Written Answers of 9 January 2001

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Minimum Funding Requirement
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what progress is being made on the review of the minimum funding requirement; and if he will make a statement. [144495]

  Mr. Rooker
  A wide ranging consultation paper was issued on 14 September 2000 asking for comment by 31 January 2001. We will then study the responses received and consider the best way forward.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what arrangements have been made to process claims for higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance in respect of three and four-year-old children; and if he will make a statement. [144851]

  Mr. Bayley
  Due to take place from 9 April under the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act, the extension of the higher rate mobility component to three and four-year-olds is expected to benefit 6,000 children in the first year and more in the future. Most children likely to benefit will already be receiving the Care Component of Disability Living Allowance. This means they are already known to the Department and arrangements have been made to write in every case to the person who deals with the child's benefit to invite them to apply for the higher rate mobility component. Once details of a child's mobility needs are known to the Department, then depending on the circumstances of each case, they could be entitled to an extra £38.65 per week and access in some cases to the Motability scheme.

  Winter Fuel Payments
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many people have received all the backdated winter fuel payments to which they are entitled; [143157]

  (2) how many men who have an entitlement to a backdated winter fuel payment accrued when they reached 60 years have (a) received the backdated payment and (b) are awaiting some or all of the payment; [143528]

  (3) how many claims for backdated winter fuel payments were received (a) before and (b) after 3 November. [143525]

  Mr. Rooker
  Latest information shows that around one million people, of whom around 980,000 are men, have chosen to claim for past winters and around one million payments have been made, of which around 975,000 have 478W
  been to men. Almost one million claims were received before 3 November and approximately 50,000 since that date.

  We are unable to give precise figures as claims are still being received and processed. It is up to the individual to choose whether to claim payments for past winters. The information campaign, which has been running since April, aimed to ensure that existing and potential customers know about the changes to the scheme and what to do to get a payment.

  Sheltered Housing
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the very sheltered housing scheme is intended to provide a replacement for Housing Benefit. [144187]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: Housing Benefit is available to help people on low incomes, including those tenants living in sheltered or very sheltered accommodation to meet their housing costs (ie rent and accommodation-related service charges). Housing Benefit will also continue to help meet service charges for lower-level support until April 2003. From this date, the various funding streams will be drawn together and these support services will instead be met from a single budget—Supporting People—which will be managed by local authorities together with probation services. Service charges for more intensive personal support, including personal care, remain ineligible for Housing Benefit.

  Minimum Income Guarantee
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners have applied(a) successfully and (b) unsuccessfully for the minimum income guarantee since the start of the take-up campaign in each Benefit Agency area. [143524]

  Mr. Rooker
  The effect of the minimum income guarantee take up campaign will not be known until it comes to a conclusion. There are thousands more claims in the pipeline, and the effects of the last stage of the campaign will impact on claims processed up to January next year.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  St. Helena
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer of 13 December 2000,Official Report, column 135W, on St. Helena, if she will place in the Library a copy of the draft report resulting from the study of options for sea and air access to St. Helena. [144572]

  Clare Short
  This is a matter for the St. Helena Government.

  Departmental Projects
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the projects undertaken for her Department by(a) outside consultants,

  479W
  (b) academic researchers and (c) university departments since 1 May 1997, giving the total expenditure incurred in each category. [144082]

  Clare Short
  DFID draws widely on the range of consultancy expertise in order to deliver our development programme.

  Since 1 May 1997 DFID has awarded over 7,200 contracts with a value of some £1,043 million. I am placing a list of these contracts in the Library of the House.

  Information on the total expenditure classified by consultants, academic researchers or university departments is not available without disproportionate cost.

  GATS Negotiations
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's role in the current GATS negotiations. [143086]

  Clare Short
  My Department is helping to build the capacity of developing countries to participate effectively in the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) negotiations. DFID is contributing to a World Bank Programme on Trade in Services, providing data and information to help developing countries formulate policy for the negotiations. In addition, officials are in the process of drawing up specific proposals to support representatives of developing countries in Geneva responsible for the trade in services issues.

  My officials also work closely with other Whitehall Departments to ensure that UK and EU policy on trade in services has a strong development dimension. A successful outcome from the current negotiations on the GATS would offer a number of benefits for developing countries. They could potentially increase their income from individual service sectors, for example, tourism. In addition, progress on issues such as the "movement of persons" (the ability for nationals to work overseas for a temporary period) would offer developing countries new opportunities for export of services. Increased competition in the provision of domestic services which support a country's basic infrastructure, e.g. banking, transport and telecommunications, will contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction in developing countries.

  The current negotiations on the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) offer developing countries the potential to gain access to new markets overseas and to benefit from more efficient and competitive services at home. Developing countries are particularly interested in the liberalisation of sectors where they have the greatest export potential; at present tourism services and movement of persons (i.e. the ability for personnel to spend some time overseas for the purposes of providing a specific service).

  We are helping developing countries to participate in the new GATS negotiations, so that world trade in services better contributes to their economic growth and thereby the elimination of poverty.

DEFENCE

  Type 45 Destroyers
  Dr. Whitehead
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of(a) the prime contractors' proposals for the procurement of the first batch of Type 45 destroyers, (b) the implications of these proposals for the investment plans of companies involved in procurement of the first batch and (c) how the proposals will affect the delivery of a competitive procurement strategy for follow-on Type 45s. [143918]

  Dr. Moonie
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answers I gave to him and to the hon. Members for Eastleigh (Mr. Chidgey), for Salisbury (Mr. Key) and for Truro (Mr. Taylor) on 21 December 2000,Official Report, columns 248–51W, to which I have nothing to add.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposal he has received from BAe Systems Marine for an alternative shipbuilding strategy for the Type 45 destroyer programme; if this proposal involves a partnership strategy without competition for downstream batches of the class; and if he intends to sign a DFM contract with BAe Systems before a decision has been taken to accept this proposal. [144038]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him and to the hon. Members for Salisbury (Mr. Key), and for Truro (Mr. Taylor) and my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Test (Dr. Whitehead) on 21 December 2000, Official Report, columns 248–51W, to which I have nothing to add.

  Porton Down
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has received from service personnel who have undergone experiments at Porton Down. [144476]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: I announced on 21 November 2000, Official Report, columns 101–02W, a number of measures aimed at assisting Service personnel gain information about the trials they were involved in at Porton Down. Since my announcement, the Porton Down Volunteer helpline, which was established in January 1998, has received 120 calls. Volunteers who approach the helpline will obtain full information, by letter, on their own trials, and be offered the opportunity to examine the records for themselves at the site. I also offered volunteers the opportunity of receiving a thorough medical assessment, along the lines of the well established Gulf Veterans' Medical Assessment Programme (MAP) at St. Thomas' Hospital, London. As at 4 January, the MAP programme has received 20 inquiries, of which 14 volunteers have been referred to the MAP for assessment.

  We have also received 24 other inquiries, in the form of Parliamentary Inquiries and letters from members of the public, on matters relating to the trials at Porton Down. Porton Down have also received written correspondence from members of the public, doctors and the War Pensions Agency.
  481W
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the chemicals used in experiments on service personnel at Porton Down. [144477]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: Comprehensive records at Porton Down show that since 1990 the following drugs (chemicals) have been administered to personnel taking part in the Service Volunteer Programme at CBD Porton:

  Anti-biotics
  ciprofloxacin
  doxycycline

  Anti-emetics
  ondansetron
  granisetron

  Carbamates
  pyridostigmine
  physostigmine

  Anti-cholinergics
  hyoscine
  pilocarpine

  Oxime
  HI-6

  Solvent
  DMSO.

  Most of the studies involved an assessment of the military acceptability of prospective or in-service medical countermeasures that would save lives if biological, chemical or nuclear weapons were used against the UK or its armed forces.

  Work is proceeding to research records prior to 1990 but this is time consuming and the records become less comprehensive with age. However records do show that the following drugs (chemicals) were used, although this list is not exhaustive:
  Nerve Agents
  Vesicants (mainly mustard)
  Riot Control Agents (CS and others)
  Incapacitants (e.g. LSD, glycollates)
  Prospective therapies (atropine, oximes, anti-convulsants, carbamates)
  Artificial SMOG
  Samples of rubber and fabric formulations
  Sternutators (organic compounds of arsenic).

  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many deaths of service personnel were directly attributable to chemical weapons experiments at Porton Down. [144478]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: Since 1940 we have had well over 20,000 volunteers take part in trials. There has been one death on the site, that of Ronald Maddison in 1953.

  Departmental Projects
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the projects undertaken for his Department by(a) outside consultants, (b) academic researchers and (c) university departments since 1 May 1997, giving the total expenditure incurred in each category. [144086]
  482W
  Dr. Moonie
  This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  However, the Department's annual returns of expenditure on External Assistance, which includes outside consultants, for the last five financial years are available in the Library of the House.

  Service Personnel
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements are being made to ensure that service personnel are given an appropriate measure of priority for medical treatment; and at what expense. [144511]

  Dr. Moonie
  Existing arrangements for the treatment of Service personnel, which include provision for rapid access to hospital out-patient appointments in high priority cases, have recently been supplemented by contracts with private sector providers in order to help return personnel quickly to fully deployable status and so relieve overstretch. I am withholding details of the costs of these various contractual arrangements in accordance with Section 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Former Prisoners of War
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons British prisoners of war held during the Second World War who were not paid during their period of capture have not been subsequently compensated; what plans he has to make payments to the surviving former POWs; and if he will make a statement. [144379]

  Dr. Moonie
  During the Second World War, British Service personnel who were held as prisoners of war or protected personnel continued to receive their Service pay during their captivity; this was credited to their home pay account. On repatriation, arrangements were made for adjustments to be made to an individual's pay account to resolve any outstanding pay issues in relation to their time in enemy hands. From time to time the Ministry of Defence continues to receive representations from former British Service personnel about matters relating to their pay while in captivity.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Free TV Licences
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many people over the age of 75 years receive a free television licence. [144136]

  Janet Anderson
  To date, 2.76 million free television licences have been issued by TV Licensing. A further 236,000 applications from people giving their age as 75 or over are currently being verified. Up to 500,000 beneficiaries of the £5 Accommodation for Residential Care concessionary licence are estimated to be 75 or over and will receive free television licences as their current licence comes up for renewal.

  Mr. Denis Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many pensioners in Wansbeck will benefit from the introduction of the free television licence for persons aged 75 years and over. [144289]
  483W
  Janet Anderson
  TV Licensing, which administers this concession for the BBC as Licensing Authority, is not able to provide geographical breakdowns of the number of free licences issued. However, estimates of the over-75 population based on the 1991 Census indicate that there were approximately 5,700 people aged 75 or over in the Wansbeck constituency.

  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many pensioners aged 75 years and over in the Vale of Clwyd qualify for a free television licence; and how many of those qualifying had received the licence on the latest date for which figures are available. [144458]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: Everyone aged 75 or over is entitled to benefit from a free television licence, but licences cover households rather than individuals so households with more than one member over 75 need only a single free licence. TV Licensing, which administers this concession for the BBC as Licensing Authority, is not able to provide geographical breakdowns of the number of free licences issued. However, estimates of the over-75 population based on the 1991 Census indicate that there were approximately 7,100 people aged 75 or over in the Vale of Clwyd constituency.

  BBC Guidelines
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he will publish the final version of the guidelines he uses in assessing BBC public service proposals; and if he will make a statement. [144673]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I intend to publish the guidelines, which have been revised in the light of the public consultation, tomorrow. Copies will be placed in the Library of the House.

  The guidelines explain how the BBC must meet its obligations under the Charter and Agreement. They make clear that the BBC cannot make material changes to the nature of existing services without properly consulting licence payers and that they cannot establish new national services, or go outside the terms of services which I have approved, without my consent. The BBC cannot make fundamental changes to the nature of existing channels, such as the proposals to change BBC Choice and BBC Knowledge into BBC3 and BBC4, without consulting the public.

  Individual scheduling decisions are of course a matter for the Governors, but the Guidelines make clear that the BBC must ensure that its services, including BBC1 and BBC2, continue to meet the standards of content and quality set out in the Charter and Agreement. As I recently made clear over the move of the BBC Nine O'Clock News, I shall be looking to ensure that the Governors perform those duties rigorously. And no changes to those standards of content and quality can be made without the consent of Parliament.

CABINET OFFICE

  "Public Bodies 2000"
  Mr. Caplin
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement on "Public Bodies 2000". [144847]

  Mr. Stringer
  "Public Bodies 2000" is the latest in a series of annual reports on the size, spend and membership of the UK "quango" sector. I am pleased to report that "Public Bodies 2000" was published on 4 January and that copies are available from the Vote Office. Copies have also been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  This Government are committed to keeping the number of "quangos" (or non-departmental public bodies) to a minimum. I am, therefore, pleased to report that there are now fewer "quangos" in the UK than at any other time over the past 20 years. The latest figure of 1,035 means that numbers have fallen by around 10 per cent. since 1997. Those "quangos" which remain, such as the Health and Safety Executive, the Environment Agency and the Parole Board, continue to carry out a range of important and essential public services.

  The Government are determined to ensure that all "quangos" are open and accountable. To this end, responsibility for hundreds of public bodies has now been transferred to the new, democratically elected bodies in Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast and London. Furthermore, our new Freedom of Information Act 2000 will introduce a statutory right of access to a wide range of information held by all public bodies.

  As a Government, we are committed to increasing the representation of under-represented groups. I am, therefore, pleased to note that "Public Bodies 2000" reports an increase in the proportion of women and members of the ethnic minorities serving on the boards of public bodies compared with 1997. In total, there are around 30,000 men and women serving on the boards of the public bodies. They bring a wealth of skills and experience into the running of public bodies and we are grateful for their continued involvement and enthusiasm.

  Government IT Systems
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what progress has been made in implementing the recommendations of 'Successful IT: Modernising Government in Action', published in May 2000. [144848]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  On 29 December 2000, Andrew Pinder, the interim e-Envoy, reported to me on the progress. An electronic copy of the report is at www.e-envoy.gov.uk/successful—it/progress—forword.htm. This shows much work has been achieved so far. All 19 recommendations due for completion by December 2000 were met. These early recommendations have laid the infrastructure that will help Government Departments, executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies to implement their recommendations to improve their delivery of IT-enabled projects and programmes. Copies of the report have been laid in the Libraries of the House.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of industrial sites covered by the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive are not energy intensive users. [142878]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 15 December 2000]: A list of energy intensive installations is given in paragraph 51 of Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2000. This list describes the sectors covered by the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive. All industrial sites with installations covered by the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive are considered by that definition to be energy intensive.

  Urban Drainage
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking including relevant research to promote sustainable urban drainage; and if he will make a statement. [143850]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  I refer my hon. Friend to my answer to the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Mr. Waterson), on 13 November 2000,Official Report, column 476W, in which I outlined the range of promotional activities for sustainable drainage systems in which my Department is involved.

  I would add to this that in revising the draft PPG 25 on "Development and flood risk", we are considering what more can be said to assist in the promotion of sustainable drainage systems.

  My Department co-funded with the Environment Agency and others, the Construction Research and Information Association (CIRIA) research project, which examined sustainable urban drainage systems in practice. Design manuals for Scotland and Northern Ireland and for England and Wales were published during 1999 and a best practice manual is to be published shortly. Officials are also assisting in steering a CIRIA project that has just started on sustainable water management.

