Written Answers of 29 January 2001

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Social Housing
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will make a statement on the resources available to meet the Government's target of bringing social housing up to a decent standard by 2010, and of achieving one third of the target by 2004; [146836]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the cost of bringing social housing up to a decent standard. [146834]

  1999–2000 figures

  £million

  Authority

  Primary education SSA

  Secondary education SSA

  Primary education net current expenditure1

  Secondary education net current expenditure1

  Greater London

  City of London

  0.541

  0.030

  1.136

  0.060

  Camden

  29.653

  35.789

  33.388

  39.805

  Greenwich

  54.220

  50.127

  59.039

  49.348

  Hackney

  48.693

  35.981

  58.176

  29.869

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  24.814

  23.972

  28.544

  26.939

  Islington

  42.498

  33.265

  44.153

  29.795

  Kensington and Chelsea

  17.420

  12.748

  23.895

  15.230

  Lambeth

  54.036

  35.279

  56.661

  27.354

  Lewisham

  58.465

  46.899

  60.869

  47.333

  Southwark

  60.335

  42.789

  70.798

  39.807

  Tower Hamlets

  60.756

  60.509

  59.653

  57.263

  Wandsworth

  41.746

  35.173

  46.555

  33.770

  Westminster

  24.575

  26.647

  31.379

  28.184

  Barking and Dagenham

  36.966

  33.039

  43.487

  34.382

  Barnet

  53.310

  56.035

  62.778

  64.201

  Bexley

  44.252

  45.219

  47.265

  44.512

  Brent

  51.488

  45.779

  57.369

  47.397

  Bromley

  50.555

  51.840

  55.235

  55.317

  Croydon

  65.682

  54.694

  69.505

  44.995

  Ealing

  57.007

  48.225

  63.574

  46.546

  Enfield

  56.843

  57.463

  62.830

  62.827

  Haringey

  50.404

  39.085

  60.580

  42.019

  Harrow

  37.163

  33.970

  49.160

  26.834

  Havering

  42.624

  43.876

  45.232

  46.040

  Hillingdon

  46.587

  42.839

  49.481

  48.807

  Hounslow

  40.749

  45.261

  49.036

  48.123

  Kingston upon Thames

  21.900

  21.287

  24.754

  23.688

  Merton

  29.370

  26.775

  34.843

  22.674

  Newham

  70.180

  64.557

  74.578

  57.675

  Redbridge

  46.053

  48.383

  49.740

  54.268

  Richmond upon Thames

  23.252

  23.131

  27.409

  22.292

  Sutton

  30.673

  34.605

  33.955

  36.861

  Waltham Forest

  50.480

  44.416

  58.748

  41.937

  Metropolitan Districts

  Bolton

  51.086

  50.659

  60.280

  50.519

  Bury

  31.763

  32.439

  34.917

  32.065

  Manchester

  94.322

  82.912

  96.170

  73.862

  Oldham

  45.806

  48.934

  54.254

  47.063

  Rochdale

  43.238

  40.147

  45.338

  39.346

  2W
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  The backlog of renovation and improvement work required to the council housing stock in England is estimated to be around £19 billion. This backlog will be addressed through a combination of increased investment in council stock and, where it has the support of tenants, transfer to a Registered Social Landlord (RSL). Last year's Spending Review announced significant increases in resources for the next three years provided to local authorities for housing investment, including £460 million for arms length companies and £760 million for council housing PFI schemes, and funds to support transfer of up to 600,000 dwellings over the period. The total resources for 2003–04 will be more than £2.9 billion, three times the amount provided in 1997–98.

  Local Education Authorities
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the(a) SSA allocation and (b) actual expenditure of each local education authority in England for the (i) primary and (ii) secondary education sectors in the last year for which figures are available. [147167]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The information requested is given in the table.
  3W

  1999–2000 figures

  £million

  Authority

  Primary education SSA

  Secondary education SSA

  Primary education net current expenditure1

  Secondary education net current expenditure1

  Salford

  44.224

  39.474

  49.203

  36.270

  Stockport

  47.839

  45.977

  49.652

  41.628

  Tameside

  42.162

  43.128

  45.269

  38.594

  Trafford

  36.386

  41.187

  40.185

  43.628

  Wigan

  54.123

  57.564

  59.913

  58.390

  Knowsley

  39.098

  34.618

  41.851

  31.482

  Liverpool

  97.745

  100.029

  97.614

  96.701

  St. Helens

  32.704

  32.925

  38.305

  35.142

  Sefton

  50.693

  53.695

  57.928

  57.553

  Wirral

  60.714

  63.088

  63.039

  67.447

  Barnsley

  39.928

  37.963

  46.180

  36.266

  Doncaster

  57.398

  57.893

  64.600

  61.913

  Rotherham

  47.741

  52.703

  53.675

  53.069

  Sheffield

  86.122

  81.997

  98.051

  80.260

  Gateshead

  33.636

  32.080

  35.881

  30.739

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  45.217

  45.435

  46.560

  53.463

  North Tyneside

  33.298

  32.274

  34.724

  40.391

  South Tyneside

  29.262

  31.409

  31.005

  27.501

  Sunderland

  55.379

  57.615

  59.000

  52.199

  Birmingham

  218.656

  206.467

  266.896

  202.792

  Coventry

  57.620

  55.793

  68.730

  62.151

  Dudley

  52.507

  54.655

  64.479

  53.997

  Sandwell

  59.512

  58.126

  72.753

  56.438

  Solihull

  37.489

  40.118

  45.020

  39.714

  Walsall

  50.256

  54.500

  57.024

  58.721

  Wolverhampton

  48.244

  44.321

  54.928

  48.924

  Bradford

  99.492

  93.943

  96.661

  114.127

  Calderdale

  36.975

  37.079

  42.853

  39.958

  Kirklees

  72.029

  69.387

  81.544

  72.730

  Leeds

  124.590

  120.714

  150.100

  128.017

  Wakefield

  56.511

  57.182

  64.028

  53.957

  Shire Counties

  Cornwall

  81.285

  84.335

  86.643

  86.189

  Cumbria

  81.260

  84.398

  97.629

  95.202

  Gloucestershire

  89.208

  91.656

  91.784

  100.033

  Hertfordshire

  183.980

  186.640

  189.146

  208.858

  Lincolnshire

  103.346

  109.077

  109.030

  119.232

  Norfolk

  120.664

  123.768

  141.606

  126.369

  Northamptonshire

  110.605

  105.949

  109.669

  127.445

  Northumberland

  51.326

  55.515

  43.291

  78.389

  Oxfordshire

  94.498

  90.027

  91.284

  99.603

  Somerset

  78.454

  75.464

  76.484

  79.293

  Suffolk

  107.072

  104.740

  103.904

  131.504

  Surrey

  155.874

  148.714

  166.329

  149.937

  Warwickshire

  80.391

  80.816

  89.278

  87.802

  West Sussex

  115.935

  115.298

  127.777

  116.644

  North Yorkshire

  89.617

  96.293

  104.575

  105.261

  Bedfordshire

  67.540

  66.269

  54.612

  95.194

  Buckinghamshire

  79.231

  80.276

  81.557

  87.213

  Derbyshire

  118.175

  116.069

  128.229

  120.693

  Dorset

  56.094

  58.653

  49.662

  73.442

  Durham

  86.097

  88.105

  99.041

  89.034

  East Sussex

  76.252

  74.095

  79.355

  76.005

  Hampshire

  202.419

  194.709

  222.476

  181.314

  Leicestershire

  95.562

  96.748

  103.706

  117.852

  Staffordshire

  135.600

  140.157

  138.095

  155.788

  Wiltshire

  68.885

  66.067

  76.281

  72.464

  Cambridgeshire

  85.221

  79.399

  95.894

  81.635

  Cheshire

  108.986

  114.218

  126.390

  127.484

  Devon

  105.727

  103.297

  117.219

  107.115

  Essex

  223.301

  227.552

  233.236

  243.366

  Kent

  229.133

  231.163

  245.655

  248.405

  Lancashire

  203.387

  206.280

  218.166

  203.139

  Nottinghamshire

  123.602

  130.741

  143.180

  148.463

  Shropshire

  43.759

  45.589

  46.845

  48.195

  Worcestershire

  84.099

  84.456

  79.951

  99.265

  4W

  5W

  1999–2001figures

  £

  Authority

  Primary education SSA

  Secondary education SSA

  Primary education net current expenditure1

  Secondary education net current expenditure1

  All Purpose Authorities

  Isle of Wight Council

  21.519

  23.182

  16.862

  32.188

  Bath and North East Somerset

  23.698

  28.151

  29.027

  35.182

  Bristol

  63.028

  49.779

  75.976

  55.756

  South Gloucestershire

  40.980

  37.802

  48.612

  44.968

  North Somerset

  27.562

  29.341

  31.517

  34.763

  Hartlepool

  18.307

  19.136

  19.139

  18.082

  Middlesbrough

  31.239

  28.999

  31.799

  25.904

  Redcar and Cleveland

  28.288

  31.157

  32.018

  29.852

  Stockton-on-Tees

  34.993

  37.274

  42.152

  34.111

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  49.668

  53.772

  52.102

  59.126

  Kingston upon Hull

  52.922

  48.006

  58.852

  45.439

  North East Lincolnshire

  32.244

  32.705

  36.813

  31.443

  North Lincolnshire

  27.619

  30.501

  31.807

  30.936

  York

  26.653

  25.430

  33.447

  25.903

  Luton

  40.285

  37.287

  42.203

  36.618

  Milton Keynes

  40.009

  38.216

  45.245

  35.180

  Derby

  42.922

  40.634

  47.621

  40.366

  Bournemouth

  21.963

  24.865

  22.811

  26.457

  Poole

  20.189

  20.934

  22.830

  21.435

  Darlington

  17.870

  17.148

  18.505

  15.894

  Brighton and Hove

  36.437

  33.380

  37.510

  33.440

  Portsmouth

  33.270

  30.220

  37.332

  29.735

  Southampton

  38.501

  37.852

  42.977

  34.685

  Leicester

  58.974

  56.462

  63.018

  57.970

  Rutland

  4.857

  5.767

  6.043

  6.691

  Stoke-on-Trent

  45.034

  42.712

  55.301

  38.778

  Swindon

  33.376

  31.248

  35.332

  30.859

  Bracknell Forest

  19.054

  16.175

  18.768

  17.252

  West Berkshire

  24.278

  27.302

  24.885

  31.453

  Reading

  22.453

  17.031

  24.181

  18.803

  Slough

  25.189

  23.494

  24.551

  23.537

  Windsor and Maidenhead

  19.603

  23.185

  19.119

  28.808

  Wokingham

  24.767

  24.865

  24.754

  28.113

  Peterborough

  31.478

  33.273

  35.720

  37.421

  Halton

  25.559

  25.820

  2—

  2—

  Warrington

  33.231

  34.203

  37.717

  36.019

  Plymouth

  42.494

  45.983

  45.099

  50.475

  Torbay

  19.437

  22.121

  20.979

  23.443

  Southend-on-Sea

  27.890

  29.139

  30.482

  31.778

  Thurrock

  28.383

  25.708

  32.041

  23.504

  Herefordshire

  28.035

  26.359

  29.185

  27.179

  Medway

  49.999

  48.957

  54.461

  54.832

  Blackburn with Darwen

  31.548

  30.272

  33.449

  28.242

  Blackpool

  24.571

  21.554

  26.692

  20.495

  Nottingham

  56.307

  43.947

  62.719

  43.877

  Telford and the Wrekin

  29.543

  29.319

  32.344

  30.623

  Isles of Scilly

  0.534

  0.580

  0.616

  0.653

  1 The primary and secondary education expenditure data in columns three and four is net current expenditure as reported by local authorities on the revenue outturn (RO) forms for 1999–2000. It is defined as expenditure on employees and running expenses less income from sales, fees and charges, internal recharges, and other non-grant income but it is gross of expenditure funded by specific grants. It is therefore not comparable with SSA sub-blocks which do not include specific grants. It is not possible to derive expenditure that is comparable with education SSA sub-blocks.

  2 The net current expenditure data is not available for Halton, as we are still awaiting the receipt of their completed returns.

  Local Authorities
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list(a) those local authorities that are debt free, (b) the 10 least indebted authorities and (c) the 10 most indebted authorities. [147168]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  An authority is defined as debt free if:6W

  (i) it has no money outstanding by way of long-term borrowing, from the Public Works Loan Board, the Bank of England and institutions authorised by it, and building societies;

  (ii) at the end of the previous financial year, it has a nil or negative credit ceiling.

  It should be noted that authorities with high levels of debt are generally those which have undertaken capital investment and that longer-term borrowing to finance capital expenditure is regulated by Government through the issue of

  7W
  credit approvals. Total debt for all English local authorities will be available at http://www.local.detr.gov.uk/finance/stats/ in February 2001.

  On the latest information available the following English local authorities are debt free:

  Barking and Dagenham

  Basingstoke and Deane

  Bath and North East Somerset

  Bedford

  Bracknell Forest UA

  Breckland

  Broadland

  Bromley

  Bromsgrove

  Chiltern

  Christchurch

  City of London

  Congleton

  Corby

  Cotswold

  Crawley

  Dacorum

  Dartford

  Daventry

  Dorset

  East Cambridgeshire

  East Devon

  East Dorset

  Eden

  Elmsbridge

  Epsom and Ewell

  Forest Heath

  Hambleton

  Hart

  Havant

  Hertsmere

  Huntingdonshire

  Kennet

  Lichfield

  Malvern Hills Mid Bedfordshire Mid Sussex Mole Valley North Dorset North Wiltshire Penwith

  Reigate and Banstead

  Runnymede

  Rushmoor

  Ryedale

  Salisbury

  Sevenoaks

  South Buckinghamshire

  South Cambridgeshire

  South Northamptonshire

  South Oxfordshire

  South Ribble

  South Shropshire

  Spelthorne

  St. Edmundsbury

  8W

  Straford-on-Avon

  Suffolk Coastal

  Surrey Heath

  Swale

  Tandridge

  Tewkesbury

  Tonbridge and Mailing

  Tunbridge Wells

  Uttlesford

  Vale of White Horse

  Watford

  Welwyn Hatfield

  West Berkshire UA

  West Sussex

  Windsor and Maidenhead UA

  Wychavon

  Wyre

  Source:

  Capital Payments and Receipts Return 2000–01.

  This list is updated regularly and can be found at http://www.local.detr.gov.uk/finance/stats/debtfree.htm

  (a)The 10 English local authorities, that have the least gross debt and are not debt free, at 31 March 2000, are:

  Poole UA

  Staffordshire Moorlands

  Tynedale

  North Cornwall

  South Holland

  Waverley

  Epping Forest

  Maldon

  Oadby and Wigston

  Teignbridge.

  (b)The 10 English local authorities, that have the most gross debt, at 31 March 2000, are:

  Manchester

  Birmingham

  Lambeth

  Southwark

  Hackney

  Islington

  Sheffield

  Liverpool

  Leeds

  Tower Hamlets

  Source:

  Borrowing and Lending Survey—March 2000.

  Single Regeneration Budge
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will make a statement on the Single Regeneration Budget 7; [147128]

  (2) if he will list the funding available for SRB activities over and above existing SRB commitments for 2001–02 for each RDA area in England; [147130]
  9W
  (3) if his Department's grant to RDAs for 2001–02 will fund new unannounced Single Regeneration Budget activities over and above existing SRB commitments for that year. [147129]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 7 November 2000,Official Report, columns 129–30W, where detailed arrangements for new Single Regeneration Budget activities in the transitional year 2001–02 are currently being considered. An announcement will be made very shortly. We issued RDAs with guidance for corporate plans and indicative allocations for 2001–02 just before Christmas. RDAs are now preparing their proposals for submission by 23 February 2001 and I look forward to receiving these for consideration.

  Driving Licences
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what statutory powers the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority has to withdraw from a driver the provisions of a certificate of passing a test of competence to drive, issued under the Road Traffic Act 1972; [147200]

  (2) what powers he uses in deciding that the validity of a certificate of passing a test of competence to drive has expired through the passage of time. [147201]

  Mr. Hill
  The Secretary of State, acting through the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, has power to revoke a test pass certificate only under the provisions of paragraphs 5 and 8 of schedule 1 to the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995. However, by virtue of section 89(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (which replaced the 1972 Act) a test pass certificate may be produced as evidence of entitlement to the granting of a full driving licence only if the test was passed during a period of two years ending with the date of the licence application.

  A driving test must be passed in two parts, the theory test being taken first. By virtue of regulation 47(6) of The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999— made under the 1988 Act—a theory test pass certificate has a validity period of two years.

  Motorway Service Areas
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to make an announcement on the outstanding planning appeals in respect of motorway service areas on the M25 south-western quadrant, following the decision of Mr. Justice Richards. [147416]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  My Department issued statements to the interested parties on 24 January inviting representations on the matter the Secretary of State wishes to consider further in redetermining the outstanding proposals on the M25 western quadrant and the M4.

  Waste Disposal
  Mr. Temple-Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when Worcestershire county council submitted a draft plan for dealing with its waste; and what assessment he has made of it. [147505]
  10W
  Mr. Raynsford
  Worcestershire county council placed a draft Structure Plan on deposit in January 2000, part of which contains strategic policies on waste management. The Secretary of State made three objections on waste matters. He was concerned about matters of self-sufficiency at County and Regional levels and the need to take account of the draft national waste strategy and the recent guidance on waste planning in Planning Policy Guidance Note 10, particularly the application of the principal of Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO). He also wished for clarification on when it is necessary to demonstrate need in relation to landfill sites. The county council's proposed modifications to its plan are expected shortly. In addition, the county council has a duty under Section 38 (2) of the Planning and Compensation Act 1992 to prepare a Waste Local Plan, which will set out detailed policies for the management of waste.

  Mr. Temple-Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he has issued to waste disposal authorities and planning authorities considering applications connected with waste disposal to ensure that waste is generally disposed of as near to its place of production as possible; and if he will make a statement. [147507]

  Mr. Meacher
  Waste Strategy 2000 and Planning Policy Guidance Note 10 set out the principles on which the Government wish to see waste management decisions based. One of these principles is that waste should generally be disposed of as near as possible to its place of production, because transporting waste itself has an environmental impact.

  Countryside and Rights of Way Act
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what commencement orders he intends to make under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. [147701]

  Mr. Meacher
  Section 103(2) of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 provides for a number of the Act's provisions to come into force on 30 January 2001. I have now made the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (Commencement No. 1) Order 2001 (SI 2001 No. 114(C.4)) which brings additional provisions into force in England on 30 January 2001 and certain other provisions on 1 April 2001. Further commencement orders will be made in due course.

  I will shortly be issuing a circular to local authorities explaining the implications for local authorities of the provisions that have now commenced. I will place copies of both the order and the circular in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to introduce regulations under section 68 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000; and if he will make a statement. [147809]

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  Officials are currently drafting the regulations. Although we have a good overview of the provisions to be included, considerable work is needed on the detail. Provided no unforeseen
  11W
  problems arise, we expect to publish draft regulations for public consultation in March, and lay these before Parliament for approval in May.

  Pinewoods
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has held with English Nature regarding the felling of pinewoods around Formby in Lancashire. [147482]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 26 January 2001]: My Department has not specifically discussed with English Nature its proposals to fell pinewoods on a nature reserve near pinewood. This is a nature reserve management issue for English Nature to take forward.

  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will assess the report of the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies, regarding the felling of pinewoods around Formby in Lancashire; and if he will issue new guidance to English Nature regarding protection of the red squirrel habitats. [147483]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 26 January 2001]: The Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies, on behalf on English Nature, has carried out a review and consultation considering the management of the Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve. The review, commissioned by English Nature to inform its work managing the nature reserve, considered the overall objective of dune restoration in areas of existing frontal woodland to be appropriate and makes detailed recommendations.

  It is not a report to Government and therefore I have no plans to assess the report. It is for English Nature, on the Government's behalf, to take this issue forward.

  There are no plans at present for new guidance on protection of red squirrel habitats.

  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received regarding the felling of pinewoods in red squirrel habitats around Formby in Lancashire. [147481]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 26 January 2001]: I understand English Nature is reviewing the management of the Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve and has commissioned a consultation exercise on its proposals to fell pinewoods within a nature reserve. However, my Department has not been able to trace any representations made specifically on this issue.

  English Nature
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has held with English Nature regarding increasing transparency and public accountability of its activities. [147484]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 26 January 2001]: I met the Chairman and Chief Executive of English Nature in July and October last year for discussions including the Corporate Plan, plans for greater openness, increasing availability of information, more e-communication and e-commerce.
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  Red Squirrels
  Mr. Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on the level of the red squirrel population in the UK. [147487]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 26 January 2001]: My Department occasionally receives representations from members of the public about red squirrel populations. This species is afforded full protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

  Temple Sowerby Bypass
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to start work on the Temple Sowerby bypass on the A66. [147545]

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

  Letter from John Kerman to Mr. David Maclean, dated 29 January 2001

  The Transport Minister, Keith Hill, has asked Tim Matthews, Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, to reply to your recent question about the timing of the start of works for the A66 Temple Sowerby Bypass. I am replying in the absence of Tim Matthews.

  The Temple Sowerby Bypass is listed in the Government's strategic review of the roads programme 'A New Deal for Trunk Roads in England' as a scheme to be progressed through its preparatory stages so that, if after full appraisal and subject to the views of the regional planning conference and statutory procedure, it is eventually endorsed it can be taken forward without delay. We are currently carrying out detailed survey work for the scheme with a view to starting the necessary statutory procedures around Spring 2002. Beyond then, progress will be subject to the satisfactory completion of those statutory procedures, including, if necessary, a Public Inquiry.

  I am enclosing a leaflet which was circulated locally last year describing the background and current position on the bypass.

  If you would like any further information, please contact the Highways Agency's Project Manager for the scheme, John Yellowley, at Sunley Tower, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester, M1 4BE (telephone 0161 930 5685).

  A66
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) when he expects to complete the safety study of the A66; [147540]

  (2) what the expected total cost is of the safety study of the A66. [147541]

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

  Letter from Tim Matthews to Mr. David Maclean, dated 29 January 2001

  A66 Safety Study

  The Transport Minister, Keith Hill, has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions on when the A66 Safety Study is expected to be completed and what is the expected total cost.

  The draft final report of the study is to be submitted to the Study Steering Group in Spring, following which it will be presented to the Regional Planning bodies for their consideration.
  13W
  In respect of the cost this is an ongoing commission and the final amount will be dependent on the amount of work ordered. Based on actual payments made to date plus outstanding work currently envisaged, it is anticipated that the final outturn will be in the region of £200,000.

  Should you require any further information, please contact the Team Leader for this project, Francis Carlyle at our Leeds office, on 0113 283 5358.

  Endangered Species
  Sir Paul Beresford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people have been prosecuted in respect of a failure to uphold international obligations on the protection of endangered species in each of the last five years. [147712]

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  Endangered species are protected under the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This convention is implemented throughout the European Union under EC regulations and enforced in the UK under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 and the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997 (COTES).

