costs of the 'What Have You Got to Offer?' advertising campaign. [24230]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The information is in the table.

  £

  Advertising and Media

  Other costs

  Targeting benefit fraud

  5,747,000

  402,252

  National Benefit Fraud Hotline advertising

  425,178

  Minimum Income Guarantee

  3,365,000

  176,0001

  Inherited SERPS

  340,000

  345,000

  Winter Fuel Payments

  616,000

  294,000

  Pensions Education3

  5,232,0002

  1,297,000

  Bereavement Benefits

  155,000

  90,000

  New Deal for Young People

  558,201

  951,728

  New Deal 50+

  2,175,367

  63,793

  New Deal Partners

  99,445

  67,310

  Action Teams for Jobs

  58,504

  440

  New Deal for Lone Parents

  2,292,000

  295,000

  "What have you got to offer"

  2,946,997

  152,625

  New Deal for Disabled People

  31,372

  240,387

  1 This includes £30,985 customer research into a new MIG claim form which straddled two financial years.

  2The overall Pensions Education marketing budget figure remains unchanged at £6,529,062 (which was rounded to £6,530,000).Within this total, the advertising media and production cost given previously has changed from £5,212,000 to £5,232,000. This takes account of some photography costs that were previously included as part of "other costs", but can be directly attributed to advertising.

  3In addition to the total of £6,529,062 (which was rounded to£6,530,000) £103,370 was spent on completing our previous pensions education activity (with a Monopoly theme) that preceded the new "Working Dogs" campaign, as well as some developmental work that was undertaken before the new Working Dogs Campaign was launched.

  Older People
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what preparatory work his Department is undertaking in conjunction with other departments for the UN World Assembly for Older People in Madrid next March. [23121]
  382W
  Mr. McCartney
  Our preparation for the United Nations' World Assembly on Ageing is on schedule and is being taken forward in close co-operation with other government departments and older people's organisations.

  Much of the work to date has focused on developing the main objective of the Assembly—the International Strategy on Ageing. Consultation with colleagues across Government and the voluntary sector has helped to shape the UK's contribution to the Strategy.

  The current draft can be found on www.un.org/esa/socdev/ageing/waa.

  The World Assembly will be an important event and we will be working closely with our colleagues across government, older people's organisations and older people themselves to finalise our plans.

  Pensioners (Benefits)
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimates he has made of non-take-up of means-tested benefits by pensioners by(a) expenditure and (b) caseload in (i) the English regions, (ii) Scotland, (iii) Wales and (iv) Northern Ireland. [24034]

  Mr. McCartney
  Estimates for non-take-up of income-related benefits (council tax benefit, housing benefit, income support, jobseeker's allowance) by pensioners are available for Great Britain and can be found in the DWP publication "Income Related Benefits Estimates of Take-Up 1999–2000". Copies are available in the House of Commons Library. No estimates are available for different parts of Great Britain.

  Unemployment (West Wiltshire)
  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many young people in Wiltshire have gained employment under the new deal; and what percentage this represents of all unemployed young people. [18406]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  Up to the end of September 2001, the new deal had helped 1,888 young people move into work in the Wiltshire Employment Service district. There are currently 919 unemployed young people in the district.

  Setting the stock of unemployed young people at a point in time against the flow of young people into jobs through the new deal is not a meaningful comparison. However, in Wiltshire long-term youth unemployment has fallen by 70 per cent, since the new deal started. Although some of this reduction is a result of this Government's success in delivering steady economic growth, the new deal for young people has also played an important role.

  Landlords (Compensation Payments)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what were the figures for compensation payments to landlords that were not specified on page 103 of the 2001 Departmental report. [18905]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The compensation scheme ended in April 2000 when the transitional housing benefit scheme was implemented.
  383W
  The information requested is in the table.

  £

  Year

  Outturn

  1997–98

  6,000

  1998–99

  363,000

  1999–2000

  140,000

  2000–01 (estimated)

  27,000

  Note:

  Figures are rounded to the nearest £1,000

  IS and IT Services (Savings)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the saving from the contract for IS and IT services to deliver new wide area network services. [18983]

  Mr. McCartney
  The contract price of the new WAN service is broadly comparable to that of the old one.

  However, the Department will receive a significantly improved service in the areas of service flexibility, performance, management information and security, and so position the Department to further modernise its IT in the future.

  Council Tax Benefit
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to review the council tax benefits restriction scheme; and if he will make a statement. [19041]

  Malcolm Wicks
  We have no plans to review the present council tax benefit restrictions.

  Since 2 July 2001, local authorities have been able to make discretionary housing payments to those people entitled to housing benefit and council tax benefit who require additional financial assistance with their rent or council tax. This includes those whose council tax benefit has been restricted. These payments are at the discretion of the local authority and subject to an annual cash limit.

  Departmental Expenditure Limits
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of the increase in the departmental expenditure limit from 2001–02 to 2002–03 will be accounted for by wage costs. [20670]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The level of wage costs within departmental budgets this year and in future years will be dependent upon negotiations. Departmental reports published next spring will give full retrospective costs.

  Stakeholder Pension Schemes
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if contracted-in stakeholder pension schemes will be deregistered. [21441]

  Mr. McCartney
  [holding answer 10 December 2001]: The Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority has written to the four stakeholder pension schemes that are not contracted-out, and they have the opportunity of applying for contracted-out status.
  384W

  Pensions
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will publish draft regulations to facilitate the equalisation of benefits for pensions schemes being wound up. [23771]

  Mr. McCartney
  We do not propose to publish draft regulations. Equalisation of benefits in pension schemes is a matter for the trustees of schemes.

  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the reports by the Pension Provisions Group entitled (1) "Pensions and the Labour Market"; [23772]

  (2) "Pension Provision and Self-Employment". [23773]

  Mr. McCartney
  We welcome the "Pensions and the Labour Market" report. We are pleased to note that the group has concluded that our pension reforms, together with measures to encourage and facilitate paid work,"should improve the overall level of pension provision".

  We share the Pension Provision Group's view that good quality, occupational pension schemes will continue to work well for large numbers of people.

  We also welcome the group's report on pension provision and self-employment. It makes a useful contribution to the debate on this important issue.

  Tax Credits
  Mr. Hoban
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the cost savings arising from the simplification of income support and the income based element of the jobseeker's allowance as a consequence of the provisions of the Tax Credits Bill. [23998]

  Malcolm Wicks
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]: Paragraph 210 of the explanatory notes to the Tax Credits Bill says that there are expected to be annual reductions in expenditure across DWP policy responsibilities amounting to £4 billion, arising from the abolition of the child related elements of IS/JSA, the new deal 50 plus employment credit and child dependency increases.

  Benefits (South Shields)
  Mr. Miliband
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in South Shields are claiming(a) incapacity benefit, (b) working families tax credit and (c) children's tax credit. [23770]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]: The available information is in the table.

  Recipients of incapacity benefit and working families tax credit in the South Shields parliamentary constituency

  Benefit/tax credit

  Number

  Incapacity benefit1,2,3

  5,600

  Working families' tax credit2,3

  2,500

  1Excludes a small number of cases held clerically.

  2Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred.

  3Estimates based on 5 per cent, samples and are subject to error.

  Notes:

  1. Incapacity benefit figures are for August 2001. Working families tax credit figures are for May 2001.

  2. Children's tax credit figures are not available by parliamentary constituency.
  385W
  Source:

  Incapacity Benefit Quarterly Statistical Inquiry August 2001.

  Working families' tax credit quarterly statistical Inquiry May 2001.

  Means-tested Benefits
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will give the latest annualised cost of means-tested benefits for those also in receipt of a retirement pension, broken down by(a) minimum income guarantee payments, (b) housing benefit, (c) council tax benefit,(d) disability benefits and (e) other benefits. [23329]

  Mr. McCartney
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]: Forecast expenditure for 2001–02 on income-related benefits for the pensioner group1 is given in the table:

  £million2

  Minimum income guarantee3

  4,530

  Housing benefit

  4,460

  Council tax benefit

  1,390

  Social fund

  35

  Total

  10,415

  1Statistics for the pensioner group in income-related benefit include benefit units in which the claimant is a man aged 60–64 as well as those in which the claimant is over pension age.

  2Figures are rounded to the nearest £5 million and are consistent with social security totals published in the pre-Budget Report 2001.

  3 Expenditure on minimum income guarantee includes premiums related to disability where relevant.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Judges' Accommodation
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his answer of 11 December 2001,Official Report, column 840W, on judges' accommodation, if he will publish (a) the terms of reference and (b) the comparison made of the value for money provided by judges lodgings undertaken as part of the triennial review of judges lodgings. [23912]

  Mr. Wills
  The notional comparison referred to in my previous reply was undertaken merely to test the overall assumption that lodgings should continue to be the main method by which accommodation is provided. The terms of reference were to compare the cost of lodgings with alternative forms of accommodation providing appropriate standards of security, privacy and comfort. Hotel costs were calculated on the assumption that the judge and his clerk would be accommodated in a high quality hotel, that the judge would occupy a suite of rooms consisting of a double bedroom, a lounge/study and en-suite bathroom facilities, and that the clerk would have a single room with en-suite bathroom facilities. Allowance was also made for other associated costs e.g. transport to and from court.

  This comparison was an academic exercise using notional representative costs and only formed a small part of the triennial review. Additionally, the costs attributed to hotel use excluded any additional security costs that would inevitably be required to provide the safe and secluded environment provided by lodgings. It would therefore be misleading to publish the comparison.
  386W
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the average cost of running judges' lodgings per judge accommodated at each of the individual lodgings in the Lodging Estate for the financial years(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99, (c) 1999–2000 and (d) 2000–01. [24128]

  Mr. Wills
  It has not been possible in the time available to provide the average cost per judge accommodated for each lodgings. However, the following four tables show the average cost per judge week for each of the lodgings based on:

  Total costs;

  Total costs excluding capital charge; and

  Costs solely attributable to judicial occupation

  The figures for 2000–01 are yet to be audited and may therefore be subject to slight change.

  Judges lodgings costs per judge week used 2000–01

  Lodgings

  Total cost

  Total cost (ex. capital charge)

  Judicial cost

  Birmingham

  3,533.91

  2,699.39

  1,575.38

  Leicester

  4,762.45

  4,762.45

  2,014.00

  Lincoln

  4,243.80

  4,243.80

  1,394.48

  Nottingham

  4,390.58

  3,673.53

  1,713.84

  Northampton

  6,656.09

  6,656.09

  2,957.22

  Oxford

  7,151.67

  7,151.67

  3,027.67

  Stafford

  4,795.15

  4,795.15

  1,475.21

  Warwick

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  Worcester

  4,156.39

  4,156.39

  2,494.23

  Hull

  1,531.60

  1,531.60

  531.60

  Leeds

  3,396.48

  3,396.48

  1,875.43

  Plawsworth

  3,609.13

  3,162.78

  1,577.22

  Sheffield

  5,648.90

  4,930.35

  1,887.64

  Carlisle

  2,894.76

  2,894.76

  1,380.47

  Liverpool

  2,572.33

  2,572.33

  1,464.24

  Manchester

  3,545.65

  3,204.06

  1,768.03

  Preston

  4,923.96

  3,774.42

  2,345.18

  Chelmsford

  8,006.79

  8,006.79

  1,325.09

  Lewes

  7,324.39

  7,324.39

  1,851.19

  Maidstone

  9,562.82

  6,599.90

  1,624.16

  Norwich

  7,668.02

  5,859.42

  1,443.11

  Reading

  7,879.09

  4,609.15

  2,750.35

  St. Albans

  6,517.64

  4,086.66

  2,154.30

  Caernarfon

  4,621.95

  4,621.95

  2,365.17

  Cardiff

  3,765.72

  3,348.43

  2,056.06

  Chester

  7,678.89

  6,800.42

  2,408.72

  Mold

  9,141.94

  9,141.94

  2,546.64

  Swansea

  5,662.69

  5,005.88

  2,362.40

  Bristol

  4,591.42

  4,591.42

  1,676.56

  Exeter

  2,214.01

  2,214.01

  972.89

  Plymouth

  3,568.68

  3,568.68

  1,857.96

  Truro

  3,317.57

  3,317.57

  1,026.95

  Winchester

  4,615.57

  2,899.21

  1,666.25

  Judges lodgings costs per judge week used 1999–2000

  Lodging

  Total cost

  Total cost (ex. capital charge)

  Judicial cost

  Birmingham

  2,876.90

  2,289.93

  1,449.13

  Nottingham

  4,702.90

  4,003.62

  1,866.48

  Leicester

  3,303.62

  3,303.62

  1,227.78

  Oxford

  4,108.95

  4,108.95

  1,956.76

  Worcester

  4,138.25

  4,138.25

  2,158.81

  Lincoln

  4,175.64

  4,175.64

  1,602.87

  Northampton

  5,441.63

  5,441.63

  2,363.53

  Stafford

  3,569.39

  3,569.39

  1,450.80

  Warwick

  1,305.70

  1,305.70

  1,128.76

  Leeds

  2,824.77

  2,824.77

  1,676.55

  387W

  Judges lodgings costs per judge week used 1999–2000

  Lodging

  Total cost

  Total cost (ex. capital charge)

  Judicial cost

  Plawsworth

  2,971.92

  2,444.50

  1,599.24

  Sheffield

  7,098.81

  6,437.52

  1,791.37

  Carlisle

  3,068.06

  3,068.06

  1,138.70

  Liverpool

  2,743.22

  2,743.22

  1,325.40

  Manchester

  3,455.46

  3,131.71

  1,983.10

  Preston

  3,922.62

  2,951.78

  1,941.19

  Chelmsford

  3,361.45

  3,361.45

  863.91

  Lewes

  6,016.60

  6,016.60

  1,862.79

  Maidstone

  7,798.97

  5,855.74

  1,738.38

  Norwich

  4,836.31

  3,910.96

  1,257.34

  Reading

  5,155.12

  3,480.41

  2,536.65

  St. Albans

  6,526.01

  4,384.25

  2,242.23

  Caernarfon

  5,296.55

  5,296.55

  3,388.50

  Cardiff

  3,552.48

  3,135.69

  1,890.13

  Chester

  4,999.98

  4,304.70

  2,372.98

  Mold

  10,131.43

  10,131.43

  2,070.52

  Swansea

  6,196.83

  5,312.62

  2,547.83

  Bristol

  3,315.83

  3,315.83

  1,411.90

  Exeter

  3,482.10

  3,482.10

  810.02

  Plymouth

  5,623.55

  5,623.55

  2,625.57

  Truro

  4,996.84

  4,996.84

  1,306.44

  Winchester

  3,461.95

  2,754.38

  1,624.54

  Judges lodgings costs per judge week used 1998–99

  Lodging

  Total cost

  Total cost (ex. capital charge)

  Judicial cost

  Birmingham

  2,856.91

  2,357.07

  1,487.28

  Nottingham

  2,802.23

  2,404.89

  1,615.48

  Leicester

  3,769.64

  3,769.64

  2,103.60

  Oxford

  5,284.32

  5,284.32

  3,234.05

  Worcester

  3,491.08

  3,491.08

  1,546.46

  Lincoln

  3,988.73

  3,988.73

  1,313.98

  Northampton

  5,021.86

  5,021.86

  2,567.08

  Stafford

  5,306.43

  5,306.43

  817.91

  Warwick

  1,644.05

  1,644.05

  1,392.05

  Leeds

  3,852.17

  3,852.17

  2,169.48

  Plawsworth

  3,840.67

  3,271.12

  1,580.26

  Sheffield

  6,252.50

  5,679.93

  1,948.07

  Carlisle

  2,648.33

  2,648.33

  1,336.01

  Liverpool

  3,892.21

  3,892.21

  1,899.50

  Manchester

  2,830.63

  2,568.57

  1,764.47

  Preston

  6,479.53

  5,403.21

  2,529.82

  Chelmsford

  3,038.26

  3,038.26

  693.29

  Lewes

  5,464.20

  5,464.20

  2,454.96

  Maidstone

  7,834.84

  6,568.36

  1,625.89

  Norwich

  4,596.76

  3,873.48

  1,434.15

  Reading

  6,621.13

  4,953.60

  2,883.90

  St. Albans

  8,558.11

  5,916.78

  2,237.04

  Caernarfon

  5,356.68

  5,356.68

  1,740.05

  Cardiff

  3,516.80

  3,136.46

  1,981.07

  Chester

  5,834.61

  5,150.78

  2,857.79

  Mold

  5,641.53

  5,641.53

  1,438.88

  Swansea

  11,842.66

  10,507.26

  3,123.63

  Bristol

  2,983.57

  2,983.57

  1,528.26

  Exeter

  4,102.47

  4,102.47

  1,241.47

  Plymouth

  3,377.18

  3,377.18

  1,749.64

  Truro

  2,821.11

  2,821.11

  1,209.87

  Winchester

  3,962.79

  3,163.77

  1,747.46

  Judges lodgings costs per judge week used 1997–98

  Lodging

  Total cost

  Total cost (ex. capital charge)

  Judicial cost

  Birmingham

  2,986.24

  2,164.86

  1,594.29

  Nottingham

  4,170.22

  3,477.96

  1,860.28

  388W

  Judges lodgings costs per judge week used 1997–1998

  Lodging

  Total cost

  Total cost (ex. capital charge)

  Judicial cost

  Leicester

  3,250.92

  3,250.92

  2,292.38

  Oxford

  5,314.22

  5,314.22

  2,898.02

  Worcester

  3,875.66

  3,875.66

  2,142.06

  Lincoln

  4,633.50

  4,633.50

  1,597.65

  Northampton

  9,203.92

  9,203.92

  2,171.35

  Stafford

  4,453.38

  4,453.38

  944.64

  Warwick

  1,342.73

  1,342.73

  1,389.23

  Leeds

  4,188.48

  4,188.48

  2,277.69

  Plawsworth

  2,931.25

  2,462.51

  1,589.49

  Sheffield

  7,133.36

  6,899.23

  2,247.91

  Carlisle

  2,594.40

  2,594.40

  1,145.03

  Liverpool

  3,755.24

  3,755.24

  1,860.92

  Manchester

  2,258.38

  2,204.99

  1,840.68

  Preston

  5,091.80

  4,760.03

  3,369.78

  Chelmsford

  7,173.80

  7,173.80

  1,089.71

  Lewes

  6,082.34

  6,082.34

  2,483.14

  Maidstone

  5,626.91

  4,341.27

  1,689.13

  Norwich

  5,906.86

  5,385.04

  1,653.75

  Reading

  6,832.71

  6,063.71

  3,847.25

  St. Albans

  7,522.03

  6,379.12

  2,468.59

  Caernarfon

  7,007.99

  7,007.99

  3,864.64

  Cardiff

  2,462.49

  2,439.58

  1,817.53

  Chester

  4,651.06

  3,736.86

  2,076.27

  Mold

  12,783.80

  12,783.80

  3,002.27

  Swansea

  5,787.72

  5,429.20

  2,874.06

  Bristol

  2,590.13

  2,465.39

  1,432.53

  Exeter

  4,144.44

  4,144.44

  1,084.05

  Plymouth

  3,089.98

  3,089.98

  1,734.57

  Truro

  3,888.54

  3,888.54

  1,408.22

  Winchester

  2,457.83

  2,357.20

  1,576.91

  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary,Lord Chancellor's Department what is the capital value of the leasehold Lodging Estate in which his Department accommodates judges on circuit. [23705]

  Mr. Wills
  Of the leasehold Lodgings Estate only two have a notional capital value (as the rents are nominal and/or historic). These are the lodgings at Birmingham and Winchester, with a combined estimated capital value of £2.75 million. The remainder are held under leases where the rents are reviewed frequently and which therefore have no capital value to the Department.

  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to theanswer given on 11 December 2001,Official Report, column 840W, on judges' accommodation, how many (a) butlers, (b) cooks and (c) security personnel are employed by the Lord Chancellor's Department to look after judges on circuit. [23916]

  Mr. Wills
  Details of the numbers of butlers and chefs/cooks employed to look after judges on circuit were provided in my earlier answer given on 11 December 2001,Official Report, column 840W. The answer also states that we do not employ dedicated security staff at lodgings. All staff are expected to be vigilant and ensure that the lodgings are secure at all times.

  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what his definition is of a guest house of the Wolsey Lodge variety; and how it is differentiated from other forms of accommodation for judges on circuit. [24100]
  389W
  Mr. Wills
  I am advised that "Wolsey Lodges" are a consortium of privately owned homes providing a small number of quality rooms for temporary rental. While the properties vary in size and style, they are essentially a public hotel chain. As such Wolsey Lodges are completely different from the network of private lodgings maintained by the Court Service to provide accommodation for High Court judges while on circuit.

  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his answer of 11 December 2001,Official Report, column 840W, on judges' accommodation (a) if the comparison made of the value for money provided by judges' lodgings examined each judges' lodgings individually and (b) which judges' lodgings were assessed not to provide value for money. [23911]

  Mr. Wills
  As stated in my earlier answer, the notional comparison undertaken as part of the triennial review was merely to test the overall assumption that lodgings should continue to be the main method by which accommodation is provided. It did not form the main value for money examination within the review.

  While a comparison was made for each judges' lodgings individually, the 'hotel alternative' costs were indicative only and did not include additional security costs which would necessarily be incurred for the protection of Her Majesty's High Court judges. It would therefore be misleading to base any decision on the future viability of individual lodgings on this comparison and to publish details of the same.

  It should also be recognised that, when discussing alternatives to lodgings, cost is not the only issue. The availability and proximity of suitably secure, private and comfortable accommodation has also to be considered.

  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his answer of 11 December 2001,Official Report, column 840, on judges' accommodation, what action has been taken since publication of Lord Justice Auld's report to assess the value for money provided by individual judges' lodgings; and what action will be taken in respect of judges' lodgings assessed not to provide value for money in line with the recommendations of the Auld report. [23917]

  Mr. Wills
  As my hon. Friend is aware, Sir Robin Auld's report was only published on 8 October. Public consultation on his recommendations takes place up to 31 January 2002.

  Consequently, no new assessment of the value for money provided by individual lodgings is being considered until this period of consultation has concluded. The Lord Chancellor will then decide on a course of action with regard to lodgings in the light of this and the findings of the triennial review.

  Remand Prisoners
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what guidance he issues to courts on sending their record of a remand decision to the prison where a defendant is remanded to custody; and which courts follow this practice. [23904]
  390W
  Mr. Wills
  All magistrates, Crown and county courts produce a warrant when remanding an individual to custody. This is given to the person or organisation transporting the individual to prison, and then handed over at the place of detention.

  Legal Aid
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if she will break down the contract allocation for legal aid in London. [23295]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The number of solicitor and not-for-profit contractors in the London region, by category of law, as at the end of March 2001, was as follows:

  Solicitors

  Not-for-profit

  Family

  413

  2

  Mental health

  59

  4

  Debt

  23

  22

  Employment

  39

  22

  Consumer

  32

  3

  Housing

  222

  30

  Welfare benefits

  65

  43

  Education

  12

  0

  Community care

  23

  0

  Actions against the police

  18

  n/a

  Public law

  9

  n/a

  Immigration

  266

  37

  Personal Injury

  183

  n/a

  Clinical Negligence

  70

  n/a

  Additional Tolerance

  438

  n/a

  Note:

  Not-for-profit organisations are not awarded contracts for actions against the police, public law, personal injury, clinical negligence or additional tolerance work.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what the civil legal aid budget was in(a) 1999–2000 and (b) 2000–01;and how much was spent on the different categories of law. [23300]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  In the financial year 1999–2000 the Legal Aid Board was allocated provision of £1,182.1 million of the overall legal aid budget. There was not a predetermined sum allocated to civil legal aid. A net total of £768.5 million was spent on civil legal aid.

  In 2000–01, the Legal Services Commission was allocated a provision for the Community Legal Services Fund of £781 million.

  The Legal Services Commission, and the Legal Aid Board before it, spent the following amounts on civil representation in the different areas of law in 1999–2000 and 2000–01:

  £000 gross

  Category

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  Family

  390,895

  421,094

  Non-family

  Actions against the police

  9,149

  9,869

  Clinical Negligence

  43,229

  52,779

  Community Care

  0

  42

  Consumer

  39,617

  37,031

  Debt

  5,865

  6,329

  Education

  0

  263

  391W

  £000 gross

  Category

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  Employment

  1,368

  1,542

  Housing

  36,641

  37,861

  Immigration and nationality

  3,130

  3,497

  Mental Health

  44

  237

  Personal Injury

  261,623

  267,060

  Public Law

  8,231

  9,775

  Welfare benefits

  353

  470

  Miscellaneous

  103,514

  99,904

  Non-family total

  512,763

  526,660

  Overall total

  903,658

  947,754

  Note:

  Figures are stated gross since receipts cannot readily be allocated by category of law

  In addition, net expenditure on other civil legal aid (legal help, assistance by way of representation and advice and assistance) was £231.7 million in 2000–01 and £208.4 million in 1999–2000. It is not possible to split this into comparable categories because category definitions changed between the two years.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many full legal aid practitioners there were in(a) private practice and (b) not for profit contracts in (i) 1999–2000 and (ii) 2000–01, broken down into (A) housing, (B) immigration, (C) employment, (D) welfare benefits, (E) education, (F) community care and (G) mental health. [23296]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The number of solicitor contractors by category of law at the end of March 2000 and March 2001, was as follows:

  Category

  2000

  2001

  Housing

  733

  673

  Immigration

  419

  482

  Employment

  342

  300

  Welfare benefits

  451

  391

  Education

  31

  40

  Community care

  25

  38

  Mental Health

  322

  349

  The number of not-for-profit contractors by category of law at the end of March 2000 and March 2001, was as follows:

  Category

  2000

  2001

  Housing

  113

  115

  Immigration

  63

  66

  Employment

  67

  73

  Welfare benefits

  226

  245

  Education

  4

  4

  Community care

  3

  0

  Mental Health

  10

  6

  Community Legal Service
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much has been spent on setting up and maintaining community legal service partnerships in the current financial year; and which budget the funding comes from. [23297]
  392W
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  As at the end of September, the Legal Services Commission had spent £1,881,500 in the current financial year on setting up and maintaining community legal service partnerships (CLSPs).

  The funds allocated to the community legal service partnerships are:

  £000

  Partnership support fund (PSF)

  Spent so far

  56.5

  Allocated

  900

  The £900,000 allocated is made up of £400,000 from the Commission's grant in aid, and £500,000 from the Community Legal Service (CLS) Fund.

  Total staffing costs at the end of September were £1,825,000. This figure relates to the totality of planning and partnership work, and includes some elements not related to CLSP development, such as the support for, and administration of, the Commission's regional legal services committees. As these various functions are so integrated with CLSP development it has not been possible to separate out the expenditure.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many(a) specialist help providers and (b) generalist providers are in operation; and how many specialist help providers were in operation when the community legal service was setup. [23299]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  As at November 2001, the following numbers of providers were in operation:

  (a) Specialist: 5,463

  (b) General help: 302

  (c)General help with casework: 241.

  At the time of the launch of the community legal service (CLS) in April 2000 only certain categories of work at what is now known as the specialist level were restricted to specialist suppliers, namely those with a licence granted under the Commission's general civil contract. Other work at what is now known as the specialist level was provided outside the contracted system. All legal help work—formerly known as advice and assistance—was contracted. It is therefore impossible to make a direct comparison between the position before 1 April 2000 and now. There were 5,286 contracted providers of all types in place in April 2000.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, how many community legal service partnerships are operating without a specialist help provider in each category of law. [23298]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The information in the form requested is not readily available and could be compiled only at disproportionate cost. The Legal Services Commission does not routinely collect information at national level in the terms this question asks.

  Community legal service partnerships (CLSPs) do not deliver services. They bring together organisations offering legal and advice services, such as solicitors in private practice, citizens' advice bureaux, law centres, and local authorities, and other funders, providers and users

  393W
  of legal and advice services. Partners act together to co-ordinate and improve access to, and delivery of, legal services and help to carry out need assessment, gap analysis and planning activity.

  The Commission currently records data according to 'bid zones'. 'Bid zones' are geographical areas which form the basis of contracting decisions. Information is recorded highlighting areas where a high level of need has been identified, and indicating whether the need has been met, in order to measure progress against the Commission's objective to develop effective providers operating in those categories of law where a need has been identified. In many areas, there will only be a relatively low level of need identified for specialist categories. In these areas, services are often provided by family practitioners who are authorised to carry out work in other categories under what we call 'tolerances'. The process of assessing priority is a key responsibility of CLSPs.

  Consolidated Fund
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, on how many occasions sums in excess of £10 million were erroneously paid by the Local Chancellor's Department into the Consolidated Fund in the last 12 months; and if she will make a statement. [22550]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  No individual payments in excess of £10 million have been made by the Lord Chancellor's Department into the Consolidated Fund in error in the last 12 months. The Department secured a short surrender of £12,002,137 from the Consolidated Fund to recover moneys wrongly paid into the fund, due to an error in the accounting processes employed by the magistrates courts during the 2000–01 financial year. The mistakes were detected by internal controls and action has been taken to tighten procedures and to ensure that the mistakes are not repeated. None of the individual payments was for £10 million or more, and the funds were recovered from the Consolidated Fund by short surrender.

  Staff Numbers
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many people were employed in her Department in each of the last four years. [23790]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 18 December 2001,Official Report, column 256W, by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office.

  Judicial Appointments
  Vera Baird
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps the Lord Chancellor will take to increase the number of women appointed to the judiciary. [23355]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The Lord Chancellor appoints to judicial office exclusively on merit. The number of women holding judicial office substantially reflects the number of women practitioners in the legal profession with the appropriate period of experience which is usually not less than 20 years. The Lord Chancellor has already introduced a number of initiatives to encourage greater 394W
  numbers to apply for judicial office and to secure equality of opportunity in the appointments process. For example, he has made information about the appointments procedures widely available; he applies the procedures flexibly in relation to the age and sitting arrangements; he has introduced a work shadowing scheme; he has reviewed the detailed criteria for appointment against which assessments of suitability are made; he is piloting a scheme to encourage applications from those who may think that their career progress to date understates their judicial potential; and has appointed a Commissioner for Judicial Appointments to audit and make recommendations about the appointments procedures and handle complaints. Preparatory work for a pilot assessment centre has begun with a view to running the pilot in 2002. A video about the appointments process will be completed soon. These efforts will continue and be developed with a view to progressive increases in the numbers of women appointed.

  Vera Baird
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans she has for part-time, permanent judicial appointments. [23349]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The Lord Chancellor decided that the facility for salaried part-time working should be piloted in the most recent competition for district judge appointments as part of his policy to promote equality of opportunity for judicial appointments. Following the outcome of this pilot, the Lord Chancellor has decided that the facility may be extended to future competitions for appointments to certain other judicial posts.

  Older People
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if she will set out for each of the conclusions in section 6.4 of the Performance and Innovation Unit report, "Winning the Generation Game",(a) what progress her Department has made and (b) what future plans her Department has for acting on them; and if she will set out against each of the conclusions the targets and deadlines that have been set. [24202]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him today by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, at column 335.

  Departmental Expenditure Limit
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment she has made of the reasons for the difference between the final voted departmental expenditure limit and provisional outturn for financial year 2000–01, as listed in the Treasury document, Public Expenditure 2000–01: Provisional Outturn, for Vote V, Lord Chancellor's and Law Officers' Departments, subcategories(a) 1 Lord Chancellor's Department and (b) 6 HM Procurator General and Treasury Solicitor; and if she will make a statement. [24116]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  (a) An analysis of significant discrepancies between the final voted departmental expenditure limit and the actual outturn will be published shortly in the Department's Resource Account.

  (b) I understand from my right hon. and learned Friend the Solicitor-General that the difference between the final voted departmental expenditure limit for Vote V Class 6:

  395W
  HM Procurator General and Treasury Solicitor and the provisional outturn shown in the Treasury document, Public Expenditure 2000–01: Provisional Outturn results from Appropriations in Aid which were higher than the sum originally estimated. This followed improvements in debt recovery processes in the Treasury Solicitor's Department which resulted in speedier payment of bills for legal services provided to client Departments.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

  Head Teachers
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many new head teachers were appointed between September 1999 and July 2000(a) in total and (b) by ethnic grouping. [8402]

  Mr. Timms
  The estimate of new head teachers appointed to posts in the maintained schools sector in England between March 1999 and March 2000 was 2,330 (provisional).

  The number of head teachers appointed by ethnic origin is not collected centrally.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many head teachers have left the profession since 1997. [10442]

  Heads leaving in year prior to March 1997

  Heads leaving in year prior to March 1998

  Heads leaving in year prior to March 1999

  Retired

  110

  100

  50

  Left service for reasons other than retirement

  20

  30

  30

  In service in maintained sector but not as a head

  40

  40

  50

  Changed phase, still a head in the maintained sector

  1—

  10

  10

  Total wastage

  170

  180

  150

  1Less than five teachers

  The most recent reliable data available are for March 1999.

  Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may not appear to be the addition of the component parts because of rounding.

  Some teachers who have left service will return after a career break.

  Teachers (Offences)
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) how many teachers were convicted of offences committed on school premises in(a) 1990, (b) 1995 and (c) 2000; [23417]

  (2) how many teachers were subject to criminal investigations as a result of incidents in schools in (a) 1990, (b) 1995 and (c) 2000. [23418]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is not collected centrally.
  396W
  Mr. Timms
  Head teachers who are no longer in service as heads in the maintained schools sector in England since 1997 are given in the table. The numbers include teachers who are still in service but are not serving as heads.

  Heads leaving in year prior to March 1998

  Heads leaving in year prior to March 1999

  Retired

  1,980

  850

  Left service for reasons other than retirement

  440

  640

  In service in maintained sector but not as a head

  620

  1,050

  Total wastage

  3,040

  2,550

  The most recent reliable data available are for March 1999.

  Numbers are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may not appear to be the addition of the component parts because of rounding.

  Some teachers who have left service will return after a career break.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many special school heads have left the profession in the past three years. [20110]

  Mr. Timms
  The head teachers who have left service as heads in the maintained special schools sector in England in the last three years are given in the table. These include teachers who are still in service but are not serving as heads.

  Supply Teachers
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many supply teachers are working in Buckinghamshire; and what percentage supply teachers comprise of the total number of eachers in Buckinghamshire expressed as full-time equivalents. [15769]

  Mr. Timms
  120 occasional teachers on contracts of less than one month were employed in maintained schools in Buckinghamshire for the whole of 18 January 2001, the date of the annual census of teachers in service. That was 2.9 per cent, of the full-time equivalent of regular and occasional teachers working in maintained schools in Buckinghamshire on that day.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many supply teachers are working in each local education authority area; and what percentage supply teachers comprise of the total number of teachers in each local education authority, expressed as full time equivalents. [15617]
  397W
  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer16 December 2001]: The numbers of teachers on contracts of less than one month 1 (occasional teachers), employed for the whole day in the maintained schools sector on the 18 January 2001, the Date of the annual census of teachers in service, and expressed as percentages of the full-time equivalent of regular and occasional teachers, were as follows:

  Occasional teachers

  Occasional as percentage of all

  Darlington

  50

  6.5

  Hartlepool

  30

  3.6

  Middlesbrough

  60

  4.2

  Redcar and Cleveland

  40

  3.2

  Stockton on Tees

  130

  6.9

  Durham

  270

  6.0

  Northumberland

  190

  6.8

  Gateshead

  130

  7.3

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  120

  5.3

  North Tyneside

  100

  5.3

  South Tyneside

  80

  5.0

  Sunderland

  80

  2.9

  Blackburn with Darwen

  80

  5.5

  Blackpool

  100

  8.6

  Halton

  60

  4.9

  Warrington

  60

  3.4

  Cheshire

  170

  3.0

  Cumbria

  180

  4.0

  Bolton

  140

  5.3

  Bury

  100

  6.1

  Manchester

  240

  6.0

  Oldham

  30

  1.4

  Rochdale

  130

  6.6

  Salford

  100

  5.0

  Stockport

  120

  4.9

  Tameside

  80

  4.2

  Trafford

  100

  4.9

  Wigan

  170

  6.2

  Lancashire

  340

  3.3

  Knowsley

  40

  2.8

  Liverpool

  130

  2.9

  St. Helens

  60

  3.5

  Sefton

  150

  5.3

  Wirral

  170

  5.3

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  140

  5.2

  City of Kingston upon Hull

  180

  8.0

  North East Lincolnshire

  80

  5.3

  North Lincolnshire

  70

  5.2

  York

  100

  6.5

  North Yorkshire

  270

  5.1

  Barasley

  140

  7.9

  Doncaster

  100

  3.6

  Rotherham

  140

  5.3

  Sheffield

  210

  4.7

  Bradford

  310

  6.6

  Calderdale

  80

  4.2

  Kirklees

  130

  3.7

  Leeds

  240

  3.8

  Wakefield

  140

  4.9

  Derby

  2—

  0.1

  Leicester

  150

  5.1

  Nottingham

  130

  5.6

  Rutland

  30

  10.0

  Derbyshire

  260

  4.3

  Leicestershire

  180

  3.5

  Lincolnshire

  230

  4.1

  Northamptonshire

  190

  3.5

  Nottinghamshire

  280

  4.5

  Herefordshire

  60

  4.3

  Stoke on Trent

  130

  6.2

  Telford and Wrekin

  90

  5.8

  Shropshire

  100

  4.6

  Staffordshire

  320

  4.4

  Warwickshire

  130

  2.9

  398W

  Occasional teachers

  Occasional as percentage of all

  Birmingham

  300

  2.8

  Coventry

  110

  3.6

  Dudley

  120

  4.2

  Sandwell

  90

  3.4

  Solihull

  80

  3.9

  Walsall

  80

  3.1

  Wolverhampton

  150

  6.0

  Worcestershire

  160

  3.5

  Luton

  420

  20.2

  Peterborough

  90

  5.6

  Southend on Sea

  60

  4.0

  Thurrock

  60

  4.6

  Bedfordshire

  130

  3.7

  Cambridgeshire

  90

  2.1

  Essex

  480

  4.3

  Hertfordshire

  120

  1.3

  Norfolk

  220

  3.4

  Suffolk

  240

  4.2

  Camden

  70

  4.5

  City of London

  2—

  4.5

  Hackney

  230

  13.5

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  230

  18.6

  Haringey

  100

  5.3

  Islington

  120

  8.4

  Kensington and Chelsea

  60

  8.8

  Lambeth

  50

  3.3

  Lewisham

  100

  4.7

  Newham

  230

  8.7

  Southwark

  120

  5.8

  Tower Hamlets

  220

  9.2

  Wandsworth

  50

  3.0

  City of Westminster

  80

  6.1

  Barking and Dagenham

  110

  6.9

  Barnet

  100

  3.5

  Bexley

  110

  5.0

  Brent

  100

  4.7

  Bromley

  110

  4.2

  Croydon

  190

  6.4

  Ealing

  100

  4.1

  Enfield

  140

  5.0

  Greenwich

  100

  4.7

  Harrow

  120

  7.3

  Havering

  90

  4.4

  Hillingdon

  90

  3.9

  Hounslow

  50

  2.5

  Kingston upon Thames

  60

  5.1

  Merton

  60

  4.5

  Redbridge

  60

  2.6

  Richmond upon Thames

  110

  9.4

  Sutton

  40

  2.6

  Waltham Forest

  40

  1.9

  Bracknell Forest

  40

  4.5

  Brighton and Hove

  60

  3.3

  Isle of Wight

  60

  5.1

  Medway

  130

  5.7

  Milton Keynes

  80

  4.5

  Portsmouth

  70

  4.5

  Reading

  60

  5.3

  Slough

  60

  5.3

  Southampton

  100

  5.7

  West Berkshire

  30

  1.9

  Windsor and Maidenhead

  20

  1.7

  Wokingham

  40

  2.7

  Buckinghamshire

  120

  2.9

  East Sussex

  150

  4.0

  Hampshire

  520

  5.5

  Kent

  470

  4.0

  Oxfordshire

  130

  2.6

  Surrey

  260

  3.4

  West Sussex

  210

  3.6

  Bath and North East Somerset

  60

  3.8

  Bournemouth

  80

  6.3

  City of Bristol

  150

  5.1

  399W

  Occasional teachers

  Occasional as percentage of all

  North Somerset

  70

  4.6

  Plymouth

  170

  7.1

  Poole

  30

  2.6

  South Gloucestershire

  130

  5.7

  Swindon

  50

  3.5

  Torbay

  60

  5.4

  Cornwall

  250

  6.2

  Isles of Scilly

  2—

  4.5

  Devon

  270

  5.1

  Dorset

  100

  3.4

  Gloucestershire

  130

  2.7

  Somerset

  330

  8.1

  Wiltshire

  120

  3.5

  England

  19,590

  4.6

  1Numbers of occasional teachers are rounded to the nearest ten. The total may not appear to equal the sum of the component parts due to rounding.