  We are also examining what further action might be needed, including research, to further promote the use of sustainable drainage systems.

  DVLA (Telephone Calls)
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many telephone calls were received by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency on 18 December from keepers of vehicles inquiring about the implementation of the new excise duty rates for vehicles of 1500cc and less. [143890]

  Mr. Hill
  The Agency received around 1,500 telephone calls on 18 December 2000 from keepers of vehicles on this issue.

  Driving Licences
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to amend the age requirements in respect of those applying for driving licences. [143926]

  Mr. Hill
  In accordance with the Government's Road Safety Strategy we are currently considering options for improving the safety of novice drivers. This includes the recommendation made by the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Select Committee that a minimum period should be set between drivers obtaining their provisional licence and first attempting a practical car driving test. We wish to ensure that learner drivers achieve the necessary level of driving experience before they take their test and will consult fully on any proposals before introducing any subsequent changes to the present arrangements.

  Motorcycles
  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for the Government Advisory Group for Motorcycles to develop a national motorcycle strategy; and if he will make a statement. [143901]

  Mr. Hill
  Our integrated transport White Paper recognised that motorcycles can contribute to an integrated transport policy, but there are important and complex matters to consider, including road safety, traffic management and environmental issues. The Advisory Group on Motorcycling was established to bring together motorcycle interests to discuss these issues. The Group has still to reach conclusions, but these should assist the Government in defining their strategy for motorcycles.

  Foam Plastics
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the results of the consultation undertaken on the problems of the dispersal of foam plastics in 1998. [144401]

  Mr. Mullin
  DETR published a consultation paper "Options for Tackling the Problem of Waste Non-Packaging Farm Plastics" in October 1998. This sought opinions on the potential for legislative and voluntary approaches to recycling non-packaging agricultural film. Some 10,000 consultation documents were issued but there was a very limited response to this consultation—only 35. These showed no clear preference for a legislative approach and provided the Government with no clear basis for future action. The issue has been raised again in the context of extending waste management controls to agricultural waste and is being considered currently.

  Urban Regeneration
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) when he will announce successors to the Partnership Investment Programme; [144338]
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  (2) what new regeneration frameworks are under discussion with the EU Commission for permitting state aid for the physical regeneration of derelict and disused sites throughout England; [144303]

  (3) what publicly funded urban regeneration programmes have not been able to go ahead after the cancellation of the Partnership Investment Programme; [144387]

  (4) what urban regeneration projects by English Partnerships have been cancelled after the ending of partnerships investment programme funding under EU rules; what arguments were put to the EU Commission in defence of the partnerships investment programme; and what assessment he has made of the prospects of the partnerships investment programme being allowed to continue under EU rules; [144302]

  (5) which other EU member states are supporting Her Majesty's Government's discussions to reverse the decision ending the Partnerships Investment Programme; [144305]

  (6) what discussions are taking place with the EU Commission about alternatives to the partnerships investment programme. [144304]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  I refer the hon. Member to the Government's response1 to the 16th report of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Select Committee report and the subsequent debate on the Select Committee's report, which took place in the House of Commons on 19 December 2000.

  The Government are not involved in any discussions to reverse the decision ending the Partnership Investment Programme (PIP). The closure of PIP has not prevented other publicly funded urban regeneration programmes from going ahead.

  1 The Government's response to the Environment. Transport and Regional Affairs Select Committee Report on the Implications of the European Commission Ruling on Gap Funding Schemes for Urban Regeneration in England. Command Paper 4923 published on 11 December 2000.

  Dwellings
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the(a) number and (b) percentage of dwellings in (i) the private rented sector, (ii) multiple occupation in (1) England and Wales, (2) Greater London and (3) the London borough of Enfield in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available. [144526]

  Mr. Mullin
  The available estimates for private rented dwellings are given in the table. These are not available for the London borough of Enfield.

  England and Wales

  Greater London

  As at 1 April

  Dwellings (thousand)

  Percentage of total stock

  Dwellings (thousand)

  Percentage of total stock

  1991

  2,021

  9.7

  345

  11.9

  1992

  2,068

  9.8

  362

  12.3

  1993

  2,136

  10.1

  389

  13.2

  1994

  2,184

  10.2

  411

  13.9

  1995

  2,244

  10.4

  430

  14.4

  1996

  2,326

  10.7

  451

  15.0

  488W

  England and Wales

  Greater London

  As at 1 April

  Dwellings (thousand)

  Percentage of total stock

  Dwellings (thousand)

  Percentage of total stock

  1997

  2,386

  10.9

  465

  15.4

  1998

  2,414

  11.0

  467

  15.4

  1999

  2,510

  11.3

  470

  15.4

  2000

  2,527

  11.3

  472

  15.4

  Estimates of the number of houses in multiple occupation are available only for England, as follows:

  Dwellings1 (thousand)

  Percentage of total stock

  1991

  1,154

  5.9

  1996

  880

  4.3

  1 Includes traditional Houses in Multiple Occupation (bedsits), purpose-built HMOs and converted flats.

  Source:

  English House Condition Surveys 1991 and 1996

  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the impact on(a) house prices and (b) levels of homelessness in the south-east region of a decision to allow individual local authorities to decide the overall level of provision of new dwellings over the next 20 years; and if he will make a statement. [144519]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Government's policy is to encourage local authorities to work with one another and other stakeholders in order to take a strategic view of housing needs sensitive to the location of jobs and services and to future changes it circumstances. The new framework for the development of Regional Planning Guidance facilitates this approach and helps local authorities to plan, monitor and manage on a more flexible basis than under the former "predict and provide" regime which we have abandoned.

  Planning on a purely local basis without this strategic framework would be likely to lead to higher house prices and increased homelessness in areas of high demand, and to other impacts such as skill shortages and longer journeys to work. It would also be likely to lead to inconsistent patterns of provision aggravating problems of shortage in some areas and conversely contributing to low demand and abandonment in others. However, the precise scale of these impacts is in the south-east would be difficult to estimate given the complexity of the housing market.

  Departmental Programmes
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will break down the total amount spent on each programme by his Department in each year since May 1997 in the(a) Edmonton parliamentary constituency and (b) London borough of Enfield where applicable. [144491]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions provided the following funding to the London borough of Enfield in each of the last four years.
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  2000–01
  Government Grant for Local Authority General Fund Revenue Support: £133,017,967
  National Non-Domestic Rates: £73,528,897
  Housing Revenue Account Subsidy: £16,304,553 (estimated)
  Housing Investment Programme: £9,703,000
  All Services Basic Credit Approval: £10,212,000
  Local Transport Capital Expenditure: £2,099,000

  1999–2000
  Government Grant for Local Authority General Fund Revenue Support: £133,540,422
  National Non-Domestic Rates: £65,395,998
  Housing Revenue Account Subsidy: £16,210,933 (estimated)
  Housing Investment Programme: £7,721,000
  All Services Basic Credit Approval: £6,396,000
  Local Transport Capital Expenditure: £2,575,000

  1998–99
  Government Grant for Local Authority General Fund Revenue Support: £128,227,609
  National Non-Domestic Rates: £59,780,402
  Housing Revenue Account Subsidy: £19,024,734
  Housing Investment Programme: £4,437,000
  All Services Basic Credit Approval: £8,340,000
  Local Transport Capital Expenditure: £1,944,000

  1997–98
  Housing Revenue Account Subsidy: £20,296,207
  Housing Investment Programme: £5,894,800
  All Service Basic Credit Approval: £9,779,000
  Local Transport Capital Expenditure: £2,830,000.

  There is one Single Regeneration Budget Partnership (SRB), which has a direct benefit to the London borough of Enfield. This is the Upper Lea Valley Partnership which is a Round 1 Programme with £39.9 million over seven years. Commencing on 1 April 1995, it is a Capital based investment initiative, which is redeveloping and promoting economic investment in the boroughs of Enfield and Haringey.

  During the period between 1 April 1997 and 30 September 2000, £9,831,000 SRB funds have been spent within the London borough of Enfield.

  While Edmonton has benefited from this funding, it is not possible to separate out this geographical part of the borough as most projects cover the whole area of the Upper Lea Valley Partnership.

  Council Tax Benefit Subsidy
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy on reduction of the payment of council tax benefit subsidy to local authorities that make council tax increases which he judges to be excessive; if he will make an exception to his policy for Worcestershire; and if he will make a statement. [144513]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: The Government believe that local authorities making steep increases in council tax should themselves meet part of the escalating council tax benefit bill resulting from their decisions. The Council Tax Benefit Subsidy Limitation (CTBSL) scheme was introduced to
  490W
  achieve this. The Government announced the proposed details of the scheme for 2001–02 on 27 November 2000 for consultation.

  Aggregates Tax
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the answer of 18 December 2000,Official Report, column 86W, if he will list the sites in remote and sparsely populated areas in (a) the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and (b) Argyll and Bute constituency; if he will publish the recommendations of the independent research regarding these sites; and if he will make a statement. [144183]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The independent research did not specifically examine sites in either the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, or Argyll and Bute constituency. However, similar sites in other remote and sparsely populated areas (such as in Wales and the Yorkshire Dales) were studied. The sample of sites chosen was designed to ensure that selected sites were broadly representative of quarries across the country in terms of local population density and outputs. The findings of the research, "The Environmental Costs and Benefits of the Supply of Aggregates" by London Economics, was published in July 1999 and provided the basis for setting the rate of the aggregates levy.

  Road Tax
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it his policy for high-value cars destined to be crushed as a result of the owners' non-payment of road tax to be auctioned with the proceeds going to the relevant local highway authority. [144473]

  Mr. Hill
  High-value vehicles impounded as a result of non-payment of vehicle excise duty and not reclaimed are always auctioned. Such vehicles make up less than one per cent. of the total impounded. The funds are used for VED enforcement purposes.

  Carbon Dioxide Emissions
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent estimate he has made of the cost of environmental damage from the emission of carbon dioxide from domestic properties; how this figure is incorporated into his Department's estimated cost and savings of introducing improvements to Part 1 of the Building Regulations; and if he will make a statement. [144509]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment to my hon. Friend for Bury, North (Mr. Chaytor) on 28 November 2000,Official Report, columns 549–50W.

  Fatal Road Accidents (Essex)
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many fatal road accidents there have been in Essex in each of the last seven years. [144149]
  491W
  Mr. Hill
  The following numbers of fatal accidents were recorded in Essex in the last seven years for which information is available.

  Number

  1993

  88

  1994

  85

  1995

  85

  1996

  84

  1997

  83

  1998

  79

  1999

  104

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Violent Crime
  Mr. Pond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his strategy is for combating violent crime is. [144672]

  Mr. Straw
  Although violent crime represents a relatively small proportion of all crime, and the British Crime Survey showed that there had been a 4 per cent. fall in total violent crime between 1997 and the end of 1999, it includes those crimes which cause people, particularly those who are most vulnerable, the greatest concern and fear.

  The Government are committed to ensuring that the long-term rise in the number of violent crimes is reversed, that the causes of violent crime are addressed and that individuals and communities are protected and feel safe. The Government are therefore introducing a comprehensive strategy to tackle violent crime through action which will prevent violence in the first place, assist the police in their fight against such crime, bring offenders to justice, root out offending behaviour, and support victims and witnesses.

  The detailed proposals underpinning the strategy are set out in "Fighting Crime Together: An Action Plan" to be published tomorrow, a copy of which will be placed in the Library.

  Immigration
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the implications of the European Court of Justice's judgment in case C-37/98 Rv. SSHD ex parte Savas Judgment (11 May 2000) on the rules applicable to Turkish nationals, lawfully in the UK, who wish to apply to vary their leave to establish themselves in business in the United Kingdom; and if he will apply the Immigration Rules 1973, HC509 and HC510, to such individuals. [143770]

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money the Government received in charges for the services of immigration officers from each relevant port for the financial years(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000; how much he expects to receive from each such port in 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [142804]
  492W
  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 14 December 2000]: The level of charges received by the Immigration Service for the provision of officers under section 9(4) of the Immigration Act 1988 is set out in the table. The provision of information by port would identify, in some cases, charges paid by specific port operators, and thereby breach contractual agreements on commercial confidentiality.

  Immigration service—Section 9(4) receipts

  £

  Year

  Receipts

  1997–98

  4,025

  1998–99

  2,712

  1999–2000

  835

  2000–011

  895

  1 Estimate

  Mrs. Roche
  We are continuing to consider the implications of the judgment, in consultation with fellow member states. I will write to my hon. Friend when that consultation is complete.

  International Business Transactions (Bribery)
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the extent to which United Kingdom law complies with the United Kingdom's obligations under the 1997 OECD Convention on Transnational Banking and Business Transactions; what action he plans to take to ensure compliance; and if he will make a statement. [142794]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [holding answer 14 December 2000]: I understand that the hon. Member is referring to the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions.

  The United Kingdom ratified the Convention in December 1998 on the basis of the Government's assessment that existing statute and case law in the United Kingdom already ensures compliance with our obligations under the Convention. In our White Paper "Raising Standards and Upholding Integrity: the Prevention of Corruption" issued in June 2000 (Cm 4759) we proposed to put or compliance beyond any doubt by making it clear in statute that the United Kingdom has jurisdiction over bribery offences involving foreign public officials which take place in the United Kingdom. The White Paper also proposed a new provision, implementing an optional provision of the Convention, to give the United Kingdom jurisdiction over bribery offences committed by United Kingdom nationals overseas.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of the weekly cost of housing an asylum seeker at Oakington(a) is and (b) will be when the centre is operating at full capacity accounted for by the costs of Immigration and Nationality Directorate staff on site. [142772]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 14 December 2000]: I am now in a position to reply in full to the question.

  At 19 December 2000, the current weekly unit cost of housing an asylum seeker at Oakington was estimated at £1,536. That cost is broken down as follows: £1.004 for the supervision of detainees, security and related costs;

  493W
  £243 for Immigration and Nationality Directorate staff costs and £289 for running costs such as interpreters, office accommodation, telephone and other general office expenses.

  The weekly unit cost of housing an asylum seeker when operating at full capacity was given as £800 in my answer to the right hon. Member for Maidstone and The Weald (Miss Widdecombe) on 26 October 2000, Official Report, column 217W. That remains the estimate of which some 16 per cent. (£128) is expected to be accounted for by the costs of Immigration and Nationality Directorate staff on site.

  Police (Retirement)
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the total cost of retirement to police authorities was in(a) 1980, (b) 1990, and (c) the most recent 12 months for which statistics are available; and for each of these, what percentage of total police budget this cost accounted for. [143889]

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

  Year

  Net pensions expenditure (£000)

  Proportion of police net expenditure spent of pensions costs (percentage)

  1980–81

  98,011

  5.6

  1990–91

  333,165

  7.2

  1999–2000

  948,000

  12.7

  Information taken from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy Police statistics Actuals.