  There is no central record of prosecutions or convictions for offences under the COTES regulations. However the number of prosecutions we are aware of in each of the last five years is as follows:

  Year

  Number

  1996

  6

  1997

  5

  1998

  3

  1999

  6

  2000

  8

  I have been advised by HM Customs and Excise that the number of prosecutions in respect of endangered species under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 in each of the last five years is as follows:

  Year

  Number

  1996

  1

  1997

  0

  1998

  0

  1999

  0

  2000

  1

  Sir Paul Beresford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what obligations the United Kingdom has under international treaties to police the protection of endangered species. [147713]

  Mr. Meacher
  The United Kingdom, as a Party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, is required under Article VIII of the convention to take appropriate measures to enforce the provisions of the convention and to prohibit trade in specimens in violation of those provisions. Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 sets out the requirements on member states to implement the convention. The Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 and the Control of 14W
  Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997 (Statutory Instrument 1997 No. 1372) provide the means for enforcement in the United Kingdom.

  Wildlife Crime Unit
  Sir Paul Beresford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the achievements and future of the Wildlife Crime Unit of the Metropolitan police. [147714]

  Mr. Meacher
  I have been impressed by the achievements of the Metropolitan police in the fight against wildlife crime. They have investigated a number of significant cases, including the recent successful prosecution of a north London taxidermist for illegally trading in large numbers of endangered species. The Metropolitan police have also worked with London's Chinese community in "Operation Charm"—an ongoing initiative to raise awareness of the consequences for conservation of the use of endangered species derivatives in traditional medicines.

  How they structure and manage their responsibilities for enforcing wildlife legislation in future is, as now, entirely a matter for the Commissioner to decide.

  Biocidal Products Directive
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the extent to which toilet soaps will be included within the terms of reference of the regulations relating to the Biocidal Products Directive. [146307]

  Mr. Meacher
  Generally, toilet soaps are controlled under the Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations 1996. However, some manufacturers make specific biocidal claims on their soap products.

  The forthcoming Biocidal Product Regulations will exclude cosmetic products from scope. Cosmetics are defined as products which "exclusively or mainly" perform certain functions among which is cleaning the skin. Where a cosmetic product has a minor use as a biocide, it will be excluded from the forthcoming Biocidal Products Regulations.

  The Environment Directorate of the European Commission (DG Env) has produced a discussion paper revisiting the interface between the Biocidal Products and Cosmetic Products Directives, and suggesting a different view from the current UK position. If DG Env's position gains wide support among member states it could ultimately lead to the need to amend the Biocidal Products Regulations.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for consultation with representatives of soap and detergent manufacturers on the forthcoming regulations relating to the Biocidal Products Directive. [146308]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has led for the Government on implementing the Biocidal Products Directive in Great Britain. A full public consultation on implementing Regulations was carried out in the second half of 1999. During the last five years HSE officials have regularly met with trade associations representing the biocides industry, including the Soap and Detergent Industry Association. They and the Department
  15W
  of Trade and Industry continue to have informal discussions with representatives of the soap and detergent manufacturers.

  St. Leonard's Hospital, Dorset
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on what date his Department received the planning appeal in respect of St. Leonard's hospital, Dorset, Ref. 3/99/0861; on what date he expects it to be determined; and if he will make a statement. [147819]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Planning appeal by the Secretary of State for Health was received on 1 June 2000. The Planning Inspectorate are currently waiting for the submission of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from the appellant. As soon as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been received, arrangements will be made for a public inquiry. It is anticipated the appeal will be determined by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions in the autumn.

  Vehicle Excise Duty
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many(a) telephone calls and (b) letters have been received by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency from keepers of vehicles inquiring about the implementation of the new excise duty rates for vehicles of 1500 cc and less announced in the pre-Budget report; and what the estimated cost to public funds is of responding to them. [147822]

  Mr. Hill
  In the period 9 November 2000–19 January 2001, DVLA staff handled(a) some 9,100 telephone and (b) some 600 written (including E-mail) inquiries concerning the 1500 cc proposal. In addition some 32,000 inquiries covering both the 1200 cc and 1500 cc schemes, were handled by the agency's automated VOICE system.

  These volumes represent a small proportion of the inquiry work handled by the agency, and no additional resources were needed to deal with them.

  Circulatory Disorders
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent research he has commissioned into the level of risk to(a) passengers and (b) aircrew of circulatory disorders associated with commercial flying; and if he will make a statement. [147193]

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  When giving evidence to the recent House of Lords Inquiry into Air Travel and Health, the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. Mullin) announced that we would be launching a study to identify those health issues related to air travel which are of most concern. This study will take into consideration the level of risk to both passengers and aircrew and will assess the existing research into circulatory disorders and other health issues that might be associated with air travel. In the light of the findings of this study, which should be published early in the summer, we will commission substantive research to fill any gaps in our knowledge which are revealed.
  16W
  I am also aware that the CAA has funded some research, on behalf of the Joint Aviation Authorities, to consider the relationship between aircraft seat dimensions and passenger sizes. This research should be published shortly.

  Road Fatalities
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many children have been killed in road accidents in each year since 1992–93. [147501]

  Mr. Hill
  The following table shows the number of children killed in road accidents for all available years since 1992.

  Accident year

  Number of deaths

  1992

  310

  1993

  306

  1994

  299

  1995

  270

  1996

  270

  1997

  255

  1998

  206

  1999

  201

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the largest number of people killed in a single road accident was in each year since 1992–93. [147498]

  Mr. Hill
  The highest numbers of fatalities recorded in a single road accident each year are shown in the table. However, some accidents involving numerous vehicles may be reported by the police to DETR as a series of individual accidents. Hence, in some instances, the figures shown might represent an underestimate.

  Fatalities: Great Britain 1992–99

  Number

  1992

  6

  1993

  13

  1994

  5

  1995

  13

  1996

  6

  1997

  5

  1998

  5

  1999

  5

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many public inquiries have been held into road accidents in each year since 1992–93. [147499]

  Mr. Hill
  None; other than regular Coroners' Inquiries (or Fatal Accident inquiries in Scotland).

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the average number of people killed at weekends in road accidents in each year since 1992–93. [147494]

  Mr. Hill
  The information requested is shown in the table.
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  Average weekend fatalities: Great Britain 1992–99

  Average number

  1992

  24

  1993

  20

  1994

  21

  1995

  22

  1996

  21

  1997

  22

  1998

  21

  1999

  20

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the largest number of people killed in road accidents was in a single day in each year since 1992–93. [147495]

  Mr. Hill
  The information requested is shown in the table:

  Fatalities in a single day: Great Britain 1992–99

  Year

  Fatalities

  1992

  34

  1993

  23

  1994

  >24

  1995

  22

  1996

  27

  1997

  22

  1998

  21

  1999

  23

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many child pedestrians have been killed in road accidents in each year since 1992–93. [147500]

  Mr. Hill
  The following table shows the number of child pedestrians killed in road accidents for all available years since 1992.

  Accident year

  Number of deaths

  1992

  180

  1993

  165

  1994

  160

  1995

  132

  1996

  131

  1997

  138

  1998

  103

  1999

  107

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the daily average number of people killed in road accidents in each year since 1992–93. [147493]

  Mr. Hill
  The following table shows the daily average number of people killed in road accidents for all available years since 1992.

  Accident year

  Daily average number of deaths

  1992

  12

  1993

  10

  1994

  10

  1995

  10

  1996

  10

  1997

  10

  1998

  9

  1999

  9

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  Rail Fatalities
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many children travelling by train have been killed in rail accidents in each year since 1992–93. [147496]

  Mr. Hill
  The information requested is shown in the table, which covers fatalities on the national railway and the London Underground. Two of the fatalities were on the national railway and one on the London Underground. "Children" is defined as passengers under the age of 16. Further data can be found in the Chief Inspector of Railways Annual Reports on Railway Safety, copies of which are available in both Libraries of the House.

  Fitalities to children while travelling by train 1992–93 to 1999–2000

  Number

  1992–93

  0

  1993–94

  0

  1994–95

  0

  1995–96

  1

  1996–97

  0

  1997–98

  1

  1998–99

  1

  1999–2000

  0

  Total

  3

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many children have been killed on railway lines in each year since 1992–93. [147497]

  Mr. Hill
  The information requested is shown in the table. Further data including details of the prevention of child trespasser fatalities can be found in the Chief Inspector of Railways Annual Reports on Railway Safety. Copies are available in both Libraries of the House. "Children" is defined as persons under the age of 16.

  Year

  Passenger

  Level crossing user

  Other member of the public

  Trespasser/ Suicide

  Total

  1992–93

  0

  0

  0

  5

  5

  1993–94

  0

  1

  0

  8

  9

  1994–95

  0

  1

  0

  6

  7

  1995–96

  1

  0

  0

  7

  8

  1996–97

  0

  0

  0

  10

  10

  1997–98

  1

  0

  1

  5

  7

  1998–99

  1

  0

  0

  7

  8

  1999–2000

  0

  0

  0

  6

  6

  Total

  3

  2

  1

  52

  58

  Local Government Finance
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on the local government finance settlement for 2001–02; and what conclusions he has reached. [147872]

  Ms Armstrong
  I have today laid before the House the Local Government Finance Report (England) 2001–02 and the Special Grant Report (No. 72). These reports establish the amounts of revenue support grant (RSG) and non-domestic rates (NDR) to be paid to local authorities
  19W
  in 2001–02, and the basis of their distribution; and provide for Standard Spending Assessment (SSA) Reduction Grant and Central Support Protection Grant to be paid to certain authorities for 2001–02. Drafts of these reports were issued for consultation on 27 November 2000, and updated information on grant allocations was published on 15 December. The Department received a total of 315 written representations within the consultation deadlines from the Local Government Association and the Association of London Government, as well as from 224 local authorities, local authority groups and hon. Members.

  Having considered the views of the local authority associations and others who have commented on my initial proposals, I have decided to confirm in virtually all respects my original proposals on grant distribution. The final figures published today may be slightly different from those issued on 15 December, generally reflecting more accurate data that have become available since then. I am therefore confirming my proposal to set a floor of 3.2 per cent. and a ceiling of 6.5 per cent., on general grant increases for authorities with responsibilities for education and social services. This will set limits on what would otherwise be a very wide range of grant increases, which would have made service planning very difficult for authorities. A 6.5 per cent. increase in general grant should be sufficient for most ceiling authorities, even after allowing for the fact that they have growing populations to cater for. And a 3.2 per cent. increase is reasonable for floor authorities, taking into account the fact that most of them face reductions in population. In each case, these increases will be accompanied by substantial increases in ring-fenced grant.

  The ceiling will help support the cost of introducing the floor, but cannot cover the whole cost. I therefore also confirm my proposal to scale back marginally the grant increases of authorities who are neither at the ceiling or the floor.

  Following careful consideration, I propose to make one exception to the ceiling rule. Quite exceptional circumstances apply to the Isles of Scilly Council. Their annual budget is extremely small, and they cannot avoid substantial capital expenditure to maintain essential waste disposal services. I shall therefore not limit their grant increase this year.

  This year's settlement provides an increase of 7.2 per cent. in total Government grant and a 4.9 per cent. increase in general grant. This is on top of substantial increases each year since 1997–98: in the four years since then, Government grant to local government has gone up by 14 per cent. in real terms, compared with a 7 per cent. cut in the previous four years.

  Given these good increases in grant, I would therefore expect the majority of local authorities to be setting a lower Council Tax increase this year than last year, when the increase was 6.1 per cent.

  Local authorities also made representations on council tax benefit subsidy limitation. I have considered these carefully but decided to make no change to the scheme I proposed on 27 November, as amended on 15 December.

  I shall be sending copies of these reports and the Plain English guide to all authorities, together with tables showing each authority's Standard Spending Assessment
  20W
  and its entitlement to RSG, NDR and special grant. I have placed copies of the reports in the Journal Office; and copies of the reports, tables, and the guide in the Vote Office and the Library.

  However, the local government finance settlement should not be seen in isolation. The Government have identified four specific problem cases, and have responded to these.

  We have looked again at the funding position of authorities in areas with the most serious deprivation problems. My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced on 24 January a doubling of the provision for the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund in 2001–02, from £100 million to £200 million. These additional resources will help local authorities improve services in the most deprived neighbourhoods and therefore to improve the outcomes that are achieved in these areas.

  In some areas where there have been serious floods this year, authorities faced the prospect of an increased levy from the Environment Agency to cover the costs that it had incurred in dealing with this year's floods. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced on 26 January that he will provide an additional £11.6 million for the Agency to limit the burden falling on local authorities.

  My right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Social Security is today announcing additional funding of £25 million to help local authorities facing significant increases in the cost of housing homeless households in temporary accommodation.

  Finally, my right hon Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment is today announcing a new £52 million grant to help some education authorities manage funding changes and deal with particular education spending pressures.

  National Air Traffic Service
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 23 January 2001,Official Report, columns 529–30W, how much the X factor will be tightened to reflect the proposed delay term; who will be responsible for its enforcement; if there will be discretion in the application of such tightening; and what risk assessment of the proposal has been made. [147770]

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  The formula by which the delay factor will be incorporated in the charge cap for National Air Traffic Services (NATS) will be set out in the licence for en route services which will be issued to NATS when the public/private partnership is established. A draft of that licence is in the Library of the House.

  The delay term will reduce the maximum charges which NATS can derive from its UK en route business where the delays attributable to NATS in a preceding period exceed a defined standard. This standard will be based initially on the level of delays in 1999 and be specified to improve by 1 per cent. per annum thereafter. The detailed figures to be inserted in the formula will be calculated in such a way as to limit the penalty for delays to £2.0 million a year in respect of delays arising in 2001

  21W
  and 2002 and to £5.7 million a year in respect of delays arising in the remainder of the first five-year regulatory period.

  The delay term will be enforced by the Civil Aviation Authority as the economic regulator of NATS. Its enforcement will not be discretionary. The term has been set at a level designed to give NATS an incentive to reduce delays without in any way undermining the primacy of safety as a factor in NATS' operations.

  Water Meters
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which water companies have informed their customers of their duty to install a free water meter; and what sanctions exist for those that have not. [147754]

  Mr. Meacher
  I understand that all companies include details of their free meter options within their Charges Schemes and associated leaflets which are available to customers. As part of its examination of companies' Charges Schemes for the year beginning 1 April 2001, Ofwat wrote to companies which it considered did not contain sufficient information. Most companies also promote the availability of the free meter option either on the bill or in accompanying literature.

  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what targets he has set for the take-up of free water meters. [147756]

  Mr. Meacher
  No targets have been set for the take-up of free water meters. The option is left to the free choice of customers.

  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from(a) water companies and (b) consumer groups about the provision of free water meters. [147755]

  Mr. Meacher
  Most water companies and several consumer groups made representations about various aspects of the free meter option in response to public consultation papers and at other times during our review of water charging in 1997 to 1998, during the passage of the Water Industry Act 1999 and during and since the introduction of regulations and guidance under the Act.

  Cyclists
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to reduce the incidence of deaths and injuries to cyclists; and if he will make a statement. [147589]

  Mr. Hill
  The Government's Road Safety Strategy, "Tomorrow's Roads—Safer for Everyone", was launched by the Prime Minister on 1 March last year. It sets a new target to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads by 40 per cent. by the year 2010, a separate target of 50 per cent. for children, and a 10 per cent. reduction in the slight casualty rate.

  Special measures for cyclists are detailed in chapters two and nine of the strategy, but measures described elsewhere, particularly our driver training, will be to their benefit.
  22W
  Copies of 'Tomorrow's Roads—Safer for Everyone" are in the Library and the Vote Office.

  Mobile Homes
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to introduce legislation to regulate the sale of park and mobile homes; and if he will make a statement. [147587]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Proposals to amend the provisions of the sale of park homes were included in the recommendations of the Park Homes Working Party. We have consulted on, and are considering, the Working Party's recommendations.

  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions who is responsible for enforcing the provisions of(a) the Mobile Homes Act 1983, (b) the Energy Act 1983 and (c) the Electricity Act 1947. [147588]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The information requested is as follows:

  (a) Residents or site owners of park homes who are in dispute about the operation of the Mobile Homes Act 1983 can ask a court or arbitrator to settle the issue.

  (b) and (c) The Electricity Act 1947, and Part I and Schedules 1–3 of the Energy Act 1983, were repealed by the Electricity Act 1989. Responsibility for enforcing Parts II and III of the Energy Act 1983 rests with the Department of Trade and Industry.

  Rural White Paper
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what additional money for the redevelopment of rural towns he expects to provide following the publication of the Rural White Paper; and if he will make a statement. [147586]

  Mr. Meacher
  We will be increasing funding by £37 million over three years to create a £100 million regeneration programme with partnership funds for 100 towns in or near the most deprived rural areas. The £37 million is pump-priming money which will help towns themselves start the process of regeneration and fund some new projects.

  National Forest Company
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to undertake a review of the National Forest Company. [147948]

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  My Department has today launched a review of the National Forest Company. The Company was established as a non-departmental public body in April 1995 and, in line with Cabinet Office guidelines for all such bodies, must be reviewed at least every five years.

  The review will consider all the organisational options for the Company, but will concentrate on the effectiveness of its delivery mechanisms.
  23W
  The review will be led by DETR, but the Review Group will also include representatives from Forestry Commission and the Company itself. The Company's partners and other interested parties will be consulted.

  The review is expected to be completed within four to five months.

  Chester Street Insurance Holdings Ltd.
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what reports he has received from the Health and Safety Executive on the consequences of the collapse of Chester Street Insurance Holdings Ltd. for those suffering from asbestos-related diseases; and if he will make a statement. [147311]

  Mr. Meacher
  None. Neither the Health and Safety Executive nor the Health and Safety Commission has any direct responsibility in relation to the consequences mentioned. However, I feel sure that the Health and Safety Commission will share the Government's concern that such victims should receive what compensation they are due in a fair and speedy manner. I am in close touch with my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

  Threatened Species
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Government will implement fully the EU regulation 338/97 on certain threatened species. [147758]

  Mr. Meacher
  Council Regulation (EC) No. 338/97 sets out the requirements on member states to implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The United Kingdom already fully implements these Regulations, under which all commercial trade in critically endangered species is prohibited and trade in less endangered species is strictly regulated. In the United Kingdom the Regulations are enforced by means of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 and the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997 (S. I. No. 1372).

  Cellular Telephone Network
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to promote an improvement in the cellular telephone network coverage of the mainline rail network. [147530]

  Ms Hewitt
  I have been asked to reply.

  Government policy is to promote competition in the cellular radiocommunications market. The UK has licensed four cellular operators—BT Cellnet, Vodafone, One-2-One and Orange. The operators have coverage obligations in their licences to serve 90 per cent. of the UK population. Competitive pressure between the operators has resulted in coverage levels of 98–99 per cent. The Government have introduced further competition into the market by the award of a 3G licence to a new entrant—Hutchison 3G. This competition drives coverage and capacity improvements which will benefit travellers using the mainline rail network.
  24W
  Oftel is participating to produce quality of service measurements for mobile phone networks to assist customers in making an informed choice. Details are available on the Oftel website at www.oftel.gov.uk.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Depleted Uranium
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if BNFL this year has disposed of any form of depleted uranium at the Clifton Marsh tip in Lancashire. [146709]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 22 January 2001]BNFL is authorised by the Environment Agency (EA) to dispose of material at Clifton Marsh which has not more than 0.2 per cent. of the radioactivity of natural uranium by weight. Because small quantities of depleted uranium have been handled at BNFL's Springfields site, waste may also be contaminated with trace quantities of depleted uranium and this is allowed for in the disposal authorisation. EA have made clear that they have no reason to believe that BNFL has operated outside their authorisation regime.

  Statutory Minimum Wage
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the number of people employed on term-time only contracts whose wages, annualised over the year, are below the level of the statutory minimum wage. [147151]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The National Minimum Wage Regulations include special provisions for workers who work only during term-time and whose pay is annualised over the year ensuring that the minimum wage is applied to such cases in a way that is both flexible and fair. I have made no estimate of the number of workers on term-time only contracts who are paid below the national minimum wage.

  Sugar Regime
  Mrs. Shephard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had on the reform of the sugar regime; and if he will make a statement. [147185]

  Mr. Caborn
  [holding answer 25 January 2001]The reform of the sugar regime is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. However, I have had frequent discussions with my right hon. Friend the Minister of State and her officials, about the interaction between the proposals from the European Commission for reform of the sugar regime and the proposal to provide duty and quota-free access for all LDC goods except arms. The Government regret the inconsistency between these two proposals and are pressing in Brussels for this issue to be addressed.

  Manufacturing Industry
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the sectoral working parties his Department has in connection with different sections of current United Kingdom manufacturing industry. [146920]
  25W
  Mr. Alan Johnson
  My Department works in partnership with manufacturing sectors to help UK manufacturing compete effectively, and has developed strong working relationships with companies, trade associations, trade unions and other business organisations.

  There is no precise definition of which of the partnerships concerned constitute a sectoral working party. However, formal groupings include the Shipbuilding Forum, the Textiles and Clothing Strategy Group, the Aerospace Committee and the Electronics Manufacturing Industry Forum.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to assist small businesses with management and ITC needs. [147406]

  Ms Hewitt
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 24 January 2001,Official Report, columns 631–32W.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  British Screen Finance
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what income has accrued to date to the Film Council from assets previously owned by British Screen Finance. [147708]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Income accruing to the Film Council from assets previously owned by British Screen Finance, for the period 1 October 2000 to 31 December 2000, is £510,850. This includes income of £347,634 received from British Screen, the European Co-production Fund and British Screen Rights, and income of £163,216 received from the National Film Finance Corporation as repayment or profit and interest on film loans.

  Television Licences
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many households in the Christchurch constituency have a free television licence under the scheme for pensioners aged over 75 years. [147826]

  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 based on the 1991 Census indicate that there were approximately 11,100 people aged 75 or over in the Christchurch constituency.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many families in Thurrock will benefit from the introduction of free television licences for households with a member aged 75 years or over. [147086]

  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 based on the 1991 Census indicate that there were approximately 4,800 people aged 75 or over in the Thurrock constituency.
  26W

  Subtitling and Signing
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he will publish his conclusions concerning his review of the statutory requirements for the provision of subtitling, signing and audio description services; and if he will make a statement. [148090]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I am pleased to announce that our conclusions have been published today. We have carefully considered the detailed responses from the Independent Television Commission, broadcasters, groups representing viewers with sensory impairments and those providing subtitling, signing and audio description services. We have concluded that:the target for the provision of subtitling on digital terrestrial television (DTT) should be raised from 50 per cent. of programmes by the tenth anniversary of the start of the service to 80 per cent. by the tenth anniversary;
  the targets for sign language and audio description services should remain unchanged, but will be kept under regular review; and
  the requirements on DTT should be extended to digital cable and satellite services when legislation permits.

