Written Answers of 26 June 2001

PRIME MINISTER

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the Special Advisers with executive responsibilities under the Civil Service Order in Council; and if he will make a statement. [763]

  The Prime Minister
  Jonathan Powell and Alastair Campbell have executive powers under article 3(3) of the Civil Service Order in Council.

  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to amend the terms and conditions of employment for Special Advisers; and if he will make a statement. [301]

  The Prime Minister
  In its response to the Sixth Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, the Government committed themselves to a new Code of Conduct for Special Advisers and a revised Model Contract. The new Code and Contract apply to all appointments of Special Advisers made after the election. Both documents will be published shortly.

TRANSPORT, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND THE REGIONS

  Green Belt
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what measures he is proposing to take to ensure that green belt areas are not used for further housing developments; and if he will make a statement. [36]

  Ms Keeble
  Planning Policy Guidance note 2—Green Belts—already recommends that local authorities' development plans should include a strict presumption against inappropriate development in the green belt. This includes most types of housebuilding.

  Floodplains
  Mr. Damian Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how long PPG 25 has been out for consultation; and when definitive planning guidance on floodplain development is to be published. [806]

  Ms Keeble
  The initial draft of PPG 25 was published in April 2000. Following the autumn floods and the examination by the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee, a revised draft was published in February 2001. The final PPG is expected to be published in July.

  Gibraltar
  Andrew Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he will introduce legislation to extend the European franchise to the people of Gibraltar. [422]

  Mr. Jamieson
  [holding answer 25 June 2001]: The UK is committed to fulfilling its obligation to give effect to the Matthews judgment. We will do everything in our power to ensure that Gibraltarians can vote in the next European Parliamentary elections in 2004.

  SRB-funded Housing
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the target was for SRB-funded housing units between 1997 and 2001; and what outputs were achieved for SRB-funded housing units in this period. [831]

  Ms Keeble
  Between April 1997 and March 2000, the number of dwellings completed or improved with support from the Single Regeneration Budget was 115,343 forecast and 152,753 achieved.

  Output figures for 2000–01 will be collected centrally towards the end of 2001. Forecast and actual figures are total outputs from SRB schemes—that is, they include outputs from all funding sources. Forecast outputs may change as we agree and update delivery plans with partnerships each year.

  Departmental Title Change Costs
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the expenditure incurred in introducing the title of his Department. [395]

  Dr. Whitehead
  My Department's costs have been very low as it makes extensive use of electronic templates, keeps low stocks of stationery and generally uses out of date stationery for purposes such as internal photocopying and notepads.

  Costs incurred so far amount to £25,250, for changes to the logo templates, building signage, website and stationery for the central Department. This figure includes VAT. There may be some further minimal expenditure on building signs.

DEFENCE

  MOD Police Agency
  Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what Key Targets have been set for the Ministry of Defence Police Agency for the financial year 2001–02. [1166]

  Dr. Moonie
  The following Key Targets have been set for the Ministry of Defence Police Agency:

  Key Target 1

  To achieve at least 60 per cent. patrol activity from those officers devoted to patrolling.

  Key Target 2

  To achieve a crime solving rate of at least 38 per cent.
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  Key Target 3

  By 31 March 2002, to have developed a methodology, and associated targets, for measuring the MDPs contribution to security measures at those Defence establishments where it has a presence.

  Key Target 4

  By 31 March 2002, to produce a methodology to assess the quality and consistency of service delivery to customers of the Area Policing Teams and establish a baseline figure, which can inform the setting of targets in future years.

  Key Target 5

  To extend the efficiency index in respect of the business areas of Firearms, Marine Policing and Dog Handling, previously piloted in one OCU, to the remainder of the Force, setting baseline figures for future years of improvement.

  Key Target 6

  By 31 March 2002, to have implemented a Force Diversity Strategy, and within the overall recruitment to the Force to have recruited 20 per cent. women and 3 per cent. from minority ethnic communities.

  Key Target 7

  (a) In England and Wales to submit at least 95 per cent. of prosecution files to the CPS within the timescales set out in the Manual of Guidance.

  (b) Submission of 80 per cent. of all Scottish crime/prosecution files to the Procurator Fiscal within a maximum of eight weeks of the offence being reported.

  (c) To match and if possible exceed the average performance of Home Department Forces for the Proportion of Prosecution files rated by the CPS as 'sufficient to proceed' or better.

  Defence Diversification Agency
  Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what decision has been taken on the future of the Defence Diversification Agency following the recent period of consultation. [1167]

  Dr. Moonie
  We have been greatly encouraged by the response to the consultation on the future of the Defence Diversification Agency (DDA) and were particularly pleased by the many words of encouragement and support for the agency and its work. We continue to support a strong UK defence industry and recognise fully the significant role it plays in our wider industrial base. It was for these reasons we set up the DDA with three key aims: to extend technology and expertise within the defence sector to civilian use; to foster partnerships and joint development programmes, recognising that the civil sector has much of potential benefit to defence; and to inform and assist the defence industry's own diversification planning.

  We intend that the DDA should continue to be a highly effective technology broker and achieve its aims in support of our overall defence diversification strategy. We believe that to do this successfully, the DDA must remain part of the defence community. But it cannot remain as part of the Defence Evaluation Research Agency (DERA) as now because of the planned public-private partnership. MOD's strategy of putting an increasing proportion of its research work outside of QinetiQ (as the new company will be known) and the Defence Scientific and Technology Laboratory (Dstl; the retained part of DERA) means that DDA would, in the longer term, be poorly
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  placed if wholly located in either. There is also the need to ensure commercial confidentiality and fairness to all defence research suppliers.

  We have decided to bring the DDA into the Ministry of Defence head office. Existing DDA technology development managers will be transferred in their current locations to QinetiQ and Dstl. This recognises that QinetiQ and Dstl will remain our major suppliers of defence research for some time and, importantly, this option commanded the highest level of support from the DDA staff themselves. It will also have the benefit of allowing us to retain DDA's existing regional structure and thus ensuring that the existing close links are maintained with both the defence technology base and local business communities.

  Once we have experience of how the DDA will operate in practice under the new structure, we will proceed with determining the appropriate composition and terms of reference for the Defence Diversification Council.

  Overseas Recruitment
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the overseas recruitment missions that have taken place over the last six months and which are planned over the next year, indicating in each case(a) the country (i) visited and (ii) to be visited, (b) the number of overseas nationals (i) recruited and (ii) expected to be recruited and (c) the cost of the mission; and if he will make a statement. [228]

  Mr. Ingram
  Recruits to the UK armed forces must be British or Commonwealth citizens or Republic of Ireland nationals. Overseas recruitment missions are limited to those locations where numbers of expected applicants justify the effort.

  A visit to St. Helena, which has generated some 40 applicants in each of the last two years, is currently taking place. Costs are not yet available.

  An Army visit is being planned for later in the year to St. Lucia, from where 1,400 applications have been received. The cost of the visit is estimated at around £100,000.

  No other recruiting visits have taken place in the last six months or are currently planned in the next 12 months.