  2Less than 5.

  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will take steps to eliminate the differences in rates of pay per hour for supply teachers working for Cumbria LEA and those employed by Lancashire LEA; and if she will make a statement. [24047]

  Mr. Timms
  Supply teachers employed by an LEA or by the governing body of a maintained school must be paid under the provisions of the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document. The document provides that teachers employed on a short notice basis should be paid a proportion of the remuneration that would be appropriate if they were employed full-time. It is, however, for the individual employer to determine what that proportion should be on the basis of the number of hours worked in the day. An interpretation of how to calculate the appropriate proportion and hours worked per day could differ between two authorities. I am content to allow this flexibility of interpretation to remain.

  Teachers
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many teachers in Buckinghamshire schools left the profession before retirement age in each year since 1992. [20131]

  Mr. Timms
  Numbers of qualified teachers who have left full or part time regular service in the maintained schools sector in England since 1992, who were under 60 and who were teaching in Buckinghamshire at the time of leaving are as follows:

  Financial year of leaving

  Buckinghamshire

  Milton Keynes

  "Old" Buckinghamshire1

  1991–92

  —

  —

  650

  1992–93

  —

  —

  540

  1993–94

  —

  —

  440

  1994–95

  —

  —

  400

  1995–96

  —

  —

  510

  1996–97

  —

  —

  500

  1997–98

  —

  —

  560

  1998–99

  320

  170

  490

  1999–20002

  310

  160

  470

  1Buckinghamshire LEA was split into Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes LEAs as a result of local government reorganisation in 1998.

  2The most recent year for which data are available is 1999–2000. These data are still provisional.

  400W
  Notes:

  1. The figures exclude 10 per cent, to 20 per cent, of part-time teachers not included on the teacher pension scheme records.

  2. Some teachers who left service will return after a career break.

  3. Leavers include teachers who moved to teach in other countries, or the independent or F/HE sectors, those who were not teaching and not receiving a pension, and those who had left with premature, ill health or actuarially reduced pensions.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the annual average staff turnover has been in secondary schools in the last five academic years. [20106]

  Mr. Timms
  Turnover data are not available for academic years.

  The annual average staff turnover of full and part time regular teachers in maintained secondary schools in England in the last five financial years for which data are available are as follows:

  Percentage

  Year

  Turnover1

  1995–96

  15.9

  1996–97

  16.5

  1997–98

  18.2

  1998–99

  15.5

  1999–20002

  15.9

  1 Turnover includes teachers leaving regular service in the English maintained sector and changing schools within the maintained sector. Employers do not always notify details of a teacher moving between schools in their employment and so the overall level of turnover quoted is lower than the true level, which is not known.

  2 1999–2000 data are provisional.

  Note:

  The figures exclude 10 per cent, to 20 per cent, of part-time teachers not included on the teacher pension scheme records.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the annual average staff turnover has been in primary schools in the last five academic years. [20107]

  Mr. Timms
  Turnover data are not available for academic years.

  The annual average staff turnover of full and part-time regular teachers in maintained nursery/primary schools in England in the last five financial years for which data are available are as follows:

  Percentage

  Turnover1

  1995–96

  14.1

  1996–97

  13.8

  1997–98

  15.2

  1998–99

  13.3

  1999–20002

  14.2

  1Turnover includes teachers leaving regular service in the English maintained sector and changing schools within the maintained sector. Employers do not always notify details of a teacher moving between schools in their employment and so the overall level of turnover quoted is lower than the true level, which is not known.

  21999–2000 data are provisional.

  The figures exclude 10 per cent, to 20 per cent, of part-time teachers not included on the teacher pension scheme records.
  401W
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many newly qualified teachers who began work in London and the South East have left the profession within the five years since 1997. [20261]

  Mr. Timms
  Teachers who gained their teaching qualification in England; were in full or part-time regular service in the maintained schools sector in London or the south-east in March of the year after they qualified; and who were not in service in the maintained schools sector in England five years later, are as follows:

  Not in service in the maintained sector in England five years after first service

  Year of qualification/not in service at

  Number

  Percentage

  1991

  March 1997

  1,230

  29

  1992

  March 1998

  1,510

  31

  1993

  March 1999

  1,610

  30

  1994

  March 20001

  1,860

  32

  1 The most recent year for which data are available is 1999–2000.

  These data are still provisional.

  The figures exclude 10 per cent, to 20 per cent, of part-time teachers not included on the teacher pension scheme records.

  Some teachers who leave service will return after a career break.

  Leavers include teachers who moved to teach in other countries, or the independent or FE/HE sectors, those who were not teaching and not receiving a pension, and those who had left with premature, ill health or actuarially reduced pensions.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many teacher vacancies there are at each(a) primary and (b) secondary school in the Portsmouth, South constituency. [21222]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is not available in the form requested.

  The numbers of full-time vacancies for teachers in maintained nursery, primary and secondary schools in Portsmouth local authority in January 2001 were as follows:

  Number of vacancies

  Nursery and primary

  20

  Secondary

  36

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many teachers working in the Buckingham constituency took early retirement under(a) premature and (b) ill-health retirement arrangements in each year since 1997. [23724]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is not available in the form requested. The numbers of teachers from the maintained schools sector in Buckinghamshire local education authority, who took premature or ill-health retirement, were as follows.
  402W

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–011

  Premature

  149

  58

  37

  32

  Ill-health

  23

  14

  14

  10

  1 Provisional data

  Note:

  There were no teachers who took actuarially reduced pensions

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many days on average were lost per teacher due to sickness in each of the last five years(a) nationally and (b) in the Buckingham constituency. [23725]

  Mr. Timms
  Information for the Buckingham constituency is not collected centrally.

  The average number of days of sickness absence taken per teacher in the maintained schools sector in calendar years 1999 and 2000, in the Buckinghamshire local authority area and England were, as follows:

  1999

  2000

  Buckinghamshire

  4

  5

  England1

  5

  5

  1 England figures have been estimated to allow for local authorities that did not make a return. Teacher sickness absence data was not collected centrally before calendar year 1999.

  Teachers (Assaults)
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many teachers were subject to violent assaults in schools in the last year for which records are available. [23497]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is not collected centrally. However, the number of injuries to teachers involving acts of assault or violence in England, Wales, and Scotland reported to the Health and Safety Executive in 2000–01 was 166.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many teachers were assaulted by(a) pupils and (b) parents in the Buckingham constituency in each year since 1997; and in how many cases a conviction was obtained. [23723]

  Mr. Timms
  The Department does not hold these data. Buckinghamshire local education authority has informed us that, from 1998 to 31 July 2001, there were 552 assaults on teachers in the county. 541 were by pupils, the majority by pupils in special schools. Eleven were by parents and others. The authority is not aware of any convictions.

  FE Teacher Shortages
  Mr. Liddell-Grainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what meetings she has had with the Association of Colleges to discuss the shortage of(a) teachers and (b) lecturers in further education. [23545]

  John Healey
  The Secretary of State met David Gibson from the Association of Colleges (AOC) on 14 November 2001 and also addressed the AOC Conference on 20 November. Additionally, my colleague the Minister for Lifelong Learning and I have each met twice with representatives from the AOC, on 15 June and 31 July, and 12 July and 10 October respectively.
  403W
  Discussion at these meetings covered a wide range of issues about the FE sector, including recruitment and retention difficulties in some subject areas and the initiatives that Government have introduced to attract new staff to the profession and reward and retain excellent teachers and lecturers, including the Teaching Pay Initiative, Golden Helios, Student Loan Write Off and Training Bursaries.

  School Buses
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps the Government have taken to combat(a) bullying and (b) vandalism on school buses. [20636]

  Mr. Timms
  Bullying can be a serious problem in and around schools and in December 2000 we launched a new anti-bullying strategy, including a comprehensive new anti-bullying pack for schools with an accompanying video aimed at pupils. We have also required headteachers to draw up anti-bullying policies; these should be kept under regular review with Ofsted involved in carrying out inspections. Although the courts have ruled that a school's duty of care to prevent bullying applies within the school precincts, teachers could discuss bullying on school buses with escorts, the transport company and the local education authority and all three could take action when appropriate.

  Vandalism can also be a serious problem on some occasions. It is for the operators of school buses as well as the local education authority to address safety issues including the prevention of bullying or violence. The DTLR has recently published "The School Run" training programme for bus drivers (February 2001), designed to help improve the relationships between bus drivers and young people. The publication also contains "best practice" checklists for schools, bus companies and Passenger Transport Executives, and lesson material alerting children to the dangers of misbehaving on buses.

  >Oxford and Cambridge Universities (Admissions)
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make it her policy to require Oxford and Cambridge Universities to publish information in respect of student admissions to constituent colleges for the year 2001–02 in standardised format, indicating the number and percentage of(a) applications and (b) acceptances from (i) private schools, (ii) state selective schools, (iii) state comprehensive schools, (iv) sixth form colleges, (v) tertiary colleges and (vi) other places; and if she will make a statement. [20737]

  Margaret Hodge
  [holding answer 13 December 2001]: Cambridge and Oxford Universities have published information on admissions for entry in 2001 from both the maintained and independent sector, disaggregated by college. The relevant extracts are in the table. The universities are responsible for the accuracy of this information. Further disaggregation is not held centrally.

  We recognise and welcome the efforts made by both universities to widen participation, and urge them to continue this important work.
  404W

  Applications and offers at Oxford University broken down by college, for 2001 admissions

  Percentage

  College

  Applications for maintained

  Offers for maintained

  Balliol

  49.6

  (52.5)

  52.7

  (51.1)

  Brasenose

  39.8

  (40.0)

  44.0

  (41.5)

  Christ Church

  43.0

  (46.6)

  38.9

  (43.0)

  Corpus Christi

  57.3

  (60.0)

  51.6

  (55.8)

  Exeter

  50.9

  (55.7)

  55.6

  (53.1)

  Harris Manchester

  100.0

  (100.0)

  85.7

  (95.2)

  Hertford

  69.3

  (65.2)

  67.2

  (61.1)

  Jesus

  66.6

  (64.1)

  58.3

  (59.5)

  Keble

  58.4

  (60.8)

  60.0

  (59.7)

  Lady Margaret Hall

  45.9

  (47.3)

  41.2

  (45.5)

  Lincoln

  51.5

  (49.0)

  57.0

  (50.0)

  Magdalen

  56.2

  (53.9)

  51.9

  (49.1)

  Mansfield

  71.4

  (66.1)

  67.1

  (68.3)

  Merton

  61.0

  (65.0)

  53.6

  (56.1)

  New

  54.0

  (54.1)

  49.1

  (49.3)

  Oriel

  46.1

  (45.1)

  44.6

  (42.6)

  Pembroke

  45.0

  (43.6)

  54.5

  (47.5)

  Queen's

  49.5

  (53.1)

  56.8

  (56.4)

  St. Anne's

  53.0

  (54.2)

  60.7

  (56.6)

  St. Catherine's

  58.9

  (60.0)

  57.1

  (56.8)

  St. Edmund Hall

  40.1

  (42.4)

  48.5

  (44.8)

  St. Hilda's

  62

  (60.5)

  59.8

  (57.2)

  St. Hugh's

  62.9

  (59.8)

  63.9

  (54.3)

  St. John's

  67.0

  (65.6)

  66.4

  (64.3)

  St. Peter's

  49.6

  (46.9)

  52.8

  (50.0)

  Somerville

  54.6

  (55.1)

  61.3

  (57.6)

  Trinity

  47.1

  (42.7)

  53.6

  (46.6)

  University

  45.5

  (48.7)

  42.6

  (45.8)

  Wadham

  71.2

  (71.1)

  67.5

  (65.5)

  Worcester

  40.9

  (40.0)

  47.8

  (44.0)

  Note:

  A three-year average from 1999–01 is shown in brackets

  University of Cambridge Applications and acceptances by college—2001

  College

  Applications for 20011

  Acceptances in 20011

  Christ's

  58

  (55)

  51

  (37)

  Churchill

  68

  (75)

  58

  (68)

  Clare

  65

  (56)

  59

  (55)

  Corpus Christi

  56

  (49)

  53

  (39)

  Downing

  47

  (51)

  46

  (41)

  Emmanuel

  59

  (61)

  53

  (54)

  Fitzwilliam

  68

  (71)

  60

  (66)

  Girton

  62

  (61)

  58

  (61)

  Gonville and Caius

  46

  (48)

  36

  (48)

  Jesus

  53

  (57)

  56

  (54)

  King's

  85

  (84)

  78

  (77)

  Magdalene

  42

  (42)

  44

  (36)

  New Hall

  58

  (59)

  55

  (58)

  Newnham

  64

  (58)

  59

  (49)

  Pembroke

  57

  (55)

  50

  (50)

  Peterhouse

  45

  (52)

  43

  (43)

  Queens'

  60

  (60)

  53

  (55)

  Robinson

  64

  (65)

  64

  (56)

  Selwyn

  54

  (58)

  48

  (49)

  Sidney Sussex

  58

  (55)

  52

  (45)

  St. Catharine's

  52

  (58)

  51

  (52)

  St. John's

  55

  (52)

  49

  (45)

  Trinity

  52

  (56)

  45

  (48)

  Trinity Hall

  53

  (55)

  50

  (47)

  All standard Colleges

  58

  (59)

  53

  (52)

  1 Maintained percentage

  Note:

  Figures in brackets are for last year
  405W

  Social Deprivation
  Vera Baird
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will publish comparisons of academic results between schools with equivalently socially deprived catchment areas. [23350]

  Mr. Timms
  Benchmark information based on national pupil performance in maintained, mainstream schools is published annually in the Department's autumn package. The benchmark data enable schools to compare their performance with other schools grouped according to one measure of social disadvantage, that is, the percentage of children known to be eligible for a free school meal. A copy of the autumn package has been placed in the House of Commons Library; it is also available on the Department's website.

  Individual Learning Accounts
  Mr. Liddell-Grainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will implement measures to ensure that industry is(a) consulted and (b) represented in attempts to replace the individual learning accounts scheme. [23544]

  John Healey
  Some discussions have already been held with training providers. We are now about to seek the views of a wider range of stakeholders. This will include representatives of industry and employers, both large and small. The views obtained will be an important element in designing a new ILA-style programme.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she had made of the deadweight cost of individual learning accounts. [19526]

  John Healey
  With any universal offer deadweight will exist. Although not an exact calculation, an assessment of deadweight within the ILA programme can be based upon the evaluation evidence drawn from a series of hypothetical questions. Based on the sample selected the first stage evaluation showed that 44 per cent, of account holders said that they would have been able to pay for their course without their ILA discount.

  Mr. Swire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what is the first date her Department was informed of alleged misuse of individual learning accounts. [21305]

  John Healey
  My Department actively engaged learning providers in the development of the individual learning accounts programme. For example, a number of seminars were held with learning providers in 2000, prior to the introduction of the national framework for individual learning accounts, and these continued into 2001. At these events providers expressed a wide range of opinions. In September 2000 James O'Brien, Managing Director, Pitman Training, wrote to Ministers to express concern that the programme was open to abuse, but also said that the cap on public support for each individual's ILA account introduced to help control such abuse had been set at too low a level. This is the earliest correspondence we have traced on the specific topic of potential misuse of the ILA scheme.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many learning providers were registered with the individual learning accounts centre on 27 November. [23109]
  406W
  John Healey
  [holding answer 17 December 2001]: When the individual learning account programme closed on 23 November 2001, there were 8,900 learning providers registered with the ILA centre.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to her answer of 11 December 2001,Official Report, column 814W, on individual learning accounts, by whom it is not expected that the Department should offer financial advice. [23580]

  John Healey
  It is not expected within the design or operation of the ILA programme that the Department should provide financial advice to any firm that considered participating in the ILA programme or that was affected by its closure.

  Paul Holmes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when pending ILA applicants will be validated so that training providers can be paid outstanding money. [23437]

  John Healey
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]: Officials have, as a matter of priority, been working to validate outstanding claims for payment to learning providers. I can confirm that we will be making payments this week to almost 1,400 providers who had submitted claims up to 21 November. There are, however, a smaller number of claims from around 140 providers, in some cases for significant amounts, on which we need to carry out further checks before payments can be cleared. Officials will be writing this week to all providers whose claims were outstanding up to 21 November to explain the general arrangements for taking forward the processing of existing and future claims.

  We are also continuing to work on validating claims made between 21 and 23 November and on dealing with learning booked on the ILA system up to its closure on 23 November. Once we are satisfied that eligible learning has taken place in accordance with the rules of the programme, we will be able to arrange payments to all providers who are not currently subject to investigation, provided that this status does not change following the analysis of recent complaints received.

  Paul Holmes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what checks were carried out to prevent multiple ILA applications from single addresses. [23439]

  John Healey
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]: A full common address trawl of the ILA system has been carried out to identify multiple individual applications at the same address. This led to investigations by the Department into 41 providers. As a result 15 providers were suspended from the register of learning providers eligible to receive funds from the ILA programme. Investigations are continuing.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to the statement of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State responsible for adult skills the hon. Member for Wentworth (John Healey) of 11 December 2001,Official Report, Westminster Hall, columns 218–224WH, on individual learning accounts, what the budget was for ILA by March 2002; and how many of the accounts were budgeted to be used. [23541]
  407W
  John Healey
  [holding answer 17 December 2001]: The total budget available in England over the two years 2000–01 and 2001–02 is £202.1 million, which includes £115.1 million which has been recycled from TEC resources. The aim was to have 1 million ILAs opened by March 2002. No precise number was set for ILAs budgeted to be used, as the ILA programme was an entirely new and innovative programme for which take-up could not accurately be predicted in its early years.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to her answer of 11 December 2001,Official Report, column 813W, on individual learning accounts, whether there were constraints upon the absolute exercise of the Secretary of State's discretion; and whether the power of the Secretary of State to close down the learning account scheme immediately and without notice was publicised to (a) learning account holders and (b) learning account providers. [23581]

  John Healey
  The only constraints on the absolute exercise of the Secretary of State's discretion would be where this was inconsistent with natural justice.

  The Secretary of State and I took the decision to shut down the programme with immediate effect from 6.30pm on 23 November. That decision was taken to minimise a serious risk to public funds. Under these circumstances, there was no time to notify providers or account holders in advance.

  The shutdown meant that neither the ILA account holders database nor the ILA learning providers database was available to us. However, we issued a press statement on 23 November and provided notification of the shut down-on both the Department and Capita websites which we updated as new information became available. We were also able to resume the operation of the ILA helpline for account holders, on a limited basis, on 27 November.

  All learning providers were notified by letter on 29 November.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to her answer of 11 December 2001,Official Report, column 814W, on individual learning accounts, if she will give reasons for not offering compensation in the circumstances described. [23584]

  John Healey
  The purpose of the ILA scheme was not to give people rights to money but to encourage them to undertake learning.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether her Department has contacted the Data Protection Registrar about possible unauthorised access to the ILA account holders database; and if she will make a statement. [23577]

  John Healey
  The Department has not contacted the Information Commissioner (previously Data Protection Registrar) concerning possible unauthorised access to the ILA account holder's database. The Department's Special Investigations Unit has been working closely with the police and where prima facie evidence of criminal activity has been found the police have been asked to take over investigations.
  408W
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to her answer of 11 December 2001,Official Report, column 813W, on individual learning accounts, if she will pay interest on sums due to learning providers but not paid on time. [23586]

  John Healey
  The Department has no plans to pay interest to learning providers on payments delayed because of the closure of the individual learning account programme on 23 November 2001 following evidence of serious potential fraud and theft.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills to which individuals and organisations the individual learning account holders database has been available since April. [23543]

  John Healey
  Learners and potential learners could visit the website (www.my-ila.com) only for information purposes and to request application packs. Registered learning providers could access the database once they had been provided with a user name and password. This allowed them to register courses, book learning and to confirm learning had taken place. Learning providers could only view personal name and address details of individuals registered on courses with that learning provider. Staff in DfES had view access only. The organisation 'learndirect' had a separate although restricted access to allow them to issue application packs to inquirers.

  Selected Capita staff at the ILA centre locations in Coventry and Darlington, together with the programme development team at Trowbridge, had operational access to the database in order to administer the programme.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to her answer of 11 December 2001,Official Report, column 813W, on individual learning accounts, if she will place in the Library a copy of the rules of the programme. [23587]

  John Healey
  Copies of the definition of eligible learning, the regulations and guidance and the incentives rules have been placed in the Library.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to the statement by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State responsible for adult skills the hon. Member for Wentworth (John Healey) of 11 December 2001,Official Report, Westminster Hall, columns 218–224WH, on individual learning accounts whether the aim was that all holders should have used their accounts to embark on a course of eligible learning by March 2002. [23542]

  John Healey
  [holding answer 17 December 2001]: Our aim was to have 1 million account holders by March 2002. By July 2001 we had 1.5 million account holders in England.

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list those representations she received before 24 October on the administration of the ILA scheme, distinguishing those which identified the danger of(a) fraud and (b) financial over-run. [19465]

  John Healey
  [holding answer 30 November 2001]: I have already announced to the House details about complaints and I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on PQ12290.
  409W
  We have received a number of representations about fraud from hon. Members, individual learning account holders and individual learning account registered learning providers. It is established practice that the Department is only expected to publish or list correspondence if it has specifically invited stakeholders to write or feedback on an issue and that the information supplied will be placed in the public domain. We have not received any representation about financial over-run.

  Paul Holmes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether individual learning account numbers were randomly generated. [23435]

  John Healey
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]: Individual learning account numbers consisted of 10 digits. The first nine digits were sequential; the last digit was randomly selected.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to her answer of 11 December 2001,Official Report, column 813W, on individual learning accounts, for what reason those account holders who had not used their accounts by 23 November cannot be subject to a validation process as a condition of being able to undertake eligible learning. [23582]

  John Healey
  The Individual Learning Account programme was closed on 23 November as a result of evidence of serious potential fraud and theft. That decision was taken to minimise a serious risk to public funds. However, subject to new validation arrangements, all eligible learning booked onto the ILA system before 6.30 pm on 23 November will be honoured.

  The programme is now closed to the further booking of learning by ILA account holders and learning providers. Account holders who did not have their learning booked onto the ILA system by 23 November will not be able to benefit from a discount on the cost of their learning.

  Mr. Swire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills by what means the Government intend to enable genuine learning providers to access moneys that have been diverted to bogus learning providers. [21078]

  John Healey
  The ILA programme was shut down on 23 November and closed to the further booking of learning by learning providers. Officials are setting up, as a matter of priority, arrangements to validate outstanding payments and claims for payment from learning providers so that the majority of providers, who have acted honestly throughout, can be paid as quickly as possible. We will pay for eligible learning that has already taken place and for learning that is already booked on the ILA Centre's system, providing we are satisfied that eligible learning is undertaken, in accordance with the rules of the programme. Learning which was not booked onto the ILA system before the programme was shut down will not benefit from an ILA discount.

  The overall purpose of ILAs was to help people overcome the financial barriers to learning by helping with the costs. The incentives and discounts were placed in the hands of the individual as they are best placed to choose learning that is most beneficial to their training needs. Some learning providers will, as a result, have received an increase in their business because of ILAs.
  410W
  However, learning providers can only access moneys if an account holder has decided to use their ILA to help pay for learning at their establishment.

  The Department has already been successful in reclaiming public funds and is actively working with other partner organisations including the police to recover funds wherever possible.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many holders of individual learning accounts have complained to her Department about their account being been used without their authority. [23108]

  John Healey
  [holding answer 17 December 2001]: As at 30 November 5,732 complaints had been received from individuals about ILA incentives taken without their knowledge, out of over 2.6 million account holders.

  Specialist Schools
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will permit clusters of schools to apply jointly for specialist school status. [23599]

  Mr. Timms
  The published assessment criteria for each specialism permit joint specialist school applications involving two schools. The criteria also allow for collaborative approaches involving associated applications. Arrangements for associated applications involve a group of schools making solo applications or a combination of solo and joint applications, across a range of specialisms as part of a strategic approach to specialist school provision across an area. Each application succeeds or fails on its own merits.

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what information she has collated on the targets agreed by specialist schools consequent on that status and their success in achieving them. [23679]

  Mr. Timms
  Information on the specialist school targets agreed by individual arts, language, technology and sports colleges is not collated but is contained in the development plans and progress reports of each of the 685 specialist schools. These plans and progress reports are retained on individual school files and used in the assessment process for redesignation. Typically, the four-year development plans of an applicant school set between 100 and 400 targets, which focus on a range of school and community strands.

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what information she collates on the success of specialist schools in achieving targets agreed consequent on their status. [23680]

  Mr. Timms
  Specialist schools are required to provide annual reports of the progress they have made in implementing their development plans. Information on the achievement of the targets set in the plans is taken into account alongside a new development plan when they seek redesignation as specialist schools.

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will seek a report from HM Chief Inspector of Schools on the level of success of specialist schools in achieving targets consequent on that status. [23681]

  Mr. Timms
  As part of Ofsted's survey of specialist schools, published in October, HMI assessed the progress of schools visited in relation to their targets in order to
  411W
  examine the impact of the programme on attainment and he quality of provision in designated schools; to evaluate how specialist schools were managing their role and to illustrate good practice. The first main finding in the report confirms that four out of five specialist schools covered by the survey.
  "are in large measure achieving the aims of the specialist schools programme and making good use of the advantages it brings".
  We believe Ofsted's report will help all specialist schools sustain and accelerate their achievements and see no need at present to commission another survey. However, we do continually review the need for evaluation evidence about the progress of specialist schools in meeting their targets, including the information my Department requests of them in their annual reports.

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list for each specialist school(a) the names of sponsors, (b) the amount of money contributed in aggregate by external sponsors and (c) the additional resources contributed by her Department. [23682]

  Mr. Timms
  A list of the names of sponsors of each specialist school can be provided only at disproportionate cost. The aggregate contribution of external sponsorship to specialist schools to date is at least £58 million. The additional resources provided for the specialist schools

  Academic year

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  England—percentage achieving

  One or more grades A*-C

  70.5

  71.4

  72.6

  73.6

  74.0

  Five or more grades A*-C

  45.1

  46.3

  47.9

  49.2

  50.0

  Buckingham—percentage achieving

  One or more grades A*-C

  77.1

  82.0

  81.8

  80.2

  82.2

  Five or more grades A*-C

  54.1

  54.4

  57.7

  56.0

  60.6

  Pupil Absences
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many unauthorised absences there were from schools(a) nationally and (b) in the Buckingham constituency in each year since 1997. [23722]

  England

  Buckingham

  Year

  Number

  Primary Percentage

  Number

  Secondary Percentage

  Number

  Primary Percentage

  Number

  Secondary Percentage

  1996–97

  5,214,716

  0.5

  8,464,617

  1.0

  1,265

  0.1

  1,589

  0.2

  1997–98

  5,436,843

  0.5

  9,111,510

  1.1

  1,766

  0.1

  2,703

  0.3

  1998–99

  5,575,015

  0.5

  9,395,441

  1.1

  874

  0.0

  2,288

  0.3

  1999–2000

  5,228,644

  0.5

  9,165,319

  1.0

  885

  0.0

  5,210

  0.5

  2000–01

  5,356,096

  0.5

  9,430,735

  1.1

  1,856

  0.1

  5,963

  0.6

  School Computers
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the average number of pupils per computer was in(a) primary and (b) secondary schools in the Buckingham constituency in each year since 1997. [23729]

  Mr. Timms
  The information requested is not available centrally.
  412W
  programme by this Department from the academic year 1994–95 to the academic year 2000–01 inclusive is £245 million.

  Education Action Zones
  Mr. Liddell-Grainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on the performance of schools within education action zones. [23675]

  Mr. Timms
  The performance of schools in education action zones continues to improve. They are making useful contributions to raising standards and are closing the gap with national achievements. The most significant impact is being made by primary schools where achievement continues to rise faster than the national rate.

  Examination Results (Buckingham)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the proportion of pupils achieving(a) one or more A to C and (b) five or more A to C GCSE grades was (i) nationally and (ii) from schools based in the Buckingham constituency in each year since 1997. [23721]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  The proportion of 15-year-old pupils achieving(a) one or more A* to C and (b) five or more A* to C GCSE grades in England and the Buckingham constituency since 1997 are as follows:

  Mr. Timms
  The numbers and percentages of half days missed due to unauthorised absences in maintained primary and secondary schools in England and the Buckingham constituency since 1997 are:

  Information for England for 1998–2001 was published in Statistical Bulletin 09/01 "Survey of Information and Communications Technology in Schools 2001", which is available on my Department's website www.dfes.gov.uk/ statistics and from the Library. Information for England is derived from a sample of schools, which is too small to produce reliable information for sub-national areas.
  413W

  Muslim Teachers
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate she has made of the(a) number and (b) percentage of female (i) primary and (ii) secondary school teachers who are Muslims. [23810]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is not collected centrally.

  Teachers (Work Load)
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what measures she plans to take to reduce the time teachers spend on administration. [23977]

  Mr. Timms
  My Department keeps administrative requirements on all schools under continuous review. We have taken a number of actions to reduce the burdens on schools, including simplifying the Standards Fund, providing extra funding for small schools to meet proportionately higher administrative costs and to encourage the development of collaborative approaches to reducing burdens, such as shared ICT technicians, and actively screening all mailings to schools. In addition, in the school year 2000–01, we achieved a significant reduction in the number of pages sent to schools by the Department.

  We recognise that there is more to be done to make teaching a more manageable profession. The PricewaterhouseCoopers study of teacher work load, published on 5 December 2001, has put forward further practical ways of addressing work load issues, which the Department and other stakeholders are considering.

  School Partnerships
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which grammar/non-selective school partnerships are in receipt of financial support from her Department; and how much support and what the nature of the partnership is in each case. [24086]

  Mr. Timms
  We have allocated £505,616 to 28 partnerships for the 2001–02 school year. Detailed information on the successful partnerships have been placed in the Libraries.

  Standards Fund
  Jeff Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when she will announce next year's Standards Fund allocation to local education authorities; and what the increase in the Standards Fund will be. [24279]

  Mr. Timms
  Information on the Standards Fund programme for 2002–03 was issued to local education authorities on 28 September in the form of a circular from

  Decisions issued in 2000–01

  Upheld1

  Dismissed2

  Number

  Percentage

  Number

  Percentage

  Total

  Appeals not involving contents of Statements

  Refusal to assess

  229

  67

  115

  33

  344

  Refusal to statement

  66

  70

  28

  30

  94

  Refusal to re-assess

  15

  65

  8

  35

  23

  Cease to Maintain

  13

  62

  8

  38

  21

  Total

  323

  67

  159

  33

  482

  414W
  the Department for Education and Skills. A copy of the circular has been placed in the Library. Allocations for most of the grants supported under the Standards Fund were notified to local education authorities by the end of November. Allocations for some grants remain to be issued as they are based on information not yet available. The total expenditure to be supported through the Standards Fund in 2002–03 will be £3.6 billion, compared to £3.1 billion in 2001–02. The totals include both Government grant and local education authority contributions.

  Special Educational Needs Tribunal
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many cases set down for a hearing in the Special Educational Needs Tribunal in the latest year for which figures are available were(a) abandoned at the instigation of the local education authority, (b) abandoned at the request of parents, (c) determined in favour of the local education authority and (d) determined (i) in whole and (ii) in part in favour of parents. [23942]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  The following information gives a breakdown of appeals for 1 September 2000 to 1 August 2001. It gives the number of appeals abandoned at the request of the local education authority and at the request of the parent. The tribunal does not collect information about the outcome of appeals in the format requested. However, information about the number of appeals upheld or partially upheld is available and a table providing this information is also included. A case is listed as "upheld" when any of the points at issue are decided in the parents' favour.

  SEN Tribunal

  Breakdown of appeals information 1 September 2000 to 31 August 2001

  Total number of Registrations: 2,728

  Total number of Decisions: 1,206

  Total number of Withdrawals: 1,368.

  How many cases set down for hearing in SENT in the latest year were:

  (a)abandoned at the instigation of the LEA
  Of the total number of withdrawals last year, 699 appeals were withdrawn because the LEA had fully complied with the appeal and therefore not opposed. A further 475 cases were withdrawn because the LEA had negotiated an agreement with the parents.

  (b)abandoned at the request of the parents
  Of the total number of withdrawals last year 40 related to parents changing their minds about the appeals. The remaining 154 cases were withdrawn but the Tribunal does not know the reason.

  (c), (d)(i), (ii) determined in favour of the LEA and parent in whole or in part

  The outcome of the appeals for which the Tribunal issued a decision during the year is summarised in the table:
  415W

  Decisions issued in 2000–01

  Upheld1

  Dismissed2

  Number

  Percentage

  Number

  Percentage

  Total

  Contents of Statement

  Parts 2 and/or 3, not 4

  157

  89

  19

  11

  176

  Parts 2, 3 and 4

  354

  92

  29

  8

  383

  Part 4 only

  106

  76

  34

  24

  140

  Refusal to change school named

  14

  70

  6

  30

  20

  Failure to name a school

  4

  80

  1

  20

  5

  Total

  635

  88

  89

  12

  724

  Total decisions issued

  958

  79

  248

  21

  1,206

  1Total upheld appeals includes those cases remitted to the LEA in the Refusal to Statement category

  2Total dismissed appeals includes strike outs

  Disability Rights Commission
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the administration costs of the Disability Rights Commission were in 2000–01; and what she expects them to be in 2001–02. [21295]

  Maria Eagle
  I have been asked to reply.

  In 2000–01 the administration costs of the Disability Rights Commission were £8.063 million. In 2001–2 they are expected to be £7.508 million. These figures includes staff salaries and other related expenditure such as premises and equipment.

  Trailblazer Sector Skills Council
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which sectors are to be covered by a Trailblazer Sector Skills Council. [24365]

  Estelle Morris
  From the 31 expressions of interest received, I am pleased to announce that the following five sectors will be invited to form a Trailblazer Sector Skills Council:

  apparel, footwear and textile

  audio visual industries

  land based industries

  oil and gas extraction; petroleum refining and distribution; and chemical manufacture

  retail.

  All sectors who expressed an interest, but were unsuccessful in being awarded Trailblazer SSC status, have been offered one-to-one feedback meetings to explain reasons for the decision and to initiate a dialogue on the way forward for their sectors.

  Employment and Social Policy Council
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the outcome was of the Employment and Social Policy Council held in Brussels on 3 December; what the Government position was on each issue discussed, including their voting record; and if she will make a statement. [21219]

  Malcolm Wicks
  I have been asked to reply.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions represented the UK at the Employment and Social Policy Council in Brussels on 3 December, together with the Minister for Employment and the Regions.
  416W
  The Council agreed parameters for the simplification of the co-ordination of social security schemes under Regulation 1408–71. The UK was able to accept the parameters, subject to detailed scrutiny, further negotiations and correction of linguistic points. The parameters will be forwarded to the Laeken European Council. The UK was also able to endorse the Council's Conclusions identifying the appropriate legal base for extending co-ordination of social security schemes to nationals of third countries.

  The Council reached political agreement on the 'Autumn Package' of Employment measures, comprising the Employment Guidelines for 2002; Recommendations on the implementation of member states' employment policies and the adoption of the Joint Employment Report for 2001: the 'package' will go to the Laeken European Council for endorsement.

  The Council adopted Conclusions on indicators on 'Quality in Work' which will be presented to the Laeken European Council, thus fulfilling the remit from the Stockholm European Council.

  The Council adopted a report on indicators of poverty and social exclusion for Laeken; a Joint Commission and Council Report on social inclusion and a joint report from the Social Protection Committee and the Economic Policy Committee on objectives and working methods in the area of pensions. All three documents will go to the Laeken European Council for adoption.

  The Council agreed a common position on amending the Insolvency (worker protection) Directive, to bring it in line with recent jurisprudence.

  The Council also agreed to adopt 2003 as the European Year of People with Disabilities.

  The Council adopted Conclusions on Structural Indicators, which will be forwarded to the General Affairs Council; indicators on the Gender pay gap, and on an EU-level mechanism to help resolve transnational employment disputes.

  The Belgian Presidency presented a progress report on a Directive on Employee Involvement in the European Co-operative. The Presidency reported progress on the Asbestos (worker protection) Directive. A common position is expected to be finalised under the forthcoming Spanish Presidency. The Council noted two Presidency reports on gender mainstreaming in Council formations and agreed a contribution to work on the Broad Economic Guidelines for 2002, to be forwarded to ECOFIN.
  417W
  The Council adopted a Resolution on the Commission's Green Paper on Corporate Social Responsibility and requested that the outcomes of the current debates at national level be incorporated in the Commission's next Communication on this subject.

  The Commission gave an overview of its Communication on increased Labour Force Participation and Active Ageing. The Commission presented its Communication on Lifelong Learning.

  No votes were taken at this Council.

  New Deal (Disabled People)
  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the new deal for Disabled People pilot studies. [18410]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  I have been asked to reply.

  Evaluation has shown that the New Deal for Disabled People Personal Adviser Service and Innovative Schemes produced encouraging results.

  Pilot evaluation reports are available in the Library and on the new deal website.

  The national extension of the new deal for disabled people from 2 July 2001 was informed by the pilot evaluation reports. It too will be evaluated to find the best ways of helping disabled people find work.

  Equal Opportunities Commission
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the administration costs of the Equal Opportunities Commission were in 2000–01; and what she expects them to be in 2001–02. [21294]

  Ms Hewitt
  I have been asked to reply.

  I am replying as I am responsible for the financial arrangements of the Equal Opportunities Commission. The Commission's administration costs in 2000–01 were £6.929 million. The Commission expects their administration costs to be £6.333 million during the current financial year. Details of the Commission's expenditure are published in their combined annual report and accounts, which is available to the public.

  Older People
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will set out for each of the conclusions in section 6.4 of the Performance and Innovation Unit report, 'Winning the Generation Game', (a) what progress her Department has made and (b) what future plans her Department has for acting on them; and if she will set out against each of the conclusions the targets and deadlines that have been set. [24196]

  John Healey
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given today by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, at column 335W.

  Teachers' Qualifications
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to her answer of 22 October 2001,Official Report, column 44W, for what
  418W
  reason figures have not been collected since 1996–97 on the percentage of secondary school teachers holding an appropriate subject qualification. [10407]

  Mr. Timms
  Surveys to collect these figures have been undertaken every four to five years. We plan to conduct another survey shortly.

  Departmental Expenditure Limits
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the reasons for the difference between the final voted departmental expenditure limit and provisional outturn for financial year 2000–01, as listed in the Treasury document, Public Expenditure 2000–01: Provisional Outturn, for Vote I, Department for Education and Employment, subcategories(a) 1 Department of Employment: programmes and central services and (b) 5 Sure Start; and if she will make a statement. [24111]

  Estelle Morris
  Full details of outturn against 2000–01 voted provision will be published in the appropriation accounts to be presented to the House of Commons by 31 January 2002. The departmental resource account on an accruals basis will also be presented to the House of Commons before 31 January. Updated estimates of the outturn for Departmental Expenditure Limits in 2000–01 on an accruals basis were published in the 2001 pre-Budget report (Cm 5318), Table B16.

  New Deal (Over-25s)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many people were employed by her Department under the new deal for the over-25s; and at what cost to the public funds in 2001–02. [21688]

  Estelle Morris
  Information follows on the number of people currently employed by my Department under the new deal for over-25s. New deal recruits take up existing vacancies so extra costs are limited to the subsidy paid under the programme, where appropriate, and any additional training and development which may be needed, the cost of the latter cannot be readily identified.