  A copy of the report has been placed in the House Libraries and is also available on my Department's website at www.culture.gov.uk

  Millennium Dome
  Jean Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his oral answer of 22 January 2001,Official Report, column 646, if he will make a statement on the involvement of Ministers in the sponsorship of the Faith Zone at the Millennium Dome by the Hinduja brothers. [147442]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [pursuant to his reply, 24 January 2001, c. 590W]: In my reply to the House on 22 January 2001, Official Report, column 646, I stated that my right hon. Friend's 'Private Secretary' had told Mr. Hinduja about his passport application. This was incorrectly recorded in the unbound Official Report as 'Parliamentary Private Secretary'. I have asked for the bound volume to be corrected to record what I actually said to the House. The error was unfortunately copied into my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, East (Jean Corston) on 24 January 2001, Official Report, column 590W; that answer should of course also have read 'Private Secretary' rather than 'Parliamentary Private Secretary'.

  Underwater Cultural Heritage Convention
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which Ministers and officials will represent the UK at the next UNESCO meeting on the Draft Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage; and where, and on what date, the meeting will be held. [147710]

  Mr. Battle
  I have been asked to reply.

  The next UNESCO meeting of governmental experts on the Draft Convention for Underwater Cultural Heritage will be held in Paris on 26 March to 6 April. The UK will be represented by officials from a number of Government Departments and will be led by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
  27W

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  Commission of the Bishop's Conference
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, when he last received representations from the Commission of the Bishop's Conferences of the European Community; and if he will make a statement. [147518]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  The Church Commissioners have received no such representations. It would fall to other organisations within the Church of England to do so. The Church Commissioners' primary responsibility is to manage their assets for the financial support of the Church of England's ministry.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Students
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he last met groups of students, sponsored by his Department for a week-long study of the European institutions; what the nature of that study was; what the role of his Department was; what funds were available to the groups; and if he will make a statement. [144570]

  Mr. Wicks
  There are no arrangements for the Department for Education and Employment to sponsor students to study European Institutions.

  Teacher Numbers
  Mrs. Roe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) supply and (b) relief teachers work in (i) primary and (ii) secondary schools; how many full-time teachers have left the profession during the last 12 months; and if he will list by country the numbers of teachers from overseas who are teaching in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools. [144862]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  At January 2000 there were 10,520 nursery and primary and 5,320 secondary school teachers in occasional service (short-term supply) in England.

  It is estimated provisionally that 20,800 full-time teachers who were in the maintained schools sector in England in March 1998 were not in service at March 1999 (the latest leavers' figures available). A further 8,100 changed from full-time to part-time service within the maintained sector. These figures exclude teachers who left and re-entered, or entered and left, within the year. All figures are rounded to the nearest 100.

  Information about teachers from overseas teaching in primary and secondary schools in England is not available.

  The number of regular teachers in maintained schools in England increased by 6,900 between January 1998 and January 2000.

  There was a growth of more than 2,000 in the number of people training to be teachers between 1999–2000 and 2000–01, the first such increase since 1992–93.
  28W
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many schools in the north-west had a shortage of teachers in 2000. [144910]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  There were 180 vacancies (0.3 per cent.) in the maintained schools sector in the north-west in January 2000.

  The number of regular teachers in the maintained schools sector in England increased by 6,900 between January 1998 and January 2000.

  There was a growth of more than 2,000 in the number of people training to be teachers between 1999–2000 and 2000–01, the first such increase since 1992–93.

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many lone parents aged(a) under 18, (b) 18 to 34, (c) 35 to 50, and (d) over 50 years have joined the New Deal since 1998 (i) nationally, (ii) in the constituency of Leyton and Wanstead and (iii) the boroughs of (I) Waltham Forest and (II) Redbridge. [146978]

  Ms Jowell
  Latest figures to the end of October 2000 are summarised in the following table:

  Number agreeing to join NDLP to end October 2000

  Great Britain

  Leyton and Wanstead constituency

  Aged

  Under 18

  1,310

  1—

  18–34

  112,170

  1—

  35–50

  56,400

  79

  over 50

  2,440

  1—

  1Numbers too small to preserve client anonymity.

  1Numbers too small to preserve client anonymity.

  Note:

  Information at borough level is not available.

  Schools Expenditure
  Mrs. Dean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much revenue expenditure was available for schools in(a) Staffordshire and (b) Burton constituency for each year from 1990–91 to 2000–01. [146983]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Information on education expenditure according to parliamentary constituency is not collected centrally. The following table shows the spending in Staffordshire for the years 1990–91 to 1998–99, the latest year for which this information is currently available. These figures are based on net institutional expenditure, and for 1997–98 and 1998–99 do not include expenditure in Stoke-on-Trent due to local government reorganisation in 1997.

  £million

  1990–91

  257.4

  1991–92

  281.5

  1992–93

  295.3

  1993–94

  297.2

  1994–95

  302.8

  1995–96

  300.3

  1996–97

  312.8

  1997–98

  240.9

  1998–99

  255.2

  29W
  The following table sets out the resources made available to Staffordshire local education authority for education of four to 19–year-olds since 1997–98, at 2000–01 prices. These figures are not directly comparable with net institutional expenditure set out above, but they do reflect real terms increases in funding per pupil over the last three years of £300.

  £ per pupil

  Standard spending assessment

  Special and specific grants

  SSA and special/ specific grants

  1997–98

  2,350

  110

  2,460

  1998–99

  2,470

  40

  2,510

  1999–2000

  2,530

  80

  2,610

  2000–01

  2,580

  170

  2,750

  Under this Government, funding per pupil has already increased by over £300 nationally in real terms, and it will increase by a further £150 per pupil for 2001–02. Under the last Government, funding per pupil fell by £60 in real terms between 1994–95 and 1997–98. There will be further increases in funding following the year 2000 spending review: a further £370 per pupil over the three-year period, taking the total increase to nearly £700 between 1997–98 and 2003–04.

  Standard Spending Assessment
  Mrs. Dean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the SSA per pupil was in(a) Staffordshire and (b) England for each year from 1990–91 to 2000–01. [146984]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The information requested is in the following tables. They show that in the period 1993–94 to 1996–97 SSA per pupil in Staffordshire fell by £80 in real terms. Since 1997–98, total funding per pupil has increased by £330 per pupil in real terms.

  Standard spending assessment per pupil

  £

  Staffordshire (before local government reorganisation) SSA

  England SSA

  Cash

  1990–91

  1,680

  1,820

  1991–92

  1,920

  2,100

  1992–93

  2,040

  2,240

  1993–94

  2,080

  2,290

  1994–95

  2,100

  2,300

  1995–96

  2,070

  2,270

  1996–97

  2,170

  2,350

  Real Terms 2000–01 prices

  1990–91

  2,240

  2,440

  1991–92

  2,430

  2,650

  1992–93

  2,490

  2,730

  1993–94

  2,480

  2,720

  1994–95

  2,460

  2,700

  1995–96

  2,360

  2,580

  1996–97

  2,400

  2,590

  30W

  Standard spending assessent and special and specific grants per pupil

  £

  Staffordshire (after local government reorganisation)

  England

  SSA

  Grant

  Total

  SSA

  Grant

  Total

  Cash

  1997–98

  2,200

  30

  2,230

  2,410

  30

  2,440

  1998–99

  2,310

  30

  2,340

  2,540

  40

  2,580

  1999–2000

  2.420

  80

  2.510

  2.660

  110

  2,770

  2000–01

  2,530

  190

  2,720

  2,780

  240

  3,020

  Real terms 2000–01 prices

  1997–98

  2,360

  30

  2,390

  2,590

  30

  2,620

  1998–99

  2,410

  40

  2,450

  2,650

  40

  2,690

  1999–2000

  2,470

  90

  2,560

  2,710

  120

  2,830

  2000–01

  2,530

  190

  2,720

  2,780

  240

  3,020

  Teachers (Greater London)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent survey he has undertaken on the problems of the retention of teachers working in schools in the Greater London area. [146942]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The Teacher Training Agency 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. The Government are addressing each of these concerns. A new leadership college for headteachers and improved pay for heads have been introduced. We are tackling needless bureaucracy by reducing duplication of data requests and cutting by half the materials sent automatically to schools by the DfEE. The expansion of ICT is assisting in this regard too.

  The Government are spending 10 times more than in 1996–97 on tackling poor behaviour and truancy. £174 million in 2001–02 will be used to continue a big expansion in places and standards in pupil referral units and further to improve provision of in-school learning support units. The introduction of performance-related pay will improve opportunities of promotion for tens of thousands of teachers.

  Resources that were cut between 1994–97 have been significantly increased since. Schools have more resources for teachers, classroom assistants, computers, books and other priorities than in 1997. Funding per pupil will have increased by over £450 in real terms between 1997–98 and 2001–02. Capital resources this year at £2 billion are three times the level of 1996–97. The Government have made clear that there will be further increases as a result of the 2000 Spending Review in both revenue and capital.
  31W

  Community Action Pilots
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if the ILAs to be accessed through community action pilots as part of the regeneration strategy announced on 15 January will(a) be subject to the same criteria as other ILAs and (b) be of the same individual value; if the figure announced for take-up of 10,000 is in addition to existing credits; if this figure represents (i) an estimate and (ii) a target; and what arrangements he will put in place for evaluating pilot studies. [146057]

  Mr. Wicks
  [holding answer 22 January 2001]: Individual Learning Accounts accessed through community action pilots will be subject to the same criteria, and of the same value as, other Individual Learning Accounts. The 10,000 accounts announced will be part of the first one million Individual Learning Account holders to benefit from the £150 incentive. Already 560,000 people have opened Individual Learning Accounts.

  We are making support costs available to the Community Groups to test out new ideas on reaching those who have not been engaged in learning rather than asking these groups to achieve set targets. The figure of 10,000 is therefore the estimate from the five participating community groups. Information from this pilot work will inform the full Individual Learning Accounts evaluation to be carried out from May 2001.

  Table A: Central Government capital investment in schools in Birmingham local education authority

  £000

  Funding stream

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–20

  2000–01

  Basic Credit Approvals

  5,384

  2,811

  3,611

  2,229

  2,730

  Supplementary Credit Approvals

  1,381

  1,330

  262

  510

  620

  Grant to Voluntary Aided Schools

  193

  514

  530

  687

  1,172

  Schools Renewal Challenge Fund

  446

  —

  —

  —

  —

  New Deal for Schools

  —

  1,193

  2,766

  6,860

  13,816

  School Security Grant

  —

  263

  327

  357

  355

  Removal of Outside Toilets

  —

  —

  80

  —

  —

  Energy Efficiency Initiative

  —

  —

  310

  —

  —

  Key Stage 1 Class Size Initiative

  —

  —

  —

  298

  733

  National Grid for Learning Grant

  —

  —

  4,000

  4,000

  4,000

  PFI Credits

  —

  —

  51,000

  —

  —

  Assistance with Asset Management Plans

  —

  —

  —

  135

  —

  Seed Challenge Funding

  —

  —

  —

  —

  593

  Formula Capital for Schools

  —

  —

  —

  —

  7,501

  Renewal of School Laboratories

  —

  —

  —

  —

  555

  Nursery Provision

  —

  —

  —

  —

  122

  Total

  7,404

  6,111

  62,886

  15,076

  32,197

  Table B:Forecast investent in schools in Birmingham local education authority

  £000

  Funding stream

  2001–02

  2002–03

  2003–4

  Basic Credit Approvals

  1,245

  1—

  1—

  Grant to Voluntary Aided Schools

  2,337

  1—

  1—

  New Deal for Schools Devolved Formula

  4,064

  5,467

  10,562

  New Deal for Schools Condition Funding

  2,901

  8,073

  10,257

  Seed Challenge Funding

  690

  1,271

  1,271

  Renewal of School Laboratories

  555

  1—

  1—

  Schools Access Initiative

  1,046

  1—

  1—

  Total

  12,838

  14,811

  22,090

  1 Future years' allocations shown are only those already announced as being attributable to Birmingham Local Education Authority.

  32W

  Non-departmental Public Bodies
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment 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. [147063]

  Mr. Wills
  There have been no such directions.

  Schools Funding (Birmingham)
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what has been the total capital investment in Birmingham's schools in each year since 1992; and what is his forecast for spending in the next three years. [147059]

  Jacqui Smith
  Birmingham local education authority has received some £123.674 million of funding from central Government for capital investment in school buildings since 1996–97, as shown in the following Table A. Information prior to 1996–97 is not readily available. Table B shows the forecast investment over the next three years.

  Nationally, investment in school buildings has tripled from £683 million a year in 1996–97 to over £2 billion in 2000–01. It will be £3.2 billion in 2003–04, including grant, credit approvals and Private Finance Initiative credits. There will be central Government investment of £7.8 billion in school buildings in total from 2001–02 to 2003–04.

  In addition to the amounts shown, schools in Birmingham will also benefit from a share of other programmes where allocations have not yet been made. These include over £1 billion of credit approvals, mainly to provide new pupil places; £440 million of grant to governors of Voluntary Aided schools; £555 million grant through the NDS Modernisation fund and £170 million worth of funding under the Schools Access Initiative.

  This funding will be augmented by capital receipts and other contributions from Local Education Authority sources, and the contribution which governors of Voluntary Aided schools make to their building work. In addition, more than £1 billion more is available nationally through Private Finance Initiative Credits for projects which will sign in 2002–03 and 2003–04.

  Funding specifically ring fenced for the renewal of school laboratories is ending in 2001–02. Local Authorities will be able to prioritise their other increased funding for this purpose, if they wish.
  33W

  Asset Management Plan
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if he will list(a) by authority and (b) as a total, the results of the asset management plan condition data surveys, breaking the data down according to each level of priority; [147254]

  (2) if he will list by local authority the total value of the estimates that schools have made of the sums needed for the repairs of school buildings at the latest date for which figures are available. [147253]

  Jacqui Smith
  We are discussing with local education authorities the outcome of our validation of their asset management plans condition data and will publish data analysis later in the year.

  Ministerial Hospitality
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the cost of hospitality given by Ministers was in his Department in each of the last three years. [147233]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 25 January 2001]: The cost of hospitality given by Ministers in pursuance of Departmental business for the last three full financial years is £8,587, £12,524 and £9,055 respectively.

  Teachers' Pay
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proposals he has on pay for new teachers designed to fill vacancies. [147396]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 26 January 2001]: The new teachers' pay arrangements will be based on recommendations contained in a report of the independent School Teachers' Review Body to be published shortly. It is not therefore possible at this stage to say what changes will occur. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will conduct a statutory consultation before implementing any changes.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the average salary for(a) primary teachers, (b) secondary teachers, (c) graduates in all other sectors and (d) all employees in each year since 1974. [147301]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Average salaries for full-time teachers, for those in employment with an NVQ level 4 or above (or equivalent) and for all full-time employees are contained in the following table:

  Full-time teachers1

  Nursery and primary

  Secondary

  Employees with NVQ level 42

  All employees3

  1974

  2,120

  2,390

  4—

  4—

  2,170

  1975

  3,220

  3,550

  4—

  2,820

  1976

  3,790

  4,110

  4—

  —

  3,350

  1977

  4,180

  4,460

  4—

  3,660

  1978

  4,410

  4,680

  4—

  4,120

  1979

  4,900

  5,180

  4—

  4,670

  1980

  5,920

  6,220

  4—

  5,750

  1981

  7,430

  7,790

  4—

  6,510

  1982

  8,090

  8,460

  4—

  7,120

  19833

  8,670

  9,050

  4—

  7,730

  19833

  —

  —

  —

  —

  34W

  Full-time teachers1

  Nursery and primary

  Secondary

  Employees with NVQ level 42

  All employees3

  1984

  9,160

  9,580

  4—

  8,310

  1985

  9,660

  10,160

  4—

  8,920

  1986

  10,490

  11,120

  4—

  9,630

  1987

  11,970

  12,740

  4—

  10,370

  1988

  12,920

  13,780

  4—

  11,390

  1989

  13,850

  14,830

  4—

  12,500

  1990

  14,500

  16,020

  4—

  13,720

  1991

  16,490

  17,720

  4—

  14,850

  1992

  18,450

  19,950

  4—

  15,880

  1993

  19,970

  21,470

  4—

  16,520

  1994

  20,280

  21,630

  19,000

  16,980

  1995

  20,860

  22,200

  4—

  17,540

  1996

  21,370

  22,730

  4—

  18,340

  1997

  22,080

  23,480

  4—

  19,170

  1998

  22,700

  24,130

  4—

  20,050

  1999

  523,570

  525,060

  4—

  20,860

  2000

  524,390

  525,930

  4—

  21,530

  1Average salary of full-time teachers in the maintained nursery, primary and secondary schools sector of England and Wales at 31 March of each year 1974 to 2000. Figures up to 1993 include sixth form colleges. Teacher salary figures for 1999 are provisional, those for March 2000 are estimated by applying the April 1999 pay award of 3.5 per cent. to 1999 data, consequently the March 2000 data does not include the effects of the post-threshold pay scale that will be paid from 1 September 2000.

  Source:

  DfEE Database of Teacher Records

  2Average salary of those in full-time employment in GB with a qualification of NVQ level 4 or equivalent or above, in the spring of years shown. Includes teachers with such qualifications.

  Source:

  Labour Force Survey (as the New Earnings Survey does not include qualifications data)

  3Average salary of those in full-time employment in GB whose pay for the survey period was not affected by absence, at April of each year. Figures from 1974 to first row for 1983 are compiled on the basis of men aged 21+ and women aged 18+. Figures for second 1983 row and onwards are compiled on the basis of employees on adult rates. Figures for 1997 and 1998 include late receipts.

  Source:

  New Earnings Survey

  4Not available

  5Provisional

  6Estimated

  The number of regular teachers in maintained schools in England increased by 6,900 between January 1998 and January 2000.

  There was a growth of more than 2,000 in the number of people training to be teachers between 1999–2000 and 2000–01, the first such increase since 1992–93.

  An estimated 250,000 classroom teachers in England are eligible for the post-threshold pay scale, of whom 81 per cent. have applied. Teachers moving to the new scale will receive a £2,000 pay increase from 1 September 2000 and can progress on the basis of their performance up to the scale maximum of over £30,000 excluding allowances.

  Sure Start
  Mr. Lammy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he plans to authorise a further round of local sure start programmes. [148039]
  35W
  Yvette Cooper
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment and I have today invited applications to set up a sure start programme in each of the following 66 districts in England:

  Barking and Dagenham

  Basildon

  Bedford

  Bexley

  Birmingham

  Blackpool

  Bolton

  Bradford

  Brighton and Hove

  Bristol

  Calderdale

  Carlisle

  Carrick

  Chester

  Coventry

  Dudley

  Ealing

  Easington

  Exeter

  Gateshead

  Greenwich

  Hackney

  Islington

  Kirklees

  Leeds

  Lewisham

  Liverpool

  Manchester

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  Newcastle under Lyme

  Newham

  North East Derbyshire

  North East Lincolnshire

  North Somerset

  North Tyneside

  Nottingham

  Oldham

  Plymouth

  Preston

  Redcar and Cleveland

  Redditch

  Rochdale

  Sandwell

  Sheffield

  South Tyneside

  Southampton

  Southwark

  St. Helens

  Staffordshire Moorlands

  Stockton-on-Tees

  Sunderland

  Swale

  Tameside

  Tamworth

  Tower Hamlets

  36W

  Trafford

  Wakefield

  Walsall

  Waltham Forest

  West Lindsey

  West Somerset

  Weymouth and Portland

  Wigan

  Wirral

  Wyre

  Wyre Forest.

  We will be placing a copy of the guidance for this fourth wave of sure start applications in the Library.

  These 66 applications are in addition to the 66 third wave programmes, currently submitting their plans, which should be up and running by the summer; and the 128 first and second wave programmes which are already delivering services to young children and their families in disadvantaged areas.

  Education Funding
  Dr. George Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on education funding in 2001–02. [148040]

  Mr. Blunkett
  I am today making an extra £52 million available to provide support to help some English local education authorities manage funding changes in 2001–02.1 am making this extra funding available to deal with known pressures in advance of the longer term revision of the distribution of local authority finance. This funding is in addition to the resources provided through the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, and in addition to other Government funding to relieve other specific pressures on authorities.

  This funding is on top of the significant increases that have already been announced for 2001–02—increases which mean £150 extra spending per pupil on average in real terms. The increase in funding per pupil is part of a real terms increase of £370 over three years bringing the total to almost £700 per pupil between 1997 and 2004. Total funding per pupil has already increased by over £300 in real terms since 1997. Between 1994–95 and 1997–98 funding per pupil fell by £60 in real terms.

  The recent funding increases include: over £1 billion extra in Education Standard Spending Assessments—a 4.8 per cent. increase on 2000–01; a further £250 million in direct grants to schools—a typical primary school will get £20,000, and a typical secondary school £60,000 (up from £9,000 and £40,000 this year for heads to use as they see fit); and an increase of £600 million in the Standards Fund from £1.7 billion to £2.3 billion to support literacy and numeracy in primary and secondary schools, class sizes and tackling truancy.

  The distribution of the extra £52 million will take account of authorities' Education Standard Spending Assessment increase, the extra pressure they face from the transfer of Adult Education funding, their allocation from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, and their need to spend on teacher recruitment and retention—particularly in London and the South East.
  37W
  Each authority's share of the £52 million the following table.