  World Cup 2006 Bid
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what requests were received by his Department regarding the use of Ministry of Defence vehicles during the bid to host the 2006 World Cup; [130]

  (2) what use was made, and at what cost to public funds, of Ministry of Defence vehicles during the bid to host the 2006 World Cup. [129]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 25 June 2001]: In mid-1999, the Ministry of Defence received a request from the FA World Cup 2006 Campaign Manager for the use of 32 (The Royal) Squadron aircraft to transport members of the FIFA Inspection Delegation Team for World Cup 2006 to various football grounds and airfields during their inspection of facilities, scheduled for October 1999.
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  Between 22 October 1999 and 25 October 1999, members of the FIFA Inspection Delegation Team for World Cup 2006 used aircraft of 32 (The Royal) Squadron for approximately 19 hours at a cost of £22,957.

  Similarly, between 24 April 2000 and 10 June 2000, members of the FIFA Executive Committee used aircraft of 32 (The Royal) Squadron for approximately 17 hours at a cost of £60,879.

  In each case, the costs were initially met by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, which was subsequently reimbursed in full by the Football Association Campaign Team. There was therefore no cost incurred by public funds, save minimal invoicing and administrative costs.

TREASURY

  Independent Insurance Company
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what discussions his Department has had with the Financial Services Authority during the past year about the publication of negative levels of cash flow and rising profits at Independent Insurance Company; [403]

  (2) what discussions the Financial Services Authority has had with KPMG about (a) their role as external auditors of Independent Insurance Company and (b) their assessment of the adequacy of Independent Insurance Company's reserves; [402]

  (3) if he will make a statement on the Serious Fraud Office's investigation into the Independent Insurance Company; [401]

  (4) what regulations he proposes to instigate through the Financial Services Authority to ensure that all claims against an insurance company are properly entered into the company's accounting system; [420]

  (5) on what dates officials from the Financial Services Authority met Mr. Michael Bright in his capacity as chief executive of Independent Insurance Company during the past 12 months; and what matters were discussed. [404]

  Ruth Kelly
  I understand that, following a referral on 18 June 2001 by the Financial Services Authority, the Director of the Serious Fraud Office has decided to investigate the affairs of the Independent Insurance Company Ltd.

  It would be inappropriate for me to comment while there is an investigation in progress.

  Company Cars
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received on the taxation of company cars; and what recent assessment he has made of the impact of taxation on company car use.[31]

  Mr. Boateng
  The new CO2 emissions-based system of company car tax comes into effect from April 2002. It has been the subject of extensive consultation since proposals were first announced in Budget 1999. The Inland Revenue has received few recent representations.
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  The new system will provide an incentive to use cleaner cars. Extensive evaluation is planned through analysis of Inland Revenue data and by surveys of employers and employees.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Gambling Legislation
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to reform gambling legislation; and if she will make a statement. [781]

  Mr. Caborn
  The Government announced an Independent Review of the law on gambling on 8 December 1999,Official Report, column 534W, and the Review Body's term of reference on 16 February 2000, Official Report, column 537W. We expect to receive its report shortly. We will give it careful consideration before deciding what changes to make to the legislation.

  We will also take account of this report when we consider how to progress the regulatory reform proposals for modernising the methods of payment in gaming machines which were set out in a Home Office consultation paper in March 2001, and the proposals for changes to the law on bingo clubs which were considered in the last session by the Deregulation Committees of both Houses.

  Playing Fields
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will publish the most up to date figures available on the number of playing fields sold by public bodies since 1 May 1997. [229]

  Mr. Caborn
  Information on the number of playing fields sold by public bodies since 1 May 1997 is not available. Sport England does, however, monitor the number of planning applications concerning playing fields in their role as statutory consultee.

  The amendment to Section 77 of the School Standards and Framework Act in October 1998, which was brought in to halt the previous Administration's policy of forcing schools to sell off playing fields, has introduced powers that require all state schools to seek consent for the sale of playing fields from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Skills. In making her decision my right hon. Friend will take into account a number of criteria including consultation with the community and user groups, whether the proceeds will be used for education or used to enhance or improve sports provision, and whether the remaining playing fields fully meet the needs for local schools and the community. My right hon. Friend the then Secretary of State for Education and Employment gave approval for the sale of 26.4 acres of school playing fields in England in 1998; 111.2 acres in 1999; and 60.9 acres in 2000. In many cases such approval will only involve the sale of part of a playing field (which will not affect the sporting use), or even no sale at all, as it is reused for another sporting use.

  Sport England
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she expects to appoint a new chief executive to Sport England. [231]

  Mr. Caborn
  It is for the Sport England Council to appoint its Chief Executive, subject to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's approval. I hope the process will be carried out speedily but the Council's overriding priority is to find the right person for the job.

  Space for Sports and Arts Initiative
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she expects to announce how schools can access the £750 million New Opportunities Fund budget under the Space for Sport and Arts Initiative. [230]

  Mr. Caborn
  Details of the application process for the £130 million Space for Sports and Arts initiative, which is jointly funded by DfES, DCMS, Sport England, the Arts Council for England and the New Opportunities Fund, were announced last autumn.

  The New Opportunities Fund is currently consulting on how best to deliver its third round of funding initiatives, including the remainder of the £750.75 million PE and sport in schools initiative. A consultation document, "Delivering New Opportunities", is available from the Fund and organisations have until 3 September 2001 to submit comments.

  The Fund expects to launch the PE and sport in schools initiative by the end of the 2001 calendar year and details of the application process will be announced at the launch.

  Horse Racing
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she expects to meet the Chairman of the British Horseracing Board to discuss the proposed abolition of the Horserace Betting Levy Board. [232]

  Mr. Caborn
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I expect to hold an early meeting with the Chairman of the British Horseracing Board so that he can brief us on the issues currently facing the racing industry.

  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she expects to bring forward legislation for the privatisation of the Horserace Totalisation Board. [233]

  Mr. Caborn
  It remains the Government's intention to bring forward legislation when parliamentary time allows.

  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to meet the Chairman of the Horserace Totaliser Board to discuss the proposed privatisation of the Tote. [234]

  Mr. Caborn
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I expect to hold an early meeting with Peter Jones, Chairman of the Tote, so that he can brief us on all of the current issues affecting the business.

  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she expects to bring forward legislation to abolish the Horserace Betting Levy Board. [235]
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  Mr. Caborn
  It remains our intention to bring forward legislation when parliamentary time allows. In the meantime we will continue to work closely with the Levy Board, the British Horseracing Board and the representatives of the betting industry to make the transition to fully commercial arrangements as smooth as it can be.

  Lottery Funding
  Andy Burnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures she is taking to target Lottery funding to where it is most needed. [1264]

  Tessa Jowell
  I will be announcing details of a new initiative on Wednesday 27 June 2001.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

  Civil Service
  Joan Ryan
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what research the Cabinet Office has undertaken to measure progress in recognising and improving diversity in the civil service.[1223]

  Mr. Leslie
  I have today published two reports., one on the Civil Service Diversity Survey and the other a research report on "Equality in performance review in the Civil Service".

  The diversity survey was conducted across the service to measure staff perception and experiences of working in the civil service in order to track progress on meeting objectives on civil service modernisation, diversity and equal opportunities. The research on equality in performance review was undertaken across six Departments, following an earlier research study on differences in performance markings between groups of staff.

