Written Answers of 6 November 2001

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements have been put in place for the people of Gibraltar to participate in elections to the European Parliament.[11773]

  Peter Hain
  We are actively working to ensure Gibraltar's enfranchisement in time for the 2004 elections to the European Parliament. We plan to consult the Government of Gibraltar soon about the precise detail of the necessary arrangements.

  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response he has made to the motion passed by the Gibraltar House of Assembly requesting Her Majesty's Government to seek a legal opinion from the International Court of Justice on the right of self-determination and the Treaty of Utrecht of 1713; and if he will make a statement.[11774]

  Peter Hain
  I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to a Gibraltar House of Assembly motion of November 1999. We have not been asked to respond to this motion.

  However, HMG's position on this issue has been consistent since the mid-1960s. We believe that Gibraltar's right of self-determination is not constrained by the treaty of Utrecht except in so far as Article X gives Spain the right of refusal, should Britain ever renounce sovereignty. Thus independence would only be an option with Spanish consent.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when further talks will be held with the Spanish Government over the future of Gibraltar.[11813]

  Peter Hain
  The Foreign Secretary and Spanish Foreign Minister Pique met on 26 July to re-launch the Brussels process. A further ministerial meeting will be held in Barcelona on 20 November. Both we and the Spanish Government hope that the Chief Minister of Gibraltar will participate in this meeting. Normal contacts between the UK and Spanish and the UK and Gibraltar Governments in preparation for these talks will continue. The Government stand by their commitments to the people of Gibraltar as set out in the preamble to the Gibraltar constitution.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the talks in July under the Brussels process with Spanish officials regarding Gibraltar; what the agenda is for the discussions under the Brussels process; and what guidelines are being issued to officials leading up to the negotiations.[11814]
  122W
  Peter Hain
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Windsor (Mr. Trend) on 10 July 2001,Official Report, column 473W, regarding the Government's decision to resume talks with Spain under the Brussels process. In accordance with the terms of the Brussels communique issued in November 1984, the talks are aimed at overcoming all the differences between the UK and Spain over Gibraltar and at promoting co-operation on a mutually beneficial basis on economic, cultural, touristic, aviation, military and environmental matters. The communique establishes that issues of sovereignty will be discussed under the Brussels process.

  Through these talks we aim to build a better future for Gibraltar. Both we and the Spanish Government intend that Gibraltar should be fully engaged in this process, and hope that the Chief Minister will participate at the next ministerial meeting planned for 20 November in Barcelona. Normal contacts between the UK and Spanish and the UK and Gibraltar Governments in preparation for these talks will continue. The Government will stand by their commitments to the people of Gibraltar as set out in the preamble to the Gibraltar constitution.

  Mr. Laxton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of statements from the Spanish Government relating to responsibility for the payment of increases in pensions to Spaniards who worked in Gibraltar prior to 1969; and if he will make a statement.[11775]

  Peter Hain:
  Spanish nationals who worked in Gibraltar before 1969 and who are now retired and living in Spain, are eligible to receive pension payments from the Gibraltar social insurance fund. Pension payments under the SIF are awarded to all beneficiaries in line with contributions made.

  After the decision was taken in 1988 to wind up the SIF, by 31 December 1993, the UK and Gibraltar Governments agreed in 1996 to set up a new 'closed' scheme to provide for on-going pension benefits to all beneficiaries of the old SIF scheme. Payments to all beneficiaries under the 'closed' scheme were fixed at the level payable at 31 December 1993. The Spanish authorities were kept informed of decisions regarding the dissolution of the Gibraltar social insurance fund.

  Mr. Laxton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has asked the European Commission to initiate legal proceedings against the Government of Spain on the grounds of its failure to allow the use of Gibraltar's internationally recognised dialling code by telephone companies in Spain.[11877]

  Peter Hain
  We are in close contact with the Government of Gibraltar on this matter. We raise the question of Gibraltar's telecommunications situation with the Spanish Government, at both ministerial and official level, at every appropriate opportunity. Most recently, I raised the matter with my Spanish counterpart, Sr de Miguel, on 29 October.

  Two private competition complaints have been brought before the Commission by Gibtel and Gibraltar Nynex Communications. We have supported these complaints in our dealings with the Commission and we will continue to ensure that the Commission is fully aware of our concerns.
  123W
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he is making to the European Commission and other relevant European Union institutions to ensure that citizens of Gibraltar are accorded the right to participate in elections to the European Parliament. [12016]

  Peter Hain
  We are in close contact with the heads of both the Council and the Commission Legal Services on this issue.

  Afghanistan
  Mr. Ancram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the policy papers which he has produced relating to the objectives of the(a) action in Afghanistan and (b) international coalition against terrorism. [12146]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  The Secretary of State placed the paper "Defeating International Terrorism: Campaign Objectives" in the House of Commons Library on 16 October 2001. This paper sets out the objectives of the international coalition against terrorism and our action in Afghanistan.

  Drugs Trade
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which countries are working with the UK Government to combat the trade in illegal drugs. [12082]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  We work bilaterally and through the EU and the UN to combat the illegal drugs trade. The UK supports counter-drugs work and capacity-building in all of the key countries concerned in the supply of heroin and cocaine to the UK and Europe. These include Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, the central Asian republics, Central Europe, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela, Jamaica and the countries of the eastern Caribbean. We also work closely with the United States and our European partners.

  Afghanistan's leading role in world opium production was the focus of a meeting of representatives of countries close to Afghanistan and of the main donor countries to the UNDCP, in Vienna on 11 October 2001.

  Burma
  Mr. Hendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Burma regarding the continued imprisonment of Min Ko Naing (also known as Paw Oo Tun).[12031]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  We take every opportunity to press for the release of all political prisoners in Burma through our embassy in Rangoon, visiting officials, the EU and also by supporting UN resolutions.

  We welcome the release so far this year of over 180 political prisoners, but many more remain in detention. We will continue to press for the early release of all political prisoners, including Miss Ko Naing.

  Belize
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 20 July 2001,Official Report, column 484W,
  124W
  on Belize, if High Commission staff arranged calls to the two public investment companies in order to arrange meetings between the companies and KPMG; and what the result of these calls was.[11616]

  Mr. MacShane
  I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 20 July 2001,Official Report, column 484W. The report is for disclosure only to the Governments of the UK and Belize.

  Commonwealth Conference
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next plans to attend a Commonwealth Conference; and what issues he expects to be on the agenda.[12429]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary expects to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, originally scheduled for 6–9 October 2001 and now due to be held in Australia early next year. The dates and agenda for the meeting have not yet been set. But we expect Heads of Government to discuss the Commonwealth's response to terrorism as well as the high level group review of the Commonwealth.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will answer the letter from the hon. Member for the Isle of Wight, dated 8 October 2001, to the Secretary of State for Defence, which was passed to him.[12920]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  I received the hon. Member for the Isle of Wight's letter of 8 October to the Secretary of State for Defence on 18 October and replied on 6 November.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

  Individual Learning Accounts
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many individual learning accounts have been taken up by residents of the Isle of Wight in each year since their inception, and what their total value was;[12562]

  (2) how many individual courses funded by individual learning accounts have been provided on the Isle of Wight in each year since the inception of the scheme, what their total value was, and how many were completed; [12563]

  (3) how many individual courses, funded by individual learning accounts, have been (a) commenced and (b) completed in each year since the scheme's inception;[12565]

  (4) how many individual learning accounts have been taken up nationally in each year since their inception.[12564]

  John Healey
  On the basis of recorded postcode information available, 5,506 people from the Isle of Wight became an individual learning account member through the national framework, launched on 4 September 2000. The figure given is up to 31 October 2001. As a result, 3,038 episodes of learning have been funded so far on
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  behalf of these members, resulting in £825,393 total learning costs. Individual learning accounts funded £533,477 of these costs.

  The corresponding figures for England up to 31 October 2001, are 2,529,609 people opened an individual learning account, and 1,380,370 episodes of learning have been supported.

  Information is not maintained relating to course completion.

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what information is collected on the(a) size, (b) capitalisation, (c) corporate status, (d) qualifications of staff and (e) range of courses offered by providers under the individual learning account scheme.[12561]

  John Healey
  Learning providers registered with the individual learning account centre are not required to provide information about the size, capitalisation, corporate status or qualifications of staff. They do provide information about the range of courses offered to individuals. They are also required to provide health and safety and public liability certification.

  New registrations to become a learning provider with the ILA centre ended on 28 September.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what measures are being taken to guarantee the quality of(a) the learning providers and (b) the courses on offer, through the individual learning account scheme. [9686]

  John Healey
  ILAs were designed to encourage more people into learning by helping tackle the financial barriers to learning. It was a key principle of the design that people were able to take responsibility for learning they felt to be most appropriate and most beneficial to themselves. ILAs are not and were not intended to be a guarantee of quality for learning or learning providers.

  Of course the Government do not want ILAs to be used for poor value learning or by providers that cause concern. In July of this year, the Department started to receive increasing numbers of complaints from individuals and local trading standards officers. In response the Department took positive actions to tighten up the ILA system to address these problems. We re-registered all learning providers, withdrew blank application forms, suspended all new provider registrations, introduced a revised learning provider agreement that made it harder for providers to act against the ethos of the programme, and made changes to the applications process, for the same purpose. While we have taken this action the first safeguard remains an informed public looking for learning of value to them.

  However, it became clear that these changes were not sufficient by themselves to prevent the mis-selling of ILAs. At that point we decided we had no option other than to withdraw the programme, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 24 October that ILAs are to be suspended from 7 December. The programme has exceeded the Government's expectations in encouraging very large numbers of people to take a new interest in learning, and has quickly expanded beyond its capacity. The programme has attracted over 2.5 million account holders.
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  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what information is collected on the(a) age, (b) gender, (c) employment record, (d) academic/ vocational attainment, (e) social class and (f) location of users of individual learning accounts.[12560]

  John Healey
  Characteristic information on age, gender, employment, academic attainment and location of the 1,246,449 individual learning account members who had activated their accounts in England, since the launch of the national framework on 4 September 2000, is given in the following tables. Although social class information is not routinely collected, the Department commissioned an evaluation earlier in the year and arranged for a question to be included in this. The report determined that the most frequently represented social class among ILA account holders was C 1 which includes non-managerial and non-professional administrative and sales staff as well as nurses and technicians.

  Table 1: Analysis of active individual account members—England

  By gender

  Number

  Male

  531,799

  Female

  710,707

  Not supplied

  3,943

  Total

  1,246,499

  Table 2: Analysis of active individual account members—England

  By age group

  Number

  19–30

  382,181

  31–40

  365,328

  41–50

  253,120

  51–60

  157,243

  60+

  88,577

  Total

  1,246,449

  Table 3: Analysis of active individual account members—England

  By employment status

  Active ILA Members

  Self-employed

  98,560

  Employed

  765,167

  Employed and self-employed

  3,662

  Not employed

  91,130

  Retired

  49,749

  Unemployed

  144,565

  Student

  30,452

  Other

  34,814

  Data not supplied

  28,350

  Total

  1,246,449

  Table 4. Active ILA members by academic attainment at point of entry to ILAs

  Highest qualification

  Number

  Degree/NVQ4 or equivalent

  181,491

  A-level/NVQ3 or equivalent

  162,381

  GCSE/NVQ2 or equivalent

  271,455

  NVQ1

  58,699

  Other

  4,498

  Data not supplied

  567,925

  Total

  1,246,449

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  Table 5. Location of individual learning account users

  Region

  Number

  East

  102,813

  East Midlands

  103,332

  London

  215,445

  North East

  45,027

  North West

  128,580

  South East

  175,946

  South West

  118,741

  West Midlands

  222,487

  Yorkshire, Humberside

  94,389

  Region unassigned

  39,689

  Total

  1,246,449

  Faith Schools
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what approaches have been made to her Department by groups wishing to(a) establish new faith schools and (b) bring independent faith schools into the maintained sector in the last 12 months.[12780]

  Mr. Timms
  Since 1 November 2000, 26 approaches have been made by groups inquiring about the possibility of establishing new faith schools in the maintained sector, including nine about bringing independent schools into the maintained sector. Previous experience suggests that relatively few inquiries become firm proposals to a school organisation committee to establish a new school.

DEFENCE

  Personal Radios
  Mr. Hancock

  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the performance and size specifications are of(a) the Thales Defence Systems Bowman personal radio and (b) the CDC Systems personal radio system, with particular relevance to the size of the (i) radio, (ii) microphone and (iii) ear-piece; if a smaller ear-piece design was explored by Thales Defence Systems; what assessment he has made of whether the Thales Defence Systems Bowman personal radio wiring restricts a soldier's range of motion; and if he will make a statement.[11785]

  Dr. Moonie
  There is no "personal radio system" supplied as part of the Bowman programme. For the purpose of this answer, I have assumed the intended subject to be the Bowman Personal Role Radio (PRR).

  PRR was separated from the total Bowman requirement in October 1999 to ensure delivery of these radios to the front line earlier than would otherwise have been the case. The PRR Invitation to Tender was issued in March last year and eight responses were received. CDC Systems did not take part in the competition.

  Thales (then trading as Thompson CSF) did submit a bid. However, as it did not win the competition and is no longer involved with Ministry of Defence on the PRR programme, it would be inappropriate for MOD to release commercial information that was obtained as part of the competitive process. I am therefore withholding the performance and size specifications requested in accordance with Exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.
  128W
  I can confirm that the Thales PRR audio ancillaries were assessed during the competition and were not found to restrict the soldier's range of motion.

  Marconi ultimately won the PRR contract on the basis that its system offered the best value for money in terms of performance, through life support, programme and cost. Work has progressed extremely well and we expect to better the declared ISD of March 2002.

  Armed Forces (Special Payments)
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to review the payments made to British armed forces service men and women who are engaged in theatres of operation; what assessments he has made of payments made to members of armed forces from other countries engaged similarly; and if he will make a statement. [12458]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 5 November 2001]: All payments made to service personnel are regularly reviewed, the majority of them by the independent Armed Forces Pay Review Body. These include basic pay; the X-factor, which takes account of the unique demands and circumstances of service life over a whole career; and allowances to compensate for particular disadvantages such as prolonged separation from home life. In addition a recent review of welfare support to service personnel on operations led to the introduction earlier this year of a new comprehensive operational welfare package. Where personnel receive this package, an overseas cost of living allowance is not usually payable.

  A comparison of operational conditions of service in a wide range of NATO and non-NATO countries was undertaken by the UK last year. This showed that payments to UK service personnel over the course of a military career bear favourable comparison with those of any of our allies. While some countries pay their personnel more when deployed on operations, this is more than offset by lower levels of remuneration at other times.

  Chinook ZD576
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many members of the maintenance team responsible for servicing RAF Chinook ZD576 at Aldergrove on 1 and 2 June 1994 had completed a full Chinook MK2 trade course and held the appropriate Trade Qualification Annotation prior to 2 June 1994; [13033]

  (2) if he will place in the Library copies of (a) the Supplementary Flight Servicing Certificate MOD Form 705(SSC) of RAF Chinook ZD576 for 1 and 2 June 1994 and (b) pages 25 and 26 of the Flight Servicing Certificate for RAF Chinook ZD576;13030]

  (3) if he will list the regulations covering tool checks and the documentation to be completed on the RAF Chinook MK2 aircraft prior to flight for the period covering May and June 1994; [13032]

  (4) if he will place in the Library copies of (a) sheet numbers 17, 18 and 19 of the Maintenance Work Order Log MOD Form 707A (ADP) for RAF Chinook ZD576 and (b) the MOD Form 711 associated with SNOW 0226 as listed on Sheet No. 20, Maintenance Work Order Log, MOD Form 707A(ADP) for RAF Chinook ZD576. [13031]
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  Mr. Ingram
  I will write to my right hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Ballistic Missiles
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what arms control measures he proposes to take to tackle the potential threat from ballistic missiles; and if he will make a statement;[11324]

  (2) what defensive measures are available to tackle the potential threat from ballistic missiles; and if he will make a statement.[11325]

  Mr. Hoon
  We currently assess that as of today there is no significant ballistic missile threat to the UK. We do, however, continue to monitor developments closely. We also remain concerned by the potential ballistic missile threat to our armed forces when deployed to certain parts of the world. We believe it is important to tackle the potential threat from weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery with a comprehensive strategy that encompasses diplomacy, non-proliferation, export control, counter-proliferation, conflict prevention, deterrence and defensive measures. We will continue to work closely with our allies, partners and friends in all of these areas.

  Beyond our wide-ranging arms control efforts to tackle the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, we have been working closely to establish a set of international norms dealing specifically with ballistic missiles. As a first step, a draft International Code of Conduct (ICOC) on ballistic missiles, based on an original text prepared by the UK, has been developed by members of the Missile Technology Control Regime. This draft will now be negotiated through an open multilateral process with a view to eventual signature during 2002. We hope that it will form the basis of a new international consensus against the destabilising spread of ballistic missiles, and we strongly support efforts to gain wide adherence to it.

  We have a range of capabilities for passive defence of deployed forces against weapons of mass destruction delivered by ballistic missiles. Detection, identification, warning and reporting of possible attacks, physical protection, hazard management and medical countermeasures are all key elements of our force posture. We continue to believe it is premature to decide on acquiring a specific active ballistic missile defence capability, either for defence of the UK or deployed forces. This is based on our assessment of the threat, the rapidity with which defensive technologies are changing, and the need to evaluate further the potential role of missile defences as one element of a broad-ranging defence response to missile proliferation. We will continue to support NATO work in this area, as well as our own national work and bilateral dialogue with the US. Our future options remain open.