  Number

  LEA

  Special grant(£ million)

  202

  Camden

  0.76

  203

  Greenwich

  0.91

  206

  Islington

  1.40

  209

  Lewisham

  0.29

  212

  Wandsworth

  0.83

  302

  Barnet

  0.87

  303

  Bexley

  0.10

  304

  Brent

  1.03

  305

  Bromley

  0.10

  307

  Ealing

  0.96

  308

  Enfield

  0.85

  310

  Harrow

  0.10

  311

  Havering

  0.10

  312

  Hillingdon

  0.10

  313

  Hounslow

  0.10

  314

  Kingston upon Thames

  0.10

  315

  Merton

  1.06

  317

  Redbridge

  0.10

  318

  Richmond upon Thames

  0.10

  319

  Sutton

  0.10

  330

  Birmingham

  3.67

  333

  Sandwell

  0.85

  334

  Solihull

  0.29

  340

  Knowsley

  1.21

  341

  Liverpool

  0.57

  342

  St. Helens

  0.65

  343

  Sefton

  0.85

  344

  Wirral

  1.00

  351

  Bury

  0.10

  352

  Manchester

  0.65

  355

  Salford

  0.55

  356

  Stockport

  0.95

  357

  Tameside

  0.46

  358

  Trafford

  0.97

  359

  Wigan

  0.74

  370

  Barnsley

  0.18

  371

  Doncaster

  0.88

  372

  Rotherham

  0.61

  373

  Sheffield

  1.03

  380

  Bradford

  2.14

  381

  Calderdale

  0.10

  382

  Kirklees

  0.66

  383

  Leeds

  0.69

  390

  Gateshead

  0.75

  391

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  0.76

  393

  South Tyneside

  0.47

  394

  Sunderland

  0.69

  800

  Bath and North East Somerset

  0.10

  801

  City of Bristol

  0.70

  802

  North Somerset

  0.10

  803

  South Gloucestershire

  0.10

  806

  Middlesbrough

  0.61

  807

  Redcar and Cleveland

  0.50

  808

  Stockton-on-Tees

  0.42

  810

  Kingston-upon-Hull

  0.59

  811

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  0.10

  812

  North East Lincolnshire

  0.36

  813

  North Lincolnshire

  0.10

  815

  North Yorkshire

  0.10

  816

  York

  0.10

  820

  Bedfordshire

  0.10

  825

  Buckinghamshire

  0.10

  826

  Milton Keynes

  0.10

  830

  Derbyshire

  0.10

  835

  Dorset

  0.10

  836

  Poole

  0.10

  837

  Bournemouth

  0.10

  840

  Durham

  2.76

  841

  Darlington

  0.36

  38W

  Number

  LEA

  Special grant (£million)

  845

  East Sussex

  0.10

  850

  Hampshire

  0.10

  851

  Portsmouth

  0.52

  852

  Southampton

  0.57

  855

  Leicestershire

  0.10

  857

  Rutland

  0.10

  860

  Staffordshire

  0.41

  861

  Stoke-on-Trent

  0.14

  865

  Wiltshire

  0.10

  866

  Swindon

  0.46

  867

  Bracknell Forest

  0.10

  868

  Windsor and Maidenhead

  0.10

  869

  West Berkshire

  0.10

  870

  Reading

  0.10

  871

  Slough

  0.10

  872

  Wokingham

  0.10

  873

  Cambridgeshire

  0.10

  874

  Peterborough

  0.10

  875

  Cheshire

  0.54

  876

  Halton

  0.59

  877

  Warrington

  0.25

  878

  Devon

  0.10

  880

  Torbay

  0.10

  881

  Essex

  0.10

  882

  Southend-on-Sea

  0.10

  883

  Thurrock

  0.10

  884

  Herefordshire

  0.10

  885

  Worcestershire

  1.35

  886

  Kent

  0.10

  887

  Medway Towns

  0.10

  888

  Lancashire

  0.10

  889

  Blackburn with Darwen

  0.45

  891

  Nottinghamshire

  0.10

  892

  Nottingham City

  1.13

  893

  Shropshire

  0.10

  894

  Telford and Wrekin

  0.31

  908

  Cornwall

  0.10

  909

  Cumbria

  0.10

  916

  Gloucestershire

  0.10

  919

  Hertfordshire

  0.10

  921

  Isle of Wight

  0.10

  925

  Lincolnshire

  0.10

  926

  Norfolk

  0.10

  928

  Northamptonshire

  0.10

  929

  Northumberland

  1.35

  931

  Oxfordshire

  0.10

  933

  Somerset

  0.10

  935

  Suffolk

  0.10

  936

  Surrey

  0.10

  937

  Warwickshire

  0.10

  938

  West Sussex

  0.10

  Total

  52.00

  Term-time Contracts
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the number of people employed in schools on term-time only contracts; what proportion of the total workforce this represents; and how many of these workers are women. [147150]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The information requested on people employed in schools on term-time only contracts is not collected centrally.

  Information on full-time equivalent of hours worked during Annual Schools' Census week in January is published in a Statistical Volume "Statistics of Education—Schools in England 2000" a copy of which is

  39W
  available from the Library, or alternatively can be accessed on the Department's statistical website www.dfee.gov.uk/statistics.

  Podiatry
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many students are(a) studying for degrees in podiatry and (b) training in chiropody; how many have qualified in each of the last five years; and what the cost of training is. [147269]

  Mr. Denham
  I have been asked to reply.

  Funding for chiropody/podiatry was transferred from the Department for Education and Employment in 1998–99. In 2000–01 we commissioned 364 training places for chiropody/podiatry degrees.

  Data are not collected centrally on the numbers of students who qualify.

  In 1999–2000, £4.4 million was spent on chiropody/ podiatry pre-registration training. The forecast spend for 2000–01 is £5.9 million.

TREASURY

  Trust Ports
  Mr. Syms
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Office for National Statistics has reached a preliminary view on the treatment of trust ports as part of the PSBR rules; and if he will make a statement. [147146]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 25 January 2001]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Robert Syms, dated 29 January 2001:

  As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question on the treatment of trust ports as part of the PSBR rules (147146).

  The Office for National Statistics (ONS), in conjunction with Her Majesty's Treasury, has been reviewing the classification of bodies that might be classified in the public sector. The classification of trust ports is still under discussion between the ONS, Her Majesty's Treasury and the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

  VAT (Home Care Concession)
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to implement the extra-statutory concession on VAT for home care, announced in February 2000; and for what reason the concession is linked to proposed changes in Department of Trade and Industry regulations which have yet to be implemented; and if he will make a statement. [147186]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 25 January 2001]: Customs will implement the Extra Statutory Concession to coincide with the changes in the Department of Trade and Industry regulations on the private recruitment industry. A side effect of these changes could have been an increase in the VAT paid for necessary home care provided by employment bureaux. The concession will
  40W
  mean that the VAT burden on those least able to look after themselves is not increased as a result of the DTI changes, and in many cases will actually go down.

  Government Shares (Privatised Companies)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the(a) number, (b) percentage of the total and (c) current value is of shares held by Her Majesty's Government in companies privatised since 1985. [146837]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Information on the number and nominal value of the Government's shareholdings held at 31 March 2000, as reported to the Treasury, is contained in Table B13 of the Supplementary Statements to the Consolidated Fund and National Loans Fund accounts 1999–2000. Since then the Government have disposed of shares in British Telecom, and I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Stevenage (Barbara Follett) on 3 July 2000,Official Report, column 93W. Information on what proportion of the total these represent is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The market value of these shares can be derived from prices quoted on the London Stock Exchange.

  Ahava (UK) Ltd.
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information HM Customs and Excise have received on the origin of cosmetics imported into the UK by Ahava (UK) Ltd. under preference as made in the State of Israel. [147581]

  Dawn Primarolo
  HM Customs and Excise receives a range of information and representations.

  Ahava (UK) Ltd. was one of those companies identified to member states by the European Commission in its communication of April 2000 as warranting investigation.

  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps HM Customs and Excise have already taken or are planning to take to verify that cosmetics imported to the UK by Ahava (UK) Ltd. under the EC-Israel Association Agreement and labelled 'State of Israel' are produced within the internationally recognised borders of Israel. [147580]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The trade agreement between the EC and Israel allows the subsequent verification of proofs of origin.

  Products imported into the UK by Ahava (UK) Ltd. from Israel have been included in a verification exercise currently being conducted with the Israeli authorities to ascertain the origin of products imported under preference. As yet no results have been received.

  Disabled Persons Tax Credit
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people were claiming the Disabled Persons Tax Credit on 1 January. [147277]

  Dawn Primarolo
  A provisional estimate for the end of August 2000 was given in my answer to the hon. Member for Havant (Mr. Willetts) on 26 October 2000,Official Report, column 196W.
  41W
  A figure for the end of October 2000 will be included in the DPTC Quarterly Enquiry for October 2000, which is due to be published on 13 March.

  Mr. Bradshaw
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received about the payment method for the Disabled Persons Tax Credit. [145978]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government receive a wide range of representations, including on Disabled Persons Tax Credit, which at the end of August 2000 was received by 25,400 families and individuals. This compares with 18,469 recipients under Disability Working Allowance in August 1999.

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what representations he has received on the difficulties faced by term-time only workers in claiming WFTC; and if he will make a statement; [147152]

  (2) how many claims for WFTC have been made by those working on term-time only contracts; and what proportion of such claims has been disallowed because they were made during a holiday period. [147154]

  Dawn Primarolo
  A small number of representations have been received from and on behalf of term-time workers. Information on the number of claims disallowed because the claim falls within a period where the applicant is not under a contract of employment is not available.

  Advance Corporation Tax
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the abolition of advance corporation tax dividend credit; [145958]

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the abolition of advance corporation tax dividend credit. [145992]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Advance corporation tax and payable tax credits on dividends were abolished as part of a package of reforms to encourage companies to invest for the long term.

  Tax Credits
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assumptions about take-up of(a) the Children's Tax Credit and (b) the Working Families Tax Credit under Chart 5.2 in his pre-Budget report. [147810]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Chart 5.2 of the November 2000 pre-Budget report shows the impact of children's tax and benefit measures introduced over this Parliament on families. The figures are calculated by comparing the situation after the implementation of the Working Families Tax Credit, Children's Tax Credit, and increases to Child Benefit and income-related benefits with what would have happened if these policy interventions had not taken place.

  These figures are consistent with published PBR estimates that 5 million families will benefit from the introduction of the Children's Tax Credit and that up to 1.4 million families will benefit from the Working Families Tax Credit.
  42W

  Hinduja Brothers
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what applications(a) the Hinduja brothers and (b) their companies have made for a UK banking licence since May 1997; and which Ministers were involved in the applications. [147796]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  Applications for authorisation of banks have been decided by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) since 1 June 1998, and were previously the responsibility of the Bank of England. The Government have had no role in this process before or after that date. The FSA publishes the list of authorised institutions.

  Insurance Actuaries
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what guidance he has offered on the proper role of the appointed actuary in insurance enterprises, with special reference to the issue of internal conflicts of interest. [147250]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The statutory duties of the Appointed Actuary are set out in the Insurance Companies Act 1982.

  Euro
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which of his five economic tests for joining the euro have been met; when he expects the others to be met; and if he will make a statement. [147376]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Government have said that they will make another assessment of the five tests early in the next Parliament.

  Departmental Surveys
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list for(a) 1992–93, (b) 1993–94, (c) 1994–95, (d) 1995–96, (e) 1996–97, (f) 1997–98, (g) 1998–99, (h) 1999–2000 and (i) 2000–01, (I) his Department's total spending on quantitative and qualitative surveys of policy issues by focus groups, opinion polling, task forces or other means and (II) the cost of each individual project. [146593]

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

  ECOFIN
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the outcome was of the ECOFIN Council held in Brussels on 19 January; and if he will make a statement. [147159]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Chancellor attended the meeting of the Economic and Finance Council of Ministers.

  In open debate, the Presidency set out its work programme. The Presidency stressed the priority it attached to achieving the Lisbon goals on employment and said it wanted ECOFIN to play a key role in preparing for enlargement. There was broad support for its priorities, particularly on continued labour market reform.
  43W
  The Chancellor made a strong appeal for completion of the single market, investment in research and development and trade liberalisation.

  The Presidency circulated a new compromise proposal on excise duties and mineral oils. The Council invited Coreper to discuss the specific detail further. The intention is to reach agreement at ECOFIN on 12 February.

  The contribution of public finances to growth and employment was discussed on the basis of the Commission's Communication. A joint Council-Commission report will be submitted to the Stockholm European Council in March. A draft will be submitted to ECOFIN for agreement on 12 March.

  The Council examined and agreed conclusions on Sweden's Convergence Report.

  The Economic and Finance Committee (EFC) presented a paper reviewing progress on the action plan on EMU statistical requirements. The aim is to improve the quality of statistics and speed up their provision. The Presidency welcomed progress made so far but noted that further work was planned.

  Interest Rates
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if the Treasury has used its econometric model of the UK economy within the last year to estimate the likely size of tax increase needed to reduce interest rates by one percentage point relative to base and the likely cut in public spending needed to achieve this end; [147623]

  (2) what simulations the Treasury has undertaken using the Treasury economic model over the previous 12 months which were specifically to model the interaction between monetary and fiscal policy; and if he will make a statement; [147622]

  (3) on how many occasions in the previous year the Treasury has performed simulations using its economic model; and what estimate he has made of the cost of doing so on each occasion. [147621]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Treasury economic model plays a role in economic forecasting and informing policy advice. Simulations of fiscal and monetary policy changes are used, but the recording of detailed information on model use in the form requested is not practical.

HEALTH

  Hepatitis C
  Dr.Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of whether there are sufficient practising hepatologists to cope with the increasing numbers of patients with hepatitis C. [142247]

  Mr.Denham
  At national level, we do not plan centrally the numbers of consultants who specialise in hepatology. We plan the numbers of consultants in 44W
  gastroenterology, taking into account information gathered from a range of sources, including the medical Royal Colleges, regional postgraduate medical deans and National Health Service management, which includes information about consultants specialising in hepatology.

  At local level, it is for National Health Service trusts and health authorities, who are accountable for the quality of the services they provide, to determine how their services are configured and delivered, in the light of local circumstances, in order to provide quality services to patients. This includes deciding on the number and grades of posts in their locality.

  We are satisfied that there are enough training opportunities in gastroenterology for there to be sufficient candidates qualifying for consultant posts over the next few years. With the current numbers in higher specialist training, it will be possible for the numbers of consultants to increase from around 390 in 1999, to around 610 by 2004.

  We will continue to engage in discussions with the Royal College of Physicians and the regional postgraduate medical deans and others responsible for training and career prospects, with the aim of ensuring that all services relating to hepatology are fully supported.

  Drugs
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice the Chief Medical Officer of Health has provided regarding the time traces of(a) cannabis, (b) marijuana, (c) Ecstasy, (d) cocaine, (e) heroin, (f) tobacco and (g) alcohol remain in the body and cause impairment; and what the estimate of the degree of impairment in each case is of a comparable input after 24 hours. [146463]

  Ms Stuart
  [holding answer 22 January 2001]: The Department's publication "Drug Misuse and Dependence—Guidelines on Clinical Management" contains information on the approximate duration of detectability of a range of substances in urine, which gives an indication of how rapidly substances are metabolised. Information on the risks and effects of substances, including alcohol and tobacco, is included in several publications produced on behalf of the Department, such as "The Score: Facts About Drugs."

  It is not possible to determine with any degree of accuracy a comparable dose of the substances named in order to estimate degree of impairment. But, in general, nervous system depressant-type substances (such as heroin) will tend to impair motor functions and the ability to carry out tasks. Hallucinogenic and stimulant-type substances have problematic effects of their own, which may or may not cause impairment in the short-term.

  Impairment in an individual will vary according to a range of factors including metabolism, dose, route of administration, regularity of use, and whether taken in combination with other substances.

  Copies of "Drug Misuse and Dependence—Guidelines on Clinical Management" are available in the Library. "The Score: Facts About Drugs" is available from the National Drugs Helpline 0800 776600.
  45W

  Schizophrenia
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects NICE to give advice on new drugs and therapies for the management of schizophrenia. [147031]

  Mr. Denham
  On 4 November 1999, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced that the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) would produce guidance on schizophrenia. More recently, on 16 November 2000, NICE were asked to conduct an appraisal of anti-psychotic drugs. NICE sets its own timetable and the expected dates of completion for the guideline and appraisal have yet to be announced. Further announcements and NICE'S current timetable are available on their website at www.nice.org.uk.

  Breast Cancer
  Mr. Hurst
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average cost to the National Health Service is of a mastectomy to treat breast cancer. [145598]

  HRG Code

  HRG narrative

  National average (£)

  Elective inpatient costs (from waiting lists)

  JO2

  Major breast surgery including plastic procedures less than 49 or with complications or comorbidities

  2,126

  JO3

  Major breast surgery including plastic procedures greater than 50 without complications or comorbidities

  1,559

  Non-elective inpatient costs (urgent/emergencies)

  JO2

  Major breast surgery including plastic procedures less than 49 or with complications or comorbidities

  2,126

  JO3

  Major breast surgery including plastic procedures greater than 50 without comorbidities

  1,724

  Multiple Sclerosis
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if (1) NICE consulted Ministers before the announcement on 22 December 2000 of further research into the cost effectiveness of drugs for multiple sclerosis; [147038]

  (2) what discussions took place between health Ministers and the Chief Executive of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence following the institute's appraisal review meeting for multiple sclerosis on 13 December. [147037]

  Mr. Denham
  There were no discussions between Ministers and the Chief Executive of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence and there was no prior discussion between the Department and NICE about the latter's decision to commission further research into the cost effectiveness of beta interferon and glatiramer following their appraisal committee meeting on 13 December. NICE informed departmental officials of their intentions on 20 December. NICE were advised to make an early announcement in view of the interest and concern surrounding the appraisal.

  Flu Treatments
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to issue further guidance on facilitating patient access to influenza treatments. [147204]

  Mr. Denham
  We have no such plans at present.
  46W
  Yvette Cooper
  In 1999–2000 the average cost of a mastectomy can be classified in a number of ways dependent on whether the mastectomy performed is partial, full, etc. Not all mastectomies are performed due to breast cancer, and no differentiation is made for the reason behind the surgery.

  In activity terms, this can be classified using a number of Office of Population, Censuses, and Survey codes, such as

  B272: Total mastectomy and excision of both pectoral muscles

  B273: Total mastectomy and excision of both pectoralis minor muscle

  B274: Total mastectomy

  B275: Subcutaneous mastectomy.

  In cost terms, these OPCS codes map to Healthcare Resource Groups (HRGs), which put these procedures into clinically similar bands. For the 1999–2000 financial year, the national average cost of the groups, including mastectomy, are:

  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons he issued recommendations to implement a patient group direction and a telephone triage system which resulted in the supply of only Relenza treatment. [147074]

  Mr. Denham
  The intention of the supplementary guidance issued to the National Health Service by the Department was to provide practical advice on implementing the National Institute for Clinical Excellence recommendations on zanamivir. This included advice on arrangements for general practitioners to draw up arrangements to enable pharmacists and nurses to supply zanamivir, provided they are satisfied the patient is in the at-risk group, needs it and meets specified criteria.

  This guidance was issued to the NHS in the light of the potential implications for the delivery of GP services over the winter period.

  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for North Wiltshire of 19 December 2000,Official Report, column 143W, on Relenza and Lysovir, what estimates have been made of the annual cost of prescribing (a) Relenza and (b) Lysovir to at-risk adults when influenza is circulating in the community. [147075]

  Mr. Denham
  The Department has made no estimate of the annual cost prescribing of(a) Relenza and (b) Lysovir to at-risk adults when influenza is circulating in the community

  However, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence estimates that its guidance on Relenza (zanamivir) will result in between 97,000 and 487,000 at-risk individuals

  47W
  being prescribed zanamivir in the influenza season, at a cost to the National Health Service in England and Wales of between £2.3 million and £11.7 million.

  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons his Department endorsed NICE guidance on the use of Relenza for at-risk patients. [147162]

  Mr. Denham
  The National Institute for Clinical Excellence's (NICE's) task is to appraise the clinical and cost effectiveness of treatments, based on the available evidence.

  In response to NICE's guidance on the use of Relenza, the Department issued supplementary implementation guidance to the National Health Service in the light of the potential implications for the delivery of GP services over the winter period. This guidance was not an endorsement of Relenza.

  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons Lysovir was not used as a comparator by NICE in its technology appraisal of the clinical and cost effectiveness of Zanamivir in the prevention and treatment of influenza. [147073]

  Mr. Denham
  It is for the National Institute for Clinical Excellence to decide the appropriate comparisons to be used for the appraisals which they are asked to carry out.

  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will ask for the NICE guidance on Relenza to be enforced when clinicians have in place clinically acceptable alternative arrangements for the treatment of patients. [147076]

  Mr. Denham
  We expect general practitioners to exercise their clinical discretion in deciding whether and what to prescribe, taking due account of guidance from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. The exercise of clinical discretion is not overridden by NICE guidance.

  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the comparative cost and clinical effectiveness of Lysovir and Relenza. [147071]

  Mr. Denham
  The Department has made no such assessment.

  Computer Systems
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) final version and (b) other full business cases for NHS hospital trust computer systems that have a lifetime contract value in excess of £1 million were first submitted in (i) 1999 and (ii) 2000. [147141]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 25 January 2001]: Four Full Business Cases (FBCs) for National Health Service hospital trust computer systems with a lifetime contract value in excess of £1 million were first submitted in 1999 and seven in 2000.

  These were all final versions of FBCs in that they were all submitted for formal approval. The appropriate regional office of the NHS Executive normally helps a trust to develop its FBC but will only allow the FBC to
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  be submitted for formal approval when it substantially meets the detailed approval criteria laid down by the NHS Executive.

  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for each regional office, how many(a) final version and (b) other full business cases for NHS hospital trust computer systems that have a lifetime contract value in excess of £1 million and that were first submitted since January 1999 have been approved. [147142]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 25 January 2001]: The National Health Service Executive has approved eight Full Business Cases submitted since January 1999 for NHS hospital trust computer systems that have a lifetime contract value in excess of £1 million. These were broken down by regional office as follows:

  North Western Regional Office—4

  Northern and Yorkshire Regional Office—3

  Computer Systems Eastern Regional Office—1.

  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the target turn-around time is for the assessment of full business cases for computer systems of a value in excess of £1 million submitted by NHS hospital trusts from presentation of initial full business case to the approval of final business case. [147140]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 25 January 2001]: The target time for approval of a full business case, once formally submitted, is two months. The time actually taken will be decided in part by the quality of the FBC and the speed with which the trust responds to any questions about the content of the FBC that the National Health Service Executive may need to ask.

  The FBC for a scheme for computer systems is developed by the NHS trust over a period of time, assisted as necessary by their NHS Executive regional office. The FBC may go through a series of drafts over several months, but these drafts are not submitted for formal approval. When the final version of the FBC is prepared, it is submitted to the NHS Executive for formal approval.

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the proportion of NHS trusts that will incur lifetime expenditure in excess of £1 million in order to achieve Level 3 EPR. [147143]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 25 January 2001]: We expect that almost all hospital National Health Service trusts will incur lifetime expenditure in excess of £1 million in order to achieve EPR level 3.

  Doctors' Retirement
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 15 January 2001,Official Report, column 48W, on doctors' retirement, how many general practitioners practising in England retired in the last five years for which figures are available before the age of (a) 60, (b) 65, (c) 70 and (d) 75 years. [147771]

  Mr. Denham
  The figures in the table show the number of doctors working in GP practices who have received a pensions award in each of the years 1994 to 1999 under the age of 60, 65, 70 years and aged 70 and over in England and Wales. However, a number of GPs who
  49W
  retire and claim their pension and gratuity may return to practise in general medical services 28 days later and continue working until they fully retire.

  Though there is no fixed retirement age for GPs they are removed from the HA medical list on reaching 70 years of age if providing general medical services as a principal. No GP over the age of 70 received a pension award.

  Medical staff in GP practices—numbers receiving a pension award, by age

  Number receiving a pension award

  Year

  Under age 60

  Under age 65

  Under age 70

  70 or over

  1995

  246

  632

  730

  24

  1996

  239

  559

  633

  20

  1997

  229

  517

  598

  13

  1998

  199

  457

  518

  20

  1999

  127

  284

  339

  12

  Source:

  NHS pensions agency

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many and what proportion of named day questions tabled during the current Session have received a substantive reply on the named day; and what the mean and medians were for the number of days elapsed between(a) tabling, (b) holding answers and (c) final answers. [147298]

  Ms Stuart
  145 questions tabled for answer on a named day received a reply on the day named. This represents 52 per cent. of the total number tabled. The mean and median number of days elapsed between the day named for answer and a substantive reply were three days and two days respectively. Because hon. Members may name days with differing periods of notice, the calculation of the figures between tabling and answer involve the examination of each parliamentary question and therefore could be supplied only at disproportionate cost.