  The diversity survey identified the civil service as a good employer, with high ambitions as part of the civil service reform programme. The equality in performance review research suggests small but statistically significant differences in performance appraisal box markings between ethnic minority and white staff, disabled and able-bodied staff and men and women, and the research suggests underlying causes for this. These projects demonstrate the commitment of the civil service to continue to make progress to becoming truly diverse.

  I have placed copies of both reports in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Advertising
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the advertising campaigns conducted by the Cabinet Office between 14 May and 8 June which were publicly funded. [396]

  Mr. Leslie
  Other than recruitment advertising conducted in the course of normal business, no advertising campaigns were conducted by the Cabinet Office between 14 May and 8 June 2001.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the special advisers who(a) resigned and (b) remained in post in the period 8 May to 8 June inclusive. [764]

  Mr. Leslie
  I refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Member for Hertsmere (Mr. Clappison) on 25 June 2001,Official Report, column 39W.

  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) if he will publish the names of special advisers indicating(a) the Department to which they are attached, (b) if they are paid or unpaid, (c) their date of appointment and (d) if they are political or expert special advisers; [766]

  (2) what the current pay bands are for special advisers; and if he will list, broken down by Department, the number of special advisers who are in each pay band. [765]

  Mr. Leslie
  The detailed information requested is not yet available. Ministers are currently in the process of appointing their special advisers. In accordance with the Ministerial Code, all appointments must be approved by the Prime Minister.

  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the total amount of severance pay, net of any repayments, was for special advisers who have(a) been reappointed and (b) not been reappointed following the general election; and if he will make a statement. [769]

  Mr. Leslie
  I refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Member for Hertsmere (Mr. Clappison) on 25 June 2001,Official Report, column 40W.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Competition Law
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what reforms to the Competition Commission she is proposing following the High Court ruling on the Interbrew and Bass merger; and if she will place a copy of the ruling in the Library. [752]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 25 June 2001]: The High Court's judgment on the case did not find fault with the reasoning or the proportionality of the remedy which the Commission recommended. The judgment held, however, that the Commission did not give Interbrew the opportunity to comment on one point in the Commission's reasoning on remedies. The Commission is carefully considering the judgment.

  Government Regulation
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make it her policy to conduct an audit of the total cost of Government regulations to business and publish its findings. [742]

  Nigel Griffiths
  [holding answer 25 June 2001]: International organisations and companies regularly carry out surveys of the regulatory environment in this and other countries.

  Among such surveys are the OECD Economic Outlook published in December 1999, The Economist Intelligence Unit Global Country Forecast, published in April, the CBI
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  report "Creating a Europe that Works: A Study in Labour Market Flexibility", published in October 1999 and the GrowthPlus and Arthur Andersen report in January 2001.

  Nuclear Power Stations
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment her Department has made of the economic case for new nuclear power stations. [741]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 25 June 2001]: The Department continues to monitor developments in nuclear technology and the economics of new nuclear build as it does with other generation technologies. It is for generators to bring forward proposals for new power stations.

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations her Department has made to the review being undertaken of the case for the Sellafield MOX plant; and if she will place copies of them in the Library. [753]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 25 June 2001]: My Department made no representations to the public consultation on BNFL's revised economic case for the Sellafield MOX plant although at their request A. D. Little, the independent consultants engaged to review the economic case for the plant, spoke to some of my officials in the course of carrying out their work. The public consultation documents detail that my Department endorsed BNFL's new assessment of the MOX market.

  EU Information and Consultation Directive
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will place in the Library a regulatory impact assessment of the EU Information and Consultation Directive as agreed at the Employment and Social Policy Council on 11 June. [300]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 25 June 2001]: The DTI prepared a regulatory impact assessment on the Commission's original proposal. A copy was attached to EM 13099/98 submitted by the DTI on 15 January 1999. The directive has yet to be finally agreed as it now goes to the European Parliament for Second Reading. A revised regulatory impact assessment will be prepared when the Government consult in due course on the implementation of the directive in the UK.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what sanctions firms would face for breaching the provisions of the EU Information and Consultation Directive. [298]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 25 June 2001]: The directive requires member states to determine the provisions for enforcement of the obligations. The Government will consult fully in due course on the implementation of the directive, including sanctions.

  Post Office
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list those companies which have(a) applied to PostComm for a licence to operate postal services in competition with Royal Mail and (b) held discussions with the regulator about possible licence applications. [296]
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  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 25 June 2001]: The issue of postal licences is a matter for the Postal Services Commission (known as PostComm).

  In addition to the licence granted to Consignia on 26 March, on 21 June 2001 PostComm announced that it had issued two interim licences to TNT (UK) and one to G3 Worldwide Mail (UK).

  All licence proposals from PostComm are subject to a public consultation process. I understand that PostComm does not disclose information on licence applications or potential applications in advance of launching a public consultation.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on progress to implement the Universal Bank. [294]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 25 June 2001]: Universal Banking Services are scheduled to come on stream in advance of the transfer of benefit payments to ACT in 2003. Consignia are working with their clients, potential suppliers and the banks towards this end.

  Euro
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations have been received by the Assistant Director of her Department's Economics and Statistics Directorate concerning the exchange rate at which the UK could join the euro. [840]

  Ms Hewitt
  My Department regularly receives published material from analysts on a range of subjects.

  Correspondence
  David Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Walsall, North of 30 April regarding a constituent. [846]

  Ms Hewitt
  I understand that my hon. Friend the Minister for Industry and Energy replied to this letter on 19 June.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

  Rural Schools and Colleges
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many schools and colleges in rural areas have closed in each of the last five years. [64]

  Mr. Timms
  The table shows the number of schools in rural areas approved for closure in each of the last five years.

  Number

  1997

  4

  1998

  5

  1999

  2

  2000

  2

  2001

  0

  Although a number of governing bodies of further education colleges in rural areas have been dissolved, in
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  each case the educational provision has continued by arrangement with another institution in the further or higher education sector.

  Student Discount Card
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what arrangements her Department has made for the issue of a student's discount card; and on what terms. [10]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  Following a competitive procurement process, on 8 May 2001 the Department announced that Capita is the preferred bidder to develop and deliver the Connexions Card through a public-private partnership.

  The aim of the Connexions Card is to encourage wider participation and attainment. It will offer substantial discounts and other benefits to young people aged 16–19 who are in learning. It will use smart card technology to record their attendance, which will earn 'reward points'. These will be redeemable for discounts on goods and services on the High Street, on public transport and at leisure facilities.

  Vocational GCSE Courses
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what additional resources will be made available to schools which decide to offer vocational GCSE courses. [931]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  The Department will fund an extensive programme of support for schools and colleges, planned to begin in autumn 2001. Vocational GCSEs will build on the best of existing Part One GNVQs. The support programme will help all those offering the new qualification to prepare for its introduction. This will include staff training and support materials. In addition, a general programme aimed at increasing work related learning opportunities at Key Stage 4, with funding of £38 million, will be made available in 2002–04.