  I confirm for the period 2001–02 there are currently four new deal participants aged 25 plus employed in the Department for Education and Skills. The total cost to the public purse for this period in employer subsidies is approximately £1,440.00.

  New Deal (Young People)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many people are employed by the Department under the New Deal for Young People; and at what cost to public funds. [21325]

  Estelle Morris
  Information follows on the number of people currently employed by my Department under the new deal for young people. New deal recruits take up existing vacancies so extra costs are limited to the subsidy paid under the programme, where appropriate, and any additional training and development which may be needed. The cost of the latter cannot be readily identified.

  I confirm there are 14 people currently employed by the Department for Education and Skills under the new deal for young people. The cost to the public purse in employer and training subsidies is approximately £30,660.
  419W

  Departmental Sickness Absence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) when she expects to reply to the Question of 5 December, ref. 21335, from the hon. Member for Buckingham on sickness absence; [24754]

  (2) how many days were lost owing to sickness absence in the Department in each of the last four years. [21335]

  Estelle Morris
  The overall sickness absence rate in the Department for Education and Employment (DfEE) in each of the last four calendar years for which official figures are available was:

  Days per staff year

  1999

  11.0

  1998

  11.6

  Table A: The total numbers and proportions of each civil service grade within the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) in each region and nation of the UK

  Number of staff by grade level and region (full-time equivalent.

  Government office region

  All grades

  SCS

  Level 6/7

  SEO/HEO level

  EO level

  AO/AA level

  Permanent staff

  London

  1,963

  86

  298

  699

  466

  414

  North West

  501

  2

  10

  108

  111

  270

  North East

  508

  2

  28

  124

  147

  207

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  1,084

  22

  126

  435

  228

  273

  Total permanent staff

  4,056

  112

  462

  1,366

  952

  1,164

  Casual staff

  London

  53

  —

  2

  2

  11

  38

  North West

  29

  —

  —

  2

  —

  27

  North East

  32

  —

  —

  —

  —

  32

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  54

  —

  —

  —

  4

  50

  Total casual staff

  168

  —

  2

  4

  15

  147

  Total all staff

  4,224

  112

  464

  1,370

  967

  1,311

  Percentage of staff by grade level and region

  Government office region

  All grades

  SCS

  Level 6/7

  SEO/HEO level

  EO level

  AO/AA level

  Permanent staff

  London

  48

  77

  65

  51

  49

  36

  NorthWest

  12

  2

  2

  8

  12

  23

  North East

  13

  2

  6

  9

  15

  18

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  27

  19

  27

  32

  24

  23

  Total permanent staff

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  Casual staff

  London

  32

  —

  100

  50

  73

  26

  NorthWest

  17

  —

  —

  50

  —

  18

  North East

  19

  —

  —

  —

  —

  22

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  32

  —

  —

  —

  27

  34

  Total casual staff

  100

  —

  100

  100

  100

  100

  Total all staff

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  Notes:

  1. No staff are located in other regions or nations of the UK.

  2. DfES has no industrial staff.
  420W

  Days per staff year

  1997

  12.6

  1996

  11.8

  The DfES is committed to reducing sickness absence in line with the targets agreed across Whitehall.

  Civil Servants
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many and what proportion of each civil service grade in her Department is located in each region and nation of the UK; what the average salary is for each grade; and if she will make a statement. [6862]

  Estelle Morris
  The total numbers and proportions of each civil service grade within the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) in each region and nation of the UK are shown in table A. The average salary for each grade in DfEs by region of the UK is shown in table B.
  421W

  Table B: Average salary for each grade in DfES by region of the UK

  £

  Government office region

  All grades

  SCS level

  G6/7 level

  SEO/HEO level

  EO level

  AO/AA level

  Permanent

  London

  26,338

  78,327

  45,523

  29,742

  22,040

  17,239

  North West

  17,493

  72,250

  37,928

  28,031

  18,379

  15,403

  North East

  17,947

  67,556

  40,463

  27,243

  18,770

  14,025

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  24,147

  73,746

  43,005

  28,031

  17,939

  13,923

  All regions

  24,672

  75,894

  44,348

  28,243

  21,138

  16,167

  Casual

  London

  15,790

  —

  41,423

  23,832

  18,468

  15,790

  North West

  12,720

  —

  —

  27,435

  —

  12,720

  North East

  9,639

  —

  —

  —

  —

  9,639

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  12,720

  —

  —

  —

  15,235

  12,720

  All regions

  12,720

  —

  41,423

  25,672

  18,468

  12,720

  Education Maintenance Allowance
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to extend the Education Maintenance Allowance pilot scheme to the constituency of Buckingham. [24839]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  We have no such plans at present. We will be taking decisions on any future extension of the scheme on the basis of the rigorous evaluation, which is currently being conducted.

  GCSE (Road User Studies)
  Lembit Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will introduce a GCSE in Road User Studies based on the GCSE run by the Northern Ireland Education Department. [24156]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  We are keen to ensure that all young people should have the opportunity to study subjects that interest them. However, we have no plans to introduce a GCSE in Road User Studies as there are other GCSE qualifications that cover elements of the subject area, for example, Design and Technology GCSE. Other vocationally related qualifications approved for use include the Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies Certificates offered by the City and Guilds of London Institute, the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) and the Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC). There is also the Motor Vehicle Foundation Studies Certificate offered by the Awarding Body Consortium (ABC).

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

  Fuel Poverty
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has for the provision of emergency heating for pensioners on the waiting list for heating insulation under fuel poverty schemes. [12519]

  Mr. Meacher
  The majority of new heating installations under the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme are now being completed within 12 weeks of the date of home survey.
  422W
  Where there is a risk of severe delay, and the householder has no form of alternative heating, the HEES scheme managers will provide portable heating appliances.

  As fuel poverty 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.

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made as to the number of people who would be in fuel poverty in(a) England and (b) the Isle of Wight if there were a 5 per cent, rise in fuel prices. [23678]

  Mr. Wilson
  I have been asked to reply.

  The UK Fuel Poverty Strategy, which was published in November 2001, states that for the purposes of estimating the effects of price changes on future numbers in fuel poverty, a reasonable range of price movements by 2010 to consider would appear to be: for domestic gas prices—an increase of 15 per cent, to a fall of 10 per cent, in real terms; and for domestic electricity prices—an increase of 5 per cent, to a fall of 2 per cent, in real terms

  If electricity prices were to rise by 5 per cent, and gas prices by 15 per cent, then the number in fuel poverty in England could increase by around 0.8 million. If electricity prices fell by 2 per cent, and gas prices fell by 10 per cent, then the numbers in fuel poverty could fall by around 0.3 million. Future gas and electricity prices are uncertain and will be affected by a number of factors. It is difficult to estimate the precise impacts of price changes on the numbers in fuel poverty. The figures presented give a broad indication of the changes in fuel poverty which might be expected from the stated changes in energy prices.

  It is broadly estimated that a 5 per cent, increase in fuel prices may increase the number of households in fuel poverty in England by around 0.4 million. Data are not available to produce estimates of fuel poverty on the Isle of Wight and it is therefore not possible to estimate the impact of changes in fuel prices on fuel poverty on the Isle of Wight.
  423W

  Sustainable Development Summit
  Mr. Lazarowicz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will include a representative of the Scottish Executive in the United Kingdom delegation to the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002. [13148]

  Mr. Meacher
  The devolved Administrations have been closely involved in the development of the UK's position on the World Summit on Sustainable Development. We will certainly want to ensure that they are represented at the Summit, but the precise composition of the UK's delegation will be a matter for the Prime Minister nearer the time.

  Home Energy Efficiency Scheme
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what(a) is the predicted and (b) was the average period between initial application for a (i) HEES and (ii) HEES Plus grant and completion of the home improvements in (A) England, (B) each English region and (C) each local authority area in each month since June 2000; and what performance targets have been set regarding waiting times for HEES customers. [19349]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Eaga Partnership Ltd. and TXU Warm Front Ltd. manage the Home Efficiency Scheme, marketed as the Warm Front Team, under contract. The table shows the average timelines for each of the English regions since the launch of the scheme in June 2000. It is not possible to provide the further breakdown requested by the hon. Member.

  The scheme managers have a target time for completion of work following application. This is set at 40 days for insulation measures, and 120 days for heating measures. The delays experienced by householders have been due to the national shortage of gas heating engineers.

  Time taken from date of application to payment of grant1

  1 June 2000 to 31 December 2000

  1 January 2001 to 30 June 2001

  1 July 2001 to 30 November 2001

  HEES:

  East

  230

  120

  70

  East midlands

  220

  110

  70

  Yorkshire and Humber

  210

  110

  70

  North-east

  220

  130

  70

  North-west

  240

  140

  70

  London

  230

  150

  90

  South-east

  230

  160

  70

  West midlands

  220

  130

  70

  South-west

  230

  140

  60

  Average for England

  230

  130

  70

  HEES plus

  East

  220

  130

  80

  East midlands

  230

  120

  70

  Yorkshire and Humber

  220

  130

  70

  North-east

  240

  130

  70

  North-west

  260

  150

  70

  London

  260

  150

  80

  South-east

  250

  160

  70

  West midlands

  250

  140

  70

  South-west

  260

  140

  60

  Average for England

  250

  140

  70

  1 There is usually a period of one to eight weeks between the date of actual installation and the receipt of the invoice from installers.

  424W

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what advice she has received from the Food Standards Agency regarding the labelling of GMOs. [21209]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Food Standards Agency Board considered their position on the labelling of foods containing GMOs and foods produced from GMOs in a public meeting on 19 September. The minutes of this meeting and a statement by the Agency are available on their website. A copy of the statement has been placed in the Library of the House. The Board's advice, in summary, was to maintain the current labelling rules supplemented with the introduction of a provision for "GM-free" labelling.

  Departmental Sickness Absence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many days were lost due to sickness absence in the Department in each of the last four years. [21336]

  Mr. Morley
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 15 October 2001,Official Report, column 1078W, to the right hon. Member for Penrith and The Border (David Maclean).

  The Department is committed to the effective management of sickness absence, and has included targets for a reduction in days lost due to sickness in a Service Delivery Agreement (SDA).

  Responsibility for attendance matters within the Central Science Laboratory, the Veterinary Laboratories Agency, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science Agency and the Rural Payments Agency—all former MAFF Agencies—has been delegated to the Agency Chief Executives and I have asked them to reply direct. The Pesticides Safety Directorate and Veterinary Medicines Directorate Agencies are covered by the Departmental response.

  Residential Gardens
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under what powers local authorities can take action to deal with residential gardens which become dumping grounds for household and other rubbish; and if she will make a statement. [22715]

  Mr. Meacher
  The illegal disposal of waste without a waste management licence or registered exemption (commonly known as fly-tipping) is a criminal offence. In the event of a conviction, severe penalties are available to the courts, including an unlimited fine or imprisonment of up to five years.

  Section 59 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, provides the local authority or the Environment Agency with the power to effect the removal of fly-tipped waste (including that which is fly-tipped in residential gardens) and to recover costs from those responsible.

  End-use Equipment
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with EU partners to reach agreement to the
  425W
  European Commission's proposals for a Framework Directive for Minimum Efficiency Requirements for End-Use Equipment. [22600]

  Mr. Meacher
  The European Commission has yet to bring forward a formal proposal for a Framework Directive for Minimum Energy Efficiency Requirements for End-Use Equipment, but it has recently indicated that it should be in a position to do so early in 2002. To help ensure that work on this subject can then proceed as efficiently as possible, the Department has been working closely with other member states to identify the key issues which will need to be addressed. Such work has been advanced this year by the Market Transformation Programme Information Forum www.mtpif.com, a joint initiative between the Department and the Dutch Government, which is designed to promote the development and free exchange of policy information in this field.

  Household Appliances
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with EU partners to reach agreement to complete the Review of Council Directive 92/75/EEC on the indication by labelling and standard product information of the consumption of energy and other resources by household appliances. [22601]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government have actively worked with other member states to encourage the European Commission to bring forward proposals for the revision of Council Directive 92/75/EEC as soon as possible. We have pursued this in collective discussions and directly with the commission.

  To help ensure that a review can proceed as efficiently as possible, my Department has also been working closely with other members states to identify the key issues which will need to be addressed. Such work has been advanced this year by the Market Transformation Programme Information Forum www.mtpif.com, a joint initiative between the Department and the Dutch Government, which is designed to promote the development and free exchange of policy information in this field.

  North Sea Conference
  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if the Scottish Executive will be represented as part of the United Kingdom delegation at the North Sea conference in March 2002. [23238]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Scottish Executive is contributing to preparations for the conference on issues where policy has been devolved. We are currently considering arrangements for attendance at the conference by Ministers and officials.

  Low Frequency Noise
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research her Department has funded in the last five years on the prevalence and impact of low frequency noise. [23284]
  426W
  Mr. Meacher
  We have funded the production of guidance for use by local authorities which will shortly be placed on DEFRA's website. This updates the advice provided to the Department by the Building Research Establishment in 1992.

  Game Licences
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when a Minister in her Department last met the organisations listed on the reverse of the game licence. [22396]

  Alun Michael
  [holding answer 17 December 2001]: It is intended to revise the wording of the licence as it is out of date in a number of respects.

  Currently the organisations listed on the reverse of the licence are the RSPCA, the British Field Sports Society and the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare. Ministers have many meetings which involve the RSPCA and the Countryside Alliance, which is the successor organisation to the British Field Sports Association. I have met both during the course of the last month. The Universities Federation for Animal welfare is a scientific and technical animal welfare organisation. It uses scientific knowledge and established expertise to improve the welfare of animals as pets, in zoos, laboratories, on farms and in the wild. There has not been a recent meeting with this organisation.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the text of the game licence was written; and when it was last revised. [22393]

  Alun Michael
  [holding answer 17 December 2001]: Game licences are issued under legislation which has roots in the 19th Century. We have tried to discover the date on which the text was written, or revised, and it has proved difficult. The last changes were made in the 1970s.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Alan Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many items of correspondence from hon. Members addressed to her, which were received by her Department between(a) 1 June and 31 July, (b) 1 August and 31 August and (c) 1 September and 30 September, remain unanswered. [16286]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 20 November 2001]: Between (a) 7 June and 31 July, 1,311 were received and 607 remain unanswered.

  Between (b) 1 August and 31 August 1,078 were received and 592 remain unanswered.

  Between (c) 1 September and 30 September 941 were received and 449 remain unanswered.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State wrote to all Members of Parliament on 14 November explaining the scale of the current problems faced by the Correspondence Section and setting out the mechanisms put in place to overcome these problems.

  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) when the hon. Member for West Chelmsford will receive a substantive
  427W
  reply to his question, tabled on 19 November, ref 16824, concerning Dr. Reza Hossam of St. John's Hospital, Chelmsford; [23663]

  (2) when the hon. Member for West Chelmsford will be given a reply to his letter of 12 June to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office which was transferred to her Department on 18 June concerning Dr. Reza Hossam of St. John's Hospital, Chelmsford. [16824]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 23 November 2001]Unfortunately, we have no record of your letter of 12 June concerning Dr. Reza Hossam on our correspondence database.

  Hunting
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list meetings held by(a) Ministers and (b) officials with (i) pro-hunt organisations, (ii) anti-hunt organisations and (iii) other organisations as part of the consultation on the resumption of hunting after the end of the foot and mouth outbreak. [23185]

  Alun Michael
  [holding answer 17 December 2001]During the consultation period, I met the following:(i) on the pro-hunt side:
  the Countryside Alliance including representatives of the Master of Fox Hounds Association and The Campaign for Hunting; and
  (ii) on the anti-hunt side:
  the Campaign for the Protection of Hunted Animals which incorporated representatives from the RSPCA, League against Cruel Sports and International Fund for Animal Welfare.

  In addition, officials met the English and Welsh Farmers Fox Control Associations; the National Coursing Club; Council of Hunting Associations; the Federation of Welsh Packs; and the Countryside Alliance.

  Nitrates Directive
  Lawrie Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress is being made in meeting the United Kingdom's legal obligations to implement the 1991 Nitrates Directive. [24996]

  Margaret Beckett
  Following the decision by the European Court of Justice that the United Kingdom has failed to comply with the Nitrates Directive, I will be issuing a consultation document to key organisations very shortly, setting out the proposals for implementing the Nitrates Directive in England. The consultation will get under way in earnest in the new year, when a summary version of the consultation document will be sent to all farmers in England seeking their views on implementation options. The consultation document includes an outline of the help available from DEFRA for farmers to meet the cost of compliance.

  Food Labelling
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans her Department has to require(a) restaurants and (b) fast-food outlets to disclose the country of origin of the meat in the meals which they serve. [19248]

  Yvette Cooper
  I have been asked to reply.
  428W
  We have no plans to require this information to be given either in restaurants or fast-food outlets.

  However, the Food Standards Agency has recently reviewed the advice produced by the Government last year on the interpretation of existing rules on misleading labelling and country of origin. The review aims to ensure this advice addresses the issues that are of most concern to consumers and encourage increased voluntary declarations. The FSA's draft advice has been issued for public consultation and makes clear that, in catering establishments, care should be taken to ensure the wording of any origin information on menus etc. is clear and unambiguous.

  Biosecurity (Rights of Way)
  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what advice her Department has issued for footpath users when footpaths cross fields and farmyards covered by biosecurity recommendations. [23630]

  Alun Michael
  With the improving foot and mouth disease situation, the veterinary risk assessment on use of public rights of way has been revised, and concludes that it is now safe to re-open footpaths crossing remaining restricted premises—apart from those passing through farmyards or buildings—once final cleansing and disinfection is complete, or, if final cleansing and disinfection is not being undertaken, three months after completion of preliminary cleansing and disinfection.

  The revised risk assessment was issued on 7 December, along with revised guidance to local authorities which encourages them to work closely with the Department's Divisional Veterinary Managers to establish exactly which rights of way may now be re-opened. Where paths pass through farmyards or buildings, authorities should try to arrange temporary permissive diversions with the farmers concerned, especially where heavily-used paths or national trails are affected. If this is not possible, those paths must remain closed until the veterinary restrictions are lifted. The revised risk assessment and guidance refer to footpaths as the most familiar rights of way, but apply equally to all types of public right of way.

  The guidance includes a code of conduct which local authorities are asked to publicise to path users, to encourage them to behave so as to reduce still further the already minimal risk that their activities could transmit the disease. However, there is no conflict between the relaxation of restrictions on rights-of-way users and continuing tight biosecurity controls on some farming activity: the latter are designed to limit the risks arising from working directly with animals, which, though now small, are far more significant than those arising from footpath use.

  97 per cent, of footpaths in England are now open. Local authorities may require a little time to establish which footpaths across restricted premises can be re-opened, but almost all should be open by early in the new year, provided that there are no further outbreaks of the disease.

  Common Land
  Tony Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will publish(a) a report on the consultation responses and (b) the Government's proposals on greater protection and better management of common land. [23695]

  Alun Michael
  The Government are considering proposals for improving the legislation on common land and town and village greens, as set out last year in the consultation paper "Greater Protection and Better Management of Common Land in England and Wales". We expect to publish a detailed report on the responses to the paper and to announce our proposals for future action shortly.

  Sheep and Cattle Subsidies
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many people claim(a) sheep and (b) cattle subsidy broken down by the geographical areas used by her Department for payment purposes. [20713]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 5 December 2001]The table shows the number of people claiming sheep subsidy, broken down into claims received at the nine (former) Regional Service Centres (RSCs) during the 2001 Scheme year application period.

  Regional Service Centre (RSC)

  Number of Claims

  Bristol

  2,248

  Cambridge

  998

  Carlisle

  5,824

  Crewe

  2,922

  Exeter

  4,588

  Northallerton

  5,073

  Nottingham

  2,813

  2000 scheme year bovine claims

  Number of claims for:

  RPA

  1 animal

  2–5 animals

  6–10 animals

  11–20 animals

  21–100 animals

  101–200 animals

  More than 200

  Total

  BSPS

  Bristol

  212

  262

  477

  617

  1,435

  284

  0

  3,287

  Cambridge

  143

  349

  274

  307

  887

  123

  0

  2,083

  Carlisle

  236

  661

  569

  850

  2,343

  383

  0

  5,042

  Crewe

  264

  702

  540

  675

  1,406

  221

  0

  3,808

  Exeter

  342

  1,015

  760

  1,028

  2,591

  580

  0

  6,316

  Northallerton

  257

  728

  637

  932

  2,289

  290

  0

  5,133

  Nottingham

  184

  526

  485

  604

  1,618

  301

  0

  3,718

  Reading

  188

  485

  395

  475

  1,191

  340

  0

  3,074

  Worcester

  183

  472

  403

  521

  1,237

  277

  0

  3,093

  Total

  2,009

  5,200

  4,560

  5,809

  14,797

  2,799

  0

  35,554

  Number of claims for:

  RPA

  1 animal

  2–5 animals

  6–10 animals

  11–20 animals

  21–100 animals

  101–200 animals

  More than 200

  Total

  SCPS

  Bristol

  35

  245

  289

  332

  720

  76

  21

  1,718

  Cambridge

  34

  182

  188

  230

  480

  65

  21

  1,200

  Carlisle

  25

  209

  278

  452

  1,537

  244

  53

  2,798

  Crewe

  39

  297

  328

  421

  766

  55

  15

  1,921

  Exeter

  59

  460

  457

  694

  1,441

  138

  54

  3,303

  430W

  Regional Service Centre (RSC)

  Number of Claims

  Reading

  2,906

  Worcester

  3,608

  Total

  30,980

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will publish the figures for the numbers of people claiming(a) sheep subsidy and (b) cattle subsidy for (i) one animal, (ii) two to five animals, (iii) five to 10 animals, (iv) 10 to 20 animals, (v) 20 to 100 animals, (vi) 100 to 200 animals and (vii) more than 200 animals. [20712]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 5 December 2001]The table shows the number people claiming sheep subsidy on the above specified ranges of sheep numbers. This information reflects the 2001 Scheme year and therefore includes claims received at the nine (former) Regional Service Centres (RSCs).

  Figures for one to five sheep are nil as the rules for Sheep Annual Premium claims state that the claim must be made on a minimum of 10 sheep.

  Number of sheep

  Number of claims

  1

  0

  2–5

  0

  6–10

  342

  11–20

  2,046

  21–100

  9,933

  101–200

  6,225

  More 200

  12,434

  Total

  30,980

  The tables set out similar figures for the bovine schemes.
  431W

  Number of claims for:

  RPA

  1 animal

  2–5 animals

  6–10 animals

  11–20 animals

  21–100 animals

  101–200 animals

  More than 200

  Total

  Northallerton

  44

  349

  388

  647

  1,483

  145

  24

  3,036

  Nottingham

  39

  278

  309

  444

  880

  110

  18

  2,078

  Reading

  46

  276

  288

  414

  876

  112

  23

  2,035

  Worcester

  49

  298

  282

  369

  707

  74

  11

  1,790

  Total

  370

  2,594

  2,807

  4,003

  8,890

  1,019

  240

  19,879

  Number of claims for:

  RPA

  1 animal

  2–5 animals

  6–10 animals

  11–20 animals

  21–100 animals

  101–200 animals

  More than 200

  Total

  SPS

  Bristol

  396

  852

  708

  1,094

  1,589

  131

  46

  4,816

  Cambridge

  163

  397

  325

  351

  634

  102

  65

  2,037

  Carlisle

  433

  1,075

  981

  1,429

  2,294

  222

  89

  6,523

  Crewe

  481

  1,122

  881

  1,237

  2,109

  165

  100

  6,095

  Exeter

  548

  1,392

  1,162

  1,586

  2,101

  229

  57

  7,075

  Northallerton

  420

  1,119

  942

  1,097

  2,087

  329

  161

  6,155

  Nottingham

  289

  803

  851

  1,022

  1,675

  242

  104

  4,986

  Reading

  241

  560

  415

  549

  1,216

  156

  53

  3,190

  Worcester

  256

  591

  473

  600

  1,217

  156

  68

  3,361

  Total

  3,227

  7,911

  6,738

  8,965

  14,922

  1,612

  743

  44,238

  2001 scheme year bovine claims

  Number of claims for:

  RPA

  1 animal

  2–5 animals

  6–10 animals

  11–20 animals

  21–100 animals

  101–200 animals

  More than 200

  Total

  BSPS

  Bristol

  208

  662

  535

  646

  1,296

  151

  49

  3,547

  Cambridge

  131

  327

  272

  292

  532

  70

  38

  1,662

  Carlisle

  197

  776

  667

  953

  1,773

  169

  35

  4,570

  Crewe

  232

  758

  626

  664

  1,157

  156

  38

  3,631

  Exeter

  324

  1,178

  961

  1,282

  2,465

  296

  81

  6,587

  Newcastle

  73

  245

  228

  297

  540

  62

  11

  1,456

  Northallerton

  379

  1,159

  1,018

  1,226

  2,010

  269

  64

  6,125

  Nottingham

  177

  627

  505

  613

  1,296

  173

  60

  3,451

  Reading

  113

  350

  274

  311

  726

  126

  48

  1,948

  Total

  1,834

  6,082

  5,086

  6,284

  11,795

  1,472

  424

  32,977

  Number of claims for:

  RPA

  1 animal

  2–5 animals

  6–10 animals

  11–20 animals

  21–100 animals

  101–200 animals

  More than 200

  Total

  SCPS

  Bristol

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Cambridge

  22

  119

  122

  134

  318

  36

  14

  765

  Carlisle

  29

  182

  247

  375

  1,150

  149

  30

  2,162

  Crewe

  30

  185

  204

  264

  465

  32

  13

  1,193

  Exeter

  61

  421

  458

  579

  1,323

  127

  38

  3,007

  Newcastle

  11

  83

  99

  110

  201

  16

  4

  524

  Northallerton

  41

  336

  364

  539

  1,211

  120

  30

  2,641

  Nottingham

  30

  163

  199

  262

  554

  62

  13

  1,273

  Reading

  5

  46

  57

  62

  183

  21

  7

  381

  Total

  229

  1,535

  1,750

  2,325

  5,405

  563

  149

  11,946

  432W 433W

  Number of claims for:

  RPA

  1 animal

  2–5 animals

  6–10 animals

  11–20 animals

  21–100 animals

  101–200 animals

  More than 200

  Total

  SPS

  Bristol

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Cambridge

  98

  280

  177

  287

  532

  85

  53

  1,512

  Carlisle

  276

  1,000

  723

  858

  1,383

  137

  43

  4,420

  Crewe

  145

  486

  388

  458

  926

  106

  30

  2,539

  Exeter

  468

  1,586

  1,230

  1,376

  2,493

  239

  72

  7,464

  Newcastle

  47

  183

  158

  206

  497

  45

  20

  1,156

  Northallerton

  304

  991

  693

  941

  2,026

  280

  115

  5,350

  Nottingham

  125

  439

  399

  589

  1,289

  183

  73

  3,097

  Reading

  76

  235

  208

  259

  577

  89

  27

  1,471

  Total

  1,539

  5,200

  3,976

  4,974

  9,723

  1,164

  433

  27,009

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if pet owners may apply for(a) sheep and (b) cattle subsidies. [21447]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 10 December 2001]To qualify for subsidy on sheep or cattle an individual must be a producer as specified within European Community legislation.

  In some circumstances "pets" may qualify but this is subject to detailed regulations. The definition of a producer, with regard to the grant of premiums for sheepmeat and goatmeat, is laid down within Council Regulation 3493/1990. For beef and veal subsidies this definition is in Council Regulation 1254/1999. Copies of these Regulations are available in the House of Commons Library.

  Claimants must also meet the specific eligibility requirements of each subsidy scheme. These are also set out in Community legislation.

  An overview of how livestock schemes operate within England, and which animals may be eligible for subsidy, is provided on-line at www.defra.gov.uk, under the headings of 'Farming' and 'Cattle and sheep schemes'.

  Administration of the livestock subsidy regimes within England is carried out by the Rural Payment Agency (RPA). Local offices of the RPA are able to provide, free of charge, notes for guidance to claimants, which detail the specific rules of the individual schemes.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will respond to the written questions of the hon. Member for Vale of York tabled on 27 November, Refs. 20822, 20823, 20825 and 20826. [22056]

  Mr. Morley
  I refer the hon. Lady to the answers provided on 11 December 2001,Official Report, columns 845–51W, and the answer of 17 December 2001, Official Report, column 145W.

  Sugar Beet
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the sugar beet industry; and what steps her Department has taken to ensure that the UK's rhizomania-free status remains. [23061]
  434W
  Mr. Morley
  The United Kingdom has not been rhizomania-free since 1987, when the first outbreak was found. Since then, the disease has been found in an increasing number of farms, so that 211 are now known to be infected with the disease. The UK was granted Protected Zone status for rhizomania when the Single Market Plant Health legislation was adopted in 1993, at which time only 19 outbreaks had been detected and there was still hope that the disease would not become widely established. Through the containment policy associated with Protected Zone status DEFRA has prohibited the use of outbreak fields for beet production and imposed hygiene requirements, to try to prevent further spread of the disease from those fields. Despite these measures the number of outbreaks has continued to rise. It is likely that the causative organisms for the disease were present in many locations before symptoms of the disease were detected.

  Set-aside Land
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what has been the largest single payment to an individual for having land in set-aside in this financial year. [23708]

  Mr. Morley
  The payment period for land put into set-aside under the Arable Area Payments Scheme (AAPS) during 2001 began on 16 November and will end on 31 January 2002 (or 31 March 2002 where the set-aside has been used for growing non-food crops).

  The largest payment for set-aside recorded so far is £110,492.14. The DEFRA financial database does not distinguish between payments to private individuals and those to other legal entities.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much was paid from 1 January to the latest available date in respect of set-aside land. [23709]

  Mr. Morley
  DEFRA has so far issued payments totalling £56,168,779.92 during 2001 in respect of set-aside under the Arable Area Payments Scheme (AAPS). This total includes payments for scheme years before 2001, and agrimonetary compensation.

  Environmental Impact Assessments
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if she will list the reasons why her Department has chosen not to
  435W
  utilise an indicative minimum area threshold for the implementation of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive; [23068]

  (2) if she will make a statement on her Department's definition of (a) uncultivated land and (b) unimproved land for the purposes of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive; [23069]

  (3) if she will make a statement on her Department's decision to implement the uncultivated and semi-natural areas provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive. [23067]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government gave a commitment in the Rural White Paper in November 2000 and to Parliament to consult on implementing the uncultivated land provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive. The Environmental Impact Assessment (Uncultivated Land and Semi-natural Areas) (England) Regulations 2001, S.I. No. 3966, will come into force on 1 February 2002.

  In our consultations on the regulations it was agreed that to be as helpful as possible to farmers the Government should provide a working guide to key but undefined terms in the Directive. The resulting guidelines, a copy of which will be placed in the Library of the House, will set out the categories of land concerned, including to unimproved grassland, heath, moorland, scrubland and wetlands. Unimproved grassland would typically include meadows and grazing pasture, downland or other open or enclosed upland grassland with some tree cover.

  The European Court of Justice has established that, even with indicative thresholds, an assessment would still be needed on whether a project was likely to give rise to significant environmental effects. To provide some degree of certainty, the Government decided that each case should be screened, but only those which give rise to significant environmental effects would be considered further under the Regulations.

  National Park Authorities
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what recent assessment she has made of the work of(a) the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, (b) the Lake District NPA and (c) National Parks Authorities in general; [24039]

  (2) what plans her Department has to publish lists of applicants for appointment by the Secretary of State to National Parks Authorities; [24051]

  (3) what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the system of appointments to National Parks Authorities; [24050]

  (4) what recent projects have been undertaken by (a) the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and (b) the Lake District National Park Authority; and what role members appointed by her Department have had in supporting such projects; [24054]

  (5) what the political affiliations were of those who have been appointed to (a) the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and (b) the Lake District National Park Authority (i) between May 1997 and May 2001 and (ii) since June 2001; [24048]
  436W
  (6) what guidance is given to applicants for positions with National Parks Authorities; and what feedback is provided to those whose applications are unsuccessful; [24052]

  (7) what criteria are employed when selecting applicants for interview for positions with National Park Authorities; and what plans her Department has to review such procedures; [24049]

  (8) which members have been appointed to (a) the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and (b) the Lake District National Park Authority since June; and how many of these members were known to (i) herself and (ii) her ministerial colleagues prior to their appointment. [24053]

  Alun Michael
  We have looked recently at the work of all the National Park Authorities in order to determine the distribution of National Park Grant for 2002–03. A wider National Park Authorities review started in August and this will be completed next spring.

  We have no plans to publish lists of applicants for appointment by the Secretary of State to National Park Authorities; the effectiveness of the system of appointments is being considered as part of the review.

  Applicants for Secretary of State appointments to National Park Authorities are not required to state their political affiliation. They are asked for detail on any political activities, which may be used in the announcement of their post. Neither political activities nor political affiliation is a criterion for or against appointment.

  I will write to the hon. Member with the answers to the remaining questions.

  Dangerous Substances
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how often since 1988(a) the Health and Safety Executive and (b) other authorities to whom responsibility for enforcement of health and safety regulations has been transferred, have instigated formal enforcement actions where exposures to substances assigned control limits and maximum exposure limits have not exceeded the relevant limit but where exposures have not been further reduced to as low as was reasonably practicable; and if he will make a statement. [23880]

  Dr. Whitehead
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Health and Safety Executive does not record information in this way. When it instigates enforcement action it does not differentiate between exposures that are within the relevant limits and those which have not been not further reduced to as low as reasonably practicable.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how often since 1998 notifications with respect to work with asbestos have been lodged with the Health and Safety Executive where such work related to(a) materials containing crocidolite asbestos, (b) materials containing amosite asbestos and (c) materials containing chrysotile asbestos, but not crocidolite or amosite asbestos; and if he will make a statement. [23892]

  Dr. Whitehead
  I have been asked to reply.
  437W
  The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) does not have this information as there is no legal requirement for notifications to differentiate between the various types of asbestos. The total number of notifications to work with asbestos received by HSE since 1998 is as follows:

  Year

  Notifications

  1998–99

  9,619

  1999–2000

  20,240

  2000–01

  27,806

  Turner and Newall
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what evidence the HSE has collected that Turner and Newall had adequate insurance coverage which complied with Government legislation; who were the insurers; what were the policy numbers; and what were the dates of the policies. [23889]

  Dr. Whitehead
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Health and Safety Executive has not collected evidence about Turner and Newall's insurance coverage.

HEALTH

  Surgical Instruments (Decontamination)
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will answer the letter from the Chairman of the CJD Incidents Panel to the Chief Medical Officer. [15298]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 15 November 2001]The Deputy Chief Medical Officer replied to Professor Banner on 23 November.

  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what studies have been conducted into the adequacy of cleaning and sterilisation of dental surgical instruments(a) before and (b) after the meeting of SEAC on 17 July which analysed the risk of person-to-person transmission of CJD arising from dental surgery. [15293]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 15 November 2001]As part of a snapshot survey of decontamination practices at some national health service hospitals and other health premises, a small number of general dental practices were visited prior to the meeting of the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee on 17 July 2000.

  Visits have been made to dental hospitals and dental departments of NHS trusts as part of the comprehensive review of current decontamination practices in NHS hospitals which began in October 2000.

  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the report by Dr. David Hurrell on hospital sterilisation procedures was made available to(a) the Economics and Operational Research Division when they compiled their report, Risk Assessment for Transmission of Variant CJD via Surgical Instruments: a modelling approach and numerical scenarios, in December 2000 and (b) the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee. [15300]
  438W
  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 15 November 2001]A snapshot survey of some hospitals and other health premises was undertaken last year by the NHS Estates Agency of the Department. An advisory panel, which included members of professional organisations as well as Departmental officials, was established to oversee it. Mr. David Hurrell acted as technical co-ordinator. As a result of that limited survey, a more comprehensive one was announced in October 2000.

  The findings of the snapshot survey were readily available to the Department's Economic and Operation Research Division, as they were part of the overseeing advisory panel.

  The Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee was not provided with results from the initial survey. But the Committee was informed at its meeting of 28 November 2000 that a major initiative had been launched to improve standards of washing, decontamination and general hygiene, earlier identified by the committee to be key steps in reducing the risk of transmission of variant CJD.

  Mr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the major research programme into instrument decontamination referred to in paragraph 2.52 of the CJD incidents panel consultation paper 'Management of Hospital Exposure to CJD through Medical Procedures'. [15291]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 15 November 2001]In 1999, the Department inaugurated a programme of research to develop and evaluate novel decontamination reagents and processes. Ten research contracts have been issued so far and a further four will be initiated in the near future. Progress on these contracts is overseen by a co-ordinating group which meets every six months, includes advisers from the Public Health Laboratory Service, the Medical Devices Agency and the National Health Service Estates Agency.

  Over £565,000 was spent on this subject in the year April 2000/March 2001 and expenditure is expected to rise to nearly a £1 million in the current year. Details of the current research programmes can be found on the Medical Research Centre website at http: //www.mrc.ac.uk/tse_tb2c.htm.

  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give details of the(a) composition, (b) work and (c) number of meetings held by the project team set up by Department and to oversee the implementation of the programme of action set out in HSC 200–032. [15292]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 15 November 2001]The decontamination project is managed by a steering group that varies in composition depending on the aspect of the project it is considering. In its original form, it met four times. It is now led by Roger Evans, a former national health service trust chief executive, and its "core" membership contains representatives from the NHS Estates Agency, the Medical Devices Agency, the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency, the Department's Operations Directorate and the Department's Public Health Division. It is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running of the project, including recommending the allocation of
  439W
  resources and co-ordinating communications with the NHS and with the providers of sterile supply equipment and services. It has met three times and meets monthly.

  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he issued to press offices and Department of Health appointees on dealing with BBC inquiries on surgical instrument decontamination. [15419]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 16 November 2001]The Department's communications directorate has standing instructions on how to deal with requests from the media. The media centre worked with Panorama over several months, answering a number of inquiries, arranging a briefing meeting with the Department's policy leads on CJD, blood and decontamination and ensuring Panorama was invited to a key media briefing. The press officer dealing with Panorama was provided with answers to their questions and gave Panorama a statement on behalf of Ministers, which they chose not to use.

  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he received the(a) interim report and (b) final report by Dr. Hurrell into the adequacy of hospital decontamination of surgical instruments. [15421]

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when a Minister saw a draft report from Dr. David Hurrell on Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in hospitals; and if he will make a statement; [15381]

  (2) what action he is taking on Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in hospitals following reports by Dr. David Hurrell; [15380]

  (3) when Dr. David Hurrell was commissioned to investigate the risk of hospital patients developing Creutzfeld-Jakob disease; what his terms of reference were; when a draft of his report was communicated to his Department; and what was his Department's response. [15378]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 16 December 2001]The survey, which began in September 1999, was a snapshot of decontamination practice at the time in a small number of hospitals and other health premises in England. It was commissioned by the Chief Medical Officer:"To investigate the provision and use of equipment, facilities, trained personnel, management arrangements and technical support for decontamination of re-usable medical devices within NHS hospitals, private and voluntary organisations and primary medical and dental facilities;
  To establish the extent to which these complied with current legal requirements, published standards (both European and UK) and Department of Health best practice guidance;
  To obtain information on the usefulness of existing advice and guidance."

  A presentation on the progress to date was given to regional directors of public health (RDsPH) in March 2000 and the completed report was sent to the Department in September 2000. Mr. Hurrell was employed as technical co-ordinator for the survey, acted as lead assessor for some of the visits, helped to analyse the information collected, contributed to the production of the reports and helped to give the presentation to the RDsPH. He was not responsible for writing either report. The survey was carried out for specific purposes, one of which was to set in train further work—including deciding whether a more comprehensive survey was needed.
  440W
  The results of this preliminary survey showed that there were variations in decontamination practice, including instances that fell below acceptable standards. A comprehensive survey of national health service trust decontamination facilities began when Health Service Circular 2000/032 was issued on 18 October 2000. This circular clearly stated that
  "a snapshot survey of current decontamination practices in a small number of healthcare premises in England has now been carried out. A more comprehensive review of decontamination provision across the health service now needs to take place so that plans for the future can be based on national findings."