  Medicines Control Agency
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many requests for information were made to the Medicines Control Agency where information was not provided within 20 working days from the request for information; and if he will indicate the length of time taken for each such request. [147773]

  Ms Stuart
  Of the 204 queries the agency handled where this target is applicable, 13 are currently being dealt with and 41 were not answered within the 20 day deadline. Of these cases, 14 were answered within a week of the deadline, 13 within a month, four within three months, seven within six months, three over six months.

  Committee on Safety of Medicines
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the Committee on Safety of Medicines is subject to the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. [147726]

  Ms Stuart
  No. However, the Committee on Safety of Medicines will be subject to the Freedom of Information legislation when implemented.
  50W

  St. Leonard's Hospital, Dorset
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when the NHS appealed against non-determination of the planning application in respect of land and buildings at St. Leonard's Hospital, Dorset; for what reason the appeal has been deferred; and if he will make a statement; [147817]

  (2) for how long the surplus land and buildings at St. Leonard's Hospital have been identified for disposal; and when he expects a scheme to be completed; [147816]

  (3) when he will give instructions for the immediate demolition of the surplus unoccupied buildings at St. Leonard's Hospital, Dorset; and if he will make a statement. [147821]

  Ms Stuart
  There has been a phased re-provision of patient services from the St. Leonard's Hospital site since the late 1980s. The last patient services were relocated off the site in January 2000.

  A number of unsuccessful planning applications for the site have been made over the last 10 years. The latest planning application for a special care housing development on the site was made in September 1999. East Dorset District Council failed to make a decision on this application and National Health Service Estates appealed against the non-determination of the application in April 2000.

  In July 2000 the Planning Inspectorate requested that NHS Estates undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the site. Work for the EIA was commenced immediately and is expected to be completed in spring this year when a date for the public inquiry will be set by the Planning Inspectorate.

  It would be inappropriate to demolish the buildings until the conclusion of the planning appeal.

  Christchurch Health Centre
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for how long the former Health Centre in Christchurch has remained empty; and what action his Department is taking to realise the value of this asset. [147820]

  Ms Stuart
  The Christchurch Health Centre was last used as a health centre in 1994. The property is held on a long lease but with restricted use. The leasehold interest of the property has been marketed on several occasions and last year was placed in two national auctions but failed to sell due to the restricted use.

  Negotiations have been pursued with the landlord for a variation of the user clause which with his agreement would enable a more marketable interest to be offered to the market for sale.

  Osteoporosis
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the benefits of screening all women aged over 50 years for osteoporosis; and what estimate he has made of the(a) cost of such a programme and (b) potential savings to the NHS by such early detection and treatment; [147308]
  51W
  (2) how many bone scans for the detection of osteoporosis were undertaken in each of the last five years; what the estimated cost of this service was in each year; and in how many cases osteoporosis was diagnosed. [147309]

  Yvette Cooper
  The United Kingdom National Screening Committee (NSC) advises Ministers, the devolved national Assemblies and the Scottish Parliament on all aspects of screening policy.

  The NSC considered the subject of osteoporosis screening in June 1999. The committee's recommendation is that population-based screening should not be offered. There is not a simple, reliable test for osteoporosis that would meet the NSC's published criteria to ensure that a screening programme is both clinically and cost effective. The NSC's criteria are available on its website at http://www.nsc.nhs.uk/

  The information requested on the number of bone scans is not available centrally.

  Training Places
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many extra nurse, midwife and health visiting training places will be created in each year from 2001 to 2004 expressed in the same terms as the figures in NHS Plan; and if he will make a statement. [147557]

  Mr. Denham
  As a result of the NHS Plan there will be 5,500 more nurses, midwives and health visitors being trained each year than today. Our latest forecast is for 20,325 places in 2000–01, an increase of 1,618 on the 1999–2000 baseline figure of 18,707. We plan to commission a further 1,000 places in 2001–02 and apportion the remaining increase over 2002–03 and 2003–04.

  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many extra training places for therapists and professional staff will be created in each year from 2001 to 2004 expressed in the same terms as the figures in NHS Plan; and if he will make a statement. [147556]

  Mr. Denham
  As a result of the NHS Plan there will be 4,450 more therapists and other key professional staff being trained each year by 2004. Our latest forecast is for 6,553 training places in 2000–01, an increase of 576 on the 1999 baseline figure of 5,977. We plan to commission a further 700 places in 2001–02 and to commission the balance in 2002–03 and 2003–04.

  Female Genital Mutilation
  Ms McCafferty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if female genital mutilation will be included in the forthcoming sexual health strategy; and if he will make a statement. [147597]

  Yvette Cooper
  The sexual health and HIV strategy will look at the range of issues within sexual health. In developing the work on the strategy, cultural issues including female genital mutilation have been considered. The strategy will set out actions for the future to improve awareness of these issues, develop programmes of education and provide information on support services.

  We hope to publish the strategy for consultation shortly.
  52W

  Ambulance Volunteers' Scheme
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have been trained as part of the ambulance volunteers' first responders scheme. [147753]

  Ms Stuart
  The information requested is not collected centrally. First responders are invaluable in providing immediate care until an emergency ambulance arrives. What matters is that patients with life-threatening conditions or injuries get an emergency response as quickly as possible. Clinical evidence proves conclusively that early defibrillation and resuscitation saves more lives. Achievement of the eight minute target could save 1,800 lives each year in people under 75 years suffering acute heart attacks.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Agrimonetary Compensation
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on how many occasions since 1979 his Department has had the opportunity to apply to the European Commission for monetary compensatory amounts; on how many occasions applications were made; and how much was paid out in each successful application. [145839]

  Ms Quin
  Under the agrimonetary system in existence until 1992, monetary compensatory amounts automatically provided equalisation of currency differences when agricultural products crossed intra-Community borders. No application for the amounts was required.

  Fishing Industry
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much he expects will be received by the United Kingdom fishing industry from the EU for the(a) 2001 and (b) 2002 funding years. [146274]

  Mr. Morley
  MAFF and the devolved Administrations are making available £18 million in 2001–02 and £22 million in 2002–03 for the UK fishing industry under the new EU fisheries structural funds programmes. These sums include both the amounts available from the EU under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance and the national back-up funding from MAFF and the devolved Administrations. Since grant rates and funding packages will vary across the UK and across grant-aided measures, it is not possible to say at this stage how much of the amounts will be EU money and how much national back-up.

  A limited number of payments will also be made under the 1994–99 structural funds programmes. Actual amounts paid will depend on the eligibility of the claims received.

  In addition the fishing industry has access to intervention funds from the Community's European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund when required.
  53W

  Farmers
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his estimate is of the percentage of farmers in England who are part time and have incomes from other occupations. [146751]

  Ms Quin
  51 per cent. of farmers, partners, directors and their spouses in England recorded themselves in the June 2000 agricultural census as part time. There is no information available on what percentage of these have income from other occupations.

  For individuals whose main or secondary source of self-employment income comes from agriculture or horticulture, 5 per cent. have other self-employment income and 24 per cent. have other earned incomes. The proportion that have both is not readily available.

  Non-departmental Public Bodies
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 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. [147061]

  Ms Quin
  There have been no such directions.

  Sugar Regime
  Mrs. Shephard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on reform of the sugar regime. [147184]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 25 January 2001]: I refer the right hon. Lady to the oral answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Dr. Jones) on 21 December 2000, Official Report, columns 549–51.

  Flooding
  Mrs. Fiona Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on how the assistance allocated to areas affected by flooding will be distributed. [147448]

  Mr. Morley
  The Environment Agency, local authorities and internal drainage boards have submitted bids for funds to accelerate river flood defences over the next three years, as part of the package of an additional £51 million announced following the flooding. The bids are being considered and decisions on allocations will be announced shortly.

  Agricultural Support
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many recipients of agricultural support received in the most recent financial year for which figures are available(a) less than £5,000, (b) £5,001 to £10,000, (c) £10,001 to £50,000, (d) £50,001 to £500,000, (e) £500,001 to £2 million and (f) more than £2 million [147542]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 26 January 2001]: The information requested is set out in the table and relates to expenditure on claims for support under the Common
  54W
  Agricultural Policy (CAP) funded from the European Agricultural Guarantee and Guidance Fund (EAGGF) in the Financial Year ended 31 March 2000.

  Amount

  Number of payments1

  Less than £5,000

  381,011

  £5,001–£10,000

  33,740

  £10,001–£50,000

  28,476

  £50,001–£500,000

  3,479

  £500,001–£2million

  13

  More than £2 million

  0

  1 Many of the recipients will have received payments under more than one CAP support scheme. Information on the total amount of support received by individual recipients is not available.

  Fallen Stock
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on what discussions he has had with EU counterparts on the financing of the disposal of fallen stock. [147480]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 26 January 2001]: My right hon. Friend and I have had no such discussions with EU counterparts. However, in negotiations on the draft EU animal by-products regulations, the European Commission has undertaken to produce a report on how member states finance the disposal of animal by-products, including fallen stock.

  Farm Waste Plastic
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his policy is regarding the disposal of farm waste plastic; and if he will make a statement. [147279]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 26 January 2001]: The Government acknowledge the difficulties farmers can face in disposing of waste plastics. This issue will be addressed in a consultation paper on the extension of waste management controls to agricultural waste which is expected to be published soon by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR). The consultation paper will take into account issues raised in a meeting held at DETR on 3 November 2000, attended by officials from my Department, the National Farmers Union, the Country Landowners Association and a wide range of organisations representing the plastics industry and agricultural suppliers.

  A voluntary national waste collection scheme, the Farm Film Producers Group, was set up in 1994 and ran until 1997; however, some suppliers were unwilling to pay a levy which undermined its operation. One of the aims of the dialogue with industry is to develop proposals for tackling the issue and to ensure that any future provision is not affected by similar problems.

  Start Bay, Slapton
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what provision he intends to make for the erecting of flood defences at Start Bay, Slapton following the recent storm damage. [147288]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 26 January 2001]: I understand that emergency works have been undertaken by Devon county council, acting as Highway Authority, and Ministry funding is therefore not an issue. If the

  55W
  relevant coast protection authority, South Hams district council, makes any applications for MAFF funding for studies or works, they will be considered against our normal criteria.

  Avon Heath Country Park
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action is being taken by the Forestry Commission to ensure that trees felled at Avon Heath Country Park in breach of a felling licence are replanted. [147824]

  Mr. Morley
  The Forestry Commission could have used its statutory powers to impose a restocking notice, but decided that this would not be in the public interest as the area is part of a heathland restoration project. Avon Heath Country Park is in a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area, and this heathland restoration work is an important part of the Government's Biodiversity Action Plan. Nevertheless, I understand that RSPB has decided, after consultation with local people, to plant some replacement trees in other parts of the park.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the outcome of the prosecution by the Forestry Commission of those responsible for breaches of felling licences at Avon Forest Country Park, and the implications of the case for policy on the protection of trees for amenity reasons. [147823]

  Mr. Morley
  On 16 November 2000 in Poole magistrates court, an RSPB employee pleaded guilty to felling growing trees on land at Avon Heath Country Park between 1 July 1999 and 31 January 2000 without the authority of a felling licence. He was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £500 towards prosecution costs.

  The case has no implications for our policy on controlling the felling of trees. The Forestry Commission will continue to investigate all suspected breaches of the tree felling regulations and will prosecute when it is clear that an offence has been committed.

SCOTLAND

  New Deal
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people(a) entered and (b) completed the New Deal scheme in (i) 1997, (ii) 1998, (iii) 1999 and (iv) 2000. [145655]

  Ms Jowell
  I have been asked to reply.

  Latest figures from the start of New Deal for Young People in 1998 to the end of October 2000 are summarised in the following table:

  Number of young people starting New Deal

  Number of young people who left New Deal

  1998

  214,500

  81,100

  1999

  191,300

  193,900

  2000

  151,600

  183,100

  56W

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Brenda Searle
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further discussions he has had with the British Ambassador to Mexico with regard to the disappearance of Miss Brenda Searle. [147085]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 25 January 2001]: Our Embassy in Mexico City has liaised with the Dutch Embassy to co-ordinate UK/Dutch efforts in this case.

  Our Embassy has held meetings with the Mexican police and local authorities. Ms Searle's parents were included in these meetings during their visit to Mexico in autumn last year. During his visit to Mexico in November 2000, Lord Levy raised Ms Searle's case with the then Mexican President Zedillo, who promised to ensure that everything possible would be done to help.

  We have maintained regular contact with Mr. and Mrs. Searle. Officials are arranging a further meeting with them in February.

  Drugs (Iran)
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the anti-drugs assistance the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is planning to provide to Iran. [148038]

  Mr. Battle
  Most of the heroin sold on Britain's streets originates in Afghanistan, the world's largest producer of opium. Iran is a key country on the heroin route from Afghanistan to Europe. We share an interest in co-operation against the drugs trade.

  The Iranians make the world's largest seizures of opiates–253 tonnes in 1999. But it has been at a cost. Around 3,000 law enforcement officers have been killed in clashes with drug traffickers in the past 20 years. They deserve our help.

  The FCO has recently agreed to provide £400,000 towards the UNDCP/Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran Combined Interdiction Unified Strategy (CIRUS) programme in Iran to assist with anti drugs work on their eastern border with Afghanistan and Iran.

  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office assistance is ring fenced specifically for the established and successful CIRUS project.

  Professor Lowry
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Portuguese Government have informed his Department about their intention to proceed with further charges against Professor Lowry; and what are the new charges likely to be. [146845]

  Mr. Hain
  The Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs told the Minister for Europe, my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz), on 18 October 2000 of the Swiss authorities' request for extradition in order for them to press charges. The Portuguese Attorney-General has authorised extradition to proceed at the end of Professor Lowry's Portuguese sentence.
  57W
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports the British Embassy has sent about the daily routine of Professor Lowry while serving his sentence in a Portuguese prison; and how many hours per day he is locked in his cell. [146848]

  Mr. Hain
  Professor Lowry has freedom of movement between 08.00 and 21.00 hours. He and three others share a cell in the new wing of the prison which has two sets of bunkbeds, toilet, washbasin and shower. Professor Lowry is sports delegate for his wing and supervises the use of the gym. He has access to a television and the library. When he is not working he reads and exercises.

  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent contact staff from the British Embassy in Portugal have had with Professor Lowry; and what the state of his health is reported to be. [146846]

  Mr. Hain
  Professor Lowry is visited twice a year; his last visit was on 8 August 2000; his next is scheduled for February 2001. Professor Lowry's welfare officer has confirmed that he appears to be well, both physically and mentally. There has been no reported deterioration in his health and he has not asked for any further treatment.

  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports the British Embassy in Portugal have sent on access to medical treatment for Professor Lowry; and what treatment he has recently received. [146847]

  Mr. Hain
  Professor Lowry collapsed in August 2000 and was transferred to the prison infirmary for treatment. He has not reported any recurring symptoms. He has seen his dentist and consultant and undergone appropriate tests. He continues to receive medical treatment from his private doctor. He remains adamant that he will not have surgery while in prison.

  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response he has received from the Government of Portugal about Professor Lowry. [146844]

  Mr. Hain
  Our officials have had regular discussions with the Portuguese authority on this case, in line with normal consular practice.

  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the British Embassy in Portugal has been informed why Professor Lowry remains in prison in that country despite having served more than half of his original sentence; and what indication there is of when he will be released. [146849]

  Mr. Hain
  The prison social welfare authorities will automatically begin to prepare a further application for Professor Lowry's release in February 2001 when he has served two thirds of his sentence. Conditional release in Portugal is granted at the discretion of the parole judge and becomes automatic only when five sixths of the sentence has been served.

  Asil Nadir
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has recently had, and with whom, regarding Asil Nadir; and if he will make a statement. [146940]
  58W
  Mr. Vaz
  The Secretary of State has had no recent discussions about Asil Nadir.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will meet Mr. Bernard Kouchner to discuss the protection of the non-Albanian population of Kosovo and Metohija. [146431]

  Mr. Vaz
  Mr. Haekkerup, the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Representative in Kosovo, called on me and senior officials on 9 January prior to taking up his appointment on 15 January. During his call Mr. Haekkerup emphasised that one of his top priorities was to improve law and order in Kosovo, including tackling ethnic violence. We welcome the priority Mr. Haekkerup has given to this and will give him our full support.

  Kindertransport People
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the German Government over the issue of pensions for the Kindertransport people; and if he will make a statement. [146853]

  Mr. Vaz
  Foreign Office Ministers have not made representations on this issue to the German Government.

  The German pensions in question take account of the EU regulations for co-ordinating social security. German officials have advised the Department of Social Security and the British Embassy on a number of occasions that they have no plans to make additional arrangements for this group of claimants.

  Sir David Hannay
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the amount of per diem remuneration is of Sir David Hannay. [146605]

  Mr. Vaz
  Sir David Hannay receives appropriate remuneration commensurate with his expertise, which amounts to £450 per day worked. This is consistent with Treasury guidelines. He works about 20–25 days per quarter.

  Nazi Victims
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress of payments out of the International Fund for Needy Victims of Nazi Persecution. [146815]

  Mr. Vaz
  The UK's £1 million contribution to the fund was fully allocated by 1999. Over $41 million of the total $60 million has been contributed to the fund, and over $30 million has been allocated.

  All contributing Governments agree that speedy allocation and effective use of resources are top priorities. The UK has continued to urge rapid disbursement by other contributors.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress on the compensation scheme promoted by Germany for slave labour victims of the Nazis. [146816]
  59W
  Mr. Vaz
  Final agreement on the fund was reached in July 2000. The German Government have pledged DM5 billion and German industry is expected to contribute the same amount, though there is still a shortfall in the latter category. The German authorities hope disbursement will begin in the first half of this year.

  Claims can already be lodged: UK claimants should make their application through the International Organisation for Migration; Jewish claimants should contact the Conference on Jewish Material Claims against Germany.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contacts have been established between UNAMSIL and RUF in Sierra Leone. [146484]

  Mr. Hain
  Following the ceasefire agreement singed in Abuja on 10 November 2000 between the Government of Sierra Leone and the RUF, UNAMSIL has held a number of face-to-face meetings with the RUF leadership. These confidence building contacts, which continue, have allowed both sides to explore the detail of the terms of the ceasefire.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what planned overseas ministerial visits(a) he proposes and (b) his Ministers propose to make this year; when the visits are scheduled; and if he will make a statement. [146872]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  [holding answer 23 January 2001]: Visits already announced and agreed with host Governments are as follows.

  I plan to visit the United States in February to meet Colin Powell, the Secretary of State, and other members of the new Administration, as well as members of both Houses of Congress. I plan to go to France shortly afterwards for the Franco-British Summit. Other confirmed visits for this year are to Brussels and Sweden to fulfil regular EU commitments, Italy in July for the G8 Summit, and Brisbane in October to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

  The Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz), plans to visit Brussels and Sweden on EU business. He plans to visit India and Bangladesh in February in connection with his specific responsibility for entry clearance issues.

  Baroness Scotland is currently visiting the Falklands and Antarctica, and the Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, West (Mr. Battle), is visiting Mexico.

  Further visits will be announced in the usual way, as plans are finalised and agreed with host countries.

  Entry Clearance Office (Islamabad)
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs at what times of the day the Entry Clearance Office in Islamabad is open for telephone inquiries from the UK; and what the telephone numbers for such inquiries are. [147078]
  60W
  Mr. Vaz
  The Visa Section in Islamabad is open between 02.30 GMT and 09.30 GMT (0730–1430 local time) Monday to Friday. Telephone inquiries can be accepted during those hours. The telephone numbers are those of the British High Commission: 00 92 51 2822131 to 2822135 and 2206071 to 2206075. The telephone numbers and office hours of British diplomatic missions overseas can be found in "HM Diplomatic Service Overseas Reference List", which is available in the House Libraries, and available on the internet at www.fco.gov.uk/directory/posts.asp.

  Bertelsmann Foundation Conference
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs by whom Her Majesty's Government were represented at the Bertelsmann Foundation conference on the future development of the EU held in Berlin in January. [147163]

  Mr. Vaz
  Her Majesty's Government were represented at the conference by the British Ambassador to Berlin, Sir Paul Lever.

  Mrs. Nazia Bashir
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when Her Majesty's High Commission, Islamabad, received an application for entry clearance for settlement from Mrs. Nazia Bashir (ISB/H3690); when she can expect to be invited for interview; and if he will make a statement. [147132]

  Mr. Vaz
  Mrs. Nazia Bashir applied for a settlement visa at our High Commission in Islamabad on 14 June 2000. An Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) interviewed her the same day. Further consideration of the application was delayed to allow Mrs. Bashir to produce further documents to support her application. An Entry Clearance Manager has reviewed the case in the light of the extra documents supplied and has authorised the issue of a settlement visa to Mrs. Bashir.

DEFENCE

  Tornado GR4 (Upgrade)
  Mr. Quentin Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the RAF Tornado GR4 upgrade programme will be complete; and how many GR4s will then be available for operations. [143334]

  Dr. Moonie
  On current plans, the RAF Tornado GR4 upgrade programme will be completed by February 2003 when all 142 upgraded aircraft will be available for operational deployment.

  Depleted Uranium
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to request the Defence Radiological Protection Service to update its 1993 report on the exposure by British military personnel to depleted uranium during the Gulf war. [145300]

  Mr. Spellar
  My Department's position on the exposure of British military personnel to depleted uranium during the Gulf conflict was set out on 19 March 1999 in a paper entitled, "Testing for the presence of Depleted
  61W
  Uranium in UK Veterans of the Gulf conflict: the Current Position". Since then the US Department of Defence has published its own assessment of possible levels of depleted uranium to which troops may have been exposed in the Gulf. These levels are lower than those contained in the Defence Radiological Protection Service reports of 1993, and our 1999 paper. We will analyse the differences.

  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) shells and (b) bullets containing (i) uranium and (ii) depleted uranium were fired by the Army on ranges in Surrey in the last 10 years. [147070]

  Mr. Spellar
  No munitions containing uranium or depleted uranium have been fired on the ranges in Surrey.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what uranium pharmacological tests he proposes should be undertaken on civilians living in areas of depleted uranium debris; [147194]

  (2) if he will conduct uranium pharmacological tests on civilians in Kosovo. [147195]

  Mr. Spellar
  The health of civilians is the responsibility of their Government or, as in the case of Kosovo, the United Nations. Although the UK will provide help and advice if requested, it is up to these relevant authorities to decide what tests, if any, should be carried out.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what evidence he has received on measurements of uranium 235 among Kosovans. [147196]

  Mr. Spellar
  None. The Ministry of Defence is not aware of any such measurements being taken.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many representations he has received concerning a ban on the use of depleted uranium ammunition by the armed forces. [145937]

  Mr. Spellar
  [pursuant to his reply, 23 January 2001, c. 537W]: We have received a petition from the Campaign Against Depleted Uranium.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations have been received from the campaign against depleted uranium. [145295]

  Mr. Spellar
  [pursuant to his reply, 22 January 2001, c. 420W]: We have received a petition from the Campaign Against Depleted Uranium.