  Key Stage Three
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if funding for the new Key Stage Three strategy will be paid directly to schools. [844]

  Mr. Timms
  In 2001–02 £85 million has been allocated through the Standards Fund programme to support the implementation of the first phase of the Key Stage Three National Strategy. £60 million of this will be directly delegated to schools to access training and professional development of teachers. £25 million will be used by local education authorities to support their schools' implementation of the Strategy.

  Departmental Title Change Costs
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the expenditure incurred in introducing the title of her Department. [394]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  The total expenditure incurred to date in introducing the title of the Department for Education and Skills is approximately £6,997.

  This refers to changing external signage, website and e-mail registration and some limited stationery, to reflect the Department's new title.

  AS Level Examinations
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will establish an independent inquiry into how the new system of AS level examinations was introduced this year and the lessons for the future. [771]

  Mr. Timms
  The fundamental principles of the advanced level reforms are based on extensive consultations and rigorous development. The Secretary of State has asked the Qualification; and Curriculum Authority to review the new qualifications. An interim report is due by the middle of July.

HEALTH

  Mental Health Services
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the provision of mental health services in London. [496]

  Jacqui Smith
  In London and, indeed, elsewhere in the country, we have embarked on a radical programme of modernisation to improve access to effective treatment and care, reduce unfair variation, raise standards and provide quicker and more convenient mental health services.

  Beta Interferon
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to receive the NICE report on beta interferon. [497]

  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects the decision by NICE on the availability of beta interferon for multiple sclerosis sufferers. [490]

  Mr. Hutton
  I refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) earlier today,Official Report, column 507.

  GPs
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement regarding early retirements and resignations by general practitioners. [498]

  Mr. Hutton
  We intend to announce further initiatives following the Primary Care Workforce Review

  General practitioners do an immensely valuable job under great pressure. Their work is very demanding and some early retirements and resignations are inevitable. However, the retention of experienced and skilled GPs is crucial to the successful delivery of a modernised NHS. In April, we therefore announced a £135 million package of measures to help recruitment and retention of GPs and nurses.

  Mr. Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to improve the recruitment and retention of general practitioners. [500]

  Mr. Hutton
  Recruitment and retention of experienced and skilled general practitioners is crucial to successful delivery of the NHS Plan and to a modernised NHS.
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  We have announced a package of measures, including financial incentives and plans to enhance the career opportunities open to established GPs, to help improve the recruitment and retention of new and experienced GPs.

  Heart Disease
  Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to tackle heart disease. [499]

  Yvette Cooper
  Coronary heart disease is one of our key priority areas for action. The National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease sets standards for prevention, treatment and care. We are making available significant extra investment in programmes to prevent heart disease and services for treatment and care.

  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will fund the provision of the Cardionetics CNET 2000 heart monitor in all general practitioners' surgeries. [512]

  Yvette Cooper
  The National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease was published on 6 March 2000 setting out national standards for the provision of services for coronary heart disease. We have provided substantial increased funding for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and by 2003 we will be investing an extra £230 million a year in heart services. An additional £120 million of capital funding has also been provided over the two years to 2002. It is a matter for health authorities and primary care trusts working with their local networks of cardiac care to commission services including equipment using the best available evidence to meet the NSF. At this time there is insufficient data to recommend the widespread use of Cadionetics CNET 2000 in primary care.

  The Department will continue to monitor all research.

  Strokes
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he proposes to make treatment of strokes an additional priority for the NHS. [502]

  Mr. Hutton
  The National Service Framework for Older People, published in March, confirmed the high priority given to the reduction of stroke in the population and effective treatment and rehabilitation of those who have had a stroke. Based on evidence of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness it describes a service model for integrated stroke services and sets milestones for every general hospital which cares for older people with stroke to have made plans by April 2002 to introduce a specialist stroke service from 2004.

  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on stroke services.[515]

  Jacqui Smith
  Stroke has a major impact on people's lives and affects thousands of people every year. It is essential that we provide better services for those people who have had a stroke, that is why there are key proposals within the National Service Framework (NSF) for Older People published on 27 March 2001.

  It spells out what good clinical care is; how to prevent stroke and what forms relevant treatment, care and rehabilitation for those who have had a stroke.

  Maternity Services
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to improve maternity services.[503]

  Yvette Cooper
  We are improving maternity services through the development of a major new National Service Framework for Children, including maternity services to set national standards of care. We are also investing an additional £100 million to improve and modernise maternity facilities and have set up a Maternity and Neonatal Workforce Working Group to make recommendations on work force issues and best models for the configuration of maternity services.

  NHS (Private Finance)
  Paul Holmes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent studies his Department has commissioned, undertaken and reviewed concerning the use of private finance within the NHS.[504]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department of Health reviews all PFI projects through the Business Case approval system. To be approved, the Business Case must clearly demonstrate that, overall, the private finance option is better value for money when compared to the publicly funded alternative, the Public Sector Comparator (PSC), and that it provides improved facilities for the NHS. NHS Trusts are required to monitor performance throughout the lifetime of the PFI contract.

  Because of PFI, six major new hospitals have opened and another 17 are under construction, representing capital investment in the NHS of over £2 billion.

  Cancer Services
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to improve cancer services. [506]

  Yvette Cooper
  We are investing additional funding in priority areas. £280 million is available for improvements to cancer services this year, rising to £570 million by 2003–04, and we are reforming the way in which cancer care is delivered through the implementation of the NHS Cancer Plan.

  Junior Doctors' Hours
  Dr. Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the average hours worked by junior doctors in the NHS.[R] [507]

  Mr. Hutton
  We are working hard to bring junior doctors' hours down without damaging patient care so that doctors are safe, healthy and able to give their best to the NHS.

  At 30 September 2000, 62 per cent. of junior doctors satisfied the New Deal hours and rest requirements of working no more than 56 hours a week on average.

  Data showing the position at 31 March 2001 will be published shortly.

  Haemophilia Services
  Paddy Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to meet the Haemophilia Society to discuss service improvements.[510]
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  Yvette Cooper
  There are no plans for such a meeting, nor have the Haemophilia Society requested one. However, departmental officials are meeting members of the Haemophilia Alliance, which includes the Haemophilia Society, on Friday 13 July to discuss the Alliance's draft National Service Specification for Haemophilia and Related Conditions.

  Health Professions Council
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to implement the order that will create the Health Professions Council. [511]

  Mr. Hutton
  We published the draft order to create the Health Professions Council on 2 April 2001. The statutory consultation period ends on 1 July 2001. We shall then finalise the order talking account of issues raised during consultation and, subject to the legislative timetable and the approval of Parliament, we expect the order to be made by the end of December 2001. The Health Professions Council, which already exists in shadow form, will be formally established from 1 April 2002.

  Operating Department Practitioners
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made on introducing a registration scheme for operating department practitioners. [513]

  Mr. Hutton
  A registration scheme for operating department practitioners has been in effect since 6 April 2000.

  Waiting Lists
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what priority measures he has set in place to help reduce hospital waiting lists. [514]

  Mr. Hutton
  In managing waiting lists, we expect the National Health Service to treat patients according to their clinical priority and need. We have issued very clear guidance to the NHS on access to secondary care services. The first line of this guidance stated that:"clinical priority must be the main determinant of when patients are seen as outpatients or admitted as inpatients".