  In tandem with the surveys of decontamination, the Department developed a risk assessment on surgical instruments, which was first considered by the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee in May 2000 and endorsed at its meeting in September 2000. It was published in March 2001. The Department presented its risk reduction strategy to the Committee's November 2000 meeting. The key components of this strategy were announced by my right hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Itchen (Mr. Denham), the then Minister of State, Department of Health on 4 January 2001 with £200 million to be invested in the modernisation of NHS decontamination facilities and with the introduction of single-use instruments for tonsillectomies. Since then, we have:
  Devised a self-assessment tool and collected data from every NHS trust;
  Run a series of development workshops to raise awareness of the importance of decontamination among NHS managers and technical staff;
  Visited and assessed all NHS acute hospital sites carrying out decontamination;
  Implemented a programme of work to improve standards where necessary.

  As a result of this, all NHS acute hospitals have access to a satisfactory standard of decontamination.

  The modernisation of NHS decontamination services is a long-term process, not a one-off event and we will continue to ensure that appropriate precautions, based on evidence and scientific advice, are taken to ensure patient safety.

  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the views of the Chairman of the CJD Incidents Committee relating to the report of Dr. Hurrell. [15422]

  Jacqui Smith
  We gave careful consideration to the views of the chairman of the CJD incidents panel but decided there was nothing to be gained from letting the panel have sight of an out-of-date and partial survey that had been overtaken by more recent work.

  The preliminary survey was a "snapshot" of decontamination practices at some national health service hospitals and other health premises. It was prepared for specific purposes, one of which was to set in train further work—including deciding whether a full survey was needed. The Department has since announced:

  i. in October 2000, that a full survey would be undertaken; and

  ii. in January 2001, that a £200 million investment programme over the next two years to address decontamination standards would be set in train.

  441W
  The Department has published the results of the full survey, including the snapshot. A copy will be placed in the Library.

  Personal Medical Services
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the cost of the pilot Personal Medical Service scheme in(a) 1998, (b) 1999 and (c) 2000. [16959]

  Mr. Hutton
  The costs of running personal medical services pilots were £38.2 million in 1998, £70.8 million in 1999, and £153.4 million in 2000.

  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of general practitioners work under Personal Medical Services; and what the intended proportion is by April 2002. [20865]

  Mr. Hutton
  With the implementation of the third wave of personal medical services pilots in October 2001, some 18 per cent, of general practitioners are now working under PMS arrangements nationally. Applications for the fourth wave of pilots (starting in April 2002) are still being submitted.

  Birth Certificates
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the cost to public funds of the fraudulent use of birth certificates in each of the last four years. [17323]

  South Cheshire health authority out-patient waiting times

  Waiting times

  19981

  19991

  20001

  20011

  20022

  13–25 weeks

  3,309

  3,874

  3,316

  2,632

  4,437

  26+ weeks

  351

  2,056

  1,147

  1,007

  1,470

  Total 13+ weeks waiters

  3,660

  5,930

  4,463

  3,639

  5,907

  Full year GP referrals

  108,802

  112,308

  114,966

  119,443

  62,289

  Percentage year on year increase

  —

  3.2

  2.4

  3.9

  4.3

  1 As at March each year

  2 As at September—only five months' data

  Source:

  Based on FOT of 124578

  Illegal Meat Imports
  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussion he has had with colleagues in other Government Departments on(a) the level of illegal meat imports into the UK and (b) the effectiveness of controls and enforcement measures at (i) ports, (ii) airports and (iii) elsewhere to tackle illegal meat imports; and what assessment he has made of the need for further action. [19305]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 29 November 2001]The Food Standards Agency, which is responsible for public health issues relating to food safety, is taking an active role in an interdepartmental review led by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs aimed at co-ordinating action across Government to ensure that rules governing imports of products of animal origin are enforced effectively.
  442W
  Mr. Hutton
  Birth certificates are the responsibility of the Office for National Statistics.

  There are no figures currently available to indicate the level of losses to the national health service as a result of the fraudulent use of birth certificates.

  Hospital Waiting Times
  Mr. George Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in the South Cheshire health authority waited(a) more than three months for an in-patient operation, (b) more than six months for an in-patient operation, (c) more than one year for an in-patient operation, (d) more than three months for an out-patient appointment, (e) more than six months for an out-patient appointment and (f) more than one year for an out-patient appointment in each of the last 10 years. [18437]

  Mr. Hutton
  The figures for in-patient and out-patient waiting times in south Cheshire health authority for the past six years (since the creation of the health authority) are shown in the tables.

  South Cheshire health authority in-patient waiting times

  Waiting time

  19971

  19981

  19991

  20001

  20011

  3–6 months

  3,577

  3,919

  3,271

  3,501

  3,339

  6–12 months

  3,655

  4,909

  3,396

  3,187

  2,899

  Over 12 months

  336

  239

  270

  459

  602

  Total

  7,568

  9,067

  6,937

  7,147

  6,840

  1As at March each year

  The board of the Food Standards Agency discussed the issue of food import controls on 22 October 2001. The board approved a report containing a set of proposals aimed at improving the co-ordination of controls and the effectiveness of inspection of food imports. FSA officials are exploring these proposals further and will report back to the board.

  Adoption and Children Bill
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if it is the intention of clause 2 of the Adoption and Children Bill for the review panel to have power to recover the(a) whole or (b) part of the costs of the review panel from the relevant adoption agency. [19762]

  Jacqui Smith
  The White Paper "Adoption—a new approach" committed the Government to provide an independent review where an adoption agency intends to turn down a prospective adopter's application. A copy of
  443W
  the White Paper has been placed in the Library. The Bill includes powers enabling the appropriate Minister to establish a mechanism, which may be run by an independent body, to review qualifying adoption agency determinations. The cost of establishing the independent review mechanism will be met centrally from the extra £66 million for adoption announced in the Adoption White Paper. We have promised to consult on the detail of how the independent review mechanism will operate, including any charges to be imposed on adoption agencies.

  Competitive Bidding
  Mr. Prisk
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the schemes administered by(a) his Department and (b) its agencies where funds are allocated by a competitive bidding process; and what was the amount of money allocated to each scheme. [19733]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 3 December 2001]The information requested can be provided only at disproportionate cost. The Department does not keep central records of budgets or schemes where, specifically, competitive bidding processes are used. Officials estimate that there might be hundreds of such budgets across the Department covering administration, executive agencies and programme funding.

  Primary Care Trusts
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many primary care trusts he expects to create under the NHS Reform Bill. [20896]

  Mr. Hutton
  None. The National Health Service Reform Bill will not create any further primary care trusts but will enable increased functions to be devolved from health authorities in line with the principles of Shifting the Balance of Power.

  The power to create PCTs is contained in the National Health Service (Primary Care) Act, 1997. There are currently 164 PCTs in operation with a further 23 having been approved in October 2001 to become operational in April 2002. Approximately 130 further PCTs are hoping to become operational from 1 April 2002. The estimated total of PCTs operating from 1 April 2002 is expected to be over 300.

  NHS Patients (Private Health Care)
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of surgical procedures on NHS patients in Worcestershire were carried out in private sector hospitals, in the most recent period of which figures are available; what plans he has to increase the use of the private sector in the county; and if he will make a statement. [23087]

  Yvette Cooper
  Information relating to surgical procedures carried out in private sector hospitals on national health service patients is not currently available. However, we have commissioned a report to assess the 444W
  scale of independent sector usage at national and regional level which is due out next year. This survey does not allow analysis at a local level and consequently data specifically on Worcestershire will not be available. However, Worcestershire health authority advises that they are investing £1.2 million on transferring 200 orthopaedic patients to the private sector.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State recently announced a patient choice package which includes increasing use of the private sector. From July 2002, if a patient with coronary heart disease has been on an in-patient waiting list for over six months, they will be able to seek swifter treatment in either the private sector, in another European Union country or in a different NHS hospital.

  From October 2002, the same option of seeking treatment elsewhere at the six month in-patient waiting list stage, will also apply to anyone living in the London area. The option will be further extended to all patients across England throughout 2002–03 and beyond in the form of pilot sites. By the end of 2005, all patients in any part of the country will be able to choose where their treatment takes place, and book their appointment at a convenient time through an electronic booking system.

  Any decision to use private sector providers will be made on the basis of value for money, clinical need and all appropriate clinical standards must be maintained.

  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS patients were treated in the private sector for each quarter of the last two years. [20861]

  Mr. Hutton
  Activity information collected from health authorities in the common information core includes in-patient, out-patient and residential care activity commissioned in the commercial, voluntary and non-national health service statutory sectors. This total cannot be separated into totals for the private sector only.

  London Heart Hospital
  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many beds are available in the London Heart hospital; and what have been the bed occupancy levels since 3 September. [21985]

  Mr. Hutton
  There are currently 65 beds available in the London Heart hospital. The acquisition of the hospital was 6 September 2001 and cardiac in-patient services were transferred from University College Hospitals NHS Trust (Middlesex hospital site) to the new facility on 1 October 2001. Occupancy for the month of November 2001 was 85.2 per cent.

  Food Supplements Directive
  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the European Commission regarding the time period for submission of safety dossiers on nutrients to the EU scientific committee on foods; and if he will make a statement. [22350]
  445W
  Yvette Cooper
  The proposed European Union Directive on food supplements would require submission of dossiers supporting inclusion of additional nutrients and nutrient sources in the annexes to the Directive within 18 months of adoption.

  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the European Commission on how it intends to interpret Article 5 of the food supplements Directive; and if he will make a statement. [22352]

  Yvette Cooper
  Article 5 of the proposed food supplements Directive would establish the approach to setting maximum limits for vitamins and minerals. The Food Standards Agency, which is negotiating this Directive on the Government's behalf, has discussed the interpretation of this Article with the European Commission on a number of occasions. The FSA is pressing for limits to be based on thorough scientific risk assessments.

  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the European Commission on the nutrients included in the annexes to the food supplements Directive; and if he will make a statement. [22351]

  Yvette Cooper
  The annexes of the proposed European Union Directive on food supplements list nutrients and nutrient sources which can be used in these products; many substances used in food supplements on the United Kingdom market are not, however, included in the current lists. The Food Standards Agency, which is responsible

  Headcount

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  Total NHS staff1

  1,058,690

  1,071,560

  1,098,350

  1,118,960

  of which:

  Total NHS doctors

  89,620

  91,840

  93,980

  96,320

  GMPs (excluding GP retainers)2,3

  29,390

  29,700

  29,990

  30,250

  All HCHS medical and dental staff4

  60,230

  62,140

  63,990

  66,070

  of which:

  Total NHS nurses5

  435,960

  440,640

  450,600

  460,010

  HCHS nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff

  417,570

  421,750

  431,100

  440,810

  of which:

  Qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff

  300,470

  304,560

  310,140

  316,750

  Unqualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff

  116,430

  116,580

  119,680

  123,850

  GMS practice nurses

  18,390

  18,890

  19,500

  19,200

  1This figure includes GP retainers

  2 GP retainers were collected for the first time in the 1999 census, for comparability these have been excluded from GMPs

  3.The 1999 figure excludes 972 GP retainers and the 2000 figure excludes 1,117 GP retainers

  4 Excludes medical hospital practitioners and medical clinical assistants, most of whom are also GPs working part-time in hospitals

  5 Total includes unclassifiable nursine, midwifery and health visiting staff

  Notes:

  1. National health service hospital and community health services and general medical and personal medical services: All NHS staff, including all doctors and nurses, as at 30 September each year

  2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10

  3. Figures exclude learners and agency staff

  4. Due to rounding totals may not equal the sum of component parts

  5 General and Personal Medical Services data collected at 1 October 1997–99

  Sources:

  Department of Health medical and dental work force census

  Department of Health non-medical work force census

  Department of Health General and Personal Medical Services Statistics
  446W
  for negotiating this Directive on the Government's behalf, has secured an amendment to the proposal which would allow individual member states, during a seven year transitional period, to allow sale of products containing substances which are not on the lists. The annexes would then be amended to include additional substances cleared by the EU scientific committee on foods.

  Cancer Drugs
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the oral answer to the Prime Minister of 28 November 2001,Official Report, column 961, which new anti-cancer drugs are to be made available to the NHS by the end of the year. [22200]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 11 December 2001]New cancer drugs come on stream continuously. Following appraisal by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, new drugs for 13 specific indications could be available by the end of 2001 (timings are of course subject to the appeals process). The national health service will be obliged to fund the implementation of any such guidance, and the extra resources that we announced recently will ensure that the NHS is well placed to do so.

  NHS Employees
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people were employed in the national health service in each of the last four years; and how many were(a) doctors and (b) nurses. [22521]

  Mr. Hutton
  The information requested is shown in the table.

  Mayday Hospital, Croydon
  Richard Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients were treated at the accident and emergency department at Mayday hospital, Croydon in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and what the capacity is for that period. [22680]

  Mr. Hutton
  In the financial year 2000–01, Mayday health care national health service trust had a total of 95,259 accident and emergency attendances, 86,681 being first attendances. Accident and emergency capacity figures are not collected.

  Digital Hearing Aids
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library a full copy of the interim evaluation results from the First Wave digital hearing aid sites. [23236]

  Jacqui Smith
  The modernisation of hearing aid services project is being evaluated by the Institute for Hearing Research on an on-going basis. The Department has been, and will continue to be, looking at the information coming out of that work with the Institute, but no formal interim reports are being published. The evaluation will be completed by the end of 2002, and a full report will be published at that time.

  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 6 December 2001,Official Report, column 486W, on digital hearing aids, by what date his Department will pass on the interim evaluation results of the first 20 first wave NHS trusts that are providing digital hearing aids to (a) the Scottish Executive, (b) the National Assembly for Wales and (c) the Northern Ireland Assembly. [23554]

  Jacqui Smith
  The modernisation of hearing aid services project is being evaluated by the Institute for Hearing Research on an on-going basis. While no formal interim reports are being published, officials of the Department are in contact with officials of the devolved Administrations and are sharing information with them as the project progresses.

  We will make the full results available to the devolved Administrations when they are available.

  Nursing
  Gillian Merron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many nurse cadet schemes are in operation across the UK; and what plans he has to(a) continue to fund and (b) extend funding for such schemes. [23075]

  Mr. Hutton
  As at 31 March 2001 there were 64 cadet schemes in operation in England.

  The operation and funding of cadet schemes is determined locally, in accordance with local needs and priorities.

  Gillian Merron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what further plans he has to promote careers in nursing to young people; and if he will make a statement. [23076]

  Mr. Hutton
  In 2002–03 the Department will be running a national publicity campaign, a schools competition to promote careers to young people and 448W
  'nurses day'. National Health Service Careers will continue to offer information on nursing careers via revised literature, telephone and website. The Workforce Development Confederation will be co-ordinating liaison with schools in their local areas. Loughborough University have been commissioned to research the attractiveness of the NHS as an employer to potential nursing staff.

  Overseas Treatment
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to allow the Isle of Wight(a) hospital trust, (b) health authority and (c) primary care group (i) to purchase operations abroad, (ii) to offer assistance with travel costs to patients being operated on abroad and (iii) to offer assistance with travel costs for relatives of patients being operated on abroad; and what financial resources he is making available for those purposes and to meet additional administrative costs. [22792]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 13 December 2001]In the light of rulings of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in July this year my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 27 August that national health service bodies could commission treatment for NHS patients from other member states of the European Economic Area (EEA), as part of their wider efforts to reduce waiting times. My right hon. Friend made it clear that NHS bodies would need to meet the costs of treating NHS patients elsewhere in the EEA out of their existing budgets.

  The regulations governing reimbursement of travel costs are being amended to enable NHS bodies to pay the travel costs of patients from the point of departure for their international journey (an airport, international train station or ferry port). Travel costs incurred by relatives of those being treated abroad will only be reimbursed if it is necessary on medical grounds that the patient be accompanied.

  On 15 October my right hon. Friend announced that the Department would be working with three test-bed sites in the south-east of England, East Kent, Portsmouth and West Sussex/East Surrey, on a pilot to send NHS patients to mainland Europe. The Department will produce guidance for the NHS based on the scheme. The first patients should travel in January 2002, subject to contractual discussions.

  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on commissioning treatment for NHS patients overseas by the NHS. [25099]

  Mr. Hutton
  In the light of recent rulings of the European Court of Justice, we announced that we would amend the National Health Service Act 1977 to enable the NHS to commission treatment within the European Economic Area (EEA). We will make regulations shortly. We will also take this opportunity to permit NHS bodies to commission care from outside the EEA, where it is in the patient's best interest to do so. We none the less expect that the overwhelming majority of referrals, where they occur, will be to countries of the EEA.

  Regulations will also be made shortly to amend the National Health Service (Travelling Expenses and Remission of Charges) Regulations 1988 to permit NHS

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  bodies to pay for the travel of NHS patients going overseas for treatment funded by the NHS. The NHS will meet the cost of the patient's travel from the point at which they begin their international journey (the airport, ferry port or international train station) to the foreign provider. Reimbursement of travel expenses between the patient's home to the airport, ferry port of international train station will be governed by the same rules that currently apply to payment of travelling expenses to hospitals in England. This change will ensure that patients treated overseas under the auspices of the NHS will not be disadvantaged by having to travel further for that treatment.

  Health Spending Statistics
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information he has collated on the proportion of total expenditure on health which is met by(a) private funding and (b) public funding in (i) each EU country, (ii) the USA, (iii) Australia and (iv) New Zealand in 1998. [22791]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 13 December 2001]The latest figures for the proportion of total health expenditure that is met by(a) private funding and (b) public funding in (i) each European Union country, (ii) the USA, (iii) Australia and (iv) New Zealand are set out in the table.

  Percentage

  Private

  Public

  1998

  1999

  1998

  1999

  Austria

  28

  28

  72

  72

  Belgium

  29

  28

  71

  72

  Denmark

  18

  18

  82

  82

  Finland

  23

  25

  77

  75

  France

  24

  24

  76

  76

  Germany

  24

  —

  76

  —

  Greece

  43

  —

  57

  —

  Ireland

  24

  —

  76

  —

  Italy

  29

  28

  71

  72

  Luxembourg

  8

  7

  92

  93

  Netherlands

  31

  32

  69

  68

  Portugal

  33

  —

  67

  —

  Spain

  23

  —

  77

  —

  Sweden

  16

  —

  84

  —

  United

  Kingdom

  16

  17

  84

  83

  Australia

  30

  —

  70

  —

  New Zealand

  23

  22

  77

  78

  United States

  55

  55

  45

  45

  Source:

  OECD Health Data 2001

  Care Leavers
  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research has been commissioned in the last five years into the experiences of young people who have left the care system. [23247]

  Jacqui Smith
  There is a growing body of research into the experiences of care leavers. There is a useful summary of most recent material in "Helping Care Leavers: Problems and Strategic Responses" by Professor Mike Stein and Dr. Jim Wade of the University of York, published in 2000 as part of the Department of Health's resource pack "Getting it Right: Good Practice in Leaving Care."
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  The social services inspectorate produced a detailed inspection report in this area in 1997, "When Leaving Home is Also Leaving Care". The Department commissioned "Moving On" by Biehal et al, published in 1995. This research was built on by Professor Peter Marsh and Mark Peel at the University of Sheffield, in their Department of Health funded study "Leaving Care in Partnership: Family Involvement with Care Leavers" published in 1999. Other research commissioned recently by the Department includes the "Audit and Assessment of Leaving Care Services in London" by Jenni Vernon of the National Children's Bureau (September 2000).

  The Department also has research in progress. In April this year it commissioned Dr. Jim Wade to investigate the costs and outcomes of transitional support for care leavers. The study will consider a range of outcomes achieved by young people and evaluate the costs of different packages of support in different local authorities. Earlier this year the Department also called for proposals for a study of barriers to further education and training for care leavers under its Quality Protects Research Initiative.

  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many young people who left the care system went into(a) full-time education, (b) further education, (c) higher education and (d) Government training schemes in the last five years broken down by regions and nations; and what support is given to young people with multiple disadvantages to access job opportunities. [23200]

  Jacqui Smith
  Statistical information concerning the educational or employment status of care leavers in England over the last five years is not available. A new statistical collection which will provide this information for care leavers aged 19 has recently been introduced by the Department, and the first year of data will cover 12 months ending 31 March 2002. The Department plans to publish this information in autumn 2002.

  Matters relating to Wales and Scotland are for the devolved Administrations.

  The Department for Education and Skills is currently rolling out the Connexions service across England. This will offer all young people aged 13 to 19 support and advice to help them fulfil their potential by giving them access to a personal adviser. For those with multiple issues to address, the role of the personal adviser will be to help the young person identify their needs and aspirations, supporting them in overcoming difficulties. This will include working with and supporting education and training institutions, and employers, in meeting these needs.

  NHS Staff Shortages
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his estimate is of the shortages in the NHS of(a) nurses, (b) GPs, (c) consultants and (d) therapists and other specialist staff. [23253]

  Mr. Hutton
  The NHS Plan acknowledges that a shortage of human resources is the biggest constraint faced by the National Health Service today. Targets for increasing the number of doctors and nurses were set in the NHS Plan and rolled forward in the manifesto before the last election.
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  The NHS Plan targets are for 7,500 more consultants, 2,000 more general practitioners, 6,500 more therapists and other health professionals and 20,000 more nurses by 2004. In September 2000 there were 1,100 more consultants, 126 more GPs, 1,400 more therapists and other health professionals and 6,300 more nurses than in September 1999, the NHS Plan baseline. Provisional data from the 2001 census indicate that 10,000 more nurses were employed in the NHS in 2001 than in 2000.

  The manifesto targets are for 10,000 more doctors and 20,000 more nurses by 2005 over the 2000 baseline.

  The September 2001 census, giving the latest position against these targets, will be available in January 2002.

  NHS Spending
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list by health authority area NHS spending per head of population. [23403]

  Mr. Hutton
  The expenditure by weighted head of population for each English health authority area for 2000–01 is shown in the table.

  Expenditure by health authorities and primary care trusts

  £

  Health authority

  Expenditure by weighted head

  Avon

  856.75

  Barking and Havering

  773.42

  Barnet

  959.87

  Barnsley

  766.50

  Bedfordshire

  779.74

  Berkshire

  804.46

  Bexley and Greenwich

  886.09

  Birmingham

  823.71

  Bradford

  769.58

  Brent and Harrow

  823.29

  Bromley

  971.74

  Buckinghamshire

  755.09

  Bury and Rochdale

  771.15

  Calderdale and Kirklees

  763.88

  Cambridgeshire

  786.94

  Camden and Islington

  1,067.88

  Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

  796.09

  County Durham and Darlington

  738.32

  Coventry

  802.56

  Croydon

  925.44

  Doncaster

  861.88

  Dorset

  1,023.69

  Dudley

  828.09

  Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow

  826.21

  East and North Hertfordshire

  803.66

  East Kent

  810.16

  East Lancashire

  740.66

  East London and The City

  869.91

  East Riding and Hull

  787.13

  East Surrey

  958.66

  East Sussex, Brighton and Hove

  827.74

  Enfield and Haringey

  817.53

  Gateshead and South Tyneside

  784.29

  Gloucestershire

  799.79

  Herefordshire

  761.71

  Hillingdon

  753.76

  Isle of Wight

  867.61

  Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster

  1,011.24

  Kingston and Richmond

  829.50

  Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham

  886.88

  Leeds

  869.94

  Leicestershire

  779.71

  Lincolnshire

  808.95

  Liverpool

  887.35

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  Expenditure by health authorities and primary care trusts

  £

  Health authority

  Expenditure by weighted head

  Manchester

  869.02

  Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth

  882.91

  Morecambe Bay

  1,346.04

  Newcastle and North Tyneside

  811.10

  Norfolk

  815.11

  North and East Devon

  800.95

  North and Mid Hampshire

  835.93

  North Cheshire

  811.75

  North Cumbria

  793.52

  North Derbyshire

  744.33

  North Essex

  839.97

  North Nottinghamshire

  761.33

  North Staffordshire

  760.11

  North West Lancashire

  770.48

  North Yorkshire

  814.07

  Northamptonshire

  830.95

  Northumberland

  871.50

  Nottingham

  842.50

  Oxfordshire

  823.14

  Portsmouth and South East Hampshire

  762.50

  Redbridge and Waltham Forest

  901.60

  Rotherham

  773.29

  Salford and Trafford

  839.62

  Sandwell

  777.76

  Sefton

  1,040.25

  Sheffield

  956.59

  Shropshire

  763.29

  Solihull

  756.17

  Somerset

  825.30

  South and West Devon

  800.84

  South Cheshire

  801.87

  South Essex

  806.50

  South Humber

  802.29

  South Lancashire

  779.41

  South Staffordshire

  792.06

  Southampton and South West Hampshire

  781.00

  Southern Derbyshire

  759.33

  St. Helens and Knowsley

  749.06

  Stockport

  759.28

  Suffolk

  778.56

  Sunderland

  781.94

  Tees

  824.19

  Wakefield

  854.72

  Walsall

  776.48

  Warwickshire

  798.29

  West Hertfordshire

  800.40

  West Kent

  786.21

  West Pennine

  746.22

  West Surrey

  840.34

  West Sussex

  784.64

  Wigan and Bolton

  732.65

  Wiltshire

  828.57

  Wirral

  798.81

  Wolverhampton

  763.81

  Worcestershire

  827.41

  Note:

  1. Expenditure is taken from health authority and primary care trust summarisation forms which are prepared on a resource basis and therefore differ from cash allocations in the year. The expenditure is the total spent by the health authority and by the primary care trusts within each health authority area. The majority of General Dental Services expenditure is not included in the health authority or primary care trust accounts and is separately accounted for by the Dental Practice Board.

  2. Health authorities and primary care trusts should account for their expenditure on a gross basis. This results in an element of double counting where one body acts as the main commissioner and is then reimbursed by other bodies. The effect of this double counting within the answer cannot be identified.
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  3. Some health authorities act as lead commissioners for particular specialties which inflates their figures when compared with others and also causes differences between years. Other factors may also distort the figures so the results are therefore not all directly comparable with each other and with answers to similar questions for previous years.

  source:

  Health authority audited summarisation forms 2000–01.

  Primary care trust audited summarisation schedules 2000–01.

  Weighted population estimates for 2000–01.

  GP Waiting Times
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has given to GPs about reducing notified waiting times for appointments. [23433]

  Mr. Hutton
  Primary care trusts have been working with practices to implement plans to achieve by March 2002 the 60 per cent, milestone for patients being able routinely to see a GP within two working days. These plans were informed by advice issued to primary care trusts and groups in June 2000.

  Further comprehensive guidance is being developed with key stakeholders for issue in the new year.

  Cancer Screening
  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to introduce a prostate cancer screening programme; and if he will make a statement. [23381]

  Yvette Cooper
  We are committed to introducing a screening programme for prostate cancer if and when screening and treatment techniques are sufficiently well developed. Trials for prostate cancer screening have shown that there are a number of complex issues involved. There is no conclusive evidence from any country that screening for prostate cancer would reduce the death rate from prostate cancer.

  The national health Service prostate cancer programme was launched on 6 September 2000, covering research, treatment and a risk management programme specifically around improving early detection and diagnosis.

  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will give a breakdown of how the money for the NHS(a)breast cancer screening programme and (b) cervical cancer screening programme is allocated; [23380]

  (2) how much money has been(a) allocated and (b) spent in the national health service on (i) breast cancer screening programmes and (ii) cervical cancer screening programmes in (A) each of the financial years since 1990 and (B) future years for which budgets have been set, broken down by regional health authority. [23379]

  Yvette Cooper
  The information is not available in the format requested. Funding for the national health service breast and cervical screening programmes is allocated directly to health authorities as part of their main allocations each year. It is estimated that the breast screening programme in England costs £52 million per year1 and the cervical screening programme in England costs £132 million per year2.

  As set out in the NHS Cancer Plan, the breast screening programme in England will be expanded by 2004 to include routine invitations for women aged 65 to 70. £1.5 million revenue and £2 million capital has been
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  allocated in 2001–02 to begin the national roll-out of the expansion. Allocations for 2002–03 will be announced in due course.

  1 Department of Health Economics and Operational Research Division 2001
  2National Audit Office, The Performance of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme in England (22 April 1998)

  Older Homeless People
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what standards and milestones have been set to ensure that the health and social care needs of older homeless people are specifically addressed in the implementation of the National Service Frameworks for Older People and Mental Health. [24190]

  Jacqui Smith
  The standards and milestones for improvements in access and delivery of health and social care services set within the National Service Framework for Older People apply equally to all older people, and where appropriate younger people, whatever their housing status. The National Service Framework for Mental Health focuses on adults of working age. Like the NSF for Older People, the standards and milestones apply to all including the homeless.

  Chief Medical Officer (Annual Report)
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what dates in each of the past 10 years the Chief Medical Officer published his annual report. [24093]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Chief Medical Officer's annual report was published in September during the years 1991–98, and specifically in recent years, on 25 September 1996, 30 September 1997 and 9 September 1998. Since then Professor Liam Donaldson, the current Chief Medical Officer, reviewed the format of the annual report and published the first one during his term of office on 10 December 2001. No report was published in the intervening years of 1999–2000 although the Chief Medical Officer has produced five major reports on specific topics during this period.

  Cancer Networks
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) to which individual or organisation cancer networks are answerable; and what the accountability arrangements are for cancer networks; [23820]

  (2) if cancer networks will be given a budget to commission services; and if commissioning and providing functions will be separated; [23827]

  (3) what the relationship will be between strategic health authorities and cancer networks; and if he will make a statement. [23828]

  Yvette Cooper
  The NHS Cancer Plan said that cancer networks would be the organisational model for cancer services to implement the Cancer Plan, bringing together commissioners, providers, the voluntary sector and local authorities. Cancer networks have been working together to develop strategic service delivery plans to develop all aspects of cancer services. The National Health Service Planning and Performance Framework published on 6 December set out the requirement that NHS organisations should work together through cancer
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  networks to deliver the cancer programme in line with network's strategic plans. The role of cancer networks and their relationships with other NHS bodies will be clarified shortly in our response to the consultation on Shifting the Balance of Power in the NHS.

  Technology Appraisal Guidance
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how his Department will ensure that health authorities and primary care trusts fulfil their statutory obligation after January 2002 to implement technology appraisal guidance issued by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence; [23825]

  (2) if health authorities and primary care trusts will have a statutory obligation to implement technology appraisal guidance issued by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence before January 2002. [23826]

  Mr. Hutton
  The statutory obligations on health authorities and primary care trusts to provide appropriate funding for treatments recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence applies to guidance issued before and after 1 January 2002.

  We expect all national health service bodies to fulfil their statutory obligations and the Department will use appropriate performance management arrangements to ensure that they do so.

  Cancer Nurses
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase the number of specialist nurses for(a) lung cancer, (b) stomach cancer and (c) urological cancers. [23819]

  Yvette Cooper
  The NHS Cancer Plan sets out our commitment to investment in the cancer nursing work force. We expect to see an increase in all specialist cancer nurses in line with needs identified in local cancer service delivery plans.

  Long-term Care Homes
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research he has commissioned into the reasons for the closure of nursing and residential homes. [23422]

  Jacqui Smith
  We have commissioned a study from the Personal Social Services Research Unit at the University of Kent.

  Pesticide Residues
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to review safety levels of pesticide residues in food. [24014]

  Mr. Morley
  I have been asked to reply.

  DEFRA works closely with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) on all matters concerning pesticide residues in food.

  The safety of pesticide residues in foodstuffs is kept under continuous review by DEFRA's Pesticide Safety Directorate with advice from the independent Advisory Committee on Pesticides (ACP). Additionally checks are made that residues in food are within statutory limits
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  through a wide-ranging surveillance programme overseen by the independent Pesticide Residues Committee (PRC). The results from the PRC's surveillance programme are published quarterly on the Committee's website at www.pesticides.gov.uk.

  There has been some specific concern over the potential combined effects of pesticide residues and at the request of the FSA, the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT), a group of independent experts, established a Working Group for the Risk Assessment of Mixtures of Pesticides/Veterinary Medicines (WIGRAMP).

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Pilot Schemes (Buckingham)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if her Department plans to extend the(a) Government General Practitioner and (b) Internet Learning and Access Point trials to the constituency of Buckingham. [22531]

  Mr. Alexander
  We have no plans to extend the pilots, which will finish as planned on 1 March and the results will be fully evaluated.

  We have begun the process of evaluation and are working in parallel with other Departments in order to proceed to national roll-out if the pilot proves a success and provides value for money.

  Postal Service (Buckingham)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many working days were lost through(a) unofficial and (b) official industrial action by the Post Office in the constituency of Buckingham in each year since 1997. [22533]

  Mr. Alexander
  Industrial relations and the resolution of disputes are matters for the management of the company and the unions. I am advised by the company that the information sought is not available on a constituency basis.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of(a) first and (b) second class mail was delivered within the target time in the constituency of Buckingham in each year since 1997. [22520]

  Mr. Alexander
  Service delivery targets are operational issues for Consignia provided that it remains within the terms of the licence issued to it by the Postal Services Commission.

  I am advised by the company that figures on service delivery targets are not held by parliamentary constituency.

  Consignia
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when her Department was informed about the proposed abolition of the second delivery of post. [21232]
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  Mr. Alexander
  [holding answer 13 December 2001]There is no formal requirement for Consignia to inform the Department about its proposals in relation to second delivery as they are operational issues for the company provided that it remains within the terms of the licence issued to it by the Postal Services Commission. However, the Department has regular discussions with Consignia about a range of strategic issues facing the company.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she last met Consignia to discuss the franchise arrangements for Parcelforce. [23267]

  Mr. Alexander
  [holding answer 17 December 2001]The Department has regular discussions with Consignia about a range of strategic issues facing the company. However, franchise arrangements for Parcelforce are operational issues for the management of the company which I understand is consulting with the unions on the matter.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when her Department was informed by Consignia of the proposal to charge for post delivered before 9.30 am. [21233]

  Mr. Alexander
  [holding answer 13 December 2001]There is no formal requirement for Consignia to inform the Department about its proposals to charge for post delivered before 9.30 am as they are operational issues for the company provided that it remains within the terms of the licence issued to it by for the Postal Services Commission. However the Department has regular discussions with Consignia about a range of strategic issues facing the company.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultations have taken place between the Government and Consignia regarding the announcement of job cuts; when her Department was informed by Consignia that it was to make job cuts; what discussions have taken place to mitigate the effects of these job losses; what action the Government intend to take to save as many jobs as possible; whether the various post services where these cuts may take place have been identified; how many job losses there will be in Coventry; what discussions took place between Consignia and the postal unions prior to the announcement of job cuts; and whether there are any meetings planned with the postal unions regarding the announcement of job cuts. [23656]

  Mr. Alexander
  [holding answer 17 December 2001]The Department has regular discussions with Consignia about a range of strategic issues facing the company. How this company intends to make the £1.2 billion cost savings it has announced is an operational issue for the company in consultation with the unions. The company does not yet have a proposal on what impact the £1.2 billion cost savings will have on employment levels and has not informed the Government of specific plans of how it intends to achieve these savings.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the cost of the name change to Consignia. [23654]

  Mr. Alexander
  The choice of name of the Post Office company and the cost of its implementation were essentially commercial matters for the company and are not areas in which Government would have sought to intervene.
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  I am informed by the company that, by the time the name effectively came into use on the day on which the property, rights and liabilities of the Post Office were transferred to the new company, the total costs were less than £2 million, much of which I am informed would have been incurred in any event in respect of signage, stationery and financial documentation because of the transformation to a plc.

  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she intends to waive dividend payments from Consignia for the current financial year. [22762]

  Mr. Alexander
  No decision has been taken.

  Post Offices (Buckingham)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much funding has been granted to help sustain and improve post offices in the constituency of Buckingham in the last 12 months. [22519]

  Mr. Alexander
  Since 1999, £480 million has been invested by the Government in the Horizon programme to automate the post office network. It is not possible to give a figure for the benefit of this initiative specifically for the Buckingham constituency. Development work is continuing on the other funding proposals to implement the recommendations of the Performance and Innovation Unit's report to help sustain and improve the post office network.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much funding has been granted to assist with one-off capital costs associated with the refurbishment or relocation of rural post offices in the constituency of Buckingham in the last 12 months. [22507]

  Mr. Alexander
  The Sub-Post Office Start-up Capital Subsidy Scheme came into operation in September and is being administered by Post Office Ltd. on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. I understand that no applications have yet been received in respect of rural sub-post offices in the Buckingham constituency.

  Fireworks
  Vernon Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent assessment she has made regarding the effectiveness of legislation controlling the(a) sale and (b) use of fireworks. [23239]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Jarrow (Mr. Hepburn) on 13 December 2001,Official Report, column 943W.

  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of persons injured by fireworks in each of the last five years were injured by fireworks in (1)(a) category 3 and (b) category 4 of BS 7114; [23655]

  (2) (a) Category 1 and (b) Category 2 of BS 7114. [23673]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  We do not collect information on the BS7114 technical category of fireworks involved in injuries. Our annual data collection exercise provides details of the place of accident, such as public display or private party, and the type of firework involved, based on the patient's description. Category 4 fireworks are
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  prohibited from general sale by the Fireworks (Safety) regulations 1997. We also know that the majority of injuries are caused in some way by misuse. We have no evidence of any correlation between the technical category of fireworks and the levels of injury.

  Mr. Lazarowicz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many representations she has received since 1 October from(a) hon. Members and (b) members of the public concerning the use, misuse and sale of fireworks. [24140]

  Ms Hewitt
  My Department has received 348 representations from hon. Members and 653 directly from members of the public, concerning a wide range of issues relating to fireworks.

  Internet Shopping
  Linda Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she has taken to protect consumers from unscrupulous traders on the internet. [22297]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  We are providing protection through codes of practice, dispute resolution and clear information for on-line shoppers.

  In November I launched a Safe Internet Shopping Campaign together with the Minister for E-Commerce and Competitiveness. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about e-shopping and demonstrate that it is safe as long as shoppers follow basic, common-sense guidelines.

  Existing consumer protection legislation (the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and distance selling regulations) do protect consumers from credit card fraud and give them a cooling-off period in respect of most contracts.

  DTI is working with business and consumer organisations to deliver straightforward guidance, and to provide access to more comprehensive information about the full range of concerns through DTI's Consumer Gateway website.

  Postal Delivery
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in which areas the Royal Mail has withdrawn the second daily postal delivery in the last 12 months; and if she will make a statement. [17141]

  Mr. Alexander
  Proposals in relation to second delivery are operational issues for the company, provided that it remains within the terms of the licence issued to it by the Postal Services Commission.

  'Your Guide' Pilot Project
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the 'Your Guide' pilot project in Leicestershire; and if she will make a statement. [22763]

  Mr. Alexander
  The 'Your Guide' pilot of post offices as "Government General Practitioners" was launched in September and will finish as planned on 1 March.

  We have began the process of evaluation and are working in parallel with other Departments in order to proceed to national roll-out if the pilot proves a success and provides value for money.
  460W
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action she has taken to promote the 'Your Guide', initiative; and if she will make a statement. [23592]

  Mr. Alexander
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]The Department has provided £25 million funding for the Leicestershire and Rutland pilot and is engaging other central and local government departments and the devolved Administrations in the project. Consignia, which is running the pilot in Leicestershire and Rutland, is actively promoting the service locally within the pilot area. The future of 'Your Guide' nationally depends on a full evaluation of the pilot which ends on 1 March.

  Fair Trade
  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what fairly traded products, other than tea and coffee, have been purchased by her Department in each of the last five years; and what was their value. [17547]

  Mr. Alexander
  The Department's contracted caterer supplies fairly traded coffee. Directorates are free to purchase catering supplies from other sources and reliable information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Broadband Services
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of the population of(a) Wales and (b) the UK have access to broadband servers by means of (i) ADSL, (ii) cable, (iii) wireless and (iv) satellite. [23949]

  Mr. Alexander
  A map showing availability of technologies is contained in the second annual UK Online report (http: //www.e-envoy.gov.uk/ukonline/progress/anrep2001/default.htm).