  Police Information Technology Organisation
  Mr. Page
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will respond to the representations of Dr. Rosemary Lee of Northwood, Middlesex, concerning the Police Information Technology Organisation. [143754]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I shall write to the hon. Member.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Stock Options
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy to require companies to declare their policy towards stock options for their staff, the take-up and potential take-up of such options, and the effect on the companies' equity. [143879]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: There are already a number of legislative and regulatory disclosure requirements in relation to stock options. The Companies Act 1985 requires companies to provide information relating to any option to subscribe for shares, including the number, description and amount of the shares in relation to which the right is exercisable and the price to be paid for the shares allotted. Listed companies are required under the Listing Rules to seek prior shareholder approval of an employees' share scheme involving the issue of new shares, and to send a circular to shareholders in connection with the approval including
  494W
  either the full text of the scheme or a description of its principal terms. The Government have no plans to require additional disclosures by companies in this area. We will, however, look carefully at these disclosure requirements when the final report of the independent Company Law Review is delivered later this year. There are, of course, fuller disclosure requirements in relation to company directors.

  Limited Liability Partnerships
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy to require companies and limited liability partnerships to declare their policy towards, and their payments of, bonuses and special payments to their staff. [143874]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: The Companies Act 1985 requires companies to state the aggregate wages or salaries, including bonuses and special payments, paid or payable to employees in respect of each financial year. The Government have laid a draft statutory instrument before Parliament under the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2000 which would introduce a corresponding requirement in relation to the sums paid to the employees of a limited liability partnership. The Government have no plans to require additional disclosures by companies or limited liability partnerships in relation to bonuses and special payments to staff. We will, however, look carefully at these disclosure requirements when the final report of the independent Company Law Review is delivered later this year. There are, of course, fuller disclosure requirements in relation to company directors.

  Departmental Payments
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if his Department paid all correctly presented bills within 30 days of receipt of goods or services or an invoice in(a) 1999 and (b) 2000. [144143]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: The information is as follows:

  (a) Figures for the years before the year 2000 are not available in the form requested.

  (b) 93 per cent.

  Post Office
  Mr. Laxton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will make the Order under the Postal Services Act 2000 nominating the company to which the business of the Post Office will be transferred; and if he will make a statement. [144849]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  A key element of our Post Office reform package is the transformation of the Post Office from a public corporation to a public limited company. An Order was made on 4 January, which came into effect on 5 January, nominating Consignia plc as the company to which the property, rights and liabilities of the Post Office will be transferred in accordance with section 62 of the Postal Services Act 2000. Prior to making the Order, the Post Office were consulted, in accordance with section 62(3) of the Act.
  495W
  As required by the Act, this is a company which is wholly owned by the Crown. The Secretary of State is appointing the current members of the Post Office board as the first directors of the company. The memorandum and articles of association of the company are available for inspection in the usual way at Companies House, and copies are being laid in the Libraries of both Houses. As was foreshadowed during the debates on the Postal Services Bill, the articles of association include the special provisions protecting certain rights of the Government, particularly the appointment of the chairman of the company, and the remainder of the board (after consulting the chairman); changes in the remuneration packages of the directors; approval of the strategic plan; and controls on the disposal of significant assets.

  The name of the new company was chosen by the directors after careful research by the Post Office into the requirements of a modern postal operator working in the rapidly changing commercial communications environment of the 21st century. The directors are however intent that the traditional and well-loved titles of Royal Mail and Post Office should continue to be used wherever they are currently seen in this country; the name change will therefore have little if any impact on domestic and most business customers. The main marketing use of the new name will be with integrated and international business users. As previously indicated, Her Majesty has graciously consented that the existing Royal connections with the organisation should continue.

  The Order also appoints 26 March 2001 as the day on which the transfer of the property, rights and liabilities will be made—this is the day after the end of the Post Office's current financial year and the day on which most of the new provisions of the Postal Services Act 2000 are scheduled to commence. The transformation to a plc will then be complete.

  Export Licences
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he has taken to co-ordinate policies on export licences with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; and if he will make a statement. [144161]

  Dr. Howells
  Licences to export arms and other goods whose export is controlled for strategic reasons are issued by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry acting through DTI's Export Control Organisation (ECO). All relevant individual licence applications are circulated by the DTI to other Government Departments with an interest as determined by those Departments in line with their policy responsibilities. These include FCO, MOD and DfID. These Departments give advice to the DTI on whether the applications should be approved or refused in accordance with the consolidated EU and national export licensing criteria announced by the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Neath (Mr. Hain), on 26 October 2000,Official Report, columns 199–203W.

  Strategic export licensing is a joined-up process. Officials in the Export Control Organisation (ECO) are in contact with officials in other Government Departments, including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, on a daily basis, and there is an inter-departmental Steering Group that meets regularly to discuss export controls. There
  496W
  are also regular meetings between officials in the main Departments to identify specific ways of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the export licensing system, as well as to discuss particular licensing applications.

  In addition, Government Departments have worked together since 2 May 1997 to publish Annual Reports on Strategic Export Controls. Three such reports have been published so far; copies are in the Library of the House.

  Finally, details of the roles and responsibilities of the Government Departments involved in the export licensing process have been set out in a Memorandum from the FCO and DTI to the 'Quadripartite Committee' (Defence, Foreign Affairs, International Development, Trade and Industry), published on 15 June 1999 (HC540).

  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many export licences were granted in each of the past 10 years. [144173]

  Dr. Howells
  Between 1993 and 1997 statistics on export licensing decisions were periodically placed in the Library of the House.

  Since 2 May 1997, details of export licensing decisions have been set out in the Government's Annual Reports on Strategic Export Controls published by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; copies are in the Library of the House. Three such reports have been published so far and each report lists by country of destination the export licences issued and refused in each equipment category and gives details of the military equipment for which licences have been granted. The report for the year 2000 will be published this year.

  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the recommended time is for the issuing of export licences; what percentage of applications have taken longer to process than this time in each of the last 24 months; and if he will make a statement. [144166]

  Dr. Howells
  The Government's commitments to exporters are set out in a Service and Performance Code published by the Export Control Organisation (ECO). Where, as in almost all cases, the advice of other Government Departments is sought on applications for Standard Individual Export Licences (SIELs), the aim is to provide a substantive response within 20 working days.

  While the Government have performance targets for processing SIELs, this target does not apply to applications concerning Iran, Iraq or applications for licences to export goods which are subject to control solely because of UN sanctions. This is because there are special licensing procedures for those destinations, which reflect the Governments concerns. But none the less, we still make every effort to process such applications as quickly as possible. Nor do they apply for Open Individual Export licences because of the very wide variation in the goods and destination coverage of such licences.

  The Government's performance figures were not collected on a monthly basis before 1 January 2000. However, the performance for the whole of 1999 can be found in the Government's Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls. The figures from 1 January 2000 are set out in the table.
  497W

  Percentage of Standard Individual Export Licences (SIELs)

  Month (2000)

  Completed within the 20 day target

  Not completed within 20 days

  January

  63.1

  36.9

  February

  64.8

  35.2

  March

  68.6

  31.4

  April

  63.8

  36.2

  May

  61.7

  38.3

  June

  56.2

  43.8

  July

  53.4

  46.6

  August

  50.6

  49.4

  September

  53.5

  46.5

  October

  55.7

  44.3

  November

  54.5

  45.5

  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what his Department's policy is on issuing export licences for repeat orders; and if he will make a statement. [144179]

  Dr. Howells
  Licences to export arms and other goods whose export is controlled for strategic reasons are issued by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry acting through the Export Control Organisation (ECO) of the Department of Trade and Industry. The ECO issues a range of licences depending on the circumstances.

  Standard Individual Export Licences (SIELs) generally allow shipments of specified goods to a specified consignee up to the quantity specified by the licence. Such licences are generally valid for two years where the export will be permanent; where the export is temporary the licence is generally valid for one year only.

  Open Individual Export Licences (OIELs) are specific to an individual exporter and covert multiple shipments of specified goods to specified destinations and, in some cases, specified consignees. OIELs covering the export of goods on the Military List are generally valid for two years, while OIELs covering the export of other goods are generally valid for three years.

  Open General Export Licences (OGELs) allow the export of specified controlled goods to specified destinations by any company, removing the need for exporters to apply for an individual licence, provided the shipment and destinations are eligible and the conditions on the licence are met. All OGELs remain in force until they are revoked.

  PEDL Number/operator

  Co-applicants

  Blocks

  95 Midmar Energy Onshore Ltd.

  PermaGas Ltd.

  SE60

  Altwood Petroleum Ltd.

  96 Midmar Energy Onshore Ltd.

  TQ42, TQ43, TQ44

  97 Midmar Energy Onshore Ltd.

  NC80, NC90, NC91

  98 Black Rock Resources (UK) Ltd.

  Magellan Petroleum (NT) Pty Ltd.

  Northern Petroleum plc

  Italmin Exploration S.R.L

  99 Black Rock Resources (UK) Ltd.

  Magellan Petroleum (NT) Pty Ltd.

  SU50, SU60

  Northern Petroleum plc

  Italmin Exploration S.R.L

  100 Coastal Oil and Gas Ltd.

  SS78, SS88, SS98

  101 Mustang Oil and Gas Ltd.

  Celtic Petroleum Ltd.

  SJ49

  Pinto Petroleum Ltd.

  These licence offers conclude the consideration of applications in the 9th Round.
  498W
  All individual export licence applications, including those for repeat orders, are considered on a case by case basis. This is because there may have been a change in circumstances, since the original application was scrutinised, that affects the Government's decision on whether to issue a licence. However, when submitting applications, exporters are asked for details of previous applications to export the same or similar goods/technology to the same destination(s) so that these may be taken into consideration during the licensing process.

  If an exporter makes many SIEL applications for the same or similar goods/technology to the same destination(s), they may in some cases be advised by the ECO to apply for an OIEL which, if granted, would give the exporter the flexibility to meet repeat orders.

  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list in descending order the 10 countries to which the largest number of export licences applied in 1999. [144180]

  Dr. Howells
  Details of all export licensing decisions taken in 1999 were set out in the Government's Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls, published by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; copies are in the Library of the House. This report lists by country of destination the numbers of Standard Individual Export Licences (SIELs) and Open Individual Export Licences (OIELs) issued and refused in each entry in the relevant legislation under which the export of goods is controlled, which is known as their rating. It should be noted that an OIEL covers multiple shipments of specified goods to specified destinations or specified consignees.

  In addition, Open General Export Licences allow the export of specified controlled goods to certain destinations by any company, removing the need for a company to apply for an individual licence. Copies of all Open General Export Licences valid at any time during 1999 were listed in the Annual Report and have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Oil and Gas Licensing
  Mr. Neil Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to make the remaining licence awards in the 9th Landward Round of oil and gas licensing. [144850]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The outstanding issues mentioned in my answer to the House on 27 July 2000,Official Report, column 725W, have now been satisfactorily resolved. Further licence offers have been made to the following companies:

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  British Citizens Overseas
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British citizens were reported(a) missing, (b) murdered, (c) kidnapped or taken hostage and (d) imprisoned abroad in each year since 1996; and if he will list the countries concerned. [142490]

  Mr. Hain
  The information is in the tables.

  Number of Britons reported missing abroad

  Year

  Number

  1996

  744

  1997

  676

  1998

  672

  1999

  198

  2000

  202

  Countries concerned:

  Afghanistan

  Albania

  Algeria

  Andorra

  Angola

  Antigua

  Argentina

  Australia

  Austria

  Azerbijan

  Bahamas

  Bahrain

  Bali

  Bangladesh

  Barbados

  Belgium

  Belize

  Bolivia

  Bosnia

  Botswana

  Brazil

  Brunei

  Bulgaria

  Burma

  Cambodia

  Cameroon

  Canada

  Cayman

  Chile

  China

  CIS

  Colombia

  Congo

  Costa

  Rica

  Croatia

  Cuba

  Cyprus

  Czech

  Republic

  Denmark

  Dominician Republic

  500W

  Ecuador

  Egypt

  El Salvador

  Eritrea

  Estonia

  Ethiopia

  Fiji

  Finland

  France

  Gambia

  Germany

  Ghana

  Gibraltar

  Greece

  Greenland

  Grenada

  Gutemala

  Guinea

  Honduras

  Hong Kong

  Iceland

  India

  Indonesia

  Iran

  Iraq

  Ireland

  Israel

  Italy

  Ivory Coast

  Jamaica

  Japan

  Jordan

  Kenya

  Korea

  Kosovo

  Kuwait

  Laos

  Lebanon

  Lesotho

  Libya

  Macedonia

  Madagascar

  Malawi

  Malaysia

  Malta

  Mauritius

  Mexico

  Mongolia

  Morocco

  Mozambique

  Namibia

  Nepal

  Netherlands

  New Zealand

  Nicaragua

  Nigeria

  Norway

  Oman

  Pakistan

  Panama

  501W

  Papua New Guinea

  Peru

  Philippines

  Poland

  Portugal

  Qatar

  Romania

  Saint Lucia

  Saudi Arabia

  Senegal

  Serbia

  Seychelles

  Sierra

  Leone

  Singapore

  Slovakia

  Solomon Islands

  South Africa

  Spain

  Sri Lanka

  St. Kitts

  Sudan

  Swaziland

  Sweden

  Switzerland

  Sweden

  Switzerland

  Syria

  Taiwan

  Tanzania

  Thailand

  Trinidad and Tobago

  Tunisia

  Turkey

  United Arab Emirates

  Uganda

  Ukraine

  USA

  Uzbekistan

  Vanuatu

  Venezuela

  Vietnam

  Yemen

  Yugoslavia

  Zaire

  Zambia

  Zimbabwe.

  Number of Britons reported killed abroad

  Year

  Number

  1996

  56

  1997

  48

  1998

  43

  1999

  48

  2000

  44

  502W
  Countries concerned:

  Brazil

  Canada

  Colombia

  Indonesia

  Madagascar

  Malawi

  Malaysia

  New Zealand

  Panama

  Russia

  Somalia

  Tajikistan

  Tanzania

  Thailand

  Uganda

  Ukraine

  Yemen

  Angola

  Australia

  Belgium

  Belize

  Cambodia

  China

  CIS

  India

  Italy

  Kenya

  Nepal

  Philippines

  Poland

  South Africa

  Spain

  USA

  Vietnam

  Botswana

  Congo

  Cyprus

  Denmark

  Egypt

  France

  Gibraltar

  Greece

  Guyana

  Honduras

  Jamaica

  Mozambique

  Namibia

  Netherlands

  Papua New Guinea

  Sweden

  Antigua

  Australia

  Bahamas

  Bahrain

  Bangladesh

  Comoros

  Czech Republic

  Guatemala

  Israel

  503W

  Kuwait

  Mexico

  Pakistan

  Portugal

  Rwanda

  Saudi

  Arabia

  Togo.

  Number of Britons reported kidnapped abroad

  Year

  Number

  1996

  14

  1997

  10

  1998

  27

  1999

  35

  2000

  22

  Countries concerned:

  Angola

  Cambodia

  CIS

  Indonesia

  Somalia

  Yemen

  Spain

  Ecuador

  Guinea

  Turkey

  Gibraltar

  Nigeria

  Bosnia

  Czech Republic

  Uganda

  Cyprus

  Pakistan

  Georgia

  China

  Colombia

  Egypt

  Liberia

  Peru

  USA

  Sierra Leone

  Bangladesh

  DRC

  Australia

  Fiji.