  We have repeatedly made it clear that those patients who are in greatest need continue to be treated first.

  Ambulances
  Derek Twigg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the introduction of in-cab mapping systems in ambulances.[516]

  Ms Blears
  We recognise that satellite navigation equipment for ambulance vehicles can help crews to pinpoint addresses and speed up response times, particularly to life threatening emergencies. We have, therefore, made £3.4 million available for emergency ambulance services to equip all of their front line vehicles with in-cab mapping systems by March 2002 at the latest.
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  This investment will help ambulance services to meet their target to respond to 75 per cent of category A calls within eight minutes.

  Health Visitors
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent investigation his Department has made into disparities across health authorities in the provision of health visitors per 100 children under the age of five years. [517]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department has not made any recent comparative investigations across health authorities into the provision of health visitors based on the number of children under five years of age. Local health improvement programmes include an assessment of the health needs of local populations, and the funding of primary care group investment plans is aligned with priorities identified by the local health improvement plan. It is the responsibility of local health providers to plan their own staffing requirements to meet local need accordingly. Primary care groups and trusts have huge potential to improve people's health and prevent illness, which includes providing appropriate health visiting services.

  Hospices
  Mr. Fabian Hamilton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for the future funding of hospices. [519]

  Yvette Cooper
  The NHS Cancer Plan set out our commitment to increase National Health Service investment in specialist palliative care by £50 million by 2004. Health authority allocations in 2001–02 included a total of £255 million to support the first year of local implementation of the NHS Cancer Plan. Priorities for this year include the development of costed strategic plans for palliative care.

  Cancer networks are currently developing detailed service delivery plans, which will identify current position and set out action plans for further development across all services including palliative care. These will be completed by the autumn.

  Matters relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are for the devolved Administrations.

  Minor Injuries Unit (Camborne)
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for a minor injuries unit in the Redruth Camborne area. [501]

  Ms Blears
  It is the responsibility of the local health community to plan local services. I understand that West of Cornwall Primary Care Trust are developing plans to create a minor injuries unit at Redruth and Camborne Community Hospital.

  Dementia Care
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate his Department has made of the availability of home-based and residential-based specialist dementia care services. [508]
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  Jacqui Smith
  The Audit Commission report "Forget Me Not" published in January 2000 found that the availability of support to people with dementia both at home and in residential care was variable. The National Service Framework for Older People, published in March, has addressed many of these concerns. The NSF has set out clear standards and service models to improve access to and improve the quality of mental health services for older people.

  Primary Care
  Judy Mallaber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to improve primary care services. [509]

  Mr. Hutton
  We have provided PCT/Gs with £100 million to develop and invest in new ways of working that further improve the range and quality of services delivered to patients. In addition we have committed substantial further resources in the years ahead to extend and improve access to primary care services. We have created Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) as organisations that bring together the skills and talents of general practice and community professionals to secure and provide responsive high quality services to their population.

  Nursing Care
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will announce the details of the arrangements to provide free nursing care to elderly people in residential and nursing homes. [518]

  Jacqui Smith
  Detailed draft guidance on how we plan to implement free nursing care will be issued for consultation shortly.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to reply to the letters to him dated 8 May from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton, with regard to Mr. R. McMorris. [343]

  Ms Blears
  A reply to my right hon. Friend's letter dated 8 May was sent on 25 June.

  Residential and Nursing Care
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out his plans for costs limiting expenditure on the provision of free nursing care as provided for in the Health and Social Care Act 2001. [180]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 25 June 2001]: Detailed draft guidance on how we plan to implement free nursing care will be issued for consultation shortly.

  NHS (Surrey)
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people were waiting for treatment at East Surrey Hospital, together with the average length of waiting time in(a) May 1997 and (b) May 2001. [146]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 25 June 2001]: East Surrey Healthcare and Crawley Horsham National Health Service Trusts merged in 1998–99 to form the Surrey and Sussex NHS Trust. As waiting times data are collected on

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  an aggregated trust basis only and not on a hospital basis, data are not available for East Surrey Hospital. The information for these trusts are given in the table.

  Trust

  Total inpatient waiting list

  Average (median) waiting times (months)

  June 19971

  East Surrey Healthcare

  4,801

  3.49

  Crawley Horsham

  4,262

  5.21

  Combined data

  9,063

  4.32

  April 2001

  Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

  8,377

  5.07

  1 Monthly returns have only been collected since March 1998

  Note:

  East Surrey Healthcare and Crawley Horsham merged to form one trust (Surrey and Sussex Healthcare) in 1998–99.

  Data for the two trusts East Surrey Healthcare and Crawley Horsham for June 1997 have been combined in order to provide comparable data.

  Source:

  KH07 quarterly return/monthly waiting times returns

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the state of negotiations between Surrey and Sussex NHS Trust and a private nursing home provider concerning the future of Oxted Hospital. [144]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 25 June 2001]: Negotiations are still ongoing between Surrey and Sussex Healthcare National Health Service Trust and a preferred private sector provider. An announcement will be made by the trust following the outcome of these negotiations.

  Waiting Times
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list his Department's targets with respect to(a) average and (b) maximum waiting times for (i) in-patient appointments, (ii) in-patient treatment, (iii) out-patient appointments and (iv) out-patient treatment. [389]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 25 June 2001]: As part of the National Health Service Plan, the NHS is working towards reducing the current maximum in-patient wait of 18 months to 15 months by March 2002 and reducing the out-patient wait of over six months by March 2002. These targets are part of a staged reduction in waiting times, with in-patient waiting times continuing to fall from 18, to 15, to 12, nine then ultimately six months by 2005. The maximum out-patient waiting time will fall to three months by 2005.

  No targets exist for average waiting times; however, as the NHS Plan targets are implemented, all patients will benefit from shorter waiting times, provided that the Government can recruit the extra staff, and the NHS makes the necessary reforms.

  Mixed-sex Wards
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will specify the target date for the ending of(a) mixed-sex wards and (b) Nightingale wards. [434]
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  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 25 June 2001]: Our policy is to eliminate mixed-sex accommodation in 95 per cent. of health authorities by the end of 2002. The vast majority of National Health Service trusts are on target to achieve our objectives by the target date.

  We are also committed to eliminating Nightingale wards for all older people. £120 million was announced in the Budget, and this will be used over three years to achieve our aims by March 2004.

  NHS Vacancies
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many GP posts are vacant; and how many have been vacant for more than three months. [378]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 25 June 2001]: This information is not available in the form requested. Available information is contained in the Department of Health publication—"General Practitioner Recruitment, Retention and Vacancy Survey 2000 for England and Wales". Copies, are available in the Library or alternatively at www.doh.gov.uk/stats/gprrvsurvey.htm.

  Special Advisers
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the special advisers in his Department, together with their date of appointment and their responsibilities; which of them are authorised to speak to the media; and if he will make a statement. [436]

  Mr. Milburn
  [holding answer 25 June 2001]: I have appointed Professor Paul Corrigan and Darren Murphy as special advisers. Areas of responsibility have yet to be finalised. In its response to the Sixth Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, the Government committed themselves to a new Code of Conduct for Special Advisers and a revised Model Contract. The new Code and Contract apply to all appointments of special advisers made after the Election.