  Military Personnel (Overseas)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many UK military personnel are serving overseas, broken down by(a) unit and (b) country in which they are serving. [12080]
  130W
  Mr. Ingram
  The following table shows the number of UK regular forces serving overseas as at 1 September 2001 broken down by service. To break down the figures to unit level could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Navy

  Army

  RAF

  Total

  Overseas total

  4,551

  33,116

  5,435

  43,102

  Continental Europe

  441

  17,423

  2,006

  19,870

  Cyprus

  8

  2,053

  1,089

  3,150

  Gibraltar

  217

  70

  114

  401

  Other Europe

  490

  2,986

  106

  3,582

  Near and Middle East

  396

  2,586

  819

  3,801

  Far East

  18

  239

  23

  280

  Others

  2,981

  7,759

  1,278

  12,018

  Source:

  DASA (Tri-Service)

  Italy (A400M)
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what Italy's financial contribution was to the A400M consortium; [12224]

  (2) what recent discussions he has had with the Italian Defence Minister about the A400M.[12223]

  Dr. Moonie
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence last met the Italian Minister of Defence on 12 October when he was informed that Italy had reached the decision not to continue, at present, with the A400M programme. However, I understand that this is being reviewed and I expect the situation to become clearer in the near future.

  Italy had been expected to procure 16 of these aircraft out of a total initial order of 212 aircraft and their financial contribution would have been commensurate with this. It would not be appropriate to release financial details while commercial negotiations are still under way.

  Water Supplies
  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with DEFRA and the water companies about the protection of water supplies from chemical and biological attack. [12338]

  Mr. Ingram
  All aspects of the UK's resilience to terrorist attack are being reviewed following the events of 11 September. The Ministry of Defence and DEFRA are both involved in that work, and there are well-established arrangements for military assistance to the civil authorities when required. Government responsibilities in relation to the water companies are a matter for DEFRA.

  Overseas Accommodation
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what improvements are being made to overseas accommodation for armed forces personnel and their families.[13008]

  Dr. Moonie
  In accordance with the Department's aim to improve the condition of living accommodation in overseas locations, there is an extensive programme of works projects currently under way. I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Gibraltar (Accommodation)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what improvements are being made to accommodation for armed forces personnel and their families in Gibraltar.[13009]

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

  Territorial Army
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria he uses to determine whether Territorial Army units are fit for role.[13024]

  Dr. Moonie
  The term "fit for role" is applied to individual members of the Territorial Army (TA) and not to units. TA units are required to achieve a level of collective performance that depends on the role and specified readiness of the unit. Readiness is defined as the time within which a unit can be made ready to deploy for operations from its normal peacetime location. The performance of TA units is measured in the same way as regular Army units, through the measurement of fighting power, which assesses units against a number of criteria, such as manning and equipment levels and the amount of training conducted.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what standards Territorial Army service personnel must meet in order to obtain the annual bounty.[13025]

  Dr. Moonie
  In order to obtain the annual bounty, the standard requirement is for Territorial Army (TA) personnel to pass a set number of Individual Training Directives (Army); attend unit annual camp (15 days); and attend a specified number of out of camp training days. This requirement is 12 days for independent TA and four days for specialist TA.

  Armed Forces Memorial
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations with ex-servicemen's organisations have taken place about the site and form of the memorial to members of the armed forces killed in conflicts since 1945; and if he will make a statement.[12637]

  Dr. Moonie
  A project office was appointed in January this year to consult the Services and ex-Service organisations on the criteria for inclusion on and siting of the proposed memorial to Service personnel killed since the end of the Second World War. Consultation is continuing with the Confederation of British Service and ex-Service Organisations (COBSECO) before a final decision is made.

  Afghanistan
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on confining military action against terrorism to targets in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement.[11648]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  I have been asked to reply.

  Coalition military action is focused on Osama bin Laden, the Al Qaeda network and their Taliban allies in Afghanistan.
  132W
  The military action is necessary, but it cannot be seen in isolation. It is part of a wider global campaign against terror, which includes diplomatic, intelligence, financial, humanitarian and political elements.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Poverty
  Mr. Russell Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress is being made in the Government's target to reduce the number of people worldwide living in extreme poverty by 2015.[12420]

  Clare Short
  The goal of reducing by half the population of people living on less than $1 a day was recently endorsed by 147 heads of state at the UN Millennium summit, and the UN have stated a commitment to monitoring progress towards this, and the other Millennium development goals, on a regular basis.

  The most recent published figures from the World bank show that in 1990 29.0 per cent. of the population of developing countries lived on less than $1 a day. By 1999 this had fallen to 22.7 per cent. World bank projections indicate that by 2015 the proportion living on less than $1 a day will fall further to 12.3 per cent. meaning that the 2015 target will be achieved overall but will be missed in some countries and some regions.

  Afghanistan
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what action she plans to take in order for the volume of food aid reaching Afghanistan to increase substantially;[12682]

  (2) what assessment she has made of the increase needed in the volume of food aid reaching Afghanistan in order to guarantee adequate stockpiles for the winter.[12681]

  Clare Short
  In October, the World Food Programme reported that it managed to despatch over 27,000 metric tonnes of food into the country. This was less than their target but tonnage has improved and over 10,600 metric tonnes were despatched last week. WFP and other humanitarian agencies are working to maximise opportunities to get more food into the country as winter approaches. We are working with the international community to open up new land convoy routes into Afghanistan. As I announced in the House on 1 November 2001,Official Report columns 769-70W we have agreed to contribute £600,000 to Russian EMERCOM for a new convoy operation to deliver 9,000 metric tonnes of food from Tajikistan to northern Afghanistan.

  WFP is buying 17,000 metric tonnes of wheat from the Iranian Government, which will be transported by rail to Turkmenistan, and from there to north and west Afghanistan. WFP is also looking at the airdropping of food to vulnerable people living in remote mountainous regions of Afghanistan which are likely to be cut off by winter snows.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on international plans to deliver food aid to refugees in Afghanistan this winter.[12153]
  133W
  Clare Short
  As I said in my statement to the House of Commons on 24 October 2001,Official Report, columns 283-85, humanitarian agencies, especially the World Food Programme, are working under extremely difficult circumstances and continuing to get food and other relief items into Afghanistan. In October, WFP reports that it managed to despatch over 27,000 metric tonnes of food into the country. WFP and other humanitarian agencies will continue to maximise opportunities to get more food into the country as winter approaches. DFID has been assessing ways of maximising other routes of food delivery into Afghanistan, and as I announced in the House on 1 November, we have agreed to contribute £600,000 to Russian Emergency Ministry (EMERCOM) for a new convoy operation to deliver 9,000 metric tonnes of food from Tajikistan to northern Afghanistan over the next two months.

  WFP is buying 17,000 metric tonnes of wheat from the Iranian Government, which will be transported by rail to Turkmenistan, and from there to north and west Afghanistan. WFP is also looking at the airdropping of food to vulnerable people living in remote mountainous regions of Afghanistan which are likely to be cut off by winter snows.

TRANSPORT, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND THE REGIONS

  Working Time Directive
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of the working time directive proposals to increase night-time working restrictions will have on distribution and deliveries of basic goods to rural areas.[9659]

  Mr. Jamieson
  From our regular meetings with industry, we are fully aware of the problems that will result from an eight-hour limit for night workers. That is why the Government support the ten-hour figure included in the Council's common position.

  Parking Revenue (London)
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list income and expenditure under the parking places revenue accounts of each local authority in London for the years(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99. (d) 1999–2000 and (e) 2000–01.[10720]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The information requested for the periods(a) to (d) has been placed in the Libraries of the House. The figures for period (e) are a matter for the Mayor of London.

  Stingray
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions which areas of Scotland will be covered by the Stingray system. [11233]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The new mobile system will operate throughout Scotland.

  Manchester Airport Eastern Link Road
  Mr. George Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when construction will begin of the Manchester Airport eastern link road (western section).[11078]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The South East Manchester Multi Modal Study covers the Manchester Airport eastern link road (western section). The Secretary of State is awaiting the recommendations of the North West Regional Assembly on the Study and will announce his findings shortly.

  Railtrack
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on conditions under which the new Railtrack company will be able to draw down the Government loan facility.[11266]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer the right hon. Member to the replies given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, to my hon. Friend the Member for Preston (Mr. Hendrick) on 23 October 2001.Official Report, column 195W and to the right hon. Member himself on 31 October 2001, Official Report, column 671W.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what his estimate is of(a) the gross assets to be transferred to the new Railtrack company and (b) the debt to be set against those assets.[11092]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 31 October 2001,Official Report, column 671W.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he will make a statement on the amount of Government money available for(a) Railtrack in administration and (b) the successor Railtrack company for the next three years.[11265]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer the right hon. Member to the reply from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to my hon. Friend the Member for Scarborough and Whitby (Lawrie Quinn) on 17 October 2001,Official Report, column 1230W.

  The successor company to Railtrack would be entitled to receive network grants to the profile and amounts set out in the Rail Regulator's October 2000 Periodic Review and the 2 April agreement between Railtrack and Government.

  The Government propose that a company limited by guarantee be established to succeed Railtrack. We would expect to put in place an arrangement by which the company could access a standby, subordinated loan facility. For details on this loan facility, I refer the right hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to my hon. Friend the Member for Preston (Mr. Hendrick) on 23 October 2001, Official Report, column 195W.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what discussions his Department held with the Treasury
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  regarding the financial situation at Railtrack and his plans for the company prior to the announcement of the administration order.[12151]

  Mr. Jamieson
  There were regular discussions between my Department and the Treasury prior to the announcement.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions which officials were involved in planning the press announcement by his Department of the Railtrack administration. [12150]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The announcement was prepared by my Department following normal procedures.

  Mr. Hoban
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what criteria he will use to assess proposals put to him by the administrators to resolve the future of Railtrack plc;[11801]

  (2) by what process he will assess the solution proposed by the administrators to resolve the future of Railtrack plc.[11881]

  Mr. Jamieson
  [holding answer 1 November 2001]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to my hon. Friend the Member for Gedling (Vernon Coaker) on 31 October 2001, Official Report, columns 669–71W.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the implications of the decision to place Railtrack into administration for(a) all services between (i) London Euston and Wolverhampton, (ii) Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury and (iii) Shrewsbury and Chester and (b) the proposed sale of the Oswestry branch line from Gobowen to Llanymywech to the Cambrian Railways Trust.[12608]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Government will ensure that the administrator has the funds to finance Railtrack's activities, including the full operation of the network.

  Birmingham Northern Relief Road
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will place the procurement documents relating to the Birmingham Northern Relief Road in the Library; and if he will make a statement in respect of health and safety of the project.[11237]

  Mr. Jamieson
  A copy of an edited version of the concession agreement prepared in accordance with the judgment of the High Court was placed in the Library in June 2000. I am also arranging for a copy of the OJEC notice that advertised the procurement of the BNRR construction contract to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Midland Expressway Ltd. and CAMBBA have health and safety obligations under the Health arid Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Construction Design and Management Regulations 1994 for the safe design, construction and management of the BNRR. They will continue to meet these obligations.

  Road Safety (Motorcyclists)
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans the Government have to encourage and promote road safety for motorcyclists; and if he will make a statement.[11658]

  Mr. Jamieson
  In March 2000 the Government published their strategy for improving road safety in the next decade, "Tomorrow's Roads—Safer for Everyone", which is available in the House Library.

  On motorcycling, our strategy is:

  to improve training and testing for all learner riders;

  to publish advice for people returning to motorcycling after a break and people riding as part of their work;

  to ensure the quality of instruction;

  to help drivers become more aware of how vulnerable motorcyclists are;

  to promote improvements in engineering and technical standards which could protect motorcyclists better; and

  to work with representatives of interested organisations, in an advisory group, to look at issues of concern.

  Port of London Authority
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government arid the Regions what application he has received from the Port of London Authority under section 14 of the Harbours Act 1964 concerning changes to their Act and proposals for a statutory instrument; what correspondence he has received from objectors or potential objectors to the proposed statutory instrument; what steps he has taken to ensure that those most likely to be affected have been consulted; and if he will make a statement on his intentions.[12168]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Port of London Authority's application for a Harbour Revision Order was advertised in the London Gazette and various local newspapers. The Secretary of State received objections or representations from the following:

  St. Pancras Cruising Club

  Thames Boating Trades Association

  Residential Boat Owners Association

  TGWU South East and East Anglia

  Thames Passenger Services Federation

  London Tideway Harbour Company Ltd.

  The Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames

  Toughs Boatyard Ltd.

  Royal Yachting Association

  Royal National Lifeboat Institution

  Inland Waterways Association

  The Barge Association

  River Association for Freight and Transport

  British Marine Industries Federation

  Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs

  National Association of Boat Owners

  Commercial Boat Owners Association.

  All of the objections and representations were copied to the PLA who are currently involved in discussions with a view to resolving the various concerns. The Secretary of State is awaiting the outcome of these discussions before deciding whether or not to call a public inquiry.

  Bull Bars
  David Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent work has been undertaken to assess the effects of bull bars on pedestrians in vehicle accidents.[11986]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Transport Research Laboratory has undertaken some test work for us comparing the likely effect on pedestrians of a range of typical bull bars and base vehicles. Its report, "Assessment and Test Procedures for Bull Bars", was published on 26 July last year, and copies were placed in the Libraries of the House.

  GoVia
  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what amendments to GoVia's proposals for the new South Central franchise have been put forward since Railtrack went into administration with particular reference to(a) start date and (b) levels of investment.[12526]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Strategic Rail Authority and GoVia have not agreed any changes to the Heads of Terms for a new South Central franchise, which was signed on 23 October 2000. However, items relating to Mark 1 rolling stock replacement contained in the Heads of Terms have been brought forward into the current Franchise Agreement. Progress in negotiations on the exact terms of the new franchise is commercially confidential.

  Bus Passengers
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will undertake a review of the regulations on the permitted number of standing passengers on local buses.[12318]

  Ms Keeble
  The recent agreement in the EU for common standards for the construction of buses will lead to a change in the regulations. However, in practice, the provisions of the EU Directive are broadly similar to our current requirements.

  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will take steps to amend the Public Service Vehicle (Carrying Capacity) (Amendment) Regulations 1994 in order to end the practice of three seated children under the age of 14 years counting as two passengers.[12556]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Permitting three children sitting in the space provided for two seats is a concession, not a requirement, and applies only where the vehicle is not fitted with seat belts.

  Currently, there is no plan to amend the Carrying Capacity Regulations to abolish this concession. The responsibility for choosing an appropriate vehicle must rest with those who are making the arrangements for the transport of children.

  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the legislative basis is of the three for two rule in the carrying of pupils under 14 years on scheduled bus services; and what plans he has to abolish this rule.[12555]
  138W
  Ms Keeble
  The regulations that permit the three for two rule are the Public Service Vehicles (Carrying Capacity) Regulations 1984. I have no plans to abolish this rule as it a concession and not a requirement.

  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment the Health and Safety Executive has made of passenger overcrowding on buses transporting pupils to school.[12444]

  Ms Keeble
  No assessment of overcrowding of buses has been made by the Health and Safety Executive. The responsibility for ensuring that a bus does not carry more passengers than it is certified for lies with the driver and, if applicable, conductor. Enforcement of regulations relating to carrying capacity and safety of buses rests with the Police and the Vehicle Inspectorate. I am not aware of any prosecutions for overcrowding on services involving school transport.

  Motorway Speed Limits
  Mr. Greg Knight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact on congestion of the variable speed limit system in operation on the M25 motorway; and if he will make a statement.[12326]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Independent monitoring and assessment of the scheme by the Transport Research Laboratory during the first year of operation confirmed its success. The monitoring indicated that traffic flow had improved, with drivers reporting more "comfortable", less aggressive driving conditions, with fewer very short, dangerous spaces between vehicles and fewer long (inefficient) spaces and more even use of the carriageway. There were also indications of improved safety, and shorter and more reliable journey times.

  Regional Chambers
  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what was the total budget for each regional chamber in England by region for(a) the last financial year and (b) this financial year; and what the projected figure is for next year.[12523]

  Dr. Whitehead
  The regional chambers have been established voluntarily by bodies representing the interests of each region. Their budgets are a matter for the chambers and their members. The Government have however allocated £500,000 this year to each regional chamber, with an additional £1 million for chambers to use collectively, to help them establish a stronger strategic and scrutiny role within the regions.

  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proportion of funding for regional chambers in England came from central Government for(a) last year and (b) this financial year; and what the projected apportionment is for the next financial year.[12524]

  Dr. Whitehead
  The Government provided no funding to the regional chambers in 2000–01. For 2001–02 we have allocated £500,000 to each regional chamber, with an additional £1 million for chambers to use collectively, to help them establish a stronger strategic and scrutiny role within the regions. As the total budgets of the
  139W
  chambers are a matter for the chambers themselves, information on the proportion represented by Government funding is not available centrally.

  Unitary Development Plan
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions in respect of the unitary development plan process(a) what review he has undertaken of the process since 1989, (b) what potential improvements he has identified and (c) how these will be incorporated in guidance to local authorities.[12527]

  Ms Keeble
  I shall be issuing a Green Paper shortly setting out proposals for comprehensive reform of the planning system.

