Written Answers of 27 February 2001

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS NATO

  NATO
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he discussed the structure, functions and membership of NATO when he met the US President and Secretary of State. [149700]

  Mr. Vaz
  When my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary met Secretary of State Powell in Washington on 6 February both agreed that maintaining NATO as an effective transatlantic military alliance is fundamental to European security.

  My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made it clear in his joint statement with President Bush on 23 February that this Government are committed to a stronger Transatlantic Alliance and that NATO will remain the essential foundation of transatlantic security.

  Middle East
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to meet the new Israeli administration to discuss the middle east peace process. [149710]

  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to meet the new Israeli administration to discuss the Middle East peace process. [149735]

  Mr. Wilson
  I have seen the Israeli Ambassador several times since taking up my post. I hosted a lunch for Eitan Bentsur on 15 February.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the middle east peace process. [149725]

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his assessment is of the prospects for permanent peace in the middle east. [149734]

  Mr. Wilson
  The cycle of violence is undermining the confidence of both sides in the peace process. I am encouraged by Prime Minister Designate Sharon's statement that he plans to continue with the peace process and to ease the conditions for Palestinians. However, the closures in the Occupied Territories breed resentment and fuel violence. The UK continues to urge both sides to take the steps needed to restore calm and re-engage in whole-hearted peace efforts.

  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contacts he has had with the Israeli Government and Palestinian authority since the Israeli prime ministerial electron. [149738]
  584W
  Mr. Wilson
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary met the new Israeli Ambassador on 14 February and Prime Minister Sharon's special envoy, Eitan Bentsur, on 15 February. He also met with the Palestinian General Delegate on 15 February.

  Syria
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to the Syrian regime about the sheltering of Aloïs Brunner. [149714]

  Mr. Vaz
  We have not made representations to the Syrian Government about Aloïs Brunner. There is general agreement that he is almost certainly dead. Inquiries in recent years by the French and German Governments and by journalists have failed to produce evidence of his whereabouts.

  Guatemala and Belize
  Mr. McWilliam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent talks held in Miami on the border dispute between Guatemala and Belize. [149715]

  Mr. Battle
  We welcome the talks between Belize and Guatemala held under the auspices of the Organisation of American States (OAS). After a constructive meeting in Miami on 16 and 17 January they signed a Plan of Action to implement an Agreement on Confidence Building Measures which they had agreed in Washington on 8 November 2000.

  At further talks in Washington on 5–7 February they agreed a process for addressing the substantive aspects of their border dispute. They have agreed to hold a Ministerial meeting in Washington on 21–23 May.

  We welcome the constructive spirit in which these talks are being conducted.

  Turkey
  Mr. Leigh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met representatives of the Government of Turkey. [149717]

  Mr. Vaz
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary had a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Cem in the margins of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Vienna in November. They also met briefly at the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels in December, and are both attending the North Atlantic Council in Brussels today. FCO Ministers are also in regular contact with the Turkish Ambassador in London.

  India (Export Licences)
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his Department's role in processing export licences for sales to India; and how many such applications are currently awaiting processing by his Department. [149718]

  Mr. Wilson
  As an adviser to the DTI, we consider all export licence applications on a case-by-case basis against the consolidated EU and national export licensing criteria. In 2000, the FCO processed over 1,200 export licence
  585W
  applications for India. As of 20 February, the FCO was considering 34 Standard Individual Export Licence applications for India and 23 Open Individual Export Licences which included India as a destination.

  Egypt
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the UK's relations with Egypt. [149719]

  Mr. Wilson
  The British Government have excellent relations with the Government of Egypt. UK/Egypt trade relations are also very strong and continue to grow; we are now the largest non-Arab investor in Egypt. I visited Egypt last month.

  Ecuador
  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had regarding the political situation in Ecuador. [149720]

  Mr. Battle
  I spoke to the Ecuadorean Ambassador about the political situation in his country when he called on me on 1 February.

  The Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Sir John Kerr, also held wide-ranging discussions with Ministers and senior officials when he visited Ecuador on 14–15 January.

  We have been following recent events closely and are pleased to note that the recent disputes between the Government and protesters over the economic reform measures have been settled.

  Kashmir
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Kashmir. [149721]

  Mr. Wilson
  We have welcomed the recent developments in Kashmir, including the announcement by the Indian Prime Minister on 22 February to extend the ceasefire by Indian security forces until the end of May. We believe this indicates a commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the Kashmir conflict. We hope that the ceasefire, and the Pakistani Government's policy of maximum restraint, will help create the conditions for a settlement to be reached. We call on both Governments to continue to build on the desire for peace in Kashmir and resume their dialogue to find a solution. We also urge the militants to respond positively and end their violence.

  NHS Recruitment
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations his Department has received from other Governments regarding recruitment on behalf of the NHS of staff in their countries. [149722]

  Mr. Wilson
  The recruitment of staff for the NHS is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health and his Department. However, we have received a number of representations on the international recruitment of medical staff as part of our normal bilateral dialogues with other countries.
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  Recruiting medical staff from around the world to help improve the NHS presents an opportunity further to encourage international co-operation and exchange. But we also need to ensure that this recruitment does not undermine local health care systems in developing countries. The 1999 NHS Guidance on International Recruitment states that NHS employers should not actively recruit from developing countries that are experiencing shortages of their own.

  Pollution and Contamination
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps(a) the UK and (b) the European Union are taking to tackle environmental pollution and nuclear contamination problems in the former Soviet central Asian republics. [149723]

  Mr. Battle
  We are aware that water quality is one of the major environmental problems in Central Asia. The UK, in co-operation with other international donors, is encouraging improved regional water co-operation. We will also be supporting a project in the Nura-Ishim river basin in Kazakhstan to reduce industrial pollution levels.

  We will be supporting a £600,000 project to produce a land use plan for the nuclear test site at Semipalatinsk in Kazakhstan. We are also considering funding a decommissioning plan for the Aktau Nuclear Power Plant, and UK experts are transferring technical know-how to the plant.

  The EU is supporting various projects to tackle environmental problems in Central Asia, such as water management and air pollution. It is also helping to fund the safe enclosure of the Aktau plant.

  Charter of Fundamental Rights
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he plans to have with his European counterparts regarding the status of the EU charter of fundamental rights. [149724]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Charter was proclaimed as a political declaration at Nice in December. It was agreed that the status of the Charter would be reviewed at the next Intergovernmental Conference in 2004.

  European Intergovernmental Conference
  Mr. Evants
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have taken place on the agenda for the next IGC in respect of European integration. [149726]

  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have taken place concerning the agenda for the 2004 IGC in relation to institutional reform. [149728]

  Mr. Vaz
  A Declaration in the Treaty of Nice sets out four issues to be discussed by the next Intergovernmental Conference in 2004. These are a more precise delimitation of competencies between the European Union and member states, the status of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, simplification of the Treaties, and the role of national Parliaments in European architecture.
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  The Declaration also called for a deeper and wider debate on the future of the European Union, and mandated the Swedish and Belgian Presidencies to initiate a wide-ranging discussion with all interested parties, including representatives of national Parliaments, members of civil society and the candidate states. The Swedish Presidency will report on this process to the Gothenburg European Council in June.

  Chile
  Judy Mallaber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs it he will make a statement on the decision of Judge Guzman in Chile to bring charges against ex-President Pinochet in connection with the caravan of death. [149727]

  Mr. Battle
  On 31 January Judge Guzman charged ex-President Pinochet with being the co-author of 57 deaths and 18 kidnappings perpetrated by the so-called "Caravan of Death" in Chile. We believe that those responsible for such atrocities should be brought to justice and we support the Chilean authorities in their pursuit of the due process of Chilean law.

  East Timor
  Mr. Derek Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the role of the international community in East Timor, with particular reference to the international court it has set up there. [149729]

  Mr. Battle
  With the full support of the international community, the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNAET) is establishing institutions and preparing the ground for elections and independence later in the year.

  We welcome recent progress made by the UNAET Prosecutor General in bringing to account those responsible for committing crimes in Fast Timor. We call on the UN, the East Timorese leadership and the Indonesians to build on their achievements and to maintain momentum.

  Philippines
  Mr. Connarty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in the Philippines. [149731]

  Mr. Battle
  We are pleased to see the recent political crisis resolved peacefully, in accordance with the Philippines' democratic traditions. We note President Arroyo's pledges for good governance and poverty alleviation. We welcome her resumption of peace negotiations with the rebel groups. We look forward to working closely with her Administration.

  Missile Defence
  Mr. Syms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with the United States Administration on proposed anti-missile defence systems. [149732]
  588W
  Mr. Vaz
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary recently held discussions in Washington with Vice-President Cheney, National Security Adviser Rice and Secretary of State Powell on a range of issues including National Missile Defence.

  These discussions, and those my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister had last week with President Bush, clearly demonstrated the constructive approach being taken by the Bush Administration. The US Administration reaffirmed their commitment to a National Missile defence system but stressed their willingness to take their time to consult Allies, Russia and others. They confirmed that no decision had yet been made on the development or deployment of a specific system. It is therefore too early to assess any implications for the UK.

  Burma
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the emerging dialogue between the Burmese regime and opposition figures. [149733]

  Mr. Battle
  We cautiously welcome reports that the Burmese regime have had a series of contacts with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. We hope that these will eventually be broadened to include the ethnic minorities and lead to a lasting peaceful solution to the political problems in Burma. But the UK will not soften its policy until there is real progress in Burma.

  Colombia
  Mr. John Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the US Government regarding the implementation of Plan Colombia by the Colombian Government. [149736]

  Mr. Battle
  We have had regular discussions with the US Government regarding the implementation of Plan Colombia. My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster intends to discuss developments in Colombia with the new US Administration in March, as well as development of the separate EU package.

  Democratic Republic of Congo
  Mr. David Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met the ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo; and what topics were discussed. [149737]

  Mr. Wilson
  My hon. Friend the Member for Neath (Mr. Hain) met the Chargé d'Affaires for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) when the DRC Foreign Minister visited the UK in December. The Special Representative for the Great Lakes met him on 2 February. On both occasions discussions focused on relaunching the Lusaka peace process.

  Pakistan
  Mr. Andy King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Pakistani Government concerning
  589W
  the arrest, detention and beating of two Christian young men for distributing the video film "Jesus" in Jacobabad. [149739]

  Mr. Wilson
  We are aware that Khalid and Nasir Masih were arrested on 11 January for distributing videos and literature to the Christian community in Jacobabad. Our High Commission in Islamabad continues to raise our concerns over the position of religious minorities with the Pakistani authorities and maintains regular dialogue with Christian and human rights groups.

  Iraq (Exports)
  Ms Ward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what goods subject to strategic export controls have recently been approved for export to Iraq. [151647]

  Mr. Battle
  Following consultation with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Trade and Industry recently approved a licence to export computer equipment, including 10 Fujitsu Siemens Scenic ED-1170A computers and two Fujitsu Siemens Lifebook C-6545 Notebook computers, controlled under the Dual Use Items (Export Control) Regulations 2000, to Iraq for the use by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in its humanitarian activities. The export of these goods to Iraq has been approved by the UN Sanctions Committee.

  Hong Kong
  Ms Ward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will publish the next report to Parliament on Hong Kong and the Sino-British Joint Declaration. [151648]

  Mr. Battle
  The eighth report in this series, covering the period July-December 2000, was published today and copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House. A copy of the report is also available on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website (www.fco.gov.uk). The report includes a foreword by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary. I commend the report to the House.

  Council of the European Union
  Ms Ward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for March and the major European Union events for the period between 31 March and August. [151649]

  Mr. Vaz
  The information is as follows.

  To date we have received the detailed agendas for the following Council meetings in March:

  8 March—Brussels—Environment Council

  Directive on type-approval of two and three wheeled motor vehicles (common position)

  6th Environment Action Programme (policy debate, public)

  Integration of environmental aspects into other policy areas, strategy for sustainable development (information from Presidency and Commission)

  World summit on sustainable development, 2002 (presentation by Commission, information by Presidency)

  White Paper on Chemicals strategy (policy debate)

  Climate Change (council conclusions, preparation for COP6)

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  Commission Communication on Bathing Water policy (exchange of views)

  Commission Green paper on integrated product policy (presentation)

  Presidency reports on state of play on:

  Directive on public access to information

  Directive on public participation

  Directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment, and draft directive on restriction of use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment

  Decision on the list of priority substances for water policy

  Directive on recreational craft

  Directive on non-road mobile machinery (auto-oils)

  Recommendation on Integrated Coastal Zone Management

  (possibly) Commission proposals on labelling and traceability of GMOs (Commission presentation)

  AOB, including a request from the Netherlands for information on measures to reduce emissions of VOCs, in line with the Council minutes statements in June 2000

  March—Brussels—Internal Market/Consumer Affairs/Tourism Council

  The Cardiff economic reform process—Internal Market aspects Council conclusions

  The European Council in Stockholm, 23–24 March—Internal Market aspects Policy debate

  Commission Strategy for removing barriers to trade in services Orientation debate

  Commission Strategy for Better Lawmaking—Simplification of Legislation Presentation by the Commission

  Strategy for integration of environmental protection and sustainable development into Internal Market policy Information by the Presidency

  (possibly) Parallel imports/Exhaustion of trademark rights Orientation debate

  Community patent Orientation debate/Progress report

  (possibly) Community Design Adoption

  (possibly) European Company Statute Adoption

  (possibly) Strategy for Customs Union Resolution

  Public procurement Orientation debate

  eEurope Action Plan Progress report Exchange of views

  (possibly) White Paper on Chemicals Strategy—internal market and consumer aspects Presentation by the Commission

  Food law and establishing the European Food Authority Orientation debate

  Proposal on food supplements Political agreement/Common position

  Distance marketing of consumer financial services Political agreement

  Other business

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  1–3 March—Uppsala—Informal Research and Education Council

  6 March—Brussels—Employment and Social Affairs Council

  12 March—Brussels—ECOFIN Council

  15–16 March—Brussels—Justice and Home Affairs Council

  19 March—Brussels—Agriculture Council

  19–20 March—Brussels—General Affairs Council

  21 March—Brussels—Fisheries Council

  23–24 March—Stockholm—European Council

  31 March–1 April—Brussels—Informal Meeting of Ministers of the Environment.

  No Agendas for the above are available at present.

  The following are the principal events in the EU between 1 April and August 2001 (certain relevant events are also included: the list is based on the information available at the date of issue).