  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the procedure for intervention by Her Majesty's Government in cases where a British national is(a) reported missing and (b) suspected to have died overseas. [142491]

  Mr. Hain
  We do all that we properly can to trace British nationals who have been reported missing or are suspected to have died overseas. It would not be possible for British consular staff to physically conduct searches so we approach relatives, local authorities, the police and any other agency which might help in the search.
  504W
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in how many cases since 1996 the Government have intervened in cases where British citizens were reported(a) missing and (b) killed in countries overseas; which countries were concerned; and what were the results of the interventions. [142501]

  Mr. Hain
  We seek to be as helpful as possible within legal and resource constraints in every case where a British citizen is reported missing or killed overseas. 2,492 British citizens have been reported missing and 239 killed overseas since 1996. Information on the countries concerned is contained in my answer to my hon. Friend's earlier question. The information requested on our interventions and results of our interventions in these cases could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Surjit Kaur Athwal
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what actions he has taken in response to the disappearance of Surjit Kaur Athwal, a British citizen, in India in December 1998. [142500]

  Mr. Hain
  We have expressed our concerns about Mrs. Athwal to the Indian authorities on numerous occasions and at a high level. Mrs. Athwal's family met the Acting Head of Consular Division in August and will meet Baroness Scotland, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, early in the New Year. Through out efforts the Indian police granted permission for the Metropolitan police to become involved in the investigation, and we arranged for officers to travel to India this year to assist their Indian counterparts in any way possible. The family have a legal representative in India but a court case did not produce the result they were, seeking, for lack of evidence. We shall continue to press the authorities to keep up their efforts to try to find Mrs. Athwal.

  Departmental Advertising
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commnonwealth Affairs if he will list for(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99, (d) 1999–2000 and (e) 2000–01, (i) his Department's total spending on advertising campaigns, (ii) the cost of each individual advertising campaign and (iii) the criteria that were established to gauge the effectiveness of each campaign; and what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of each campaign based on these criteria. [142722]

  Mr. Hain
  In 1997–98 we spent £1 million on a publicity campaign to reduce the number of ticketless fans travelling to France for the World Cup Finals and to explain what consular services were available. Independent monitoring of the campaign showed that it had been effective in increasing awareness among fans of the dangers of travelling without tickets. Before our campaign, 13 per cent. of our target audience said they were likely or very likely to travel to France for the World Cup in the hope of getting into a game with a ticket bought on the black market. After the campaign, those saying they would still travel dropped to 6 per cent. The Foreign and Commnonwealth Office did not undertake any advertising campaigns in 1996–97, 1998–99 and 1999–2000, and to date has not done so in 2000–01.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he intends to reply to the letters to him dated 31 August, 6 October and 9 November from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr. M. A. Abdul Rahman. [143080]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Secretary of State replied on 15 December, and apologised for the delay. My right hon. Friend is always free to discuss any of his casework that is urgent with me.

  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he intends to reply to the letters to him dated 18 July, 24 August and 6 October from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mrs. Fozia Mirza. [143079]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Secretary of State replied on 21 December 2000, and apologised for the delay. It may be of assistance to my right hon. Friend if he wished to discuss any case with me I would be happy to do so.

  Convention on the Rights of the Child
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking in support of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, with particular reference to through-bonded child labour. [143546]

  Mr. Hain
  The Government are committed to the principles enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The Government signed the two new Optional Protocols to the CRC on the protection of children in armed conflict and the sale of children, prostitution and child pornography in September 2000. We are now working on ratification of the protocols. The Government are also fully engaged in preparations for the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Children due to take place in September 2001.

  With regard to bonded labour, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Govan, (Mr. Sarwar) on 21 July 2000, Official Report, columns 370–71W.

  Crisis Management
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which provisions of the Nice Treaty indicate that NATO is the option of first resort for all types of crisis management. [143428]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Presidency Report on the European Security and Defence Policy, adopted by the Nice European Council, confirms (paragraph 2 of the report itself) that the EU's aim is to be able to take decisions and, where NATO as a whole is not engaged, to launch and conduct EU-led military operations in response to international crises. It also confirms that NATO remains the basis of the collective defence of its members and will continue to play an important role in crisis management.

  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which NATO countries have not agreed on the circumstances in which the EU may act in an emerging crisis [143427]
  506W
  Mr. Vaz
  EU governments have repeatedly stated that the goal of the European defence initiative is to be able to take decisions and, where NATO as a whole is not engaged, to launch and conduct EU-led military operations in response to international crises. At its Washington Summit, NATO confirmed that it stood ready to adopt arrangements for NATO support to EU operations"in operations in which the Alliance as a whole is not militarily engaged as an Alliance".

  At their meeting on 14–15 December, NATO Foreign Ministers endorsed this position. Work in the EU and NATO will proceed on this basis.

  Defence Capabilities Initiative
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the extent to which the Headline Goal has been harmonised with NATO's Defence Capabilities Initiative; and if he will make a statement. [143426]

  Mr. Vaz
  Work within the EU on development of the Headline Goal has been done by national defence planners, supported by NATO experts. The Nice European Council approved a proposal for a capabilities review mechanism, which is intended to support the need for reinforcement of the EU's capabilities goals and those arising, for the countries concerned, from NATO's Defence Capabilities Initiative (DCI). The NATO Ministerial on 14–15 December confirmed that the objectives of the DCI and of the EU's Headline Goal are mutually reinforcing.

  Entry Visas
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 12 December 2000,Official Report, column 122W, on entry visas, if he will list the hon. and right hon. Members whose representations were successful in the 19 cases, indicating how often each hon. and right hon. Member was involved; and how many unsuccessful representations he has received from hon. and right hon. Members since October 1999. [143172]

  Mr. Vaz
  [holding answer 18 December 2000]: I regret that the figure given in my answer of 12 December is incorrect. I have in fact overturned 18 entry clearance decisions made at our Post in India. It would be inappropriate on grounds of confidentiality to discuss the names of hon. Members who have been in contact with me on individual visa cases.

  Figures on unsuccessful representations received from right hon. Members since October 1999 are not kept centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Sanctions (Iraq)
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what strategic considerations warrant inclusion of(a) adhesive paper, (b) baking soda, (c) bath brushes, (d) children's balls for sport, (e) candles, (f) chalk, (g) detergents, (h) door knobs and (i) dust cloths on the sanctions list of items which cannot be supplied to Iraq. [143503]
  507W
  Mr. Hain
  None of the items identified by my hon. Friend are on a list of items which cannot be supplied to Iraq.

  Over US$37 billion has been made available to purchase humanitarian goods for Iraq under the Oil for Food Programme since its inception in 1996. This year alone revenue is expected to reach more than US$16 billion.

  Under the terms of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1284 almost $3 billion worth of humanitarian goods have been "fast-tracked" to Iraq this year. These goods, which include foodstuffs, medical, agricultural, educational, water and sanitation supplies and oil spare parts, no longer require Sanctions Committee approval but only need to be notified to the UN Secretariat. Under Security Council Resolution 1330 the lists of "fast track" goods is being extended to include goods in the electricity and housing sectors also.

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the UN assessment of the number of deaths in Iraq attributable to the current sanctions policy. [143501]

  Mr. Hain
  We are not aware of a UN assessment linking deaths in Iraq with the UN sanctions policy. With up to $16 billion of humanitarian aid available to the Iraqi people this year alone under the UN Oil for Food programme, we do not accept that sanctions are responsible for the suffering of the Iraqi people.

  The UK has always advocated and supported initiatives aimed at better targeting the humanitarian effort to help the most vulnerable. These include the introduction of fast-track procedures for humanitarian goods in the foodstuff, medical, educational, agricultural, oil spare parts and water and sanitation sectors. Almost $3 billion worth of goods were processed in 2000.

  Meanwhile according to the UN Secretary-General's latest report the Iraqi regime has spent just 28 per cent. of Oil for Food funds available to it under the last six months phase. More importantly, the regime has ordered no medicines or other health sector items in that time. Significantly also, it has refused access to a UN team of experts intending to assess the humanitarian situation.

  Non-departmental Public Bodies
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what directions overriding a note of dissent by an Accounting Officer have been given by the boards of non-departmental public bodies within his Department since May 1997; and if he will place the details of the directions in the Library. [143453]

  Mr. Hain
  There have been no such directions.

  Terrorism
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those countries which his Department believes sponsor terrorism. [143641]

  Mr. Battle
  The Government condemn state sponsorship of terrorism and monitor closely any evidence of such activities. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office makes the responsible Governments aware of our concerns.
  508W
  It is not, however, HM Government's practice formally to designate particular countries as state sponsors of terrorism.

  Maastricht Treaty
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which areas of responsibility previously within the competence of the EU institutions have been devolved to member states under the subsidiarity clause in the Maastricht Treaty. [143760]

  Mr. Vaz
  Subsidiarity is not about the repatriation of powers to member states Rather, it is about ensuring that where the Treaty already allows for action at both EU and member state level, the most appropriate level is chosen each time action is required.

  Joint Entry Clearance Unit
  Ms Southworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the backlog of letters in the joint entry clearance unit. [144245]

  Mr. Vaz
  I am pleased to announce that as of 21 December the amount of outstanding correspondence for the Joint Entry Clearance Unit is zero.

  European Council Meetings
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the occasions, and the individuals concerned since May 1997 on which British delegations to European Council meetings have been led by persons other than Members of either House. [144349]

  Mr. Vaz
  Since May 1997, the Prime Minister has led the UK delegation to all meetings of the European Council.

  Burma
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Burma concerning U Pa Pa Lay and U Lu Zaw and their continued detention; and if he will make a statement. [144524]

  Mr. Battle
  U Pa Pa Lay and U Lu Zaw are among an estimated 1,500 political prisoners in Burma. Our Ambassador in Rangoon has made representations to the Burmese authorities on this subject. We take every opportunity, including in United Nations resolutions, to call for the immediate and unconditional release of all such prisoners. We also support the work of the ICRC in visiting prisoners in Burma.

  China
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to the Government of China concerning the continued detention of Ngawang Choephal, a Tibetan; and if he will make a statement. [144523]

  Mr. Battle
  We remain deeply concerned about the case of Ngawang Choephal, and raise his case regularly with the Chinese authorities. I raised the case with the then Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister, Wang Yingfan, in
  509W
  Beijing in November 1999 and urged that Choephal's mother. Sonam Deckyi, be allowed to visit him. A visit took place in August 2000. We remain concerned at reports that Choephal may be in poor health. During the most recent round of the UK/China human rights dialogue in October 2000, we made a specific request that his sentence be reviewed in the light of these reports. At that meeting, the Chinese stated Choephal was in good health. We will continue to press this case.

  Non-proliferation Treaty
  Mrs. Ann Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make a statement about progress made on the Government's commitment to nuclear disarmament, as agreed in the Non-Proliferation Treaty final document; [144103]

  (2) what progress his Department has made on the reduction of non-strategic weapons, as agreed in the Non-Proliferation Treaty final document; [144102]

  (3) what progress has been made on honouring the commitment made under the Non-Proliferation Treaty for all the nuclear weapon states to engage in the process of disarmament as soon as appropriate; [144105]

  (4) what steps he has taken towards honouring the commitment to a diminishing role for nuclear weapons in security policies, as agreed in the Non-Proliferation Treaty final document. [144104]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Government have made their commitment to all aspects of the Final Document agreed at the 2000 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference. We believe the United Kingdom is already some way ahead of most other states in fulfilling the undertakings it sets out.

  We have reduced our own nuclear forces to the minimum necessary to provide for our security for the foreseeable future. These reductions have included the withdrawal from service of the last of our free-fall nuclear bombs, leaving Trident as our sole nuclear weapons system.

  We have made clear, both nationally and in NATO, that our reliance on nuclear weapons in our security policies has been radically reduced since the end of the Cold War. We have pledged to include British nuclear weapons in multilateral negotiations when satisfied with progress towards the global elimination of nuclear weapons. And we have made clear our willingness to see a body established in the Geneva Conference on Disarmament to deal with nuclear disarmament.

  Afghanistan
  Mrs. Golding
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes there have been in United Nations sanctions in relation to the Taliban. [144437]

  Mr. Hain
  UN Security Council resolution 1333 (2000), adopted on 19 December, imposed further measures against the Afghan fact on known as the Taliban, who also call themselves the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, in response to their continued support for international terrorism and their failure to hand over 510W
  Usama Bin Laden for trial in accordance with the demands of the Security Council in its resolution 1267 (1999).

  The new measures will come into force on 19 January 2001. They are established for a 12 month period. At the end of this period, the Security Council will decide whether to extend them, having decided whether the Taliban have complied with the demands of the Council that they should:
  hand over Usama bin Laden for trial;
  cease the provision of sanctuary and training for international terrorists and their organisations; ensure that their territory is not used for terrorist installations and camps or for the preparation of acts of international terrorism; and co-operate with international efforts to bring indicted terrorists to justice;
  act swiftly to close all camps where terrorists are trained within the territory under their control.

  The new measures are as follows:
  an arms embargo and a ban on the provision of military assistance to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan;
  closure of Taliban (non-diplomatic) offices overseas;
  closure of Ariana Afghan Airlines offices overseas;
  a ban on the supply of the heroin precursor acetic anhydride to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan;
  a ban on all international flights to or from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan (with exceptions for humanitarian flights);
  a non-mandatory call to all States to restrict the movement through their territory of senior Taliban officials;
  a non-mandatory call to States who have diplomatic relations with the Taliban to reduce the number and level of Taliban diplomatic staff at missions in their territory.

  The resolution also imposes a freeze of the funds of Usama Bin Laden (UBL) and those individuals and entities associated with him, as designated by the UN Sanctions Committee, and a ban on making any funds available to such persons.

  The resolution has been carefully designed to ensure that the new measures exert pressure on the Taliban, but do not have an adverse humanitarian impact on ordinary Afghans, who have suffered for too long already. We call on the Taliban to do everything in their power to ensure that international organisations and aid agencies can carry on their vital work in safety and without hindrance.

  The freeze of Taliban funds and financial resources and the ban on international flights by aircraft owned, leased or operated by or on behalf of the Taliban, imposed by UN Security Council Resolution 1267 (1999), remain in force.

  The EU arms embargo on the whole territory of Afghanistan imposed by EU Common Position 96/726/CFSP of 17 December 1996 also remains in force.

  New Orders will be made under the United Nations Act (1946) to implement the new measures in the UK, the Crown Dependencies and the Overseas Territories. Where appropriate, certain of these measures may be implemented by administrative means.

  EU Treaties
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list, in order of their inclusion in the draft Treaty of Nice, each proposed Article relating to change in the procedure for taking
  511W
  decisions under qualified majority voting or other requirement, indicating for each (a) the article and treaty to which it applies and (b) the nature of the proposed change. [142415]

  Mr. Vaz
  At Nice, the Government agreed to extend qualified majority voting in a total of 31 articles of the Treaty establishing the European Community and the Treaty on European Union. All these moves will benefit the UK. As promised, we retained the UK's veto over taxation, social security and the other key issues we identified at the start of the IGC.

  Of the articles that moved to majority voting, 11 relate to conditions of appointment or procedural rules. The rest are primarily about the efficiency of economic management and the single market. Where needed, articles have been amended to carve out specific issues or to retain unanimity for key aspects of legislation.

  The UK has an opt-in to all aspects of the free movement articles (Articles 62–66 TEC). Two other articles do not apply to us unless we join the single currency (Articles 111(4) and 123(4)).

  The full list follows. Those areas marked with an asterisk will also become subject to codecision with the European Parliament.