  Local Government Finance
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions which local authorities have applied to be considered for trial schemes for(a) congestion taxes and (b) work parking taxes.[12576]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 5 November 2001]: Two schemes have been published for public consultation, one in central London and one in the City of Durham.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what additional central Government funding each local authority will receive for taking part in trial schemes for(a) congestion taxes and (b) work parking taxes.[12577]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 5 November 2001]The local transport capital settlement for 2001–02 announced in December 2000 did make specific funding available to local authorities in England for capital costs directly related to the implementation of a road user charging or workplace parking levy scheme as follows:

  Authority

  £000

  Nottingham City Council (workplace parking levy)

  1,500

  Derbyshire County Council (road user charging)

  400

  Durham County Council (road user charging)

  240

  Railway Stations (Disabled Access)
  Mr. Russell Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what responsibility(a) Railtrack and (b) Virgin Rail have for the provision of disabled access at Lockerbie railway station. [12923]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Lockerbie station is owned by Railtrack and leased to ScotRrail who are the "Stations Facilities Owner" with responsibility for managing the station on a day to day basis. ScotRail would be responsible for overseeing the provision of enhanced facilities at the station.

  West Coast Main Line
  Mr. Russell Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport. Local Government and the Regions when he expects the completion of Phase II of the upgrade of the 140W
  west coast main line; and when he expects trains will be able to operate at more than 140 mph on the line south of Crewe.[12922]

  Mr. Jamieson
  It is clear from our discussion with the Strategic Rail Authority, the Railway Administrator and Virgin that parts of the project are subject to uncertainties over cost increases and timetables. We are in discussion with the parties on the issues involved and the options. At this stage we cannot predict the outcome of those discussions, but we are working hard to reach agreement on a project which is value for money and can be delivered to a clear timetable, subject to the need to obtain any planning consents.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Kevin Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he will reply to the letters of 10 July and 21 August from the hon. Member for Doncaster, North regarding Manchester Airport and Finningley Airport.[13137]

  Ms Keeble
  I replied to my hon. Friend's letters on 1 August 2001 and 6 November 2001 respectively.

  Education Funding (Worcestershire)
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will meet(a) hon. Members for Worcestershire, (b) representatives of the Worcestershire Education Authority and (c) head teachers and governors from the county, to discuss education funding in Worcestershire; and if he will make a statement.[12675]

  Dr. Whitehead
  I and my ministerial colleagues are certainly prepared to meet hon. Members to discuss the distribution of formula grant to local authorities, which the Government are currently reviewing.

  Council Tax
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will revise the regulations governing the council tax benefits limitation scheme.[12609]

  Dr. Whitehead
  We review the regulations governing the council tax benefit subsidy limitation in advance of each year's local government finance settlement.

  Parking Restrictions
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what guidance he gives local authorities on the use of parking restrictions relating to(a) HGVs and (b) lighter commercial vans in residential areas.[12685]

  Ms Keeble
  Traffic management and parking restrictions are best addressed by local traffic authorities, who are able to take account of particular local circumstances. We have not issued guidance to authorities on the exercise of their road traffic regulation powers in respect of parking of heavy goods vehicles and lighter commercial vans in residential areas.

  Two publications that do include advice on parking provision for lorries are "Transport in the Urban Environment" published in 1997 by the Institution of

  141W
  Highways and Transportation with support from the Department of Transport and "Lorries in the Community" a report based on a study sponsored by the Civic Trust, the County Surveyors Society and the Department of Transport and published in 1990.

  Concessionary Fares
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if his Department's discussions with coach operators over concessionary pensioners' fares are intended to cover inter-authority journeys.[13036]

  Ms Keeble
  We have agreed in principle to a proposal from the Commission for Integrated Transport under which coach operators would offer half-price fares to older and disabled passengers on long distance scheduled coaches in England. In return for these fare concessions, operators would—for the first time—receive Fuel Duty Rebate. We shall be consulting the industry and others shortly on the details. Under the proposal concessionary fares on the services eligible, which of course cross local authority boundaries, would not be part of the local authority concessionary fares schemes.

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will extend eligibility for concessionary pensioners fares to inter-authority journeys.[13034]

  Ms Keeble
  I refer the hon. Member to my replies of 10 July 2001,Official Report, column 439W and 30 October 2001, Official Report, column 578W.

  Passenger Information
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list those means of public transport for which he does not collect passenger information.[13037]

  Mr. Jamieson
  My Department collects and publishes data from operators on the total number of passengers carried by all means of public transport, including buses, coaches, rail, light rail and ferries.

  In addition, my Department collects data on the personal characteristics of passengers (including age) using the National Travel Survey. The number of people in the sample who record trips by less common means, including ferry, is too small to produce reliable estimates, and these trips are recorded in published NTS figures aggregated in the 'other public transport' category.

  Public Transport Subsidies
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what(a) fuel tax rebates and (b) other subsidies are available to operators of buses, trains, taxis, passenger hovercraft, passenger ferries, coaches and other means of public transport on UK internal routes.[13039]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Operators of local bus services in England receive fuel duty rebate from my Department. For the fuel predominantly used in bus operation, ultra low sulphur diesel, this is equivalent to 80 per cent. of the duty paid. Following consultation in the spring, we will be introducing regulations later this financial year to 142W
  extend this rebate to a wide range of community transport services. We have also announced approval in principle of a recommendation from the Commission for Integrated Transport under which operators of long-distance scheduled coach services would receive the rebate in return for offering half-price fares to older and disabled passengers. Operators of Licensed Hackney Carriages, who hold a Bus Operators Licence, can also receive Fuel Duty Rebate when operating Taxi-Bus services along registered routes.

  Local authorities outside London have powers under the Transport Act 1985 to subsidise bus services where transport needs are not being met by an existing commercial service. My Department also provides grants to local authorities to support bus services by means of the Rural Bus Subsidy Grant, Rural Bus Challenge and Urban Bus Challenge grant schemes.

  The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs provides grants, administered by the Countryside Agency, for a range of community-based transport initiatives in rural areas.

  Bus, coach and taxi operators can apply for grants towards the cost of converting to cleaner fuels or fitting emission reduction technologies through my Department's PowerShift and CleanUp programmes.

  Train operating companies (TOCs) receive support for passenger rail services (SPRS) from the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) to enable them to provide services which produce social, environmental and economic benefits that cannot be paid for through fares and charges. Similarly Passenger Transport Executives (PTEs) pay grants to those TOCs which provide rail services in their areas. Freight Operating Companies (FOCs) receive freight grants from the SRA to encourage the movement of freight by rail in order to maximise environmental benefits by removing lorries from roads.

  Since 1 April 2001, Railtrack has received network grants from the SRA. Various organisations also receive funding from the SRA under the Rail Passenger Partnership (RPP) scheme.

  My Department supports the work of Transport for London through the Greater London Authority Transport Grant which is paid under the Greater London Authority Act 1999. Transport for London's responsibilities include support for buses, light rail and the Woolwich ferry.

  Grant is provided to London Regional Transport using powers under the London Regional Transport Act 1984 to support London Underground.

  Under the Local Transport Plan system, my Department only provides capital support for light rail projects.

  Apart from its indirect support for the Woolwich ferry, my Department does not provide subsidies for operators of passenger hovercraft and passenger ferries. These are matters for local authorities.

  Model Code of Conduct
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he will lay before Parliament the model code of conduct for members of relevant authorities under the Local Government Act 2000: and if he will make a statement.[13166]
  143W
  Mr. Raynsford
  I have today laid before the House four model codes of conduct for members of relevant authorities. The four are:The Local Authorities (Model Code of Conduct) Order 2000—which covers principal local authorities, the Greater London Authority, the City of London, the Scilly Isles Council. Fire and joint authorities;
  The Parish Councils (Model Code of Conduct) Order 2000;
  The National Parks and the Broads Authority (Model Code of Conduct) Order 2000: and
  The Police Authorities (Model Code of Conduct) (England and Wales) Order 2000.

  The Government have embarked on a radical programme to modernise local government and deliver better services. Strong and effective community leadership is at the heart of this vision. It is essential that communities trust those in local government and, equally, that members have clear guidelines under which they must operate.

  The code, published today, meets those two objectives. It will help safeguard and raise standards of conduct in local government—ensuring that the highest professional standards are met by those who run our councils and represent our communities.

  Authorities now have six months in which to adopt their own codes of conduct, which must contain the mandatory provisions set out in the relevant model codes.

  I believe the code is a considerable improvement on its predecessor. It is easier to understand, and easier for members to apply to their day to day duties. We need to keep the provisions under review, to ensure their workability and also to make sure that the public has the reassurance it needs that those they elect really are serving only the public interest. I shall from time to time ask the Standards Board for England to review the efficacy of the code, or specific provisions within it, and provide advice to Ministers on whether it can be improved.

  I will ensure that copies of all four codes are placed in the House Libraries.

  Ferry Services
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the cost of subsidies to the Woolwich ferry was in the last year in which they were paid; and what resources were made available by his Department to support such subsidies.[13038]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Woolwich ferry is now the responsibility of Transport for London's Street Management Services. My Department paid just over £1 million for the ferry in the first quarter of 2000–01 before Transport for London took over. We took account of Transport for London's need to fund the ferry during the rest of 2000–01 in setting the level of GLA Transport Grant for that year.

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions for what reason he does not collect information on the number of passenger journeys by ferry.[13035]
  144W
  Mr. Jamieson
  Information on number of passenger journeys by ferry is collected by my Department and the information is published annually in "Maritime Statistics".

  East Coast Main Line
  Mr. Lazarowicz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions on how many occasions in(a)(b) 2000 and (c) 1999 services on the east coast main line have been disrupted owing to collapse or other failure of the overhead power cables; and what average length of delay has been caused to passenger services as a result.[6652]

  Mr. Jamieson
  [pursuant to his reply, 23 October 2001, c. 191–92W]: The following corrected table from Rai1track shows the number of overhead line failures attributable to Rai1track and the train operators respectively in 1999, 2000 and 2001:

  Minutes delay to ECML passenger services due to overhead line problems—period 11 (January) 1999 to end of period 6 (mid September) 2001

  Year

  Total minutes delay

  Number of incidents

  Average delay

  Percentage of all delays ECML

  Railtrack attributable (overhead line)

  1999

  19,328

  157

  123

  5.4

  2000

  24,037

  134

  179

  3.0

  2001

  17,797

  100

  178

  2.9

  TOC attributable (pantograph)

  1999

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2000

  1387

  15

  177

  10.2

  2001

  8,149

  13

  627

  2.2

  1Data relating to these were not collected until summer 2000

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

  Flood Protection
  David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what provision she plans to make to(a) the Environment Agency and (b) East Riding of Yorkshire Council to protect properties at risk from flooding.[11963]

  Mr. Morley
  I have recently announced the allocations to flood and coastal defence operating authorities for 2002–03.

  The capital allocation, on which we have offered to pay grant, for the Environment Agency in Yorkshire is £19.6 million (compared with £12.5 million in 2001–02). The rate of grant is one of the highest in the country at 65 per cent.

  East Riding of Yorkshire Council have indicated that they intend to submit applications for funding for a number of schemes to reduce the risk of coastal erosion, but not to reduce the risk of flooding.

  Ocean Management
  Mr. Lazarowicz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will bring forward proposals to introduce an eco-system approach to the management of the oceans around the UK.[11503]
  145W
  Mr. Meacher
  We are working through the European Commission and the OSPAR Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North East Atlantic for the sustainable management and conservation of the seas around the UK. The Government's Marine Stewardship Report will set out our overarching strategy. We are looking at adopting an eco-system approach in this context.

  Departmental Assets
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what stocks of(a) antiques, (b) paintings and (c) fine wines are held by her Department; if she will list such assets sold over the last three years together with the sale proceeds from such transactions; what plans she has to sell further such assets over the period of the current Comprehensive Spending Review; and if she will make a statement.[10845]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 31 October 2001]: The National Asset Register gives full details of departmental asset holdings across all categories of assets, including heritage assets, along with details of major acquisitions and disposals since the publication of the last register in 1997. While DEFRA does not hold any stocks of antiques, paintings or fine wines, the National Asset register does contain a summary of DEFRA's asset holdings.

  Foot and Mouth
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the contribution of hunt staff to the control of foot and mouth disease; and if she will make a statement.[8987]

  Mr. Morley
  All our slaughter teams have provided a valuable contribution in the effort to control the disease. The first licensed hunt slaughtermen were engaged by the Department at the end of March on exactly the same basis as all licensed slaughtermen.

  David Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what restrictions she intends to impose on the sourcing of animals for restocking farms after foot and mouth has been eliminated.[5344]

  Mr. Morley
  From 5 November 2001, it will be possible for farmers in high risk counties, outside Infected Areas and restricted Infected Areas to bring stock into such counties from foot and mouth disease free and at risk counties for the purposes of restocking farms which have been culled. The arrangements for restocking will be kept under review as the disease situation changes.

  Mr. George Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many confirmed foot and mouth cases occurred in 2001 in each of the borough council areas of Cheshire.[11083]

  Mr. Morley
  It is only possible to provide data from the DEFRA Disease Control System (DCS) database for Cheshire as a whole. As at 31 October, there have been 17 Infected Premises (IPs), 32 Dangerous Contacts (DCs) and three Slaughter on Suspicion (SOS) cases in Cheshire.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many farms included in the foot and mouth cull but not recognised as 146W
  infected premises have had laboratory tests conducted for the presence of foot and mouth; and what proportion of these recorded positive results.[286]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 25 June 2001]: As at 22 October a total of 7,294 Dangerous Contacts (DC) and 255 Slaughter on Suspicion (SOS) cases, which had not been recognised as Infected Premises, had laboratory tests conducted. Of these, five yielded positive results and subsequently became IPs and were recorded as such.

  Notes:
  In addition to IPs and SOS cases, contiguous premises and DC premises have had samples taken from sheep at slaughter to further inform the Department as to origin and spread of disease. Some of these were subsequently recorded as IPs as they yielded positive laboratory results. A negative result does not necessarily mean that disease was not present. In the main, testing was for antibody, ie looking for evidence of origin (older disease).

  Source:
  DEFRA Disease Control System database as at 22 October—these figures may be subject to change as quality assurance of the data are carried out.

  Agrimonetary Compensation
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make it her policy to apply for all available agrimonetary compensation in the 2001–02 financial year; and if she will make a statement.[8631]

  Mr. Morley
  As stated in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, North (Mr. Pound) on 31 October 2001,Official Report, column 738W, we have decided not to pay the agrimonetary compensation currently available for the arable sector. Any future payments of agrimonetary compensation must be balanced against the needs of other sectors and taxpayers.

  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much EU agrimonetary compensation is available to be applied for on behalf of UK arable farmers.[9845]

  Mr. Morley
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, North (Mr. Pound) on 31 October 2001,Official Report, column 738W.

  Farm Funding
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will allow English farmers to access England Rural Development Programme funding on the same basis as Welsh farmers.[12610]

  Alun Michael
  Separate Rural Development Plans/ Programmes have been prepared for England and Wales which reflect the particular characteristics of each country but this has been done within the common framework of measures and requirements laid down in the European Commission's Rural Development Regulation. Farmers in some parts of Wales also receive support for rural development through Structural Funds.

  Environmentally Sensitive Area Status
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make
  147W
  it her policy to accord Environmentally Sensitive Area status to all national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty.[11909]

  Alun Michael
  Under the Agriculture Act 1986, Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) may be designated where the maintenance or adoption of particular farming methods is likely to contribute to the conservation or enhancement of natural beauty, biodiversity, features, buildings or historic interest. In England, a total of 22 ESAs were designated between 1987 and 1994, many of which overlap with National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Since 1996, this Department has also operated the Countryside Stewardship Scheme which provides payments for similar objectives outside designated ESAs. There are no plans to designate any further ESAs pending the review of all agri-environment schemes which is due to begin shortly.

  Business Links
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to increase the funding for Business Link schemes for three-day consultancy for farmers; and if she will make a statement.[12361]

  Alun Michael
  [holding answer 5 November 2001]: We have recently reviewed the budget allocations for the Farm Business Advice Service. As a preliminary step, 10 per cent. of the enhanced (five-day) service budget has been switched to the core (three-day) service in order to help farmers who have been subject to Form D restrictions. Funding will not be increased this year. Consideration is being given to making further budget realignments in order that predicted demand can be met.

  Stewardship Schemes
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to encourage a broader availability of stewardship schemes under the modulation and environmental subsidies scheme; and if she will make a statement.[12358]

  Alun Michael
  [holding answer 5 November 2001]: We are planning for a major expansion of the Countryside Stewardship budget as is now well known. Under the England Rural Development Programme, expenditure on agri-environment schemes is scheduled to increase from £119 million this year to £197 million in 2006–07. This expansion is partly funded by receipts from modulation. Subject to EU approval, we also plan to introduce a number of new arable options to Countryside Stewardship next year, which will provide greater opportunities for arable farmers to join the scheme. Over the longer term, we have started a major review of agri-environment schemes which will consider a range of issues, including the scope for further broadening of the schemes. This is consistent with the Department's policy of seeking further CAP reform to redirect expenditure from agricultural subsidies towards measures to support environmentally friendly farming and the wider rural economy.

  Tuberculosis
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will 148W
  increase veterinary resources in the south-west to help against the spreading of TB; and if she will make a statement.[12355]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 5 November 2001]: Resources normally available to the State Veterinary Service in the south-west for TB testing are still, in part. diverted to foot and mouth disease control. The issue of whether extra resource will be needed in certain areas is currently being assessed within the Department.

  Rendering Capacity
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to increase rendering capacity; and if she will make a statement.[12351]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 5 November 2001]: We have no immediate plans for increasing rendering capacity, but increases in rendering capacity will be thoroughly considered in our development of contingency measures for future disease outbreaks.