  Date

  Venue

  Event

  April

  5–6

  Brussels

  Transport/Telecommunication Council

  8–10

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  8–10

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council (Informal)

  24–25

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  May

  5–6

  Nykoping

  Gymnich

  7

  Brussels

  ECOFIN Council

  7

  Brussels

  Employment and Social Council (possible)

  14–15

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  14–15

  Brussels

  Industry and Energy Council

  22–23

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  28–29

  Brussels

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  28

  Brussels

  Education and Youth Council

  31

  Brussels

  Development Council

  31

  Brussels

  Health Council

  June

  5

  Brussels

  ECOFIN

  5

  Brussels

  Internal market/Consumer Council

  7–8

  Brussels

  Environment Council

  11–12

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  11–12

  Brussels

  Accession Ministerial Conference

  11

  Brussels

  Employment/Social Affairs Council

  15–16

  Gothenburg

  European Council

  18

  Brussels

  Fisheries Council (possible)

  19–20

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  19

  Brussels

  ECOFIN Council (possible)

  21

  Brussels

  Culture Council

  25–26

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  26

  Brussels

  Research Council

  27–28

  Brussels

  Transport/Telecommunications Council

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  Date

  Venue

  Event

  July

  6–7

  Brussels

  Informal Employment and Social Affairs Council

  10

  Brussels

  ECOFIN Council

  13–14

  Brussels

  Regional Territories Council (Informal)?

  16–17

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  20

  Brussels

  Budget Council

  23–24

  Brussels

  Budget Council

  August

  There are no European Councils scheduled for August

  Death Penalty
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs at what stage it is Her Majesty's Government's policy to make representations against the use of the death penalty in cases of British nationals being tried overseas. [151836]

  Mr. Wilson
  Our overriding objective is to avoid the execution of British nationals. We will now express our opposition to the death penalty and its use on a British national at whatever stage and level is judged appropriate from the moment when the imposition of a death sentence on a British national becomes a possibility. Our previous policy was to make these representations only when the judicial process had been exhausted.

  We have already taken action under the new policy in the case of Krishna Maharaj. Baroness Scotland, the Minister responsible for Consular matters, has written to the Florida State Attorney setting out the UK's opposition to the death penalty and requesting that the death sentence not be pursued in his case.

PRIME MINISTER

  Chemical Industry
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Prime Minister what meetings he has had with representatives of the chemical industry in the last 12 months; and what future health and environment legislation was discussed at them. [151298]

  The Prime Minister
  I have meetings with a wide range of organisations and individuals. As with previous Administrations, it is not my practice to provide details of such meetings.

  Downing Street
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Prime Minister what the total expenditure on 10 Downing street and the Prime Minister's office was, in(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99 and (d) 1999–2000; and what his estimate is for 2000–01. [151372]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 21 July 2000,Official Report, column 347W and on 2 November 2000, Official Report, column 575W. The cost for the full year 1997–98 was £7.3 million. The cost of my Office from 1 April 2000 to 31 December 2000 was £8.3 million.
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  As a result of a change in accounting policy, figures before 1997–98 and after 1 April 1997 are not exactly comparable, but for completeness, the recorded cost of the Prime Minister's Office in 1996–97 was £7 million.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Departmental Policies (North-East Derbyshire)
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the North-East Derbyshire constituency, the effect on North-East Derbyshire of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [150885]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 26 February 2001]: Details of the effects of a range of the Department's policies on the North-East Derbyshire constituency and on Derbyshire LEA have been placed in the Library.

CABINET OFFICE

  Devolution
  Mr. Quinn
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what recent guidance has been offered to Government Departments on issues relating to devolution. [151646]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  I am today placing in the Library two further Devolution Guidance Notes which have recently been completed: DGN5—"The Role of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Post-Devolution"—and DGN9—"Post-Devolution Primary Legislation Affecting Wales". These guidance notes will be made available on the Cabinet Office internet site at www.cabinet-office.gov.uk.

  Departmental Expenditure Limit
  Mr. Pound
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans she has to change the 2000–01 departmental expenditure limit or running costs limit for the Cabinet Office. [151199]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimates:

  The Departmental Expenditure Limit for Cabinet Office (Class XVII. Vote 1, Vote 3, Vote 4) will be increased by £1,290,000 from £260,259,000 to £261,549,000 and the gross running costs limit will be increased by £6,440,000 from £113,754,000 to £120,194,000.

  This is mainly to take account of the following changes:

  (a) A transfer payment from Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Class x, Vote 2) (£470,000) for digital certificates; a payment from Home Office (Class IV, Vote 1) (£559,000) for the News Co-ordination Centre and associated contingency arrangements; a payment from Ministry of Defence (Class VI, Vote 1) (£4,000) and Foreign Office (Class VII, Vote 1) (£52,000) for BBC monitoring service; and a payment to Privy Council Office (Class XVII, Vote 5) (£20,000) towards 2 Carlton Gardens.
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  (b) In addition to these changes additional income from the Confiscated Assets Fund towards the cost of setting a Unit to assist with anti-drugs co-ordination internationally (£225,000).

  The increase will not add to the planned total of public expenditure.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Pensions
  Mr. Browne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many times in each of the last five years there have been claims for unpaid pension contributions to company pension funds from the redundancy fund set up under the Employment Rights Act 1996. [150698]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The table shows the numbers of workers for whom claims for pension scheme contributions have been made against the National Insurance Fund.

  Year

  Number

  1998

  367

  1999

  414

  2000

  387

  I regret that corresponding figures are not available for earlier years.

  Telehouse West Building
  Mr. Fitzpatrick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when a decision will be taken on standby generation for the proposed Telehouse West building in the East India Docks. [151776]

  Mr. Hain
  I have today given clearance under Section 14(1) of the Energy Act 1976 to Telehouse Europe. Telehouse have been progressively developing their facilities at East India Docks. This standby facility, of around 30 MW, will supply the electricity needs of the proposed Telehouse West building in the event of a supply interruption. Such standby facilities are designed to ensure continuity of electricity supplies in the event of a partial of total it interruption.

  Copies of the press notice and decision letter are being placed in the Library of the House.

  Chemical Weapons Convention
  Mr. Fitzpatrick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will make appointments to the Chemical Weapons Convention National Authority Advisory Committee. [151779]

  Dr. Howells
  I have appointed Dr. T. D. Inch, formerly Secretary-General of the Royal Society of Chemistry, as chairman of this committee for a further period of four years.
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  I have also re-appointed four members and appointed three new members to the committee, as follows:
  Mr. Ian Kenyon1—Formerly Executive Secretary, Preparatory Commission for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
  Dr. Colin Kinnear1—Health, Safety and Environmental Manager, Asahi Glass Fluoropolymers
  Mrs. Moira McMillan—Director, British Coatings Federation
  Dr. Kenneth Patterson1—Site Process Safely Manager, Hickson and Welch
  Mr. Julian Perry Robinson—Senior Follow, Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex
  Dr. Peter Plant—Formerly Insecticides Manufacturing Manager, Astra Zeneca
  Dr. Richard Worswick—Chief Executive, the Laboratory of the Government Chemist
  1 New appointments

CULTURE, MEDIA AMD SPORT

  Local Radio Stations
  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will relax ownership rules for local radio stations. [151550]

  Janet Anderson
  The White Paper "A New Future for Communications", which the Government published for consultation in December, states that we will consider, with the Radio Authority, the possibility of devising a new regime for radio ownership to replace the current rules. We will decide how to proceed in the light of responses to the White Paper.

  Channel 4
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the proceeds that would be realised from privatising Channel 4. [151547]

  Janet Anderson
  We have not estimated the proceeds that might be realised from privatising Channel 4.

  Television Licences
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many people who were previously entitled to a £5 television licence have applied for the free television licence introduced in November 2000. [151447]

  Janet Anderson
  Applications for free television licences for people living in accommodation which qualifies for the Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) concessionary licence scheme are made by housing managers when existing ARC licences fall due for renewal, rather than by individual residents. Information provided by the BBC, which is responsible for the administration of both concessionary schemes, indicates that since November 2000 applications have been received from about 10,500 residential and nursing homes and sheltered housing schemes. A number of these applications have still to be processed but approximately 44,500 residents have so far benefited from a free TV licence. The renewal cycle for ARC licences is spread across the year, on a monthly basis, and the BBC expects approximately 500,000 residents to qualify in total.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Departmental Expenditure Limit
  Ms Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proposals he has to amend his Department's expenditure limit and running cost limit for 2000–01. [151777]

  Mr. Rooker
  Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimate for Class XII, Vote 3, the Department of Social Security Departmental Expenditure Limit for 2000–01 will be increased by £66,361,000 from £3,590,339,000 to £3,656,700,000.

  The increase is the net effect of additional Comprehensive Spending Review funding of £30,000,000 (running costs), and an increase of £20,000,000 (running costs) for the additional costs associated with the winter fuel payments. Other changes result from a net transfer of £14,315,000 (running costs), mainly for the administration costs of the ONE project, offset by a corresponding reduction on Class I, Vote 3 (Employment Service), a transfer of £1,334,000 (running costs) for expenditure on New Deal for Communities, offset by a corresponding reduction on Class III, Vote 1 (Housing, construction, regeneration, regional policy, planning and countryside and wildlife, England), a transfer of £1,065,000 (running costs) for the cost of collecting expenses associated with road traffic accidents, offset by a corresponding reduction on Class II, Vote 1 (Hospital, community health, family health and related services, England), a transfer of £200,000 (running costs) towards the administrative costs of the Teenage Pregnancy Unit, offset by a corresponding increase on Class II, Vote 2 (Department of Health administration, miscellaneous health and social services, England), a transfer of £99,000 (running costs) towards the administrative costs of making winter fuel payments, offset by a corresponding increase in Department of Health and Social Services (Northern Ireland) and an increase of £173,000 (running costs) for the cost of collecting expenses associated with road traffic accidents in Scotland and Wales. There is also an increase of £7,206,000 (running costs) associated with services provided to other Government Departments on a repayment basis, an increase of £7,178,000 (running costs) arising from increased payments of Value Added Tax on contracted out services, an increase of £500,000 (running costs) associated with expenditure on sub-let accommodation, a reduction of £1,289,000 (running costs) following a reclassification to other current expenditure and an increase of £1,081,000 (other current expenditure) arising from increased secondments. Appropriation in Aid increased by £32,389,000.

  Changes in the Welfare to Work provision arise from an increase of £1,276,000 in the administration costs of measures to help unemployed people move from Welfare to Work, of which £776,000 is under the End Year Flexibility Scheme as set out in Table 7 of the Public Expenditure Outturn White Paper, Cm 4812, published on 18 July 2000, an increase of £1,212,000 in the administration costs of measures to help people with a disability or long term illness move into or remain in work, a transfer of £156,000 towards the cost of the innovative scheme lead by the Prince's Trust in respect of the New Deal for Disabled People, offset by a corresponding increase on Class 1, Vote 3 (Employment

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  Service) and a transfer of £306,000 towards the administrative costs of New Deal for Partners of Unemployed People, offset by a corresponding reduction on Class I, Vote 3 Employment Service.

  As a result of these changes and the reclassification of £6,500,000 to running cost related receipts the running cost limit of this Department will be increased by £58,799,000 from £3,219,522,000 to £3,278,321,000 and the running costs limit of the Welfare to Work programme will be increased by £2,638,000 from £13,996,000 to £16,634,000.

  Increases will be offset by transfers or a charge to the DEL Reserve and will not, therefore, add to the planned total of public expenditure.

  Minimum Income Guarantee
  Ms Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people are claiming the minimum income guarantee in(a) Great Britain, (b) each region of Great Britain and (c) each parliamentary constituency. [151778]

  Mr. Darling
  The information has been placed in the Library.

  Departmental Policies (Norwich, North)
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will set out including statistical information relating as directly as possible to the constituency, the effect on the Norwich, North constituency of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [151141]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Department's policies and initiatives have made a significant contribution to the Government's overall objectives of:Eradicating child poverty in 20 years, and halving it within 10;
  Promoting work as the best form of welfare for people of working age while protecting the position of those in greatest need; and,
  Combating poverty and promoting security and independence in retirement for today's and tomorrow's pensioners.

  These goals are being pursued nationwide and our achievements are set out in our annual "Opportunity for all" reports. Our second report, "Opportunity for all—One year on: making a difference" (CM4865, September 2000) sets out what progress has been made in the past year, as well as highlighting what more needs to be done. Nationwide statistical information is necessarily more complete than constituency level data, but the following provides a comparative guide to the effect of the Department's policies and actions in Norwich, North since May 1997.

  Measures in our first four Budgets will lift over 1 million children out of poverty. These include record increases to Child Benefit and Working Families Tax Credit, increases in the income-related benefits, the minimum wage and tax changes.

  Child benefit will be worth £15.50 a week for the eldest child and £10.35 a week for other children from April 2001: nationally about 7 million families receive child benefit, and in Norwich, North 11,145 families benefit.
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  We now have the lowest unemployment rate in 25 years. The New Deals have helped lone parents, the young unemployed, the long-term unemployed, the over 50s and partners of the unemployed to move from benefit into work. In the period since May 1997 the number of people claiming Jobseekers' Allowance nationally has reduced from 1,562,400 to 1,044,900; in Norwich, North the number has reduced from 2,800 to 1,700. Since May 1997 the number of lone parents who claim Income Support has decreased from 1,013,500 to 894,100 nationally and in Norwich, North from 1,600 to 1,100.

  Older people are disproportionately affected by fuel poverty. So we have introduced Winter Fuel Payments to help with their heaviest fuel bill. This winter, the payment is £200 for households who qualify. Over 21,000 older people in Norwich, North have received a Winter Fuel Payment for this winter.

  To demonstrate our commitment to combating pensioner poverty, this year we will spend £4.5 billion extra in real terms on pensioners. Some 19,400 pensioners in Norwich, North will benefit from the substantial increases in the basic State pension this April and next; this year's increase is £5 a week for single pensioners and £8 for couples. In addition we have introduced free TV licences for the over 75s of whom we estimate there are about 7,800 in Norwich, North. 2,700 pensioner families in Norwich, North are receiving the Minimum Income Guarantee, which we introduced in April 1999 to help our poorest pensioners. From April they will be at least £15 a week, or £800 a year, better off in real terms as a result of Government measures since 1997.

  Other reforms in the pipeline include: the new Pension Credit in 2003 designed to ensure that pensioners benefit from their savings. the launch of Stakeholder Pensions in April this year; and the introduction of the State Second Pension in April 2002 both of which will help provide greater security for tomorrow's pensioners.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many complaints were made against the Benefits Agency in regard to Disability Living Allowance in each of the last three years; how many such cases have been investigated by the Ombudsman; in how many cases was compensation awarded; and what the(a) highest and (b) average level of compensation was. [150594]

  Mr. Rooker
  The administration of Disability Living Allowance is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Anthony Steen, dated 26 February 2001:

  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many complaints were made against the Benefits Agency in regard to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in each of the lat three years; how many such cases have been investigated by the Ombudsman; in how many cases was compensation awarded; and what the (a) highest and (b) average level of compensation was.

  The information yon requested is not available in exactly the format you want. The information that is available is as follows.
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  1. Number of complaints made in respect of DLA by letter, telephone or in person:

  Number

  April 1998 to March 1999

  4,276

  April 1999 to March 2000

  10,656

  April 2000 to December 2000

  10,467

  These numbers include complaints about standards of service and cases in which dissatisfaction has been expressed with the outcome of benefit decisions.

  There has been a steady increase in the number of complaints throughout this period. Between April 1999 and June 2000, this can be attributed to an increase in work on hand before and after the introduction of DMA and it should be noted that the figures have steadily decreased each month since July 2000. Changes to DLA procedures led initially to a significant increase in the time taken to process each case, which created a temporary backlog of work. This was tackled as a priority and is now under control.