  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of the population of(a) Scotland and (b) the United Kingdom have access to broadband services by means of (i) ADSL, (ii) cable, (iii) wireless and (iv) satellite. [20650]

  Mr. Alexander
  A map showing geographical availability of technologies is contained in the second annual UK Online report (http: //www.e-envoy.gov.uk/ ukonline/progress/anrep2001/default.htm). This report also contains links to the report "Connecting Scotland: Our Broadband Future", which sets out the availability of broadband in Scotland.

  Regional Selective Assistance (Cornwall)
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much regional selective assistance funding has been granted to Cornwall since 1997. [24158]

  Alan Johnson
  This Department has made 56 offers of regional selective assistance to businesses in Cornwall since May 1997, totalling £15.2 million in grant, to support projects with a total capital expenditure of £99.9 million, and to create and safeguard a total of 2,852 jobs.

  Non-departmental Public Bodies
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on progress with the reviews that commenced in(a) 1999–2000 and (b) 2000–01 of non-departmental public bodies. [22567]

  Ms Hewitt
  Following is the information requested relating to quinquennial reviews of the Department's executive NDPBs:

  1999–2000

  The Design Council—completed

  The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service—completed

  National Consumer Council—completed.

  2000–01

  The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority—completed

  The six grant awarding Research Councils—completed

  The Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils—Stage 1 completed.

  The Coal Authority—Stage 1 completed.

  Following is the information requested relating to quinquennial reviews of the Department's advisory and tribunal NDPBs:

  1999–2000;

  Central Arbitration Committee—completed

  International Oil and Gas Business Advisory Board (previously the OSO Industry Board)—completed

  Measurement Advisory Committee—completed.

  2000–01

  Renewable Energy Advisory Committee—completed

  Standing Advisory Committee on Industrial Property—completed

  Insolvency Practitioners'Tribunal—completed.

  Older People
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will set out for each of the conclusions in section 6.4 of the Performance and Innovation Unit report, 'Winning the Generation Game',(a) what progress her Department has made and (b) what future plans her Department has for acting on them; and if she will set out against each of the conclusions the targets and deadlines that have been set. [24206]

  Ms Hewitt
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given today by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, at column 335W.

  South West of England Regional Development Agency
  Mr. Swire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the projects(a) being undertaken and (b) completed by the South West of England Regional Development Agency. [23752]

  Alan Johnson
  In most cases the projects supported by the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) are undertaken on a partnership basis. Projects for which the SWRDA provided more than £25,000 in 2000–01 are listed in the RDA Annual Report 2000–01 which is available in the Libraries of the House or can be obtained direct from the SWRDA.

  Sub-regional projects the RDA supported in 2000–01 by providing more than £25,000:
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  Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole:

  A Model for a 'Virtual' Centre of Excellence in Coastal Zone

  Management Training

  Agri-connexion, Kingston Maurward

  Allendale Heritage and Community Centre, Wimborne

  Awareness, Advice and Action for Skills Development, Bournemouth

  Bournemouth and Poole Learning Network

  Bournemouth Incubator Centre

  Developing Fast-Track Training for ICT Technicians

  Development Manager for Lyme Regis Development Trust

  Higher Barn, Melbury Osmond, Dorchester

  Higher Education South West Business Net (HESWBusNet), Bournemouth

  Honeybrook Farm Visitors Centre, Wimborne

  Kimmeridge Marine Education Centre

  Norden Park and Ride, Corfe, Wareham

  Poole Arts Centre

  Shaftesbury Advice Centre Weymouth Skate Park

  Cornwall and the Isles of Stilly:

  Business Information Service (Enterprise Edge)

  Celtic Film and Television Festival

  Chacewater Village Hall

  Cornwall Objective One Technical Assistance

  Combined Universities in Cornwall

  Coverack Space 2000

  Developing Fast-Track Training for ICT Technicians

  Digital Peninsula Network

  Eden Institute Centre

  Eden Public Realm Works, St. Austell

  Gaia Centre, Delabole

  Geevor Tin Mine Emergency Works, St. Just

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  Great Onslow, Bodmin Moor

  Green Park Feasibility

  Helston Business Park

  Ladock Parish Hall

  Let's do IT

  Long Rock, Penzance

  Lower Pengegon

  Mylor Yacht Harbour

  Plot F, Saltash Parkway (Habit Diamond)

  Spanning the Century, Camel Trail, Padstow

  St. Austell Town Centre

  Tolvaddon Energy Park

  Towednack and Nancledra Community Hall

  Train Net

  UFP Camborne, Pool, Redruth

  Youth Link—Penwith and Kerrier

  Devon, Plymouth and Torbay:

  181 Rendell Street, Plymouth

  Achievement Plus, Plymouth

  Agri-BIP Rural Business Support

  Basic Employability Skills

  Bovey Tracey Youth Café

  Derriton Viaduct, Holsworthy

  Devon and West Somerset Key Fund

  East Devon Business Centre, Honiton

  Exeter Advanced Technologies

  Exeter Innovation Centre

  High Street and Peel Street Redevelopment, Plymouth

  Honicknowle Employment Project, Plymouth

  Infrastructure Improvements, Sowton, Exeter

  Jersey Farm, Sampford Peverell

  Kingsbridge Age Concern and Rest Centre

  Marine Projects, Plymouth

  Millbay Laundry, Plymouth

  ORBIT, Ottery St. Mary

  Pall Cycleway, Ilfracombe

  Pitts Cleave, Tavistock

  Plymouth Job to Job Subsidy

  Rural Counselling Programme

  Sourton—Lake Cycleway

  Springboard to Learning, Plymouth

  St. Sidwells Centre, Exeter

  Stonehouse Creek Community Centre, Plymouth

  Tamar Science Park, Plymouth

  The Soundhouse, Plymouth

  Theatre Royal Production and Education Centre, Plymouth

  Wallabrook Viaduct

  Yeo Bridge, Barnstaple

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  Gloucestershire:

  Bream Community Centre Refurbishment Scheme

  Coney Hill Neighbourhood College Centre

  Cranfield Medical Research Centre

  CREATE Training, Lydney

  Developing Fast-Track Training for ICT Technicians

  Fixing the Future—Solution for IT Services Skills

  Forest of Dean Radio Project

  Gloucestershire Development Agency—Support for SRP

  Gloucestershire Innovation Centre

  Gloucestershire Network Neighbourhoods Projects Network on behalf of the Gloucestershire Training Group Centre for Engineering Excellence

  Hesters Way Community Resource Centre

  Lister Petter mixed-use regeneration site, Dursley

  Matson Lane Community College Health and ICT Resource Centre

  Skill Joy

  The Link Group

  Somerset:

  Baird Clothing

  Bowdens Farm, Langport

  Bussman Cooper

  Computer-based, Internet-linked Heavy Goods Vehicle Provision in the South West Peninsula

  E-Business Skills Development Programme

  Filton Econet Partnership for Sustainable Business Development in the South West region

  Morlands Factory Site, Glastonbury

  Somerset Skills Support Project

  South West Marine Sector Training and Development

  The Western Colleges Consortium for On-Line Learning

  Tourism Task Force—Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset

  Watchet Youth Centre

  Watchet Marina

  Wiltshire and Swindon

  Berwick St. John Community Resource Centre

  Charlton Park Farms, Office Development, Malmesbury

  Easton Farm, Tourist Facility, Berwick St. John

  Hoechst Trespaphan

  Little Durnford Farms, Business and Workspace, Salisbury

  Multimedia in Wiltshire

  Oakley Business Park, Workspace Units, Dinton

  Purton Down Biotech Incubator Centre

  R&K Wise

  Skills at Work in Wiltshire and Swindon

  St. Martins Farm, Tourist Facility, Warminster

  Swindon Pressings Ltd.

  The Beeches Court Farm, Tourist Facility, Calne

  The Western Colleges Consortium for On-Line Learning

  Ushers

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  Bristol and West of England:

  Cabot Community Sports Centre, Bristol

  E-Business Skills Development Programme

  Emersons Innovation

  Engineering for Avon

  Harbourside Project, Bristol

  Nailey Farm, St. Catherine's, Bath

  Old Town Quarry, Weston-super-Mare

  Safe and Warm Phase 2, Bristol

  Targets

  Land and property—Partnership Investment Programme(PIP)—outputs

  Private Investment generated (£000)

  61,964,750

  Area of brownfield land reclaimed/brought back into use (differentiated by soft and hard end use) (hectares)

  39 SE

  Woodland created (trees planted or hectares)

  0

  Treatment of contaminated land (hectares)

  0

  Jobs—number created and safeguarded

  1,140

  New industrial commercial floorspace created (square metres)

  27,701

  Accessibility improved between homes and workplaces (length of footpath/cycleway created)

  0

  Housing units facilitated on brownfield land (number of housing units)

  250

  Spend (£000)

  6,000,000

  Land and property—non PIP outputs

  Jobs—number created and safeguarded

  1,790

  Private investment generated (£)

  20,500,000

  Area of brownfield land reclaimed/brought back into use

  84.9 ha (55 SE)

  Woodland created (trees planted or hectares)

  0

  Treatment of contaminated land

  29.9 HE

  New industrial/refurbished floorspace created

  51,800

  Accessibility improved between homes and workplaces

  10

  Housing units facilitated on brownfield land

  340

  Spend (£000)

  27,642,000

  Single Regeneration Budget1

  Jobs created/safeguarded1

  2,410/180

  Homes and buildings with improved security

  4,125

  Voluntary organisations and community groups supported1

  4,205/184

  New business start-ups1

  572

  140

  Hectares of land improved/reclaimed for open space and improved/reclaimed/serviced for development (of perhaps a combination of these)

  17

  Private finance attracted (£000)

  214,080

  Spend (£000)

  26,726,000

  Rural Programme

  Number of grants made or projects supported

  429

  Area of work space created/safeguarded (square metres)

  33,686

  Match funding attracted as a percentage of RDA's direct cash input (£ million)

  26.4

  Number of child care places created

  100

  Spend (£)

  9,388,000

  Jobs created/safeguarded

  2,167

  Business started up and surviving at least one year

  283

  Number/areas of redundant buildings converted to commercial use

  260

  Number of training places created

  1,593

  Number of new improved facilities

  404

  Number of additional visitors

  99,649

  1 Figures for ethnic minorities

  2 Million

  Innovation Funding
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will provide a regional breakdown of innovation funding in the UK. [23975]

  Ms Hewitt
  My Department's innovation programme expenditure is primarily providing support to industry UK-wide. In the financial year 2001–02, £340 million was allocated to this support. It would be a disproportionate
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  Temple Quay, Bristol

  The Western Colleges Consortium for On-Line Learning

  Towards the Radstock Community Vision

  Working Together for Southmead, Bristol.

  Mr. Swire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the regeneration targets to be met by the South West Regional Development Agency. [23750]

  Alan Johnson
  The following are the agreed targets for the South West of England Regional Development Agency's regeneration programmes in 2001–02.

  cost to ascertain the regional breakdown of this expenditure. Moreover in many instances mapping the immediate recipient of the support would not give a reliable guide to the ultimate distribution of the benefit.

  The only funding currently allocated by my Department on a regional basis that contributes to the DTI's innovation agenda is the Regional Innovation Fund (RIF), which was established on 1 April 2001.
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  RIF provides a funding stream to the nine English Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) to enable them to support regional competitiveness, innovation and enterprise, and to support cluster development and business incubation in their regions. A breakdown of my Department's 2001–02 RIF allocation of £54.1 million to the RDAs is as follows:

  2001–02 RIF allocation

  RDA

  £ million

  One North East

  8.9

  North West Development Agency

  7.4

  Yorkshire Forward

  10.0

  East Midlands Development Agency (emda)

  4.3

  Advantage West Midlands

  6.3

  East of England Development Agency

  3.5

  SEEDA

  3.2

  South West of England Regional Development Agency

  4.7

  London Development Agency

  5.8

  Female Entrepreneurs
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action she is taking(a) to promote female entrepreneurs and (b) to create an enterprise environment that supports both men and women. [23973]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Government's priority on coming to office in 1997 was economic stability and employment. The economic challenge for the second term is enterprise and productivity.

  The Government are promoting enterprise through:
  stable macroeconomic conditions, sound public finances and low inflation
  improving the tax regime, by introducing new measures to help small businesses grow, including simplifying VAT for half a million small firms and extension of the 10p corporation tax rate
  radical rethink of the UK competition regime.

  The Small Business Service (SBS) aims to build an enterprise society in which small businesses of all kinds thrive and achieve their potential. Last year it published "Think Small First"—a national strategy to create the right environment for SMEs. SBS is holding meetings across Whitehall to ensure all Government Departments consider the impact their actions have on them.

  SBS's services are available to both male and female entrepreneurs in England, through the Business Link network, which provides local advice and support to all entrepreneurs on everything needed to start and grow a business. Business Connect delivers a similar service in Wales.

  Women who are thinking of setting up or who are already running their own businesses are able to make use of the full range of services provided by SBS through the Business Link operators.

  In addition, SBS has set up the Phoenix Fund to encourage entrepreneurship in disadvantaged areas and within groups which are currently under-represented in terms of business ownership (including women). The Phoenix Fund as a whole is worth £100 million over the four financial years from 2000–04. 16 projects specifically target the needs of women. The National Assembly for Wales has a separate budget to promote female entrepreneurs.
  468W
  The SBS is working to research and better understand the needs of women entrepreneurs and tackle any specific barriers that they may face in starting and running then-own businesses.

  Anti-competitive Behaviour
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many anti-competitive behaviour cases are being investigated by the Office of Fair Trading. [10136]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  Under UK competition legislation, responsibility for monitoring markets and considering allegations of anti-competitive behaviour is a matter for the Director General of Fair Trading. I have asked the Director General to write to the hon. Member directly.

  Small Business Service
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Small Business Service in assisting the establishment of new companies. [11849]

  Nigel Griffiths
  The SBS delivers a range of support to start-up businesses through the Business Link network and manages a number of specific initiatives. All SBS services are subject to regular and rigorous evaluation.

  In Quarter One (April-June) this year, the Business Link network helped around 30,000 individuals and start-up businesses including 2,000 high-growth start-ups.

  An early assessment of the high-growth start-up initiative was completed in December 2000. This showed that:
  the initiative had already had a positive effect in developing a targeted approach to working with high-growth start-ups;
  considerable progress had been made in developing understanding of local markets and developing local/regional service offers;
  funding should be rolled forward to enable more detailed evaluation;
  support is being provided, across a variety of business sectors, to people who are traditionally considered to face barriers in starting and growing a business including women, ethnic minorities and young entrepreneurs. A full evaluation of this initiative has just commenced.

  An assessment of the Business Volunteer Mentors Association (BVMA) initiative was completed in March 2001. This showed that, despite the early stage of the programme:
  business mentoring plays an important role within the business support process. It provides the client with an on-going business relationship and a route to identifying and progressing entrepreneurial development needs. This is essential to SME development, especially at the pre and early start-up phase;
  clients were impressed with the quality of the volunteers and that mentoring could make a difference to their business;
  mentors were confident that they could make a difference to the businesses they were supporting;
  the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies, who co-ordinate the delivery of the BVMA initiative, were confident that the scheme could make a significant contribution to support services for pre and early start businesses.
  469W
  The Small Business Service is currently consulting on the development of a comprehensive strategy for supporting business start-ups. The consultation phase of developing the comprehensive strategy is to be completed by March 2002.

  A full evaluation of all Business Link services, including those for start-ups, is planned for 2002.

  The SBS is also monitoring the wider environment in which businesses start through its "Think Small First" indicators which will be published annually.

  Business Links
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the funding of Business Links by area in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. [11848]

  Nigel Griffiths
  Business Links exist and operate only in England. There are 45 Business Link operators, appointed by the Small Business Service (SBS), operating in 45 designated areas throughout England.

  Business Link operators receive a grant from SBS in the form of a Core Services allocation, which funds the core business support services that the BL operator is obliged to deliver under the terms of their agreement. Other funding is provided by the SBS to deliver specialist services like the UK Online for Business, Local Partnership Fund and High Growth Start-ups programmes, these funds are allocated at regional level.

  The table provides a breakdown of Core Services allocations to BL operators by SBS area for the 2001–02 financial year.

  Core Services allocations 2001–02

  Allocation (£)

  Percentage

  Total

  130,000,000

  100

  South East (6)

  Berkshire

  2,322,684

  1.8

  Sussex

  4,165,051

  3.2

  Hampshire and Isle of Wight

  4,660,054

  3.6

  Kent

  3,967,756

  3.1

  Oxfordshire, Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire

  3,772,524

  2.9

  Surrey

  3,386,962

  2.6

  Total

  22,275,032

  17.1

  London (1)

  London

  22,537,065

  17.3

  East (6)

  Bedfordshire

  1,438,456

  1.1

  Cambridgeshire

  1,888,331

  1.5

  Essex

  4,194,360

  3.2

  Hertfordshire

  2,982,289

  2.3

  Norfolk

  2,144,482

  1.6

  Suffolk

  1,829,953

  1.4

  Total

  14,477,870

  11.1

  South West (6)

  Dorset

  1,938,794

  1.5

  Devon and Cornwall

  4,161,670

  3.2

  Gloucestershire

  1,595,518

  1.2

  Somerset

  1,371,800

  1.1

  West

  2,528,148

  1.9

  Wiltshire and Swindon

  1,577,421

  1.2

  Total

  13,173,352

  10.1

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  Core services allocations 2001–02

  Allocation (£)

  Percentage

  West Midlands (6)

  Birmingham and Solihull

  2,789,038

  2.1

  Coventry and Warwickshire

  2,029,638

  1.6

  Herefordshire and Worcestershire

  1,970,340

  1.5

  Shropshire

  1,159,965

  0.9

  Staffordshire

  2,502,982

  1.9

  The Black Country

  2,600,619

  2.0

  Total

  13,052,581

  10.0

  East Midlands (5)

  Derbyshire

  2,298,793

  1.8

  Leicestershire

  2,323,081

  1.8

  Lincolnshire and Rutland

  1,813,842

  1.4

  Northamptonshire

  1,562,786

  1.2

  Nottinghamshire

  2,388,656

  1.8

  Total

  10,387,158

  8.0

  Yorkshire and The Humber (4)

  Humber

  2,186,000

  1.7

  North Yorkshire

  2,144,061

  1.6

  South Yorkshire

  2,784,477

  2.1

  West Yorkshire

  4,893,163

  3.8

  Total

  12,007,701

  9.2

  North West (7)

  Cheshire and Warrington

  2,316,044

  1.8

  Manchester CBS

  3,509,113

  2.7

  Cumbria

  1,356,861

  1.0

  East Lancashire

  1,230,138

  0.9

  North Manchester CBS

  2,661,103

  2.0

  Merseyside

  3,264,255

  2.5

  North and West Lancashire

  2,315,636

  1.8

  Total

  16,653,150

  12.8

  North East (4)

  County Durham

  1,038,692

  0.8

  Northumberland

  754,893

  0.6

  Tees Valley

  1,355,003

  1.0

  Tyne and Wear

  2,287,504

  1.8

  Total

  5,436,092

  4.2

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list, with dates, the engineering companies(a) she and (b) her Ministers have visited since June. [21503]

  Mr. Wilson
  My colleagues and I regularly meet representatives from engineering companies and engineering trade bodies, both in visits and at other times. I list the visits made by myself and my ministerial colleagues to engineering companies since June 2001.

  (a)Visits by the Secretary of State

  5 November—MG Rover

  10 December—IBC Vehicles Ltd.

  10 December—Astrium Ltd.

  10 December—Matra BAE Dynamics

  (b)Visits by other DTI Ministers

  23 July—Optima International—Nigel Griffiths

  30 August—AGM Batteries—Brian Wilson

  21 September—Aireshelta Ltd.—Lord Sainsbury

  5 October—Fibrin (Humberside) Ltd.—Alan Johnson

  9 October—Gorham and Bateson Ltd.—Nigel Griffiths;

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  9 November—Textron Power Transmission—Alan Johnson

  9 November—The Marshall Group of Companies—Lord Sainsbury

  14 November—Rolls-Royce plc—Brian Wilson

  17 December—Thales Optronics—Brian Wilson.

  Business Receiverships (Buckingham)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many businesses have gone into receivership in the Buckingham constituency in each year since 1997. [22647]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  Statistics of business receiverships are not available by year of receivership at the constituency level.

  Public Service Agreements
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on progress with the public service agreement target on levels of energy, security, diversity, sustainability and competitive energy prices. [23168]

  Mr. Wilson
  The public service agreement target to maintain or improve levels of energy security, diversity, sustainability and competitive prices has been updated for 2001–04:"To develop strong, competitive markets within a regulatory framework which promotes fairness and sustainability".
  This was set out in HM Treasury's Public Service Agreements 2001–04 www.hm_treasury_gov.uk/Documents/Public Spending and Services/Public_Service_Agreements_2001–04

  The energy targets relating to this objective and the progress towards these targets are as follows:

  Targets

  1. Ensure competitive gas and electricity prices in the lower half of the EU/G7 basket, while achieving security of supply and social and environmental objectives.

  2. Improve the environment and sustainable use of natural resources, including by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5 per cent, from 1990 levels over the period 2008–12and moving towards a 20 per cent, reduction in CO2 emissions by 2010 (Joint target with DEFRA).

  Progress

  Competitive energy prices:

  Overall, in 2000, based on the data available from the International Energy Agency, UK industrial and domestic gas prices, both including and excluding taxes, were in the lower half of the EU/G7 basket. UK domestic electricity prices, including taxes, were also in the lower half of the EU/G7 basket during 2000. However, industrial electricity and domestic, excluding taxes, electricity prices were not in the lower half of the EU/G7 basket. But figures for the UK show that electricity prices have fallen in 2001.

  Security:

  The Department monitors electricity supply through supply interruptions and lost time. Between 1996–97 and 1999–2000 both the number of interruptions and average time lost have declined. Oil stocks are also monitored, with a target to maintain national emergency oil stocks at, or above, levels required by international obligations. At
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  the end of the third quarter of 2001 the UK held stocks equal to 70 days of consumption, compared with an obligation of 67.5 days.

  Diversity:

  The Department has a target to achieve 10 per cent, of electricity generated from renewable resources by 2010, subject to the costs to consumers being acceptable. In 2000, renewables accounted for 2.8 per cent, of electricity generated in the UK.

  Social:

  The Department has introduced a social target of fuel expenditure as a percentage of income (including housing benefit and income support for mortgage interest) for the lowest three income deciles to be reducing and below 5 per cent, by 2003–04. Over the last three years fuel expenditure as a percentage of income has been reducing and in 1999–2000 was 7 per cent.

  Sustainability/environment:

  Projections suggest that the UK is on course to meet its Kyoto commitment to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by 12.5 per cent, by 2008–2012 from 1990 level. The Department is also on course to meet the sulphur dioxide emissions target of 80 per cent, below 1980 levels by 2010.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on progress with the target on the unit cost of investigating bankruptcy and compulsory liquidation cases between 1999 and 2002. [23163]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  At the end of the last financial year, 31 March 2001, the unit cost of case investigation by the Insolvency Service had been reduced by 10.6 per cent.

  Citizens Advice Line
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on funding for the Citizens Advice Line for London beyond March 2002. [22880]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Department does not provide funding for the Citizens Advice Line for London (CALL) general advice line. It has however provided time-limited funding support for a consumer helpline pilot run by CALL as one of three such pilots across England, each using different approaches. The pilot funding has always been time limited to March 2002.

  Sellafield
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations were made to her by(a) her Irish counterpart and (b) the Irish Energy Minister, in respect of Sellafield, at the recent EU Energy Council; and what response was given. [23191]

  Mr. Wilson
  None.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessments she has made of the reasons for the difference between the final voted departmental expenditure limit and provisional outturn for financial year 2000–01 as listed in the Treasury document, Public Expenditure 2000–01: Provisional Outturn, for Vote IX Trade
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  and Industry and Export Credit Guarantees Department subcategories (a) 1 Department of Trade and Industry: programmes and administration and (b) 2 Department of Trade and Industry: science; and if she will make a statement. [24105]

  Ms Hewitt
  The difference between the provisional and final voted outturn for financial year 2000–01 for Vote IX is within a reasonable margin of estimating error allowing for the uncertainties of export credit business.

  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the reasons for the difference between the initial voted annually managed expenditure and provisional outturn for financial year 2000–01, as listed in the Treasury document, Public Expenditure 2000–01: Provisional Outturn, for the Export Credit Guarantees Department and the self-financing public corporations categories; and if she will make a statement. [24108]

  Ms Hewitt
  Annually managed expenditure mainly comprises the refinancing of bank export finance loans made by commercial banks under ECGD's guarantee. Such refinancing produces worthwhile savings to the taxpayer. The refinancing programme has been significantly increased during 2000–01. Some of the rise in AME is due to costs associated with refinancing, but these are more than offset by the savings.

  Vibration White Finger
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many(a) interim and (b) final payments were made between (i) 1 January and 1 July and (ii) 2 July and 1 December to vibration white finger claimants in St. Helens, South. [22956]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]IRISC, the Department's claims handlers, made 31 interim payments and 20 full and final payments amounting to £278,674 between 1 January and 1 July 2001 in the constituency of St. Helens, South for vibration white finger (VWF). Between 2 July and 1 December 2001, 34 interim payments and 28 full and final settlements were made, amounting to £342,762. There are 431 VWF claimants in total in this constituency.

  Consumer Credit Act
  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Government plans to publish the summary of responses to its consultation document "Modernising the Consumer Credit Act 1974"; and what plans it has to take the review of the Act forward. [22785]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 13 December 2001]DTI is currently analysing the many responses we received to our consultation paper "Tackling loan sharks—and more!"

  Miners' Compensation
  Paddy Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the average final settlement figure in respect of chronic bronchitis and emphysema has been in(a) Nottinghamshire and (b) the United Kingdom via (i) the expedited route and (ii) the medical assessment process. [23332]
  474W
  Mr. Wilson
  To date, the average expedited payment in Nottinghamshire is £2,804 and £4,107 nationally. The average settlement following the full medical assessment is £4,973 in Nottinghamshire and £5,416 nationally. The discrepancies between the regional and national figures reflect the variances of compensatable disabilities among claimants.

  Depleted Uranium
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the(a) volume and (b) value of depleted uranium and products containing depleted uranium, imported into the United Kingdom in each year since 1985; and if she will make a statement. [22312]

  Nigel Griffiths
  [holding answer 13 December 2001]Data on imports of depleted uranium and depleted uranium products since 1985 are not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what regulations there are to control the importation of(a) depleted uranium, (b) munitions containing depleted uranium and (c) other products containing depleted uranium; and if she will make a statement. [22313]

  Nigel Griffiths
  [holding answer 13 December 2001]I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 30 October 2001,Official Report, column 587.

  Sub-post Offices
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on whether new initiatives to support the sub-post office network are expected to be delivered within the planned timetable. [23593]

  Mr. Alexander
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]The £2 million Government fund to support volunteer and community initiatives to maintain or reopen post office facilities in rural areas came into operation in September. Development of funding proposals to implement the recommendations of the performance and innovation unit's report to help sustain and improve the Post Office network is continuing. The pilot of the Government Practitioner 'Your Guide' started in August. Work on other measures is well advanced. We have now received advice from the Postal Services commission on transitional financial assistance to rural post offices from 2003.

  Small Print
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will investigate the size of the print used in setting out the terms and conditions of offers made by firms to the general public. [20177]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 3 December 2001]We have no plans for such an investigation. Where an advertisement for an offer for goods or services is rendered misleading because relevant terms and conditions are illegible, it may breach the advertising industry's British Codes of Advertising and Sales Promotion. In that case the Advertising Standards Authority could direct the advertiser to amend or remove
  475W
  the advertisement. Furthermore, any price indicated to consumers which is rendered misleading as a result of illegible terms and conditions could be the subject of a criminal prosecution under the Consumer Protection Act 1987. In relation to standard consumer contracts, the Director General of Fair Trading has used his powers under the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999 to ensure that these are presented in print of acceptable size. In relation to offers for credit, under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 in order for the terms of a consumer credit agreement to be enforceable they must be readily legible.

  SMART Awards
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry who is consulted in allocating SMART awards; who oversees their administration; and what measures are in place to ensure that SMART moneys are spent appropriately. [23818]

  Nigel Griffiths
  In allocating SMART awards for research and development in England the Department of Trade and Industry seeks advice from its own staff with knowledge of particular sectors of industry, from qualified accountants, from the Patent Office, which carries out patent searches, from other Government Departments and from the following external sources of technical expertise:

  AEA Technology plc

  BRE

  Capenhurst.tech Ltd.

  Chimaeron Ltd.

  EA Technology

  Health and Safety Laboratory

  The Institute of Materials

  Laboratory of the Government Chemist

  Maritime and Coastguard Agency

  Materials Engineering Research Laboratory Ltd.

  Medical Devices Agency

  National Computing Centre (NCC Services Ltd.)

  National Engineering Laboratory

  National Physical Laboratory

  Pera Innovation Ltd.

  PIRA International Ltd.

  QinetiQ

  TRL Ltd.

  SMART Feasibility Study and Development Project applications are administered and allocated by Government Offices for the Regions. Some SMART Micro Project applications are also administered by Government Offices for the Regions and others by the Small Business Service headquarters in London. By April 2002 all Micro Project applications will be administered by Government Offices for the Regions. SMART Technology Review and Technology Study applications are administered and allocated by the Small Business Service headquarters.

  All SMART projects and associated expenditure are carefully monitored by staff from Government Offices for the Regions or the Small Business Service against the project proposals for which the grants are awarded. Grant moneys are paid only in respect of eligible expenditure and only if the project makes satisfactory progress towards its objectives. Additionally, full payment of grant
  476W
  is withheld until the project is completed and an independent accountant has reported the total expenditure on the project and confirmed it was incurred for the purpose intended.

  Seaside Resorts
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what guidance her Department has issued to regional development agencies on supporting seaside and coastal towns; [24151]

  (2)which officials in her Department she has nominated as resort champions; [24142]

  (3)what action her Department is taking to support the implementation of the English Tourism Council's "Sea Changes" report. [24146]

  Alan Johnson
  The Government have welcomed the publication of "Sea Changes". The Department is very much aware of the regeneration and economic development needs of seaside resorts, given its responsibility for the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and for co-ordination of policy on the assisted areas and structural funds maps.

  We look to the RDAs to continue to develop and implement economic and regeneration strategies on a regional basis, working closely with other regional and local partners. In its guidance to the RDAs on preparing their Corporate Plans for 2002–04, the Department has specifically asked them to explain how they intend to work with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, local Regional Tourist Boards, and other regional, sub-regional and local authority bodies in the development and implementation of sustainable tourism strategies. The guidance makes clear that these strategies will need to include the promotion of coastal resort regeneration.

  The DTI has not nominated specific resort champions.

  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many regional development agencies have nominated a board member to be a resort champion for that region; and if she will list(a) the regional development agencies which have done so and (b) the board members nominated. [24152]

  Alan Johnson
  The Regional Development Agencies have not nominated specific board members as resort champions. The DTI is not in a position to instruct RDAs in such detail as to how they should achieve their objectives. However, RDAs will continue to play an important role in the regeneration of seaside resorts.

  New Electricity Trading Arrangements
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received in respect of the impact of the new electricity trading arrangements; what have been the concerns raised most frequently by these representations; and what plans she has for assessing the operation of the new electricity trading arrangements after a specified period of time. [21453]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]My officials and I have met with a large number of industry representatives on the impact of the new electricity
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  trading arrangements (NETA). On the whole, NETA is seen to have been successful. Ofgem produced a report of the first three months of NETA and found that:
  Wholesale electricity prices are 20 to 25 per cent, below prices that would have been produced under the Pool.
  Market liquidity is established with a threefold increase in the volume of trades, and a doubling of the number of contracts struck compared to this time last year under the Pool.
  National Grid Company is working well to keep the electricity system in balance. Its daily costs of balancing the system have halved, which will also benefit customers.

  Ofgem will be conducting a full review of the first year's operation of NETA:

  A frequent concern that has been raised has been around the impact of the changes on smaller generators. At the request of DTI, Ofgem produced a report entitled a 'Review of the Initial Impact of NETA on Smaller Generators' on 31 August 2001. In response, DTI issued a consultation paper. I have received 41 responses to the Government's consultation. These responses are from a wide cross-section of industry, including representatives of the renewables and CHP sectors, suppliers of electricity and industry and environment associations. The responses to the consultation have raised a wide range of issues which Government will need to consider carefully. We will be publishing a full Government response to our consultation and a summary of responses.

  In the meantime, DTI and Ofgem have formed a working group to look urgently at the obstacles to consolidation services under NETA. The working group comprises a wide cross-section of industry.

  Aluminium
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to her answer of 29 November 2001,Official Report, column 1049W, on the aluminium industry, what assessment he has made of the extent to which the UK will be affected by the downturn in world aluminium markets. [22992]

  Mr. Wilson
  Alcan and Alcoa, the two largest employers in the UK aluminium industry, recently announced detailed proposals for restructuring their global operations as a result of recent falls in world demand for aluminium. This would result in a reduction of around 7 per cent, in the combined UK work forces of these two companies. Under these proposals two sites, Alcoa's Dolgarrog rolling mill and Alcan's Glasgow foil plant, would close completely with employee reductions at Alcan's Rogerstone mill. However Alcan's Bridgnorth plant would gain an extra 60 jobs and £13 million in investment. Industry assessments suggest that overall UK aluminium companies currently face low prices and profit margins, and that the market is likely to remain weak in the short to medium term.

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  Advertising (£)

  6,471.80

  5,127.70

  7,572.60

  11,275.60

  27,321.90

  Percentage of departmental running costs

  0.4

  0.3

  0.3

  0.6

  1.3

  Expressed in real terms at 2000–01 level (£)

  7,133.00

  5,495.70

  7,890.80

  11,487.70

  27,321.90

  Publication Production (£)

  1,998.80

  2,314.00

  2,159.40

  5,768.40

  6,556.70

  Percentage of departmental running costs

  0.1

  0.1

  0.1

  0.3

  0.3

  Expressed in real terms at 2000–01 levels (£)

  2,203.00

  2,480.10

  2,250.10

  5,876.90

  6,556.70

  Packaging Waste
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to run an advertising campaign to reduce packaging waste; and if she will make a statement. [23817]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]: The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 (as amended) and The Packaging (Essential Requirements) 1998 Regulations provide the regulatory framework aimed at encouraging a reduction in packaging and packaging waste in England and Wales. These, and similar regulations in Northern Ireland and Scotland, are designed to allow the United Kingdom to fulfil the European Union obligations of Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste.

  These regulations encourage a reduction in packaging and packaging waste by setting demanding recovery and recycling targets along with requirements to discourage over-packaging. They also place financial burdens on business in relation to the weight of packaging they place on the market. Awareness of these regulations is already promoted by the Government and the enforcement agencies. This month the Commission has published a proposal to revise Directive 94/62/EC. The need for any future advertising campaign will be considered as part of the future implementation of the revised Directive.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Departmental Spending
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the total expenditure was on(a) advertising, (b) polling, (c) focus groups, (d) design consultants, (e) caterers, (f) production of departmental publications and (g) photographs/photographers by his Department for each year since 1995 in (i) cash and (ii) real terms; what was (A) the annual percentage increase in spending on each category and (B) spending on each category as a percentage of the total departmental running costs; and if he will make a statement. [6926]

  Mr. Blunkett
  The Government are committed to using only whatever channel is judged to be the most cost-effective way to deliver the publicity necessary to support the implementation of policy.

  The following table sets out the Department's expenditure on advertising, caterers and production of departmental publications from 1996–97 to 2000–01. Expenditure for 1995–96 is not available.

  Expenditure on polling, focus groups, design consultants and photographs/photographers is not readily identifiable and could be produced only at disproportionate cost.
  479W

  1996–97

  7997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  Caterers (£)

  2,909.10

  2,738.50

  2,888.00

  3,146.60

  2,823.70

  Percentage of departmental running costs

  0.2

  0.1

  0.1

  0.2

  0.1

  Expressed in real terms at 2000–01 levels (£)

  3,206.30

  2,935.00

  3,009.30

  3,205.80

  2,823.70

  Asylum Seekers
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out the principles determining which local authority an asylum seeker will be referred to for housing assistance if they are recognised as a refugee or granted exceptional leave to remain. [22452]

  Angela Eagle
  Former asylum seekers who have received a positive decision on their application for asylum or who have been granted exceptional leave to remain are free to live where they choose within the United Kingdom. They can apply for housing assistance to any local authority.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers living in the UK first entered the country in(a) 1990, (b) 1992, (c) 1994, (d) 1996, (e) 1998 and (f) 2000 and made application for asylum, and have yet to have their cases resolved. [22479]

  Angela Eagle
  I regret that the information requested is not readily available, and could be obtained only by examination of individual case records and is, therefore, available only at disproportionate cost.

  The number of applications for asylum in the United Kingdom lodged in the years above are shown in the table. However, it is not possible to determine in what year these applicants first entered the United Kingdom, or whether they are currently living in the United Kingdom.

  Applications for asylum in the UK, principal applicants

  Year

  Asylum Applications 1

  1990

  26,205

  19922

  24,605

  1994

  32,830

  1996

  29,640

  1998

  46,015

  20003,4

  80,315

  1 Figures rounded to the nearest 5

  2 Figures do not include overseas applications

  3 May exclude some cases lodged at Local Enforcement Offices between January and March 2000

  4 Provisional figures

  The number of asylum cases awaiting initial decision as at 30 September was 43,000 (provisional, to the nearest 100). However, it is not possible to determine in what year these applicants were made. Information on asylum applications, initial decisions and applications awaiting initial decision is published regularly in the annual statistical bulletin Asylum Statistics United Kingdom, a copy of which is available in the Library, and from the RDS website http: //www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration 1.html.

  Police Medical Retirements
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list, by police authority area, the number of officers who have retired on medical grounds in(a)1990, (b)1995, (c)1996, (d)1997,
  480W
  (e) 1998, (f) 1999 and (g) 2000; indicating in each case, and in each police authority area, the percentage this represents of total retirement. [11807]

  Mr. Denham
  The requested data are given in the tables which have been placed in the Library.

  Many forces have made considerable reductions in the level of medical retirements in the last five years. However, as the tables show, the position varies considerably between forces.

  The Home Office has asked the Police Negotiating Board to explore and agree ways to deliver a fair and more consistent approach towards early retirement due to ill health, so that forces, can match the performance of the best quartile by 2005. We will be introducing a national occupational health strategy for the police service, which should assist forces to manage cases of ill-health more effectively at the outset.

  Neighbourhood Warden Scheme (Buckingham)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much funding has been awarded for neighbourhood warden schemes in the Buckingham constituency in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and what targets have been set to reduce crime under the schemes. [22626]

  Mr. Denham
  The neighbourhood and street wardens programme have funded a pilot programme of 85 neighbourhood warden schemes across England and Wales. These schemes can help to reduce crime and the fear of crime and deter anti-social behaviour. No applications were submitted from Buckingham and there are no schemes funded in the area. There is one neighbourhood warden scheme funded in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.

  Police (Buckingham)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to visit the Buckingham constituency to meet police officers. [22658]

  Mr. Denham
  I have no current plans to visit the Buckingham constituency.

  Ministerial Visits (North-East)
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times since November 2000 Ministers from his Department have visited(a) the Teesside area and (b) Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East constituency to meet locally based businesses. [19056]

  Mr. Blunkett
  While the Home Office does have a clear remit in relation to security for businesses and the contribution they can make to the civil and social agenda being pursued by the Department, this is organised on a regional or sub-regional basis as well as nationally. It is therefore not possible to disaggregate those businesses
  481W
  that have been invited from the area to take part in such ventures. A number of Ministers did undertake visits on a political, as opposed to ministerial basis, in the early part of 2001.