  Flooding (Upton-upon-Severn)
  Sir Michael Spicer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will fund the provision of a pontoon bridge at Upton-upon-Severn which can be put in place in the event of flooding.[11660]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 1 November 2001]: I am not aware of a proposal for a flood defence scheme at Upton-upon-Severn and none have been submitted to this Department. To secure DEFRA funding capital works must be technically sound, economically worthwhile and environmentally acceptable, and achieve an appropriate priority score (based on an assessment of Departmental priorities, urgency and benefit:cost ratio).

  British Horticulture (Greenhouse Fuels)
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will compensate British horticulture businesses for subsidies granted by Spain for greenhouse fuels; and what measures she is taking to pre vent unfair competition caused by subsidy of greenhouse fuels in competition with the UK horticultural industry.[10675]

  Mr. Morley
  I am not aware of subsidies granted by Spain specifically for fuels used in horticultural production. In the UK, heating oil used in glasshouses is exempt from duty.

  The rate of Climate Change Levy applied to energy used in horticulture in the UK has been abated by 50 per cent. for five years and we have allocated up to £5 million over three years to provide energy efficiency advice to growers to help them adjust to the full rate of levy. These measures (which require Commission approval under the state aids rules) recognise the importance of energy costs to competitive production in this sector.

  Fodder and Grazing
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment. Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she received from the Arthur Rank Foundation and
  149W
  industry bodies about the price and availability of (a) fodder and (b) grazing for livestock (i) in the UK and (ii) on the Isle of Wight.[9910]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 24 October 2001]: The Arthur Rank Foundation, ADAS and industry bodies have been examining the prices and availability of fodder and grazing throughout the country. We have received information on a broad regional basis but have no specific information on the Isle of Wight. The Department has been supporting a number of charities giving support to individuals and families suffering hardship as a result of foot and mouth disease, including the Arthur Rank Foundation. A total of £13 million has been provided to such charities up to September and we have now made available a further £2 million to the end of the year.

  Groundwater
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement in respect of the requirement on manufacturing industries to prevent the release of hazardous substances into water and the policy of Ofwat in respect of contaminants penetrating underlying aquifers to significant depths.[11383]

  Mr. Meacher
  Under various powers contained in the Water Resources Act 1991, the Water Industry Act 1991, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and regulations made under the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 2000, discharges from manufacturing industries to sewer and controlled waters require written authorisation from, respectively, the sewerage undertaker and the Environment Agency. Conditions in these authorisations are set in order to protect receiving waters from polluting substances. The Agency also has powers to prevent polluting activities. Ofwat has no direct responsibilities for discharge consents or associated standards.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to protect groundwater resources from known sources of contamination.[11379]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government have, through the Groundwater Regulations 1998 and the Anti-Pollution Works Notices Regulations 1999, increased the powers available to the Environment Agency to protect groundwater resources. In addition the Government have issued, under Regulation 21 of the Groundwater Regulations, a groundwater protection code of practice on the use and disposal of sheep dip. A draft code for petrol stations and underground storage tanks has been to public consultation and work is under way on codes for potential sources of contamination.

  Litter Offences
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many on-the-spot fines were levied for litter offences in England in(a) 1997 and (b) the last year for which figures are available.[12418]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 5 November 2001]: Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, litter wardens can issue a £25 fixed penalty to anyone who drops litter and refuses to dispose of it properly. These penalty notices are not on-the-spot fines but can be paid
  150W
  within 14 days of an offence occurring. If the money is not paid within 14 days the litterer can be prosecuted and if convicted face a maximum fine of £2,500.

  In the period 1997–98, 727 litter fixed penalties were issued by local authorities in England, of which 660 were paid. The last year from which figures are available is the period 1999–2000 where 2,970 fixed penalty notices were issued of which 1,563 were paid.

  Sheep Meat
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will calculate(a) the number of sweet lambs awaiting entry into the national supply chain and (b) the amount of sweet lamb being processed in the supply chain as a result of the imposition of export control restrictions on British livestock and meat.[11417]

  Mr. Morley
  DEFRA figures for the week ending 13 October 2001 indicate that the volume of sheep being slaughtered in the UK for human consumption was about 73 per cent. of the level that would have been expected had foot and mouth not occurred. However, allowing for the impact of the export ban, the production of sheep meat for the UK market is approximately 99 per cent. of normal.

  Apples
  Mr. Wyatt:
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what has been the average crop harvested of Bramley apples in (a) Northern Ireland, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) England since 1981.[11977]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 2 November 2001]: Home production of Bramley apples marketed for the calendar years 1985 to 2001 was as follows:

  thousand tones

  England and Wales

  Scotland

  Northern Ireland

  UK total

  1985

  121.6

  0.1

  24.4

  146.1

  1986

  123.0

  0.2

  24.6

  147.8

  1987

  114.5

  0.1

  24.3

  139.0

  1988

  100.9

  0.1

  29.4

  130.4

  1989

  189.0

  0.1

  35.6

  224.7

  1990

  118.6

  0.1

  34.3

  152.9

  1991

  150.5

  0.1

  41.9

  192.5

  1992

  155.5

  0.1

  41.4

  197.0

  1993

  101.4

  0.1

  51.2

  152.6

  1994

  87.8

  0.1

  35.6

  123.5

  1995

  89.7

  0.1

  41.3

  131.2

  1996

  75.2

  0.1

  39.7

  115.0

  1997

  57.5

  0.1

  31.0

  88.5

  1998

  54.7

  0.1

  27.6

  82.4

  1999

  83.5

  0.1

  25.8

  109.4

  2000

  59.5

  0.1

  45.5

  105.1

  20011

  55.5

  0.1

  50.2

  105.7

  1Provisional

  Draft Guidance (Parishes)
  Mr. Plaskitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will publish draft guidance on quality parishes.[13249]
  151W
  Alun Michael
  I shall be publishing a consultation paper on Quality Parish and Town Councils tomorrow, Wednesday 7 November. This takes forward the commitment in the Rural White Paper to help town and parish councils develop a new role, give communities the opportunity to help shape their future and to make local government in the countryside more responsive to local people and local needs. Copies will be placed in the Library and the Vote Office in the morning. The consultation paper will be available on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' website www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/consultfrm.htm and from my Department on request. I shall also be writing to Members of Parliament individually with the document.

  Ebola Virus
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps are being taken to stop ebola from entering the United Kingdom.[9433]

  Jacqui Smith
  I have been asked to reply.

  Cases of ebola haemorrhagic fever are not infectious before the onset of symptoms and there are systems in place, based on the World Health Organisation's international health regulations, to ensure that individuals who appear to be ill on entry to this country are identified and are put in contact with health care services.

  We have issued guidance to the national health service on the management and control of viral haemorrhagic fevers to help in the identification and safe care of cases, including the monitoring of contacts. There are two high security infectious disease units in England that provide specialised isolation facilities on a United Kingdom-wide basis for people suffering from or suspected of suffering from highly infectious diseases such as viral haemorrhagic fever. Specialist laboratories, which provide early diagnosis of suspected cases, support these units.

  Bioterrorism
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what checks will be made on grain imports to prevent terrorists from polluting them with disease-bearing spores.[9866]

  Ms Blears
  I have been asked to reply.

  There are extensive controls on imports of food including grain at ports of entry. In addition, the Food Standards Agency plays a full part in Government emergency planning to protect the food chain, including against terrorism.

TREASURY

  Customs and Excise
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the value, net of withdrawals and reductions, of the(a) penalties and (b) interest charged by HM Customs and Excise in respect of Insurance Premium Tax in (i) 1999–2000, (ii) 2000–01 and (iii) 2001–02 to date.[12199]
  152W
  Ruth Kelly
  Customs and Excise charged penalties and interest in respect of Insurance Premium Tax as shown in the table.

  £000

  Net value charged

  Interest

  Penalties

  1999– 2000

  633

  61

  2000–01

  382

  75

  2001 to 31 August

  265

  1—

  1 Reliable information is not yet available for this period, and it would take a disproportionate amount of time to quantify. Customs are developing a new system to report these data

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the targets for detection of revenue set for each anti-smuggling team in HM Customs and Excise in(a) 1998–99, (b) 1999–2000, (c) 2000–01 and (d) 2001–02.[12212]

  Mr. Boateng
  Customs does not set revenue detection targets for individual teams.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff are employed, and at what grades, by the National Investigation Service within HM Customs and Excise.[12214]

  Mr. Boateng
  The number of staff currently employed by HM Customs and Excise law enforcement investigation (formerly known as the national investigation service) is shown in the table:

  Job band

  Number of staff

  02

  53

  03

  99

  04

  31

  05

  100

  06

  1,015

  07

  571

  08

  26

  09

  109

  10

  4

  11

  20

  12

  4

  SCS

  4

  Grand total

  2,036

  Mr. Bacon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many employees of HM Customs and Excise are the subject of criminal investigations by the police; and how many of these relate to frauds on duty.[12638]

  Mr. Boateng
  The number of officers who are currently the subject of criminal investigations by the police is 16. None of these cases relates to frauds on excise or customs duties.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the sum of revenue detected by each anti-smuggling team within HM Customs and Excise in(a) 1998–99, (b) 1999–2000, (c) 2000–01 and (d) 2001–02 to date.[12213]

  Mr. Boateng
  Information about the revenue evasion detected by individual anti-smuggling teams is not available.
  153W
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in what ways the powers and responsibilities of HM Customs and Excise have been affected by the Terrorism Act 2000.[12217]

  Mr. Boateng
  Under the Terrorism Act 2000, all Customs officers at ports and airports in Great Britain, but not Northern Ireland, are designated as examining officers. This provides officers with a range of investigative powers to enable the officer to determine whether a person is or has been concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

  In addition, the Act designates all Customs officers in the UK as authorised officers. This provides officers with powers to seize cash at import or export, or moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which is believed to be linked to terrorism. The detention of seized cash beyond 48 hours must be authorised by the courts.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many notifications of businesses no longer trading were received by HM Customs and Excise following the annual reminder mailshots in(a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000 and (e) 2001.[12202]

  Mr. Boateng
  Information on the number of businesses no longer trading and notified as a result of annual reminders is not readily available. Information about the percentage increase in changes notified due to the annual reminder may be found in the publication "HM Customs and Excise annual report 1998–99, appendix B—Management by Outputs Agreement".

  Such data are not readily available for the remaining years in question and would involve disproportionate cost to produce. Details of the total number of deregistrations over the period in question may be found in HM Customs and Excise annual reports for the respective financial years.

  Barnett Formula
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer under the application of the multiplier to each area of comparable expenditure under the Barnett formula, which spending areas contributed to a reduction in Scotland's allocation in the last financial year.[12190]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  [holding answer 2 November 2001]: Increases in Scotland's allocation for 2000–01 were announced following the 1998 Comprehensive Spending Review. Details of the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review were announced in the spending plans published in July 1998 (Cm 4011) and the Barnett formula comparability factors used in the Comprehensive Spending Review were published in the Statement of Funding Policy in March 1999.

  Euro
  Barbara Follett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on euro preparations.[13250]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Fifth Report on Euro Preparations was published on 4 November. Copies are available in the Vote Office and the Library of the House.
  154W
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will make a statement on the current level of Treasury research into whether the United Kingdom has passed the five economic tests for membership of the euro zone; who will undertake the final tests; and how long the analysis will take;[13022]

  (2) if it is the assessment of his Department that the United Kingdom qualifies for membership of the euro zone.[13023]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Government have said that they will complete an assessment of the five economic tests within two years of the start of this Parliament.

  European Central Bank
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the accountability to EU member states of the European Central Bank.[12554]

  Ruth Kelly
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the then Economic Secretary to the Treasury, on 11 November 1999,Official Report, column 771W.

  Landfill Tax Credit Scheme
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what options he is considering for the(a) reform and (b) abolition of the Landfill Tax Credit scheme; [12042]

  (2) if he will amend the Landfill Tax Regulations to permit environmental bodies to make direct contributions to recycling schemes;[12045]

  (3) when he will publish a consultation document on the future of the Landfill Tax Credit scheme.[12043]

  Mr. Boateng
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Colchester (Bob Russell) on 30 October 2001,Official Report, columns 624–25W.

  Airline Industry
  Mr. Lazarowicz
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will bring forward taxation measures to provide emergency support to the airline industry following the terrorist attacks of 11 September;[11969]

  (2) if he will bring forward taxation measures to assist the tourism industry; and if he will make a statement.[11970]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government keep all taxes under review and decisions will be made as part of the normal Budget process.

  Working Hours
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 23 October 2001,Official Report, column 204W, on excessive hours, if he will state the methodology by which his answer was reached.[11607]

  Ruth Kelly
  Aggregated data are produced three times a year from information provided by staff on their average working hours. This showed the trend I referred to in my reply to the hon. Member on 23 October 2001,Official Report, column 204W.

  Railtrack
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what guarantees the Treasury is offering to Railtrack plc in administration to enable it to borrow from the market.[11087]

  Mr. Spellar
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the right hon. Member to the Loan Agreement, copies of which were placed in the House Library on 17 October 2001.

  Public-Private Partnerships
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what advice he has received since 7 October concerning additional risk premia that PPP partners might seek;[10770]

  (2) what representations he has received since 7 October from (a) actual and (b) potential PPP partners concerning modifications of standard contractual arrangements; [10771]

  (3) what representations he has received since 7 October about the operation of public private partnerships; and if he will publish them;[10769]

  Angela Watkinson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received from interested organisations regarding public/private partnerships.[11543]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Ministers and officials regularly receive representations on public-private partnerships (PPP). It is for those making such representations to publish them if they so wish. It would not be appropriate to make public the terms of contractual negotiations in advance of contract signature. The general guidance on "Standardisation of PFI Contracts", published in 1999 and which is available in the Library of the House of Commons, is currently being reviewed by the Office of Government Commerce. It is hoped to issue a revised draft of this guidance for consultation shortly.

  VAT
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many cases of criminal VAT fraud were reported in(a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01 and (c) 2001–02 to date; how many prosecutions were completed in each year; and how many of those prosecutions were completed successfully.[12208]

  Mr. Boateng
  The number of reported VAT fraud criminal cases is:

  1999–2000: 105

  2000–01: 92.

  During 1999–2000, 49 prosecutions were completed, of which in 48 one or more defendants were convicted. During 2000–01, 24 prosecutions were completed, of which in 20 one or more defendants were convicted.

  Accurate figures for 2001–02 will be calculated after the year in question.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the value was of criminal VAT evasion prevented by HM Customs and Excise in(a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01 and (c) 2001–02 to date.[12207]
  156W
  Mr. Boateng
  The value of criminal evasion prevented by Customs while investigating rose from £618 million in 1999–2000 to £993 million in 2000–01. Figures showing the total value of revenue evasion prevented by Customs in 2001–02 will be published in due course.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many traders were dealt with by the VAT large payers unit in(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99, (c) 1999–2000 and (d) 2000–01; how many traders are now being dealt with by the unit; and if he will make a statement.[12205]

  Mr. Boateng
  The number of traders dealt with by the VAT large payers unit was 10,000 in 1997–98, 13,000 in 1998–99, 13,500 in 1999–2000, 14,500 in 2000–01 and is currently around 14,900.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what was the total value of VAT repayment returns in(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99, (c) 1999–2000 and (d) 2000–01;[12203]

  (2) what the target of HM Customs and Excise is for effecting VAT repayment returns; and what proportion of VAT returns, representing what sum of money, were effected within the relevant target time in (a) 1997–98, 1998–99, (c) 1999–2000 and (d) 2000–01.[12204]

  Mr. Boateng
  Customs processes around 2 million VAT repayment returns each year, the values of which are set out on a regular basis in the HM Customs and Excise "Value Added Tax Factsheet", available from the House of Commons Library.