  The information about DLA Ombudsman cases and special payments is not kept separately from Attendance Allowance (AA) cases.

  2. Number of DLA and AA cases investigated by the Ombudsman:

  Number

  April 1998 to March 1999

  137

  April 1999 to March 2000

  119

  April 2000 to January 2001

  149

  3. The total number of DLA and AA Specia1 Payments made:

  Number

  April 1998 to March 1999

  535

  April 1999 to March 2000

  659

  April 2000 to January 2001

  869

  4. The value of DLA and AA Special Payments:

  £

  Highest award

  Average award

  April 1998 to March 1999

  10,000

  499.00

  April 1999 to March 2000

  7,134.50

  262.14

  April 2000 to January 2001

  14,556.50

  320.75

  I hope this is helpful.

  Winter Fuel Payments
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when Mr. Smith of Ferndown will receive his Winter Fuel Payment; and when Mrs. Smith will receive her Winter Fuel Payment for 1998 and 1999. [151433]

  Mr. Rooker
  The administration of Winter Fuel Payments is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Christopher Chope, dated 26 February 2001:

  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking when Mr Smith of Ferndown will receive his winter fuel payment; and when Mrs Smith will receive her winter fuel payment for 1998 and 1999.
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  Mr Smith requested his claim on 16 January 2001. His application has now been Processed and is awaiting a decision on entitlement. Mr Smith will receive notification of his entitlement and any payment due by the end of February.

  Mrs Smith's claim form was issued to her on 23 January 2001. Her application has been partially processed, however her date of birth has not been verified. Mrs Smith has been requested to submit her birth certificate so that her claim can be processed in full.

  I hope this reply is helpful.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  The hon. Member for Leicester, East
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor' s Department on how many occasions the hon. Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz) discussed potential conflicts of interest with the Permanent Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he was the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department. [150664]

  Mr. Lock
  It is the normal practice of the Permanent Secretary to discuss with Ministers, when they are appointed, whether they have any potential conflicts of interest. Such discussions took place with my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz) when he became Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department. Chapter 9 of the Ministerial Code sets out the circumstances in which Ministers should take the advice of their Permanent Secretary if they identify a potential conflict of interest. Such matters are confidential between the Permanent Secretary and the Minister concerned.

  Tribunal Funding
  Ms Coffey
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans there are to extend public funding for proceedings before the VAT and Duties Tribunal, the General and Special Commissioners of Income Tax and the Protection of Children Act Tribunal. [151775]

  Mr. Lock
  The Lord Chancellor has today issued for consultation a direction which extends publicly funded representation to some tribunals: certain proceedings before the VAT and Duties Tribunal, certain proceedings before the General and Special Commissioners of Income Tax and all proceedings before the Protection of Children Act Tribunal.

  The direction will authorise the Legal Services Commission to fund legal help and legal representation in these proceedings, subject to applications passing the statutory tests of an applicant's means and the merits of the case.

  The Commission will be able to fund representation in proceedings before the VAT and Duties Tribunal and the General and Special Commissioners of Income Tax, in the minority of those proceedings which concerns the imposition of penalties which may be considered criminal in ECHR terms. This will ensure that the Government's commitments under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights are met in full.

  Although the Protection of Children Act Tribunal does not impose financial penalties, we consider that the overwhelming importance of the proceedings to the

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  individuals involved means that legal representation should be provided at public expense to those who cannot afford it.

  The consultation period will last one month. We intend to bring in the new arrangements with effect from 2 April 2001. Copies of the direction have been placed in the Library of the House.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  lA Page Street, Westminster
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the cost of works carried out to the building at 1A Page street, Westminster, since his Department took occupation of it; and what proportion of these costs was met at public expense. [151463]

  Mr. Morley
  Works carried out by the Department at public expense since we took occupation total £615,883 (including fees for surveyors etc. and VAT). Of this, £228,376 will be recovered from the developer for remedial work which we have carried out on his behalf to minimise disturbance to staff in the building. The non-recoverable work was necessary to provide facilities for the workgroups in the building and to meet the changing needs.

  The developer and his contractor continue to be responsible for all external areas of the building (including the glazing) and are responsible for correcting defects. We have no details of the cost of this remedial work, which is not at public expense.

  £ million

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  2003–04

  Grant and supplementary credit approvals for capital improvements, catchment plant ect,

  71

  96

  106

  114

  Emergency response and repair

  5

  7

  —

  —

  Other (including storm tide forecasting service)

  6

  6

  8

  8

  Total

  82

  109

  114

  122

  These increases provide evidence of the Government's commitment to sustaining flood and coastal defences.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Paul Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to reimburse local authorities for their expenditure on supporting unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. [151650]

  Mr. Straw
  I have today laid before the House a Special Grant Report which sets out the arrangements for reimbursing local authorities in England for the costs of supporting unaccompanied asylum seeking children as a result of their duties under the Children Act 1989.

  The Special Grant Report explains the areas of expenditure which will be eligible for the grant and the time scales for local authorities to make their claims.

  Beef Industry
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the effect on the British beef industry of the EU Commission proposals on beef to go before the Council of Ministers on 26 and 27 February; and if he will make a statement. [151122]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 26 February 2001]: The Commission proposals are for a seven point plan to address the serious disruption of the beef and veal market resulting from the BSE crisis.

  The Commission's stated aim is to limit production in order to reflect the fall in demand for beef in many EU member states. The impact on the UK beef industry of these proposals is currently being evaluated, taking into account its special characteristics and the importance of safeguarding our extensively reared, grass fed production.

  Flood Prevention
  Paddy Ashdown
  To ask the Minister of Apiculture, Fisheries and Food what the total expenditure by his Department on flood prevention was for(a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02, (c) 2002–03 and (d) 2003–04; and if he will make a statement. [150419]

  Mr. Morley
  Following increases in both of the last two spending reviews and the announcements of an additional £51 million in November and a further £6.6 million in January, the current MAFF spending plans for flood defence and coast protection are as follows:

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) for what reasons maternity grants for asylum seekers are issued in the form of vouchers; [150964]

  (2) for what reasons maternity grants in the form of vouchers for asylum seekers are deemed to expire after one month. [150965]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 26 February 2001]: The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 ends asylum seekers' entitlement to all social security benefits and is replaced by a system of support in kind, with small cash payments. The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) has on a phase basis assumed responsibility for supporting all new eligible asylum seekers and this support is provided mainly by way of vouchers. The maternity payment is provided in the same way.

  The maternity payment vouchers have a four week expiry date because the maternity grant is provided to assist with the initial costs of provision for a new baby.

  Policy and Strategy Units
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when his strategic policy team was established; which of its reports are placed in the public domain; how many departmental or non-departmental special advisers participate in its work; how many regular(a) non-departmental and (b) departmental staff participate in its work; and how many of these work for the unit on a full-time basis. [150369]

  Mr. Straw
  The Head of the Strategic Policy Team took up post in April 2000. The rest of the team was then recruited, the last member joining in October 2000.

  The team is an integral part of the Home Department, producing research and advice for Ministers. Its first major piece of work has been co-ordinating the production of "Criminal Justice: The Way Ahead", which was laid before Parliament on 26 February.

  The team comprises eight departmental members of staff, seven of whom are full time. It employs one full time agency secretary. Where it examines issues cutting across more than one Department, it may involve staff from other Departments or from outside Government on secondment for the length of the project in question. For example, in its current work on criminal justice, it has received secondments for short periods of two officials from the Lord Chancellor's Department and one from the Crown Prosecution Service.

  Special advisers contribute to the team's work as necessary in the same way as to that of other parts of the Department, and consistent with the Model Contract for Special Advisers.

  Naturalisation Application
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is his policy that time spent considering a previous unsuccessful application for naturalisation should be deducted from the average waiting time for a decision in a subsequent naturalisation application. [150376]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 15 February 2001]: Where the normal criteria for granting priority are met, a subsequent application would normally be started ahead of its turn in the queue. In some instances the work done on the initial application may facilitate determination of a second application.

  Departmental Entertainment Costs
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the total gross running cost to his Department was in the last 12 months of entertaining by(a) Ministers and (b) officials. [149046]

  Mr. Straw
  The provisional total gross running cost to my Department in the last 12 months to 31 January 2001 of entertainment by Ministers was £6,234 and by officials was £160,095. Modest hospitality is Provided for official visitors and guests, for example overseas delegations, in circumstances which are beneficial to the interests of the Department and in discharge of my responsibilities as a Cabinet Minister.

  Domestic Violence
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many reported cases involving domestic violence there were in England and Wales during the last 12 months. [151013]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Domestic violence is not separately identified in recorded crime statistics collected by the Home Office. However, estimates for the numbers of domestic violence offences in 1999 are available from the 2000 British Crime Survey (BCS). Figures are also available from returns submitted to Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary relating to domestic violence "incidents' notified by police forces in England and Wales (whether or not they are subsequently recorded as crimes).

  The best estimate from the BCS is that there were 761,000 offences of domestic violence in 1999. Returns from the police indicate that there were 398,670 incidents notified to the police in 1999–2000. The BCS figure is higher than that from police 'incident' returns because not all victims will report what happened to the police. The BCS figure is an estimate only. As it is derived from a sample, it is subject to sampling error. Also, some respondents may be unwilling to reveal experience of domestic violence to interviewers. A different—more confidential—approach to measuring domestic violence in the 1996 sweep of the BCS produced higher estimates than from the conventional approach, as used to derive the 761,000 incidents in 1999.

  The BCS and police figures cover incidents against men and women. In the BCS, 74 per cent. of the offences involved women as victims (around 560,000 incidents). This information is not available from the police "incident' returns.

  Child Abuse
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent reports he has received from Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary on the cost-effectiveness of police trawling investigations relating to child abuse allegations. [151277]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  There have been no reports from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary on the cost-effectiveness of child abuse investigations. The police have a duty to investigate all allegations of child abuse fully and thoroughly, and in accordance with the law. It is for individual Chief Constables to decide on the most appropriate methods of investigation in each case.

  I have been in discussion with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary about what more can be done to ensure that the procedures in place for conducting these very difficult investigations are fair and robust.

  ACPO are currently drawing up a manual for Senior Investigating Officers working in child abuse cases, which will include a section on good practice in tracing potential witnesses and obtaining corroborative evidence. This will provide detailed operational guidance on how to conduct such investigations, while recognising that investigators must follow emerging evidence and treat each case on its merits. In parallel with this, an inter-agency working group is currently reviewing the procedures for investigating the abuse of children in care or looked

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  after children in the context of taking forward the Government's response to the Waterhouse Report "Lost in Care". This review will lead to the development of practical, procedural guidance to the police and social services on the handling of complex abuse investigations.

  Both sets of best practice guidance should be completed by the end of March. Together they will provide a coherent policy framework for how to conduct child abuse investigations, building on best practice drawn from around the country and ensuring that the necessary procedures are in place to safeguard against the risk of false allegations

  Prison Visits
  Ms Ward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the Boards of Visitors which have published their annual report in each of the last five years. [151495]

  Mr. Boateng
  Boards of Visitors annual reports are not published documents. They are made to the Secretary of State who permits the Board to publish their annual report, if they wish, subject to the removal of any material which is confidential. Boards are, however, encouraged to publish their reports and the Boards which have done so over the past five years are shown in the table.

  Board

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  Acklington

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Albany

  No

  No

  No

  No

  No

  Aldington

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  3—

  Altcourse

  2—

  2—

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Ashfield

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  Yes

  Ashwell

  No

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Askham Grange

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Aylesbury

  No

  No

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  Bedford

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  Belmarsh

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Birmingham

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Blakenhurst

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  Blantyre House

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Blundeston

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Brinsford

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Bristol

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Brixton

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Brockhill

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Buckley Hall

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Bullingdon

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Bullwood Hall

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Camp Hill

  No

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Canterbury

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Cardiff

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Castington

  No

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Channings Wood

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  No

  Yes

  Chelmsford

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Colchester

  2—

  Yes

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Coldingley

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Cookham Wood

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  No

  Dartmoor

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Deerbolt

  Yes

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Doncaster

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Dorchester

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Dover

  No

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Downview

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Drake Hall

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  Durham

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  East Sutton Park

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Eastwood Park

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Elmley

  No

  No

  No

  No

  No

  Erlestoke

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

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  Board

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  Everthorpe

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Exeter

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Featherstone

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Feltham

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Ford

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Forest Bank

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  Yes

  FostonHall

  2—

  2—

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Frankland

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Full Sutton

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Garth

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Gartree

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Glen Parva

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Gloucester

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Grendon/Spring Hill

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Guys Marsh

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Haslar

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Hatfield

  No

  No

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  Haverigg

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Hewell Grange

  No

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  High Down

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Highpoint

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  Hindley

  No

  No

  No

  No

  No

  Hollesley Bay

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  Holloway

  Yes

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Holme House

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Hull

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Huntercombe

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Kingston

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Kirkham

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Kirklevington Grange

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Lancaster Castle

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Lancaster Farms

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Latchmere House

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Leeds

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Leicester

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  Lewes

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Leyhill

  No

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Lincoln

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Lindholme

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Littlehey

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  Liverpool

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  Long Lartin

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Lowdham Grange

  2—

  2—

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  Low Newton

  No

  No

  No

  1—

  1—

  Maidstone

  No

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Manchester

  No

  No

  No

  No

  1—

  Moorland

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  Morton Hall

  No

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  The Mount

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  New Hall

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  1—

  Northallerton

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  North Sea Camp

  No

  No

  No

  No

  1—

  Norwich

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  Nottingham

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  Onley

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Pare

  2—

  2—

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  Parkhurst

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  Pentonville

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  Portland

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  Preston

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  Ranby

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Reading

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  Risley

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Rochester

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Send

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Shepton Mallet

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Shrewsbury

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  Stafford

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  Standford Hill

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  Stocken

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  1—

  Stoke Heath

  No

  Yes

  No

  No

  Yes

  Styal

  No

  No

  No

  No

  1—

  Sudbury

  No

  No

  No

  No

  1—

  Swaleside

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  1—

  607W

  Board

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  Swansea

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  Swinfen Hall

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  Thorn Cross

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  1—

  Usk/Prescoed

  No

  Yes

  No

  Yes

  1—

  The Verne

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Wakefield

  No

  No

  No

  No

  1—

  Wandsworth

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  Wayland

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  Wealstun

  No

  No

  No

  Yes

  1—

  Weare

  —2

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  Wellingborough

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  1—

  Werringlon

  No

  No

  Yes

  No Report

  1—

  Wetherby

  Yes

  No

  No

  No

  1—

  Whatton

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  No

  1—

  Whitemoor

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  Winchester

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  Wolds

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  Woodhill

  No

  No

  Yes

  No

  1—

  Wormwood Scrubs

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Yes

  Wymott

  No

  No

  Yes

  Yes

  1—

  1Not yet received

  2Prison not open

  3Prison closed

  Note:

  For some of the 2000 reports indicated above the date of publication will be after the disclosure of this information.