  Police Spending
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the level of spending on police resources on an average per capita basis is(a) nationally and (b) in the Buckingham constituency for the current financial year. [22629]

  Mr. Denham
  The gross cost of policing on an average per capita basis in England and Wales in 2001–02 is estimated at £165.5. A figure at Buckingham constituency level is not available.

  source:

  The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy Police Statistics (Estimates) 2001–02

  External Consultants
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost was to his Department of the use of external consultants in each of the last four years. [21263]

  Mr. Blunkett
  The available information held by my Department on cost for the use of external consultants over the last four financial years is as follows:

  £

  1997–98

  7,627,016

  1998–99

  4,588,445

  1999–2000

  10,302,672

  2000–01

  27,877,286

  The increase in expenditure on consultancy in 2000–01 is primarily due to a major investment programme in the modernisation of the Home Office and in particular on IT related modernisation. This breakdown on expenditure is as follows:

  2000–01

  £

  IT related consultancy

  12,550,540

  Non-IT related consultancy

  15,326,746

  Prison Officers
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prison officers serving in prisons in England and Wales have been suspended from duty for more than 18 months owing to allegations as to their conduct for more than 18 months. [22486]

  Beverley Hughes
  There are currently eight prison officers suspended from duty for more than 18 months.

  Criminal Courts Review
  Stephen Hesford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he has taken to ensure that the views of students and young people are taken into account in the Government review of the criminal courts. [22603]
  482W
  Mr. Keith Bradley
  In the new year I shall be attending events at various university law schools with the aim of giving young people an opportunity to express their views on these issues. They can also participate by visiting the review website at: www.criminal-courts-review-org.uk.

  Social Exclusion
  Andrew Selous
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the competitive grant schemes, administered by the Home Office and its agencies, open in each year since 1997 to organisations in the voluntary and community sector for the purposes of tackling social exclusion; and, for each scheme in each year(a) the number of applicants, (b) the number of successful applicants, (c) the total of grants awarded, (d) the number of pages in the application form and (e) if the grant can be used to fund the core costs of the applicant organisation; [22428]

  (2) how many competitive grant schemes, administered by his Department and its agencies, were open in each of the last 10 years to organisations in the voluntary and community sector for the purposes of tackling social exclusion; [22386]

  (3) if he will publish a list of the grants made under the competitive grant schemes administered by his Department and its agencies open in each year since 1997 to organisations in the voluntary and community sector for the purposes of tackling social exclusion; [22417]

  (4) if he will place in the Library a copy of the application form for each of the competitive grant schemes administered by his Department and its agencies open in each year since1997 to organisations in the voluntary and community sector for the purposes of tackling social exclusion. [22410]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 12 December 2001]This information is not centrally available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  The hon. Member may, however, wish to note that information about grants from central Government is currently available in two recent publications, funded by the Home Office:
  Central Government Funding of Voluntary and Community Organisations 1982–83 to 1999–2000: ISBN 1 84082 636–3; and
  A Guide to Funding from Government Departments and Agencies—Second Edition: ISBN 1 900360 79, nine copies of which are available in the Library.

  Crime Clear-up Rate
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average crime clear-up rate was in England and Wales in 2000–01, broken down by force; what assessment he has made of the reasons for the differences in crime clear-up rates between forces; and if he will make a statement. [21624]

  Mr. Denham
  The proportion of crime detected was 24 per cent, in England and Wales in 2000–01. The following table shows the detection rate in each force and is taken from Criminal Statistics England and Wales 2000.
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  Police force area

  Percentages

  Avon and Somerset

  22

  Bedfordshire

  27

  Cambridgeshire

  24

  Cheshire

  30

  Cleveland

  21

  Cumbria

  34

  Derbyshire

  26

  Devon and Cornwall

  34

  Dorset

  25

  Durham

  34

  Essex

  26

  Gloucestershire

  31

  Greater Manchester

  22

  Hampshire

  29

  Hertfordshire

  24

  Humberside

  21

  Kent

  28

  Lancashire

  27

  Leicestershire

  28

  Lincolnshire

  25

  London, City of

  27

  Merseyside

  28

  Metropolitan police

  15

  Norfolk

  26

  Northamptonshire

  33

  Northumbria

  31

  North Yorkshire

  30

  Nottinghamshire

  20

  South Yorkshire

  25

  Staffordshire

  23

  Suffolk

  35

  Surrey

  28

  Sussex

  23

  Thames Valley

  22

  Warwickshire

  22

  West Mercia

  27

  West Midlands

  28

  West Yorkshire

  23

  Wiltshire

  30

  England average

  24

  Dyfed-Powys

  63

  Gwent

  57

  North Wales

  31

  South Wales

  32

  Wales average

  41

  As Policing a New Century: a Blueprint for Reform makes clear, these variations are unacceptable. The Standards Unit will identify the variations and the causes of those variations in order to identify and spread best practice in crime detection.

  There are marked differences in detection rates for different types of offence. This is, in part, owing to the level of investigation that an offence merits although other factors will also play a part. For example, there are offences (such as harassment) where the victim may know the offender, which will increase probability of a detection. In general violent offences have a higher detection rate than crimes against property.

  Comparisons of detection rates for individual police forces may reflect differences in the circumstances of offences between areas and variations in recording practice.

  Anti-terrorism Legislation
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date he appointed an 484W
  independent reviewer for the operation of anti-terrorism legislation; in what manner the announcement was made; and what are the terms of reference for this post. [21117]

  Mr. Blunkett
  Lord Carlile of Berriew was appointed on 15 November in respect of the Terrorism Act 2000. The appointment was announced in response to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Wirral, West (Stephen Hesford).

  The reviewer's terms of reference are to review the working of the Terrorism Act 2000 considering whether (a) the Act has been used fairly and properly during the reporting period, taking into account the need to ensure that there are both effective powers to deal with terrorism and adequate safeguards for the individual; and consider whether any of the temporary powers in Part VII of the Act can safely be allowed to lapse, and
  "report to the Secretary of State in order that he can lay a report before both Houses of Parliament at least once every 12 months in accordance with section 126 of the Act".
  Some sections of the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 amend the Terrorism Act 2000 and will be subject the same review provisions as that Act. It was announced during debate at Second Reading that the provisions relating to the detention of international terrorists would also be reviewed by the Terrorism Act reviewer.

  Mr. Rammell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the use of powers under the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001. [25156]

  Mr. Blunkett
  Earlier today, on the basis of certificates I signed under part 4 of the Act, following careful and detailed consideration, the Immigration Service detained eight foreign nationals whom I suspect to be international terrorists. They were detained earlier today and will be held in secure prison accommodation. I shall not disclose their names unless they themselves first do so.

  Part 4 of the Act gives me powers to issue a certificate in respect of someone whom I believe to be a risk to national security and suspect to be an international terrorist. The Act also gives powers for his deportation and, where his removal or departure from the United Kingdom is prevented (whether temporarily or indefinitely) for his detention.

  A person detained has the right to apply for bail to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission, which is a superior court of record under the Act. He may also appeal to the Commission to have the certificate cancelled. In these circumstances it would be inappropriate for me to comment further. A person detained is free to leave the United Kingdom at any time.

  I shall continue to keep the exercise of the powers in Part 4 of the Act under close review.

  Custody Suites
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many boroughs in the United Kingdom with a population of between 40,000 and 60,000 do not have a police station with a full custody suite; [20935]
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  (2) what estimates he has made of the availability of custody suites in south-east England; [20932]

  (3) what his policy is on the retention of custody suites in police stations; [20931]

  (4) how many custody suites have been closed (a) completely and (b) in part in the United Kingdom in each of the past five years; [20930]

  (5) what research his Department has carried out into the need for the provision of custody suites in urban areas. [20933]

  Beverley Hughes
  No information is collected centrally on either the number of boroughs in the United Kingdom with a population of between 40,000 and 60,000 who do not have a police station with a full custody suite, or the number of custody suites that have been closed in each of the last five years. This information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  There has been no research carried out by the Home Office into the need for the provision of custody suites in urban areas and there have been no estimates as to the availability of custody suites in south-east England.

  Forces have restructured over the last few years. Many have centralised to either basic command unit level or geographically based custody suites. This is in order to ensure consistency in the quality of custody suites both in terms of facilities and the skill levels of staff. It can also produce resource savings by reducing the number of locations at which custody facilities and support services need to be provided.

  It is an operational decision for chief officers of police to determine the number and location of custody facilities/police cells required by his/her force.

  Criminal Justice
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Criminal Justice Cabinet Committee met to discuss the recommendations of the Halliday review of sentencing and the Auld review of the criminal courts; when he intends to publish his proposals based on the reviews; whether it is the intention to publish draft legislation based on the review; and if he will make a statement. [21642]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The Criminal Justice System Cabinet Committee meets from time to time to discuss the delivery of the Government's policies for management and reform of the criminal justice system.

  As I announced in a written answer on 21 November 2001, Official Report, column 356W, the level of interest in the Halliday review of sentencing has been considerable and a significant number of comments have been received in response to the public consultation exercise. Officials are now analysing the responses and a summary will be published, with copies in the Library, at the end of January. A Government response will be published at the same time.

  Sir Robin Auld's review of the criminal courts is subject to a period of comment until 31 January 2002. The Government intend to publish their response to this and to publish legislation in draft later that year.

  Operation Shield
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the progress of Operation Shield in the Newark and Retford area. [20928]

  Mr. Denham
  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has made no formal assessment of Operation Shield, Nottinghamshire police's initiative to reduce violent crime, in the Newark and Retford area. But we applaud the determination of Nottinghamshire police, as evidenced by Operation Shield, to tackle violent and hate crime vigorously.

  Police Officers (Havering)
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers where available for ordinary duty on 30 November in the London borough of Havering. [21399]

  Mr. Denham
  I am told by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that on 31 October, the latest date for which information is available, there were 323 police officers available for duty in the Havering Division.

  Havering Division also had 83 civilian support staff at the end of October.

  Public Service Agreements
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress towards the Public Service Agreement target for reducing the economic costs of crime. [17047]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  There are a wide range of economic and social costs associated with crime, not all of which are easy to measure, but the Criminal Justice Departments have jointly developed an indicator of the economic and social costs of crime as part of the Public Service Agreement commitment. The methodology used to measure the economic and social cost of crime were published in a report in December 2000, "The economic and social costs of crime" (Home Office Research Study 217).

  Crime (Romford)
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to reduce the level of street robbery in Romford. [21013]

  Mr. Denham
  We are determined to reduce the number of robberies across the country as a whole. That is why we have given the five metropolitan forces, including the Metropolitan police, an additional £20 million specifically to assist their efforts in tackling robbery, and have set them the challenging target of a 14 per cent, reduction of robbery in our principal cities by March 2005. We are working with those forces, as well as progressing an extensive robbery research programme, to enable us to identify good practice in tackling robbery which we will ensure is disseminated to all forces.

  We have launched a national initiative with the Association of Chief Police Officers and the mobile phone industry to crack down on robbery of mobile phones. We have also published a Robbery Toolkit which is available

  487W
  to all forces and those involved in crime reduction and community safety and will help them to work as effectively as possible in tackling robbery.

  "Safe From Harm"
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to update the "Safe from Harm" guidance booklet published by his Department. [23047]

  Angela Eagle
  We have no such plans. Separate guidance has already been issued about the recent legislation which I believe my hon. Friend has in mind.

  UK Citizenship
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is on the norms of acceptability those from ethnic minorities seeking citizenship of the UK should be expected to adopt. [22913]

  Angela Eagle
  The requirements for British nationality are currently under review and the Government will announce their conclusions in a forthcoming asylum, immigration and nationality White Paper.

  Cyclists
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will issue guidance relating to the penalties imposed upon cyclists who ride through red traffic lights. [21838]

  Mr. Denham
  No. There are guidelines in the Magistrates Court Sentencing Guidelines, published by the Magistrates Association in September 2000, covering the penalty for failing to comply with red traffic lights. These apply to cyclists as to all other vehicles covered by the relevant offence.

  Parenting Orders
  Vernon Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what powers have(a) the police and (b) local authorities to issue parenting orders; and if she will make a statement. [21782]

  Mr. Denham
  There are no powers for the police or local authorities to impose a parenting order. It is a civil order available to family proceedings courts and criminal courts including youth courts. It can be imposed if a child has offended, or following a conviction of their parents for failure to secure their child's regular attendance at school.

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last reviewed the operation of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate; and if it met its target in respect of applications for leave to remain in the United Kingdom. [22140]

  Angela Eagle
  The work of Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) is under constant review to ensure that it meets the priorities which we have set for it. In the year 2000–01 the Integrated Casework Directorate 488W
  made 281,000 general casework decisions which exceeded its numerical targets. This year it is again on course to exceed its numerical target. However, in the light of very heavy intake it is not currently meeting targets on turnaround times. We are looking at ways of improving the latter performance.

  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the application from Ms Tetyana Vasylchenko, a constituent, of Southern Road, Cheltenham, for an extension to her visa to study in the United Kingdom, will be logged on the system of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate; and when he expects a decision to be made on her application. [22142]

  Angela Eagle
  Ms Vasylchenko's application was received on 13 November and registered on the General Settlement Case Information Database on 16 November. She was granted a further extension of stay in the United Kingdom as a student on 3 December.

  Council of Ministers
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long in advance he receives agendas for meetings of the EU Council of Ministers. [21962]

  Angela Eagle
  The Council Rules of Procedure state that provisional agendas for meetings of the European Union Council of Ministers, which are drawn up by the Presidency, must be sent to other members of the Council and the Commission at least 14 days before meetings take place. A statement attached to the rules of procedure provides that, for Councils dealing with Justice and Home Affairs issues, the President shall endeavour to ensure that the provisional agenda and any documents reach members of the Council at least 21 days before the beginning of the meeting. Provisional agendas are divided into two parts, part A, where items are adopted without discussion, and part B, items for substantive discussion.

  For recent Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council meetings, part A of the agenda, crucial to the domestic parliamentary scrutiny process, has not recently been provided within the 14 days stipulated by the Council Rules of Procedure. For example, prior to the JHA Council on 6 and 7 December, my officials did not receive part A of the agenda until three days before the meeting took place. Delays such as this, which are outside our control, have made it impossible for the Department to provide more timely information to the Scrutiny Committees.

  Despite this, there were no scrutiny overrides at the recent JHA Council on 6–7 December.

  Blantyre House
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many drug tests have been undertaken on inmates at Blantyre house in the last 12 months; and how many were undertaken in the preceding 12 months. [21845]

  Beverley Hughes
  The number of drug tests carried out at Blantyre house for the period requested, is set out in the table.
  489W

  1 November 1999 to 30 October 2000

  1 November 2000 to 30 October 2001

  Number of:

  Mandatory tests

  149

  152

  Voluntary tests

  989

  2,150

  Of the total tests conducted in 1999–2000, five tests (0.44 per cent) and in 2000–01 eight tests (0.35 per cent) were positive. The random testing programme for the same period reported levels of 1.5 per cent, and 2.2 per cent, respectively.

  Metropolitan Police
  Linda Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the impact of the Metropolitan Police Authority's oversight of the work of the Metropolitan Police Service since June 2000. [22298]

  Mr. Denham
  As with any other police authority, it is the statutory responsibility of the Metropolitan Police Authority to ensure that the Metropolitan Police Service provides efficient and effective policing within the metropolitan police district. All police authorities are subject to inspection by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Audit Commission in respect of their responsibilities under the Best Value provisions of the Local Government Act 1999, and police authorities are ultimately accountable to me for the way in which they meet these duties.

  Criminal Justice Units
  Linda Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the levels of staffing and IT provision in the Police Services' Criminal Justice Units on a regional basis. [22300]

  Mr. Denham
  There are no plans to develop criminal justice units on a regional basis. The staffing levels and other resources provided for criminal justice units by police forces are matters for the professional judgment of chief officers of police. The overall resourcing for criminal justice units is a matter for local agreement.

  Correspondence
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to answer the letters from the right hon. Member for Rochford and Southend, East of 9 July and 19 November about Mr. Fuat Altunyurt. [21756]

  Angela Eagle
  I wrote to the hon. Member on 18 December 2001. I am sorry I did not send an earlier reply.

  Police Vehicles
  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance is given to police forces for purchasing(a) cars and (b) vans. [21983]

  Mr. Denham
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Chorley (Mr. Hoyle) on 20 July 2001,Official Report, column 648W.

  Photocard Passports
  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the findings of the technical feasibility study into photocard passports. [21987]

  Angela Eagle
  The results of the United Kingdom's Passport Service's studies into the planned introduction of a passport card will be published in due course.

  Blakenhurst Prison
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the running of HMP Blakenhurst since it was taken back into public sector control. [22260]

  Beverley Hughes
  The management of Blakenhurst prison was handed over to the Prison Service on 19 August 2001. None of the formal inspections or assessments of performance have been made of the prison's management since that date. However, the prison has operated smoothly.

  Assessments of HMP Blakenhurst

  All prisons, whether privately managed or directly managed, are subject to the following ongoing assessments:

  HM Chief Inspector of Prisons (HMCIP)

  HMCIP inspected Blakenhurst under UKDS management three times: in May 1984, October 1998 and January 2001. Blakenhurst is not scheduled for inspection in 2001–02 and the new schedule for 2002–03 will not be finalised till May 2002. However, the Inspectorate also carry out unannounced inspections.

  Standards and Security Audits

  The Area Manager is currently negotiating with the Standards Audit Unit with a view to arranging an audit in late summer or early autumn 2002. The last such audit was in May 1999.

  Board of Visitors (BoV)

  BoVs report annually. The Blakenhurst BoV cycle is to report on the year ending in June.

  Additional Service Level Agreement (SLA) Assessment

  Monthly reports on compliance with the SLA are issued by the on-site Compliance Monitor; and

  Regular SLA audits carried out at the prison by members of Contracts and Competition Group. The next audit at Blakenhurst is scheduled for August 2002.

  Extradition Arrangements (Spain)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has had with the Spanish authorities concerning the extradition of UK nationals. [22282]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  There have been no recent discussions with the Spanish authorities concerning the extradition of United Kingdom nationals specifically. However, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary met the Spanish Minister of Justice on 23 November to sign a bilateral treaty on fast-track judicial surrender, which would apply to all nationals.

  Prisons (Performance)
  Brian White
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for identifying and improving poorly performing prisons. [24433]
  491W
  Beverley Hughes
  On 12 January the then Minister of State, Home Office, my right hon. Friend the Member for Brent, South (Mr. Boateng), announced the intention to develop a "performance testing" scheme, under which poorly performing prisons would be identified and required to develop a plan for improvement within a fixed period; if the plan was acceptable, the prison would operate under a Service Level Agreement with strict monitoring of delivery against its proposals; if unacceptable, the prison would face closure or contracting out to the private sector.

  The Director General has selected two establishments, Her Majesty's Prison Leicester and Her Majesty's Young Offender Institution and Remand Centre Reading, for performance testing. They will be given six months to produce proposals for a much improved level of service.

  Terrorism
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on projects planned under section 7 of the Ghent Statement on Terrorism. [22885]

  Peter Hain
  I have been asked to reply.

  The objective of developing and consolidating democracy and the rule of law as part of the EU's common foreign and security policy is set out in Article 11 of the Treaty of Amsterdam. Both prior to and post-11 September, the EU has been active in projects restoring and maintaining the rule of law.

  For example, the EU is conducting a police training mission to bolster the rule of law and management of state borders in Albania. Other examples include EU projects in Georgia (together with OSCE) and Bosnia. Following 11 September, other projects are currently under consideration.

  The Gothenburg European Council in June 2001 identified four areas of work for civilian crisis management including rule of law, policing and civil administration. Under the Belgian presidency, the Police Capabilities Commitment Conference in November 2001 confirmed that the EU had met its target of up to 5,000 police officers deplorable for peacekeeping operations on international missions by 2003. The Laeken European Council in December 2001 also noted progress on the other areas of work and mandated the incoming Spanish presidency with taking them forward in order to meet the 2003 targets established at Gothenburg.

  Police Complaints Authority
  Brian White
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will make a new appointment to the Police Complaints Authority. [24502]

  Mr. Denham
  I have appointed a new full-time member to the Police Complaints Authority. The appointment will be for three years. The new member is:

  Name: Marcus Williams

  Start date: 3 December 2001

  Previous position: Department of Trade and Industry.

  Security Service
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the position is on certificates, under section 28 of the Data Protection Act 1998 concerning the Security Service; and if he will make a statement. [25158]

  Mr. Blunkett
  On 10 December, I signed a new certificate describing in general terms the personal data that the Security Service may process that requires exemption under the Data Protection Act 1998 on the grounds of safeguarding national security. I have placed a copy of that certificate together with the public reasons for my signing it in the Library.

  The new certificate takes account of the comments made by the National Security panel of the Information Tribunal in their determination on 1 October in respect of the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman Baker). The new certificate supersedes the one quashed by the Tribunal in that appeal.

  Charity Commission
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to change the Charity Commission's Departmental Expenditure Limit and administration costs for 2001–02. [25157]

  Angela Eagle
  Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimate, the Charity Commission Department Expenditure Limit will be increased by £631,000 from £22,161,000 to £22,792,000 and the administration costs limits will be increased by £631,000 from £20,852,000 to £21,483,000. Within the Department Expenditure Limit change, the impact on resources and capital are as set out in the table:

  £

  Resources

  Change

  631,000

  New DEL

  21,463,000

  Of which:

  Voted

  21,463,000

  Non-voted

  0

  Capital

  Change

  0

  New DEL

  1,329,000

  Of which:

  Voted

  1,329,000

  Non-voted

  0

  The change in the resource element of the Departmental Expenditure Limit arises from the take-up of £631,000 in respect of administration costs end year flexibility arrangements. The total increase in administration costs is £631,000.

  The increase will be charged to the reserve and will not therefore add to the planned total of public expenditure.

  Criminal Incidents (London Buses)
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) criminal incidents were reported as occurring on London buses and (b) arrests have been made in (i) Havering and (ii) Greater London as a whole, in the past 12 months. [22938]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I have been asked to reply.

  Since January 2001 6,887 criminal incidents have been reported to London Buses, including assaults on staff and passengers. However, many incidents go unreported. There are also a number of incidents reported to the police which London Buses are unaware of.

  Figures for criminal incidents on buses for individual boroughs are not currently available.

  Within the Greater London area there were 1,202 arrests at the end of October for arrests for criminal incidents on the transport network as a whole.

TRANSPORT, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND THE REGIONS

  Kirkham and Wesham Station
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the reasons for Railtrack's inability to honour the commitment made in September 2000 to co-fund with Lancashire county council the building of a lift at Kirkham and Wesham station. [17377]

  Mr. Spellar
  Railtrack's decision, taken before it went into administration, followed the conclusion of the Rail Regulator's periodic review of the company's access charges. The Rail Regulator and the Strategic Rail Authority have subsequently confirmed that Railtrack is only funded to provide "like for like" replacement under its repair and maintenance obligation at franchised stations.

  Railtrack
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will publish statistics on the delays attributed to Railtrack over the last four weeks, compared with the four weeks before 5 October. [19961]

  Mr. Spellar
  Railtrack have provided the following data for the four weeks before and after 5 October.

  Week ending

  Railtrack direct delay minutes

  15 September 2001

  163,048

  22 September 2001

  148,205

  29 September 2001

  172,638

  06 October 2001

  183,157

  13 October 2001

  227,163

  20 October 2001

  203,454

  27 October 2001

  204,175

  03 November

  215,649

  494W
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many staff have left Railtrack, broken down by grade since Railtrack was put into administration; what changes there have been in the number of delayed trains in each of the five weeks(a) prior to and (b) since administration; and what estimate has been made of the amount of funding to be allocated to Railtrack during the administration period, indicating how much capital investment has been allocated for each project. [19803]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The management of Railtrack plc during administration is a matter for the administrator. The Government have provided adequate funding to enable the administrator to discharge his responsibilities and has stressed to him the importance of retaining and motivating key staff.

  My Department does not receive regular reports on the number of train delays. Information on total delay minutes attributable to Railtrack was provided by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Transport in his reply given today to the right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr. Redwood) (PQ 19961), at column 493W.

  As the length of the administration is unknown, it is not possible to estimate the amount that will be required to fund Railtrack plc in administration.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions which aspects of Railtrack Group plc's(a) operations and (b) assets he considers to be core business; and which aspects of its operations have been classified as public interest. [21044]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The core business of Railtrack Group plc is the provision of railway network services. It is for the administrator to consider what assets are required for the management of the network. It is in the public interest for the network to be managed safely, efficiently and effectively.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what applications he has made for state aid approvals as outlined in section 8.1.10 of the commercial loan agreement with the Railtrack administrator; and for what amounts. [21483]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Secretary of State submitted an application for state aid approval on 28 November 2001. The premature release of the figures may prejudice the administrator's orderly release of commercially sensitive information in detailed discussions with potential bidders for Railtrack plc.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the weekly rates of remuneration of the administrator of Railtrack are. [22872]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer the right hon. Member to my answer of 5 December 2001,Official Report, column 383W.

  Mr. Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much Railtrack has incurred in penalty charges for delays and cancellations since being placed into administration; and what the figure was for the same period in 1997. [22917]
  495W
  Mr. Jamieson
  This is a commercial matter between Railtrack and train operating companies.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) pursuant to his answer of 10 December 2001,Official Report, column 558W, on Railtrack, what estimates the Railtrack administrator has given him of the amounts likely to be drawn down under the working capital facility by 1 April 2002; [23217]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 10 December 2001, Official Report, column 558W, on Railtrack, what representations he has received from the Railtrack administrator about likely draw downs under this facility before 15 April 2002; and from which departmental and Government budgets the sum has been drawn. [23211]

  Mr. Jamieson
  It is estimated that £211 million will be required to 31 March 2002, but this figure is under constant review. The facility is part of the loan agreement and is not a call upon the departmental budgets.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what guarantees he has received from the Railtrack administration that funds will be available at the end of the administration period to repay the loans drawn down under the commercial loan agreement. [23152]

  Mr. Jamieson
  None have as yet been asked for.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answers of 11 December 2001, ref 18945 and 18957,Official Report, column 782W when he expects the administrator to complete this review and make detailed representations to the SRA and the Department. [23222]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The nature and timing of the review of Railtrack's expenditure needs is a matter for the administrator, acting in accordance with his duties to the High Court.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 11 December 2001, ref 21485, if the management accounts revealed major variances between the budget and actual results. [23221]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I am informed that this information is market sensitive.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 10 December 2001,Official Report, column 556W, on what dates his Department had discussions with the Treasury about Railtrack administration between 1 October and 30 October. [23155]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I refer the hon. Member to my previous answer to which he refers.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 6 December 2001,Official Report, column 438W, on Railtrack, for what reason the provision of a drafting date is exempt from disclosure. [23210]
  496W
  Mr. Jamieson
  The Code of Practice on Access to Government Information makes clear that information on internal opinion, advice, recommendation, consultation and deliberation is exempt from disclosure.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 11 December 2001, ref 21487, what requirement the management accounts reveal for further draw downs of the facility. [23220]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Draw down requirements are covered in 8.1.6 (h) of the Loan Agreement.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 10 December 2001,Official Report, column 558W, on Railtrack, if he will list the consents applied for by the administrator. [23213]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The train protection and warning system; the Leeds First project; and the Thameslink Advanced Signal Works.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the sources from which funds could be obtained to secure the repayment of loans drawn down under the commercial agreement. [23154]

  Mr. Jamieson
  This is a matter for the administrator.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answers of 10 December 2001,Official Report, column 558W, for what reason a repayment has been made. [23669]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Repayments have been as a result of the working capital cash sweep.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions whether the decision not to create RenewCo led to Railtrack entering administration; and for what reason his Department did not implement the Renewco agreement. [23611]

  Mr. Jamieson
  No, Railtrack plc entered into administration because it was, or shortly would be, unable to meet its debt liabilities. The decision not to proceed with RenewCo was taken following advice from the ONS that the proposed RenewCo structure would classify in the public sector and as a result did not satisfy the conditions agreed on 2 April and in light of Railtrack's directors being informed of the decision on 5 October to reject their 'Project Rainbow' proposal for additional funds.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proportion of the funding requirement for Railtrack in the period to 31 March 2002 will come from sources other than funds covered by the commercial loan agreement; and if he will list these alternative sources. [24125]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Railtrack plc in administration continues to receive funding to the level and profile determined in the regulator's October 2000 periodic review and the 2 April agreement. This incorporates income from track access charges, network grants and 'single-till' sources. It is not possible at this stage to speculate what proportion of overall income this constitutes.
  497W
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 13 December 2001,Official Report, column 1015W, in what circumstances he will increase the funding provided for in the commercial loan agreement, as provided for in sections 9.1, 2.1 and 2.2. [24253]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Any request by the administrator for increased funding would be considered on its merits, taking into account the circumstances pertaining at the time of the request.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps(a) his Department and (b) the Strategic Rail Authority (i) has taken and (ii) plans to take to change the nature and level of constraints placed upon the sale of strategic land and property by Railtrack; and if he will make a statement. [23148]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Under the modification to Condition 26 of its network licence, which came into effect on 15 November, Railtrack plc must now seek the rail regulator's specific consent in important cases of the disposal of land that may be used for railway purposes. The purpose of the new licence condition is to ensure that those parts of the Railtrack property portfolio which may be required for the future development of the railway are retained for that purpose.

  Road Spending
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 22 November 2001,Official Report, columns 386–87W, on roads (Surrey), if he will provide similar figures for each (a) county, (b) unitary authority and (c) metropolitan area in England and Wales. [19270]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The provision made for capital expenditure on local major road schemes and maintenance of local roads and bridges, and revenue funding for structural and routine maintenance of non-principal roads and routine maintenance of principal roads in each local authority in England in the period 1996–97 to 2001–02 is set out in the tables which have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Information on expenditure on roads in each local authority in England in 1995–96 is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The tables exclude provision for expenditure in 2001–02 on roads and road related schemes in London, the responsibility for which has transferred to the Mayor for London. Expenditure on roads and road related schemes in Wales is a matter for the Welsh Assembly.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions whether he is planning changes to the amount allocated to roads under the 10-year plan. [22900]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs. May) on 17 December 2001,Official Report, column 9W.

  London Underground
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) how many new carriages will be ordered by London Underground by 2006 under PPP; [21941]

  (2) how many new carriages were ordered by London Underground between (a) 1992 and 1997 and (b) 1997 and 2001. [21966]

  Mr. Jamieson
  This is an operational matter for London Underground (LU) who inform me that since 1992 carriages have been ordered and brought into service as follows.

  New carriages ordered

  New carriages brought into service

  1993

  354

  —

  1995

  636

  —

  1997

  —

  First Jubilee line stock

  1998

  —

  First Northern line stock

  2001

  —

  Last Jubilee and Northern line stock

  1 59 Jubilee line trains

  2106 Northern line trains

  Under the modernisation plans, three infrastructure companies will work under contract to London Underground and will be required to deliver a comprehensive programme of investment to improve track, signals and stations as well as trains. The infrastructure companies will be responsible for ordering new carriages required for them to achieve the standards set by London Underground. I understand that details of the infrastructure companies' plans will be made public once the competitions have been completed.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what advice his Department has received from the Treasury about the phasing of infrastructure projects on London Underground under PPP. [21948]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Treasury and DTLR officials are in regular contact about various aspects of the PPP. London Underground are responsible for negotiating the PPP contracts, including the phasing of infrastructure projects.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many trains are running per hour on the Jubilee line at peak times. [21848]

  Mr. Jamieson
  This is an operational matter for London Underground, who inform me that, in peak hours, 24 trains per hour are running on the Jubilee line.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if the Jubilee Line is operating at the service levels originally envisaged; and if he will make a statement. [21967]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The original contract between London Underground and Westinghouse Signals Ltd. was to deliver a signalling system with a long term operating capacity of 36 trains per hour (tph) and a fallback capacity of 27 tph in the event that the development of the advanced signalling system failed to meet the contract programme. It was necessary to implement fallback arrangements utilising existing technology to deliver a system capable of supporting 24 tph.
  499W
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the cost of additional rail inspectors under the PPP arrangements for London Underground. [21960]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Under the underground modernisation plans, the infrastructure companies will be required to bring all assets up to a satisfactory standard, including rails. London Underground will be responsible for managing the contracts with the infrastructure companies. The Health and Safety Executive will be responsible for

  London Underground—scheduled journey time (minutes) and excess journey time (minutes), by line

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  12001–02

  Schedule

  Excess

  Schedule

  Excess

  Schedule

  Excess

  Schedule

  Excess

  Bakerloo

  24.08

  5.17

  24.24

  5.77

  27.09

  7.28

  27.15

  7.36

  Central

  33.58

  6.98

  33.50

  6.35

  32.56

  5.53

  32.55

  4.42

  District

  27.88

  3.74

  27.60

  4.58

  27.73

  5.67

  27.72

  5.35

  East London

  22.78

  3.09

  24.89

  3.91

  20.93

  2.83

  20.83

  1.83

  Jubilee

  24.30

  3.26

  23.77

  4.64

  25.40

  6.04

  25.43

  6.17

  Metropolitan, Circle and Hammersmith and City

  31.17

  5.49

  31.67

  6.71

  31.18

  7.91

  30.85

  8.48

  Northern

  29.01

  5.47

  29.03

  4.68

  28.83

  4.76

  28.83

  5.14

  Piccadilly

  30.72

  6.50

  30.47

  5.89

  30.54

  6.22

  30.89

  6.51

  Victoria

  22.17

  4.77

  22.40

  5.13

  22.38

  6.48

  22.38

  5.56

  Waterloo and City

  9.81

  0.48

  9.41

  0.52

  9.40

  0.73

  9.41

  0.95

  1 From 1 April to 10 November

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 13 November 2001,Official Report, column 623W, on London Underground, for what reason his Department allowed London Underground to give a waiver to senior LU managers in regard to a legal challenge by infrastructure companies and bidders; and if the waiver will extend to such a challenge by a member of the public. [22740]

  Mr. Jamieson
  London Underground is responsible for managing the competitions for the contracts to modernise the tube infrastructure.

  I understand that, as is common in such transactions, the legal documents for effecting the transfer of the infrastructure companies to the bidders contain various limitations on the bidders' ability to make claims against London Underground, including in relation to information disclosed by London Underground as part of the bid process. Although considered unlikely, it is possible that a bidder could seek to make a claim against an employee of London Underground rather than the company itself. Since employees are insured against such claims by London Underground, the effect would be to circumvent the intended cap on London Underground's liability. London Underground therefore intends to include a waiver in relation to claims by a bidder against employees of London Transport, London Underground or the infrastructure companies.
  500W
  safety regulation and enforcement, through HM Railway Inspectorate. The Secretary of State has therefore made no assessment of the cost of rail inspectors.

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 19 November 2001,Official Report, columns 37–38W, on London Underground, if he will publish line-by-line figures for London Underground (a) predicted average passenger journey time and (b) passenger excess journey time for (i) each year since 1998–99 and (ii) the whole of 2001–02 to date. [22750]

  Mr. Jamieson
  This is an operational matter for London Underground who have provided the information in the table showing scheduled journey time and excess journey time for each full financial year from 1998–99, and for the period 1 April to 10 November 2001.

  As stated in my answer of 13 November 2001, Official Report, column 623W, the wavier will not prevent legal action by London Transport or London Underground against their own employees. Nor will it extend to potential claims by a member of the public.

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 19 November 2001,Official Report, column 38W, on London Underground, if he will publish the average annual percentage of peak hour trains that ran on each line of the London Underground for the whole of 2001–02 to date. [22746]

  Mr. Jamieson
  This is an operational matter for London Underground who have provided the information set out in the table, showing the percentage of trains in peak service for the period 1 April to 10 November 2001. The figures take account of all cancellations including those due to factors beyond LUL's control, such as security alerts and passenger action.

  Percentage of trains in peak service (1 April to 10 November 2001)

  Line

  Percentage

  Bakerloo

  93.0

  Central

  96.0

  Circle

  91.3

  District

  93.0

  East London

  96.8

  Hammersmith and City

  93.8

  Jubilee

  96.0

  Metropolitan

  93.7

  Northern

  98.7

  Piccadilly

  91.8

  Victoria

  98.5

  501W

  Percentage of trains in peak service (1 April to 10 November 2001)

  Line

  Percentage

  Waterloo and City

  97.8

  Total LUL

  95.0

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the merits of establishing a not-for-profit company to run London Underground. [22821]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Government considered all of the options for the future of the tube prior to the Deputy Prime Minister's announcement of the way forward in March 1998— including the possibility of a not-for-profit private sector trust.

  There is no need for a not-for-profit solution for the underground. Public sector London Underground will continue to be responsible for running the railway. The operation of track, signals, trains and stations will remain in public hands. The public sector will also be responsible for managing the contracts to maintain and improve the tube.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many potential bidders for the London Underground PPP(a) asked for documents to consider bidding and (b) sent in a bid. [22704]

  Mr. Spellar
  London Underground is responsible for managing the competition for the contracts to modernise the Tube infrastructure. I understand that six applications to pre-qualify were received for the BCV and JNP contracts, and that four bidders submitted bids (two for both contracts). Four applications to pre-qualify were received for the SSL contract and three bids were submitted.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions who will be responsible for safety in the PPP plan for London Underground. [22818]

  Mr. Spellar
  London Underground is responsible for managing the competition for the contracts to modernise the tube infrastructure. London Underground, in the public sector, will remain responsible for safety across the single unified system. As the operator of the trains and the infrastructure controller, London Underground is required to have a statutory safety case in accordance with the Railway (Safety Case) Regulations 2000. In addition to general health and safety law, the infrastructure companies will be required to comply with a contractual safety case. The independent Health and Safety Executive will remain responsible for safety regulation and enforcement.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what his estimate is of the costs incurred by the bidders for the London Underground PPP in preparing the bids. [22711]

  Mr. Spellar
  No such estimate has been made.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans the Government have to build new underground lines. [22822]
  502W
  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Mayor for London to consider in the context of his transport strategy. He will need to liaise closely with the Strategic Rail Authority to ensure that plans for London Underground effectively complement the development of the national rail network.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what public money the Government are promising in each of the first three years to each of the planned infracos for London Underground. [22816]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for North Essex (Mr. Jenkin) on 11 May 2001,Official Report, column 379W.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if the costs of preparing bids for the London Underground PPP are an allowable cost against corporation tax. [22707]

  Mr. Spellar
  The costs of preparing bids are treated for taxation purposes in the same way as any other cost.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what alternative to a PPP the Government are evaluating for London Underground. [22824]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the hon. Member for Eltham (Clive Efford) on 19 November 2001,Official Report, column 33W.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many firms of consultants(a) the Government and (b) London Underground has used on London Underground matters in the last two years. [22703]

  Mr. Spellar
  As to part(a) of the question the Department has used Ove Arup (advice in respect of Jubilee Line extension project), Herbert Smith (legal advice), Maggie Leates (pensions advice) and Ernst & Young (currently reviewing London Underground's value for money evaluation of the tube modernisation plans).

  As to part (b) this is an operational matter for London Underground.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions who has overall responsibility for(a) policy, (b) performance and (c) funding of London Underground. [22694]

  Mr. Spellar
  The London Regional Transport Act 1984 sets out the framework for the current operation of London Regional Transport, the parent company of London Underground Ltd., and its subsidiaries.

  Responsibility for London Underground Ltd. policy lies with the board of London Regional Transport, which is appointed by the Secretary of State. The board's policies must accord with principles from time-to-time approved by the Secretary of State.

  Responsibility for performance also lies with the board of London Regional Transport, and is encapsulated in its general duty to provide a rail service for Greater London with due regard to transport needs, efficiency, economy and safety of operation.
  503W
  In respect of funding, the Secretary of State may, with the consent of Treasury, make grants to London Regional Transport (for any purpose and on such terms and conditions as the Secretary of State thinks fit). It is the duty of London Regional Transport to apply those sums to aid capital investment or operating costs in respect of the public passenger transport services it provides (including its subsidiary— London Underground Ltd.).

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what is in the Public Expenditure budget for London Underground in(a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03; and how much of the total is provision for capital spending. [22823]

  Mr. Spellar
  Parliament has approved provision of £520 million for London Underground in 2001–02.