  Articles of the Treaty on European Union

  1.Article 23(2): Appointment of CFSP Special Representatives.

  2. Article 24: Conclusion of international CFSP/JHA agreements where QMV applies internally.

  Articles of the EC Treaty

  3. Article 13: Anti-discrimination (incentive measures only, excluding any harmonisation of member states' legislation)*

  4. Article 18: Measures to facilitate rights of Citizens to move freely/reside within EU (passports, identity cards, residence permits, other similar documents, social security and social protection carved-out)

  5. Article 62(2)(a) and (3)*: Procedures for checks at external borders (subject to prior agreement on the scope of application of measures on crossing external borders); and conditions for travel by third country nationals (both delayed until 2004 and subject to confirmation by the Council)

  6. Article 63(1)*, (2)(a)*, 3(b)*: Implementation of common rules on asylum and minimum arrangements for temporary protection for third country nationals (both once basic framework rules have been put in place); measures to combat illegal immigration (from 2004, subject to confirmation by the Council)

  7. Article 65(a)*(b)*(c)*: Civil judicial co-operation (except family law)

  8. Article 66: Measures to encourage administrative co-operation in the free movement Title (from 2004, subject to confirmation by the Council)

  9. Article 100: Measures in the event of severe difficulties in the supply of certain products/Community financial assistance to member states in severe difficulties (plus a declaration stating that any decisions must be compatible with the no bail-out rule in Article 103 TEC and ceilings in this and future Financial Perspectives)

  10. Article 111(4): Representation of the European Community at international level in the EMU sphere. Does not apply to the UK unless we join the single currency.

  11. Article 123(4): Measures for the smooth introduction of the single currency. Does not apply to the UK unless we join the single currency

  12. Article 133: Extension of the Common Commercial Policy to trade in some services and the commercial aspects of intellectual property (subject to unanimity in certain situations)

  512W

  13. Article 137(1)(k)*:The modernisation of social protection systems (excluding any harmonisation of member states' legislation and without prejudice to wider social protection, which remains subject to unanimity)

  14. Article 157(3)*: Industrial policy (subject to a carve-out for measures on taxation and the rights and interests of employed persons)

  15. Article 159(3)*: Specific actions for social/economic cohesion outside the structural funds

  16. Article 161: Structural and Cohesion fund rules (Delayed until 2007, or until agreement on the next Financial Perspective, whichever is the later)

  17. Article 175*: Some environmental measures (aspects of the qualitative management of water resources)

  18. Article 181(a): Financial and technical co-operation with third countries (except for candidate countries and association agreements)

  19. Article 190(5): The MEPs' statue, with unanimity retained for fiscal measures

  20. Article 191(2)*: Statute for European Political parties (subject to a declaration stating that Community funds cannot be used to fund, either directly or indirectly, national political parties)

  21. Article 207(2): Appointment of the Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-t General of the Council

  22. Article 210: Salaries, allowances and pensions of Members and the Registrar of the Court of First Instance

  23. Article 214/5: Appointment of the President of the Commission and list of members of the Commission (including replacement following their dismissal, resignation or death)

  24. Article 223: Approval of the Rules of Procedure of the Court of Justice

  25. Article 224: Approval of the Rules of Procedure of the Court of First Instance

  26. Article 225a: Approval of the Rules of Procedure of judicial panels attached to the Court of First Instance

  27. Article 247(3): Appointment of the Members of the Court of Auditors

  28. Article 248(4): Approval of the Rules of Procedure of the Court of Auditors

  29. Article 259(1): Appointment of Members of the Economic and Social Committee

  30. Article 263: Appointment of Members of the Committee of the Regions

  31. Article 279(a and c): Financial Regulations/rules concerning the responsibility of financial controllers, authorising officers and account officers and concerning appropriate arrangements for inspection (delayed until 2007).

  Nice Council
  Miss Begg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on vote reweighting in the European Union following the European Council at Nice. [142875]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  [pursuant to his reply, 14 December 2000, c. 226W]: The Nice IGC agreed that on 1 January 2005 member states' votes in the Council would be re-weighted according to the following table.

  Current weighting

  From 2005

  Germany

  10

  29

  UK

  10

  29

  France

  10

  29

  Italy

  10

  29

  Spain

  8

  27

  Poland

  —

  27

  513W

  Current weighting

  From 2005

  Romania

  —

  14

  Netherlands

  5

  13

  Greece

  5

  12

  Czech Republic

  —

  12

  Belgium

  5

  12

  Hungary

  —

  12

  Portugal

  5

  12

  Sweden

  4

  10

  Bulgaria

  —

  10

  Austria

  4

  10

  Slovakia

  —

  7

  Denmark

  3

  7

  Finland

  3

  7

  Lithuania

  —

  7

  Ireland

  3

  7

  Latvia

  —

  4

  Slovenia

  —

  4

  Estonia

  —

  4

  Cyprus

  —

  4

  Luxembourg

  2

  4

  Malta

  —

  3

  Total

  87

  345

  Platon Obukhov
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Russian Federal Government about the conviction of Platon Obukhov for espionage. [144037]

  Mr. Vaz
  The UK Government have made no representations to the Russian Government about this case.

  We are aware that Mr. Obukhov's appeal was due to be heard by the Russian Supreme Court on 19 December 2000 but understand that it has now been postponed at his lawyers' request.

  EU Directives
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many EU directives became legally binding in the United Kingdom in each of the last three years. [144005]

  Mr. Vaz
  A comprehensive list of all European legislation in force as at 1 June 2000 is contained in the Official Journal Directory of Community legislation in

  Table 2: Breakdown of all NDS allocations to schools in Shrewsbury and Atcham1

  NDS Initiative

  School

  Project

  Total cost (£)

  1

  —

  LEA-wide bid consisting of 16 secondary and 23 primary schools benefiting from provision of ICT infrastructure2

  185,000

  2

  Woodfield Infant

  Recovering of roof to dismountable classroom

  1,906

  2

  The Wilfred Owen

  Replacement of classroom

  37,950

  2

  Meole Brace

  Recovering of roof to dismountable classrooms

  1,908

  2

  Belvidere

  Renewal of roof covering to dismountable classroom

  3,816

  2

  Harlescott

  Recovering of roof to dismountable classroom

  7,632

  2

  Severndale

  Replacement of classrooms

  89,980

  3

  —

  LEA-wide package for four schools to provide adequate fire precautions

  517,200

  3

  —

  LEA-wide package for 165 schools for asbestos identification

  317,002

  3

  Meole Brace

  Replacement of leaking roof

  66,000

  4

  The Wilfred Owen and The Grange

  Part of a four-school package for roofing repairs

  216,889

  4

  Springfield Infants

  Part of a three-school package for roofing repairs and fire breaks

  184,694

  4

  Springfield Infants

  Part of a two-school package for refenestration to Mk 1 SCOLAS

  143,106

  4

  Bomere Heath Church of England

  Part of a seven-school package for improvements to IT/GP areas

  180,983

  514W
  force (35th Ed.). This is updated every six months and is available in the Library of the House. More in depth and up to date information on EU legislation is available on the internet at www.europa.eu.int/eur-lex.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  School Buildings
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the total amount awarded to schools in Shrewsbury and Atcham to improve school buildings was in each year since 1997. [143383]

  Jacqui Smith
  I refer my hon. Friend to answers given to previous questions as detailed on 8 May 2000,Official Report, columns 291–93W, and 5 June 2000, Official Report, columns 142–43W.

  Table 1 shows the revised overall New Deal for Schools (NDS) allocation (reflecting subsequent allocations) to Shropshire Local Education Authority and that to schools in Shrewsbury and Atcham (where this information is available).

  Table 2 provides a revised breakdown of NDS allocations to specific schools in Shrewsbury and Atcham constituency where this information is available. Information about the schools included in package bids is available from Shropshire Local Education Authority.

  Table 3 shows the total schools capital allocations made to Shropshire Local Education Authority since 1996–97.

  Table 1: New Deal for Schools allocations to Shropshire Local Education and to schools in Shrewsbury and Atcham

  £

  NDS initiative

  Shropshire LEA's allocation

  Allocations to schools in Shrewsbury and Atcham

  1 (1997–98)

  185,000

  1—

  2 (1998–99)

  1,184,252

  143,192

  3 (1999–2000)

  1,196,337

  2900,202

  4 (2000–01)

  33,134,172

  41,247,551

  1 Included within £185,000

  2 Including two LEA packages

  3 This figure has increased by £22,000 since the answer number [123911] given on 5 June 2000, Official Report, columns 142–43W, due to extra funds being made available to improve ICT facilities at Baschurch Church of England School. This school is not in the Shrewsbury and Atcham constituency.

  4 Including three LEA packages

  515W

  Table 2: Breakdown of all NDS allocations to schools in Shrewsbury and Atcham1

  NDS Initiative

  School

  Project

  Total cost(£)

  4

  Radbrook Primary

  Replacement of hard play area

  32,943

  4

  Condover Church of England Primary

  Replacement of Horsa building

  265,299

  4

  Holy Cross Church of England

  Replacement of temporary classroom

  38,700

  4

  Severndale

  Refenestration

  119,148

  4

  Severndale

  Replacement of heating systems

  65,789

  1 Packages detailed include schools outside this specific constituency.

  2 Please note that under NDS 1 LEAs were not required to specify schools and projects.

  Table 3: Total capital allocations to Shropshire Local Education Authority 1996–97 to 2000–01

  £ million

  Year

  1996–97

  7.019

  1997–98

  5.054

  1998–99

  7.082

  1999–2000

  5.413

  2000–01

  9.819

  Capital Projects (Secondary Schools)
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proportion of the allocation of funds for additional capital projects, announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Autumn Statement for secondary schools in Essex(a) is new money and (b) flows from previous announcements. [143670]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced additional capital funding of £167 million for schools across England on 8 November 2000, of which £4.2 million was for schools in Essex. This was all new money.

  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proportion of the funds announced in the Autumn Statement for additional capital projects in secondary schools(a) was new money and (b) flowed from previous announcements. [143671]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced additional capital funding of £167 million for schools across England on 8 November 2000, all of which was new money.

  Independent Schools
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what criteria have to be met for registration as an independent school; and how many have been so registered in each year since 1990. [143769]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Any school in England at which full-time education is provided for five or more pupils of compulsory school age, and which is not a school maintained by a local education authority or a non-maintained special school, must register as an independent school. Initially registration is provisional. Final registration is conditional on inspection evidence that the standards at the school meet the requirements of the Education Act 1996 in relation to accommodation, premises, instruction, proprietor and staff, and child welfare in the case of a boarding school. The following 516W
  table shows how many new schools registered, and the total number of registered independent schools in England, in each year since 1990.

  Year

  New schools

  Total number of independent schools in operation

  1990

  42

  2,280

  1991

  51

  2,280

  1992

  75

  2,256

  1993

  63

  2,261

  1994

  69

  2,266

  1995

  77

  2,244

  1996

  68

  2,249

  1997

  63

  2,256

  1998

  59

  2,227

  1999

  68

  2,214

  2000

  57

  2,187

  Teacher Vacancies
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what research his Department has undertaken into the reasons for which teachers are leaving the profession. [143939]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: More teachers are entering than leaving the profession. There were 7,500 more teachers in England and Wales in January 2000 than in January 1998. The Teacher Training Agency nevertheless contributed to the costs of a study by the University of North London on teacher supply and retention in London. This included surveying those leaving teaching posts in six London boroughs in 1998–99, including those moving into other teaching jobs.

  The most commonly cited reasons for leaving were school management, hours worked, pupil behaviour, lack of opportunities for promotion and school resources. We are addressing these and other issues raised, including through new professional development opportunities for headteachers and improved support for teachers, for example by the planned recruitment of 20,000 full-time (or equivalent) extra teaching assistants by 2002. A total of £174 million was allocated to local authorities on 3 January to help reduce truancy and indiscipline, and funding per pupil will have increased by over £450 in real terms between 1997–98 and 2001–02.

  Education Funding
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received from LEAs on the level of education funding in the local government settlement. [143940]
  517W
  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: My right hon. Friend has received a number of representations on the level of education funding in the local government settlement from authorities, schools and parents. We are continuing to increase the general funding available across the country following the Spending Review. In the four years from 1997, funding per pupil will have increased by over £450 per pupil in real terms. Under the last Government, funding per pupil fell by £60 in real terms between 1994–95 and 1997–98.

  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if it is his policy to reduce the gap between the funding per pupil in primary and secondary sectors in Worcestershire and the respective national average for both sectors; and if he will make a statement. [144507]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 8 January 20011: We recognise that the current formula for distributing funding between local education authorities is far from perfect and that is why we are currently conducting a review of local authority grant distribution. The Green Paper on the future of local authority funding makes it clear that the Government are seeking arrangements which will be fair between different parts of the country; are more transparent; and will provide greater predictability and stability. Our objective is to remove the worst of the disparities that exist across the country, by levelling up, not down. We are continuing to increase the general funding available across the country following the Spending Review. In the four years from 1997, funding per pupil will have increased by over £450 per pupil in real terms. Under the last Government, funding per pupil fell by £60 in real terms between 1994–95 and 1997–98.

  Curriculum
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment in which curriculum subjects truth, kindness, good manners and courage are taught. [144012]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: These are virtues which are a responsibility for parents to inculcate in their children. School subjects like RE, Citizenship and Personal, Social and Health education can reinforce this by teaching children the difference between right and wrong, as well as the importance of being good citizens.

  United Nations
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will take steps to include an understanding of the history and purpose of the United Nations in the study of citizenship in schools. [144030]

  Jacqui Smith
  Knowledge and understanding of the United Nations is already included in the programmes of study for Citizenship education for secondary schools. From August 2002, Citizenship will be part of the National Curriculum and pupils will be taught about the purpose and workings of international organisations such as the United Nations, NATO, the European Union and the Commonwealth in contemporary society. They will be able to explore the role of the UN in conflict resolution, for example through model United Nations projects.
  518W
  This will build on the opportunity that already exists to learn about the UN as part of 'modern world' studies in the History curriculum.

WALES

  Bilateral Concordat
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when the bilateral concordat between his Department and the National Assembly for Wales will be published. [144739]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The bilateral concordat between the Wales Office and the National Assembly for Wales has been published today and can be accessed on both the Wales Office and Assembly websites. The Wales Office website address is www.ossw.wales.gov.uk.

  Departmental Projects
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the projects undertaken for his Department by(a) outside consultants, (b) academic researchers and (c) university departments since 1 May 1997, giving the total expenditure incurred in each category. [144079]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  New Deal
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people in Wales have gained(a) sustained employment and (b) short term employment as a direct result of the New Deal since January 1998. [144057]

  Mr. Hanson
  Figures published by the Employment Service on 20 December 2000 show that 16,400 participants in the New Deal for Young People and the New Deal for long-term unemployed had entered sustained employment up to the end of September 2000, while a further 4,400 had undertaken a period of employment lasting up to 13 weeks.

  Results from the New Deal for Lone Parents are not presented in the same way. However, 4,100 participants from this programme entered new jobs, while 200 part-time workers increased their working week to more than 16 hours.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what categories of submissions from civil servants to Ministers, other than those relating to(a) intelligence and (b) personnel matters, are not circulated to special advisers; [143802]

  (2) what categories of submissions from civil servants are submitted to special advisers before being seen by Ministers. [143803]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Special advisers in the Wales Office have access to material produced by civil servants in accordance with paragraph 14e of the "Model Contract for Special Advisers".