  Opposition Policies
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) pursuant to the answer of the Minister for the Cabinet Office of 1 December 2000,Official Report, columns 47–48W, what costings of (a) Liberal Democrat and (b) Conservative Party policies his Department has (i) undertaken and (ii) co-ordinated in the previous 12 months; and if he will place copies of such costings in the Library; [146673]

  (2) if special advisers in his Department have been involved in (a) co-ordinating, (b) costing and (c) presenting costings of policies of opposition parties; and if he will make a statement; [146672]

  (3) pursuant to the answer of the Minister for the Cabinet Office of 11 December 2000, Official Report, columns 47–48W, what costings of (a) Liberal Democrat and (b) Conservative Party policies his Department has (i) undertaken and (ii) advised upon in the previous 12 months; and if he will place copies of such costings and relevant background documents in the Library. [146664]

  Mr. Straw
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, my right hon. Friend the Member for Oxford, East (Mr. Smith), on 14 February 2001,Official Report, column 183W.

DEFENCE

  Serco Contracts
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the contracts that exist between Serco and the Department, its executive agencies and associated public bodies; and if he will list those which have existed in the last three years. [151350]

  Dr. Moonie
  The information is not readily available in the form requested. However, since 1 April 1998, the Ministry of Defence has placed 107 contracts with Serco 608W
  companies, of which 69 are extant. I will write separately to my hon. Friend with a list of such contracts and will place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House. The information sought on the number of contracts placed by the Department's executive agencies and associated public bodies with Serco companies is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mustard Gas
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what evidence his Department has(a) collated and (b) evaluated regarding the burning of mustard gas at military establishments and its effect upon neighbouring civilian populations. [148906]

  Dr. Moonie
  Following the decision by the United Kingdom to abandon its offensive chemical weapons capability in 1956 there was a requirement to dispose of the stockpile of the chemical blister agent mustard which had been built up at the time of World War II.

  In accordance with the practice of the day these stockpiles were burnt in either open pits or incinerators. No evaluations were made at the time of the effects on neighbouring civilian populations. However, the RAF has conducted extensive research into its historical disposal of chemical weapons.

  Today any historical chemical weapons which are recovered are taken to CBD Porton Down for safe disposal. Part of the disposal process of any of these weapons which contain mustard includes incineration. This is undertaken in an on-site incinerator which meets all the standards set by the Environment Agency.

  Depleted Uranium
  Valerie Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what checks are carried out on(a) batches of depleted uranium raw material and finished ammunition and (b) imported ammunition; [150081]

  (2) what checks are undertaken to ensure that depleted uranium used for ammunition manufacture is not contaminated with other radioactive materials. [150080]

  Mr. Spellar
  It has long been known in the scientific community, the nuclear industry and by the Ministry of Defence that depleted uranium (DU) might contain minute traces of isotopes other than U-238, U-235 and U-234.

  Two types of DU based ammunition are in-service with British Forces: the UK manufactured 120mm anti-armour round and the US manufactured 20mm RN Phalanx round.

  My Department procures all ammunition to given specifications. It is the manufacturers' responsibility to establish the suitability of raw materials used in manufacture.

  Phalanx ammunition is sold to the UK via the US Department of Defence (DOD). All of DOD's DU comes from three Department of Energy (DOE) gaseous diffusion plants: Paducah, Kentucky; Oak Ridge, Tennessee; and Portsmouth, Ohio. All three of these plants received recycled uranium that contained trace amounts of transuranics.
  609W
  RO buy their DU from Starmet Corporation who in turn buy it from DOE. They have no practical way of determining exactly where the input material came from. They believe that it was mostly from Paducah, Kentucky, but it was all produced at their plants at Concord and Barnwell in the US.

  Starmet have found traces of transuranic elements in their DU. However, the amounts were so small that the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission simply amended Starmet's licence to accommodate the traces. Given that the amounts of contaminates are so small, and pose no additional risk to health, it is not considered worthwhile to try to remove them.

  On receipt by my Department, and periodically thereafter, all ammunition, including that containing DU, is subject to inspection in accordance with stringent guidelines. Where appropriate, in-service surveillance, proof and maintenance firing is undertaken to ensure that the ammunition continues to meet the required quality standards throughout its life. Before issue for use, DU ammunition is inspected, and the radiation dose rates are monitored to ensure that it meets transportation criteria. DU ammunition is also subject to regular dose rate monitoring in accordance with Departmental procedures while in storage depots.

  There are no specific checks undertaken which determine whether or not the DU contained in UK in-service ammunition is contaminated with other radioactive materials. However, any significant increase in the quantity of high activity radionuclides would be detected by our routine radiation monitoring.

  In view of the recent public interest in DU contamination by other radioactive materials, my Department intends to confirm the data provided by the manufacturer which was published on 7 February 2001, Official Report, columns 519–22W. We will analyse the composition of CHARM 3 ammunition using an independent laboratory, and publish the results.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the personnel who have contracted malaria as a result of deployment to Sierra Leone did not receive anti-malarial treatment until they were in Sierra Leone; and if he will make a statement. [150672]

  Dr. Moonie
  As of 21 February, there were 113 confirmed cases of malaria among Service personnel who deployed to Sierra Leone. On the basis of the investigations undertaken by my Department, of these 113 cases, there are no more than 10 personnel who did not receive their anti-malarial treatment until after arriving in Sierra Leone. In all but one case this was as a result of their deploying at very short notice. Within 24 hours of these personnel arriving in theatre, however, the French drug Savarine was procured locally and distributed. Steps were immediately taken to procure Mefloquine, the preferred anti-malarial treatment, from the UK and all personnel taking Savarine transferred to Mefloquine within four days. The other individual was temporarily absent from his unit on duty just prior to deploying and missed the issue of Mefloquine. He was issued with Mefloquine as soon as the problem came to light between two to five days after his arrival in theatre.
  610W
  No anti-malarial drug is 100 per cent. effective and the degree of protection can be subject to a wide range of factors; for example, the geographical location, the season, and the activities undertaken by the individuals concerned. Therefore, as well as anti-malarial drugs, other types of protection and environmental controls are used. Even with such precautions, however, malaria is not wholly preventable.

  Tank Fleets
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 8 February 2001,Official Report, column 631W and his subsequent letter, (1) if he will list the serviceability targets for each year from 1995 to 2001 inclusive for (a) Warrior variants, (b) Challenger 1, (c) Challenger 2, (d) Saxon variants, (e) AVF 430 variants, (f) Sabre, (g) Striker, (h) Scimitar, (i) Spartan, (j) Sultan, (k) Samaritan and (l) Samson; and if he will make a statement; [151037]

  (2) on what date the decision was made to change the system of fully operational serviceability targets for the Army tank fleet from readiness in 24 hours to immediate availability; for what operational reasons; and if he will make a statement. [151038]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 26 February 2001]: The decision to change the system of reporting equipment availability was taken in May last year. The change was made following the adoption of the Formation Readiness Cycle which places different units in the Army at different readiness states. Some of these states require equipment to be available immediately (ie capable of undertaking the task to which it has been allocated), while for others a much longer lead time will be acceptable.

  The serviceability targets for the equipment types listed by the right hon. and learned Member, which reflect this change in the reporting system, are shown in the table.

  Percentage

  Vehicle type

  Serviceability target 1995–2000

  Immediate availability target 2000 to date1

  Warrior Variants

  75

  75

  Challenger 12

  80

  80

  Challenger 23

  80

  80

  Saxon Variants

  70

  70

  AFV430

  70

  70

  Sabre

  70

  70

  Striker

  70

  70

  Scimitar

  70

  70

  Spartan

  70

  70

  Sultan

  70

  70

  Samaritan

  70

  70

  Samson

  70

  70

  1This target is set by the Equipment Managers and applies to all vehicles regardless of the readiness state of the Unit to which they are allocated.

  2Challenger I withdrawal programme is almost complete.

  3Challenger 2 was introduced into service in 1998.

  BAE (Redundancies)
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received concerning planned job redundancies at BAE military manufacturing plants in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [150724]
  611W
  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 26 February 2001]: Since the announcement by BAE Systems concerning restructuring was made on 10 January 2001, my Department has received a number of representations. At the time of the announcement the company said that it was not in a position to state how their cost reduction measures would effect each site within their business or impact upon employment. We have asked the company to keep us informed, and are monitoring the situation closely.

  Armed Forces Pension Scheme
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary Of State for Defence when he will announce the conclusions of the Review of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme. [151044]

  Mr. Spellar
  We have concluded the internal phase of our Review of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme and I hope to make an announcement shortly on arrangements for public consultation on the resulting proposals.

  RAF Fylingdales
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the annual expenditure incurred at RAF Fylingdales has been in each year since 1997; and if he will indicate under which budget heading in his Department's expenditure plans the investment in Fylingdales is listed. [151597]

  Mr. Hoon
  The annual expenditure incurred at RAF Fylingdales for each year since 1997 was some
  £12 million for 1997–98, £11 million for 1998–99 and £13 million for 1999–2000. It was charged to the Strike Command Top Level Budget, detail, of which can be found in the relevant year's Supply Estimates for the Ministry of Defence, copies of which are in the Library of the House.

HEALTH

  French Beef
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will take steps to suspend the import of French beef until French herds are proved to be BSE-free; and if he will make a statement; [144101]

  (2) if the Government will impose a precautionary ban on French beef imports until an assessment can be made of the risks to the consumer. [144390]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: The Government are advised on matters of food safety by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

  The FSA has examined the issue of the safety of beef from France. Dr Christl Donnelly cf Imperial College, London has made an assessment of the risks to the consumer from BSE arising from imports of French beef. The results were published in "Nature" on 14 December 2000. The study concluded that if the United Kingdom's over-thirty-month (OTM) rule is fully enforced there is virtually no risk from BSE in French beef imported into the UK. If the OTM rule is only 75 per cent. enforced, then risks posed by British and French meat sold in the UK would be the same. The FSA estimates that OTM enforcement levels in the UK are above 75 per cent.
  612W
  In these circumstances, the FSA concluded that a ban on the importation of beef from France would not be proportionate to the risk and could not therefore be justified. Nevertheless, the FSA is keeping the position under constant review, taking account of the latest available scientific and other information. The FSA will issue revised advice whenever necessary.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what investigation the Food Standards Agency has undertaken concerning the scientific grounds for banning French beef imports. [144336]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: The Government are advised by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) that its decision not to recommend a ban on the importation of beef from France is based on two key regulatory requirements, namely the controls on specified risk materials (SRM), and the over-thirty-month (OTM) rule, and on a scientific assessment of the risks of BSE associated with French beef.

  European Union rules, which took effect from 1 October 2000, now require the removal of SRM from beef carcases in the country of origin, and United Kingdom legislation prohibits the import of beef containing SRM. The OTM rule prohibits the sale for human consumption of beef from animals over the age of thirty months at time of slaughter. This rule applies equally to beef from cattle that are slaughtered in the UK (with minor exceptions) and to imported beef (again with minor exceptions).

  The scientific assessment of the risks of BSE to consumers in the UK arising from French beef was given in a study by Dr. Christl Donnelly of Imperial College London. The results of that study were published in "Nature" on 14 December 2000. The study concluded that if the OTM rule is fully enforced there is virtually no risk from French beef imported into the UK. If the OTM rule is only 75 per cent. enforced, then risks posed by British and French meat sold in the UK would be the same. The FSA estimates that OTM enforcement levels in the UK are above 75 per cent.

  The FSA continues to keep the position under constant review, taking account of the latest available scientific and other information. The FSA will issue revised advice whenever necessary.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the(a) membership, (b) duration, (c) itinerary and (d) cost were of the recent Food Standards Agency mission to France to investigate BSE controls. [144342]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: The Food Standards Agency has advised that the delegation from the agency which met officials of the French Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to discuss BSE controls in France comprised David Statham (Director of Enforcement), David Noble (then Director of Legal Services), Chris Lawson (then Head of Meat Hygiene Division), Peter Hewson (Head of HQ Veterinary Team), Leone Austin (then Head of Media Relations), Jane Downes (Acting Director of Veterinary Services, Meat Hygiene Service) and David Carruthers (Head of the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy food safety branch). The delegation was accompanied by David Barnes (First Secretary (Agriculture)) from the British Embassy in Paris and an interpreter.
  613W
  The delegation arrived in Paris on the evening of 28 November 2000, stayed overnight at the Hotel Saint James and Albany, and then travelled to the Agriculture Ministry at 251, rue de Vaugirard, arriving at 8.30 am. After the conclusion of the meeting at about 11.30 am, the delegation returned to the British Embassy and from there departed from Paris that afternoon.

  The total cost of the visit, including travel expenses, hotel accommodation and the services of the interpreter, was £3,860.

  BSE
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list those animals besides cattle and sheep, which are being investigated by the Food Standards Agency for the presence of BSE and TSEs. [144871]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 11 January 2001]: I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that it does not carry out any surveillance for BSE or other Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies in any animals, apart from cattle aged over thirty months entering the food chain. The testing of any other animals for the presence of these diseases is a matter for the Agriculture Departments.

  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to stop the import of BSE-contaminated meat; and if he will make a statement. [149471]

  Ms Stuart
  The Government are advised on matters of food safety by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

  British consumers are protected against the dangers of BSE in beef by two key measures: the controls on specified risk materials (SRM), and the over-thirty-month (OTM) rule.

  It is illegal to import beef with any SRM attached. Where imported beef with SRM attached is discovered, it is seized by the relevant enforcement authorities and either destroyed or returned to the supplier, depending on the circumstances involved. Following the discovery of remnants of spinal cord in a number of consignments of beef imported recently from Germany, the FSA has instructed the Meat Hygiene Service and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for Northern Ireland to ensure that all consignments of beef imported from Germany are now inspected in licensed meat plants. The FSA has also written to local authorities to advise them that all meat plants under local authority supervision which are likely to receive consignments of German beef should be subject to further random checks, in which any beef from Germany should be inspected.

  The OTM rule prohibits the sale for human consumption of beef from animals over the age of thirty months at time of slaughter. This rule applies equally to home produced and imported beef, with the exception of beef from 14 specified non-EU countries with no history of BSE. In November 2000 the FSA instructed local authorities and the Meat Hygiene Service to step up their OTM rule enforcement checks in respect of imported beef. The responses from the enforcement authorities show a high level of compliance with the OTM rule.

  Wheelchairs
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the numbers of wheelchairs(a) supplied and (b) kept in storage in Cornwall in the last year for which figures are available. [147835]

  Mr. Hutton
  5,523 residents in Cornwall have a wheelchair issued by the Disablement Services Centre at Derriford Hospital. In 2000, 1,680 wheelchairs were issued of which 50 per cent. were new and 50 per cent. reconditioned. A number of wheelchairs are held in store at any one time, in the course of transfer to new users, or during repair.

  Beef Imports
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of beef imports from Germany are subject to BSE checks of the kind that resulted in the recent discovery of specified risk material contamination in Northern Ireland. [147860]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 30 January 2001]: As a general rule, fresh meat imported into the United Kingdom from other European Union member states is subject only to random spot checks at places of destination. The responsibility for ensuring that only meat which complies with EU hygiene and BSE controls is exported to other member States rests with the competent authorities in each member state.