  The financial requirements of London Underground in 2002–03 will not finally be known until negotiations with bidders for the Tube modernisation plans have been completed. The Government have made it clear that, as long as the final bids represent value for money, Transport for London will receive the appropriate level of central Government grant to allow for London Underground's need to make payments to the contractors.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what requirements the Government have requested of bidders for London Underground with respect to new capital investment. [22819]

  Mr. Spellar
  London Underground is responsible for managing the competition for the contracts to modernise the Tube infrastructure. The contracts will require the infrastructure companies to deliver increased capacity, improved reliability and higher quality infrastructure.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if the Government will reimburse part of the costs of(a) unsuccessful and (b) successful bidders for the London Underground PPP. [22706]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Government will not reimburse the costs of either unsuccessful or successful bidders. However, the successful bidder on each competition will reimburse 90 per cent, of the eligible costs of unsuccessful bidders, up to a maximum of £7 million. In addition, London Underground has agreed to compensate bidders if the competition should be terminated for reasons other than bids not representing value for money. On the two deep Tube competitions, the preferred bidder will receive up to £12 million, with up to £7 million available for the reserve bidder. On the sub-surface line competition, where three bidders were short-listed, they will receive up to £7 million each.

  In the event of the competitions being terminated because no bid is adjudged to represent value for money, then no compensation is payable.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much has been spent to date by the Government on advisory fees for the PPP for London Underground. [22696]
  504W
  Mr. Spellar
  The Department has employed Ernst and Young to carry out a review of London Underground's value for money evaluation of the Tube modernisation plans. No payments have yet been made under the contract.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what are the respective roles of(a) the Secretary of State, (b) the Mayor's Office, (c) Transport for London, (d) the Government Office for London and (e) London Underground Ltd. in the creation of policy and management of the London Underground. [22695]

  Mr. Spellar
  Under the London Regional Transport Act 1984, the role of the Secretary of State is to set principles from time to time, with which London Regional Transport's general duty— to provide rail services— must accord. In addition, the Secretary of State has other roles including specific purposes such as issuing approvals, consents, determinations and directions to London Regional Transport. The Secretary of State may also with the consent of Treasury, make grants to London Regional Transport, which in turn can be applied to aid capital investment and operating costs in respect of its subsidiary, London Underground Ltd. The Government Office for London is part of the Government.

  Under the Greater London Authority Act 1999, in the transitional period until London Underground Ltd. is transferred to Transport for London, the Mayor of London, Transport for London and London Underground Ltd. are required to consult and co-operate with each other.

  The role of London Underground Ltd. is to provide such railway services as London Regional Transport requires in pursuance of its statutory duty under section 2(1) of the London Regional Transport Act 1984,
  "to provide or secure the provision of public passenger transport services for Greater London by railway".

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what is the length in pages of an infraco franchise agreement for London Underground. [22708]

  Mr. Spellar
  London Underground is responsible for managing the competition for the contracts to modernise the tube infrastructure. I understand that the core contract for each of the three infrastructure companies is approximately 100 pages long. In addition there are a number of detailed supporting and related documents.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what financial guarantees the Government will seek from bidders for the London Underground infracos. [22817]

  Mr. Spellar
  London Underground has carried out a thorough evaluation of the bidding consortia to ensure that they are financially robust and capable of meeting their obligations under the tube modernisation contracts.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the deadline was for submitting bids for the London Underground PPP; and what the Government's estimate is of when a decision on the bids will be announced. [22710]
  505W
  Mr. Spellar
  London Underground is responsible for managing the competition for the contracts to modernise the tube infrastructure. Bidders are required to submit final pricing early in January and London Transport will take a decision in principle whether to proceed with the modernisation plans, subject to consultation with the Mayor and Transport for London, in February.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what requirements the Government have placed on bidders for London Underground with respect to safety. [22820]

  Mr. Spellar
  London Underground is responsible for managing the competition for the contracts to modernise the tube infrastructure. In addition to general health and safety law, the infrastructure companies will be required to comply with a contractual safety case.

  The independent Health and Safety Executive will be examining these contractual safety cases as part of the assessment process for the next revision to London Underground's statutory Railway Safety Case. The Government have always made it clear that the plans for modernising the tube will only go ahead if the Health and Safety Executive are satisfied that London Underground has made an acceptable case for safety.

  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many criminal incidents were reported as occurring on the London Underground in the past 12 months; and how many arrests there have been. [22940]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The British Transport police (BTP) have provided the following information. During the period December 2000 to November 2001, 12,787 notifiable and 5,013 non-notifiable offences were recorded by the BTP area responsible for the London Underground. The term "notifiable" refers to those offences that police forces in England and Wales are required to report to the Home Office. The term "non-notifiable" refers to those offences that are not reportable, and are generally of a less serious nature. The number of arrests is not recorded by the BTP.

  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will place in the Library correspondence he has had with the(a) Health and Safety Commission and (b) Health and Safety Executive on the London Underground PPP. [14481]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Secretary of State has not personally written to the Health and Safety Commission or Health and Safety Executive in relation to the plans for the modernisation of London Underground.

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many trains per hour are timetabled to run on each section of each London Underground line during peak hours; and what the maximum number of trains per hour to have run on each equivalent section in peak hours was in the past. [22699]

  Mr. Jamieson
  This is an operational matter for London Underground who have provided the information set out in the table showing scheduled trains per hour for 506W
  the trunk sections of each line. Trunk sections are the busiest core sections of each individual line which carry the heaviest peak hour traffic.

  London underground-trains per hour in morning peak hour on trunk sections of lines

  Line/section

  1980

  1990

  2001

  Bakerloo

  Elephant and Castle to Queens Park

  18

  21

  22

  Queens Park to Elephant and Castle

  20

  22

  22

  Central

  White City to Leytonstone

  24

  24

  22

  Leytonstone to White City

  29

  29

  29

  District and Circle

  Gloucester Road to Tower Hill

  25

  30

  29.5

  Tower Hill to Gloucester Road

  26

  29

  29.5

  East London Line

  Surrey Quays to Whitechapel

  1—

  1—

  10

  Whitechapel to Surrey Quays

  1—

  1—

  10

  Jubilee

  West Hampstead to Charing Cross

  22

  23

  224

  Charing Cross to West Hampstead

  20

  20

  320

  Metropolitan

  Baker Street to Harrow-on-the-Hill

  17

  16

  23

  Harrow-on-the-Hill to Baker Street

  23

  23

  25

  Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City and Circle

  Liverpool Street to Baker Street

  22

  25

  29

  Baker Street to Liverpool Street

  29

  30

  30

  Northern

  Kennington to Camden Town (via Charing Cross)

  18

  20

  19

  Kennington to Camden Town (via Bank)

  18

  20

  19

  Camden Town to Kennington (via Charing Cross)

  18

  19

  18

  Camden Town to Kennington (via Bank)

  18

  19

  18

  Piccadilly

  Acton Town to Amos Grove

  28

  27

  27

  Arnos Grove to Acton Town

  30

  24

  27

  Victoria

  Brixton to Seven Sisters

  26

  27

  28

  Seven Sisters to Brixton

  27

  29

  28

  Waterloo & City

  Waterloo to Bank

  1—

  1—

  18

  Bank to Waterloo

  1—

  1—

  18

  1 Data not available

  2 Figure for 2001 relates to Willesden Green to North Greenwich

  3 Figure for 2001 relates to North Greenwich to Willesden Green

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 13 November 2001,Official Report, column 623W, on London Underground, what discussions took place between his Department and London Underground about the (a) recent and (b) continuing advertising campaigns to promote the public-private partnership for the underground, giving details of which (i) Ministers and (ii) officials were involved. [22722]

  Mr. Jamieson
  DTLR officials have regular contract with London Underground on a wide range of issues. DTLR Ministers have occasional meetings with London Transport and London Underground directors, but have not specifically discussed London Underground's advertising campaign.

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if(a) the companies and (b) their subsidiaries, including ones that have subsequently been taken over by other companies, that make up the consortia that are the preferred bidder

  507W
  infracos for London Underground, have at any time in the past 10 years provided London Underground with (i) trains, (ii) signalling equipment and (iii) other (A) infrastructure and (B) service that has failed to achieve the level of performance required by the contract originally signed. [22697]

  Mr. Jamieson
  London Underground is responsible for managing the competition for the contracts to modernise the tube infrastructure. I understand that each of the bidders has previous experience of supplying goods or services to London Underground and that such experience was considered by London Underground. Detailed information on performance of its contractors is a matter for London Underground.

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 19 November 2001,Official Report, columns 37–38W, on London Underground, if he will publish the (a) predicted average passenger journey time and (b) passenger excess journey time for the whole of 2001–02 to date. [22749]

  Mr. Jamieson
  This is an operational matter for London Underground (LU) who inform me that the weighted scheduled journey time and weighted excess journey time for the period 1 April to 10 November 2001 were 35.4 minutes and 7.30 minutes respectively.

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will publish(a) in which year new escalators were most recently installed at Angel station, (b) on how many occasions since these new escalators were installed the station has had to be closed because of escalator problems, (c) the length of time of each closure and (d) the name of the manufacturer of the escalators. [22698]

  Mr. Jamieson
  This is an operational matter for London Underground who inform me that:

  (a)new escalators were installed at Angel station in August and September 1992;

  (b)and (c) they do not collect information in the form requested;

  (d) the escalators at the Angel were manufactured by CNIM.

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the private companies, consultancies and partnerships that have provided(a) his Department, (b) London Transport and (c) London Underground with consultancy advice concerning the public-private partnership for London Underground since the PPP negotiations began. [22752]

  Mr.Jamieson
  The principal firms employed by London Transport and London Underground are:

  PricewaterhouseCoopers (financial)

  Freshfields (legal)

  Ove Arup (engineering)

  Arthur Anderson (restructuring)

  PA Consulting (infraco structuring)

  Marsh (insurance)

  Pugh Roberts (modelling)

  Bacon & Woodrow (pensions)

  KPMG (review of public sector comparator).

  The Department is currently employing Ernst & Young to carry out a review of London Underground's value for money evaluation of the tube modernisation plans.
  508W
  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) if he will give details of the improvements that will occur for passengers using the Northern line between Morden and Kennington as a result of the public private partnership for London Underground in the first five years of the PPP, giving output targets to be achieved for(a) stations, (b) track and (c) trains; [22718]

  (2) if he will give details of the improvements that will occur for passengers using the Jubilee line between Wembley Park and Baker Street as a result of the public-private partnership for London Underground in the first five years of the PPP, giving output targets to be achieved for (a) stations, (b) track and (c) trains; [22716]

  (3) if he will give details of the improvements that will occur for passengers using the Central line between Marble Arch and Liverpool Street as a result of the public-private partnership for London Underground in the first five years of the PPP, giving output targets to be achieved for (a) stations, (b) track and (c) trains. [22717]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 13 November 2001,Official Report, column 622W.

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 15 November 2001,Official Report, column 831W, on London Underground, if he will publish the annual change in the gross operating costs of London Underground for each year since 1997–98. [22742]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The gross operating costs of London Underground are set out in London Transport's annual report documents, which incorporate their audited annual accounts.

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answers of 13 November 2001,Official Report, column 622W, on London Underground, whether his Department has undertaken a consultation exercise specifically to discover what (a) outputs and (b) outcomes the London public wishes to see achieved as a result of the public-private partnership for London Underground; and if he will place the results in the Library. [22756]

  Mr. Jamieson
  London Underground is responsible for managing the competitions for the contracts to modernise the tube infrastructure. London Underground regularly undertakes consultation exercises and surveys of customers attitudes. I understand that the performance requirements in the modernisation contracts have been developed to deliver the improvements customers want, in particular increased capacity, improved reliability and higher quality (including safety and security).

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 13 November 2001,Official Report, column 622W, on London Underground, which year will be used as the base-line against which performance by PPP Infracos will be measured; and what penalties will be incurred if an Infraco achieves a performance 5 per cent, (a) above or (b) below this base-year starting-point. [22759]
  509W
  Mr. Jamieson
  The reliability, capacity and quality of travelling environment delivered by the infrastructure companies will be measured against benchmarks that are based on performance in the current year.

  On reliability, an infrastructure company that performs 5 per cent, better than current performance will be penalised at a rate of £3 per lost customer hour for any deterioration in that performance level. If it performs 5 per cent, worse than current performance, then the penalty rate doubles so that a further deterioration in performance is penalised at a rate of £6 per lost customer hour.

  A similar mechanism is used to incentivise improvements in capacity and the quality of the travelling environment. On these measures, the payment rate varies according to the line in question, but in every case the benchmark is set so that the marginal payment rate doubles if performance deteriorates below the current level. I understand that London Underground intends to make details of the contracts available once they have been signed.

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will publish the annual service performance targets set for London Underground by his Department and its predecessors(a)for each year since1996–97, showing the actual performance achieved in each and (b) for 2001–02, showing actual performance achieved so far. [22700]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The annual service performance targets set for London Underground, and their actual performance, are set out in London Transport's Annual Reports. The performance targets set at the start of 1999–2000 were, however, two-year targets to be achieved by the end of March 2001.

  The Government targets for 2001–02 were announced to the House on 19 July 2001, Official Report, column 367W. London Underground's actual performance will be published as soon as possible after the end of March 2002.

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 13 November 2001,Official Report, column 622W, on London Underground, if he will state, for each London Underground line, the last year in which it carried (a) 10 per cent, and (b) 25 per cent, fewer passengers than it does today. [22741]

  Mr. Jamieson
  This is an operational matter for London Underground, who inform me that they do not hold the information requested in a readily available form and that it could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 19 December 2001,Official Report, column 36W, on London Underground, in which months since they were introduced the trains on the (a) Central, (b)Jubilee and (c) Northern lines have failed to achieve their original contractual requirements; and what the mean distance between failure figure for the most recent month available was. [22754]

  Mr. Jamieson
  London Underground inform me that they do not hold readily available information on the months when contractual requirements were not met and 510W
  that this could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Detailed in-year operational information such as monthly figures for mean distance between train failures is a matter for London Underground.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what discussions Ministers have had with the Mayor of London and the Transport Commission for London about the London Underground in the last month. [22712]

  Mr. Spellar
  Ministers have frequent meetings with the Mayor and Commissioner of Transport for London. The Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions most recently met the Mayor on 12 December to discuss a range of issues, including London Underground, and I last met him on 13 December.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 10 December 2001,Official Report, column 560W, on London Underground, (1) if he will provide comparable information on signal failure for the remaining underground lines; [23212]

  (2) if he will provide comparable information for the remaining parts of the lines. [23658]

  Mr. Jamieson
  This is an operational matter for London Underground who have provided the information set out in the following table showing the number of signal failures causing delays to services for each underground line. The data relate to the period 1 January to 10 November 2001 unless otherwise stated.

  Service delays arising from signal failures (by line)

  Underground line

  Number

  Bakerloo

  133

  Central

  402

  Circle

  125

  District

  343

  East London

  54

  Hammersmith and City

  106

  Jubilee1

  232

  Metropolitan

  372

  Northern1

  166

  Piccadilly1

  94

  Victoria

  256

  Waterloo and City

  9

  1 Data for the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines relates to the period 9 December 2000 to 8 December 2001.

  Mr. Page
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, (1) pursuant to his answer of 6 December 2001,Official Report, column 443W, on the Underground environment, what are the relative weights ascribed to the passenger ambience factors by the PPP contracts for London Underground in respect of (a) graffiti, (b) litter, (c) scratched windows, (d) broken lights and (e) dirt; [24249]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 6 December 2001, Official Report, column 443W, if he will publish each weight applied to each attribute covered in the PPP contracts. [24251]

  Mr. Jamieson
  This is a matter for London Underground. I understand that London Underground intend to make details of the contracts available once they have been signed.
  511W
  Mr. Page
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 6 December 2001,Official Report, column 443W, how many mystery shoppers are employed on the London Underground; and how the findings are reported. [24250]

  Mr. Jamieson
  This is a matter for London Underground and for NOP who conduct the mystery shopper survey on their behalf.

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he will publish the Ernst & Young report into the value for money review of PPP. [23940]

  Mr. Jamieson
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]Ernst & Young's report will be published as part of the consultation process and before decisions are taken on whether to sign contracts for the Government's tube modernisation plans.

  Train Protection and Warning System
  Mr. Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what progress has been made by Railtrack in fitting train protection and warning system to the rail network; how many miles of track have been fitted with TPWS in(a) Railtrack's southern zone, (b) the south eastern network and (c) Kent and Sussex; how many miles of track have been fitted with TPWS since 7 October; and how many miles of track were fitted with TPWS in the same period last year. [22926]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The information is not available in the form requested.

  Structural Faults (Railways)
  Mr. Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many structural defects have been(a) identified and (b) repaired since Railtrack plc was placed into administration; and what the figure is for the same period in 1997. [22925]

  Mr. Jamieson
  This information is not held by the Department.

  Vehicle Excise Duty
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many motorists did not qualify for a VED rebate because they bought a licence for the year starting July 2000 with a single payment. [21802]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The number of annual licences taken out during the period between July and October 2000 and thus were not eligible for a VED rebate was some 1.2 million.

  Public Transport Projects (London)
  Martin Linton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the major public transport projects being built in London, with starting dates. [22462]
  512W
  Mr. Jamieson
  The following major public transport projects are currently being built in London:the East London Line Northern Extension— work commenced on 3 December 2001,
  the channel tunnel rail link stage 2— work commenced on 2 July 2001,
  the upgrade of Kings Cross/St. Pancras London Underground Ltd. station—work commenced 6 August 2001, and
  the west coast main line upgrade, Euston approaches—work commenced spring 1997.

  Speed Cameras (Buckingham)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many speed cameras are located in the Buckingham constituency. [22654]

  Mr. Jamieson
  There are six fixed speed camera sites and up to three mobile units operating in the Buckingham constituency.

  Aston Clinton Bypass
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) how many people are employed in the construction of the Aston Clinton Bypass; [22558]

  (2) what his most recent estimate is of the cost of construction of the Aston Clinton Bypass in the Buckingham constituency. [22566]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Tim Matthews, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Tim Matthews to Mr. John Bercow, dated 19 December 2001:
  I have been asked by the Transport Minister, David Jamieson, to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about the Aston Clinton bypass.
  The contract price for the by-pass was £21.7 million. I am afraid it is not possible to disaggregate a value for the part of the by-pass that is in the Buckingham constituency. During November, 51 people were employed on the contract but numbers fluctuate from month to month depending on the nature of the work.
  If you would like any further information please, contact Andy Finch the Project Sponsor in our Dorking office, who will be pleased to help you. He can be contacted on 01306–878343.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to revise and re-issue the consultation document for the 2002–03 Local Government Finance Settlement published on 4 December 2002, taking into account errors subsequently identified; and if he will make a statement. [22709]

  Dr. Whitehead
  In line with practice in previous years, the Department will shortly be issuing further information to local authorities, which include such data as are available now but were not available in time for inclusion in the data sent out on 4 December 2001. A copy of this information will be placed in the House Library. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced to the House on 18 December 2001,Official Report, column 137, his intention to meet the concern raised by shire districts

  513W
  during the consultation on the settlement, in relation to the way in which their grant floor has been calculated. We will announce the full details of how we will do this at the time of the final settlement, around the end of January 2002.

  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) if he will make a statement on the content of the letter dated 6 December to himself from Sir Jeremy Beecham, with particular reference to the points relating to the local government settlement for Lewes district council; [22950]

  (2) for what reasons certain district councils will not benefit from the minimum increase of 2.3 per cent,provided to councils as part of his recent statement on the local government settlement. [23190]

  Dr. Whitehead
  [holding answer 17 December 2001]I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, Acton and Shepherd's Bush (Mr. Soley) on 18 December 2001,Official Report, column 137.

  Standard Spending Assessment (Essex)
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement summarising the changes in the responsibilities of local councils which led him to adjust the figures for the SSA and general grants for Essex county council and the Rochford district council for the current financial year. [21774]

  Dr. Whitehead
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State to my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, Acton and Shepherd's Bush (Mr. Soley) on 18 December 2001,Official Report, column 137.

  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what percentage increase in local rates will be required to be imposed by Essex county council and Rochford district council if they spend the full SSAs allocated to them for 2002–03 and receive the full general grant for that year announced on 4 December. [21775]

  Dr. Whitehead
  The responsibility for setting council tax levels lies with local authorities. The provisional local government finance settlement, announced in the House on 4 December, does not require any local authorities to set council tax at any particular level.

  South Eastern Rail Network
  Mr. Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) how many trains have been cancelled since 7 October in(a) the southern zone, (b) the south eastern network and (c) Kent and Sussex; and what the figures are for the same period in 1997; [22916]

  (2) how many trains running in November were late in reaching their destination within (a) Railtrack's southern zone, (b) the south eastern network and (c) Kent and Sussex; and what the figures were for November 1997. [22919]
  514W
  Mr. Jamieson
  The information is not available in the form requested.

  Mr. Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps have been taken by Railtrack to improve the power supply for the south eastern rail network, with particular reference to Kent and Sussex; how much money was spent on the required upgrading(a) before and (b) since Railtrack plc was placed into administration; and how much is required before all new rolling stock can be utilised together. [22927]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Connex Transport UK Ltd., in conjunction with Railtrack, are seeking to find a means of ensuring that the power supply is adequate for the operation of these trains. Until these means are identified the investment required to solve the problem will not be known.

  Mr. Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much money Railtrack plc has spent on maintenance and repair of the south eastern rail network, with particular reference to Kent and Sussex, since being placed into administration; and what the comparative figures are for the same period in 1997. [22922]

  Mr. Jamieson
  This is a matter for the Administrator.

  Mr. Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many newly commissioned trains and carriages are unutilized within the south eastern rail network with particular reference to Kent and Sussex as a result of the power supply in the southern zone. [22918]

  Mr. Jamieson
  There are currently no commissioned units stabled in Kent or Sussex which are not in use. There are units stabled at these locations while undergoing a rigorous process to gain acceptance for use on the network. There are no units out of use due to any issues concerning power supply.

  National Rail Timetable
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps have been taken by(a) his Department and (b) the Strategic Rail Authority to monitor the performance of the public timetable information service provided by Railtrack by (i) telephone and (ii) the internet; and if he will make a statement. [23193]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The National Rail Enquiry Service (NRES) is provided collectively by the train operating companies, not Railtrack. The Strategic Rail Authority monitor call handling performance. No less than 90 per cent, of calls must be answered in any one four-week period, and 92.5 per cent, of calls must be answered in the year to 31 March 2002. NRES is currently meeting these targets. Qualitative performance is monitored by independent researchers every six months through mystery shopping surveys. There are no requirement on train operators or Railtrack to provide an internet based system. Where they do so it is done as a commercial initiative and is not subject to performance monitoring.
  515W
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions by what process the national rail timetable is created; what steps his Department(a) has taken and (b) plans to take to modify the process by which the national rail travel timetable is created; and if he will make a statement. [23146]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Railtrack convene an annual timetable conference at which train operators submit their aspirations for the following years' timetables (summer and winter). Following the conference Railtrack work with each company to produce a draft timetable offer, taking into account the comments of local authorities and Rail Passengers Committees. Each company then has a short period to review the offer and re-bid for any changes that they may wish to see made. Once this re-bidding is completed Railtrack will produce a final version of the timetable, normally 12 weeks before the date of the timetable change. There are no plans to change this process.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what(a) representations his Department has received from and (b) discussions his Department has had with (i) train operating companies,(ii)Railtrack,(iii)the Rail Passenger Council, (iv) rail passenger committees, (v) the Strategic Rail Authority and (vi) others on the process by which the national rail travel timetable is created; and if he will make a statement. [23147]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Ministers have received no representations on this issue, but discussed it with train operators, Railtrack, the Strategic Rail Authority and the Rail Passenger Council in the context of broader considerations about making the best use of the railway network.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the monthly performance figures are for the Railtrack public timetable information service since it became operational according to the criteria for performance as defined by(a) his Department and (b) the Strategic Rail Authority. [23194]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Statistics on the performance of the National Rail Enquiry Scheme (operated by the Association of Train Operating Companies) are contained in National Rail Trends, which is published quarterly by the Strategic Rail Authority, most recently on 13 December. A copy is placed in the Library of the House.

  West Coast Main Line
  Mr. John Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he has received a proposal for the Ford Motor Company to construct a rail link between the Land Rover plant at Solihull and the west coast main line; if the link has passenger potential; and if he will make a statement on road to rail. [22911]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Strategic Rail Authority has been in discussions with Ford Motor Company about this proposal but they have not received a formal application for support. The scheme has potential to transfer freight traffic from road to rail which is in line with the objectives 516W
  of our 10-year plan. No assessment has been made as to whether this rail link, if built, would have potential passenger use.

  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what financial commitment the Government have made to(a) the West Coast Phase 1 upgrade, (b) the West Coast Phase 2 upgrade and (c) the Virgin Cross Country Franchise upgrade. [22773]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Virgin Trains have so far been paid some £300 million under the West Coast Trains franchise since it commenced on 9 March 1997. In addition to making payments under that franchise, the SRA is discussing, with my Department, Railtrack and Virgin Trains, various options for the outputs to be delivered under the west coast modernisation programme. Until the final outputs are agreed it is not possible to say what the costs involved will be. Value for money is one of the considerations under discussion.

  Virgin Trains have so far been paid over £400 million under the cross country franchise since it commenced on 5 January 1997. The upgrade to cross country services, including the lease of new trains and infrastructure enhancements, are a commercial venture by Virgin Trains.

  Subsidy levels decline year on year. The company will be paying premiums under the West Coast Trains franchise from 2002–03 and under the cross country franchise from 2010–11.

  Trains (Criminal Incidents)
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many criminal incidents have been reported as occurring on trains in(a) the south-east, (b) East Anglia, (c) the south-west, (d) the midlands, (e) the north-west and (f) the north-east in the last 12 months. [22939]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The British Transport Police (BTP) have provided the following information regarding the number of notifiable and non-notifiable on-train offences recorded by all BTP areas, except London Underground, during the period from December 2000 to November 2001.

  Area

  Notifiable offences

  Non-notifiable offences

  All offences

  London North

  3,447

  212

  3,659

  North-east

  939

  251

  1,190

  Scotland

  992

  484

  1,476

  North-west

  2,240

  977

  3,217

  Midlands

  1,183

  643

  1,826

  South-west

  1,058

  450

  1,508

  London South

  4,998

  327

  5,325

  Total

  14,857

  3,344

  18,201

  Planning Obligations
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he will publish his consultation document on planning obligations. [24260]
  517W
  Mr. Byers
  I am publishing today a consultation document entitled "Planning obligations: delivering a fundamental change" which is one of a series of consultation papers that together propose a radical reform of the planning system.

  Planning obligations (also known as section 106 agreements) are typically agreements between developers and local authorities negotiated in the context of granting a planning consent. They have been criticised by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (the Nolan Committee) for being insufficiently transparent. Business finds them slow to negotiate, unpredictable and, in some cases, unfair. They are then a disincentive to developers who may find themselves with long, expensive planning delays.

  I am proposing to replace the present system of negotiated planning obligations with a tariff that will be set by local authorities in their local development plans. The tariff will apply in principle to all development that receives a planning consent. It will therefore give business much more certainty about what cost, in terms of planning obligations, it faces if it chooses to buy and develop a particular piece of land or property. I am also proposing that some development should be exempt because it is too small, it is financially marginal—such as development of an urban brownfield site—or serves a clear purpose in promoting sustainable development.

  The tariff would be spent in line with the priorities set out in local development plans. I would expect the provision of affordable housing to be a high priority in most plans.

  My proposals will create an open, accountable and predictable system that will enable business to see, at the outset of a development, what level of planning obligation is likely to be incurred. The tariff will, so far as possible, require no negotiation. It will be much easier for local authorities to administer and should allow planning permissions to be issued much faster.

  I propose in the consultation document to allow planning obligations to be used to enable communities to share in the benefits of sustainable growth. Development pressures in some areas are placing heavy burdens on the existing infrastucture and especially on the supply of affordable housing for nurses, teachers, police officers and other keyworkers. We need to ensure that new development supports the investment required in new facilities to help improve the quality of life for local communities.

  Copies of the consultation document will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Rail Franchising Policy
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on rail franchising policy. [24405]

  Mr. Byers
  I have today laid before the House a policy statement, "Passenger Rail Franchising". The statement sets out the benefits that I wish the Strategic Rail Authority to seek to achieve through rail franchising and requires it to explore the full range of options for securing 518W
  them. It also incorporates the statement of policy referred to in section 26(10) of the Railways Act 1993, as amended by the Transport Act 2000.

  Ports (Appraisal Framework)
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on an appraisal framework for ports in the United Kingdom. [23387]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Department is issuing today a consultation document concerned with the development of an appraisal framework for port projects in the UK.

  The development of an appraisal framework for ports was identified in "Modern Ports: A UK Policy" as an important plank in the application of a sustainable transport policy to ports. The intention of the appraisal framework is to put ports on a similar footing to other modes, to make the appraisals more consistent with each other and to take full account of the role of ports in promoting sustainable transport. We believe that the use of a common framework assists promoters, objectors, local authorities, other public bodies and all those involved in planning inquiries to consider whether all relevant factors have been covered. The framework is also a contribution to the package of measures designed to speed up planning decisions on major infrastructure projects announced by the Department in July 2001.

  The consultation will assist the Department in drawing up a guidance note for all those involved with port developments requiring some form of official approval. It is intended that the guidance note will be issued later in 2002.

  We are inviting comments from all those with an interest in port related matters, including ports, port users, environmental interests, other Government Departments, local authorities, and other public and private bodies.

  The document outlines an appraisal framework derived from the guidance for multi-modal studies, but taking account of the particular effect of port developments. The document invites comments and suggestions on a number of topics, such as the content and format of strategic appraisal, scheme description, coverage and measurement of detailed effects and the appropriate level of detail required.

  The consultation is being conducted in accordance with the criteria contained in the Cabinet Office's Code of Practice on Written Consultation. Responses are requested to be sent to my Department by 5 April 2002. Copies of the consultation document are in the Library, and it is also available from my Department (EAMI Division, Zone 1/34, Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DR) and on the Department's website.

  Ordnance Survey
  Mr. Pound
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress of the Quinquennial Review of Ordnance Survey. [24994]

  Ms Keeble
  I am pleased to announce today the outcome of the first Stage of the Quinquennial Review of Ordnance Survey. I have placed copies of the Stage 1 Report in the Libraries.
  519W
  Stage 1 of the Review of Ordnance Survey, announced on 15 February 2001 was managed by a Steering Group chaired by my Department. It also included representatives from Ordnance Survey, HM Treasury, Cabinet Office and two external members from the Association of Geographic Information (AGI) and the London borough of Lewisham. Consultation took place with a wide range of stakeholders and customers in the geographic information business in Great Britain.

  Ordnance Survey is a Government Department and Executive Agency operating within a Trading Fund regime. The main recommendation of the review is that it should further strengthen its business focus by becoming a Government-owned plc on 1 April 2003, with Government owning 100 per cent, of the shares. This would provide Ordnance Survey with additional commercial freedoms that are considered to be essential if it is to use its full potential to develop the geographic information and e-business marketplace.

  The Stage 1 Review rejected the options of abolition, merger, contracting out and market testing. It considered privatisation carefully, but stated that this was not a real option at present because there is much for Ordnance Survey to do to increase its value as a business through increasing market presence and decreasing cost through operational efficiencies. Additionally, the reviewers concluded that privatisation could endanger Ordnance Survey's existing partnerships, both within the Government and the private sector. Government-owned plc status would balance the requirement of the national interest in maintaining consistent, up-to-date, and fit-for-purpose geographic information, with the commercial imperatives of an efficient organisation.

  I have carefully considered the Stage 1 Report and its argument that there is a need for a further step change from the current Trading Fund status to enable Ordnance Survey to respond effectively to the requirements of the marketplace. I have accepted that the change in status will enable the further development and expansion of their business of providing geographic data for others to add value and generate commercial products, but I wish to have this confirmed by means of a clear business case.

  The report's recommendation is in line with the wider Government policy of increasing accountability for Government organisations and increases the potential for high quality managers to raise the return to Government from the efficient and effective use of Ordnance Survey assets and investment.

  I am minded to accept the Review's recommendation and have authorised the Steering Group to proceed to a Stage 2 Review which will be asked to undertake a detailed analysis of the best structure for a company, confirm the benefits and costs compared to the current Trading Fund status, consider the right operating framework, and propose means of removing any obstacles which will influence the establishment of Ordnance Survey as a Government-owned company by 1 April 2003. Stage 2 will also investigate how further public-private partnerships might benefit Ordnance Survey.

  I will make a further statement when the Stage 2 Review is complete and I have assessed its findings.
  520W
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 4 December 2001,Official Report, column 279W, on the Ordnance Survey, what further stages in the Quinquennial Review of the Ordnance Survey will follow stage one; what the timetable will be for completion of such stages; and whether a staged timetable was envisaged when the Government announced the Quinquennial Review on 15 February. [22757]

  Ms Keeble
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave today to my hon. Friend the Member for Earing, North (Mr. Pound) regarding Stage 1 of the Quinquennial Review of Ordnance Survey, at columns 518–19W.

  Cabinet Office guidelines stipulate a two-stage approach to Quinquennial Reviews. The content of the second stage of Quinquennial Reviews is dependent on decisions made following the first stage. The first stage of the review has considered and made recommendations regarding the most appropriate organisation for delivering the functions currently carried out by Ordnance Survey.

  Work will begin on the second stage of the review early in the new year, which will consider further the issues raised within Stage 1, and on how Ordnance Survey can improve its performance. Cabinet Office guidelines recommend that the second stage of a review should be completed within three months.

  I can confirm that a staged timetable was envisaged when Stage 1 of the Ordnance Survey Quinquennial Review was announced.

  Night Flights
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the Hatton case on night flights issued on 2 October. [25095]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Hatton judgment raises serious questions about the interpretation and application of the European Convention on Human Rights. We are therefore submitting a request for the case to be referred for consideration by the Grand Chamber of the Court. The grounds for this request are set out in a letter to the Court, copies of which will be placed in the Library.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what research his Department has(a) commissioned in the last five years and (b) plans to commission into the causes of older homelessness. [24188]

  Ms Keeble
  There has been a proliferation of research into the causes of homelessness over the past decade, including recent studies on older people. The Government have announced that they are establishing a new homelessness directorate to bring together existing work to help homeless people as well as to develop new work to prevent homelessness and investigate its causes, as part of this consideration will be given to further research in this area.
  521W
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what estimate his Department has made of the number of specialist hostel places available for single homeless women, broken down by region. [24187]

  Ms Keeble
  Information about hostel provision is not collected centrally and no estimates of specialist provision for women have been made. However, the hon. Member might be interested to know that information gathered on 3,387 people contacted by the contact and assessment teams in London during 2000–01 show that around 10 per cent, of rough sleepers are women, with around a fifth of this group being aged under 25.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what estimates his Department has made of the number of people made homeless as a result of administrative errors and failures by housing benefit units. [24192]

  Ms Keeble
  Information reported to the Department relates to the number of households accepted under the homelessness provisions of Housing Acts as being eligible for assistance, unintentionally homeless and in priority need. Cases that are the result of rent arrears are identified, although the number of these attributable to delays or errors in housing benefit administration are not separately distinguished.

  The Department's housing policy statement "Quality and Choice: A decent home for all—The way forward for housing" (December 2000) recognised that the fundamental challenge facing housing benefit is its administration. Problems with administering housing benefit can result in unacceptable levels of fraud and error, as well as backlogs of delayed claims. Our immediate priority has therefore been to work in partnership with local authorities to improve standards of administration. We have also set up a help fund to enable local authorities to formulate and implement improvement plans. In addition, we will introduce national performance standards to support the better administration of housing benefit from spring 2002.

  The best value regime is also helping to drive up standards of delivery across all local authority services. Best value performance indicators in place since April 2000 include a measure of the average speed of processing housing benefit claims. Provisional and unaudited best value performance information published by the Department suggests that about a quarter of English local authorities took on average 60 days or longer to process new housing benefit claims in 2000–01. Final performance figures for 2000–01 will be published early in 2002.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what baseline figures his Department has for the number of(a) officially recorded and (b) unofficial estimates of older homeless people (i) sleeping rough, (ii) in hostel accommodation, (iii) in move-on accommodation, (iv) in bed and breakfast accommodation and (v) in special needs accommodation. [24186]

  Ms Keeble
  The most recent street count showed that there were 532 people sleeping rough across England on any one night. We estimate that between 15 and 20 per cent, of those will be aged over 50. Information 522W
  gathered by Housing Services Agency (HSA) shows that in London during 2000–01 the contact and assessment teams (CATs) contacted some 609 (17 per cent.) rough sleepers or former rough sleepers who are over 50-years-old.

  Information gathered by Housing Services Agency shows that in London during 2000–01 there were 26 moves into permanent accommodation and 319 moves into temporary accommodation, including 180 moves into hostel accommodation by rough sleepers aged over 50 years. Due to the nature of rough sleeping some people will be recorded more than once in these figures as they may have been moved into a hostel, or other temporary accommodation, more than once during the year.

  Due to the way the information is collected and the fluctuating pattern of rough sleeping by some people, it is not possible to provide exact figures on the number of older rough sleepers and former rough sleepers currently sleeping rough, in hostel accommodation, in move-on accommodation, in bed and breakfast or in special needs accommodation.

  On 30 September 2001, the total number of households being accommodated by local housing authorities in bed-and-breakfast hotels under existing homelessness legislation was 12,290 and a further 9,480 households were being accommodated in hostels. Information is not held centrally on the proportion of these that are older homeless people.

  Information is not held centrally on the number of older homeless people in special needs accommodation.

  Emergency Landing (Newcastle Airport)
  Andrew Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when the Air Accidents Investigation Branch's report into the emergency landing at Newcastle Airport on 3 February involving the Chief Commissioner of the Metropolitan police will be published; and what the cause of the delay is. [24085]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The AAIB report on the circumstances of the emergency landing at Newcastle airport on 3 February 2001 involving the Chief Commissioner of the Metropolitan police will be published on 7 February 2002. The emergency landing was caused by the incorrect assembly of the nose landing gear retraction mechanism on the American manufactured Piper PA 34 aircraft. The sequence of events had occurred before on other aircraft of the type and the examination of the maintenance standards issues raised by this emergency landing has led to the delay in publishing the report.

  Seaside Resorts
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) which officials in his Department he has nominated as resort champions; [24147]

  (2) what action his Department is taking to support the implementation of the English Tourism Council's "Sea Changes" report. [24145]

  Ms Keeble
  The Government have welcomed the publication of the English Tourism Council's "Sea Changes" report. The report contains a number of
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  recommendations, some of which are relevant to DTLR, including one that Government Departments should nominate a senior official as a resort champion. It also explains that to take its recommendations forward with relevant key partners, the ETC intends to broker individual meetings with them to discuss plans for implementation.

  Although my Department has not yet been approached by the ETC for a meeting, it is already actively supporting the regeneration of resorts through various programmes, including the single regeneration budget. In addition, Regional Development Agencies have been asked to explain in their 2002–04 Corporate Plans how they will be involved with developing regional tourism strategies, including the promotion of coastal resort regeneration.

  Party Affiliation
  David Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will introduce legislation to vacate the seats of Members who have changed party affiliation. [23947]

  Dr. Whitehead
  The basis of elections to this House is that the electorate is invited to vote for candidates and not the political party they may represent. We have no plans to seek amending legislation to require Members who change their political affiliation to vacate their seats. It is for the representative to determine whether they wish to test the strength of their position by vacating their seat and re-submitting themselves for election.

  Rail Safety
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what action has been taken on implementing the recommendations arising from Part 1 of Lord Cullen's public inquiry report; and when the Health and Safety commission plans to publish the six month progress report which Lord Cullen recommended. [25155]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Lord Cullen's final recommendation was"that a review of compliance with his recommendations be conducted on behalf of the Health and Safety Commission within six months of this report".

  I am informed that this review has been completed and that the Health and Safety Executive officials will be reporting on progress to the Commission in February and that they intend to publish a progress report in March. I shall arrange for a copy to be placed in the Library.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many safety visits were conducted by the senior management of Railtrack in each month from January 2000 to November 2001. [21034]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Railtrack have advised that in April 2000 the company initiated an internal programme of visits for senior managers to assist the promotion of safety tours across the business. Railtrack report that good progress has been made since initiation although monthly figures are not readily available.
  524W
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions for what reason he amended the Cullen Declaration on rail safety; and if he will make a statement. [23613]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The declaration by the Paddington Survivors Group was agreed in advance by all parties before signing.