  Commercial Exploitation Levy
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage commercial exploitation levy is applied to defence related exports to recover MOD Research and Development costs; and what the percentage was in each of the last 10 years. [146068]

  Dr. Moonie
  The rates vary according to the type of equipment involved and the extent to which its development was funded by the Ministry of Defence. Higher value sales would normally employ profit-sharing schemes rather than applying levy rates. The circumstances of individual sales may also permit some variation to the levy arrangements which would be negotiated on a case by case basis. I am withholding 62W
  details of the individual rates used and the circumstances in which they might apply under the exemptions 7 and 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. The rates currently in use have remained unchanged over the period in question.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the research and development levy income was for each of the past 10 years; and in respect of what categories of contracts it was levied. [146070]

  Dr. Moonie
  There is no calculated contribution in respect of the Ministry of Defence's investment in research and development. The commercial exploitation levy (CEL) is a form of royalty for any commercial sales of a design, use of special tooling or the granting of licences where MOD has contributed wholly, or in part, to research and development costs. There are no restrictions on the categories of contracts to which CEL applies, but the vast majority relate to equipment (including software), since MOD research and development funding is largely in support of the development of equipment. Details of the income derived from CEL over the last nine years are set out in the table. Data for 1990–91 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Commercial exploitation levy receipts: 1991–2000

  Year

  £ million

  1991–92

  34.5

  1992–93

  15.0

  1993–94

  39.8

  1994–95

  33.0

  1995–96

  21.9

  1996–97

  90.5

  1997–98

  54.0

  1998–99

  57.0

  1999–2000

  17.5

  Notes:

  1.Figures include all Commercial Exploitation receipts collected by the Defence Bills Agency.

  2.Figures exclude: VAT, DTI, France Jaguar/Lynx, MOD IPR licences and receipts from other international programmes not collected through the Defence Bills Agency.

  Non-departmental Public Bodies
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 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. [147065]

  Dr. Moonie
  There have been no such directions.

  Nurses (Defence Medical Services)
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the establishment requirement for nurses in the Defence Medical Services in the specialties of(a) accident and emergency, (b) diabetes, (c) intensive/ coronary care, (d) orthopaedic surgeons, (e) burns and plastics, (f) general nursing duties, (g) infection control, (h) ophthalmic surgeons, (i) midwifery, (j) neurology, (k) dental, (l) operating theatre, (m) paediatrics, (n) psychiatry, (o) otorhinolaryngology, (p) renal/urology, (q) special baby care, (r) stoma care, (s) tutors/instructors, (t) health care assistants and (u) other, indicating in each case the (i) current manning levels and (ii) percentage shortfall; and if he will make a statement. [146155]
  63W
  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 24 January 2001]: The operational and retained task requirement for nurses in the Defence Medical Services and the trained strength as at 1 October 2000 is as shown by speciality. Recruitment into training is highly satisfactory. However, recruitment of trained nurses remains difficult. We are currently working on measures to improve the recruitment and retention of serving nurses.

  Speciality

  Operational and retained task requirement

  Trained manning

  Shortfall (Percentage)

  Accident and Emergency

  114

  44

  61

  Diabetes

  0

  1

  —

  Intensive/Coronary Care

  204

  75

  63

  Orthopaedic

  46

  22

  52

  Burns and Plastics

  40

  13

  68

  General Nursing Duties

  1,122

  573

  49

  Infection control

  7

  5

  29

  Ophthalmic

  15

  1

  93

  Midwifery

  18

  45

  —

  Neurology

  10

  4

  60

  Operating Theatre

  77

  64

  17

  Paediatrics

  11

  16

  —

  Registered Mental Nurse

  125

  78

  38

  Otorhinolaryngology

  0

  0

  —

  Renal/Urology

  30

  4

  87

  Special Baby Care

  0

  3

  —

  Stoma Care

  0

  2

  —

  Tutors/Instructors

  34

  32

  6

  Health Care Assistants

  136

  143

  —

  Dental Surgery Assistants

  412

  408

  1

  Other (Staff and Cmd Posts, Gynaecology, Oncology)

  41

  25

  39

  Research and Development
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spends on research and development in(a) the United Kingdom and (b) Scotland; and if he will break down the Scottish total into (i) DERA's own research and (ii) research funded in academic and non-DERA sites; and what the names of these non-DERA sites are. [147015]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 25 January 2001]: The information requested is not held centrally. However, for 1998–99, some £2,096 million defence expenditure was categorised for statistical purposes as "research and development". This would cover work undertaken in MOD (including DERA), industry and universities. I regret that it is not possible to state how much of the total figure represents expenditure in Scotland, as our data do not include a regional breakdown. Nor do available data provide the breakdown of research (or research and development) expenditure between DERA and non-DERA sites in Scotland.

  Daedalus Site
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the Daedalus site at Lee-on-the-Solent. [147084]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 25 January 2001]: The Strategy for the defence estate launched in June last year set out our intention to identify the core sites on which we would seek to focus different activities in the longer term. A study is now in progress to this effect.
  64W
  Along with other major Defence sites not yet sold, the former HMS Daedalus is being considered within this study. While it is still at an early stage and not likely to report for some time, we are looking to form an early view of the implications for the Daedalus site, if any, to avoid further uncertainty or delay. We hope to do this by the end of March and will keep the local authorities concerned informed of the position.

  Astute Class Submarines
  Mr. Quentin Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he proposes to place an order for the first batch of the Astute class submarines; and if he will make a statement. [147571]

  Dr. Moonie
  The first batch of Astute class submarines was ordered from GEC-Marconi (now BAE Systems) in March 1997.

  HMS Tireless
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of HMS Tireless during its voyage to the United Kingdom for the completion of repairs; and if he will make a statement. [147403]

  Mr. Spellar
  We plan to complete the repairs to Tireless in Gibraltar. However, stringent safety measures apply to all sailings of nuclear submarines. All crews are trained to meet those exacting standards.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has given to the Spanish Government about the extent of damage to HMS Tireless; and what undertakings he has given the Spanish Government about(a) the programme and location of the repairs and (b) the date of departure from Gibraltar of HMS Tireless; and if he will make a statement. [147402]

  Mr. Spellar
  We have maintained a substantial flow of information to both the Spanish Government and the Spanish Council of Nuclear Safety (CSN) throughout the repair, and will continue to do so.

  The Spanish Government have been advised of our plans for the repair to HMS Tireless, and that it is our intention to complete the repair in Gibraltar by the end of March and for the submarine to leave Gibraltar as soon as possible thereafter.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what factors underlay his decision to select 19 May 2001 as the deadline for the removal of HMS Tireless from Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement. [147401]

  Mr. Spellar
  Our intention is to complete the repair by the end of March and for the submarine to leave Gibraltar as soon as possible thereafter. Precise timing will depend on progress with the repair.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what advice the United Kingdom Government have tendered to the Government of Gibraltar about the
  65W
  implications for the territory of sustained opposition to the presence of HMS Tireless at Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement. [147400]

  Mr. Spellar
  The United Kingdom Government have had continuing and extensive discussions with the Government of Gibraltar over HMS Tireless, but has not given specific advice on the issue raised by my hon. Friend.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress of work on repairs to HMS Tireless, and the expected date and location of completion of the repairs. [147404]

  Mr. Spellar
  Preparatory work on HMS Tireless has been completed and the repair is under way. HMS Tireless is alongside in Gibraltar and it is our intention to complete the repairs in Gibraltar by the end of March.

  Service Personnel (Deaths)
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the dates and circumstances were of the deaths of each serviceman and woman for each of the last five years. [146774]

  Dr. Moonie
  Between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 2000, there have been 770 deaths among serving members of the UK armed forces. A copy of a list of circumstances and year of death will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Scots Dragoon Guards

  One Scots Guards

  One Royal Scots

  One Royal Highland Fusiliers

  Establishments

  Actual staffing levels

  Establishments

  Actual staffing levels

  Establishment

  Actual staffing levels

  Establishment

  Actual staffing levels

  Royal Armoured Corps

  451

  375

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Infantry

  —

  —

  558

  593

  558

  1458

  558

  492

  Royal Logistic Corps

  19

  20

  23

  19

  23

  31

  23

  21

  Royal Army Medical Corps

  6

  5

  4

  3

  4

  3

  4

  4

  Queen Alexandra Royal Auxiliary Nursing Corps

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  —

  1

  —

  Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

  91

  66

  11

  10

  11

  12

  11

  11

  Adjutant General Corps (Staff and Personnel Support)

  22

  20

  22

  23

  22

  22

  22

  18

  Army Physical Training Corps

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  Total UK Trained Army Personnel

  590

  487

  620

  649

  620

  527

  620

  548

  Gurkha

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Full time Reserve Service

  —

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Total whole Army

  590

  490

  620

  649

  620

  527

  620

  549

  One Kings Own Scottish Borderers

  One Black Watch

  One Highlanders

  One Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

  Establishments

  Actual staffing levels

  Establishments

  Actual staffing levels

  Establishments

  Actual staffing levels

  Establishments

  Actual staffing levels

  Royal Armoured Corps

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Infantry

  558

  2532

  618

  3522

  587

  4450

  558

  541

  Royal Logistic Corps

  23

  20

  23

  19

  23

  20

  23

  22

  Royal Army Medical Corps

  4

  3

  4

  2

  4

  3

  4

  3

  Queen Alexandra Royal Auxiliary Nursing Corps

  1

  —

  1

  —

  1

  —

  1

  —

  Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

  11

  11

  71

  56

  29

  25

  11

  10

  Adjutant General Corps (Staff and Personnel Support)

  22

  23

  23

  20

  22

  20

  22

  22

  Army Physical Training Corps

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  Total UK Trained Army Personnel

  620

  590

  741

  621

  667

  519

  620

  599

  Gurkha

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5105

  —

  —

  Full time Reserve Service

  —

  36

  —

  9

  —

  —

  —

  4

  Total whole Army

  620

  626

  741

  630

  667

  624

  620

  603

  1 Includes one soldier capbadged Royal Signals.

  2 Includes one soldier capbadged Royal Artillery.

  3 Includes one soldier capbadged Small Arms School Corps.

  4 Includes one UKTAP officer capbadged Royal Gurkha Rifles who is part of the Gurkha Reinforcement Company (GRC).

  5 Total number of GRC officers is four.

  66W

  Sunken Military Vessels
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of his consultation document on the protection of sunken military vessels. [147709]

  Dr. Moonie
  The aim of the formal consultation paper, being produced as part of a review of policy towards the protection of Military Maritime Graves, is to seek the views of those with an interest in this issue.

  The views of other Government Departments have been sought. I hope to issue the public consultation paper shortly. The consultation paper will run for three months and a copy of the paper will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses at that stage.

  Regimental Manpower Establishments
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the(a) manpower establishments and (b) actual manning levels of (i) the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, (ii) Black Watch, (iii) the Highlanders, (iv)the King's Own Scottish Borderers, (v) the Royal Highland Fusiliers, (vi) the Royal Scots, (vii) the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and (viii) the Scots Guards. [147761]

  Mr. Spellar
  The establishments and actual staffing levels as at 1 December 2000 for each of the Scottish Regiments listed are shown in the table. The figures exclude locally employed personnel and Royal Irish (Home Service).
  67W

  Heavy Sea Lift Capability
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which vessels will be used to provide a heavy sea lift capability for the armed forces after the ending of the chartering arrangements for RFAs Sea Crusader and Sea Centurion. [147762]

  Dr. Moonie
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 21 December 2000,Official Report, column 254W.

  RFA Sea Crusader is being re-chartered from 1 February 2001 to 1 March 2003.

  Motor Vessel Dart 10 is being chartered from 8 March 2001 to 1 November 2002.

  A third vessel has yet to be chartered to replace RFA Sea Centurion on 18 April 2001. This vessel cannot be named until contractual negotiations have been concluded.

  Harpoon Missiles
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he plans for the Astute class submarine to be capable of launching submarine-launched Harpoon missiles; [147764]

  (2) for what reasons submarine-launched Harpoon missiles are being withdrawn in 2003; and if he will make a statement. [147763]

  Dr. Moonie
  It has been assessed that, beyond 2003, our anti-surface ship capability needs can be met through the use of other platforms and weapons systems. These include air and surface launched Harpoon missiles. Under current plans we intend to withdraw the Royal Navy Sub-Harpoon from service 2003.

  We are considering whether RN submarines should retain a capability to fire the new Harpoon Block 2 missile which has increased capability. On current plans the submarines of the Astute class will be capable of launching Harpoon missiles.

  The precise mix of weapons and the chosen variants of each which the Astute class will carry is still under review. It will, however, carry the Spearfish torpedo which does have an anti-surface ship capability.

  Armoured Vehicles
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the(a) original in-service date, (b) current in-service date, (c) estimated or actual cost, (d) years of peak expenditure and (e) prime contractor for the (i) Armoured Patrol Vehicle, (ii) third line weapons transportation vehicles, (iii) Mine Detection, Neutralisation and Route Marking System, (iv) M3 amphibious bridging, (v) Future Fuel Vehicle, (vi) Future Cargo Vehicle, (vii) Future Wheeled Recovery Vehicle, (viii) Armoured Heavy Wheeled Tractor System and (xi) Engineer Tanks (Trojan and Titan); [147776]

  (2) if he will list (a) the original in-service date, (b) the latest in-service date, (c) the estimated or actual cost, (d) the years of peak expenditure and (e) the prime contractor for (i) bridging for the 1990s, (ii) the major foam vehicle, (iii) the all terrain mobile platform and self loading light-weight pallet trailer, (iv) the all terrain
  68W
  vehicle protected, (v) the future beach recovery vehicle, (vi) the medium battlefield ambulance, (vii) the general purpose motorcycle, (viii) the rapid intervention vehicle, (ix) the modular transportable surgical facility, (x) the heavy equipment transporter and (xi) the multi-role air cargo loader; [147711]

  (3) if he will list the (a) original in-service date, (b) current in-service date, (c) estimated or actual cost, (d) years of peak expenditure and (e) prime contractor for the (i) Tactical Reconnaissance Armoured Combat Equipment Requirement, (ii) Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle, (iii) Terrier, (iv) Armoured Battlefield Support Vehicle and (v) CVR (T) Life Extension Programme. [147775]

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

  South Jason Island
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received relating to activities by HM armed forces and their effect on wildlife in South Jason Island. [147198]

  Dr. Moonie
  Although there has been some discussion locally on this subject, my right hon. Friend has received no representations relating to activities by HM armed forces on South Jason Island, and their effect on the wildlife there.

  On Friday 12 January, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from the British armed forces successfully disposed of a number of items of unexploded ordnance on South Jason Island, located on the north west coast of West Falkland, as part of a programme of clearing an aircraft crash site left over from the Falklands conflict. We have a legal obligation under the Ottawa Convention to remove such unexploded ordnance from the Falkland Islands, and these operations are carried out with every caution to personnel and the environment.

  Despite precautions that were taken during the operation, a fire broke out on the island. A joint effort by the British armed forces and the Falkland Islands Fire Service extinguished the fire by the evening of Thursday 18 January, despite a strong, northerly, 40 knot wind which hampered fire-fighting efforts and caused the fire to spread quickly.

  HQ British Forces Falkland Islands is currently conducting an investigation to establish how the fire started.

  Advice from a conservation expert who has since visited the island is that the damage to the wildlife was significantly less than first reported. Only a small number of dead birds were found whose death can be directly linked to the fire. Therefore, although there has been some regrettable loss of wildlife, the conservationist assessed that this could in no way be classified as an environmental disaster.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans NATO has for clearing up battlefields in Kosovo [147197]
  69W
  Mr. Spellar
  The primary responsibility for the clearing up in Kosovo is the civilian authority, which is currently the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). The United Nations Mine Action Service (MAS) is responsible for the longer term task of fully clearing Kosovo of unexploded ordnance, and has established a UN Mine Action Co-ordination Centre (MACC) in Pristina to this end.

  However, when KFOR deployed to Kosovo in June 1999, there was an immediate requirement to clear ordnance (both from Allies and Milosevic's security forces) that would have posed a hazard to peacekeeping forces. British service personnel were engaged in this activity. KFOR also took on the immediate task of making schools safe for the returning population of Kosovo prior to the UN establishing its own clearance programme. The NATO Secretary General's report "Kosovo One Year On—Achievement and Challenge" published on 21 March 2000, explained that KFOR soldiers and the international community have cleared unexploded ordnance and mines from some 16,000 homes, 1,165 schools and almost 2,000 kilometres of roads.

  KFOR troops continue to provide mine disposal assistance to UN when requested, to make areas safe for the return of displaced persons.

  Departmental Underspends
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) for what reason there were underspends in(a) subsections G2 and G3 of the 2 Sea Lord Account,(b)subsection H2 of the Adjutant General Account, (c)subsections 12 and 13 of the RAF Officer Commanding-in-Chief RAF Personnel and Training Command, (d) subsections J2 and J4 of the Second Permanent Under Secretary of State Account, (e) subsection K2 of the Defence Permanent Agency Account, (f) subsection L2 of the Defence Systems Procurement Accounts and (g) subsections R2 and R4 of the 2 Permanent Under-Secretary of State Account; [147766]

  (2) for what reasons there were underspends in (a) subsections A2 and A3 of the Commander-in-Chief Fleet Account, (b) subsection B3 of the General Officer Commanding (Northern Ireland) Account, (c) subsections C3 and C4 of the Commander-in-Chief Land Command Account, (d) subsections D2 and D3 of the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief RAF Strike Command Account, (e) subsections E2 and E3 of the Chief Joint Operations Account and (f) subsections F2, F3 and F4 of the Chief of Defence Logistics Account; [147765]

  (3) for what reason there were underspends in (a) subsection B2 of the General Officer Commanding (Northern Ireland) Account, (b) subsection C2 of the Commander-in-Chief Land Command Account,(c)subsection H3 of the Adjutant General Account,(d) subsection J3 of the 2 Permanent Under-Secretary of State Account, (e) subsection K3 of the Defence Procurement Agency Account, (f) subsection M2 of the Major Customer's Research Budget Account and (g) subsection R5 of the 2 Permanent Under Secretary of State Account. [147767]
  70W
  Mr.Hoon
  The information requested is not held centrally and so the Budget Holders concerned will need to be consulted. I will write to the hon. member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

PRIME MINISTER

  Hinduja Brothers
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister on what date(a) discussions first took place between a Minister and the Hinduja brothers, (b) correspondence was sent by a Minister and (c) correspondence was received by a Minister concerning the possible sponsoring of the Faith Zone in the Millennium Dome by the Hinduja brothers; and if he will make a statement. [147176]

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Prime Minister by what date he has asked Sir Anthony Hammond to(a) commence his inquiry, (b) complete his inquiry and (c) submit his report to the Government. [147718]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 25 January 2001]: Sir Anthony Hammond QC began his review on 25 January. His aim is to complete the work and to submit his report as quickly as possible, consistent with the need to conduct a thorough investigation. I understand that on the information currently available to Sir Anthony, he would hope to complete the review by the end of February.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) what the powers and terms of reference are of the inquiry by Sir Anthony Hammond which he announced on 24 January; [147716]

  (2) what access Sir Anthony Hammond will have to Government papers and electronic records for the purpose of carrying out the inquiry announced on 24 January. [147717]

  The Prime Minister
  The terms of reference of Sir Anthony Hammond QC's review, which I announced on Wednesday 24 January, were:To establish what approaches were made to the Home Office in 1998 in connection with the possibility of an application for naturalisation by Mr. S. P. Hinduja, and the full circumstances surrounding such approaches and the later grant of that application; and to report to the Prime Minister.

  Sir Anthony has no special powers. It is for him to decide how he carries out the review, what papers and files he needs to see to carry out his review and to whom he needs to speak. The Government will provide all the access that he needs.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will ensure that the notes of the meeting of 6 October 1998 between the then Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and Mr. S. P. Hinduja and Mr. G. P. Hinduja are placed in the Library and made available to the inquiry he announced on 24 January. [147818]

  The Prime Minister
  All relevant papers will be made available to the inquiry being conducted by Sir Anthony Hammond QC including, if he wishes, the note of the meeting on 6 October 1998. The extent to which he discloses the content of papers will be a matter for him to
  71W
  decide. Subject to that, it is not the normal practice of Government to release details of meetings with private individuals or companies.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Entertainment Expenses
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) what arrangements were made for paying for the party at Haymarket House in the summer of 1999 to mark the move of the hon. Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz) from his Department to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; [147723]

  (2) which Ministers were invited to the party which the Lord Chancellor hosted at Haymarket House in summer 1999 to mark the move of the hon. Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz) from his Department to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; [147725]

  (3) which Ministers she informed about the arrangements for paying for the party she hosted at Haymarket House in summer 1999 to mark the move of the hon. Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz) from his Department to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. [147724]

  Jane Kennedy
  My hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz) became a Parliamentary Secretary in the Lord Chancellor's Department on 17 May 1999. The Hinduja Foundation hosted a reception on 22 September 1999 to mark his becoming the first Asian Minister in recent times. Neither the Lord Chancellor nor his Department had any involvement in organising, hosting or paying for the event.

  The Lord Chancellor and my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East attended the reception. The invitation list, which was cross-Party, was the responsibility of the Hinduja Foundation.

  On 11 October 1999, my hon. Friend became a Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

  Jury Service
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if she will introduce proposals for those who work as housewives to receive an allowance when on jury service. [147439]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Government have no plans at present to seek a change in the law relating to allowances paid to those who are eligible to perform jury service.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations she has received about housewives attempting to evade jury service. [147440]

  Jane Kennedy
  This Department has no record of representations on this point.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if there is a daily allowance for those on jury service who are not in paid employment. [147438]
  72W
  Jane Kennedy
  There is no daily allowance for those on jury service who are not in paid employment. However, they are entitled to claim for loss of benefits and fees paid to carers or child-minders, which have been used solely because of jury service. Jurors' are also entitled to claim travelling and subsistence expenses.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Electronic Signatures
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the President of the Council if she will propose to the Modernisation Committee that it examine the feasibility of using electronic signatures by hon. Members for authorising EDMs, parliamentary questions and deferred divisions. [147719]

  Mrs. Beckett
  As a general rule, hon. Members must be present in person to vote in deferred divisions, as for any other division. I am sure the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons would be interested in any proposals my hon. Friend cared to make about the authentication of EDMs and Questions.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Police Grant
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how he plans to allocate the police grant in 2001–02; and what the final funding allocations for police authorities will be for that year. [147945]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I have today laid before the House the Police Grant Report (England and Wales) 2001–02 (HC 156). The report sets out my determination for 2001–02 of the aggregate amount of grants that I propose to pay under section 46(2) of the Police Act 1996, and the amount to be paid to each police authority and to the Greater London Authority for the Metropolitan Police Authority.

  Funding allocations for each police authority for 2001–02 are set out in the table. The table also shows allocations approved by Parliament for 2000–01.