  However, following the discovery of remnants of spinal cord in a numbei of consignments of beef imported recently from Germany. the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has instructed the Meat Hygiene Service and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for Northern Ireland to ensure that all consignments of beef imported from Germany are now inspected in licensed meat plants. The FSA has also written to local authorities to advise them that all meat plants under local authority supervision which are likely to receive consignments of German beef should be subject to further random checks, in which any beef from Germany should be inspected.

  In addition, the FSA has also vigorously taken up the problem of the contaminated beef with both the European Commission and the relevant German authorities.

  Blackpoql Victoria Hospital Trust
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the Blackpool Victoria Hospital Trust will receive the capital investment to develop its new cardio-thoracic facilities. 147240]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 31 January 2001 The recommendations for developing cardiac services across the north-west have been accepted in full. Discussions are now progressing well with a view to developing the business case for the Specialist Cardio-Thoracic Centre which will be based at the Blackpool Victoria Hospital. It is hoped that the nrw unit will be operational by 2005, subject to the availability of capital.

  Sight Impairment
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many laser treatments took place to correct sight impairment in each health authority in England in each year since 1995. [150199]
  615W
  Mr. Hutton
  Information about laser eye surgery in National Health Service hospitals in England for the years 1995–96 to 1999–2000 has been placed in the Library.

  School Dental Service
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many school pupils by health authority were both inspected and reinspected by the school dental service in each year since 1990; and it he will make a statement. [150393]

  Mr. Hutton
  The information for England has been placed in the Library.

  The tables show, for children aged five to 15, the number of screenings by the Community Dental Service (CDS) and the number of episodes of care in the CDS following screening programmes and following recall by the CDS. The number of episodes of care is not available before 1992–93. The information is shown by district health authority up to 1995–96 and by health authority thereafter.

  As part of the Dental Strategy we will work with the dental profession to clarify the aims and objectives for school dental screening, so that current best practice in encouraging treatment where necessary after screening becomes routine for all CDS and school dental screening programmes.

  Misoprostol
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the hospitals which(a) have been, (b) are and (c) plan to be involved in trials of Misoprostol; what evidence he has collated concerning the drug's effects during the first stages of labour; what representations have been made to the Government on the subject of Misoprostal; if he will review the Government's policy on the use of Misoprostol; and if he will make a statement. [150386]

  Ms Stuart
  Misoprostol is not currently licensed for the induction of labour. The Department has asked the National Institute for Clinical Excellence to provide clinical guidelines on the induction of labour and their report is expected this summer.

  Our view is that until such time as the NICE guidelines are issued, use of misoprostol for the induction of labour should only be administered under properly managed clinical trials where the risks and benefits of the drug are fully explained and understood by women.

  Since March 1998, the Medicines Control Agency has received and approved 22 notifications for clinical trials of misoprostol in the United Kingdom from consultant obstetricians and gynaecologists. These notifications have been made under the provisions of the Doctors and Dentists Exemption Scheme. Details of clinical trials, including data collated during trials, are not normally released, without the consent of the parties concerned, as there are legitimate commercial and other confidential interests which cannot be disclosed. Such interests are recognised in the current administrative Code of Practice on Access to Government Information and also in the Freedom of information legislation.

  Medicine Ingredients
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans the Government have to review their policy concerning the listing of ingredients of animal origin on medicine labels; and if he will make a statement. [150430]

  Ms Stuart
  The labelling of medicinal products for human and animal use is governed by European law, which requires all labels to show certain information including a qualitative and quantitative statement of active ingredients and a list of other key ingredients. It is not possible to introduce a requirement for labels to identify those ingredients of an animal origin without an amendment to European law.

  ICD Implants
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what provision he is making to implement the NICE recommendation to increase the use of ICDs from 17 per million population to 50 per million; [150860]

  (2) if he will list the number of ICD implants per million population by (a) health authority and (b) regional health authority. [150859]

  Mr. Denham
  The National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance on the appropriate use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) has been circulated very widely: copies were sent to health authorities, National Health Service trusts, general practitioners and many other health professionals, as well as to community health councils and patients' groups. Additional resources have been made available within health authority unified allocations to support the implementation of NICE recommendations generally. Implementation of this NICE guidance on the use of ICDs will lead to an increase in the number of ICDs implanted but, as NICE acknowledge, we will need to develop the capacity to achieve this increase in implantation rates. This will be taken forward within the overall programme of work to improve and expand services for coronary heart disease (CHD) in line with the CHD National Service Framework.

  Comprehensive data about implantation rates by region or health authority are not available. The most recent national figures relate to 1998 and show the rate then, as stated in the question, as 17 per million population.

  Medicines Control Agency
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 29 January 2001,Official Report, column 49W, on the Medicines Control Agency, if he will state for each request for information made under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information since 1997 which was not met under the specified 20 days (a) the specific number of days taken for each request, (b) the reasons each request was not met under the specified time and (c) what steps are being taken to ensure that requests for information are routinely met within the specified time limit. [150455]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 15 February 2001]: The information requested is in the table.
  617W

  Reference Number

  Number of days taken to reply

  Reason request was not met within 20 working days

  OG/97/05

  23

  Resource priorities

  OG/97/12

  38

  Request required searches of all relevant MCA databases

  OG/98/18

  38

  Request raised 10 separate issues requiring input from across MCA. Also raised policy issues as per 98/24

  OG/98/22

  38

  An MCA internal procedures document required updating before copy could be provided as requested

  OG/98/23

  127

  Request raised five separate issues, some spanning 1987 to early March 1998, which needed search of archived papers. Also raised policy issues as per 98/24

  OG/98/24

  123

  Raised issues of policy which needed to be resolved before reply could be sent

  OG/98/30

  24

  Resource priorities

  OG/98/37

  83

  As per OG/98/24

  OG/98/44

  66

  As per OG/98/24

  OG/98/49

  35

  Request raised four separate issues requiring search of third party papers

  OG/98/51

  128

  Request raised six separate issues requiring search of third party papers

  OG/98/55

  29

  Resource priorities

  OG/98/64

  1—

  Reply subsumed into action re: OG/98/24

  OG/98/67

  30

  Reply subsumed into separate correspondence outwith the Code

  OG/98/69

  21

  Resource priorities

  OG/98/73

  align="right">23

  Resource priorities

  OG/98/76

  2—

  Request cleared by telephone but no record of data made at time

  OG/98/78

  31

  Request raised 13 separate issues requiring search of archive papers

  OG/98/79

  33

  Resource priorities

  OG/99/03

  169

  Request sought replies to consultation exercise. The consultation period had been extended beyond the expiry of the 20 days and then large number of replies had to be checked for confidentiality, copied and collated before reply could be sent

  OG/99/04

  175

  As OG/99/03

  OG/99/09

  86

  Request raised 24 separate issues requiring search of archived papers

  OG/99/11

  23

  Information sought not held centrally by the MCA

  OG/99/13

  31

  Resource priorities

  OG/99/24

  26

  Request sought replies to consultation exercise and replies had to be checked for confidentiality, copied and collated before reply could be sent

  OG/99/31

  35

  Resource priorities

  OG/99/37

  28

  Resource priorities

  OG/99/45

  33

  Partial reply sent within 20 days but supplementary information required to complete reply

  OG/99/46

  62

  Involved correspondence with third parties to determine material to be disclosed

  OG/99/48

  64

  Request raised 11 separate issues requiring search of archived papers

  OG/99/50

  43

  Request raised several separate issues requiring search of archived papers

  OG/00/02

  64

  Resource priorities

  OG/00/05

  38

  Resource priorities

  OG/00/20

  71

  Multiple queries requiring advice from third parties

  OG/00/22

  129

  Multiple queries requiring advice from third parties

  OG/00/23

  1—

  Involves large amount of data and correspondence with third parties to determine material to be disclosed

  OG/00/25

  3—

  Involves large amount of data and correspondence with third parties to determine material to be disclosed

  OG/00/27

  3—

  Involves correspondence with third parties to determine material to be disclosed

  1Not applicable

  2Not known

  3Outstanding

  Following a recommendation from the Ombudsman, the Medicines Control Agency is currently reviewing its procedures for handling requests under the Code. In addition the Agency is examining the information held by the MCA (which currently totals around 400 different types) to determine, for example, what can be routinely published or what could be pre-prepared in anticipation of requests. This work will intensify over the coming months in preparation for the implementation of the Freedom of information legislation. These initiatives will streamline arrangements for dealing with requests for information and enable a greater number of inquiries to be answered within 20 working days.

  Pharmaceuticals
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of the cost of pharmaceuticals in the United Kingdom, the United States of America and other European Union countries; and if he will make a statement. [150666]
  618W
  Ms Stuart
  Regular comparisons are made between the prices of medicines in these countries and the results published in "The Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme: Report to Parliament". The most recent edition of this (the fourth report) was published in December 2000. Copies are in the Library and the text is also on the Department of Health website at www.doh.gov.uk/pprs/ pprs-reports.htm.

  The medicines compared (which are those with the highest sales to the National Health Service) are branded rather than generic, because in many countries unbranded generic medicines are not available.

  Haemophilia
  Dr. Naysmith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will estimate the additional cost to the NHS of treating all adults with haemophilia in England who are receiving plasma treatment products with recombinant genetically engineered products; [150862]
  619W
  (2) how many adults with haemophilia in England are receiving (a) plasma-derived haemophilia treatment products and (b) recombinant treatment products. [150864]

  Mr. Denham
  Based on figures provided by the United Kingdom Haemophilia Centre Doctors Organisation, we estimate that approximately 13 per cent. of adult haemophilia A patients and 4 per cent of haemophilia B patients in England are currently receiving recombinant clotting factors. We estimate the additional cost of providing all adult haemophilia patients with recombinant clotting factors at around £50 million per annum.

  Dr. Naysmith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what differences there are between the provision of recombinant genetically engineered haemophilia treatment products for(a) adults and (b) children in (i) England, (ii) Scotland, (iii) Wales and (iv) Northern Ireland. [150865]

  Mr. Denham
  In England, all new haemophilia patients and children under 16 are treated with recombinant clotting factors. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland provide, or are in the process of providing, recombinant clotting factors for all haemophilia patients.

  Project Name

  Expected Completion Date

  Estimated Cost (£000)

  Children In Need 3

  August-2001

  174

  Children Looked After 4

  April-2001

  182

  DH Communications Unit Resource Management System

  March-2002

  393

  Care and Health Information Portfolio 4

  May-2001

  289

  Computer Aided Facilities Management System

  June-2001

  122

  Computerisation of Medical Benefits System

  June-2001

  380

  Food Standards Agency (IT Infrastructure set-up & Relocation)

  May-2001

  1952

  Financial Infromation Management System (Phase 1)

  October-2001

  870

  Interim NHS Benchmarking System

  February-2001

  301

  Internet Data Collection for Local Authorities

  March-2001

  114

  NHS Estates Knowledge Database

  February-2001

  206

  NHS Estates Business Systems

  April-2001

  720

  Research and Development Programme Management System

  April-2002

  426

  Management of Electronic Documents Strategy

  April-2003

  2500

  Regional Office Historic Data Project

  November-2001

  234

  Remote Working Improvements Project

  December-2001

  150

  National Care Standards Commission IS Infrastructure

  April-2002

  19600

  National Care Standards Commission Registration and Inspection Package

  April-2002

  1500

  National Care Standards Commission Finance Package

  April-2002

  1000

  National Care Standards Commission Pay and Personnel System

  April-2002

  250

  Medical Devices Agency Integrated System for Information Sharing

  March-2001

  191

  NHS Pension Agency E-Pensions Zone

  June-2001

  493

  Public Health Laboratory Service CoSurv/lablink

  March-2002

  112

  There are many smaller projects where the total project costs are less than £100,000. A full-list of these could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the IT projects his Department plans to undertake in the next year; and if he will state in each case the(a) expected date of commencement and completion and (b) cost. [151478]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 26 February 2001]: The Department's programme for 2001–02 has not yet been finalised but priority will be given to projects that support the NHS Plan.

  Child Abuse
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance is issued to nurses about
  620W
  Dr. Naysmith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what counselling and advice his Department has made available to haemophilia patients who have received treatment products which are traced to a blood donor who has died of vCJD. [150861]

  Mr. Denham
  The United Kingdom Haemophilia Centre Doctors Organisation, in consultation with the Department, has agreed a policy of giving all haemophilia patients information about such incidents and offering them a choice to know if they or their children received implicated clotting factors. Counselling and advice to patients will be provided by haemophilia centres.

  Departmental IT Projects
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the IT projects currently undertaken in his Department; and if he will state the(a) expected completion date and (b) cost of each project. [151506]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 26 February 2001]: The information requested is shown in the table.

  reporting to the police cases where, in the course of their duty, a nurse strongly suspects a child of being a victim of sexual abuse. [151355]

  Mr. Hutton
  Nurses are well placed to identify when a child may be suffering, or be at risk of significant harm. Like any other professional, a nurse must take appropriate action in accordance with locally agreed procedures, if he or she believes that a child is at such risk. This may involve a referral to local child protection services, which may include the police who then inquire as appropriate into the circumstances of the case.

  The "Working Together to Safeguard Children" guidance, published by the Government in 1999, and "Child Protection—Guidance for Senior Nurses, Health Visitors and Midwives and their Managers", a report of the Standing Nursing and Midwifery Advisory Committee, published in 1997, together set out in detail the crucial role that nurses play in child protection.
  621W
  We are currently developing supplementary guidance to "Working Together" which will focus on the role of all health professionals in child protection.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if full multidisciplinary investigations are carried out in accident and emergency departments of all cases where babies have been shaken. [151374]

  Mr. Hutton
  If a member of staff working in a hospital accident and emergency department believes that a child may be suffering, or may be at risk of suffering, significant harm appropriate action must be taken immediately in accordance with local procedures. This may involve a referral to local child protection services, which may include the police who then inquire as appropriate into the circumstances of the case.

  The "Working Together to Safeguard Children" guidance, published by the Government in 1999, sets out how all agencies with child protection responsibilities should work together to safeguard children and promote their welfare. We are currently developing supplementary guidance to "Working Together" which will focus on the role of all health professionals in child protection.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information on specific treatment services provided to children at risk of abusing other children within the Quality Protects Programme is available. [151378]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department does not seek from local authorities specific information on what services are made available under the Quality Protects Programme to children at risk of abusing other children.

  However, children at risk of abusing other children are likely to have considerable, and often complex, needs. Local authorities are expected to work closely with their partner agencies to ensure that such children receive support and treatment based on their assessed needs.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the future programme for research into the incidence and prevalence of child maltreatment in the UK. [151380]

  Mr. Hutton
  We are committed to researching into the nature and extent of child abuse and its causes. Development of policy aimed at tackling child maltreatment is informed and influenced by published research in this complex field such as that carried out by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. The revised "Working Together to Safeguard Children" (1999) guidance on child protection reflects the key messages from a programme of research studies into child protection issues commissioned by the Department of Health, "Child Protection: messages from research" (1995).