  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps the Government are taking to ensure that the administrator is running Railtrack to ensure that(a) routine signal, track and other maintenance is carried out and (b) the safety standards previously required of Railtrack are maintained. [23986]

  Mr. Jamieson
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]During the period of administration, the Government will continue to provide the administrator with sufficient funding to ensure the operation of the network. The terms of Railtrack's licence require it to ensure the safe operation of the network. The Health and Safety Executive is working closely with both Railtrack plc and the administrator to ensure that safety is maintained.

  Planning
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions further to the European Commission Regional Policy Directorate-General's proposals on spatial planning in the EU, if he will make a statement on the involvement of the European Union in local, regional and national planning matters. [12575]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 5 November 2001]The European Union is not directly involved in local, regional and national planning in the UK. However, account is taken of jointly agreed policy objectives in the preparation of land-use plans in the UK.

  Bob Kiley
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will place in the Library the document about Mr. Kiley which had been shown to journalists referred to by Sir Richard Wilson on 1 November. [13268]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I have arranged for copies to be placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Rents
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what he estimates will be the average(a) council and (b) registered social landlord rent in (i) each region in England and (ii) each London borough in 2011–12 in constant prices, after adjusting for the effects of the Government's rent restructuring proposals. [19817]

  Ms Keeble
  Individual councils and registered social landlords (RSLs) retain responsibility for rent-setting. Rents in 2011–12 are therefore a matter for individual social landlords. The rate of increase of actual council and RSL rents over the next 10 years will depend, among
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  other things, on the outcome of future Spending Reviews (for council rents) and periodic reviews by the Housing Corporation (for RSL rents).

  Train Delays/Cancellations
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) how many trains of each train operating company arrived late by(a) more than five minutes and (b) more than 10 minutes in each month from January 2000 to November 2001; in each case, what proportion of these delays were due to (i) train breakdowns, (ii) signal failures, (iii) track/points failures, (iv) leaves on the line, (v) staff shortages, (vi) adverse weather conditions and (vii) other factors; and what were the same figures for peak hours; [21032]

  (2) how many trains in each train operating company were cancelled for each month from January 2000 to November 2001; in each case what proportion of these cancellations were due to (a) train breakdowns, (b) signal failures, (c) track/points failures, (d) staff shortages, (e) adverse weather conditions and (f) other factors; and what were the same figures for peak hours. [21033]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The information on causes of delay by period is not readily available. The information distinguishing between peak and off-peak is available only for London commuter train operating companies. The latest information available on delays and cancellations which goes up until 16 September 2001 is being placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on changes to the number of cancellations on the railways between September and December [23128]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Strategic Rail Authority maintain performance records by four week period, not by calendar month. The figures represent the percentage of trains which either did not run or did not operate for more than half their scheduled mileage shown in the timetable.

  2.1 per cent, between 19 August 2001 and 15 September 2001

  2.0 per cent, between 16 September 2001 and 13 October 2001

  1.8 per cent, between 14 October 2001 and 10 November 2001.

  Speed Restrictions Railway
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many speed restrictions were in force on the railways during(a) August and (b) September. [22871]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Bath (Mr. Foster) on 12 December 2001,Official Report, columns 869–70W.

  Airline Industry
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what representations he has received on the Commission authorising EU Governments(a) to pay compensation for the four-day shutdown of US airspace in the absence of insurance cover and (b) to pay for additional security to meet public policy objectives; and if he will make a statement. [22780]
  526W
  Mr. Jamieson
  We have received various representations from the air transport industry on these issues. Having had regard to these views, we have accepted that the circumstances are exceptional and therefore merit exceptional assistance. We announced on 13 December that we had decided to provide up to £40 million of financial assistance to compensate airlines for losses arising directly from the 11 September terrorist attacks in the United States. Qualifying airlines have been invited to submit claims under this scheme and a copy of the scheme conditions has been placed in the Library. Assistance under this package is in conformity with Commission guidelines on state aid, and we have notified the Commission of our intention accordingly.

  In addition, the Government continue to underwrite, on a temporary basis, third party war risk insurance for UK airlines and service providers to the airline industry. The initiative has been extended until 23 January 2002.

  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what representations his Department has received from(a)airline companies, (b) providers to the airline industry, (c) hon. and right hon. Members and (d) others requesting financial support other than the underwriting of third party war insurance to be given to airline companies; [22965]

  (2) what financial support the Government plan for UK airline companies following the events of 11 September; [23083]

  (3) what discussions he has had with airline companies regarding Government financial support since 11 September. [23084]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions to my hon. Friend the Member for Chorley (Mr. Hoyle) on 13 December 2001,Official Report, column 1013W.

  Rail Passenger Surveys
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps his Department has taken to take account of the results from national passenger surveys in developing policies for the rail network; what conclusions have been reached by his Department on the findings on national passenger surveys; if he will place copies of documentation related to the national passenger survey published by(a) the Strategic Rail Authority and (b) his Department in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [23144]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The national passenger survey has shown that the key issue for passengers is performance. The Strategic Rail Authority plans to include targets for passenger satisfaction in new franchises. The results of the NPS are published in the Authority's "On Track" publication, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.

  Rail Freight
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what research his Department has(a) carried out, (b)commissioned and (c) consulted upon into the future rail freight demand (i) for Great Britain as a whole,

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  (ii) between different train operating companies, (iii) in relation to temporal variations and (iv) according to geographical variations; if he will place copies of published research reports in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [23149]

  Mr. Jamieson
  My Department commissioned research into future demand to move deep-sea containers by rail to inform consideration of Freightliner's recent application for track access grant. There is no published research report.

  My Department has commissioned a review of freight modelling techniques across all modes. This will inform the future development of the Department's national transport model for Great Britain as a whole. There is no published research report.

  My Department had regard to advice from the Strategic Rail Authority into future rail freight demand to inform the development of the 10-Year Plan and the last Spending Review. Details of the model and its results are reported in 'The Background Analysis' paper of 'Transport 2010: The 10-Year Plan', copies of which were placed in the Library in July 2000.

  Rail Passenger Projections
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what research his Department has(a) carried out, (b) commissioned and (c) consulted upon into future rail passenger demand (i) for Great Britain as a whole, (ii) between different train operating companies, (iii) in relation to temporal variations and (iv) according to geographical variations; if he will place copies of published research reports in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [23143]

  Mr. Jamieson
  My Department developed a model of future rail passenger demand for Great Britain to inform the development of the 10-Year Plan and the last Spending Review. Details of the model and its results are reported in 'The Background Analysis' paper of 'Transport 2010: The 10-Year Plan', copies of which were placed in the Library in July 2000.

  My Department commissioned research into future rail passenger demand on Eurostar. These forecasts were used to inform commercial negotiations undertaken earlier this year with Railtrack Group plc and London and Continental Railways concerning section 2 of the channel tunnel rail link. There is no published research report.

  My Department has commissioned research to develop a model of rail passenger demand. This will be a component of the Department's national transport model to be used to inform decisions taken in the current spending review. The model will consider Great Britain as a whole, temporal variations in so far as they affect crowding in the peak period, and broad geographical corridors. There is no published research report.

  My Department receives advice from the Strategic Rail Authority in relation to passenger rail franchises. When awarding new franchises the SRA makes assessments of bidders' passenger forecasts.

  Transport Ticketing and Information
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps his Department(a) has taken and (b) plans to take to improve (i) through ticketing between different modes of transport and (ii) a public timetable information service for all modes of transport; and if he will make a statement. [23145]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The information is as follows:

  (a) (i) Bus and train operators already offer a number of number of multi-modal ticketing products on a commercial basis, under the auspices of Journey Solutions, an initiative of the UK transport industry to promote and improve integration between transport modes. We support this initiative.

  (a)(ii) Traveline, a telephone-based national public transport information system, is available throughout Great Britain and provides route and timetable information for all modes from a single national rate telephone number (0870 608 2 608). Traveline is run by local authorities and transport operators. The start-up costs were paid by central Government.

  (b)(i) We are developing Transport Direct, a fully integrated internet travel service. By 2003, we expect that Transport Direct will offer internet booking of long distance journeys involving different forms of transport. In the longer term it will be possible to book and pay for travel at the time the inquiry is made, and obtain the travel authority/ticket(s).

  The Department is also working with local authorities and transport operators to increase the use of Smartcards, which will make the retailing of multi-modal ticketing products much easier.

  (b) (ii) Transport Direct will also provide a full multi-modal travel information service via the internet to allow people to plan their journeys and to compare routes and prices.

  Transport Infrastructure (London)
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proportion of the expected investment in London's transport infrastructure is projected to come from(a) central Government, (b) the Mayor and (c) the private sector between 2001 and 2010. [22904]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Government's 10-Year Plan for Transport assumes that London's transport infrastructure will benefit from £17.8 billion of capital investment over the period 2001–02 to 2010–11. Of this around 40 per cent, will be funded by central Government and 60 per cent, will be funded by the private sector. The plan does not assume that the Mayor will use income from council tax to increase transport investment in London, although it is open to him to do so.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much central Government funding will be allocated to transport improvements in London as part of the 10-Year Plan. [22894]
  529W
  Mr. Jamieson
  £15.2 billion of central Government funding is allocated for transport improvements in London as part of the 10-Year Plan for Transport.

  Channel Tunnel Freight Services
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what representations he has made to the French Government concerning the reduction of channel tunnel freight services since 7 November. [22895]

  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport,Local Government and the Regions what representations have been made to the Government of France to remove SNCF's restrictions on the number of freight trains travelling from France to the United Kingdom through the channel tunnel; what reduction in freight traffic through the channel tunnel has taken place as a result of SNCF's decision; and what estimate he has made of the financial loss to UK operators. [23209]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Vale of York (Miss McIntosh) on 18 December 2001,Official Report, column 225W.

  Merchant Ships
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many merchant ships are registered in the UK; and how many were registered in(a) 1991 and (b) 1996. [22901]

  Mr. Jamieson
  At the end of September 2001, 423 merchant trading vessels were registered in the UK. The equivalent figures for the end of September in 1991 and 1996 were 519 and 384, respectively.

  Rail Track Access Charges
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what representations have been made by train operating companies to(a) him, (b) the SRA and (c) the Rail Regulator to secure reduced access charges as a result of under-performance of Railtrack since administration. [23153]

  Mr. Jamieson
  None. Train operating companies are compensated for poor Railtrack operational performance through their track access agreements, which are approved by the Rail Regulator. After approval, they are enforceable by the parties to them and not by the Regulator.

  Heathrow
  Martin Linton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will issue an interim report on the trial to establish the feasibility of extending the runway alternation at Heathrow to include the hour from 6.00 am to 7.00 am. [22942]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The then Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and the Regions, my hon. Friend the Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. Mullin) explained on 23 November 1999,Official Report, column 64W, that the trial was expected to continue for up to two years. It commenced in August 2000 but has been subject to interruptions which make it difficult to draw any
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  preliminary conclusions. During 2001 the trial was disrupted by resurfacing of the northern runway and replacement of the instrument landing systems (ILS); essential work which will continue next year when the southern runway is resurfaced and other ILS equipment is replaced. There are no plans to issue an interim report.

  Traffic Calming (Buckingham)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much has been spent in the constituency of Buckingham on(a) installing road humps on established roads, (b) installing mini- roundabouts on established roads and (c) other traffic calming measures in each year since 1999; and what effect these measures have had on the number of road accidents. [23738]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Statistics on expenditure on road safety schemes are not held centrally but are a matter for each local authority.

  Train Punctuality Statistics
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what guidance has been given to the Strategic Rail Authority with reference to the publication of monthly train punctuality statistics; if he will place copies of such guidance submitted by his Department to the Strategic Rail Authority in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [23524]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The directions and guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority which are currently in force and the draft issued for consultation on 29 June require the authority to publish a regular bulletin describing the performance of franchise operators.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will give details of the means through which(a) the Strategic Rail Authority, (b) Railtrack, (c) train operating companies and (d) other organisations and companies within the rail industry disseminate statistics on train punctuality to the travelling public; what steps his Department is taking to improve the dissemination of information on train punctuality to the travelling public; and if he will make a statement. [23523]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Strategic Rail Authority publishes a regular bulletin describing the performance of franchise operators, which is available on its website www.sra.gov.uk. Train operating companies are required to publish Passenger's Charter statistics every four weeks at major stations. Details of the stations at which the figures are displayed can be obtained from the individual train operating company.

  Railway Staff
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many staff were employed by(a) Railtrack plc and (b) Railtrack Group plc in each month since September, broken down by category of employee, including (i) senior management, (ii) electrical engineers, (iii) mechanical engineers, (iv) administration and (v) others. [23525]
  531W
  Mr. Jamieson
  I understand from Railtrack that there has been no significant change in staff turnover since September in the categories listed.

  Mark 1 Passenger Carriages
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the(a) collisions, (b) derailments and (c) SPADs involving mark 1 passenger carriages in the last four years, broken down by (i) vehicle stock and (ii) train operating company. [23528]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Health and Safety Executive's Railway Inspectorate have advised that this information is not available in the form requested.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what is the date by which all Mark 1 passenger carriages will be replaced, broken down by(a) vehicle stock and (b) train operating company. [23527]

  Mr. Jamieson
  All Mark 1 stock must be removed from the network by 1 January 2005.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many railway rolling stock leases involving mark 1 passenger carriages are in existence; and in respect of each lease, what is(a) the name of the rolling stock company owning the vehicles and (b) the name of the train operating company leasing them; and how many mark one vehicles are covered by that lease; and what is the date to which the train operating company is committed to leasing the vehicles. [23529]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The information is shown in the following table:

  Mark one rolling stock operated by UK train operating companies

  Train operating company/type1,2/lessor

  Number of vehicles

  Lease expires

  c2c1

  Angel Trains1

  92

  31 March 2002

  Angel Trains1

  16

  31 January 2002

  HSBC1

  4

  31 March 2002

  Total

  112

  Connex South Eastern

  Angel Trains1

  12

  31 December 2002

  Angel Trains1

  264

  31 March 2004

  HSBC1

  80

  31 December 2002

  Porterbrook1

  170

  31 October 2002

  Porterbrook1

  32

  31 March 2004

  Total

  558

  First Great Eastern

  Angel Trains1

  96

  31 October 2002

  Angel Trains1

  4

  31 March 2003

  Total

  100

  First North Western

  Angel Trains2

  16

  20 June 2002

  Angel Trains2

  16

  6 May 2002

  Total

  32

  Scotrail

  Angel Trains1

  51

  31 December 2001

  Angel Trains1

  10

  31 December 2001

  532W

  Mark one rolling stock operated by UK train operating companies

  Train operating company/type1,2/lessor

  Number of vehicles

  Lease expires

  Total

  61

  South Central

  Angel Trains1

  292

  31 March 2002

  HSBC1

  28

  25 May 2003

  Porterbrook2

  27

  31 March 2002

  Porterbrook1

  33

  25 May 2003

  Porterbrook1

  156

  31 March 2002

  Total

  536

  South West Trains

  HSBC1

  384

  3 February 2003

  Porterbrook1

  2

  5 February 2003

  Porterbrook1

  116

  31 December 2002

  Porterbrook1

  77

  3 February 2003

  Total

  579

  Total

  1,978

  1EMU

  2DEMU

  Strategic Rail Authority
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list(a) each meeting held between his Department's Ministers or civil servants and the Strategic Rail Authority since 1 September, (b) those meetings at which the subject of current franchise performance was discussed and (c) those meetings at which the subject of specialist manpower shortages in the railway industry was discussed; and if he will make a statement. [21767]

  Mr. Jamieson
  There are frequent contacts between my Department, both Ministers and officials, and the Strategic Rail Authority. Franchise performance and specialist manpower shortages have been among the matters discussed.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) if he will provide details of changes in the responsibilities of(a) himself, (b) other departmental ministers and (c) the Department in terms of day to day (i) direction and (ii) control of the activities of the Strategic Rail Authority; what plans he has further to change the nature of these relationships; and if he will make a statement; [23514]

  (2) what (a) directions and (b) guidance was given to the Strategic Rail Authority in July; and if he will make a statement. [23516]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Strategic Rail Authority is subject to directions and guidance issued to it by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State under sections 206(3) and 207(5) of the Transport Act 2000. Draft directions and guidance were issued for consultation on 29 June and a final version will be issued early in the new year. Interim directions and guidance were issued on 31 January 2001 and a copy was placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will provide details of the conclusions of research his Department has(a) carried out, (b) commissioned and (c) consulted upon, into rail passenger (i) demands and (ii) requirements for information on (A) reliability and frequency of services, (B) fares and (C) real-time

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  information; if he will place copies of the research reports published as a result of such research conducted in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [23522]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The SRA are working on a number of initiatives to improve information for passengers. These include a feasibility study into a proposed national real-time information database, a proposal for a National Rail Enquiry Service (NRES) on the internet and encouraging NRES to develop closer links with telesales.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what(a)representations his Department has received from and (b)discussions his Department has had with (i) train operating companies, (ii) Railtrack, (iii) the Rail Passenger Council, (iv) rail passenger committees and (v) others in relation to the update of directions and guidance given by his Department to the Strategic Rail Authority in September 1999 (A) between September 1999 and July 2001 and (B) since July; if he will outline what plans he has further to update his Department's directions and guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority; and if he will make a statement. [23515]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Draft directions and guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority were published for consultation on 29 June. We intend to publish a final version, together with a summary of comments received during consultation and the Government's response to them, early in the new year.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what targets the Strategic Rail Authority has set for the regulation of fare levels on passenger rail services; what progress has been made towards meeting the targets; what steps are planned to meet the targets; and if he will make a statement. [23499]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Since January 1999, increases in regulated fares have been limited to RPI-1 per cent., with performance-related arrangements also applying to London commuter operators. The Strategic Rail Authority monitor fares increases to ensure that the train operating companies keep within the permitted level. The authority has recently commissioned an independent evaluation of the success of Fares Regulation since it commenced in 1995. The study will consider how regulation has performed in practice compared to the expectations of the policy at the time. The results to this study are expected to be published in spring 2002.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what targets the Strategic Rail Authority has set for improving the reliability of passenger rail services; what progress has been made towards meeting the targets; what steps are planned to meet the targets; and if he will make a statement. [23500]

  Mr. Jamieson
  All train operating companies have performance targets in their franchise agreements which can lead to enforcement action being taken if not met. There are also targets for performance in train operating companies' Passenger's Charters which, if not met, trigger discounts to passengers renewing season tickets. In his draft franchising policy statement of 16 July the Secretary of State asked the Strategic Rail Authority to look at what could be done within existing franchise agreements, or by 534W
  negotiating short extensions, to drive up the reliability and punctuality of services. The authority have revised their franchise replacement programme and will make an announcement shortly.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps his Department(a) has taken and (b) plans to take to ensure that the needs of disabled passengers are taken into account in the awarding of train operating company franchises; and if he will make a statement. [23512]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The draft Directions and Guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority, issued for consultation on 29 June, address this issue. The SRA will publish a revised code of practice early next year. Train operating companies will be required to revise their Disabled Peoples Protection Policies to take account of it.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will provide details of research his Department has(a) carried out, (b) commissioned and (c) consulted upon on (i) the reliability of and (ii) regulation of fare levels on passenger rail services as measured by the Strategic Rail Authority; if he will place copies of reports published as a result of such research in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [23498]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Strategic Rail Authority has recently commissioned an independent study to evaluate fares regulation since it commenced in 1995. The study will consider how regulation has performed in practice compared to the expectations of the policy at the time, and will involve formal consultation with train operators, passenger groups and other interested parties. The results are expected to be published in spring 2002, and will help to determine future fares strategy.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what deadline was imposed on the Strategic Rail Authority for delivery of its strategic plan within his Department's direction and guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority of(a) September 1999, and (b) July 2001; if he will outline what action (i) has been and (ii) is planned to be taken, as a consequence of the failure to meet a deadline; and if he will make a statement. [23513]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Current Directions and Guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority do not impose any deadline for completion of its strategic plan. The draft Directions and Guidance published on 29 June proposed a deadline of November but this has been extended by agreement with the new Chairman of the Authority, who took up office on 1 December. The strategic plan will now be published on 14 January.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what role(a) the Rail Passenger Council, (b) rail passenger committees and (c) other rail passenger interest groups play within (i) the Strategic Rail Authority and (ii) the Rail Regulator; what plans he has to alter the nature of the relationship between these groups; and if he will make a statement. [23510]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Rail Passenger Council and rail passenger committees are funded through the Strategic Rail Authority, which also appoints members to the
  535W
  committees. They are otherwise independent of the authority and of the Rail Regulator, as are other passenger interest groups. We have no plans to make any change.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what discussions his Department has had with and what representations his Department has received from(a)Railtrack Group, (b) the Railway Administrator and (c) First Group, with regard to the operation of totaljourney.com; and if he will make a statement. [23509]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Totaljourney.com was a private commercial initiative implemented by Railtrack and FirstGroup. The decision to cease operation of the site was taken by those parties.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what research his Department has(a) carried out,(b)commissioned and (c) consulted upon into timetable information provided by Railtrack; what plans he has to assist in the improvement of timetable information systems in the railway industry; if he will place copies of reports published as a result of such research in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [23508]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Standards of provision of timetable information by Railtrack, Train Operators and the National Rail Enquiry Service are monitored constantly by the Strategic Rail Authority. The National Passenger Survey monitors passengers satisfaction with the provision of information. Improvement in customer satisfaction ratings will be required in new franchise agreements.

  Rail Services (Overcrowding)
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will give details of the measure of overcrowding being used by the Strategic Rail Authority; and if he will make a statement. [23504]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Passenger in Excess of Capacity (PIXC) standard states that"in respect of all trains operated by the Franchise Operator on the specified routes and services, (i) the PIXC in the morning peak shall not exceed 4.5 per cent., (ii) the PIXC in the evening peak shall not exceed 4.5 per cent., (iii) the PIXC on the morning and the evening peak shall not exceed 3 per cent, and (iv) the PIXC shall not be unduly concentrated on any particular route or service".

  PIXC is applied to the 10 train operators running services in and out of London as well as Scotrail's services across the Fife Bridge.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment has been made by(a) his Department and (b) the Strategic Rail Authority of the levels of overcrowding (i) for each train operating company, (ii) temporally and (iii) geographically; and if he will make a statement. [23503]

  Mr. Jamieson
  There is a strong commercial incentive on train operators to supply sufficient levels of comfort for passengers on the services they provide. The SRA 536W
  measures commuter overcrowding using the "Passengers in Excess of Capacity" mechanism, for which the results are published annually.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what research his Department has(a) carried out, (b) commissioned and (c) consulted upon on the measure of overcrowding levels of rail passenger services as used by the Strategic Rail Authority; if he will place copies of reports published as a result of such research conducted in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [23506]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The SRA expect commuter Train Operating Companies to undertake impartial passenger counts up to twice per annum for peak commuter services. Where PTEs specify limits for peak overcrowding they use a similar approach.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps(a) have been and (b) are planned to be taken by (i) his Department and (ii) the Strategic Rail Authority to improve the measure of overcrowding used by the Strategic Rail Authority to take account of variations (A) between train operating companies, (B) temporally and (C) geographically; and if he will make a statement. [23502]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Strategic Rail Authority is developing a new process for a consistent method of calculating overcrowding in commuter areas across the network. It will be based upon the existing Passengers In Excess of Capacity (PIXC) mechanism used for London commuter operators and for services from Fife into Edinburgh.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what progress has been made by(a) his Department and (b)the Strategic Rail Authority in reducing levels of overcrowding on the rail network; and if he will make a statement. [23501]

  Mr. Jamieson
  A number of measures have been introduced to reduce overcrowding including: the introduction of new trains that are designed to accommodate high loading levels; additional rolling stock to increase the number of vehicles available; and franchise commitments to improve services.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will provide details of the measure of overcrowding levels of rail passenger services outlined(a) in "A New Deal for Transport", (b) in "Transport 2010: The Ten Year Plan", (c) within his Department's direction and guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority of September 1999 and (d) within his Department's direction and guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority of July 2001; and if he will make a statement. [23507]

  Mr. Jamieson
  There is a requirement in the draft Directions and Guidance provided by the Secretary of State in July to reduce overcrowding to meet Strategic Rail Authority standards—no passengers standing for journeys of more than 20 minutes, no more than 30 per cent, standing for shorter journeys—by 2010.

  Integrated Transport Research
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what research his Department has(a) carried out, (b) commissioned and (c) consulted upon on the progress his Department has made towards developing an integrated transport policy as outlined in (i) "A New Deal for Transport" and (ii) "Transport 2010: The Ten Year Plan"; if he will place copies of the documentation in relation to this research which is not publicly available in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [23520]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The DTLR Science and Innovation Strategy covers all research commissioned by the Department and states the general policy of open publication of research requirements and results. It is available at http: //www.research.dtlr.gov.uk/sis2001/index.htm

  The draft Strategy for Integrated Transport Research was published for consultation in March 2001 and is available on the web at http: //www.dtlr.gov.uk/itwp/consult/research/index.htm.

  It highlights those areas where research is already being carried out in support of the Government's integrated transport objectives and outlines the key strategic research issues arising from "A New Deal for Transport" and "Transport 2010—The Ten Year Plan".

  Details of the Department's transport research programmes are published annually, and are also available on DTLR's website at the following address: http: //www.research.dtlr.gov.uk/research/03.htm. These documents set out the objectives and priorities of the individual research programmes, summarise latest research findings and provide details of new projects.

  Copies of these documents are being placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what research his Department has(a) carried out, (b) commissioned and (c) consulted upon in relation to progress made towards the development of (i) a real time travel information service, (ii) Transport Direct and (iii) a comprehensive travel information and retailing service; if he will place copies of documentation in relation to this research which is not publicly available in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [23519]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The following research is currently under way on real time information:a wide ranging market research programme is in the process of being let. This will include the extent to which the public seek real time information and the manner in which they wish to see it delivered.
  We are also seeking the creation of common standards for bus real time information systems, and are currently preparing a specification to outline common standards and compatibility for real time information systems. A consultation document will be released in the new year.
  On the railway network, the Strategic Rail Authority has funded a feasibility study on Real Time Train Movements (RTTM) and this is due to report in March 2002.

  On Transport Direct, which will be a comprehensive travel information and retailing service, the following major items of research have been commissioned or
  538W
  conducted. For a full list, please refer to the annual Departmental Research Compendium, "Roads and Local Transport Research Programme: Compendium of Research Projects 2000–2001", a copy of which is already in the House of Commons Library.
  The Transportation Research Group (TRG) at Southampton University has recently carried out a review of previous, current and planned research in areas relevant to Transport Direct. Their report is available on my Department's website and the report will be placed in the Library.
  We have commissioned a data management framework study, to define the way in which data may be input, exchanged, transferred, retrieved and manipulated. This study will allow us to assess the data management task that Transport Direct will need to tackle.
  We have some research under way looking at the standards which will be necessary for Transport Direct and seeing whether further standards should be developed.
  We envisage further technological work being commissioned to underpin Transport Direct.
  Work has begun on the development of a Business Plan for Transport Direct. This will be published next summer.
  Further research may also be necessary to support traveline.

  Transport Direct
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will provide details of progress which has been made by his Department with the delivery of Transport Direct against the timetable originally outlined; what further steps he plans to take to implement these plans according to the original timetable; what amendments to the original timetable(a) have been made and (b) are planned; and if he will make a statement. [23518]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The 10-Year Plan, published in July 2000, said that by 2003 we expect Transport Direct to include:real-time train operating information;
  real-time information on many local bus services;
  internet travel information, covering road journeys as well as all forms of public transport at a single point of contact;
  internet booking of long-distance journeys involving different forms of transport; and
  development of internet based maps that allow travellers to examine public transport options both for visiting a specific venue and for general travel around an area.

  We are on course to deliver these targets.

  Since the publication of the "10-Year Plan", we have made considerable progress:
  Traveline is up and running;
  Traveline has a website and an increasing number of areas should be added to this during 2002;
  Journey Solutions is expecting to launch the work it is doing in spring 2002 and has added several new schemes;
  a feasibility study for rail real time has started and should report in March 2002;
  we are investing heavily—£20 million—in bus real time systems next year as part of the local transport plan arrangements;
  Sir Malcolm Field has been appointed as Transport Direct's external adviser.

  Rail Regulator
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 11 December 2001,Official Report,column 789W, what form this contact takes. [23657]

  Mr. Jamieson
  My right hon. Friend maintains oral and written contact with the Rail Regulator.

  Central Railway
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement about Central Railway. [23411]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Government are considering carefully Central Railway's proposals for a hybrid Bill. We will take a view on the issues raised by proposals, including the conclusions of the SRA's high level review, and respond to Central Railway in due course.

  Government Offices (Access)
  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what(a) procedure and (b) consultation took place in respect of the closure of the access to Ambassadors entrance to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; and how long he expects it to be closed; [23595]

  (2) when and under what authority an order was placed to close Downing street to public access; what discussions were held with interested parties; and if he will make a statement on (a) the public right of way and (b) the Highways designation in Downing street; [23649]

  (3) what public right of way there is to the Ambassadors entrance to the Foreign Office. [23674]

  Mr. Spellar
  Downing street is a public highway for which Westminster city council is the highway authority. The road at the Ambassador's entrance is owned by the Royal Parks Agency, and is not a public right of way.

  Access to both roads is controlled by the police under common law powers which allow them to take reasonable steps to preserve the peace and prevent threats to it. The level of restriction by the police is constantly under review.

  Local Authorities (Best Value Regime)
  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will abolish the best value regime. [23366]

  Dr. Whitehead
  No. It is clear that many authorities have used best value to make substantial improvements in services and savings. We want to make it even better which is why my right hon. Friend initiated a three month review of best value in October. The review has brought

  £ million

  Nature of funding

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  East Devon district council

  Revenue Support Grant1

  2.510

  2.173

  2.086

  1.742

  2.063

  21.541

  Income from National Non-Domestic Rates 1

  3.924

  3.949

  4.272

  4.738

  4.738

  25.385

  Housing Investment Programme

  50.518

  0.671

  1.007

  61.715

  73.220

  81.204

  Housing Revenue Account Subsidy

  0

  0

  0

  0

  111.383

  n/k

  540W
  in expertise and experience from a wide range of bodies with an interest in improving public services. We aim to produce new guidance in early 2002.

  National Air Traffic Services
  Sandra Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans NATS has to increase its prices to customers in line with other European countries following the events of 11 September. [23563]

  Mr. Jamieson
  NATS has published its en-route charges for 2002 and in line with its regulatory requirements its element of the UK Unit Rate is to decrease by RPI—3 per cent, with effect from 1 January 2002. Any review of the price cap relating to NATS' charges is the responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority.

  Sandra Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions which centralised functions will go to Scotland as a result of the NATS facilities review. [23562]

  Mr. Jamieson
  NATS is currently reviewing its accommodation requirements. No firm decisions have yet been taken. NATS is consulting widely on its Business Plan which assumes that the Manchester Area Control Centre is to be moved to Prestwick.

  Jumbo Water Tower, Colchester
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will call in for determination the appeals lodged in respect of the Jumbo Water Tower in Colchester; and if he will make a statement. [23287]

  Ms Keeble
  [holding answer 17 December 2001]The Inspector's decision on these appeals has now been issued and the Secretary of State therefore has no further jurisdiction in this matter.

  Departmental Policies (East Devon)
  Mr. Swire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will set out, including statistical information relating as directly as possible to the constituency, the effect on the East Devon constituency of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [23751]

  Dr. Whitehead
  The principal funding that this Department has provided to East Devon district council and Devon county council in the years 1997–98 to 2001–02 is shown in the tables. These include grants and borrowing approvals for revenue and capital expenditure.

  It is not possible to determine how much of this money has been spent on East Devon constituency. It is for the local authority to decide where within its boundary these resources are applied.
  541W

  £ million

  Nature of funding

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  Capital Receipts Initiative

  0.162

  0.495

  0.000

  n/a

  n/a

  —

  Single Capital Pot3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0.477

  Devon county council

  Revenue Support Grant1

  4266.389

  155.634

  158.924

  150.930

  166.866

  2153.390

  Income from National Non-Domestic Rates1

  4205.912

  138.460

  151.558

  173.050

  170.054

  2187.755

  Local Government Reorganisation Supplementary Credit Approval

  1.812

  0.765

  0

  0

  0

  —

  Transport Supplementary Grant

  1.738

  1.238

  1.861

  0

  0

  0

  Transport Supplementary Credit Approvals

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1.350

  1.000

  Transport Annual Capital Guideline

  1.738

  1.238

  1.861

  0

  0

  10n/a

  Transport Block Supplementary Credit Approval

  2.560

  1.214

  2.842

  10.281

  20.703

  10n/k

  Rural Bus Challenge Grant9

  0

  0

  0.640

  0.300

  n/k

  n/k

  Rural Bus Subsidy Grant

  0

  1.409

  1.409

  1.409

  1.799

  2.059

  Capital Challenge (Supplementary Credit and Basic Credit Approvals)

  2.694

  2.257

  1.554

  0

  0

  —

  Single Capital Pot3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  40.498

  1 The amounts of Revenue Support Grant and Income from National Non-Domestic Rates shown for 1997–98 and 1998–99 are the revised amounts allocated under "The Local Government Finance Report (England) 1997–98 Amending Report 1999" and "The Local Government Finance Report (England) 1998–99 Amending Report 2000" respectively.

  2 The amounts of Revenue Support Grant and Income from National Non-Domestic Rates shown for 2002–03 are provisional and are subject to change. Final figures will be available in February 2002.

  3 2002–03 is the first year of the Single Capital Pot. It is a cross-service capital allocation mechanism incorporating funding for Transport, Housing, Education and Social Services. The funding is not ring-fenced for any particular service so Councils have flexibility to take national and local priorities into account in determining their investment plans. Education and Social Services allocations do not appear in the table for earlier years.

  4 Devon was subject to a Structural Change Order on 1 April 1998. The figures for Revenue Support Grant and National Non-Domestic Rates quoted for Devon county council for 1997–98 include an amount for the areas covered by The City of Plymouth and The Borough of Torbay. The figures for 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01 and 2001–02 exclude the amount for the areas covered by The City of Plymouth and The Borough of Torbay.

  5 1997–98 HIP allocation inherited from the previous Government's spending plans. Present Government introduced CRI from 1997–98

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

  7 Resource accounting has resulted in a change to the way capital resources are allocated for 2001–02, with the introduction of a new Major Repairs Allowance (MRA) to cover the cost of maintaining local authority housing in a sound condition. East Devon's MRA allocation for 2001–02 is £2.274 million and, for comparison purposes, is included in the 2001–02 HIP allocation above.

  8 HIP allocation only, MRA and Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) allocations for 2002–03 not yet announced. DFG included within HIP figures shown for all years 1997–98 to 2001–02.

  9 Rural Bus Challenge figures represent awards—actual spend profiles for schemes may cover more than one year. Awards for 2001–02 and 2002–03 not yet announced.

  10Transport Annual Capital Guidelines are included in the Single Capital pot for 2002–03. Prior to 2002–03 and the introduction of the Single Capital Pot, the transport block was allocated through Supplementary Credit Approvals.

  11Provisional

  Parts of the Constituency were included in the areas covered by one SRB scheme. Funding provided for the scheme since 1997–98 is included in the table.

  SRB scheme

  Unlocking potential

  1997–98

  128,000

  1998–99

  134,000

  1999–2000

  128,000

  Railway Line Closures
  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what contingency plans his Department and the SRA have made for line closures. [23941]

  Mr. Jamieson
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]There are statutory procedures prescribed in the Railways Act 1993, as amended by the Transport Act 2000, which must be followed before a full line closure can take place. There are currently no plans to take forward any new closure proposals.

  Road Accident Blackspots
  Alistair Burt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions where the top six predicted road accident blackspots are; and what estimate he has made of the predicted number of deaths in each one in the next 30 year period. [24059]

  Mr. Jamieson
  It is not possible to predict where specific accident blackspots will be in the future. Casualties at different sites vary from year to year and the numbers can be affected in particular years by major incidents which are not typical.

  Operation Stack (Working Party)
  Mr. Howard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he will announce his decision on the recommendations contained in the report of the working party into alternatives to Operation Stack. [23939]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 18 December 2001]My officials have scrutinised the report of the working party into the provision of an alternative to Operation Stack. It is important that we find the right way forward and further consideration is being given as to the way ahead in liaison with Kent CC. Decisions will be made in due course.

  Air Safety
  Sandra Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the relationship between the Civil Aviation Authority Economic Regulator and Safety Regulator, with particular reference to the means by which they communicate to ensure air safety. [23561]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Directors of the Consumer Protection Group (which issues airline licences), Economic Regulation Group (ERG) and Safety Regulation Group (SRG) are all members of the Board of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). They all sit on the Executive Committee, which has responsibility for corporate governance, the approval of strategy and ensuring the development and execution of policy.
  544W
  In the event of there being concerns about the financial viability of an air operator or an air traffic service provider, particularly where the safety of operations may be affected, arrangements are in place for this to be brought to the immediate attention of the Group Director Safety Regulation. The Safety Regulator, based on the information before him, would in turn instigate appropriate action to ensure the continued maintenance of air safety.

  Section 2(1) of the Transport Act 2000 enshrines the paramountcy of safety by placing it ahead of other regulatory considerations for the CAA. Furthermore the CAA has set up an internal committee comprising representatives of SRG, ERG and the Directorate of Airspace Policy to exercise oversight of the air traffic services licence.

  The primary objective of the Chairman of the CAA is to ensure that the CAA continues to promote, in an efficient and cost-effective way, high standards of safety in all aspects of civil aviation.

  Incitement to Hatred
  Incitement to Hatred
  Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Bill Consultation
  Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Bill Consultation
  Prisons: Chaplaincy Areas
  Prisons: Chaplaincy Areas
  Racially-aggravated Offences
  Racially-aggravated Offences
  Asylum Seekers: Accommodation
  Asylum Seekers: Accommodation
  Prisons: Performance Testing
  Prisons: Performance Testing
  Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act Powers
  Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act Powers
  Appeals by Healthcare Professionals
  Appeals by Healthcare Professionals
  Magistrates' Courts: Closure
  Magistrates' Courts: Closure
  Sierra Leone
  Sierra Leone
  Gas Transportation Tariffs
  Gas Transportation Tariffs
  Nuclear Reactors: Radioactive Waste
  Nuclear Reactors: Radioactive Waste
  Scotland: Railways
  Scotland: Railways
  Trans-Pennine Express Franchise
  Trans-Pennine Express Franchise
  Driving Licence Applications
  Driving Licence Applications
  DVLA: Loss of Returned Documents
  DVLA: Loss of Returned Documents
  Planning Obligations
  Planning Obligations
  Foot and Mouth: Slaughter Appeals
  Foot and Mouth: Slaughter Appeals
  Defra: Exeter Office
  Defra: Exeter Office
  MMR Vaccine
  MMR Vaccine
  Artificial Limbs: Silicone Cosmesis
  Artificial Limbs: Silicone Cosmesis
  Health Authority Boundaries
  Health Authority Boundaries
  Disabled People and the Performing Arts
  Disabled People and the Performing Arts
  Tourism: Foot and Mouth
  Tourism: Foot and Mouth
  Tourism Forum
  Tourism Forum
  Tourists from Overseas
  Tourists from Overseas
  Seaside Resorts
  Seaside Resorts
  Youth Services and Sports Facilities
  Youth Services and Sports Facilities
  Museums: Long-term Loan of Exhibits
  Museums: Long-term Loan of Exhibits
  Parliamentary Questions
  Parliamentary Questions
  Northern Ireland Bill of Rights
  Northern Ireland Bill of Rights
  Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
  Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
  Northern Ireland: Baton Rounds
  Northern Ireland: Baton Rounds
  Northern Ireland Police Service Recruitment
  Northern Ireland Police Service Recruitment
  Administrations: Memorandum of Understanding
  Administrations: Memorandum of Understanding
  Scottish Salmon Farms
  Scottish Salmon Farms
  Wales: Children's Society Service
  Wales: Children's Society Service
  Houses of Parliament: Energy Consumption
  Houses of Parliament: Energy Consumption