  Police authority

  2000–01 allocation1 £ million

  >2001–02 allocation1 £ million

  >Percentage change

  English Shire forces

  Avon and Somerset

  173.7

  181.4

  4.4

  Bedfordshire

  64

  68.0

  6.1

  Cambridgeshire

  77.2

  81.3

  5.4

  Cheshire

  111.9

  118.6

  6.0

  Cleveland

  84.7

  88.8

  4.8

  Cumbria

  62.2

  64.8

  4.2

  Derbyshire

  105.4

  111.1

  5.3

  Devon and Cornwall

  178.9

  187.9

  5.0

  Dorset

  72.4

  75.0

  3.7

  Durham

  83.9

  87.5

  4.3

  Essex

  174.8

  185.3

  6.0

  Gloucestershire

  63.5

  67.0

  5.5

  Hampshire

  202.7

  213.9

  5.5

  Hertfordshire

  117.2

  122.9

  4.8

  Humberside

  116.9

  121.1

  3.6

  Kent

  191.2

  204.3

  6.9

  Lancashire

  185.3

  193.0

  4.1

  Leicestershire

  105.6

  110.7

  4.9

  73W

  Police authority

  2000–01 allocation1 £ million

  2001–02 allocation1 £ million

  Percentage change

  Lincolnshire

  65.4

  68.6

  4.9

  Norfolk

  86.5

  91.5

  5.8

  North Yorkshire

  79.7

  84.0

  5.4

  Northamptonshire

  67.7

  70.9

  4.8

  Nottinghamshire

  130.0

  136.1

  4.7

  Staffordshire

  116.8

  121.6

  4.2

  Suffolk

  70.9

  75.0

  5.8

  Surrey

  112.8

  111.0

  -1.6

  Sussex

  172.4

  181.8

  5.4

  Thames Valley

  231.7

  245.1

  5.8

  Warwickshire

  54.3

  57.0

  4.9

  West Mercia

  117.2

  124.3

  6.1

  Wiltshire

  66.7

  69.4

  4.1

  English

  Metropolitan forces

  Greater Manchester

  386.1

  404.5

  4.8

  Merseyside

  242.3

  252.6

  4.3

  Northumbria

  218.4

  227.6

  4.2

  South Yorkshire

  177.2

  184.8

  4.2

  West Midlands

  392.7

  409.7

  4.3

  West Yorkshire

  297.1

  310.6

  4.6

  London forces

  Metropolitan Police2

  1,731.2

  1,822.8

  5.3

  City of London3

  56.4

  57.4

  1.8

  English total

  7,045.1

  7,389.0

  4.9

  Welsh forces

  Dyfed-Powys

  53.2

  56.3

  5.9

  Gwent

  71.9

  75.1

  4.4

  North Wales

  77.5

  82.3

  6.2

  South Wales

  167.6

  176.1

  5.0

  Welsh total

  370.2

  389.8

  5.3

  Total

  7,415.3

  7,778.8

  4.9

  1Rounded to the nearest £100,000. The Allocation is the sum of: Police Grant, Transitional Grant, Police SSA, Capital Finance SSA, SSA Reduction Grant and Central Support Protection Grant.

  2Figure for the Metropolitan police includes its Special Payment.

  3Figure for the City includes Police SSA, Grant and SSA Reduction Grant, but excludes other SSAs (e.g. Capital Financing) and Central Support Protection Grant. These are allocated to the Common Council of the City of London as a whole in respect of all its functions.

  Terrorism Regulations
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to lay a draft order under paragraph 16 of Schedule 7 to the Terrorism Act 2000; when he intends to make and lay an order to amend the Channel Tunnel Order 1993 to apply the Terrorism Act 2000 to the Channel Tunnel system; and when he intends to make and lay regulations under section 119 of the Terrorism Act. [147968]

  Mr. Straw
  I have today laid before Parliament a draft order under paragraph 16(1) of Schedule 7 to the Terrorism Act 2000 enabling an examining officer to require certain persons to complete and produce to the officer, if required to do so, a landing or disembarkation card. The persons in question are those who disembark or embark at a sea or airport in Great Britain or Northern Ireland or, as the case may be, on a ship or aircraft travelling between Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or the Republic of 74W
  Ireland. As required under paragraph 16(1), the order sets out the information to be contained in the card and the form of the card.

  I have also made and today laid an order to amend the 1993 Channel Tunnel Order to ensure that the Terrorism Act 2000 extends to examining officers performing their functions in relation to the Channel Tunnel system; and Regulations under section 119 of the Act applying provisions of the Act relating to terrorist property offences to persons in the public service of the Crown. The Regulations also disapply section 19 of the Act, which imposes a duty to disclose information about suspected offences, in the case of persons performing, or connected with the performance of, regulatory, supervisory, investigative or registration functions of a public nature.

  Police Authorities
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the level of funding was for police authorities in(a) England and (b) Wales for each of the last 10 years. [146007]

  Mr, Charles Clarke
  The level of funding (police grant and Standard Spending Assessment (SSA)) is given in the table.

  Funding in England and Wales

  £ million

  Year

  England

  Wales

  1991–92

  4,792

  1123

  1992–93

  5,333

  1133

  1993–94

  5,605

  1139

  1994–95

  5,862

  1142

  1995–96

  5,957

  316

  1996–97

  6,184

  332

  1997–98

  6,391

  341

  1998–99

  6,607

  352

  1999–2000

  6,784

  361

  2000–01

  6,987

  370

  1Prior to 1995–96 Welsh SSAs were unhypothecated at county level. Details of payments were agreed by constituent counties to police authorities in Wales. Figures for 1991–92 to 1994–95 are Home Office police grant only.

  Non-departmental Public Bodies
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 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. [147066]

  Mr. Straw
  There have been no such directions.

  Passports (Over 75s)
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to renew passports for those aged over 75 free of charge; and if he will estimate the cost of this. [147300]

  Mrs. Roche
  There are no plans for a policy to renew passports for those aged over 75 years free of charge. Fees for passports are set to recover the full cost of providing the service and if such a policy were to be implemented, the estimated annual cost would be £5.2 million, equivalent to a £1 increase in the passport fee.
  75W

  Police
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many policemen were on duty on a typical Saturday evening in London in the last 12 months; [147393]

  (2) how many policemen were on foot on the beat on a typical Saturday evening in London in the last 12 months; [147394]

  (3) how many policemen were on patrol in cars on a typical Saturday evening in London in the last 12 months; [147397]

  (4) how many policemen were carrying out administrative duties on a typical Saturday evening in London in the last 12 months. [147398]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [holding answer 26 January 2001]: The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that the information is not immediately available. I shall write to the right hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Library.

  Citizenship Applications
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions since 2 May 1997 each Minister in his Department personally received an inquiry from an hon. Member about an actual or prospective application for naturalisation; in how many such cases the inquiry was made by an hon. Member who was at that time a Minister of the Crown; in how many cases the inquiry was made on behalf of someone who was not a constituent of the hon. Member concerned; and if he will make a statement. [147768]

  Mr. Straw
  This information is not readily available and could be provided, if at all, only at disproportionate cost.

  I and the Ministers in my Department receive a large number of representations, oral and written, from Members of both Houses of Parliament about a wide range of immigration matters: most of those, in respect of Members of the House of Commons, relate to constituents; some do not.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the backlog of undetermined applications for British citizenship is. [147630]

  Mr. Straw
  As at 31 December 2000, the number of applications for British citizenship (whether by registration or naturalisation) yet to be decided was 73,000; compared with 84,000 on the same date in 1999.

  Hinduja Brothers
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what dates(a) his Department received an application for naturalisation from (i) Mr. G. P. Hinduja and (ii) Mr. Srichand Hinduja, (b) each application was determined and (c) the outcome was notified to the applicant. [147598]

  Mr. Straw
  Mr. S. P. Hinduja and Mr. G. P. Hinduja first applied for British citizenship on 21 February 1990. Their applications were decided on 3 April 1991 and they were notified of the outcome on 18 April 1991.
  76W
  Mr. G. P. Hinduja next applied on 5 March 1997. His application was granted on 4 November 1997 and he received final notification of this when his certificate of naturalisation was sent to him on 5 November 1997.

  Mr. S. P. Hinduja's second application was made on 20 October 1998; it was granted on 23 March 1999 and his certificate was issued on 24 March 1999.

  Anti-social Behaviour Orders
  Mrs. Betty Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many anti-social behaviour orders have been made in the area of the North Wales police authority. [147479]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  [holding answer 26 January 2001]: Up to the end of September 2000, the latest date for which such figures are available, one anti-social behaviour order had been made in the North Wales police area.

  Metropolitan Police
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers serving in the Metropolitan police force have(a) up to five years, (b) up to 10 years, (c) up to 15 years and (d) up to 20 years service. [146112]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information in the table has been provided by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis. The data are for the position as at 31 December 2000.

  Length of service

  Number of officers

  Up to 5 years

  4,810

  From 5 up to 10 years

  4,064

  From 10 up to 15 years

  5,171

  From 15 up to 20 years

  4,557

  Source:

  The figures exclude officers currently seconded to Surrey, Essex and

  Hertfordshire under the transitional boundary arrangements.

  Drugs
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the per capita level of expenditure on drug-related law enforcement in the (i) UK, (ii) Netherlands and (iii) USA in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [147752]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Precise data on expenditure on drug-related law enforcement are not available. The launch of the Government's drugs strategy, "Tackling Drags to Build a Better Britain" (Cm 3945) in April 1998 included the estimate that total Government expenditure for 1997–98 was in the region of £1.4 billion. Of this, 62 per cent. was estimated to be spent on drug-related law enforcement.

  Comparable information relating to the Netherlands and the USA cannot be provided.

  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were(a) arrested and (b) imprisoned on charges related to cannabis in the (i) UK, (ii) Netherlands and (iii) USA in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [147751]
  77W
  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The requested information is not available centrally.

  Information is not collected centrally on arrests either for drug-related offences or for drug offences such as unlawful possession. Similarly, the number of people actually received into prison on such charges is not collected centrally. The closest information collected on this topic is the number of offenders given sentences of immediate custody by the courts. The latest figure available is for 1998–5,398. Further details are given in Table S2.28 of the Supplementary Tables volume of the Home Office bulletin "Drug Seizure and Offender Statistics, United Kingdom, 1998" a copy of which is in the Library.

  Comparable information relating to the Netherlands and the USA cannot be provided.

  Asylum Support
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which public and private local bodies are always notified by the NASS of the individual addresses of accommodation into which asylum seekers have been placed. [147304]

  Mrs. Roche
  The regional consortia and police authorities in the appropriate dispersal areas are notified by National Asylum Support Service (NASS) on a weekly basis of allocated accommodation addresses. A consolidated list is despatched at the end of each month. In addition, allocated accommodation addresses are routinely notified to the appropriate local health and education authorities when NASS allocates asylum seekers to accommodation in their areas.

  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many units of accommodation procured by the NASS since 1 April 2000 have been procured by the NASS-contracted accommodation providers entering into sub-contracting arrangements with other organisations or individuals. [147302]

  Mrs. Roche
  The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) has entered into contracts for accommodation services with private sector providers, registered social landlords and local authority consortia. It is a feature of all these contracts that accommodation is provided either from providers own housing stock or through sub-contracts. NASS does not maintain records of the number of units provided through sub-contracts. All accommodation is required to comply with NASS contract specification and is inspected to ensure compliance.

  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if NASS allows contracted accommodation providers to place persons who do not form a single household into houses with less than six bed spaces in which all facilities are shared. [147306]

  Mrs. Roche
  National Asylum Support Service (NASS) may allocate persons who do not form a single household to properties with less than six bed spaces in which all facilities are shared. All property used by NASS that is shared by persons who do not form a single househould must comply with houses in multiple occupation registration and licensing schemes wherever they exist.
  78W
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff are allocated to the NASS Performance Monitoring Inspection Team; how many of these staff are engaged in personally inspecting accommodation and support arrangements; and where they are based. [147305]

  Mrs. Roche
  The current staffing level of the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) Performance Monitoring Inspection Team is one Head of Inspections, four Team Leaders, 15 Inspectors and six support staff.

  All staff other than the six support staff are engaged in personally inspecting the accommodation and the support services that contractors are required to provide to NASS service users. At the present time, the Performance Monitoring Inspections Team is based at Quest House in Croydon.

  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many units of accommodation have been procured by NASS since 1 April 2000; and how many asylum seekers have been placed into this accommodation since then. [147303]

  Mrs. Roche
  As at the end of December 2000, 26,7001 units of accommodation were contracted by the National Asylum Support Service (NASS), of which 16,6001 units were allocated to asylum seekers and their dependants.
  1Figures rounded to the nearest 100.

  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what targets have been set for the proportion of asylum seeker accommodation to be inspected by the NASS Performance Monitoring Inspection Team; and if these targets relate to accommodation of a particular bedspace size. [147307]

  Mrs. Roche
  The National Asylum Support Service Performance Monitoring Inspection team has no formal targets for the proportion of asylum seeker accommodation to be inspected; however, regular reviews of the management practices in place at accommodation providers are undertaken together with independent property inspections to ensure that accommodation services are provided to the required standard.

  In addition, all complaints are resolved within a maximum of 28 days. Serious complaints are acted upon immediately.

  Open Prisons
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much was spent in recapturing prisoners who absconded from open prisons in each of the last four years; and if he will make a statement. [147635]

  Mr. Boateng
  This information can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Graffiti
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many arrests have been made in each of the last 10 years of people for criminal damage by graffiti spraying. [147592]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information requested is not collected centrally.
  79W
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many official graffiti sites there are in England and Wales. [147591]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The allocation of sites which can be used for graffiti with permission is a matter for local authorities. Information on the number of such sites is not collected.

  Terrorism
  Mr. Khabra
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to limit the activities of British citizens who receive training in sabotage in the United Kingdom and engage in terrorist activities abroad. [147792]

  Mr. Straw
  The Government are determined that this country should not be used as a base for supporting terrorism in any way, including terrorism in other countries. Under the Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Act 1998, it is already an offence to conspire in this country to commit terrorist acts anywhere overseas. In addition, the Terrorism Act 2000, which is due to come into force shortly, includes provisions, applicable throughout the United Kingdom, which make it an offence to provide weapons training for terrorist purposes, and to recruit for such training. This Act also provides powers to proscribe terrorist organisations, under the conditions specified. The investigation of any alleged criminal activity is, of course, a matter for the police.

  Female Prisoners
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made with research into the age limit for children remaining with mothers serving terms of imprisonment; what the membership of the working group conducting the research is; what the size of the sample used in the research is; what methods are being employed; and when he expects to publish the results. [147468]

  Mr. Boateng
  A pilot study is to be set up which will assess the benefits and drawbacks of children remaining in prison with their mothers beyond the current age limit of 18 months. The anticipated start date of the pilot is 1 June 2001. The Steering Group is chaired jointly by the Head of Prison Service Women's Policy Group and the Operational Manager for Women's Prisons. It includes members from the four prison Mother and Baby Units, Social Services, Social Services Inspectorate, Association of Chief Officers of Probation, Prison Service Health Policy Unit and a number of experts on child health care, including a child psychologist and a child psychiatrist. The Steering Group will decide on the size of the sample, the method of evaluation and the length of the pilot. The results of the pilot will be published on completion.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of women sentenced to immediate imprisonment have no previous convictions; and if he will give a breakdown of the type of offences(a) such women and (b) all women sentenced to imprisonment have committed in the latest year for which figures are available. [147467]
  80W
  Mr. Boateng
  Provisional information shows that in December 2000 there were 628 women in the prison population of England and Wales that had been sentenced to immediate imprisonment.

  Information on the number of women in prison in England and Wales, and which types of crimes they have committed is given in the table. This information is also published in successive volumes of "Prison Statistics England and Wales" (chapter one of the 1999 edition, Cm 4805), copies of which are in the Library.

  Number of women received into prisons throughout England and Wales in 2000 broken down by offence type and custody

  Offence group

  Sentenced women received under immediate custody

  All sentenced imprisoned women

  Violence against the person

  94

  345

  Frauds and forgery

  60

  92

  Theft and handling

  119

  316

  Drug offences

  208

  956

  Sex offences

  9

  23

  Robbery

  26

  155

  Burglary

  23

  112

  Offence not recorded

  36

  Other offences

  53

  158

  Total

  628

  2,205

  Departmental Policies (Slough)
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Slough constituency, the effects on Slough of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [146927]

  Mr. Straw
  The Home Office is working to build a safe, just and tolerant society in which the rights and responsibilities of individuals, families and communities are properly balanced, and the protection and security of the public are maintained. Detailed information on the impact of Home Office policies across the full range of responsibilities is set out in Home Office Annual Reports. A copy of the most recent report, "Home Office Annual Report 1999–2000", is available in the Library.

  The impact of Home Office policies and actions is not normally examined by constituency and the statistics which the Department collects cannot be matched in the way requested, although set out are examples relating to Slough constituency.

  Under the Crime Reduction Programme the following amounts have been awarded to Slough:

  Reducing Burglary: £119,270

  Neighbourhood Wardens Scheme: £179,983

  Closed Circuit Television (CCTV): £140,454

  Schemes
  Reducing Burglary Project—Stoke and Farnham Wards: £119,270.

  The project is part of the Crime Reduction Programme Round 2 burglary initiatives. It is based in the Stoke and Farnham wards in Slough. The area is one of the most deprived in Slough with high unemployment, poor facilities and relatively high crime rates. The wards have a young population and high proportions of minority ethnic groups (Farnham 34 per cent. and Stoke 42 per cent)
  81W
  The project has a lot of partnership working between the police and other agencies and is based around the following interventions.

  Alarms
  200 National Approval Council for Security Systems (NACOSS) approved alarms are to be installed over the lifetime of the project, the intended recipients are those who have experienced burglary. The original project had 100 alarms, but with extra Home Office funding (£39,270) and a sponsorship deal with British Gas, this has improved the quality and quantity of the alarms.
  Improved fencing in the area.
  Improved lighting in agreement with the local authority and Southern Electric. Contracting to improve the lighting in the area has been negotiated.

  Informant Fund
  Work is progressing on developing a good quality informant.
  Neighbourhood Wardens Scheme: £179,983. To improve the quality of life for residents in two deprived estates. Targeted activity will reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour, racial harassment and the fear of crime. This scheme is also looking at ways to link into the Reducing Burglary project.
  CCTV—The Farnham Road Slough: £140,454. This covers the second largest shopping area in Slough and associated car parks.

  Slough is part of the Thames Valley Police bid for arrest referral. Thames Valley police were awarded £624,278 from March 2000 to March 2002 of which £188,750 is being allocated to a scheme in Slough. This award is to fund an arrest referral worker and contributing to the treatment of those referred by the scheme. Slough has one custody suite with one arrest referral worker. Thames Valley police are matching the Home Office funding. There is also a contribution from Slough Council.

  Slough already had a successful arrest referral scheme in existence from November 1999. This was a partnership arrangement between SMART (Substance Misuse Arrest Referral Team), Thames Valley police and Slough Council—an arrangement that continues with Joint Funding Initiative. SMART Criminal Justice services is a registered charity specialising in working with drug related offenders at various points of the criminal justice process. It was set up in 1996 in direct response to the Government's drugs strategy—"Tackling Drugs to Build a better Britain".

  More generally, all of the policies of the Home Office will impact on the residents of Slough to a greater or lesser extent. For example:
  376 Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships have been established including one covering the Slough Unitary Authority which has undertaken an audit of the levels of crime in Slough and developed a strategy to reduce them;
  155 Youth Offending Teams have been set up across the country including one in Slough. They are a key part of the Government's radical reform of the youth justice system which also includes a range of new penalties which make young offenders face up to the consequences of their offending behaviour and make reparation to the victims of their crimes;
  racial harassment and racially motivated crimes have been made criminal offences by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998;
  the asylum backlog has been cut from 103,495 in January 2000 to 69,870 by the end of November 2000; and good progress is being made in reducing the incidence of fire related deaths in the home. They have dropped from 605 in 1997 to 534 in 1999.
  82W

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Winter Fuel Payment
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the timetable for payment of the winter fuel allowance. [145974]

  Mr. Rooker
  Our aim is to make sure that this winter elderly people do not worry about turning up their heating in cold weather. As promised, the vast majority of payments were made to elderly households before Christmas.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the number of eligible pensioners whose Winter Fuel Payments in the current financial year(a) were delayed and (b) have not been paid. [145991]

  Mr. Rooker
  As promised, for this winter the vast majority of Winter Fuel Payments were automatically made before Christmas to those found to be entitled.

  For those who need to claim the payment, this will be paid once entitlement has been established.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action he will take to ensure that people aged 60 years and over will be given prior notification of the £50 reduction in this year's Winter Fuel Payment. [146354]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Winter Fuel Payment which the hon. Member opposes has proved to be extremely popular. We shall announce our proposals for this winter in due course.

  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much it would cost to extend the annual Winter Fuel Payments to those aged under 60 years who receive the middle or higher rates of Disability Living Allowance; and if he will make a statement. [146738]

  Mr. Rooker
  The estimated cost of my hon. Friend's suggestion is £150 million, each year.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the(a) number and (b) percentage of (i) male and (ii) female pensioners that would be at a financial disadvantage if the winter fuel allowance and the free television licence for over-75-year-olds was consolidated in the State Pension. [145524]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 15 January 2001]: We estimate that at least 5.8 million (or 55 per cent. of) pensioners would be at a financial disadvantage. The figure breaks down to 2.2 million (or 56 per cent. of) men, and 3.6 million (or 54 per cent. of) women.

  The 5.8 million includes 3.6 million poorer pensioners claiming one or more income-related benefits (Income Support, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit).

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the total cost of the Winter Fuel Payments scheme in 2000–01 will be; what would be the total additional costs of making these payments to all households eligible for Social Fund cold weather payments; and if he will make a statement. [147814]

  Mr. Rooker
  The total cost of the Winter Fuel Payment scheme in 2000–01 is expected to be around £1.7 billion.
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  The estimated additional costs of making this winter's payment to all households eligible for Social Fund Cold Weather Payments would be around £300 million.

  Note:

  Figures rounded to the nearest £5 million.

  Poverty
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the current level of poverty in Great Britain. [145977]

  Mr. Bayley
  Our assessment of current levels of poverty is set out in our second annual "Opportunity for All" report, alongside the progress we are making. For example, there are now a million more people in jobs than in 1997.

  Unemployment in Wiltshire has fallen by over 50 per cent. since May 1997 and long-term youth unemployment (six months plus) has fallen by over 80 per cent.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of poverty, low pay and other indices of deprivation in the eastern region; and if he will make a statement. [145982]

  Mr. Bayley
  The national strategy to tackle poverty and social exclusion is outlined in the first and second "Opportunity for All" reports. A central part of that strategy is to focus in on communities and areas that require particular help.

  Fraud
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to reduce fraud in the social security system. [145984]

  Mr. Rooker
  After years of neglect, we are getting to grips with Social Security fraud. We have set ourselves firm targets to reduce the losses from fraud and error in Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance by 25 per cent. by March 2004, and 50 per cent. by March 2006.

  We are implementing a strategy to tighten up the system and make sure that, from the very first claim, the right benefits are going to the right people at the right time. For example, we have implemented tighter checks on new Income Support claimants, and given local authorities an additional £100 million to help them make tougher identity checks on claimants before payments are made. We are also cross-checking DSS records with information from other Government Departments and have allowed all local councils to have access to electronic data from the Benefits Agency.