  We regularly commission research into the needs of children and the impact of services which aim to promote and safeguard the welfare of children. The total cost of this programme for the current financial year is approximately £2.5 million. Projects considering the causes, directly or in part, of child abuse include: a study of the onset of sexually abusive behaviour in boys who were sexually abused in early childhood; a study aimed at advancing knowledge about the psychological maltreatment of a specific group of children: those singled
  622W
  out from their siblings and rejected by their birth parents and the comparative costs and outcomes of different interventions for sexually abused children.

  Meat Cutting Services
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what restrictions exist on butchers to provide meat cutting services to other outlets; and if he will make a statement. [151358]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 26 February 2001]: In order to provide cutting services to other outlets, butchers need to have their premise licensed as cutting plants under the red meat or poultry meat hygiene and inspection Regulations, which implement European Union Directives. The Regulations only exempt butchers who cut meat for sale from their own premises directly to the final consumer.

  However, under guidance originally issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to cater for trading practices in Great Britain, exempt butchers may supply their other branches or mobile shops with up to 50 per cent. or 1 tonne (whichever is the lesser) of their production per week, provided the rest is sold from the premises where the meat is cut. In England and Wales, exempt butchers may also use shops not in their ownership as subsidiary outlets, provided they retain ownership of the meat until its sale to the final consumer, subject to the overall 50 per cent. or 1 tonne weekly limit.

  Physical Punishment (Children)
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish a response to the submissions received on his consultation document on the physical punishment of children. [151377]

  Mr. Hutton
  We will publish our response to the consultation on the physical punishment of children later this year.

  Prescription Costs
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost was of prescriptions in each year since 1979; and if he will make a statement. [151524]

  Ms Stuart
  The table gives details of the net ingredient cost of prescriptions dispensed in the community in England. The majority of these will have been prescribed by general practitioners.

  Net ingredient cost of Prescriptions dispensed in the community in England, 1979 to 1999

  £million

  Year

  Community pharmacists and appliance contractors

  Community pharmacists and appliance contractors dispensing doctors and personal administration

  1979

  592

  n/a

  1980

  716

  n/a

  1981

  834

  n/a

  1982

  977

  1,035

  1983

  1,096

  1,162

  1984

  1,181

  1,257

  1985

  1,250

  1,333

  1986

  1,366

  1,459

  1987

  1,537

  1,644

  1988

  1,737

  1,865

  1989

  1,882

  2,027

  623W

  Net ingredient cost of Prescriptions dispensed in the community in England, 1979 to 1999

  £million

  Year

  Community pharmacists and appliance contractors

  Community pharmacists and appliance contractors dispensing doctors and personal administration

  1990

  2.079

  2,243

  1991

  2,334

  2,520

  1992

  2,639

  2,858

  1993

  2,903

  3,159

  1994

  3,115

  3,405

  1995

  3,362

  3,681

  1996

  3,654

  4,007

  1997

  3,976

  4,367

  1998

  4,285

  4,701

  1999

  4,836

  5,291

  Notes:

  1. 1979 to 1990 data are from the Prescription Pricing Authority PD1 series of forms.

  2. 1991 to 1999 data are from the Prescription Cost Analysis (PCA) system.

  3. 1979 to 1981data for dispensing doctors and personal administration are not available.

  4. Net ingredient cost (NIC) refers to the cost of the drug before discounts and does not include any dispensing costs of fees. It does not include any adjustment for income obtained where a prescription charge is paid at the time the prescription is dispensed or where the patient has purchased a pre-payment certificate.

  Asylum Seekers (Unaccompanied Children)
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if unaccompanied asylum seeking children are supported in the same way as children ordinarily resident in the UK under the Children Act 1989. [151379]

  Mr. Hutton
  Local authorities have the same duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of unaccompanied asylum seeking children as they do for the indigenous population of children in need. All local authorities have a duty under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989 to provide services for all children in need in Chair area, including accommodation and support. There are currently approximately 6,000 unaccompanied asylum seeking children in the United Kingdom, the riajority of whom are aged 16 and 17. They are generally provided with support under Section 17 of the Children Act, with those aged under 16 being formally looked after under Section 20 of the Act.

  Waiting Lists
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people were awaiting NHS treatment on 1 January in each year since 1990; and if he will make a statement. [151521]

  Mr. Denham
  Hospital waiting list information collected centrally shows the position at the end of each quarter. The table shows the number of people waiting for admission to hospital, either as an ordinary or day case, on 31 December each year since 1989.

  Patients awaiting admission to hospital

  As at 31 December

  Number

  1989

  971,845

  1990

  965,520

  1991

  950,098

  1992

  977,189

  624W

  Patients awaiting admission to hospital

  As at 31 December

  Number

  1993

  1,065,782

  1994

  1,070,492

  1995

  1,054,948

  1996

  1,104,983

  1997

  1,261,915

  1998

  1,173,598

  1999

  1,108,006

  2000

  1,034,381

  Source

  Trust based KHO7 returns

  We promised to reduce NHS waiting lists and this we have done. At the end of December 2000 the waiting list was 123,600 below the March 1997 level we inherited.

  Post-natal Depression
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what systems are in place to ensure early detection of post-natal depression in mothers of young babies; and what support is given to such mothers. [151376]

  Mr. Hutton
  The National Service Framework for mental health sets out at standards two and three the action needed to deliver better primary mental health care, and to ensure consistent advice and help for people with mental health needs, including primary care services for individuals with severe mental illness. The NSF requires health authorities to have protocols agreed and implemented between primary care and specialised services for the management of post-natal depression by April 2001. Work is being taken forward following publication of the NHS Plan and through the Workforce Action Team, to agree the workforce and education requirements to deliver the NSF, and to strengthen mental health in primary care.

  Compensation
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the NHS paid in compensation payments in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [151287]

  Ms Stuart
  Figures on the amounts included in the National Audit Summarised Accounts for clinical negligence payments for the last five years are as follows:

  £million

  1994–95

  160

  1995–96

  173

  1996–97

  235

  1997–98

  144

  1998–99

  221

  Figures for 1999–2000 are not yet available.

  Because of changes to accounting practice required by the National Audit Office these data are not directly comparable.

  Information on the non-clinical schemes is not available.

  Accident and Emergency Units
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many accident and emergency units there were in the NHS in each year since 1991–92; [150387]
  625W
  (2) how many accident and emergency units were in operation in each year since 1979; and if he will make a statement. [151531]

  Ms Stuart
  The information is not available in the form requested.

  The Department collects information centrally on the number of National Health Service trusts with one or more accident and emergency service. Information for 1996–97 to 1999–2000 is available via the annual Korner return KHO3 "bed availability and occupancy". Copies are available in the Library.

  Eye Tests
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average cost of eye tests was in each year since 1979; and if he will make a statement. [151528]

  Mr. Denham
  National Health Service sight tests are provided by community opticians at no charge to the patient. Prior to 1989 there was universal entitlement but, from 1 April 1989, eligibility was restricted to children, people on low incomes and people suffering from or predisposed to certain eye diseases. With effect from 1 April 1999 we restored eligibility to everyone aged 60 or over so that less than 50 per cent. of the population now has to pay for private sight tests. The cost of a private sight test varies between optical practices.

  Dental Costs
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average cost of a session of dental treatment was in each year since 1979; and if he will make a statement. [151530]

  Mr. Hutton
  The average gross cost per course of treatment in the General Dental Service is shown separately for children and adults in the table for England for each of the years 1979 to 1999–2000.

  General Dental Service: Average gross cost in £ per course of treatment from 1979 to 1999/2000—England

  Year

  Children

  Adults

  1979

  6.60

  13.78

  1980

  7.59

  16.88

  1981

  8.63

  19.38

  1982

  9.13

  21.16

  1983

  9.73

  22.32

  1984

  10.15

  24.07

  1985

  10.52

  24.79

  1986–87

  11.75

  27.11

  1987–88

  13.01

  29.41

  1988–89

  14.96

  31.82

  1989–90

  16.49

  33.30

  1990–91

  17.40

  35.13

  1991–92

  18.81

  36.11

  1992–93

  23.32

  34.77

  1993–94

  25.32

  31.93

  1994–95

  26.39

  33.16

  1995–96

  28.07

  33.26

  1996–97

  28.44

  33.58

  1997–98

  26.05

  32.52

  1998–99

  28.52

  33.53

  1999–2000

  29.88

  34.82

  The figures from 1990–91 onwards are affected by the introduction of the new dental contract in October 1990. Under the contract, part of dentist's remuneration come
  626W
  from registration payments rather than from treatment fees. For children, certain treatments were covered by these registration payments and no longer claimed for separately in courses of treatment. Since 1996–97, some of these children's items are again claimed for separately.

  Nurse Recruitment
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many nurses were recruited in each year since 1983; and if he will make a statement. [151529]

  Mr. Denham
  Information on the total number of nurses recruited into the National Health Service is not collected centrally.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Highways Expenditure
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the levels of spending on highways per head of population in(a) Staffordshire and (b) each other county of England (i) in the current year and (ii) in each of the last three years. [150017]

  Mr. Hill
  The tables showing capital and current expenditure figures by Highways Authorities for the current year available have been placed in the Library of the House. Both tables include Staffordshire. The figures are derived from DENR/Government Office for London capital and revenue estimated outturn figures.

  Figures for the three previous years were included in my reply to the hon. Member on 10 November 1999, Official Report, column 601W.

  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the levels of spending on highways per head of population in(a) Staffordshire and (b) each other county of England (i) in the current year and (ii) in each of the last three years, distinguishing in each case the element represented by standard spending assessment. [148292]

  Mr. Hill
  The tables showing capital and current expenditure figures for the current year available have been placed in the Library of the House. Both tables include Staffordshire. The figures are derived from DETR/Government Office for London capital and revenue estimated outturn figures.

  Figures for the three previous years were included in my answer of 10 November 1999, Official Report, column 601W.

  Standard Spending Assessment

  Funding for current expenditure on local authority highways is provided by central Government through the Revenue Support Grant (RSG). RSG covers routine maintenance on all local authority roads, part of the structural maintenance on non-principal roads, and an element for capital replacement of street lighting.

  Highways Maintenance Standard Spending Assessment (HMSSA) is the figure used to calculate the highways element of the Revenue Support Grant (RSG). The largest single factor used in the calculation of HMSSA is the

  627W
  length and class of roads in each local authority's network. Other factors include average winter weather, levels of traffic volume, and population.

  RSG provides the financial basis for local authorities to provide essentially similar levels of service. However, it is for local authorities to prioritise their use of the money available to them, and authorities may use part of the highways maintenance element for other services.

  Road Maintenance
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much money was allocated to local authorities for road maintenance in each of the past five years in(a) North Somerset and (b) England. [150069]

  Mr. Hill
  The table shows capital allocation figures for highway maintenance, and figures for Highway Maintenance Standard Spending Assessment, for North Somerset and England, for the years in question.

  Highway maintenance allocation for North Somerset and England

  £ million

  Highway maintenance (capital allocation)

  Highway maintenance SSA

  North Somerset

  England (total)

  North Somerset

  England (total)

  1996–97

  0.591

  186

  6.416

  1,759

  1997–98

  0.668

  200

  6.316

  1,759

  1998–99

  0.594

  180

  6.281

  1,767

  1999–2000

  0.686

  240

  6.295

  1,813

  2000–01

  0.895

  301

  6.576

  1,858

  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what monitoring his Department carries out of local authorities in their provision of best value regarding road maintenance; and if he will make a statement. [150028]

  Mr. Hill
  We introduced a number of Best Value Indicators in 2000–01 which measure the effectiveness and efficiency of the highway maintenance function, including the condition of principal and non-principal roads, efficiency of street lighting, cost of highway maintenance, duration of temporary traffic controls caused by local authority road works on traffic sensitive roads, and time taken to respond to dangerous defects, in each highway authority.

  Local authorities are required to publish details of their performance against these indicators it their annual Best Value Performance Plan (BVPP). They are also required to set realistic targets for all their services. These plans and targets are subject to scrutiny by the District Auditor.

  The Government have set specific targets in the 10-Year Plan for Transport for halting the decline in road condition, and have made provision for this in the Local Transport Plan settlement. Best Value Indicators are one method by which the performance of highway authorities will be monitored.

  National Air Traffic Services
  Ms Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to ensure that there are sufficient personnel 628W
  available in NATS to maintain necessary service levels while training occurs for the new en route centre at Swanwick. [149849]

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  It is essential that air traffic controllers are trained to a high standard to operate the system at the Swanwick centre.

  NATS have told us that the staffing situation with regard to manning of West Drayton while at the same time training for the Swanwick centre is tight but manageable. The training of controllers for the New En Route Centre commenced on 2 January 2001 and will be complete in January 2002. NATS has some 360 air traffic controllers available to meet a budgeted requirement for 300 controllers in the Area Control operation at the London Area and Control Centre at West Drayton and the surplus is participating in the training programme on a rotating basis. By June of this year, the actual number of West Drayton controllers is expected to increase to 374.

  A3, Hindhead
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what information he has collated about accident rates on the A3 in the Hindhead area in the past three years. [150302]

  Mr. Hill
  As part of the recently completed road based study of the A3 at Hindhead, accident data were collected for a three-year period from late 1996 to late 1999. There are clusters of accidents on the single-carriageway sections and at the Hindhead crossroads but they are not markedly different from clusters elsewhere on similar roads. The number of accidents along the A3 between the scheme over the past three years is as follows:

  Year/location

  Fatal

  Serious

  Slight

  1996–97

  Single-carriageway section

  1

  5

  24

  Hindhead

  0

  2

  1

  Total

  1

  7

  25

  1997–98

  Single-carriageway section

  1

  5

  30

  Hindhead

  0

  0

  4

  Total

  1

  5

  34

  1998–99

  Single-carriageway section

  0

  3

  22

  Hindhead

  0

  0

  2

  Total

  0

  3

  24

  Diabetes
  Mr. Browne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from Phil Gallie MSP about licence restrictions for people with diabetes. [150815]

  Mr. Hill
  We have received no representations from Phil Gallie MSP on this issue.

  Nuclear Waste
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his
  629W
  estimate is of the length of time that a vessel could maintain traces of radiation having been used to dump nuclear waste at sea. [150797]

  Mr. Meacher
  Vessels used for sea dump in the North Atlantic were subject to licence under the Dumping at Sea Act 1974. Such licences contained a provision requiring the ships, on completion of sea dump operations, to be monitored and, if necessary, cleaned by a qualified person until free from significant radioactive contamination to ensure the ships could be returned to unrestricted use with other cargoes. The statutory limits of residual non-fixed radioactive contamination and radiation levels applicable at the time remain essentially the same to date, ie non-fixed contamination limits of 4 Bq/cm2 (10-4 µCi/cm2) for beta/gamma and low toxicity alpha emitters, 0.4 Bq/cm2 (10-5 µCi/cm2) for all other alpha emitters, and a surface radiation limit of µ5 Sv/h (0.5 mrem/h).

  Sea dump operations ceased in 1982 with the last operation of the MV Gem, which was certified free from significant radioactive contamination on 15 August 1982 by observers from the UK Atomic Energy Authority and the Nuclear Energy Agency of the OECD.