  Severalls Hospital, Colchester
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in the sale of the former Severalls hospital at Colchester; and if he will make a statement. [227]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 25 June 2001]: The sale of the first phase of the parcels of land in Colchester, near to the Severalls hospital, has been completed. Further phases are currently being marketed as part of a proposed public-private partnership to achieve the National Health Service Plan's objective of a one-off sale of surplus property to help fund the NHS modernisation programme.

  Officials are continuing to work closely with the local planning authority regarding the development proposals for the site.

  Arthritis
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to allow new drugs to be used in the treatment of arthritis. [779]

  Mr. Hutton
  Infliximab (Remicade) and etanercept (Enbrel) are currently being appraised by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). Until NICE has
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  completed its appraisal, National Health Service bodies have been advised to use their existing arrangements to determine local policies based on the publicly available evidence. NICE expects to issue guidance in October 2001 unless there are appeals against its determination.

  Care Home Standards
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what estimate he has made of the amount of space required to transfer a patient from a bed, couch or trolley, allowing manoeuvres, to an assisted bath under Standard 21.3 of his "National Minimum Standards for Care Homes"; [383]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the costs of implementing Standard 22.2 of the "National Minimum Standards for Care Homes"; and how many homes currently without a passenger lift will have to install one. [384]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 25 June 2001]: National Minimum Standards will ensure that care provision is fit for purpose and meets the assessed needs of residents.

  Where residents cannot walk to an assisted bath, sufficient space must be provided to allow safe and manageable transfer from any means used to transport residents to the bath.

  The need for provision of particular facilities such as passenger lifts and the costs associated with their installation will vary from home to home.

  It will be for the National Care Standards Commission to decide, in the particular circumstances of each home, whether the home conforms to all the standards necessary to meet the assessed needs of the residents.

  Wythenshawe Hospital
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will announce his decision on the future of the transplant unit at Wythenshawe hospital. [845]

  Mr. Hutton
  We will issue a document soon setting out our proposals for the future of the National Cardiothoracic Transplant Service including the transplant unit at Wythenshawe hospital in Manchester. The final decision on the siting of the four national units will be made in the light of comments received and in time for the necessary changes to be completed by April 2002.

  Liquid-based Cytology
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health who will hold the annual budget for liquid-based cytology consumables in England and Wales referred to in paragraph 14 of NICE's appraisal of liquid-based cytology. [303]

  Yvette Cooper
  Three pilot sites have now begun using liquid-based cytology (LBC) techniques as part of the National Health Service cervical screening programme in England, as recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). The United Kingdom National Screening Committee, which advises Ministers on all aspects of screening policy, is sponsoring the pilot. The LBC arm of the pilot will report in early 2002, and will be reappraised by NICE in May 2002.
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  If recommended by NICE, LBC will be rolled out across the NHS cervical screening programme over two to three years. Details of the funding mechanisms will be determined nearer the time in the light of NICE recommendations and the experience of the pilot.

  Health Service (Wales)
  Hywel Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the National Assembly concerning the use of private management in the health service in Wales. [485]

  Mr. Milburn
  None.

  NHS/Local Government Liaison
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what priority will be given in the NHS Plan to improving links with local government in environmental health, housing and transport. [489]

  Ms Blears
  The NHS Plan builds on the Government's existing major programme to improve public health, address health inequalities and tackle the deep-rooted causes of ill health, including environmental factors. The NHS plan recognises that the role of the NHS, working in partnership across the community, is to prevent as well as treat sickness and ill health.

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

  Veterinary Practices
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many veterinary practices there were in the UK on(a) 1 May 1997, (b) 1 May 1998, (c) 1 May 1999, (d) 1 May 2000 and (e) 1 May 2001; and what estimate she has made of the number of veterinary practices that will be operating on 1 May 2002. [345]

  Mr. Morley
  I am informed by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) that the number of veterinary practices registered with them on the dates specified were as follows:

  As at 1 May

  Number

  1997

  2,042

  1998

  2,077

  1999

  2,123

  2000

  2,174

  2001

  2,312

  They further inform me that veterinary practices are not under any obligation to register with the RCVS, so it is possible that these figures do not represent the true number of practices in the UK.

  The RCVS is unable to estimate the number of veterinary practices that will be operating on 1 May 2002.

  Livestock Movements
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations
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  she has received concerning the 20-day standstill rule; what proposals she has to change it; and if she will make a statement. [32]

  Mr. Morley
  We have received a very large number of representations from a wide range of organisations. These responses are being taken into account in considering a range of issues surrounding the movement of livestock both during, and after, the current foot and mouth disease outbreak. An announcement on our conclusions will be made in due course.

  Pick-your-own Businesses
  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will issue guidance on the operation of pick-your-own businesses in areas affected by foot and mouth disease outbreaks. [265]

  Mr. Morley
  Pick-your-own businesses that fall within an infected area and are in close proximity to livestock will be affected by the foot and mouth restrictions. A veterinary risk assessment is being prepared as a matter of urgency and will be placed on the Department's website http://www.defra.gov.uk/.

WORK AND PENSIONS

  Departmental Title Change Costs
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list the expenditure incurred in introducing the title of his Department. [393]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To date, the net expenditure incurred in introducing the title of the new Department is approximately £7,200.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Visas
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which of his Ministers has responsibility for visa applications. [253]

  Mr. Straw
  My hon. Friend the Member for Exeter (Mr. Bradshaw).

  US-Russian Relations
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the implications for UK foreign policy of the recent meeting between President Bush and President Putin; and if he intends to raise the issue of human rights abuses in Chechnya with them. [735]

  Peter Hain
  We welcome the dialogue between Presidents Bush and Putin at their Summit in Ljubljana on 16 June. A constructive US/Russia relationship is important for a range of international issues. The UK will continue to pursue a policy of critical engagement with Russia—President Bush's approach confirmed that open discussion combined with frank talking on areas of difference can yield results. We will continue to raise our concerns about human rights abuses in Chechnya at every appropriate meeting with Russia.
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  Sino-US Relations
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's position regarding(a) Sino-US relations and (b) Sino-Taiwanese relations. [255]

  Mr. MacShane
  We believe it is important that the US and China maintain a constructive dialogue. The US and China have strong trade and economic links which should be enhanced by Chinese accession to the World Trade Organisation. We monitor developments across the Taiwan Straits closely. We believe that the future of Taiwan is a matter for the Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits to decide among themselves. We look to both sides to pursue a peaceful resolution of the Taiwan question through negotiation.

  Overseas Visits
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to visit(a) Sierra Leone, (b) China and (c) Zimbabwe. [256]

  Mr. Straw
  I am currently considering proposals for visits to a number of countries. The House will be informed when decisions have been made.