  A target to authorise 92 per cent. of all repayments within 10 working days of the receipt of a claim in the VAT central unit was set for the year 1997–98, and this was increased to 96 per cent. for 1998–99 and subsequent years. The actual achievement in each of the subject years was over 97 per cent.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the value of(a) court fines and costs and (b) confiscation and compensation orders following the completion of prosecutions in VAT criminal cases in (a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01 and (c) 2001–02 to date.[12215]

  Mr. Boateng
  The amount of money realised for each of the periods referred to was, in respect of confiscation orders for VAT cases only, as follows:

  £

  (a) 1999–2000

  415,585,93

  (b) 20007–01

  795,020.25

  (c) 2001–021

  102.411.78

  1April to September

  Customs does not keep details as to the value of court fines or costs orders made nor does it have any record of compensation orders made. Similarly, it does not keep any record of confiscation orders made—only the amount realised through enforcement.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the value of VAT civil evasion prevented by HM Customs and Excise was in(a) 1997–98. (b) 1998–99, (c) 1999–2000 and (d) 2000–01.[12209]
  157W
  Mr. Boateng
  The value of VAT civil evasion prevented by HM Customs and Excise in the years 1997–98 and 1998–99 are contained in Customs annual reports for these years. Figures for 1999-2000 and 2000–01 are:

  £ million

  1999–2000

  70

  2000–01

  71

  From the current financial year, HM Customs and Excise has ceased to calculate a figure for VAT criminal evasion prevented.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many and what proportion of applications for VAT registration during(a) 1998–99, (b) 1999–2000, (c) 2000–01, and (d) 2001–02 to the most recent date for which information is available were (i) refused or (ii) referred for further investigation;[12197]

  (2) how many and what percentage of applications for VAT registration were found to be (a) invalid or (b) potentially fraudulent in (i) 1999–2000, (ii) 2000–01 and (iii) 2001–02 to the most recent date for which information is available.[12200]

  Mr. Boateng
  For 1998–99, information on the proportion of applications falling into these categories is published in appendix B of the HM Customs and Excise annual report 1998–99. For 1999–2000 and 2000–01, this information was not centrally collated and would now involve disproportionate cost to produce. National registration statistics for 2001–02 will be published in due course.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many VAT fraud cases were investigated under the civil penalty procedure in(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99, 1999–2000, (d) 2000–01 and (e) 2001–02 to date. [12210]

  Mr. Boateng
  Prior to 2001–02, HM Customs and Excise has recorded information on the numbers of VAT fraud cases where a civil penalty was imposed but not the number investigated. Figures for 1997–98 and 1998–99 were published in Customs annual reports for these years. Figures for 1999–2000 and 2000–01 are as follows:

  Number

  1999–2000

  860

  2000–01

  729

  Accurate figures for 2001–02 will be calculated after the year in question.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many businesses were sent the annual reminder mailshot with VAT returns in(a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001.[12201]

  Mr. Boateng
  The information is as follows:

  Million

  1999

  1.6

  2000

  1.7

  2001

  0

  158W
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the value, net of withdrawals and reductions, of the(a) default surcharge, (b) penalties and (c) interest charged by HM Customs and Excise in respect of VAT in (i) 1999–2000, (ii) 2000–01 and (iii) 2001–02 to date.[12198]

  Mr. Boateng
  The information is as follows:

  £ million

  Net value of penalty charged

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  20011

  Default surcharge

  117.3

  126.9

  47.9

  Default interest

  77.4

  71.6

  25.8

  Other penalties

  22.9

  29.8

  10.8

  1 To 31 August 2001

WALES

  NHS (Wales) Bill
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he will publish the draft NHS (Wales) Bill. [12679]

  Mr. Touhig
  The Queen's Speech at the beginning of this parliamentary Session confirmed that the Government intended to draft legislation to reform the provision of health services in Wales. The Government's intention is still to publish a Welsh Bill in draft during this parliamentary Session. My right hon. Friend and I have had close discussions with the National Assembly for Wales Minister for Health and Social Services and with our colleagues in Government on the contents of the draft NHS (Wales) Bill. My officials and Assembly officials are also making good progress on the detail of the Bill.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Ozone Depleting Substances
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the estimated cost to British businesses is of the Ozone Depleting Substances Regulation 2000/2037.[11857]

  Mr. Wilson
  EC Regulation 2037/2000 on substances which deplete the ozone layer is a matter for my right hon. Friend, the Minister for the Environment. A Regulatory Impact Assessment was prepared by his Department in relation to this Regulation, and was placed in both Libraries of the House on 3 December 1998.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the effects of the ozone depleting substances Regulation 2000/2037 on the design and manufacture of fridges and freezers.[11856]

  Mr. Wilson
  EC Regulation 2037/2000 on substances which deplete the ozone layer is a matter for my right hon. Friend, the Minister for the Environment. The manufacture of fridges and freezers will need to comply with the restrictions placed by the Regulation on the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Use of HCFCs as refrigerants in domestic fridges and freezers has been banned since 1 January 1996. Regulation 2037/2000 additionally bans use of HCFCs for the production of polyurethane foams for appliances from 1 January 2003.

  Small Business Service/Business Link
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking(a) to ensure effective co-operation and (b) to avoid duplication between the work of the Small Business Service and Business Links.[11847]

  Nigel Griffiths
  The Small Business Service and the Business Link Operators are part of the same network. They are not two different competing organisations. Business Link is the customer facing brand of the Small Business Service. The Business Link Service encompasses a national contact centre and website and the network of 45 local Business Link Operators.

  The Small Business Service manages the network of local Business Link operators through its regional teams. They are responsible for encouraging effective local and regional collaboration and building a learning network.

  End-of-life Vehicles Directive
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the estimated cost to British businesses is of the end-of-life vehicles directive.[11861]

  Mr. Wilson
  The DTI Consultation Paper on options for implementing the Directive, copies of which were placed in the Libraries of both Houses, includes a partial regulatory impact assessment. A fuller assessment of the cost to businesses will be made when the precise method of implementation has been decided, following consideration of responses received in the consultation exercise.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of UK registered businesses employ fewer than(a) 100, (b) 50, (c) 20, (d) 10 and (e) five people.[12156]

  Nigel Griffiths
  The percentage of UK registered businesses by employee size band is as follows:

  Less than 100: 99.0

  Less than 50: 98.2

  Less than 20: 95.8

  Less than 10: 90.3

  Less than five: 79.7

  Source:

  Inter-departmental Business Register (IDBR), Start 2001

  Economic Development
  Mrs. Helen Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the potential of the environmental industries to generate economic development.[9821]

  Mr. Wilson
  The most recent available figures relating to the environmental industries indicate that the global environmental market was worth about $335 billion in 2000 rising to $640 billion by 2010. A new study to up date these figures has been commissioned by the Department and is due for completion at the end of November 2001. This will also provide information on the UK's share of the global market.
  160W
  The Department is also in the process of establishing an Innovation and Growth Team (IGT) for the UK environmental industry. The primary role of the IGT will be to identify new trends and emerging factors which could impact on competitiveness within the industry, and to identify new market opportunities.

  Nuclear Sites (Security)
  Paul Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to install anti-aircraft batteries at Sellafield and other nuclear plants; and what discussions she has had with her French counterpart following the French Government's decision to place anti-aircraft missiles around French reprocessing facilities.[10674]

  Mr. Wilson
  The. UK's civil nuclear sites apply stringent security measures regulated by the Office for Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS), the security regulator. The security regulator works closely with the Health and Safety Executive, the safety regulator, which provides advice on the safety implications of events, including external hazards such as plane crashes, at nuclear installations. Security and safety precautions at nuclear sites are kept under regular review and the Government are reviewing all precautions in the light of the terrorist attacks in the United States on 11 September. It is not Government policy to disclose details of security measures taken at civil nuclear sites. Officials have discussed security issues with their French counter-parts.

  Paul Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to her answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury, North (Mr. Chaytor), 22 October 2001,Official Report, column 7W, on nuclear security, if the Office for Civil Nuclear Security was asked to make a special assessment of the security provisions for the Sellafield MOX Plant and the transport of MOX fuel to overseas customers following the terrorist events of 11 September.[10673]

  Mr. Wilson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for East Surrey (Mr. Ainsworth) on 16 October 2001,Official Report, column 1152W.

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the personnel who comprise her Department's Office for Civil Nuclear Security, along with the qualifications they have for their roles.[8763]

  Mr. Wilson
  The DTI's Office for Civil Nuclear Security comprise 34 staff headed by Michael Buckland-Smith, Director of Civil Nuclear Security. Staff have a range of relevant experience including work in the security and intelligence agencies, the armed services and the police. Training and competences required for OCNS—as for all parts of DTI—are kept under continuing review in the light of changing needs.

  European Coal and Steel Treaty
  Mr. Grogan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on her policy on the proposals of the European Commission to allow state aid to the coal industry to continue beyond the expiry of the European Coal and Steel Treaty in 2002. [11564]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Government currently have no plans to subsidise the UK coal industry beyond the expiry of the European Coal and Steel Community Treaty in July
  161W
  2002. However, we are prepared to accept that continued State aid be permitted by the new European regime after this date, provided that it is in the context of appropriate limiting conditions and provided it does nothing to undermine greater liberalisation of energy markets. In particular we would like to see a cap on aid payments, degressivity in aid payments, and rules to prevent subsidies reducing domestic prices of delivered coal below international prices.

  Given the geopolitical diversity of coal sources, we are not convinced by the security of supply justification for subsidies as detailed in the current Commission proposals. We would instead like to keep open the possibility of member states paying operating or investment aid to make further progress towards economic viability.

  Mr. Grogan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on her policy towards the renewal of the European Coal and Steel Treaty.[11557]

  Mr. Wilson
  The European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) Treaty comes to an end in July 2002, and there are no plans for it to be renewed. However the European Commission has published a proposal for a new European coal state aids regime. Our policy regarding this proposal is discussed in my answer today to my hon. Friend (PQ No. 11564), at columns 160–61W.

  Manufacturing Industry
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received regarding the impact of new regulations on British manufacturing in the last 12 months.[11005]

  Mr. Wilson
  Ministers meet and correspond regularly with manufacturing companies and business organisations representing them on a range of issues, including the impact of new regulations.

  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the factors responsible for the changes, in competitiveness of British manufacturing in the last three years.[10993]

  Mr. Wilson
  Competitiveness depends on a wide range of factors which we keep under close review. My Department published, in February 2001, its latest assessment of the UK's competitiveness against the world's leading economies in the second edition of the UK Competitiveness Indicators. In addition, we have a rolling programme of sector competitiveness analyses which seek to examine all the factors that may influence the competitiveness of companies in a particular industrial or business sector.

  Electricity Trading Arrangements
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the operation of the New Electricity Trading Arrangements.[10992]
  162W
  Mr. Wilson
  Ofgem published on 31 August a review of NETA's performance over the first three months. Their key findings were that:Wholesale electricity prices are 20–25 per cent. below prices that would have been produced under the Pool.
  Market liquidity has been established with a threefold increase in the volume of trades, and a doubling of the number of contracts struck compared to this time last year under the Pool.
  The National Grid Company is working well to keep the electricity system in balance. Its daily costs of balancing the system have halved, which will also benefit customers.

  The impact of NETA on smaller generators continues to be a concern. Ofgem also published a report on the impact of NETA on smaller generators in the first two months of its operation. This report highlighted the areas where further action was needed to assist smaller generators. I have issued a consultation document aimed at addressing these concerns, and copies have been placed in both Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the impact of the new Electricity Trading Arrangements on the generation of electricity by wind power.[10118]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 30 October 2001]: The impact of NETA on smaller generators, including renewables such as wind power, was and continues to be of great concern. Ofgem published on 31 August 2001 a report on the impact of NETA on smaller generators, based on the first two months of NETA operation, as well as a report on NETA operation generally.

  Ofgem's key findings on the initial impact of NETA on smaller generators, including wind generation, included:

  (a) That the prices achieved by smaller generators are 17 per cent. lower than under the Pool. This is a somewhat smaller reduction than for generation prices overall. Ofgem reports, however, that wind plant have seen the largest drop in the price paid for their exports, 27 per cent.

  (b) Smaller generators' output has fallen substantially. Ofgem suggests the lower export prices for electricity are one factor, but also speculates that higher costs (especially gas prices) may also have contributed. Exports for wind generation, however, are only down by 13 per cent.

  (c) In its report Ofgem has singled out the position of wind generators within the renewables community as especially unpredictable. Other than wind power. the output of smaller generators does not appear to be significantly less predictable than for other generators.

  The Government issued proposals specifically aimed at addressing the concerns of the smaller generators community, including wind generation. Copies have been placed in both Libraries of the House.

  The Government remain committed to their target for 10 per cent. of electricity sales from licensed suppliers to come from renewables which are eligible for the Renewables Obligation by 2010, subject to the costs being acceptable to the consumer.

  Coal
  Mr. Kevin Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she has security of supply concerns about coal production; and if she will make a statement.[10373]
  163W
  Mr. Wilson
  Domestic supplies constitute about 50 per cent. of our current coal use, competing in a diverse and active international market. I believe this market provides a secure and diverse choice of coal supplies in which I would expect UK production to continue to play a significant role.

  Mr. Kevin Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what risk assessment she has made about the potential for disruption to coal supply to the UK.[10378]

  Mr. Wilson
  No formal risk assessment has been made about the potential for disruption to coal supply to the UK. However, the current Coal Aid Code, the European Commission's Security of Supply Green Paper and the Commission proposal for state aid to the coal industry all acknowledge that the geopolitical diversity of coal sources is such that the risks of disruption to supply are minimal.

  In terms of a physical threat to coal assets or the freight transport infrastructure, the Government and relevant companies are working with the security services to ensure that the risk of terrorist attack is properly assessed and that appropriate measures are in place to reduce the risk of disruption.

  Mr. Kevin Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to promote the capping of EU state aid to the UK coal industry at 2001 levels.[10375]

  Mr. Wilson
  On 25 July 2001, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a Council regulation on state aid to the coal industry. There is no specific cap in this proposal. However, to see levels of aid increase on current levels would contradict aims for greater liberalisation in EU markets, and run counter to the commitment given by member states at the Lisbon Council to reduce the level of state aids, shifting the emphasis from supporting individual companies or sectors. The Government would therefore at least like to see payments by each member state capped at the levels of aid it granted in 2001. We are pursuing this objective in Council negotiations.

  Mr. Kevin Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to promote amendments to reduce EU state aid to the UK coal industry on a year-by-year basis.[10374]

  Mr. Wilson
  The European Commission proposal for a Council regulation on state aid to the coal industry beyond 2002 requires aid to be reduced in a "continuous and significant manner". It is very important that this is achieved so that we progress to a liberalised market without aid, and honour the commitment given at the Lisbon Council to reduce the level of state aids. Therefore we would like to see amendments clarifying that the total level of aid which may be granted by any member state must be reduced in a significant manner on a year-by-year basis. We are pursuing this objective in Council negotiations.

  Nuclear Power (Finland)
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had with the Government of Finland about nuclear power generation.[7378]
  164W
  Mr. Wilson
  I have had no recent discussions but, as with other international energy issues, am aware of developments in the nuclear sector in Finland.

  Screening Centre (Wrexham)
  Ian Lucas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many(a) medical examinations by doctors and (b) screening tests by nurses were carried out at Healthcall's screening centre at Grosvenor road in Wrexham in each month between June and September inclusive.[8711]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 23 October 2001]: The number of screening spirometry tests completed at Wrexham test centre each month, from June to September inclusive was:

  Number

  2001

  June

  3

  July

  20

  August

  0

  September

  22

  Total tested at Wrexham at end September

  480

  The number of medical assessments completed at Wrexham test centre each month was:

  Number

  2001

  June

  3

  July

  6

  August

  6

  September

  11

  Total tested at Wrexham at end September

  197

  Miners' Compensation
  John Mann
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many compensation claims made by miners suffering from vibration white finger and mining-related lung diseases are still waiting to be processed; and how many of the claimants in this group have received an interim payment, in Bassetlaw constituency.[9881]

  Mr. Wilson
  In the Bassetlaw constituency, with regards to Vibration White Finger, VWF, there have been 4,153 claims registered to date, 1,355 interims have been made and 877 full and final payments have been made. The total amount paid in damages is £14.2 million.

  In relation to respiratory disease, 3,602 claims have been initiated in the Bassetlaw constituency. There have been 609 interim payments and 264 full and final payments have been made. The total amount paid in damages is £3.7 million.

  Constituency statistics will be available on the www.dti.gov.uk/coalhealth website in the next three to four weeks.

  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many compensation payments to sick miners and their dependants for(a) vibration white finger and (b) respiratory diseases have been made by means of

  165W
  (i) fast track settlements and (ii) full settlements, broken down by parliamentary constituency.[9851]

  Mr. Wilson
  The information is not yet available in the format requested. The Department is working closely with its claims handlers to produce a breakdown of headline statistics by parliamentary constituency for both respiratory diseases and vibration white finger. It is anticipated that the information will be available on the Department's coal health website www.dti.gov.uk/ coalhealth—in the next three to four weeks.

  In the meantime breakdowns by postcode and region are currently available on the website.

  Regional breakdown as at 30 September 2001

  Wales

  Scotland

  Nottinghamshire

  Yorkshire

  North-east

  North-west

  Midlands

  South

  Vibration White Finger

  Number of claims

  16,812

  8,297

  22,377

  41,292

  19,983

  4,232

  12,783

  1.987

  interim payments

  Number of payments

  3,869

  2,562

  6,642

  12,357

  7,263

  1,204

  3,014

  488

  Value of payments (£ million)

  20.3

  12.8

  36.6

  70.8

  44.8

  5.6

  15.2

  2.8

  Settlements

  Total number of general damages settlements

  5,097

  2,619

  4,773

  7,925

  5,222

  1,118

  2,054

  379

  Value of settlements (£ million)

  24.0

  11.5

  31.0

  43.6

  34.2

  4.1

  9.3

  1.6

  Respiratory disease

  Number of claims

  34,497

  12,837

  20,706

  43,477

  23,615

  8,829

  15,552

  3,942

  Interim payments—post spirometry and post MAP

  Number of payments

  8,733

  3,280

  3,679

  8,621

  4,906

  1,837

  4,071

  843

  Value of payments (£ million)

  35.8

  13.3

  13.2

  32.8

  20.8

  7.0

  14.2

  3.3

  Expedited payments post spirometry

  Total number of expedited offers made

  2,235

  1,576

  2,033

  4,965

  2,238

  946

  1,799

  422

  Value of payments (£ million)

  6.1

  5.7

  7.4

  17.9

  6.8

  3.5

  7.0

  12.9

  Regional breakdowns are available on the Department's website on www.dti.gov.uk/coalhealth.

  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many claims her Department has received in respect of respiratory disease; in respect of how many claims spirometry has been completed; in how many claims a medical assessment process has been started; and in how many claims a medical assessment process has been completed, in the last four years.[12063]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Handling Agreement was formally signed on 24 September 1999 and claims submitted before would not have begun to be processed until after this date.

  IRISC, the Department's claims handlers, have registered 167,559 claims, to date, of which 104,783 are from live claimants. In total, 97,880 appointments have been made and of these, 92,272 claimants have undergone the initial spirometry test.