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Non-departmental Public Bodies
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what directions overriding a note of dissent by an accounting officer have been given by the boards of non-departmental public bodies within his Department since May 1997; and if he will place the details of such directions in the Library. [143543]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The Northern Ireland Office has received no such directions.

  Modernising Government White Paper
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much for each financial year from 1998–99 until the latest date for which sums have been allocated his Department has spent and expects to spend on the implementation of the Modernising Government White Paper. [143696]

  Mr. Ingram
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 21 December 2000,Official Report, columns 245–46W.

  Terrorism
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list, for each electoral district, the number of individuals that have been warned in the past 12 months that their personal details as compiled by security forces have been found in the possession of persons suspected of being engaged in the preparation and commission of acts of terrorism. [142322]

  Mr. Ingram
  The information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Military Intelligence
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in identifying the source of military intelligence documents found in November 1999 in Stoneyford, County Antrim; and how many people have been charged and convicted as a result of this raid. [142324]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Royal Ulster Constabulary is actively continuing investigations into the source of the military documents found in Stoneyford but this has not as yet been established. Three persons were charged with"possession of information likely to be of use to terrorists".

  Each has pleaded "guilty" and awaits sentence at Belfast Crown Court.

  Travellers
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on how many occasions police have been involved in preventing travellers from using the St. Christopher's Park site; what information is available to the police concerning alternative accommodation; and what is the policy of the police concerning movement of travellers who wish to enter and use the site closest to the Quays shopping centre in Newry. [142331]
  520W
  Mr. Ingram
  Police do not become involved in preventing travellers using the St. Christopher's Park site although they do retain a key to the height restriction barrier installed at the site. Information concerning alternative accommodation is not made available to the police nor is there any police policy covering the movement of travellers wishing to enter and use the site closest to the Quays Shopping Centre in Newry.

  Ministerial Travel
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many flights including helicopter flights were taken by Ministers within his Department for UK and overseas visits in each year since 1995; on how many occasions(a) charter flights were used and (b) first and club class tickets obtained; and who accompanied the Ministers on each trip. [143859]

  Mr. Ingram
  Ministers are under a duty to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. This Government have given a commitment to publish an annual list of visits by Cabinet Ministers costing more than £500 as well as an annual figure on spend by all Ministers on overseas visits. The list for 1999–2000 was published on 28 July 2000,Official Report, column 969W.

  Detailed information in the form requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Waterways (Brentwood and Ongar)
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what programme of maintenance of waterways exists in the parliamentary constituency of Brentwood and Ongar. [143664]

  Mr. Morley
  The flood defence operating authorities—the Environment Agency, local authorities and, where they exist, internal drainage hoards—have permissive powers to undertake flood defence works on watercourses. However, the primary responsibility for maintenance rests with the relevant riparian owners.

  Under High Level Targets that the Government established in 1999 the operating authorities are preparing programmes for inspecting and, where appropriate, maintaining flood defences, main rivers and critical ordinary watercourses. We also require the authorities to produce publicly available policy statements, from 1 April 2001, which set out their approach to flood defence.

  The Environment Agency has a programme of regular inspection and maintenance of designated main rivers in the constituency of Brentwood and Ongar. This varies according to the nature of the watercourse but generally includes trimming of banks, overhanging vegetation and aquatic weeds, debris clearance and tree work as necessary. More details are available from the local office of the Agency.

  The Agency is working with local authorities in determining an appropriate regime of inspection and maintenance of ordinary watercourses in the area.

  Artificial Lake (Shrewsbury)
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the cost of creating an artificial lake north of Shrewsbury to reduce the impact of flooding on the town; and if he will make a statement. [144035]

  Mr. Morley
  The Ministry has policy responsibility for flood and coastal defence. Operational responsibility, including decisions on which projects to promote, rests with local operating authorities, such as the Environment Agency. I understand that the Agency will be undertaking a strategic review of possible options, and their costs for flood alleviation for the River Severn as part of the response to recent flooding events. The creation of additional flood storage will be considered as part of that review.

  Early Retirement
  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many male senior civil servants in his Department have been offered financial incentives to take early retirement in order to enable the promotion of officials who are female. [144306]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: None. We have run one early retirement exercise recently. This was open to men and women, and both men and women have been offered early retirement as a result.

  Hake
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent assessment he has made of the impact of current minimum(a) mesh size and (b) landing size on EU hake stocks. [144269]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: There has been no recent assessment of the impact of the current minimum mesh size and minimum landing size on EU hake stocks. However, as part of the present hake recovery programme CEFAS scientists will participate in an international workshop to review the current stock assessment for Northern hake. In addition, CEFAS will be involved in the preparation of a report on the effects of potential management options for the stock, including changes in the level of exploitation and technical measures aimed at protecting juveniles. This report is expected to be evaluated by the Commission's Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) in April 2001.

  Bass
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent assessment he has made of the(a) age profile and (b) health of the stock of bass in (i) Area VII and (ii) all fishing zones applicable to the UK fishing industry. [144270]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: There has been no recent assessment of the age profile and health of the stocks of bass in Area VII or in other fishing zones applicable to the UK fishing industry. However, in the current year, CEFAS scientists will be contributing to the work of a new ICES Study Group on Seabass, under the chairmanship of Dr. Mike Pawson. In accordance with the terms of reference for this group, data from all
  522W
  countries which catch bass in Area VII and in the Bay of Biscay and the North Sea, will be compiled in order to construct the age profile of bass stocks in these areas and, if possible, to carry out an assessment of their status in relation to safe biological limits. The first task will be to compile and inventory of the available data, which will be reviewed by the ICES Advisory Committee for Fisheries Management in May 2001.

  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the total UK sea bass landings were for each of the last five years. [144268]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: Fisheries Departments' statistics record landings of bass by the UK commercial fleet as follows:

  Year

  Tonnes

  1995

  671

  1996

  579

  1997

  572

  1998

  501

  1999

  678

  In addition, data from the CEFAS fishermen's voluntary logbook scheme, including some catches taken by angling charter vessels and private angling boats, but excluding catches taken by recreational anglers fishing from the shore, indicate the following further tonnages were landed.

  Year

  Tonnes

  1995

  721

  1996

  918

  1997

  738

  1998

  576

  1999

  1,179

  Comparable figures for 2000 are not yet available.

  Leigh Barrier
  Ms Kingham
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what quantity of water was released as a result of the opening of the Leigh barrier on the Medway on(a) 12 and (b) 13 October and over what period of time; what estimates were made by the responsible staff at the time of the opening of the barrier as to the effect on the village of Yalding and its surrounding area; what assessment he has made of the level of flooding in the Yalding area had the barrier not been opened; and what evidence he uses to support his assessment. [144450]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: The Leigh Barrier provides relief from flooding in the Upper Medway valley, by allowing floodwaters to be stored in 6km of river valley. This reduces the risk to life and property downstream which would otherwise be exposed to an uncontrolled natural event. The benefit is to all communities downstream of the barrier, including Yalding and its surrounding area, although the degree of flood mitigation reduces downstream due to inflow from unrestricted lengths of the Medway and its tributaries. The Barrier is operated by dedicated and qualified staff of the Environment Agency.
  523W
  The release of water from the Barrier is a normal function in a flood event as the operation of the Barrier is not to stop outflow but to throttle the flood to an extent which is appropriate to its size, available storage and the capacity of the downstream channel. In extreme events the discharge may exceed the capacity of the downstream channel, and hence flooding occurs, but the extent of this flooding will be reduced by virtue of the stored volume of floodwater.

  The flood event of mid-October produced the highest flood peak since the scheme was constructed with peak inflows between 250 and 300 cubic metres per second. The Leigh Barrier was operated from 10.30 on 12 October until 16.00 on 14 October. During this time nearly 5 million cubic metres of floodwater were stored. In the 16 hours from the onset of the flood on 12 October the throttled flow leaving the Barrier varied between 55 and 160 cubic metres per second, a total of 5.76 million cubic metres. On 13 October the throttled flow varied between 155 and 80 cubic metres per second, a total of 8 million cubic metres in 24 hours.

  The Environment Agency staff recognised that while the Leigh Barrier could give some relief to downstream communities from the floodwaters in the Upper Medway, floodwaters from the rivers Beult and Teise and the Middle Medway catchment would severely affect Yalding. The peak flood from the River Teise reached Yalding first, followed by the flood peak from the Beult causing extensive flooding through the early hours of 13 October. The floodwaters from the Upper Medway, which had been moderated by the Leigh Barrier, would not have reached Yalding until late evening on 13 October.

  The Environment Agency is to produce a full report on the Autumn flooding, in co-operation with local authorities and the emergency services. This will include the way that flood defence control structures, such as the Leigh Barrier, were operated and will identify any lessons to be learned.

  Flood Defence
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment the Environment Agency has made of the compatibility of the surface water drainage in Shrewsbury with proposed flood defence schemes; and if he will make a statement. [144098]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: Local surface water drainage is considered as part of the detailed development of any flood defence scheme and, as such, will be assessed by the Environment Agency as flood defence proposals are developed for Shrewsbury.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made to establish the level of funding paid by the Regional Flood Defence Committee for a new flood defence scheme in Shrewsbury; and if he will make a statement. [144100]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: The level of funding provided to any flood defence scheme is a matter for the Regional Flood Defence Committee. However, as part of the initiative to accelerate the river flood defence capital programme, the Ministry has announced that from April 2001 that all fluvial rates of grant will be increased by 20 per cent. Grant eligible river
  524W
  defence works in the Severn Trent Regional Flood Defence Committee area will therefore attract an enhanced rate of grant of 35 per cent. Any further grant rate increase would be dependent on the scale of the Committee's grant eligible capital programme.

  Fish Stocks
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent assessment he has made of the impact of industrial fishing on(a) fish stocks which feed from sand eels and pelagic stock targeted by those engaged in industrial fishing and (b) the UK fishing industry. [144272]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: Sand eel stocks fluctuate considerably due to natural causes. ICES advised in October 2000 that the North Sea sand eel stock is currently within safe biological limits, and that it can sustain the present sand eel fishery. MAFF is currently funding a three-year scientific investigation by CEFAS that will include an assessment of whether the sand eel fishery affects fish stocks that feed on sand eels. Results will not be available until 2002.

  Juvenile herring are caught in the sprat fishery in the North Sea. This is taken into account in the North Sea herring assessment, and in the management options for herring recommended by ICES. In the western Channel, mackerel are taken as a by-catch in the horse mackerel fishery. (Horse mackerel is sold for the table on the Continent). The ICES assessment for the Western mackerel stock takes into account the mackerel catches declared by countries participating in the horse mackerel fishery.

  The industrial by-catch in the principal demersal whitefish fisheries in the North Sea is evaluated internationally by ICES. In 1999, total landings from the Danish and Norwegian small meshed fisheries were recorded as 1.1 million tonnes, of which 11,532 tonnes were demersal whitefish, comprising 4,000 tonnes of haddock, 5,000 tonnes of whiting, 2,000 tonnes of saithe, and 532 tonnes of cod. This was taken into account when calculating haddock and whiting stock sizes and TACs for 2001.

  In bilateral discussions with Denmark at the December 2000 Fisheries Council we agreed to have joint discussions in early 2001 on the North Sea sand eel fishery. These will cover possible reactions in the size of the TAC and adjustments to the by-catch arrangements which would reduce the allowance for by-catches of fish for human consumption.

  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will list the species of fish and their related areas of catchment that have been the subject of quota banking and borrowing for the year 2001; [144435]

  (2) what quantity of the United Kingdom fish quota, by species, has been banked by the producer organisations; and what quantity of the United Kingdom fish quota, by species, has been managed by his Department on behalf of the non-sector and under 10m sector for 2001; [144434]
  525W
  (3) what quantities of each fish species have been banked and approved by the European Commission for each EU member state for 2001. [144436]

  Mr. Morley
  The fish stocks for which up to 10 per cent. of a member state's quota allocation may be banked or borrowed vary from year to year.

  Amount carried forward on behalf of:1

  Stock

  Total amount carried forward to 20011

  Producer organisations

  Non sector

  Under 10 metre fleet

  VIIa sole

  24

  20.7

  0.5

  2.8

  VIId sole

  79

  43.8

  4.2

  31

  VIIfg sole

  32.5

  29.5

  0.3

  2.7

  VIIa plaice

  88.5

  81.1

  3

  4.4

  VII megrim

  257

  251

  1

  5

  VII anglerfish

  414

  383

  9

  22

  North Sea sole

  94.5

  94.5

  —

  —

  Western horse mackerel

  2,285

  2,259

  26

  —

  North Sea blue whiting

  107

  64

  43

  —

  Western blue whiting

  2,350

  2,350

  —

  —

  1 Tonnes

  These amounts will be added to the quota allocations to be made to producer organisations, the non sector and the under 10 metre fleet which have still to be calculated but which are due to be notified to the groups concerned before the end of March.

  Details of the amount of quota to be carried over to 2001 by other member states have yet to be released by the Commission and are unlikely to be approved before the spring. We are not aware that any member state has borrowed quota from 2001.

  Farming
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many area officers are employed by his Department to deal with farming matters; and if he will make a statement. [143948]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: The job title of area officer does not exist in my Department. However, within my Department there are well over 100 offices (excluding HQ offices) where the staff deal directly or indirectly with farming matters. A breakdown of staff numbers is as follows:

  Number

  Core MAFF

  4,541

  Pesticides Safety Directorate

  196

  Veterinary Medicines Directorate

  113

  Veterinary Laboratories Agency

  1,223

  Farming and Rural Conservation Agency

  831

  Central Science Laboratory

  627

  Total

  7,531

HEALTH

  Hospital Beds (Leicestershire)
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the current state of hospital bed provision in Leicestershire. [142907]
  526W
  Under Council Regulation (EC) No. 2742/1999 of 17 December 1999, quota for 20 stocks may be carried over from 2000 to 2001 and quota for 63 stocks may be brought forward from 2001 to 2000. The United Kingdom has not borrowed any quota from 2001 but has applied to carry over quota from 2000 for a number of stocks on behalf of producer organisations, the non sector and under 10 metre fleet as follows:

  Yvette Cooper
  The Government gave the Health and Social Care community in the county an additional £2.7 million this year specifically to help ease winter pressures. Compared to last winter, Leicestershire now has 21 more general and acute beds, 21 more intermediate care beds and three extra critical care beds.

  Fibromyalgia
  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to improve early diagnosis of fibromyalgia in children. [142909]

  Yvette Cooper
  Fibromyalgia can cause considerable pain and disability. It can be difficult to diagnose in children. It is recognised by paediatricians and managed, often in conjunction with orthopaedic colleagues and therapists, as part of local hospital services.

  NHS Resources
  Ms Kelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure that the NHS has sufficient resources available to invest in new treatments. [142910]

  Mr. Denham
  The 8.5 per cent. average increase in health authority revenue allocations in 2001–02 takes account of the resources required to invest in new treatments.

  Hernias
  Mr. Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hernia operations have been performed in the NHS in the last 12 months. [142911]

  Mr. Denham
  There were 82,139 inguinal hernia operations carried out in National Health Service hospitals in 1998–99.