  Arms Trade
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in the House of Lords will be responsible for arms trade to(a) Indonesia and (b) Sierra Leone. [736]

  Mr. Straw
  Individual Ministers handle export licence issues in respect of the countries within their geographical area of responsibility. The Minister responsible for Indonesia is my hon. Friend the Member for Exeter (Mr. Bradshaw). The Minister responsible for Sierra Leone is Baroness Amos. My hon. Friend the Member for Exeter also has additional responsibility within the FCO for overall policy on arms export licensing.

  Tibet
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has had made to the Chinese Government about human rights abuses in Tibet. [252]

  Mr. MacShane
  The British Government remain deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Tibet. It is a focus of our human rights engagement with the Chinese authorities both at ministerial level and through the regular UK/China and EU/China human rights dialogues. We use these dialogues to raise a wide range of concerns including key issues such as the freedom of religion, expression and association, the harsh treatment of dissidents and the erosion of Tibetan culture and traditional practices. We also raise individual cases of concern including that of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the Dalai Lama's choice as the 11th Panchen Lama.

  We continue to urge the Chinese authorities to enter into a sustained dialogue with the Dalai Lama on a political solution for Tibet.

  Departmental Responsibilities
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the areas of responsibility that have(a) been transferred from his Department to other Departments and (b) been transferred to his Department from other Departments since 8 June. [257]

  Mr. Straw
  The information is as follows:

  (a)None.

  (b)None.

  Ministerial Responsibilities
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the responsibilities of each Minister in his Department. [258]

  Mr. Straw
  Responsibilities among FGO Ministers are as follows:

  Peter Hain: European Union, Central Europe, Eastern Europe, Former Soviet Union, United Nations, Environment.

  Baroness Symons: British Trade Policy and Promotion, North America, Britain Abroad Task Force.

  Ben Bradshaw: Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, South East Asia, International Security, Drugs and Counter-terrorism. Visas.

  Denis MacShane: South-East Europe. Latin America, North East Asia and the Pacific, Public Diplomacy, Cultural Relations, Central Administration and Resources.

  Baroness Amos: Africa, Commonwealth, Caribbean, Overseas Territories, Consular issues, Personnel.

  Taiwan
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations Her Majesty's Government have made to(a) the World Health Organisation, (b) the United Nations and (c) the European Union in support of Taiwan's appeal to be granted observer status to the World Health Organisation; and if he will make a statement. [352]

  Peter Hain
  HMG have not made any representations to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations or the European Union on this matter. I understand that the Director General of the WHO has discretion to confer observer status on a non-state entity where its participation would be non-controversial. The Director General has not done so to date but it remains open to the Taiwanese to continue to pursue this.

  National Economic Security
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he takes to ensure that the responsibility placed on MI6 to protect the economic well-being of the country is not discharged in such a way as to(a) benefit big business at the expense of small business and (b) undermine the rights of pressure groups and individuals to pursue peacefully their political ends. [220]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 25 June 2001]: The Secret Intelligence Service carries out its functions under the Intelligence Services Act 1994 under my authority. I take my responsibilities in this respect very seriously. Any powers exercised by the Secretary of State under the Intelligence Services Act 1994, or under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 are scrutinised by
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  independent judicial commissioners who make Annual Reports to Parliament. The finance, administration and policy of the security and intelligence services, including the Secret Intelligence Service, is overseen by the Intelligence and Security Committee. I would draw attention to the committee's Annual Report for 1996 (presented to Parliament in February 1997, Cm 3574) in which the committee
  "came to the overall conclusion that intelligence work in support of economic well-being is an important, valuable and, on the evidence we have taken, properly conducted area of the Agencies' activities".

  Scottish Executive
  Angus Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on the Scottish Executive's commitment to direct access to the European Court of Justice included in the Political Declaration of the Constitutional Regions signed on 28 May. [437]

  Peter Hain
  We welcome all contributions to the debate on the Future of Europe.

  In signing the Declaration, the Scottish Executive did not commit itself to a proposal to give regional governments direct access to the European Court of Justice. Instead, it supported the joint views of the co-signatories that consideration should be given to this topic, along with others, in the broad debate on the Future of Europe.

  Final decisions will be taken by member states at the next Intergovernmental Conference in 2004. The Scottish Executive will, of course, be involved in formulating the UK position.

  Angus Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have been held between Her Majesty's Government and the Scottish Executive concerning direct Scottish Executive access to the European Court of Justice. [438]

  Peter Hain
  HMG work closely and in co-operation with the Scottish Executive on all EU policy issues in line with the Memorandum of Understanding and the concordats on International Relations and European Union Policy Issues.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Work Permits
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many work permits were issued(a) last year and (b) in the period since 1 January; and if he will make a statement. [947]

  Angela Eagle
  In the 2000 calendar year, a total of 102,174 work permit applications were approved. Between 1 January and 31 May this year, 56,118 work permit applications were approved.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many work permits have been issued(a) under the fast track scheme for shortage occupations since the introduction of this scheme and (b)for shortage occupations expressed as a proportion of the total; and if he will make a statement. [949]
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  Angela Eagle
  Information is not available in the form requested. Between 1 October 1999 and 31 May 2001, the number of approvals made in respect of skills shortage work permit applications was 44,413. This figure represents 25 per cent. of the total number of work permit approvals made during the same period.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Government's plans to introduce a green card scheme to govern the entry of workers into the UK. [954]

  Angela Eagle
  The United Kingdom has longstanding work permit arrangements that enable employers to recruit people from overseas. The system has recently undergone a comprehensive and successful review to ensure that it responds quickly and effectively to labour market needs.

  This Government propose further to develop the work permit system in order to ensure that it continues to serve the overall needs of the economy as part of a coherent migration policy.

  No decisions have been taken yet on the precise nature of any changes.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many work permits have been issued to IT professionals in(a) the last year and (b) in the latest period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [948]

  Angela Eagle
  In the 2000 calendar year, 18,259 work permit applications were approved in respect of information technology professionals. Between 1 January and 31 May this year, 10,700 approvals have been granted for that category of worker. Like most developed countries, the United Kingdom continues to experience a shortage of some skills within the information technology sector. The United Kingdom work permit system has the flexibility to respond quickly to emerging shortages.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the issuing of work permits for seasonal agricultural employment. [950]

  Angela Eagle
  The United Kingdom has a long-standing Seasonal Agricultural Workers' Scheme which enables non-European Economic Area students between the ages of 18 and 25 who are in full-time education to enter the United Kingdom to do seasonal agricultural work. The annual quota was raised in 2000 from 10,000 to 15,200.

  There are no present plans to issue work permits for agricultural workers. However, we will wish to consider the place of the Seasonal Agricultural Workers' Scheme in the context of any proposed changes to the work permit system.

  Religious Discrimination
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on tackling religious discrimination. [951]

  Angela Eagle
  The Government are tackling religious discrimination in a number of ways, taking account of the two research reports on religious discrimination published earlier this year and responses to them.
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  The Government are committed to implementing the Article 13 European Community Employment Directive outlawing discrimination in employment and training on grounds that include religion by 2 December 2003. The Government will consult on this and related good practice guidance in due course.

  The Census Act 1921 was amended to include a question on religious identity in this year's census. This will provide central and local government with reliable data on our faith communities, which will help inform the planning and delivery of services sensitive to the needs of faith communities. The Human Rights Act 1998 also provides protection against religious discrimination.