  Council Housing (Birmingham)
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the resources available to Birmingham city council to improve its council housing stock. [150675]

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  Capital investment by local authorities is financed by support from central government and from their own resources. The size of their overall programme, the total for housing and the proportion of this spent on the council housing stock are for authorities to decide.

  Government support for housing investment by Birmingham for 2001–02 totals £90.2 million, which is two and a half times the allocation for 1997–98. Around half of the 2001–02 allocation is being provided through new Major Repairs Allowance, which provides resources to meet the on-going capital costs of maintaining the council housing stock.

  Birmingham are working on proposals for stock transfer. If this proceeds it should secure resources to enable catch-up repair work and modernisation work to be completed in 10 years.

  East Coast Main Line
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) when he expects the decision on the refranchising of the East Coast main line to be taken; [151252]

  (2) what steps he is taking to investigate the reasons for the delay in the refranchising of the East Coast main line; and if he will make a statement. [151251]

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if bidding for the East Coast main line franchise has been suspended; and if he will make a statement. [151328]
  630W
  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 26 February 2001]: On 14 February the Strategic Rail Authority announced a pause in the franchise replacement process for the East Coast main line as a result of the increased cost estimates for upgrading the line that Railtrack has now provided.

  My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has asked the Chairman of the SRA, Sir Alastair Morton, to advise him urgently of the reasons for the increase in Railtrack's cost estimates and why this information has only become available at this late stage.

  It would be inappropriate to speculate on any implications for the replacement process for the East Coast main line franchise until the SRA has discussed the cost estimates with Railtrack.

  A27
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much public money was spent on work relating to(a) possible improvements to the A27 Lewes to Polegate and (b) the A27 Polegate bypass between 1 January 1989 and 30 April 1997. [150833]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 26 February 2001]: I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Tim Matthews, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Kerman to Mr. Norman Baker, dated 27 February 2001:

  The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has asked the Highways Agency's Chief Executive, Tim Matthews, to reply to your question about the amount of public money which was spent on work relating to (a) possible improvements to the A27 Lewes to Polegate and (b) the A27 Polegate bypass between 1 January 1989 and 30 April 1997. Mr. Matthews is currently on leave and I am replying on his behalf.

  I am afraid that the financial records kept before the Agency was established in April 1994 do not allow us to disaggregate expenditure on these two schemes. The amount spent on work on them from 1 April 1994 to 30 April 1997 is:

  (a) the possible improvements to the A27 Lewes to Polegate—£935,545

  (b) the A27 Polegate bypass—£1,445,572.

  Traffic Movements
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if it is his Department's policy to encourage heavy traffic to use local roads as a diversion from trunk roads. [151329]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 26 February 2001]: Trunk roads are intended as through routes for heavy traffic. It is not the Department's policy to encourage heavy traffic to divert to local roads, although in the event of an incident these can be used as a temporary diversion.

  Rail Services (Penalties)
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much money has been levied in fines and penalties for late performance on Railtrack and the train operating companies by the Rail Regulator since May 1997; and if he will set out the date and amount of each fine. [151330]
  631W
  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 26 February 2001]: On 24 November 1999, the Rail Regulator made an enforcement order imposing a penalty of £10.8 million on Railtrack. Railtrack has sought mitigation and is to provide the Regulator with further information to enable him to make a final decision. The imposition of penalties on train operators for late performance is a matter for the Strategic Rail Authority, not the Regulator.

  Cycle Storage Lockers
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to remove cycle storage lockers from main railway stations; and if he will make a statement. [151324]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 26 February 2001]: No. The provision of cycle storage facilities at their 14 main railway stations is a matter for Railtrack. I understand that their policy is to provide for such facilities wherever possible. Railtrack is currently carrying out an audit of cycle facilities at all their stations to determine whether greater provision is needed.

  A36(T)
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reason he has decided to de-trunk the A36(T); and how much he estimates this will save his Department in the first three years of de-trunking. [150460]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 26 February 2001]: The A36/A46 route was identified as a non-core route for de-trunking in the White Paper "A New Deal for Transport", which set out the factors taken into account in defining the core trunk road network (paragraph 3.130). Following consultation with regional planning bodies on the proposed core/non-core split a further study of the role of the A36/A46 was carried out. This. study concluded that the proportion of core route traffic on the route is low although it recognised that the A46/A36 met to some degree the criteria for core route status. In view of the short journey length of the majority of the traffic and in particular the need for local initiatives to manage the impact of heavy goods vehicles on the route the Secretary of State decided to confirm its status as a non-core route.

  De-trunking is not an exercise to save money. We are committed to a fair transfer of resources to local highway authorities taking over de-trunked routes and arrangements for ensuring this have ben discussed and agreed with the Local Government Association.

  Furthermore, in the light of the major study which we commissioned to look at alternative ways of dealing with the city's transport problems following the cancellation of the A36 Salisbury Bypass in 1997, we announced in the local transport settlement last December £13.7 million to be spent over the next five years on integrated transport measures from the Salisbury Package included in Wiltshire County Council's local transport plan. We also provisionally accepted the proposals for the Brunel Link and Harnham Relief Road, estimated to cost £13 million, which are also part of the Package.

  Partnership Programme
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of the funds allocated to the Powershift cleaner fuels programme has been spent to date in the 2000–01 financial year, broken down by fuel type of conversion. [150643]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 26 February 2001]: My Department is providing Powershift with a total of £9.9 million this financial year. In the period 1 April 2000 to 16 February 2001 grants totalling £7.2 million towards the cost of purchasing cleaner fuel vehicles had been offered and accepted with £2.1 million so far actually paid. Information on the detailed breakdown by fuel type is being prepared and I will write to the hon. Member.

  Road Traffic Accidents
  Sir Nicholas Lyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many road traffic accidents which have given rise to(a) fatalities and (b) personal injury occurred in each of the past five years for which figures are available; how many of each of the above categories of road traffic accidents occurred in areas subject to (i) a 30 mph speed limit, (ii) a 40 mph speed limit, (iii) a 50 mph speed limit, (iv) subject only to national speed limits for the relevant category of road and (v) on motorways subject only to the 70 mph speed limit; and in how many of each of the above categories of accident excessive speed was a significant cause of the accident. [151283]

  Mr. Hill
  The information requested is shown in the table. It is not known in how many of the accidents in each category excessive speed was a significant cause.

  Road accidents in Great Britain: 1999

  Speed limit (mph)

  Fatal accidents

  Other injury

  All personal injury1

  30

  1,077

  151,638

  152,715

  40

  267

  18,284

  18,551

  50

  91

  3,901

  3,992

  60 or 70

  Non-motorways

  1,526

  48,812

  50,338

  Motorways

  176

  8,942

  9,118

  All roads2

  3,138

  231.910

  235.048

  1 Includes fatal accidents

  2 Includes unknown and other speed limits

  Farm Vehicles
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if farm vehicles exempt from vehicle excise licences will be required to display a number plate; and if he will make a statement. [151158]

  Mr. Hill
  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in the pre-Budget statement his intention to exempt tractors and certain other agricultural vehicles from the payment of vehicle excise duty, subject to consultation. There is already a wide range of vehicles exempted from the payment of vehicle excise duty, including vehicles operated by the emergency services and those constructed before 1 January 1973. Generally, the requirement to display a licence, (including, in
  633W
  the case of exempt vehicles, a "nil licence") and the requirement to display number plates are quite separate and there are no plans to alter these arrangements.

  Flood Prevention
  Paddy Ashdown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the total expenditure of his Department on flood prevention work was(a) through local authority finance, (b) through all forms of central Government finance for (i) 2000–01, (ii) 2001–02, (iii) 2002–03 and (iv) 2003–04; and if he will make a statement. [150418]

  Ms Armstrong
  The funding allocated by the Flood Defence and Coast Protection SSA blocks for 2000–01 and 2001–02 is set out in the table. Decisions about the level of the Flood Defence and Coast Protection SSA blocks for subsequent years have not yet been taken; therefore no figures can be provided for 2002–03 or 2003–04.

  £ million

  Year

  Flood defence SSA

  Coast protection SSA

  2000–01

  246.825

  10.275

  2001–02

  257.700

  10.700

  2002–03

  n/a

  n/a

  2003–04

  n/a

  n/a

  DETR does not provide any other funding for flood prevention work. All other central Government support for flood prevention work is provided by MAFF as set out in an answer to PQ 150419 given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food today, Official Report, column 602W.

  Highways Agency
  Dr. Stoate
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Highways Agency Business Plan will be published; and what targets he has set for the Highways Agency for 2000–02. [151738]

  Mr. Hill
  Key targets set for the Highways Agency are included in the Agency's Business Plan which will be published tomorrow. A copy will be placed in the Library.

  These targets are:
  to maintain the network so that the proportion requiring maintenance within the next year is held between 7 and 8 per cent.;
  to upgrade, and have operational with agents, the Highways Agency Pavement Management System;
  to put in place a computer based road structures asset management system (Structures Management Information System);
  to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on motorways and trunk roads by 416 to 4,575 (compared with the 1994–98 average of 4,991);
  to reduce the slight casualty rate to 21.59 slight casualties per hundred million-vehicle km (compared with the 1994–98 average of 22.14);
  634W
  to complete at least 10 early action schemes aimed at improving safety;
  to complete at lea it 11 early action schemes aimed at tackling congestion;
  Install at least 68 motorway Close Circuit TV cameras;
  to achieve an average annual target of 90 per cent. across the six environment programme sub-indicators;
  to install automatic hold up warning systems on at least 128km of motorway length; and
  to achieve at least 13 of the 15 Targeted Programme of Improvements scheme milestones listed in the Business Plan;
  to put the Agency s property to economic use ensuring that the percentage of vacant residential properties at the end of the year does not exceed 15 per cent. of the residential portfolio, and the percentage of vacant habitable properties empty for more than six months at the end of the year does not exceed 3 per cent. of the residential portfolio.

  2001–02 is the first full year of the implementation of the Government's 10-Year Plan for Transport. These targets reflect the progress which the Highways Agency will deliver in contributing to the objectives of providing a safe, well maintained and less congested strategic road network.

  National Bus Company (Pensions)
  Ms Rosie Winlerton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress being made in the legal proceedings initiated by the National Bus Company pension trustees to determine eligibility of the different categories of beneficiary for a share of the settlement sum paid over by the Government in July 1999. [151739]

  Mr. Hill
  As I reported to the House in replying to the Adjournment debate held on 25 January, these proceedings were commenced in October 2000. I understand that a case conference was held on 9 February. As a result, the patties concerned are required to participate in discussions during March with a view to agreeing a settlement of the outstanding issues and to report back to the court. I urge all those involved to do their utmost to reach agreement within that time scale.

  I also understand that, if—as I hope very much will not be the case—agreement is not reached and a full trial is necessary, a timetable has been set for this to commence in the autumn and to last around five weeks. it would obviously involve significant legal costs which could amount to several million pounds and this, combined with the further potential delay, underlines the need for every effort to be made to reach an early agreement in the forthcoming discussions.

  Bus Subsidies
  Mr. David Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 15 February 2001,Official Report, column 220W, if he will make a statement on the results of the latest round of the rural bus challenge competition, and on the allocations to local authorities. [151774]

  Mr. Hill
  Following careful consideration of the 137 bids submitted by local authorities to the Rural Bus Challenge 2000, on 19 February we announced approval for the 51 projects as listed. Funding for the successful bids will total up to £21.2 million.
  635W
  That announcement also detailed increased Local Authority Rural Bus Subsidy Grant allocations for 200–02, totalling £41.5 million and indicative allocations

  Rural bus challenge 2000

  Authority

  Project name

  Award total (£)

  Bedfordshire

  The Potton Area 'Countryside Link' Project

  555,575

  Cambridgeshire

  Cambridgeshire Rural Links

  260,000

  City of York

  Enhanced Connexions

  235,858

  Cornwall

  The DIRECT Project

  845,000

  Cumbria (North West Partnership)

  Clubcard—Smartcard Vision

  Up to 800,000

  Derbyshire

  Southern Derbyshire Rural Access Initiative (continuation)

  600,000

  Devon

  Life in the Bus Lane—North Devon (Buses are Cool)

  300,000

  Dorset

  Blackmore Vale Accessible Community Transport Scheme

  462,000

  East Riding

  Howdenshire Community Transport Partnership

  400,000

  East Sussex

  Moving Forward—Community Buses for Rural Transport Partnership

  773,820

  Essex

  Dengie Plus: Building on Success

  1,113,805

  Greater Manchester

  Expansion of Rural Shared Taxi

  288,000

  Hampshire

  Testbed

  990,165

  Herefordshire

  Transport Co-ordination Project

  129,452

  Hertfordshire

  HAD—"Out of Hours Transport Services"

  209,781

  Kent

  Deal Area Responsive Transport (DART)

  453,000

  Lancashire

  Carnforth Connect

  660,500

  Leicestershire and Rutland

  Leicestershire and Rutland Cross County

  1,619,000

  Lincolnshire

  Tardis

  547,000

  Milton Keynes

  Nippa Service

  160,154

  Norfolk

  North Walsham "Bitternlink"

  276,528

  Leisure and Learning Links

  250,825

  North Lincolnshire

  A1077 Villages, Bus Service Route 350

  114,313

  North Yorkshire

  Travelinks

  602,000

  South Selby Taxibus

  267,000

  Stationlink and Sherburn area village bus

  253,000

  Northamptonshire

  Corby Rural Dial-a-Ride

  50,900

  Northumberland

  Phone and Go

  731,700

  Nottinghamshire

  Renew Retford—NEWark

  492,000

  Plymouth

  Enhanced Rural Service Access and Quality

  214,800

  Redcar and Cleveland

  Improving Access Arrangements to Housing in Skelton

  20,000

  Shropshire

  Rural Real-Time bus passenger information project

  282,697

  Somerset

  South Somerset

  182,344

  South Gloucestershire

  Rural Community Transport

  348,000

  South Yorkshire

  Bradfield and Worrell

  611,714

  Clayton-with-Frickley Taxibus

  62,705

  Staffordshire

  Moorlands Traveller East Project

  118,000

  Stockton-on-Tees

  Thorpe Thewles-Stillington Taxi

  12,000

  Suffolk

  Bike and Bus Butty

  275,424

  Surrey

  Waverley Transport Solutions

  404,025

  Telford and Wrekin

  Wiekin Connect—The Lawley Express Partnership

  184,000

  Thurrock

  The Rural Bus Club

  288,270

  Torbay

  Continued Development of the 'Hospital Hopper' Project

  81,800

  Tyne and Wear

  Regional Communication Infrastructure/TransStop

  560,150

  Warwickshire

  Stratford on Avon Accessible Community Buses

  159,792

  West Berkshire

  Demand responsive services—Extension to Taxibus Service

  101,500

  West Midlands

  The Heart of England Project

  417,000

  West Sussex

  One Step Beyond

  313,388

  West Yorkshire

  The Hebden Bridger

  917,320

  Wiltshire

  Bradenstoke and Bradford on Avon A2B

  213,076

  Worcestershire

  Worcester Easylink

  994,000

  Up to 21,203,381

  Rural bus subsidy grant

  £

  Local authority

  Amount allocated 2000–01

  2001–02 allocation

  Indicative allocation 2002–03

  Indicative allocation 2003–04

  Counties

  Bedfordshire

  442,974

  565,644

  647,424

  661,054

  Buckinghamshire

  561,112

  716,497

  820,087

  837,352

  Cambridgeshire

  790,268

  1,009,112

  1,155,007

  1,179,323

  Cheshire

  612,812

  782,514

  895,648

  914,504

  Cornwall

  1,221,068

  1,559,210

  1,784,638

  1,822,209

  Cumbria

  957,384

  1,222,506

  1,399,254

  1,428,712

  Derbyshire

  714,122

  911,879

  1,043,717

  1,065,690

  Devon

  1,409,020

  1,799,210

  2,059,337

  2,102,692

  636W
  totalling £47.5 million for 2002–03 and £48.5 million for 2003–04. The full list is as follows:
  637W