  Community Health Councils
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received about accountability within the NHS. [142912]
  527W
  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received regarding the abolition of community health councils; and if he will make a statement. [142914]

  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about effective patient advocacy in the NHS and the future of community health councils. [142925]

  Ms Stuart
  Chapter 10 of the NHS Plan proposed that Community Health Councils be abolished and that new structures be set in place to strengthen patient and citizen empowerment across all sectors of the Health Service. A number of representations have been received about the future of CHCs and the new structures that were detailed in the NHS Plan. The Health and Social Care Bill, which is now before Parliament, provides the legislative support for the new structures.

  National Plan
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many additional whole-time equivalent nurses will be employed in the NHS under his national plan. [142913]

  Mr. Denham
  The NHS Plan commits us to providing 20,000 more nurses between 1999–2000 and 2003–04. This is a headcount figure. Depending on the number of nurses working part-time and the hours they actually work, this could produce up to 15,000 whole-time nurses.

  National Plan (Birmingham)
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the projected impact of the NHS plan in Birmingham. [142915]

  Yvette Cooper
  Birmingham Health Authority, working with NHS trusts, primary care groups, primary care trusts and the local authority, is working to implement and resource the radical programme of change over the next 10 years as set out in the NHS Plan.

  As a result we expect to see improvements in tackling heart disease, in the delivery of cancer services, and further improvements in mental health services in line with the NHS frameworks. In addition, there will be further modernisation of hospital facilities in Birmingham and decisions will be made shortly about a major new hospital development in south Birmingham.

  Nurse Recruitment
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on current nurse recruitment in the NHS. [142916]

  Mr. Denham
  The Department is improving recruitment and retention by improving pay, by encouraging the National Health Service to become a better employer, increasing training commissions, attracting former staff back to the NHS, encouraging flexible retirement, and supporting more effective, collaborative international recruitment.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the changing age profile of the nursing pool in the UK for recruitment in the NHS. [142927]
  528W
  Mr. Denham
  The age profile of the nursing pool is one of a number of factors taken into account as part of the workforce planning process.

  UK Transplant Service
  Mr. Savidge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the work of the UK transplant service. [142917]

  Mr. Mudie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the work of the UK transplant service. [142930]

  Mr. Denham
  United Kingdom Transplant (UKT) is a Special Health Authority whose core business is to maintain information about those waiting for transplants, to match organs which become available with patients waiting for them and to follow up the outcome of such transplants.

  Following its Quinquennial Review, published last year, UKT is now on course to deliver its important new responsibilities which include setting and monitoring transplant standards as well as promoting the procurement of organs for transplantation.

  Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Royal Hospital NHS Trust
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his response is to the Commission for Health Improvement report on Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Royal Hospital NHS Trust; and if he will make a statement. [142918]

  Yvette Cooper
  For the first time ever, an independent body is inspecting the National Health Service hospitals. The Commission for Health Improvement's report is rigorous, challenging and fair, giving credit to the organisation's strengths and highlighting areas for improvement. The Trust has drawn up and published an action plan in response to CHIMP's input and we now look to the Trust to implement the plan.

  Tobacco Advertising
  Mr. Fabian Hamilton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact of a ban on tobacco advertising on health. [142919]

  Yvette Cooper
  Studies of the impact of advertising bans in other countries suggest that a ban on tobacco advertising in the United Kingdom will reduce smoking by approximately 2.5 per cent. in the longer term, saving 3,000 lives a year in the process.

  Sheffield Hospital for Women
  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made towards the completion of the Sheffield Hospital for Women; and if he will make a statement. [142920]

  Yvette Cooper
  The £27 million Sheffield Women's Hospital—to be known as the Jessop Wing—is near final completion and is due to open on schedule on the weekend of 3 February 2001.
  529W
  The new facility will provide a much needed modern women's hospital that the people of Sheffield can rightly be proud of, replacing the outdated Victorian facilities that currently exist.

  Emergency Contraception
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the provision of emergency contraception. [142921]

  Yvette Cooper
  There have been a number of recent initiatives that should ensure improved access to emergency contraception products. We laid an Order before the House on Monday 11 December to make progestagen the only emergency contraception available as a pharmacy medicine. Also, in addition to the usual NHS routes of access for women of all ages, other health professionals such as nurses and pharmacists are now able to supply emergency contraception using a patient group direction, following a clarification to medicines legislation in August.

  Rehabilitation Services
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what priority he gives to resourcing rehabilitation services within the national health service. [142922]

  Mr. Hutton
  Providing effective rehabilitation after illness or injury is a high priority for the National Health Service. This year, the Department, together with Department for Education and Employment and Department of Social Security, is developing Job Retention and Rehabilitation Pilots to test ways of helping people with prolonged illness or disability to remain in work, or return to work when they are able.

  Healthy Eating
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made with promoting healthy eating among children in poor families. [142923]

  Yvette Cooper
  The NHS Plan identified access to healthy food, particularly among children, as a Government priority. Already pilots are under way to provide free fruit in infant schools, and new nutritional standards for school lunches come into force in April.

  Bed Blocking
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received regarding bed blocking. [142924]

  Mr. Hutton
  We have received many representations from parliamentary colleagues and others. We are alleviating the problem of bed blocking by investing more resources, by ensuring closer working between local health and social services and through improvements and expansion in care services.

  Smoking
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress is being made in preventing young people from taking up smoking. [142926]
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  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress is being made in preventing young people taking up smoking. [142931]

  Yvette Cooper
  "Smoking Kills", published in December 1998, committed us to reducing smoking among children aged 11–15 from 13 per cent. to 11 per cent. by 2005 and 9 per cent. by 2010.

  As part of its comprehensive programme of action in preventing teenage from taking up smoking we are taking a number of measures.

  We have consistently raised the duty on cigarettes by 5 per cent. above the rate of inflation. High prices are particularly effective in dissuading young people from smoking.

  The Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Bill published on 14 December will ensure that tobacco is no longer promoted through advertising, sponsorship or other promotional schemes. The brands most heavily advertised are those most heavily smoked by children.

  On 13 September we launched an enforcement protocol with local authorities to strengthen the enforcement of the existing legislation on under-age sales of cigarettes.

  Our tobacco education campaign, launched in December 1999, is aimed at persuading smokers to give up and non-smokers, particularly children, not to start. As part of the broader campaign we are planning a dedicated sub-campaign aimed at young people, to be launched next year.

  The most recent survey results indicate that smoking among children aged 11–15 is now already at 9 per cent. This is very encouraging, but we are not complacent and are working to ensure that this downward trend continues.

  Barnsley Health Authority
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure that the Barnsley health authority has sufficient resources available to meet the demands placed upon it. [142928]

  Yvette Cooper
  In the allocations for 2001–02 announced on 14 November 2000, Barnsley Health Authority received £185.6 million, an increase of 8.7 per cent., compared with a national average of 8.5 per cent. These allocations include £2 million for the new health inequalities adjustment. In addition, for 2002–03 and 2003–04 all health authorities will get a minimum increase of 6 per cent. each year. This will allow health authorities to plan ahead for the medium term instead of just the short term.

  National Blood Authority
  Mrs. Dean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the work of the National Blood Authority. [142929]

  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the work of the National Blood Authority. [142933]

  Mr. Denham
  The National Blood Authority (NBA) is a vital part of the National Health Service and, as such is expected to provide high quality, cost efficient services. Over the past two years the NBA has introduced new
  531W
  initiatives to ensure that the quality and safety of blood for patients is maintained and improved and that NHS demand for blood components is fully met.

  Southend General Hospital
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the waiting lists for surgery at the Southend general hospital. [142932]

  Mr. Denham
  The number of patients waiting for surgery at Southend General Hospital have been affected by a combination of factors, the most significant being the increase in general practitioner referrals reflecting the development of new and enhanced service and emergency admissions which have affected elective surgical admissions. Southend Hospital National Health Service Trust is working with its other health partners and social services on ways to address this in both the hospital and the community.

  Pay and Conditions (NHS Staff)
  Mr. Hendrick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to improve the pay and conditions of NHS staff. [142934]

  Mr. Denham
  The NHS Plan sets out our proposals for improving the pay and conditions of all staff working in the National Health Service. Copies are available in the Library.

  Waiting List Statistics
  Mrs. Roe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the way that NHS waiting list statistics are compiled. [142935]

  Mr. Denham
  We continue to collect waiting list statistics in the same way as the previous Administration.

  Hip Replacements
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hip replacement operations took place in the NHS over the last 12 months; and what was the average cost. [142908]

  Mr. Denham
  In 1998–99 there were 37,189 primary total hip replacements. The average cost was £3,755.

  There were also 4,013 revision of hip replacement operations, costing an average of £5,046.

  Variant CJD
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the estimated expenditure is in the current year on research work aimed at funding a drug or vaccine to control variant CJD; and what plans he has to increase his expenditure next year. [141375]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Department has allocated some £100,000 of funding in each of the financial years 200001 and 2001–02 to research projects specifically to address the development of drugs for the treatment or control of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. The Medical Research Council, together with the Department, remains ready to consider proposals for funding suitable research in this field.
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  Last year we dedicated some £31.5 million into research into transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Of this, some £4 million was dedicated to diagnostics, treatment and prevention.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research the Government are funding into the possibility of vCJD infection by means other than the consumption of beef. [144372]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: The Government rely on the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC) for advice on matters concerning BSE and variant Creutzfeld Jakob Disease (vCJD). SEAC has concluded that BSE and vCJD are caused by prion strains that are currently indistinguishable, and considers vCJD to be an acquired prion disease caused by exposure to BSE or a BSE-like agent.

  The Government are prepared to consider the funding of any proposals for research into possible explanations for BSE and vCJD, which should be submitted for consideration through the normal channels. Experiments are currently under way to look further into the theoretical possibility of transmission of vCJD via surgical instruments, or via blood. A hypothesis that BSE might be caused by an abnormal immune response is also being investigated. In addition, the Department of Health-funded National CJD Surveillance Unit follows up medical, immunological, occupational and residential histories of vCJD patients, as well as their dietary habits, on an ongoing basis to identify any common factors. The results are published in the unit's annual report.

  Strokes
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list the research projects into strokes which have been supported by Government bodies; and what was the individual level of expenditure for each project; [143247]

  (2) if he will make a statement on his plans for financing research into strokes for the next three financial years. [143135]

  Mr. Denham
  The main Government agency for research into the causes of and treatments for disease is the Medical Research Council (MRC) which receives its funding via the Department of Trade and Industry. The Department funds research to support policy and the delivery of effective practice in the National Health Service. The Department also provides NHS support funding for research commissioned by the research councils and charities that takes place in the NHS.

  The research projects into stroke which have been supported by the Department are listed.
  Project: British Regional Heart Study: a prospective study into the causes of CHD hypertension and stroke in a cohort of men now aged about 60–79—Professor Peter Whincup, St. George's Medical School.
  Cost: £324,674
  Project: A related study in a cohort of women of similar age—Professor Shah Ebrahim, University of Bristol.
  Cost: £417,855

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  Project title: A controlled comparison of alternative strategies in stroke rehabilitation—Professor Lalit Kalra. Guy's, King's and St. Thomas' School of Medicine.
  Cost: £499,778
  Project title: A systematic review of the effectiveness, cost effectiveness and barriers to implementation of thrombolytic and neuroprotective therapy for acute ischaerhic stroke in the NHS—Professor Peter Sandercock, University of Edinburgh.
  Cost: £77,482
  Project title: What is the best imaging strategy for acute stroke?—Dr. Joanna Wardlaw, University of Edinburgh.
  Cost: £131,415
  Project title: Early prediction of rehabilitation needs following acute stroke—Professor Philip Bath, University of Nottingham.
  Cost: £87,766
  Project title: Social-environmental, psychological and physical approaches to stroke rehabilitation—Professor David Barer, University of Newcastle.
  Cost: £371,264
  Project title: Can the effectiveness of interdisciplinary team care for stroke be improved?—Professor David Barer, University of Newcastle.
  Cost: £121,406
  Project title: FOOD—A multicentre international randomised trial to evaluate percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and nasogastric tube feeding in patients admitted to hospital with a recent stroke—Dr. Martin Dennis, University of Edinburgh.
  Cost: £357,411
  Project title: Screening for stroke—Professor Shah Ebrahim, University of Bristol.
  Cost: £109,386
  Project title: Evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture in defined aspects of stroke recovery—Dr. George Lewith.
  Cost: £172,898
  Project title: A study of the information-giving process between physiotherapists and patients in relation to recovery following stroke—Dr. Rose Wiles.
  Cost: £40,621
  Project title: A randomised trial to evaluate the cost effectiveness of a domiciliary rehabilitation scheme versus usual care in the rehabilitation of stroke patients—Dr. Paul Roderick.
  Cost: £127,522
  Project title: An exploration of the narrative life histories of people following stroke—Dr. Caroline Ellis-Hill.
  Cost: £48,750
  Project title: The Development and Evaluation of the provision of individualised information to meet the needs of people undergoing rehabilitation following a stroke—Professor D. L. McEllan.
  Cost: £29,036
  Project title: To evaluate the assessment of motor and process skills (AMPs) as an improved measure of rehabilitation outcome in stroke patients—Ms Susanna Robinson
  Cost: £20,504
  Project: Developing methods in primary care for prevention of vascular disease and diabetes in high risk ethnic groups—Dr. J. K. Cruikshank, University of Manchester.
  Cost: £127,151
  Project: Formulation of guidelines for dental rehabilitation of stroke patients—Professor James McCord, University Dental Hospital of Manchester.
  Cost: £13,525
  Project: The Oxford community myocardial infarction incidence study—Dr. Andrew Neil, University of Oxford.
  Cost: £125, 934
  Project: Development of an early hospital discharge policy following acute stroke—an evaluation—Dr. Heather Rodgers, University of Newcastle.
  Cost: £118,531
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  Project: An RCT of the cost-effectiveness of exercise in the over 65s—Professor Jonathan Nicholl, University of Sheffield.
  Cost: £334,188
  Project: The Tees stroke register—Professor Richard Thompson, University of Newcastle.
  Cost: £463,093
  Project: Co-ordinated stroke audit and research (COSTAR)—Professor David Barer, Newcastle General Hospital.
  Cost: £174,210
  Project: Rehabilitation of arm function—Professor Nadina Lincoln, University of Nottingham.
  Cost: £215,007
  Project: The incidence, natural history, resource use and outcome of stroke—Dr. Charles Wolfe, United Medical and Dental School.
  Cost: £607,088
  Project: Snoring, obstructive sleep apnoea stroke—Professor G. J. Gibson. Freeman Hospital.
  Cost: £86,147
  Project: Does psychological treatment improve the outcome after stroke?—Professor Allan House, University of Leeds.
  Cost: £349,163
  Project: Development of a measure of social outcome following stroke—Mrs. Victoria Wood, Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust.
  Cost: £63,501
  Project: The incidence of, aetiology and management of stroke—Dr. I. Baker, University of Bristol.
  Cost: £281,268
  Project: Multi-centre trial of out patient occupational therapy of stroke—Dr. John Gladman, University of Nottingham.
  Cost: £206,748
  Project: The influence of developmental indices and blood pressure in young adults on risk of stroke and ischaemic heart disease in later life—Professor George Davey Smith, University of Bristol.
  Cost: £54,862
  Project: The treatment of urinary incontinence in stroke patients—Professor Christopher Castleder, University of Leicester.
  Cost: £96,271.