  Both claims from miners and their estates cart proceed through the full Medical Assessment Process, MAP. There have been 123,641 claims questionnaires and mandate packs, which authorise access to claimants' medical records, issued by IRISC to claimants' solicitors, of which 85,591 have been returned. The number of claimants who have undergone the medical assessment is 43,390.
  166W
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many(a) claims were received in respect of respiratory disease, (b) interim and expedited awards were made in respect of respiratory disease broken down by (i) number and (ii) value, (c) claims were received in respect of vibration white finger and (d) interim and general damage awards were made in respect of vibration white finger by (a) number and (b) value, broken down by region.[12065]

  Mr. Wilson
  The breakdown of progress, on a regional basis, for both compensation for respiratory disease and vibration white finger is as follows:

  Pylons
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will review the Government's policy on the future construction of pylons in this country on the basis of international research published since April.[9651]

  Mr. Wilson
  We are always interested to note and consider relevant research. There are no plans for a general review of policy at this juncture.

  Underground Gas Storage
  Mr. George Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what Government policy is on the construction of underground gas storage facilities. [11077]

  Mr. Wilson
  Gas storage facilities (including underground) will have an increasingly important role, as Great Britain becomes increasingly dependent on imported gas and as the "swing" capability of North Sea gas fields declines, in helping gas suppliers to meet peak demand requirements. In this way they contribute to security of supply. They can also help to keep prices down by enabling suppliers to purchase additional gas, to put into storage, when wholesale prices are low.

  The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, acting under its duties to protect the interests of consumers, supports the development of new gas storage projects. Proposals for new storage projects are subject to regulatory

  167W
  consents, notably planning permission and under health and safety legislation. Energy security, including gas storage, is a key element of the energy policy review currently being undertaken by the Performance and Innovation Unit of the Cabinet Office. The review is due to conclude at the end of the year.

  Tyre Manufacturing
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking to safeguard the future of the tyre manufacturing industry in the UK; and if he will make a statement.[9063]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Government strongly support all types of manufacturing. We do this by:

  Providing a stable macro-economic framework, investing in education and skills, investing in Britain's knowledge base, ensuring a decent infrastructure, helping business boost productivity, securing effective competition and supporting business by creating a culture in which enterprise can flourish.

  In common with other industrial countries the tyre industry in the UK is under great competitive pressure. We will continue to maintain close contact with tyre manufacturers in the UK and make sure that they are fully aware of our manufacturing policy.

  Work and Parents Taskforce
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she expects to publish the findings of the Work and Parents Taskforce.[12248]

  Alan Johnson
  [holding answer 5 November 20011: The Work and Parents Taskforce is due to report to me this month. Once I have received the report I hope to be able to publish it soon after.

  OPEC
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on OPEC's oil reserves.[9945]

  Mr. Wilson
  OPEC-11 (i.e. including Iraq) proven oil reserves1 are estimated to be around 800 billion barrels, approximately 80 per cent. of proven world reserves (Source: US DoE, Energy Information Administration website). Current OPEC-11 spare oil production capacity is approximately 4.7 million barrels per day, compared to production of 27.2 million barrels per day and world oil demand of around 76 million barrels per day (Source: International Energy Agency, October Oil Market Report). Information on the level of oil stocks held by OPEC countries is not available.
  1Proven reserves of oil are generally taken to be those quantities that geological and engineering information indicates with reasonable certainty can be recovered in the future from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions.

  Plutonium
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what quantities of plutonium have been(a) sold and (b) loaned to the European Commission, on behalf of the European Communities, by the United
  168W
  Kingdom (i) prior to and (ii) since the United Kingdom joined the European Community; and if she will provide details of dates and reasons for such transactions. [8870]

  Mr. Wilson
  Information available to us indicates that small samples of material have been transferred to the European Commission for purposes such as safeguards measurements and research. The details requested cannot be provided because the information is held largely on paper records dating back over 40 years and could be provided only at disproportionate cost to the Department.

  Wind Farms
  Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if legislation is required to allow offshore wind farms to be built in British waters more than 12 miles from the coastline; and if she will make a statement.[9765]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Department has recently reviewed the consent requirements for offshore windfarms within English and Welsh territorial waters and is currently reviewing the legislation for developments outside territorial waters but within the United Kingdom continental shelf area. Until this review has been completed, we are not in a position to say whether further legislation will be required.

  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will hold a public inquiry into the Cefn Croer wind farm proposals.[9604]

  Mr. Wilson
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has yet to receive the views of the National Assembly for Wales. Until their views are known she will not take her decision, including whether or not to hold a public inquiry on the application.

  Gas Prices
  Paddy Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by what means she will measure the effectiveness of her strategy to address high gas prices; and over what timescale.[10430]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 29 October 2001]: The Government's three point strategy to address high gas prices is:

  1. to work to for greater market liberalisation in Europe

  2. to work for improvements in the British gas market

  3. to take action against any anti-competitive activity.

  We shall monitor the market regularly to see how effective this strategy has been in enabling British consumers to access gas at competitive prices without damaging price spikes.

  There has already been good progress with the strategy. The publication in March by the EU Commission of a revised draft Gas Directive was a positive step towards greater European liberalisation. On 10 September we held a joint workshop with the United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA) to consider how greater information flows between the offshore and the onshore could improve the market and I intend to maintain the momentum on this issue.
  169W
  Interconnector (UK) Ltd. now publishes details of flows with a one day lag instead of the previous six week delay. We have also been working with IUK and interconnector shippers on improvements to interconnector governance and marketing arrangements. I understand that the European Commission's competition inquiry into the operation of the interconnector, which was instituted at the request of the Government, is now in its final stages.

  However, I should warn against expectations of immediate success as this strategy is liable to be a lengthy process.

  Oil Companies
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will review the advice given by his Department to British companies involved in oil extraction in Southern Sudan; and if she will make a statement.[11154]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 1 November 2001]: We have no ongoing campaign to promote investment in the Sudanese oil industry. We provide full and frank advice to companies that approach us about oil extraction in southern Sudan. We keep this advice under constant review.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the British companies which are involved in oil and gas pipelines between the Caspian and Europe.[11480]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 1 November 2001]: The information is as follows:

  Operational Pipelines
  BAKU (Azerbaijan)—SUPSA (Georgia/Black Sea): BP plc has a 34.14 per cent. holding in the consortium, and is the operator of the pipeline. No other British oil companies are involved.
  Tengiz (Kazakhstan)—Novorossiysk (Russia): BP, Shell and BG Group all have small equity holdings of between 2 and 6.25 per cent.

  Planned Pipelines
  Baku (Azerbaijan)—Tbilisi (Georgia)—Ceyhan (Turkey): BP plc currently has a 25.72 per cent. holding in, and is the operator for, two consortia planning parallel oil and gas pipelines. The final ownership structures have not yet been decided. No other British oil companies are currently involved.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the British oil industry companies which operate in(a) Tajikistan, (b) Turkmenistan, (c) Uzbekistan, (d) Kyrgstan and (e) Kazakhstan. [11481]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 1 November 2001]The information is as follows:Tajikistan and Kyrgistan—None.
  Turkmenistan—Shell and Burren Energy have offices.
  Uzbekistan—Shell have an office. Trinity Energy have a holding in a consortium operating an exploration asset.
  Kazakhstan—BG Group, Shell, BP and Enterprise Oil all have holdings in consortia operating exploration and production assets.

  Employment Directive
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the Government are committed to implementing Article 13 of the EC Employment Directive by 2 December 2003; and what plans the Government have to ensure that faith schools comply.[11065]
  170W
  Alan Johnson
  [holding answer 30 October 2001]: We intend to implement the Directive's provisions on religion or belief and on sexual orientation by 2 December 2003; and those on disability and age by 2 December 2006. The implementing legislation will cover all employers, including faith schools.

  We believe the current arrangements for the employment of teachers at state maintained religious schools, as set out in the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (sections 58–60), are compatible with the requirements of the Directive, given the special provisions within the Directive for organisations whose ethos is based on religion or belief.

  We will publish a consultation document about our plans for new legislation within the next three months. We intend to issue guidance to help employers understand the new provisions.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Chess
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to recognise chess as a sport.[12330]

  Mr. Caborn
  There are no current plans to recognise chess as a sport.

  National Stadium
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when the money from Sport England for the Wembley stadium project will be repaid.[13017]

  Mr. Caborn
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr. Yeo) on 22 October 2001,Official Report, column 21W.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to her answer of 15 October 2001,Official Report, column 816W, on the national stadium, if she will give details of the spending by Sport England on the development of the national athletics centre project, indicating how much of this expenditure is recoverable.[12628]

  Mr. Caborn
  [holding answer 5 November 2001]: Sport England has spent £1.57 million on the development of the national athletics centre project. All of the funding was committed for feasibility and outline design work, which has been completed. The issue of recoverability does not, therefore, arise.

  Palliative Care (Children)
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much money from the new opportunities fund was devoted to palliative care for children in each of the last three years.[12713]

  Mr. Caborn
  Money to support palliative care for children was allocated in the new opportunities fund (Specification of Initiatives) Order 2001. From early 2002, the fund will provide £48 million to palliative care projects for children as part of its £84 million palliative care programme.
  171W
  In the period 1998–99, £1,835,136 of lottery money went to provide palliative care and support to children and young people with terminal illnesses, in five grants made by the community fund. In 1999–2000, the community fund made three grants totalling £902,145 and in the period 2000–01 four grants totalling £655,727.

SCOTLAND

  Small Business Sector
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when she last met the Scottish Executive's Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning to discuss the prospects for the Scottish small business sector. [10313]

  Mr. Foulkes
  I have regular discussions with Scottish Executive Ministers on a number of issues relating to business and industry including those of relevance to small businesses.

  Performance and Innovation Unit
  Mr. Russell Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Scotland Office has made a submission to the PIU energy review. [10314]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The Scotland Office has made a submission to the performance and innovation unit's energy review. In addition I represent Scotland on the review's advisory group. The Scotland Office submission, along with all other submissions received by the PIU team, is available on the PIU website www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/innovation.

  Personal Care (Elderly People)
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions regarding transferring attendance allowance resources to the Scottish Executive in order to ensure that free personal care for elderly people is implemented from April 2002.[10315]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I have frequent discussions with my right hon. Friend on a wide range of issues.

  Boundary Commission
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when she last met officials from the boundary commission for Scotland.[10316]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I have not met either the Commissioners or the Secretary of the Boundary Commission for Scotland. My officials are, however, in regular contact with its secretary since the Scotland Office is the Commission's sponsoring department.

  Railtrack
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions as to the consequences for rail travel in Scotland of the decision to put Railtrack into administration.[10317]
  172W
  Mr. Foulkes
  My right. hon. Friend and I are in regular contact with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport. Local Government and the Regions on a range of transport matters affecting Scotland.

  Scottish Parliament
  Ann McKechin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans the Government have to adjust the number of Members of the Scottish Parliament. [10318]

  Mr. Lazarowicz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will consult(a) the Scottish Parliament and (b) others on the size of the Scottish Parliament.[10319]

  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans she has for amendments to the proportional representation element of the system of election to the Scottish Parliament.[10329]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I refer my hon. Friends to the answer I gave earlier today to my hon Friend the Member for Glasgow, Anniesland (Mr. Robertson), at column 91.

  Tourism
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions she has had with the First Minister about her visits abroad to promote tourism in Scotland.[10320]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I have regular contact with the First Minister about a range of issues.

  Both the First Minister and I are aware of the importance of the tourism industry to the Scottish economy, particularly at this time. I shall be continuing to use every opportunity to promote to overseas audiences the attractions of today's Scotland in all its vibrant diversity and to support the efforts of the tourism agencies in that regard.

  Employment Trends
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will make a statement on employment trends in Scotland since September.[10321]

  Mr. Foulkes
  Latest statistics show that there are 2.384 million people in work in Scotland, a fall of 0.6 per cent. over the previous month. The number of people out of work and claiming benefit rose by 800 in September, but remains at its lowest level since October 1975.

  Barnett Formula
  Mr. Fallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when she last discussed the future of the Barnett formula with Treasury Ministers.[10323]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I have regular discussions with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and other Treasury Ministers on a wide range of issues. The Government have no plans to review the Barnett formula.

  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions she has held with the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions on the operation of the Barnett formula.[10332]
  173W
  Mrs. Liddell:
  I have regular discussion with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions on a wide range of issues. The Government have no plans to review the Barnett formula.

  Army Installations
  Mr. Swire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when she last met the Secretary of State for Defence to discuss the future of Army installations in Scotland.[10324]

  Mr. Foulkes
  I have regular contact with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on a range of issues. I and my right hon. Friend are conscious of the important contribution that Army installations in Scotland make to the defence of the United Kingdom and to the Scottish economy.

  Ferry Services
  Mr. Alan Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans she has to issue tender documents for the ferry service between Campbeltown and Ballycastle.[10325]

  Mrs. Liddell
  My Department is in the process of finalising evaluation of the initial expressions of interest received to operate the ferry service. It is also important that other issues including the value for public money in relation to potential benefits are fully investigated before any decision is taken.

  A decision whether and, if so, how to proceed with tendering for this ferry service will be taken shortly in conjunction with the Scottish and Northern Irish Executives.

  Nuclear Reactors
  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action she has taken to ascertain public opinion on the possible siting of new nuclear reactors in Scotland.[10326]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The performance and innovation unit review will consider how energy policy can contribute to meeting longer-term objectives for the environment and for security of supply. This will include consideration of the future role of nuclear power generation.

  Consent is required for new power station developments under the Electricity Act. In Scotland, the power to grant consents is a devolved matter and the procedures are the responsibility of Scottish Ministers.

  Rural Employment
  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when she next expects to meet representatives of the Scottish Executive to discuss rural employment.[10327]

  Mr. Foulkes
  My right hon. Friend and 1 have regular meetings with the Scottish Executive to discuss a wide range of issues including employment. Employment in Scotland remains high with 2,384 million people in work. There are, however, still some areas of Scotland which suffer from persistently high levels of unemployment. We are addressing this inequality through measures like the 174W
  new deal which has helped over 60,000 people from all areas of Scotland back to work; and the action teams for jobs initiative which is tackling high levels of localised unemployment in the Highlands and Islands, East Ayrshire, West Dunbartonshire, Dundee, North Lanarkshire and Glasgow.

  Terrorism
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action she has taken since 11 September relating to security against terrorist attacks.[10328]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Like all Departments, we are currently reviewing our resilience to potential terrorist attacks.

  Business Support
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent action she has taken to support business operations in Scotland.[10330]

  Mr. Foulkes
  Local action to support economic development and business operations is devolved. This Government have put in place macroeconomic policies that are delivering low inflation and sound public finances. As a consequence businesses in Scotland and the rest of the UK are better placed than ever before to cope with changes in the economic environment.

  Airport Security
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action the Government are taking to improve security at Scottish airports.[10331]

  Mr. Foulkes
  All UK airports, including those in Scotland, are in receipt of statutory directions from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions. These set out the security responsibilities of airport managers.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Energy Efficiency Week
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action his office took in recognition of Energy Efficiency Week.[11513]

  Mr. Blunkett
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment, on 30 October 2001,Official Report, column 592W.

  The Home Office has achieved a reduction of 15 per cent. on the non-Prison estate between 1990–1991 to 1999–2000 in energy consumption (kwh/m2), taking into account weather changes and estate changes. The Home Office (non-Prison estate) has benchmarked all key office buildings, with a view to reducing their individual consumption. The Prison Service has invested £300,000 in energy efficiency schemes. It circulates a regular 'Energy News' bulletin to all prison establishments to encourage energy saving schemes, and the Construction Unit frequently gives presentations to outside organisations to publicise the Prison Service's initiatives in the field of energy reduction.

  Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reason his review of section 24 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 is not yet complete; and when he will announce the conclusions.[11804]

  Angela Eagle
  Section 24 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 prevents the disclosure by Home Office Ministers and officials of information about the use of animals in scientific procedures that has been provided in confidence. Following the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, all statutory bars to the disclosure of information are being reviewed, including section 24 of the 1986 Act.

  The Government have a clear commitment to freedom of information and are equally committed to the maintenance of necessary protections for individual scientists and their research institutions. I am considering very carefully how these commitments can best be met. A decision on whether to appeal or amend section 24 will not be made until later this year.

  John Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will publish the review of the working of ethical review processes in establishments designated under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; and if he will make a statement.[13248]

  Angela Eagle
  The Home Office Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate has completed a thorough review, after extensive consultation with stakeholders, including certificate holders and licensees under the 1986 Act, animal welfare organisations and others.

  The findings, which the Government accept, are that the ethical review process has generally worked well and as intended since its introduction in April 1999, in the interests of the welfare of animals used in licensed scientific procedures. There are variations between establishments, more related to the efficiency than the effectiveness of the process, but overall the picture to emerge is positive and encouraging, given that the ethical review process is relatively new and still evolving.

  There is increased awareness both of compliance issues and, more importantly, of the need for full application of the 3Rs at all stages of a project—replacement of animal use wherever possible, reduction of the number of animals used when there is no alternative, and refinement of procedures to minimise animal suffering.

  The main Inspectorate recommendations are that the ethical review process in establishments should continue to develop on the basis on which it was introduced, with account being taken of observations offered in the review report on best practice. We accept these recommendations.

  We shall ensure the widest possible circulation of the review report, within both the scientific and animal welfare communities, with the aim of encouraging all research establishments to examine and improve their own ethical review processes. To help achieve those aims we will, making use of additional resources recently provided to the Inspectorate, initiate a number of awareness-raising activities and events. These will ensure that those involved with local ethical review processes, and those with responsibility for the welfare of animals produced
  176W
  for and used in laboratories, benefit fully from the advice on best practice that the report contains. We will as part of this activity be urging greater use of lay members in ethical review processes.