  Rural bus subsidy grant

  £

  Local authority

  Amount allocated in 2000–01

  2001–02 allocation

  Indicative allocation 2002–03

  Indicative allocation 2002–03

  Dorset

  579,362

  739,801

  846,760

  864,586

  Durham

  604,510

  771,913

  883,515

  902,115

  East Sussex

  559,229

  714,092

  817,335

  834,542

  Essex

  1,050,249

  1,341,087

  1,534,979

  1,567,295

  Gloucestershire

  794,084

  1,013,984

  1,160,584

  1,185,018

  Hampshire

  894,468

  1,142,167

  1,307,299

  1,334,822

  Hertfordshire

  443,714

  566,589

  648,505

  662,158

  Kent

  1,289,989

  1,647,217

  1,885,369

  1,925,061

  Lancashire

  751,438

  959,529

  1,098,256

  1,121,377

  Leicestershire

  556,163

  710,177

  812,854

  829,966

  Lincolnshire

  1,194,385

  1,525,138

  1,745,640

  1,782,390

  Norfolk

  1,594,337

  2,035,846

  2,330,185

  2,379,242

  North Yorkshire

  1,380,246

  1,762,468

  2,017,283

  2,059,752

  Northamptonshire

  696,765

  889,715

  1,018,349

  1,039,788

  Northumberland

  476,343

  608,253

  696,194

  710,850

  Nottinghamshire

  522,686

  667,430

  763,926

  780,008

  Oxfordshire

  926,906

  1,183,588

  1,354,709

  1,383,229

  Shropshire

  630,354

  804,914

  921,287

  940,682

  Somerset

  1,017,790

  1,299,640

  1,487,539

  1,518,856

  Staffordshire

  809,149

  1,033,221

  1,182,602

  1,207,499

  Suffolk

  1,201,593

  1,534,342

  1,756,174

  1,793,147

  Surrey

  610,684

  779,797

  892,538

  911,328

  Warwickshire

  596,387

  761,540

  871,643

  889,993

  West Sussex

  579,324

  739,752

  846,704

  864,530

  Wiltshire

  786,146

  1,003,848

  1,148,983

  1,173,172

  Worcestershire

  675,505

  862,568

  987,277

  1,008,061

  Metropolitan areas

  Greater Manchester

  132,321

  168,964

  193,392

  197,464

  Merseyside

  83,474

  106,590

  122,000

  124,569

  South Yorkshire

  338,768

  432,581

  495,122

  505,546

  Tyne and Wear

  82,047

  104,768

  119,915

  122,439

  West Midlands

  86,800

  110,837

  126,862

  129,532

  West Yorkshire

  555,733

  709,628

  812,225

  829,325

  Unitaries

  Bath and North East Somerset

  139,970

  178,731

  204,572

  208,878

  Blackburn with Darwen

  39,026

  49,833

  57,038

  58,239

  Bracknell Forest

  40,038

  51,125

  58,517

  59,749

  Bristol

  6,522

  8,328

  9,532

  9,733

  Darlington

  48,352

  61,742

  70,668

  72,156

  East Riding

  534,364

  682,342

  780,994

  797,436

  Halton

  12,685

  16,198

  18,540

  18,930

  Hartlepool

  16,872

  21,544

  24,659

  25,178

  Herefordshire

  522,462

  667,144

  763,598

  779,674

  Isle of Wight

  159,271

  203,377

  232,781

  237,681

  Medway

  87,475

  111,699

  127,848

  130,540

  Middlesbrough

  11,542

  14,738

  16,869

  17,224

  Milton Keynes

  71,496

  91,295

  104,494

  106,694

  North East Lincolnshire

  42,652

  54,463

  62,338

  63,650

  North Lincolnshire

  257,450

  328,744

  376,273

  384,195

  North Somerset

  132,855

  169,646

  194,173

  198,261

  Peterborough

  84,040

  107,313

  122,828

  125,414

  Plymouth

  9,756

  12,458

  14,259

  14,559

  Poole

  7,421

  9,476

  10,846

  11,074

  Redcar and Cleveland

  56,497

  72,142

  82,573

  84,311

  Rutland

  107,010

  136,644

  156,399

  159,692

  South Gloucestershire

  191,415

  244,422

  279,760

  285,650

  Stockton-on-Tees

  33,832

  43,201

  49,447

  50,488

  Stoke-on-Trent

  5,423

  6,925

  7,926

  8,093

  Swindon

  55,773

  71,218

  81,514

  83,230

  Telford and The Wrekin

  76,048

  97,107

  111,147

  113,487

  Thurrock

  38,176

  48,748

  55,796

  56,970

  Torbay

  8,384

  10,706

  12,254

  12,512

  Warrington

  59,644

  76,161

  87,172

  89,007

  West Berkshire

  232,602

  297,015

  339,957

  347,114

  Windsor and Maidenhead

  50,584

  64,592

  73,930

  75,487

  Wokingham

  77,436

  98,880

  113,176

  115,558

  York

  73,216

  93,491

  107,008

  109,261

  Total

  32,499.998

  41,500,000

  47,500,000

  48,500,000

  638W

  Fish Farming
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many environmental statements have been submitted under the(a) Environmental Assessment (Salmon Farming in Marine Waters) Regulations 1988 and (b) Environmental Impact Assessment (Fish Farming in Marine Waters) Regulations 1999. [149201]

  Mr. Foulkes
  [holding answer 6 February 2001]: I have been asked to reply.

  Between the regulations coming into force and 1 July 1999 no environmental statements were received. Since July 1999 this has been a matter for the Scottish Executive.

TREASURY

  Budget
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many in-year amendments were made to the UK Budget in the latest year for which figures are available, broken down by(a) transfers between Departments, (b) new resources, (c) transfers from reserve and (d) other transfers, across all Departments. [151227]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Changes made to published plans for 1999–2000 are explained in Chapter 2 of "Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses 2000–01", Cm 4601, April 2000.

  Departmental Underspends
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the underspend in each financial year in the total budget of UK Departments as a percentage of the UK Budget; and what the equivalent figures are for the Scottish DEL for each year for which figures are available since 1971. [151223]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Given changes in the system of public expenditure control, comparison of outturn against budgetary measures over time are not meaningful. Under the current system, detailed breakdown of outturn against provision is given in July in "Public Expenditure Provisional Outturn", last published in July 2000 for financial year 1999–2000. There are equivalent tables in previous editions of the same publication for each financial year since 1994–95.

  UK Reserve
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what(a) the total amount of the UK reserve in cash and real terms, (b) the annual draw on the reserve in cash and real terms and (c) the annual draw by the Scottish Office and Scotland Office in cash and real terms was in each year since 1971. [151230]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The Government do not publish figures for allocations from the Reserve overall as it is an administrative tool in controlling overall spending, rather than a budget in its own right. Individual allocations to the Scotland Office and the Scottish Office will be apparent from Estimates laid at the time to draw down those allocations.

  Finance Act 1997
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what cost/benefit analysis he has undertaken of the effect of section 42 of the Finance Act 1997; and if he will make a statement. [150541]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 15 February 2001]: No such analysis has been undertaken since this was a measure to counter potential tax avoidance.

  Labour Costs
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total share of the annual budget of each of the UK departments accounted for by labour costs. [151224]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The Treasury publishes aggregate paybill figures which are set out in "Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses 2000–01" (Cm 4601), a copy of which is in the Library. However, each Department publishes details of its own expenditure in the departmental annual reports, which are also held in the Library.

  Scottish Executive
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the basis is for the calculation of the allocation of resource placed at the disposal of the Scottish Executive for meeting capital charges under the new system of resource account budgeting; and how this sum will be accommodated in future years. [151229]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The treatment of capital charges is described in the Statement of Funding Policy published in July 2000.

  Capital Projects
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the public sector capital projects involving private finance(a) completed, (b) planned and (c) under way, indicating the start dates and estimated completion dates of each; what total estimated capital investment is included in these projects; what annual public expenditure is required to service these projects in cash terms for each year of their life; and what the total lifetime cost is of (i) each project, (ii) each sector's projects and (iii) in total in cash terms. [151225]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The information sought is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  However, in line with our normal practice, we shall be publishing in the Budget information on private sector capital deployed in support of PFI signed deals and deals about to be signed, broken down by Department, and on the Government's aggregate service payment commitments under signed PFI contracts.

  Earnings (Scotland)
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what percentage of taxpayers in Scotland earned income over(a) £30,000, (b) £40,000, (c) £35,000, (d) £45,000, (e) £50,000, (f) £60,000, (g) £70,000, (h) £80,000, (i) £90,000 and (j) £100,000 in the most recent year for which figures are available. [151222]
  641W
  Dawn Primarolo
  A distribution of taxpayers in Scotland is published in Inland Revenue Statistics table 3.11. A copy is in the Library of this House.

  Barnett Formula
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the categories are of comparable expenditure by English and other UK Departments used in the calculation of the Barnett formula; what the total expenditure is in each of these categories; what share of that spending is allocated to Scotland; what the spending from each category is allocated to Scotland; and what the total amount in each category is in cash terms in each year for which figures are available. [151221]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Information on categories of comparable spending in UK Departments, expenditure in each category, and the Scotland comparability percentages were set out in Annexe C of the Statement of Funding Policy published in July 2000. Spending is allocated to Scotland in the form of the aggregate Departmental Expenditure Limit, which the Scottish Executive then allocates to programmes according to its own priorities. The Scotland Departmental Expenditure Limits, along with the Departmental Expenditure Limits for UK Departments, were published in the Government's 2000 Spending Review in July 2000.

  Tax Credits
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the estimated percentage reduction will be in the total tax bill for an individual earning(a) £10,000, (b) £15,000, (c) £20,000, (d) £25,000, (e) £30,000 and (f) £35,000 as a result of the proposed children's tax credit. [151226]

  Dawn Primarolo
  A children's tax credit worth up to £8.50 per week will be equivalent to reductions in an individual's income tax as set out in the table.

  Earnings

  Percentage tax cut

  £10,000

  44

  £15,000

  21

  £20,000

  14

  £25,000

  10

  £30,000

  8

  £35,000

  6

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total cost of administering family credit and the Working Families Tax Credit was in each year since 1988 broken down, where appropriate, into the costs to central Government and the cost to businesses. [151461]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) was introduced in October 1999. For information on costs from that date, I refer the hon. Member to my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgend (Mr. Griffiths) on 13 February 2001,Official Report, column 103W.
  642W
  I understand from the Department of Social Security that the estimated annual costs for Family Credit in Great Britain are given in successive DSS Departmental Reports; and that no estimates are available of the cost to businesses.

  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many families are expected to receive the new children's tax credit in the Glasgow parliamentary constituencies in the next financial year. [151619]

  Dawn Primarolo
  An estimate of the number of families in Glasgow constituencies who will be eligible to claim the children's tax credit (CTC) is unavailable, but an estimate of the number of families in Scotland who will be eligible to claim CTC is 400,000.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many cases he has been informed of in which an employer has charged employees for the payment of tax credits; and what action he has taken against the companies involved. [151458]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Unauthorised deductions from wages are prohibited by general employment law. The January 2001 edition of the Inland Revenue's "Employer's Bulletin" reminded all employers that they must not charge their employees for paying tax credits through the payroll.

  National Insurance
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the change in revenue resulting from a reduction in the NIC rate by 1 per cent. assuming(a) the upper earnings limit remains as it is, (b) the upper earnings limit is set at the threshold of the higher rate of income tax at £575 per week and (c) the upper earnings limit is abolished. [151424]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The full-year effects in 2001–02 of making the changes are set out in the table.

  Full-year effect in 2001–02 of a 1% reduction in the employee rate of National Insurance Contributions

  Cost (£ billion)

  (a)

  With the upper earnings limit at £575 per week

  2.80

  (b)

  With upper earnings limit set at the income tax higher rate threshold (equivalent to £652.60 per week)

  2.90

  (c)

  With no upper earnings limit

  3.25

  The estimates show the reduction in gross employee contributions only—rebate rates have not been affected.

  Widows and Widowers
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his policy towards the taxation of, and benefits available to, widows and widowers. [150856]

  Dawn Primarolo
  From 9 April 2001, the Government are introducing a new system of bereavement benefits which for the first time will be available to men as well as women. The new benefits are a lump-sum bereavement
  643W
  payment, bereavement allowance and a widowed parents allowance. Bereavement benefits are payable so long as the deceased spouse has paid enough National Insurance contributions and other conditions are met. Women currently receiving widows' benefits will not be affected by these changes.
  644W
  Bereavement allowance and widowed parents allowance will be taxable as are the current widows' benefits. The Bereavement Payment is not taxable. Widows and widowers who have children can also be eligible for the Children's Tax Credit and the Working Families Tax Credit.

  Annuities and Long-term Care Benefits
  Annuities and Long-term Care Benefits
  Single Currency: Economic and Monetary Affairs Framework
  Single Currency: Economic and Monetary Affairs Framework
  Pension Fund Annuity Purchase Requirement
  Pension Fund Annuity Purchase Requirement
  Employment Statistics
  Employment Statistics
  DCMS Expenditure Limits
  DCMS Expenditure Limits
  Inland Revenue On-line Tax Filing System: Security
  Inland Revenue On-line Tax Filing System: Security
  Financial Services Single Market: Lamfalussy Report
  Financial Services Single Market: Lamfalussy Report
  Depleted Uranium
  Depleted Uranium
  Haemophilia Patients: Recombinant Clotting Factor Treatment
  Haemophilia Patients: Recombinant Clotting Factor Treatment
  Children's Commissioners
  Children's Commissioners
  EU Sixth Environment Action Programme
  EU Sixth Environment Action Programme
  Police Recruits: Wastage
  Police Recruits: Wastage
  Job Advertisements for Senior Officials
  Job Advertisements for Senior Officials
  Tribunals: Publicly Funded Representatiion
  Tribunals: Publicly Funded Representatiion
  Devolution Guidance Notes
  Devolution Guidance Notes
  National Missile Defence System
  National Missile Defence System
  Subsidiarity and Repatriation of Powers
  Subsidiarity and Repatriation of Powers
  Cyprus
  Cyprus
  Overseas Estate: Sales and Purchases
  Overseas Estate: Sales and Purchases