  But legislation alone is not enough, as the research participants recognised. They favoured a comprehensive approach in which education, training and a greater effort to teach more in schools about the diversity of faith would all play an important part. We are looking at how best to do this.

  The research reports will help not only to inform policy, but to raise awareness of people's experience of religious discrimination, and of the sensitive and sometimes complex issues involved within the options for tackling it.

  Equal Treatment
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the incorporation into UK law of EU Directive 2000/43/EC on the principle of equal treatment on the grounds of race or ethnic origin. [953]

  Angela Eagle
  The Directive was agreed unanimously at the European Social Affairs Council on 6 June 2000, and was published in the Official Journal of the European Communities on 19 July 2000. We are working to implement the Directive by 2003. Implementation will require a number of mainly technical amendments to the Race Relations Act 1976.

  Corporate Killing
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce an offence of corporate killing; and if he will make a statement. [51]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The Government remain committed to the introduction of an offence of corporate killing. We will honour our manifesto commitment to reform the law to make provisions against corporate manslaughter. We intend to publish final proposals for the reform of the law on involuntary manslaughter as soon as we have completed consideration of the responses to the consultation exercise.

  We are determined to bring forward clear and workable legislation that will hold undertakings to account for serious wrongdoing and will legislate when parliamentary time allows.

  Suicides (Winchester Prison)
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list(a) suicide rates for each of the last five years at Winchester prison and (b) the national prison average for the same period. [250]
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  Beverley Hughes
  The rates and numbers of self-inflicted prisoner deaths at Winchester prison and establishments in England and Wales as a whole, are set out in the table. The Prison Service's new suicide prevention strategy targets prisoners most at risk in the types of prisons, mostly locals, where the risk of suicides is highest. There is an early focus on pilots in five establishments—including Winchester—with a range of changes that include physical improvements to reception and induction areas and more first night support centres and safe cells.

  The number and rates of self-inflicted deaths for Winchester prison and all establishments in England and Wales between 1 January 1997 and 21 June 2001

  Winchester prison

  England and Wales

  Year

  Number

  Rate per 100,000

  Number

  Rate per 100,000

  1997

  2

  349

  68

  111

  1998

  5

  710

  82

  125

  1999

  2

  406

  91

  140

  2000

  4

  984

  81

  125

  2001

  2

  1383

  29

  —

  1 Rate based on average year population up to 31 May 2001

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average time taken for asylum applicants to receive an initial decision on their asylum application is; and if he will make a statement. [175]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 25 June 2001]: Information is not available for the whole of 2000. However, the most recent available data based on the period October to December 2000 show that the average time taken for asylum applicants to, receive an initial decision on their asylum applications is 14 months. Average times for 1991 to 1999 (based on the period January to December) ranged between, 16 and 35 months.

  Immigration Officers
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average annual cost is of employing an immigration officer; and if he will make a statement. [176]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 26 May 2001]: The current pay range for Immigration Officers (IO) is:

  £

  National

  16,936–21,381

  London and Gatwick

  16,365–21,820

  Immigration Officers also receive shift disturbance allowance at 16.5 per cent. of salary and London Weighting dependent on location, Other allowances, e.g. for languages, are payable on an individual basis. The Immigration Service also incurs both Employers National Insurance Contributions and Superannuation costs. Additional pay-related costs include overtime, premium payments for weekend and public holiday working.

  During the financial year 2000–01, the average annual pay related cost for Immigration Officers was £32,370, comprising £28,500 pay and allowances (including
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  shift disturbance allowance, National Insurance and Superannuation, £872 overtime and £2,996 premia payments).

  As the number of Immigration Officers employed increases in line with agreed recruitment, average costs will fall reflecting lower salaries for junior staff and reduced average overtime and premia payments.

  Ministerial Responsibilities
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the responsibilities of each Minister in his Department. [290]

  Mr. Blunkett
  [holding answer 25 June 2001]: The responsibilities of Home Office Ministers are as follows:

  John Denham: Minister of State for Crime Reduction, Policing and Community Safety. Minister for Children and Young People.

  Bob Ainsworth: Parliamentary Under-Secretary responsible for anti-drugs co-ordination and organised crime and support to Minister of State for Crime Reduction, Policing and Community Safety.

  The right hon. Keith Bradley: Minister of State for Criminal Justice, Sentencing and Law Reform.

  Beverley Hughes: Parliamentary Under-Secretary responsible for Community and Custodial Provision and support to Minister of State for Criminal Justice, Sentencing and Law Reform.

  Jeff Rooker: Minister of State for Citizenship and Immigration.

  Angela Eagle: Parliamentary Under-Secretary responsible for community and race equality. Also Minister for Europe and support to Minister of State for Citizenship and Immigration.

  As Home Secretary, I have overall responsibility for the work of the Home Office and particular responsibility for policy on security, terrorism, expenditure issues and family policies. I also chair the Civil Contingencies Committee.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Land Registry
  Derek Twigg
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he will publish the report of the Quinquennial Review of Her Majesty's Land Registry. [1103]

  Mr. Wills
  My noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor has today published the Report on the Quinquennial Review of HM Land Registry. HM Land Registry is a Government Department established in 1862 for which the Lord Chancellor is the responsible Minister. In 1990 it was launched as an executive agency and granted Trading Fund status in 1993.

  I would like to thank the reviewer, Andrew Edwards CB, for conducting such a thorough review and for his most comprehensive Report. The Review has found that public confidence in land and property ownership depends on HM Land Registry's ability to guarantee title and to deliver its services impartially. For these reasons the Review finds that HM Land Registry should remain in the public sector as a Government Department, an executive agency and a trading fund; while continuing the significant amount of work in partnership with the private sector that it currently undertakes. The Government accept the Review's conclusions on HM Land Registry's

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  continued public sector status and the Lord Chancellor has now asked officials to take forward the review of HM Land Registry's Framework Document.

  I note that the Review makes wide-ranging proposals for the enhancement of the Land Register and for improvement in the operation of the property market in England and Wales. It also provides a timely contribution to the debate on the future of e-conveyancing and land registration services. While some of the recommendations are consistent with programmes of reform already under way, others are more radical and wide-ranging. The Lord Chancellor has therefore asked officials from his Department and HM Land Registry to examine the recommendations carefully with officials from other interested Government Departments. Together with colleagues, we will wish to assess the more wide-ranging and radical proposals, including, in particular, their implications for, and impact on, other Government
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  initiatives, before reaching conclusions on the best way forward in this important area. The Lord Chancellor intends to publish in the autumn a plan for taking forward the wider recommendation contained in the Report once this more detailed consideration has been completed.

  Copies of the Report and a summary of its recommendations have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  European Convention on Human Rights
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the Government's policy toward Protocol 12 of the European Convention on Human Rights. [952]

  Mr. Wills
  The Government have no present plans to sign and ratify Protocol 12, but will monitor its interpretation by the European Court of Human Rights.

  Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme: Tourism Businesses
  Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme: Tourism Businesses
  HM Land Registry: Quinquennial Review
  HM Land Registry: Quinquennial Review