  The MRC grants since 1996 relevant to stroke are listed as follows. There are a number of underpinning grants and these fall into two categories: molecular/cellular mechanisms that play a central role in the pathology, natural defence mechanisms and recovery process in a number of brain injury conditions; and projects involving the development of imaging techniques to look at relevant neuropathological conditions.
  Project: The molecular basis of brain damage during and after cerebral ischaemia—Dr. T. E. Bates, Institute of Neurology.
  Cost: £148,235
  Project: Meta-Analsis of Prospective studies to establish risk factors for stroke—Dr. N. Qizilbash, University of Oxford.
  Cost: £147,894
  Project: The International Stroke Trial—Professor P. Sandercock, University of Edinburgh.
  Cost: £281,072
  Project: The treatment of transient ischaemic attacks and stroke—Professor C. P. Warlow, University of Edinburgh.
  Cost: £2.140,565
  Project: Chemokines and metalloproteinases in leukocytes adhesion and migration in the central nervous system during inflammation—Professor M. L. Cuzner. Institute of Neurology.
  Cost: £118,592

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  Project: The molecular basis of brain damage during and after cerebral ischaemia—Dr. K. L. Allen. Institute of Neurology.
  Cost: £148,383
  Project: Characterisation of endothelin receptor sub-types in human cerebral vessels—Dr. A. P. Davenport, University of Cambridge.
  Cost: £47,982
  Project: Computer assisted image analysis of hypertensive retinal vascular architecture—Dr. S. A. Thorn, St. Mary's Hospital.
  Cost: £98,951
  Project: Protective effect of heart shock protein over-expression in cerebral ischaemia—Professor David Latchman, University College London.
  Cost: £73,758
  Project: Control of expression of the angiotensinogen gene and its linkage to hypertension and Cerebrovascular disease—Professor P. J. Grant, University of Leeds.
  Cost: £132,631
  Project: Brain TNF alpha receptors—Professor N. J. Rothwell, University of Manchester.
  Cost: £144,990
  Project: Mechanisms of damage to and protection of non-neuronal cells in the CNS during cerebral ischaemia—Professor J. McCulloch, University of Glasgow.
  Cost: £116,111
  Project: Neuropeptide-Y and induced tolerance of excitotoxic insults—Dr. L. E. Sundstrom, University of Southampton.
  Cost: £39,194
  Project: Ion channels, transporters and receptors in brain endothelium: basic science to underpin drug discovery—Dr. J. N. Abbott, Kings College London.
  Cost: £154,035
  Project: A study of the effects of stroke on the development of reading in children—Professor E. Funnell. Royal Holloway and Bedford New College.
  Cost: £132,538
  Project: Clinical and pathological studies of acute ischaemic stroke—Professor C. P. Warlow, University of Edinburgh.
  Cost: £578,072
  Project: The causes, consequences and treatment of acute brain injury—Professor C. P. Warlow, University of Edinburgh.
  Cost: £1,601,033
  Project: The treatment and prevention of stroke—Professor P. Sandercock. University of Edinburgh.
  Cost: £645,824
  Project: Pilot study for a randomised controlled trial of corticosteroids in head injury—Dr. I. G. Roberts Institute of Child Health (London).
  Cost: £277,744
  Project: The effect of nitric oxide donors on experimental stroke—Professor P. M. W. Bath, GKT, King's College Campus.
  Cost: £175,716
  Project: Mechanisms of delayed ischaemic neurological deficit following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage—Dr. D. K. Menon, University of Cambridge.
  Cost: £25,404
  Project: Regulation of brain IL-1 release—Professor N. J. Rothwell, University of Manchester.
  Cost: £44,496
  Project: The asymptomatic carotid surgery trial—Miss A. Halliday, St. Mary's Hospital.
  Cost: £526,685
  Project: The Cambridge Cerebrovascular Centre—genetic predisposition, vascular biology, Functional Imaging—Professor J. D. Pickard, University of Cambridge.
  Cost: £4,101,451
  Project: Surgical Trial in Intracerebral Haemorrhage—Professor A. D. Mendelow, University of Newcastle.
  Cost: £892,712
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  Project: Acute and Chronic Brain Injury—Mechanisms and Outcome: Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre—Professor J. D. Pickard, University of Cambridge.
  Cost: £1,583,194
  Project: Functional and Metabolic Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain During the Acute and Recovery Stages of Stroke—Professor P. M. Mathews, University of Oxford.
  Cost: £1,373,622
  Project: Investigation of calpain function in slice cultures using noval fluorescent probes—Professor M. Bradley, University of Southampton.
  Cost: £156,100
  Project: Brain Protection after Cerebral Ischaemia—Professor J. McCulloch, University of Glasgow.
  Cost: £221,212
  Project: Intravenous Magnesium Efficacy in Stroke Study (IMAGES)—Dr. K. R. Lees, University of Glasgow.
  Cost: £1,394,970
  Project: Asymptomatic Carotid Surgery Trial—Miss A. Halliday, St. Mary's Hospital.
  Cost: £631,816
  Project: Brain Damage Co-operative: from Mechanisms to Man—Professor McCulloch, University of Glasgow.
  Cost: £209,586
  Project: Neuronal pathways underlying CNS responses to injury and disease—Professor N. J. Rothwell, University of Manchester.
  Cost: £429,332
  Project: The pathophysiology of clinical recovery and deterioration after ischaemic stroke: Studies with functional/physiologic—Professor J. Baron, University of Cambridge.
  Cost: £1,000,004
  Project: The CRASH trial (Corticosteroid randomisation after significant head injury)—Dr. I. G. Roberts, Institute of Child Health (London).
  Cost: £2,210,337.

  Many of the projects described are ongoing. Support for new projects will depend on priorities within the Department's policy research programme and the NHS research and development programme.

  Much of MRC's work is in response mode, so it is not possible to predict spend over the next three years. However, MRC do not anticipate any major change in the level of commitment.

  Breast Cancer Guidelines
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the timetable is for the drafting of the new breast cancer guidelines by the British Association of Survival Oncology. [143137]

  Yvette Cooper
  The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) was established to provide national evidence based guidelines. NICE have been commissioned to review and update the Improving Outcomes Guidance in Breast Cancer published in 1996. The review of the breast cancer guidance is due to be published in 2001–02.

  Midwives
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if an experienced Supervisor of Midwives post will continue to be available to the local supervising authority as their designated responsible officer. [143520]
  537W
  Mr. Denham
  The Local Supervising Authority function has been successfully discharged by experienced practising midwives since 1996. There are no plans to change this.

  The United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing Midwifery and Health Visiting has the power to prescribe qualifications for supervisors of midwives as will the new Nurses and Midwives Council.

  Sickle Cell Disease/Thalassaemia
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to improve the support available to sufferers of(a) sickle cell disease and (b) thalassaemia. [143609]

  Mr. Denham
  There are a range of hospital and community services in place to support patients with sickle cell and thalassaemia disorders. We are improving services through the development of a new national screening programme for haemoglobinopathies, by raising public and professional awareness and through research designed to provide evidence about the effectiveness of current treatments.

  Haemophiliacs
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many haemophiliac patients have died of HIV/AIDS following the use of contaminated blood products; and how many of these have been co-infected with hepatitis. [143854]

  Mr. Denham
  1,240 United Kingdom haemophiliacs were infected with HIV as a result of National Health Service treatment. Of these 813 have died. 99 per cent. of these patients were co-infected with hepatitis.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons it is his policy that haemophiliac patients should not be entitled to have recombinant factor VIII. [143852]

  Mr. Denham
  We have instructed health authorities to provide recombinant products to new patients and children under 16 with haemophilia.

  Ministers will be meeting with the Haemophilia Society and the United Kingdom Haemophilia Centre Doctors Organisation in January to discuss the case for provision of recombinant clotting factors for all haemophilia patients in England.

  Hearing Screening
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will announce a timetable for universal neonatal hearing screening throughout England. [144051]

  Yvette Cooper
  The NHS Plan in sets out our commitment to introducing effective and appropriate screening programmes for women and children by 2004. We announced the 20 pilot sites for universal neonatal hearing screening, which will inform the roll out of the new screening programme.

  Hospital Discharges
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 18 December 2000,Official
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  Report, column 43W, concerning hospital discharges, if he will provide the same information for each quarter of 1999–2000 and 2000–01. [143789]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 21 December 2000]: The information requested has been placed in the Library.

  French Beef
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the Government's policy in respect of the regulation of imports of French beef into the United Kingdom. [142354]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 21 December 2000]: I am advised on such matters by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which is responsible for food safety issues in Government.

  So far as imports of beef from France are concerned, the FSA advice is that legally sold, imported beef, poses no greater risk than United Kingdom beef. To be sold legally, imported beef must comply with the Over-Thirty-Months (OTM) rule. In addition, specified risk material (specified risk material (SRM)—that with the highest risk of infection) must be removed from cattle. New EU wide controls on SRM were introduced from 1 October 2000.

  In assessing the safety of imported meat, protecting the public is the FSA's number one priority. As such it applies the following principles:
  Advice is based on the best available evidence. As further information comes to light, the position is kept under review and revised advice will be issued whenever necessary. This is an active process—the FSA is constantly seeking out the latest scientific and other information.
  Action should be proportionate to the risk. Risk can never be totally eliminated—food is no different in this respect from other aspects of daily life. Where there is a risk that does not warrant banning, the FSA seeks to provide information and take action to enable consumer choice. Current advice on the safety of imported beef can be found on the FSA website at www.bsereview.org.uk.
  There should be full and vigorous enforcement of food law and regulations.

  At the same time, the FSA recognises that individuals may wish to exercise personal preference to reduce as far as possible any risk that may be perceived from imported beef. It has therefore advised consumers that they should:
  Buy their meat from reputable sources
  Ask their supplier about the country of origin and source of the meat.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what investigatory powers the Food Standards Agency has in regard to imported food and, in particular, French beef. [144313]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: Responsibility for enforcement action under the Food Safety Act 1990 and the Food Standards Act 1999 in respect of imported foods, and foods coming into the United Kingdom from other European member states is primarily the responsibility of local authorities and port health authorities.

  The Food Standards Agency has a range of powers under the 1990 and 1999 Acts to oversee and influence this enforcement with a view to ensuring its effectiveness in terms of consumer protection. In exceptional

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  circumstances the agency may be empowered by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health to discharge enforcement responsibilities normally undertaken by local authorities and port health authorities.

  Acting on the advice of the Food Standards Agency, Health Ministers may also prohibit the importation or distribution to the food chain of imported foods likely to involve imminent risks to consumers. However, where the EU has legislated to govern trade in a particular foodstuff or food product, as it has done with meat and meat products, the UK Government's powers to restrict the movement of such goods within the single market are severely restricted.

  Tuberculosis Vaccine
  Mr. Burnett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the tuberculosis vaccine will be available in the south-west. [144433]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: BCG vaccine against tuberculosis is currently available in the south-west for those individuals at higher risk of TB. Routine immunisation of all school children at age 10–14 was suspended in September 1999 due to severe manufacturing problems encountered by the sole United Kingdom licensed source, Celltech Medeva.

  The Department is doing all it can to secure a robust supply of UK licensed and batch released BCG vaccine, and will announce as soon as possible when the routine schools programme can resume. All those who missed their BCG vaccination due to the suspension of the programme will be recalled as part of a catch up programme.

  Teenage Pregnancies
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action the Government are taking to ensure that pregnant teenagers receive free impartial advice about(a) abortion and (b) motherhood. [144185]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: On 2 January I announced 15 Sure Start Plus pilots. These are new programmes in health action zones with high teenage pregnancy rates and where there are Sure Start programmes that will start delivering services over the next few months. In these pilot areas, personal advisers will ensure that pregnant teenagers have access to comprehensive and impartial advice and counselling in the early stages of pregnancy so they are able to make informed decisions, including whether to continue with the pregnancy, adoption or abortion. The personal advisers will also co-ordinate a support package for new parents, both mothers and fathers, tailored to their individual needs, to help them back into education and employment as well as with healthcare and parenting.

  In all other areas, local teenage pregnancy co-ordinators will shortly be developing comprehensive service checklists, as part of local co-ordinated teenage pregnancy strategies between health and local authorities. These will be aimed at young people and professionals whose client groups include young people, and will include details of local services that provide early advice and counselling to pregnant teenagers, and services that provide a range of support, including parenting skills, to teenage parents.

TREASURY

  Lower Earnings Limit
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many(a) men and (b) women were in work with earnings below the relevant lower earnings limit in each year since 1979. [142079]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 11 December 2000]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Karen Dunnell to Mr. Frank Field, dated 9 January 2001:
  The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question about men and women earning below the National Insurance lower earnings limits (LEL) since 1979 (142079). I am replying in his absence
  The information is available from the Labour Force Survey (LFS), the Office for National Statistics' (ONS) major source of labour market data on individuals. The number of employees earning below the National Insurance LEL are given in the attached table.
  The LFS provides a better source of weekly pay than another major source of earnings data, the New Earnings Survey (NES), and is therefore the most appropriate source of data to answer this question. However LES earnings information is only available from the winter (December to February) 1992/3 quarter onwards. The table gives data for summer (June to August) quarters from 1993 to 2000. The data are for Great Britain and are not seasonally adjusted.

  Employees with gross weekly earnings in their main job below the National Insurance lower earnings limit1

  Employees with gross weekly earnings below the National Insurance lower earnings limit:

  Summer

  Weekly limit (£)

  Thousand

  Men

  1993

  56

  396

  1994

  57

  423

  1995

  58

  468

  1996

  61

  581

  1997

  62

  563

  1998

  64

  504

  1999

  66

  582

  2000

  67

  502

  Women

  1993

  56

  1,940

  1994

  57

  1,850

  1995

  58

  1,807

  1996

  61

  2,081

  1997

  62

  1,894

  1998

  64

  1,802

  1999

  66

  1,763

  2000

  67

  1,662

  1 Great Britain, summer quarters 1993 to 2000, not seasonally adjusted

  Source:

  Labour Force Survey, National Statistics

  Occupational Pensions
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to collate information on the number of occupational pension plans wound up by employers where a surplus was recorded. [144140]
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  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 8 January 2001]: We have no plans to collate information on the number of occupational pension plans wound up by employers where a surplus was recorded.

  ECOFIN Council
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the outcome was of the ECOFIN Council held in Brussels on 18 December; and if he will make a statement. [144178]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  There was no meeting of ECOFIN in December.

  Credit Unions
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress is being made on the establishment of a Central Services Organisation for credit unions; and if he will make a statement. [144518]
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  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The consultation on the draft business plan finished on 16 November. I have since met all the main representative bodies, who are discussing the outcome of the consultation and finalising the proposals.

  ISAs
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the study of the ISA market carried out for the Treasury by McKinsey's to which reference (paragraph 5.15) is made in the Treasury's publication "Helping people to save, the modernisation of Britain's Tax and Benefits System, Number 7". [144567]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I have arranged for a copy of the paper, "The HM Treasury/McKinsey ISA Survey 2000", produced by McKinsey and Co., and published at the November 2000 PEP and ISA Managers Association Conference, to be placed in the Library.