  A copy of the review report will be placed in the Library.

  Cannabis
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many arrests were made for possession of cannabis; and how many prosecutions followed, in each police force in England, in each of the last five years for which figures are available.[11958]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  Arrest data are not collected centrally by individual offence.

  Information from the Home Office Court Proceedings Database showing the number of persons proceeded against for the possession of cannabis by police force area in England during the period 1996–2000 is given in the table.

  Number of persons proceeded against at magistrates courts for the possession of cannabis by police force area in England 1996–2000

  Police force area

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  Avon and Somerset

  180

  149

  219

  283

  340

  Bedfordshire

  155

  274

  300

  255

  223

  Cambridgeshire

  80

  163

  172

  156

  88

  Cheshire

  384

  395

  534

  578

  401

  Cleveland

  60

  85

  134

  222

  221

  Cumbria

  195

  234

  267

  217

  166

  Derbyshire

  146

  173

  219

  268

  222

  Devon and Cornwall

  330

  540

  633

  555

  505

  Dorset

  123

  113

  238

  308

  306

  Durham

  158

  113

  114

  102

  223

  Essex

  405

  501

  571

  575

  617

  Gloucestershire

  145

  160

  209

  222

  199

  Greater Manchester

  589

  614

  783

  856

  918

  Hampshire

  407

  558

  813

  960

  785

  Hertfordshire

  229

  273

  244

  262

  257

  Humberside

  150

  159

  230

  241

  248

  Kent

  362

  565

  929

  923

  774

  Lancashire

  456

  709

  929

  869

  760

  Leicestershire

  187

  262

  327

  265

  239

  Lincolnshire

  216

  325

  340

  196

  183

  London, City of

  88

  75

  103

  76

  26

  Merseyside

  866

  1,064

  1,399

  1,322

  1,022

  Metropolitan Police

  3,233

  4,112

  5,452

  5.355

  4,933

  Norfolk

  274

  329

  168

  265

  245

  Northamptonshire

  31

  3

  5

  25

  113

  Northumbria

  210

  338

  717

  947

  1,007

  North Yorkshire

  195

  256

  383

  363

  165

  Nottinghamshire

  238

  275

  258

  292

  277

  South Yorkshire

  326

  453

  521

  622

  635

  Staffordshire1

  214

  281

  314

  239

  2—

  Suffolk

  177

  238

  248

  244

  173

  Surrey

  152

  230

  263

  329

  390

  Sussex

  338

  371

  363

  341

  309

  Thames Valley

  576

  600

  765

  712

  615

  Warwickshire

  63

  77

  84

  76

  77

  West Mercia

  212

  286

  329

  295

  222

  West Midlands

  556

  871

  1,325

  1,213

  1,312

  West Yorkshire

  908

  1,149

  1,335

  1,142

  947

  Wiltshire

  91

  142

  178

  211

  182

  England

  13,705

  17,515

  22,415

  22,382

  20,143

  1Estimates made for Staffordshire Police Force, who were only able to submit data for a sample of weeks for year 2000, have been included in the total

  2Not available

  Note:

  All data are given on a principal offence basis

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers have been relocated from the Isle of Thanet under the Government's dispersal programme.[11665]

  Angela Eagle
  The information requested is not available.

  The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) currently does not hold statistics on the location of asylum seekers before they are dispersed by NASS. Statistics are only available on the areas that asylum seekers are dispersed to.

  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment he has made of the case for increasing the length of time given to asylum seekers to complete statement of evidence forms; [11761]

  (2) what recent representations he has received on the length of time given to asylum seekers to complete statement of evidence forms;[11760]

  (3) what assessment he has made of the impact of the introduction of statement of evidence forms on the numbers of asylum applications rejected on the grounds of non-compliance.[11757]

  Angela Eagle
  We have received a number of representations from hon. Members and from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) about the length of time given to asylum seekers to complete their statement of evidence forms. There is concern that 10 working days is insufficient time for an asylum seeker to find help completing the detailed Statement of Evidence Form (SEF) in English, and to gather and translate evidence in support of the application.

  Asylum seekers are expected to comply with the asylum process and I consider the length of time given to asylum seekers to complete the SEFs to be reasonable. The original 14 day time limit for the return of the SEF was changed to 10 working days, so applicants are not disadvantaged by public holidays.

  We do not propose therefore to increase the current 10 day time limit. Most asylum applicants do return their SEF on time. Discretion is exercised where applicants need extra time to obtain translations or submit extra material, such as a medical report, in support of their claim.

  A higher proportion of applications was refused on grounds of non-compliance in 1999 and 2000 than had previously been the case. The increase was due partly to the stricter enforcement of the 10 day deadline for return

  Applications for asylum to the UK and refusals on grounds of non-compliance, for cases decided under normal criteria1, not including dependents, 1998–20012

  Month/year

  Asylum applications

  Percentage change on previous month/year

  Total refusals

  Non-compliance refusals3

  Percentage change on previous month/year

  Non-compliance percentage of total refusals

  1998

  46,015

  42

  22,315

  2,995

  -17

  13

  1999

  71,160

  55

  11,025

  1,085

  -64

  10

  20004

  80,315

  13

  75,680

  24,295

  2,139

  32

  20014,5

  39,280

  6—

  61,965

  15,780

  6—

  25

  178W
  of the SEF and partly to administrative problems which led to a backlog of correspondence within the Immigration and Nationality Directorate and some flawed refusals as a consequence. We have made a number of changes over the past 12 months to improve our administrative processes and reduce flawed refusals. These include the introduction of a dedicated PO Box for the return of completed SEFs, and adjustments to internal procedures to ensure that the receipt of SEFs is registered on a database.

  We have also taken steps to improve asylum applicants' understanding of the asylum process and of the importance of meeting the time limit. We have done this by simplifying the explanatory leaflet which is sent out with the SEF, and by making it available in the 33 languages spoken by most asylum seekers in the United Kingdom. The SEF form has also been simplified. NGOs were consulted about these improvements.

  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many(a) asylum applications and (b) asylum applications rejected on the grounds of non-compliance there have been in each month of the last three years, indicating the (i) monthly and (ii) yearly change expressed as a percentage;[11759]

  (2) what recent assessment he has made of (a) the number of asylum applications rejected on the grounds of non-compliance, (b) the number of cases waiting to be processed by the Appeals Tribunal and (c) the relationship between the two.[11756]

  Angela Eagle
  The requested information on refusals to grant asylum on grounds of non-compliance over the last three years is provided in the table.

  Non-compliance refusals rose by over 21 times in 2000, due to seven times as many refusals and a three times higher proportion of refusals on non-compliance grounds. Provisional figures show the proportion of refusals made on non-compliance grounds has fallen from 32 per cent. in 2000 to 25 per cent. in the first seven months of 2001.

  Immigration Appellate Authority (IAA) statistics show the number of asylum 'cases in progress' increased by 168 per cent. over the past 15 months. From 7,735 cases awaiting a final promulgation at the end of June 2000, outstanding cases have risen to 20,751 at the end of September 2001. This is due to the increase in asylum appeals received from the Immigration and Nationality Directorate over the same period, during which the IAA also expanded.

  Analysis of cases for which data are available shows that, in percentage terms, refusals on non-compliance grounds result in fewer appeals to the IAA than other refusals.
  179W

  Applications for asylum to the UK and refusals on grounds of non-compliance, for cases decided under normal criteria1, not including dependents, 1998–20012

  Month/year

  Asylum applications

  Percentage change on previous month/year

  Total refusals

  Non-compliance refusals3

  Percentage change on previous month/year

  Non-compliance percentage of total refusals

  1998

  January

  2,860

  -8

  2,130

  360

  47

  17

  February

  2,650

  -7

  2,240

  250

  -31

  11

  March

  3,200

  21

  2,270

  280

  12

  12

  April

  3,135

  -2

  1,850

  250

  -11

  14

  May

  3.110

  -1

  1,690

  260

  4

  15

  June

  3,575

  15

  1,790

  255

  -2

  14

  July

  4.215

  18

  1,840

  340

  33

  18

  August

  4,420

  5

  1,595

  225

  -34

  14

  September

  4,455

  1

  1,885

  230

  2

  12

  October

  5.010

  12

  2,290

  245

  7

  11

  November

  4,620

  -8

  2,100

  275

  12

  13

  December

  4,770

  3

  645

  25

  -91

  4

  1999

  January

  4,700

  -1

  540

  5

  -80

  1

  February

  4,185

  -11

  810

  40

  700

  5

  March

  5,060

  21

  945

  50

  25

  5

  April

  4,905

  -3

  1,060

  25

  -50

  2

  May

  5,370

  9

  830

  45

  80

  5

  June

  6,130

  14

  780

  20

  -56

  3

  July

  6.440

  5

  840

  30

  50

  4

  August

  7,120

  11

  835

  200

  567

  24

  September

  7,355

  3

  830

  45

  -78

  5

  October

  6,295

  -14

  1,370

  150

  233

  11

  November

  6,420

  2

  1,325

  245

  63

  18

  December

  7,180

  12

  855

  220

  -10

  26

  2000

  January

  6,110

  -15

  2,390

  245

  11

  10

  February

  6,110

  0

  5,025

  920

  276

  18

  March

  6,680

  9

  7,570

  2,115

  130

  28

  April

  6,855

  3

  4,205

  6—

  6—

  6—

  May

  6,725

  -2

  5,455

  1,520

  6—

  28

  June

  6,545

  -3

  6,565

  2,035

  34

  31

  July

  6,870

  5

  6,280

  1,895

  -7

  30

  August

  6,770

  -1

  7,155

  2,895

  53

  40

  September

  6,790

  0

  6,160

  2,610

  -10

  42

  October

  7,230

  6

  7,105

  2,965

  14

  42

  November

  7,500

  4

  10,060

  4,325

  46

  43

  December

  6,125

  -18

  7,710

  2,770

  -36

  36

  2001

  January

  6,380

  4

  10,935

  3,495

  26

  32

  February

  5,520

  -13

  11,235

  3,460

  -1

  31

  March

  5,815

  5

  14,180

  3,110

  -10

  22

  April

  5,000

  -14

  7,030

  1,415

  -55

  20

  May

  5,290

  6

  7,180

  1,625

  15

  23

  June

  5,300

  0

  5,970

  1,400

  -14

  23

  July

  5,975

  13

  5,435

  1,285

  -8

  24

  1 Exclude cases decided under the backlog clearance exercise, aimed at reducing the pre-1996 asylum application backlog.

  2 Figures (other than percentages) rounded to the nearest five.

  3 Failure to provide evidence to support the asylum claim within a reasonable period, including failure to respond to invitation to interview to establish identity.

  4 2000 and 2001 data are provisional

  5 2001-January to July

  6Not available

  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Government began requiring asylum seekers to be fingerprinted.[11742]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 1 November 20011: The power to fingerprint asylum seekers and their dependants was introduced in the Asylum and Immigration Appeals
  180W
  Act 1993. However, the introduction of a computerised fingerprint storage system in December 2000 has allowed for the quick and effective electronic checking of prints of all asylum seekers against the Immigration and Nationality Directorate's records. Remote checking of fingerprints has been made possible which was not the case under the paper system. The introduction of smart cards will build on this technology to tackle fraud.
  181W
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average time taken was from first application to initial decision in asylum cases in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.[9444]

  Angela Eagle
  For decisions made in the 12 months to July 2001, the average time between application and initial decision was 15 months. This average includes older cases decided as part of the reduction of the number of cases outstanding (see table).

  Average time1 between application and decision, for cases decided in the 12 months to July 2001:

  Average time in months2

  Number of cases2,3

  All applications

  15

  127,060

  of which:

  Application pre 19964

  80

  3,315

  Application 1996

  55

  2,740

  Application 1997

  43

  4,410

  Application 1998

  30

  13,450

  Application 1999

  18

  28,740

  Application 2000

  6

  50,310

  Application 2001

  2

  24,095

  1 Calculated using all available data from the date the application is lodged to the date of the initial decision

  2 These data are still subject to revision following quality checking

  3 Figures are provisional and rounded to the nearest five. The number of cases quoted differs from published figures due to uncertainty concerning date of application in a small minority of cases

  4Cases decided as part of the backlog clearance exercise, as part of measures outlined in the July 1998 White paper entitled "Fairer, Faster and Firmer—A Modern Approach to Immigration and Asylum"

  The corresponding figure for cases decided in April 1997 was 20 months.

  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases were waiting to be processed by the Appeals Tribunal in each month of the last three years, indicating the(a) monthly and (b) yearly change expressed as a percentage.[11758]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  I have been asked to reply.

  The numbers of cases where work was in progress within the Immigration Appellate Authority, and the change expressed as a percentage, for each month of the last three years are as follows:

  Number of cases

  Percentage change

  2001

  January

  14,729

  -4

  February

  15,326

  4

  March

  16,451

  7

  April

  17,741

  8

  May

  18,932

  7

  June

  19,417

  3

  July

  18,815

  -3

  August

  19,960

  6

  September

  20,751

  4

  2000

  January

  6,083

  -7

  February

  5,614

  -8

  March

  5,495

  -2

  April

  5,256

  -4

  182W

  Number of cases

  Percentage>change

  May

  5,898

  12

  June

  7,735

  31

  July

  10,500

  36

  August

  12,494

  19

  September

  13,859

  11

  October

  14,962

  8

  November

  15,437

  3

  December

  15,347

  -1

  1999

  January

  13,891

  -13

  February

  12,289

  -12

  March

  9,744

  -21

  April

  8,423

  -14

  May

  7,590

  -10

  June

  7,294

  -4

  July

  7,170

  -2

  August

  6,187

  -14

  September

  5,597

  -10

  October

  4,911

  -12

  November

  3,362

  -32

  December

  6,572

  95

  1998

  January

  24,098

  -2

  February

  23,831

  -1

  March

  23,760

  n/a

  April

  23,814

  n/a

  May

  23,639

  -1

  June

  23,757

  n/a

  July

  22,531

  -5

  August

  22,165

  -2

  September

  20,994

  -5

  October

  19,098

  -9

  November

  17,371

  -9

  December

  16,028

  -8

  The yearly changes in case load expressed as a percentage were:

  Percentage

  2000

  134 increase

  1999

  59 decrease

  1998

  35 decrease

  Afghanistan
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will bring forward proposals to prevent the re-entry into the United Kingdom of those leaving the country to fight against British and American forces in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement.[12461]

  Angela Eagle
  Under existing immigration and nationality law we may refuse entry to the United Kingdom where a person subject to immigration control does not meet the requirements set out in the Immigration Rules governing leave to enter but not the re-entry of a British citizen, who by definition has right of abode in the United Kingdom. Criminal sanctions may be applied to a British citizen returning to the United Kingdom who is suspected of having committed a criminal offence. It would be for the Crown Prosecution Service to decide whether prosecution was justified in an individual case after a full police investigation.

  Passport Agency
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the new information technology systems at the Passport Agency are fully rolled out; what has been the estimated total cost of the new systems; what was the original planned cost; and if he will make a statement.[13028]

  Angela Eagle
  Yes; with the successful implementation in the Glasgow Passport Office on 5 November, the United Kingdom Passport Service's new passport issuing arrangements have been fully rolled out. As indicated in the service's 2000–01 annual accounts the estimated cost of the contracts awarded to Siemens Business Services, and Security Printing and Systems Ltd. for the new system remains at £230 million. With completion of the roll out the service will now be conducting a post implementation review which, among other things, will fully evaluate actual and planned costs. The review should be completed in early 2002.

  Mr. George Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Passport Agency has conducted a feasibility study into a national identity card system; what it cost; and if he will make a statement.[12874]

  Angela Eagle
  The United Kingdom Passport Service is carrying out studies to explore a range of policy, cost and implementation options for a Passport Card Scheme. Results will be employed to support policy decisions in due course.

  Passport Application Fees
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to change(a) the fees charged for processing passport applications and (b) the charging structure for passport applications; and if he will make a statement.[13027]

  Angela Eagle
  There is a requirement to review passport fees annually as the costs of the United Kingdom Passport Service must be recovered through fees. The review has now been completed and I will be making an announcement shortly.

  Drugs Education Programmes
  Paul Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effects of(a) Operation Charlie and (b) other anti-legal and illegal drugs education programmes in reducing drugs use.[12059]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  Project Charlie (Chemical Abuse Resolution Lies in Education), as it became known, was implemented in primary schools in Hackney between 1991 and 1993. This drugs education programme was delivered to 44 children and its effects compared with standard education for 233 children. The Project Charlie pupils received a lesson of at least 30 minutes each week for 39 weeks.

  The Project was assessed in terms of self-esteem, decision making, peer pressure resistance, drug knowledge and self-reported drug-taking and was found to have a positive impact on all areas, except self esteem. Four years
  184W
  after the programme both tobacco and illegal drug use were significantly less common among the Project Charlie pupils.

  Under the Government's 10-year strategy 'Tackling Drugs to Build a Better Britain' we support a holistic approach to the delivery of drug education in schools through Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and the National Healthy Schools Standard. However, decisions on the detailed organisation and content of health and drug education are best taken at a local level, in order to take account of the specific needs and circumstances of the pupils in that area.

  In terms of measuring the effectiveness of different forms of drug education the Department for Education and Skills, in partnership with the Department of Health and the Home Office, will be starting a long term study which will inform future policy. The study will run for three to five years.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to answer the letter to him dated 14 September from the right hon. Member for Manchester. Gorton, with regard to Mrs. M McDonagh.[12229]

  Mr. Blunkett
  I wrote to my right hon. Friend on 30 October.