  These are just some of the measures that have already started to make a significant reduction in fraud and error. These will be further strengthened by the new measures proposed in the Fraud Bill currently before Parliament.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if local authority employees in charge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit fraud investigations may investigate cases where there is suspicion of related Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance fraud. [146342]
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  Mr. Rooker
  We are working in partnership with local authorities in the prevention, detection and deterrence of benefit fraud. Suspected fraud cases in which Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit and Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance are in payment are investigated by whichever investigator, from the Department or the Local Authority, first discovers the fraud.

  Stakeholder Pensions
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to remind employers of their obligations to inform their employees about the new stakeholder pensions. [145985]

  Mr. Rooker
  We have sent a guide to all employers with five or more employees and articles have been included in Inland Revenue newsletters which have been sent to all employers.

  We will continue to publicise the requirements using further editions of the Inland Revenue newsletter and articles in various trade magazines.

  In addition to our own activities, pension providers will be marketing stakeholder pensions to employers.

  Miss Mclntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received about the impact of the recent developments at Equitable Life on the take-up of stakeholder pensions; and if he will make a statement. [145980]

  Mr. Rooker
  People are naturally concerned about the Equitable Life affair and have made representations about the effect that it might have on their pension savings.

  We do not expect that there will be a significant effect on the take up of stakeholder pensions.

  Disabled People
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what support his Department is giving to help those with disabilities to return to work. [145986]

  Mr. Browne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement about his Department's involvement in the new deal for disabled people. [145983]

  Mr. Bayley
  We are committed to helping disabled people who want to work, to do so. The New Deal for Disabled People is a joint initiative of the Department of Social Security and the Department for Education and Employment.

  We are setting up a national network of Job Brokers to explore ways of giving those on incapacity benefits the support, guidance and preparation they need to find paid work and move off benefit dependence.

  We are also starting job retention and rehabilitation pilots to help people who become ill in work. These pilots will test the effectiveness of early work-focused help, involving health, social security, employment and other services.

  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the opportunities available to disabled people who are in
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  receipt of (a) Severe Disability Allowance, (b) Income Support and (c) both, to make appropriate provision for their retirement. [146737]

  Mr. Bayley
  Up to now, disabled people whose working lives have been interrupted lose the opportunity to contribute to a pension scheme as well as the opportunity to work and are often therefore unable to build up a decent pension for retirement. That is one of the main reasons we are reforming the State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme (SERPS) with the State Second Pension.

  People getting Severe Disablement Allowance, and those on Income Support with an underlying entitlement to long-term Incapacity Benefit, will be able to build up entitlement to State Second Pension provided at state pension age they have worked and paid (or have been treated as having paid) Class 1 employee National Insurance contributions for at least one tenth of their working life since 1978 (when SERPS was introduced).

  Every qualifying year will be worth £1 a week additional pension at today's rates.

  In addition, the majority of these people are likely to qualify for top-up payments through the Pension Credit, on which the Government are now consulting.

  Those disabled people unable to qualify for State Second Pension may benefit from the Minimum Income Guarantee from age 60.

  Child Support
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it a requirement for both parents in disputed cases before the Child Support Agency to take a second independent test if either party requests it. [145987]

  Angela Eagle
  The CSA can offer a DNA test to help resolve the issue of disputed parentage but it cannot force any parent to take a test. If either parent does not accept a test result, they may apply to the courts for a declaration of parentage.

  From 31 January this year, the CSA will be allowed to make and enforce a maintenance assessment against the person named by the parent with care as the child's parent if that person refuses to take a DNA test. If the non-resident parent continues to dispute parentage, it is up to him to take the test, or to apply to the courts for a declaration of parentage which will be binding on the Agency.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will complete his investigation into the complaint lodged by Ms Nancy Bath of Paignton, Devon against the Child Support Agency; and if he will make a statement concerning the reason for the delays in the Independent Case Examiner beginning an investigation into the complaint and the Plymouth CSA collating the papers required. [147299]

  Angela Eagle
  The current clearance times for cases in the office of the Independent Case Examiner's office is 29 weeks in total. There are currently 227 cases awaiting investigation. Cases referred currently wait around 11 weeks on average for an investigation to begin.
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  The information requested about Nancy Bath is confidential. My noble Friend the Baroness Hollis of Heigham will write to the hon. Member separately about the issues raised relating to Ms Bath's case.

  New Deal for 50 Plus
  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what projections he has made of benefits savings as a consequence of the New Deal for 50 plus. [145988]

  Angela Eagle
  We are committed to the principal of extending opportunity for all to everyone regardless of age, and tackling age discrimination in the workplace. New Deal 50 plus has already helped nearly 25,000 people aged over 50 back into work.

  It is known that the economic cost of the drop in work rates among the over 50s since 1979 is high. It has been estimated that about £16 billion a year in GDP is lost and it costs £3–5 billion in extra benefits and lost taxes. Savings in benefit payments from the New Deal 50 plus have not yet been established.

  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he has taken to evaluate the performance of the New Deal for 50 plus programme. [145996]

  Angela Eagle
  In the first nine months of the programme nearly 25,000 people got back into work through the New Deal 50 plus.

  Evaluation of New Deal 50 plus is currently under way to test the design and delivery of the programme. This will be published later this year. The evaluation includes a mix of quantitative and qualitative work with participants as well as some qualitative research with New Deal personal advisers and Benefits Agency staff.

  Evaluation of the pathfinder areas has already been carried out and a report published. Participants' initial impressions of the programme were very positive. Views about the Employment Credit, a key element of the New Deal 50 plus package, were generally very positive, and it was unanimously seen as an incentive to take up work.

  Ms Dari Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what discussions he has had with voluntary organisations about the New Deal for 50 plus. [145968]

  Angela Eagle
  Our New Deal for those aged over 50 has helped nearly 25,000 people move into jobs in the first nine months of national operation. The Department for Education and Employment has developed links with a number of voluntary organisations in order to promote this New Deal and to harness their experience and expertise.

  Earnings Disregard
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if it is his policy to increase the present levels of earnings disregards in income-related benefits. [145989]

  Angela Eagle
  From April 2001 we are increasing the higher rate disregard in the income-related benefits, for lone parents, disabled people and other special groups, from £15 to £20 a week (other than for those lone parents
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  receiving Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit who are already eligible for a disregard of £25 a week). This will benefit over 55,000 people.

  We are focusing help on people for whom full-time work may not be an immediate option, to help them keep in touch with the labour market through part-time work.

  We also want all children, including those in families on Income Support, to benefit directly from child maintenance paid. As part of the child support reforms we will therefore introduce further changes to enable parents with care on Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance (Income Based) to keep up to £10 a week of any child maintenance paid.

  Children
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what has been the change in benefits for children in(a) single parent and (b) two-parent families since 1997. [145990]

  Angela Eagle
  A lone parent family on Income Support, with two children aged under 11, are nearly £25 a week better off as a result of measures announced this Parliament. A two-parent family with the same aged children are nearly £30 a week better off.

  Benefits Agency Staff
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on his policy on Benefits Agency staff giving advice to applicants and claimants relating to benefits to which they may be entitled. [145994]

  Angela Eagle
  We are committed to improving access to benefit information for customers and to ensuring that they get the right information through a choice of communication methods. We are currently running the Minimum Income Guarantee take up campaign—the first time any Government has actively encouraged those who are eligible to claim their entitlements.

  As published in the Benefits Agency Customer Charter, Benefits Agency staff are required to provide advice and information that is accurate, clear, full and helpful.

  Child Poverty
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proposals he has to increase the income of the parents of children living in poverty. [145995]

  Mr. Bayley
  Measures announced this Parliament mean that all families with children will be on average over £15 a week better off, and the poorest will gain by nearly twice as much.

  Pensioners
  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the total spending of his Department on pensioners. [145961]

  Mr. Rooker
  This year we will be spending around £4 ½ billion a year extra in real terms on pensioners as a result of policies under this Government, rising to over £5 billion in 2002–03.
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  New Deal for Disabled People
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what discussions he has had with employers' organisations about his Department's involvement with the New Deal for disabled people. [145967]

  Mr. Bayley
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Erewash, (Liz Blackman) today,Official Report, column 15.

  Pensioners (Chorley)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners in Chorley will receive the increase in the basic State Pension outlined in the Chancellor's pre-Budget report. [145975]

  Mr. Rooker
  As at 31 March 2000 (the latest date for which figures are available) there were around 15,000 pensioners receiving the State Pension in the parliamentary constituency of Chorley. They will benefit from an increase in the pension this April and next, as announced in the Chancellor's pre-Budget report.

  Homeless People
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he will take to help local authorities with the increased costs of housing homeless people. [148037]

  Angela Eagle
  The non-HRA rent rebate thresholds and subsidy caps have not kept pace with increases in the costs of temporary accommodation in the private rented sector over recent years. Increasing these thresholds will help local authorities in housing those granted asylum and other homeless persons. This will cost around £25 million.

  The effect of this increase will be that the non-HRA rent rebate threshold in London will be increased, from April 2001, by £50 to £200, and the subsidy cap increased by £120 to £300, with corresponding percentage increases elsewhere.

  Social Security Budget
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of national income the social security budget represents in the 2000–01 financial year. [145965]

  Mr. Darling
  Social Security benefit expenditure is expected to amount to just over 11 per cent. in 2000–01 compared with 12 per cent. in 1996–97. Social Security spending this Parliament is now running at its lowest rate since the second world war.

  Household Incomes
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the largest margin of uncertainty which applies to estimates within his most recent Households Below Average Income publication which do not appear within brackets. [146314]

  Mr. Bayley
  Estimates of the margin of uncertainty due to the choice of equivalence scales and sampling error can be found in appendices 4 and 5 of "Households Below Average Income 1994–95 to 1998–99". Copies of the publication are held in the Library. It should be noted that
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  estimates are also subject to other non-sampling errors, such as non-response, whose magnitude it is not possible to quantify.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the number of individuals living in households below half average income in the first quarter of the most recent financial year for which he has constructed a data set, according to the Households Below Average Income methodology. [146315]

  Mr. Bayley
  It is not possible to produce robust Households Below Average Income (HBAI) statistics on a quarterly basis.

  Motability
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people were(a) on Motability's waiting list and (b) waiting to terminate a vehicle in favour of a suitable wheelchair accessible solution in each year since the charity was founded. [146347]

  Mr. Bayley
  There has never been a waiting list for the Motability scheme.

  Income Support
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for what reason the estimate of entitled non-recipients of Income Support for the over-60s for the year 1997–98 published in the revised edition of "Income Related Benefits Estimates of take-up in 1996–97" was different to the estimate for 1997–98 published in "Income Related Benefits Estimates of take-up in 1998–99". [146344]

  Mr. Rooker
  The relevant information is available in "Income Related Benefits Estimates of take-up in 1998–99" (pages 5, 13, 45 and 46), a copy of which is available in the Library.

  Retirement (Women)
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action he is taking to ensure that women born after 1955 are informed of the forthcoming increase in retirement age. [146348]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Pensions Act 1995 affects all women born after 5 April 1950. Between 2010–20 women's state pension age will rise gradually from 60 to 65. Publicity for this change started under the previous administration.

  We have taken action to inform women of the changes through leaflets and in the letters from the Department forecasting State Pension entitlement and displays in local BA offices. We have publicised the changes through advertising features in women's and general interest magazines. A national newspaper and magazine advert on the issue is due to feature in March as part of the wider pensions education marketing campaign. Also there is an interactive table on the Internet at www.pensionguide.gov.uk where a woman can type in her date of birth and learn the date she reaches State Pension age.

  The Department will periodically review the effectiveness of the approach.
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  Pensioner Mailshot Project
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the cost will be of the Pensioner Mailshot Project; what its purpose is; and for what reasons it is not intended to prompt pensioners to contact their local Social Security office. [146623]

  Mr. Darling
  The Department will shortly be writing to all pensioner households to inform them of the plans we announced to the House on 29 November 2000 for the amount of State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme (SERPS) that widows or widowers can inherit from their spouse.

  In the course of consultation last year, a number of organisations including the select committees of the House asked us to explore the possibility of writing directly to the public about this subject.

  The plans we announced in November mean that no current pensioner will now be affected by the changes to the inherited SERPS rules originally legislated for in 1986.

  The letter is designed to ensure that all pensioners are aware of these new arrangements and that the change will be effected automatically; so there is no need for them to make any special claim or to contact their local Social Security office for this purpose. Of course they are always able to contact the Benefits Agency over any query about their pension entitlement.

  For workload reasons the mailing will take place on a phased basis over the next two months.

  The cost of the exercise is estimated at £2.5 million. The text of the letter is as follows.

  Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss or Mr and Mrs
  I am writing to let you know about a recent Government announcement on inheriting SERPS.
  As well as your basic state pension, you may also get a State Earnings Related Pension (SERPS) if you, or your husband or wife, paid into the scheme when working. You may also know this as "additional pension". In 1986 the law was changed to reduce the amount of SERPS that people widowed after 5 April 2000 could inherit from their husbands or wives.
  However, it became clear that for many years after 1986 some people were given incorrect or misleading information about the change and so the Government recently announced new plans for how much SERPS can be passed on to a widow or widower, when the person who has contributed to the scheme dies.

  Under these new plans there will be no change to the current arrangements for the following people.

  Those who are already widowed now and are receiving a SERPS pension.

  Those who are not widows or widowers now, but whose husbands or wives die between now and 5 October 2002.

  Parliament is also being asked to approve plans, which would mean there would also be no change for people who are widowed on or after 6 October 2002 but whose late husband or wife reached state pension age on or before 5 October 2002.

  If you fall into one of the groups above, you do not need to do anything now or make any special claim in future.
  You can read more about other help and services available to pensioners and how to find them in a new guide for pensioners and from Benefits Agency offices. You will be able to find the local office address and telephone number in the telephone directory. The guide will be available soon, so look out for it in

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  places like your local social security offices, citizens advice bureau or library. If you have access to the Internet, you can also visit our website on www.dss.gov.uk
  Keep us up to date
  In future, we want to be able to write to you from time to time to keep you up to date. So we need to have up-to-date details of your address. So, if this letter has had to be redirected to reach you, please fill in the attached change of address form and send it back to us in the enclosed envelope. There's no need for a stamp. Or if you move house, please let us know as soon as possible.
  Yours sincerely
  Paul Gray
  Director of Pensions

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the cost of restoring Jobseeker's Allowance to those employed on term-time only contracts. [147153]

  Angela Eagle
  Entitlement to Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) or Income Support (IS) is dependent on, among other things, a person's pattern of employment and their hours of work.

  The current legal position is that those term-time workers with an ongoing contract of employment, who are not entitled to JSA or IS during term-time because of the hours they work, are also not entitled to JSA or IS during the school holidays. This position, which reflects the original intention of the legislation when JSA was introduced in 1996, was confirmed by the Court of Appeal in October 1999 following a series of contradictory decisions by Commissioners. The retrospective effect of the Court of Appeal decision means that there was never any entitlement to JSA during the school holidays for this group of ancillary or term-time workers. Leave to appeal to the House of Lords against the Court of Appeal decision was granted and we understand that the hearing has been listed for 21 March.

  We have no accurate data on which to base a reliable estimate of the cost of extending entitlement to JSA or IS to all those employed on term-time only contracts. Term-time workers with low incomes may claim in-work benefits such as Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. Those with children may also be entitled to the Working Families Tax Credit.

  War Pensions
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for what reason a decision on a constituent's claim for a War Disablement Pension, reference AB501819C with the War Pensions Agency, has been delayed; when the final decision will be notified; and if he will make a statement. [146635]

  Mr. Bayley
  The administration of War Pensions is a matter for the Chief Executive of the War Pensions Agency, Gordon Hextall. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Gordon Hextall to Mr. Paul Keetch, dated 29 January 2001:

  This Parliamentary Question asked why there has been a delay in making a decision on a claim for War Disablement Pension, reference AB 501819C, and when that decision will be notified.

  As individual cases are a confidential matter, I will write to the hon. Member privately.
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  Council Tax (Pensioners)
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of pensioner households paid more than 10 per cent. of their household income in council tax in(a) 1999–2000 and (b) 1998–99. [147827]

  Mr. Rooker
  The requested information is not available for 1999–2000. The information for 1998–99 is as follows.

  It is estimated that 6 per cent. of pensioner households were liable to pay more than 10 per cent. of their gross income in council tax after Council Tax Benefit has been taken into account.

  Notes:

  1. Pensioner households are defined as any household containing a single person over state pension age (65 for men and 65 for women) or a couple (married or cohabiting) where the man is over state pension age.

  2. Estimates "after taking account of Council Tax Benefit" use gross (pre-tax) income excluding Council Tax Benefit/rebates, and use council tax liability net of discounts and net of Council Tax Benefit/rebate.

  3. Gross (pre-tax) income and council tax payments have been estimated at the household level. Therefore amounts will include income /payments from all (if any) non-pensioners living in the household.

  Source:

  Family Resources Survey 1998–99.

  Down's Syndrome
  Mr. Bos well
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what response he has sent to recent representations from the Down's Syndrome Association in connection with the entitlement to disability allowance of young children with that condition. [147156]

  Mr. Bayley
  I have recently received a copy of a report published by the Downs Syndrome Association on 22 January 2001 along with a covering letter from the Chief Executive of the Downs Syndrome Association. Today I will place a copy of my response to the Chief Executive of the Downs Syndrome Association in the Library.

  Minimum Income Guarantee
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in Slough are claiming the Minimum Income Guarantee. [147747]

  Mr. Rooker
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave her on 25 January 2001,Official Report, column 682W.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list(a) the number of Housing Benefit claimants, (b) the average amount paid, (c) the administrative cost of each claim and (d) the average number of cases not processed in Islington in each of the last five years. [144520]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 9 January 2001]: The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the tables. Information is not collected centrally on the number of cases not processed.
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  Average Housing Benefit caseload and benefit paid by the London Borough of Islington

  Year

  Housing Benefit caseload

  Average Weekly amount of Housing Benefit (£)

  1995–96

  33,930

  55.40

  1996–97

  33,030

  56.80

  1997–98

  33,130

  57.80

  1998–99

  32,580

  58.90

  1999–2000

  28,350

  58.90

  Source:

  Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Management Information System Quarterly 100 per cent. caseload stock-count taken from May 1995 to August 2000.

  Housing Benefit administrative costs in by the London Borough of Islington

  Year

  Reported annual expenditure Housing Benefit adiministration (£)

  Housing Benefit caseload

  Average cost per case(£)

  1995–96

  2,733

  33,930

  81

  1996–97

  2,470

  33,030

  75

  1997–98

  3,814

  33,130

  115

  1998–99

  1,586

  32,580

  49

  Notes:

  1. The data refer to households, which may be a single person, a couple or a family.

  2. The caseload for each year has been calculated by averaging the four quarters in the financial year.

  3. Caseload figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 cases and the average weekly amounts have been rounded to the nearest 10 pence.

  4. The figures for administrative costs are the cost per case using the authority's total expenditure on administration costs, as reported by the authority to the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions, and the total Housing Benefit caseload.

  5. The figure for annual expenditure in 1998–99 replaces the previously reported figure.

  Miners' Compensation
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the number of cases being dealt with by his Department in regard to miners' compensation claims. [145993]

  Mr. Bayley
  To date, the DSS has been asked for— and has provided—information on around 30,000 cases.
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  The DSS is working very closely with the Department of Trade and Industry on administrative changes to speed up the process. I refer my hon. Friend to the written answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney (Mr. Rowlands) on 26 January 2001, Official Report, column 729W.

  Energy Payments
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many arrangements(a) are and (b) were in each of the last five years in place to deduct gas and electricity payments from Income Support and income-based Jobseeker's Allowance; and if he will make a statement. [147813]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is in the tables.

  Deductions from Income Support for gas and electricity, August 1996 to August 2000

  Thousand

  Year

  All cases

  Gas only

  Electricity and gas

  1996

  168.4

  27.0

  121.1

  20.2

  1997

  137.6

  23.7

  98.1

  15.8

  1998

  99.2

  20.2

  67.7

  11.4

  1999

  71.9

  18.9

  44.7

  8.3

  2000

  60.4

  17.0

  35.8

  7.6

  Deductions from income-based Jobseeker's Allowance for gas and electricity, August 1997 to August 2000

  Thousand

  Year

  All cases

  Electric Only

  Gas only

  Electricity and gas

  1997

  15.4

  3.0

  11.1

  1.4

  1998

  10.3

  2.7

  6.7

  1.0

  1999

  5.6

  1.8

  3.4

  0.5

  2000

  3.5

  1.2

  2.1

  0.2

  Notes:

  1.Figures are based on a 5 per cent. sample records, taken at August each year, and are therefore subject to a degree of sampling error.

  2.Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred and shown in thousands.

  3.Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance replaced Income Support for the unemployed in October 1996.

  Source:

  Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiries, August 1996 to August 2000.

  Jobseeker's Allowance Quarterly Statistical Enquiries, August 1997 to August 2000

  European Security and Defence Policy: English Translation
  European Security and Defence Policy: English Translation
  Depleted Uranium
  Depleted Uranium
  Sierra Leone Army: Training Programme
  Sierra Leone Army: Training Programme
  NATO
  NATO
  WEU Satellite Centre
  WEU Satellite Centre
  Employment Opportunities
  Employment Opportunities
  Jean Monnet Chairs and Centres
  Jean Monnet Chairs and Centres
  Eurostar: Carriage of Pets
  Eurostar: Carriage of Pets
  Methane
  Methane
  Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000: Regulations
  Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000: Regulations
  Written Answer Content: Policy
  Written Answer Content: Policy
  Northern Ireland: Nominations to Public Appointments
  Northern Ireland: Nominations to Public Appointments
  Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
  Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
  Millennium Dome
  Millennium Dome
  Cigarette Manufacturers: Secondments to Government Departments
  Cigarette Manufacturers: Secondments to Government Departments
  European Movement: European Commission Grant
  European Movement: European Commission Grant
  Manufacturing Employment since 1995
  Manufacturing Employment since 1995
  Congo: Support for National Dialogue
  Congo: Support for National Dialogue
  Amsterdam Treaty: Enhanced Co-operation Measures
  Amsterdam Treaty: Enhanced Co-operation Measures
  Small Arms and Light Weapons: UN Conference
  Small Arms and Light Weapons: UN Conference
  Vehicle Manufacture, Export and Import Statistics Since 1995
  Vehicle Manufacture, Export and Import Statistics Since 1995
  Steel Manufacturing, Export and Import Statistics 1995
  Steel Manufacturing, Export and Import Statistics 1995
  Water Fluoridation
  Water Fluoridation
  GPs: Retirement Forecast
  GPs: Retirement Forecast
  Haemophilia Patients and vCJD in Blood Products
  Haemophilia Patients and vCJD in Blood Products
  Diamorphine
  Diamorphine
  Sexual Health and HIV Strategy
  Sexual Health and HIV Strategy
  Smoking-related Diseases: Treatment Costs
  Smoking-related Diseases: Treatment Costs
  Community Health Councils: Funding
  Community Health Councils: Funding
  Zimbabwe: DfID Funding
  Zimbabwe: DfID Funding