  Ministerial Meetings (EU)
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the dates of the European Union meetings attended by Ministers in his Department from 1 January onwards, indicating what issues were discussed at each meeting.[11753]

  Mr. Blunkett
  There have been two formal Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Councils and one informal JHA Council under the Swedish Presidency, and four formal JHA Councils and one joint JHA/Ecofin Council under the Belgian Presidency since 1 January.

  With regard to the Councils under the Swedish Presidency, I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) on 25 June 2001, Official Report, column 46W.

  Under the Belgian Presidency, Ministers from my Department have attended the following Justice and Home Affairs Council meetings: a special JHA Council on 13 July which my hon. Friend the Member for Conventry, North-East (Mr. Ainsworth) attended; a special Council on 20 September in response to the terrorist attacks on the United States, which I attended; a Council meeting on 27–28 September which I, together with my hon. Friend the Member for Wallasey (Angela Eagle) attended; and a joint JHA/Ecofin Council followed by a JHA Council on 16 October which my right hon. Friend the Minister for Police, Courts and Drugs attended. Copies of the agendas of these Council meetings will be placed in the Library. The Government reported the outcome of these meetings to the European Scrutiny Committee in accordance with the usual arrangements.

  In addition, my hon. Friend the Member for Wallasey attended the Belgian Presidency's Ministerial Conference on Migration, held in the European Parliament on 16–17 October.

  National Experience Corps
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for members of the National Experience Corps to contribute to the delivery of sport in schools.[12227]

  Angela Eagle
  The Experience Corps initiative aims to encourage more people aged 50 and over to become or to remain active in their local communities. It is hoped that those who volunteer through the Experience Corps will be able to participate in a wide range of volunteering opportunities.

  The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) with the assistance of funding from the Active Community Unit is undertaking a programme for the training of volunteers in sport. The aim is to train 50,000 volunteers, of which around 8,000 will be older people, during the two year programme, which starts in April 2002. The aim is to target schoolchildren from 14 years of age with older volunteers providing mentoring and support to them. The DCMS is discussing with the Experience Corps how its work might link in with its own programme.

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to review information technology systems, with specific reference to the Asylum and Immigration Directorate.[8559]

  Angela Eagle
  The Home Office Head Office has a Planned Office Information System Environment (POISE). This is being made available to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) and the work will be completed by the end of the 2001–02 financial year.

  The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) system has been enhanced and the redevelopment of the Warnings Index continues. An enhanced standard build for all desktop PCs, the availability of the Asylum Casework Information Database (ACID) and similar databases for recording both general and nationality casework are enhancements to the Team-Based Caseworking (TBC) Information Technology system used by caseworkers. Within the Immigration Service (IS), the initial phase of a management system for Detention Centres has been completed.

  We will further review our IT systems to accommodate the changes to Immigration policy as in the Home Secretary's statement of 29 October.

  Yarls Wood Immigration Detention Centre
  Alistair Burt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 30 October 2001,Official Report, column 615W, on Yarls Wood immigration detention centre (1) how many detainees are expected at the centre in (a) the first month, (b) the second month and (c) subsequently for the next four months; and if he will make a statement;[12625]

  (2) how many contractors' personnel there are, broken down by occupation:[12627]
  186W
  (3) how many of his Department's personnel are employed at the centre, broken down by occupation; and what were their respective dates of first employment at the centre.[12626]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 5 November 2001]: The following identifies the numbers of contractors personnel broken down by occupation:

  Number

  Construction Related Trades:

  Project Managers

  24

  Modular Specialists

  3

  Mechanical, electrical and public health engineers

  73

  General Construction Trades (Joiners, painters and decorators, flooring specialists, furniture installers)

  141

  External Works—landscaping, road repairs

  22

  General labourers

  19

  Caterers

  3

  Operational Activities

  Senior/Middle Managers

  17

  Supervisors

  20

  Detention Custody Officers

  263

  Administrative Staff

  6

  Facilities Staff

  16

  Chaplaincy

  2

  Education/Activities Department

  17

  Project Managers

  3

  Medical Services

  24

  Catering and cleaning services

  77

  The centre has an agreed incremental build up rate for detainees in the first four months, leading to operational capacity, as follows:
  Month 1: 185
  Month 2: 206
  Month 3: 239
  Month 4: 270.

  Following this the centre will be capable of holding up to 900 detainees at any one time.

  The following Home Office Staff are employed at the centre:
  Immigration Service Operational Staff: 16
  Administrative Support Grades: 7.

  The dates of first employment for departmental personnel cannot be given as information regarding individual employees is confidential.

  Bribery
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions for the(a) offer and (b) taking of bribes have been brought under (i) the Prevention of Corruption Acts and (ii) common law in each year since 1997.[12650]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  [holding answer 5 November 2001]: Statistics held centrally do not distinguish between the offer of or taking of bribes and neither do they enable offences under common law to be reliably identified.

  The following table shows the number of persons proceeded against under the Prevention of Corruption Acts 1889 to 1916 in England and Wales.
  187W

  Number

  1997

  19

  1998

  31

  1999

  16

  2000

  17

  Charities (Voluntary Registration)
  Lawrie Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the review of the criteria for the voluntary registration of charities.[13196]

  Angela Eagle
  My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced on 3 July 2001,Official Report, column 93W, that he had asked the Performance and Innovation Unit (PIU) of the Cabinet Office to undertake a broad-ranging review of the legal and regulatory framework for charities and the wider voluntary and community sector. Subsequently, the PIU confirmed that the position of charities excepted from registration with the Charity Commission, was one of the areas that was to be looked at as part of its review. The work by the Home Office and the Charity Commission on the way forward, has therefore been discontinued pending the outcome of the PIU review. The PIU is expected to complete its review early in 2002.

  Terrorist Attacks
  Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what additional measures have been taken to guard Britain's(a) oil rigs and (b) nuclear power stations from terrorist attack, following the events in the USA on 11 September.[11544]

  Mr. Wilson
  I have been asked to reply.

  Stringent security measures apply at oil industry installations and civil nuclear sites and these are kept under regular review. We are reviewing these precautions in the light of the recent terrorist attacks in the United States.

  It is not our policy to disclose details of security measures taken in connection with these facilities.

WORK AND PENSIONS

  Attendance Allowance
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to introduce(a) a shorter attendance allowance claim form and (b) an attendance allowance freephone claim line; and what plans he has to increase take-up of attendance allowance.[12437]

  Maria Eagle
  Last April we reduced the attendance allowance claim pack by nine pages with no loss of essential information. We are continuing to look at what further changes can be made to make the form shorter and easier to complete while ensuring we obtain all the necessary information about a person's care needs.
  188W
  We have no plans to introduce a separate freephone line for attendance allowance claims, as experience shows that it is not normally possible to make a full and sufficient telephone claim for benefits requiring detailed evidence of the needs arising from disability.

  We have no plans for a specific take-up campaign of either benefit.

  Minimum Income Guarantee
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to increase take-up of minimum income guarantee among attendance allowance and disability living allowance(a) claimants and (b) entitled non-recipients.[12436]

  Mr. McCartney
  We are investigating how best to identify pensioners aged 60 or over who are awarded attendance allowance or disability living allowance and inviting them to claim the minimum income guarantee.

  We are working in partnership with organisations for older people to improve access to benefits and take up of the minimum income guarantee (MIG). This includes projects on a national good practice guide and a survey of local take-up initiatives.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what estimate he has made of the(a) number and (b) percentage of minimum income guarantee (i) claimants, (ii) eligible non-recipients and (iii) claimants and eligible non-recipients who are entitled to the minimum income guarantee as a consequence of their eligibility for the severe disability premium;[12613]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the (a) number and (b) percentage of minimum income guarantee (i) claimants, (ii) eligible non-recipients and (iii) claimants and eligible non-recipients who are entitled to the severe disability premium.[12607]

  Mr. McCartney
  As at May 2001, there were 1.7 million pensioners receiving the minimum income guarantee (MIG). This is nearly 16 per cent. of the pensioner population. Of these MIG recipients, 405,000 (24 per cent. of the total) receive the severe disability premium.

  The latest available figures on the number of people entitled to the MIG who are not claiming it are set out in the publication "Take-Up of Income Related Benefits—Statistics for 1999/2000", copies of which are available in the Library.

  Neither figures for the number of eligible non recipients who are entitled to the severe disability premium, nor figures for the number of eligible non recipients who are entitled to the MIG as a consequence of their eligibility for the severe disability premium, are available.

  Foreign Nationals (Benefits)
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what state benefits foreign nationals are entitled to when given exceptional leave to remain in the UK.[9965]
  189W
  Malcolm Wicks
  Foreign nationals who are granted exceptional leave to remain in the United Kingdom (UK) are generally eligible to claim the same range of social security benefits, subject to the same rules of entitlement, as any UK citizen.

  The only exceptions to this are people who are admitted to the UK on the condition that they do not have recourse to public funds, and those who are admitted on the condition that a relative who is an existing UK resident gives a written undertaking to support them.

  Invalidity Care Allowance
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimates he has made of the number of carers in work during term time who do not qualify for invalidity care allowance for looking after an invalid student during college vacations because of the operation of the rules governing the calculation of earnings.[9991]

  Maria Eagle
  This information is not available.

  Benefit Fraud
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many suspected cases of(a) housing benefit and (b) council tax benefit fraud there were in the financial year 2000–01; how many of these led to a prosecution; and how many of these prosecutions were successful.[10412]

  Malcolm Wicks
  [holding answer 26 October 2001]: The information is in the table:

  Local authority fraud investigations 2000–01

  Number

  Cases referred to the fraud/investigation section:

  For further action

  460,000

  For further action that were investigated by the fraud section

  370,000

  Cases referred for prosecution

  2,300

  Successful prosecutions

  1,100

  Notes:
  1. The data refer to benefit units, which may be a single person or a couple
  2. The figures have been rounded to two significant figures
  3. Data are not available for all 409 local authorities. These totals include estimates for local authorities that have not responded which are based on historical and regional data. This type of estimate is standard practice in reporting totals where there have been non-respondents

  Source:
  Housing Benefit Management Information System Quarterly Administration Returns April 1999 to March 2000

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people have been successfully prosecuted for benefit fraud in the last year for which figures are available, broken down into those prosecuted(a) for the first time, (b) for the second time and (c) for the third or subsequent time.[10413]

  Malcolm Wicks
  [holding answer 26 October 2001]: In 2000–01, 24,112 people were prosecuted or sanctioned by Benefits Agency fraud investigators and local authorities reported that they prosecuted or sanctioned 1,650 people1. These are more than double the numbers in 1997–98.
  190W
  9,030 successful prosecutions were undertaken by the Benefits Agency and 1,100 successful prosecutions were reported by local authorities1. Our research suggests that approximately 5 per cent. of prosecutions involve a person with a previous conviction for benefit fraud. We are putting in place mechanisms to identify second and further convictions.

  1Notes:
  1. Figures for local authorities are taken from management information returns.
  2. It is possible that there could be some double counting with Benefits Agency data if there were cases which involved a joint prosecution.
  3. Data are not available for all 409 local authorities. The total for Great Britain includes estimates for local authorities that have not responded. These estimates are based on historical and regional data. This type of estimate is standard practice in reporting totals where there have been non-respondents.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much has been spent in the development and maintenance of the "Targeting Fraud" website to date.[11256]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The total cost so far has been £35,631.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what action he is taking to investigate the allegations of benefit fraud committed by a person whose name has been communicated to him; and if he will make a statement.[9640]

  Malcolm Wicks
  It is not appropriate to disclose details of investigations into individual cases of alleged benefit fraud.

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average processing time is for repeat benefit claims for(a) jobseeker's allowance and (b) income support.[11258]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Information on repeat benefit claims is not collected separately. The average time taken to clear a new or repeat benefit claim to jobseeker's allowance is 9.3 days; and for income support it is 7.6 days.

  Source:
  Validated data from the Income Support Computer System, April to July 2001

  Benefits (Northampton)
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which of the specific directions issued to Northampton borough council on 21 August 2000 concerning the delivery and accuracy of housing benefit and council tax benefit payments was implemented by the deadline of 22 August; which directions were not met by this deadline; and what further action is to be taken against the council.[7903]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Northampton borough council attained, by the specified date, the standard set out in the directions relating to the examination of cases referred for fraud investigation. The council failed to attain the standards relating to the speed of processing claims and reported changes of circumstances, and to the correct classification of overpayments, by 22 August 2001.
  191W
  The Department subsequently provided assistance from the housing benefit help team to work in partnership with the council to develop service improvement initiatives. Following assistance from the help team, the council has recently provided the Department with a report on the current situation, together with an action plan for improving its benefit administration. We are now considering what further action is necessary following study of the report and plan, and completion of the help team's work with the council.

  Disability Benefits
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average waiting time for clearing new claims was over the last 12 months in each disability benefit centre.[11904]

  Maria Eagle
  The information requested is collated on a year-to-date basis. The figures for disability living allowance (DLA) and attendance allowance (AA) new claims for each disability benefits centre (DBC) are in the table:

  Disability Benefit Centre (DBC)

  DLA and AA new claim actual average clearance times in days January to September 2001

  Edinburgh

  34

  Newcastle

  33

  Leeds

  27

  Manchester

  28

  Bootle

  36

  Midlands

  38

  Bristol

  33

  Wales

  30

  Wembley

  36

  Sutton

  34

  Glasgow

  34

  Disability Discrimination Act
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on(a) the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, as amended and (b) the level of compliance with its provisions.[11319]

  Maria Eagle
  [holding answer 31 October 2001]: Most provisions of the DDA have been implemented. The final provisions of part III will be implemented in October 2004. The provisions on education come into force in September 2002, with some reasonable adjustment duties on responsible bodies in the post-16 sector coming into force in 2003 and 2005.

  Only courts and tribunals can decide whether a particular action complied with the DDA or not and then only if a complaint is made. Emerging findings from research indicate that awareness levels are increasing and fewer than one per cent. of people covered by the parts II and III have complained to tribunals and courts. Compliance with the accessibility regulations for transport vehicles has generally been good.

  Independent Living Fund
  Andy Burnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will publish the findings of his review of the independent living fund.[9870]
  192W
  Maria Eagle
  We intend to announce the results of the quinquennial review of the independent living fund in due course.

  Incapacity Benefit
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, (1) pursuant to his answer of 20 July 2001,Official Report, column 684W, on incapacity benefit, how many incapacity reviews were undertaken in each of the last five years; and if he will estimate the annual additional number of reviews that will be undertaken once his plans for reviews every three years are fully implemented;[7996]

  (2) if he will make it his policy to ensure that the average length of time to complete a review of incapacity benefit will be no higher over the three years beginning in 2002–03 than in the previous three years.[7997]

  Malcolm Wicks
  We are introducing jobcentre plus interviews in jobcentre plus pathfinder offices to enable incapacity benefit recipients to discuss with their personal adviser the help, benefits and opportunities available to them.

  Jobcentre plus interviews will be conducted by a trained personal adviser who will discuss with people their skills, qualifications and ability to work, barriers which may preclude them from working, and their plans, aspirations and interests in training and taking up work in the future. This is entirely separate from the reviews undertaken as part of the incapacity benefit medical testing regime. The Department always aims to carry out such reviews as quickly as possible.

  Stakeholder Pensions
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the total advertising costs for promoting the stakeholder pension scheme.[7580]

  Mr. McCartney
  We are not specifically advertising stakeholder pensions. Stakeholder information is included as part of the wider pensions education campaign. This campaign seeks to promote information about the full range of pension options available, including stakeholder pensions, and cost £6.5 million in 2000–01. This included development of the new campaign, press, cinema and TV advertising, research and evaluation, the costs of running the pensions information line, website development, printing leaflets and other campaign materials.

  The Department has also written to employers with five or more employees with information explaining what stakeholder pensions are; whether those employers are affected by the new rules on providing access to a stakeholder pension scheme for their employees; and if so, what they need to do.

  Fibromyalgia Syndrome
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans his Department has to improve the knowledge of doctors representing the Benefits Agency regarding the condition known as Fibromyalgia Syndrome; and if he will ensure that information relating to the illness is sent to all appropriate agencies.[9741]
  193W
  Maria Eagle
  All medical service doctors who carry out assessments on behalf of the Benefits Agency have received comprehensive training on fibromyalgia within the past year. Fibromyalgia is covered in the disability handbook for disability living allowance and attendance allowance, which is available to decision-makers. Information on the condition will also be included in new training material for decision-makers which is currently being developed.

  Benefit Recovery (Accident Victims)
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much benefit was recovered from accident victims by way of recoupment from damages awards in each of the last four years.[9609]

  Maria Eagle
  The current compensation recovery scheme is working in accordance with the principles and objectives set when the reformed scheme was introduced in October 1997.

  The amount recovered is in respect of benefits already paid to the claimant in consequence of their accident, injury or illness and is recovered direct from the compensator, and never from the claimant.

  The amount recovered purely in respect of accident is given in the tables.

  £

  Financial Year

  Amount

  1997–98

  157,436,635

  1998–99

  188,724,849

  1999–2000

  186,678,400

  2000–01

  171,539,293

  Income Support
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many lone parents have claimed income support in each quarter since August 1996, broken down by lone parents with(a) at least one child under five and (b) all children over five years.[9645]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The information is in the table.

  Lone parent income support claimants by age of children

  Thousand

  At least one child aged under 5

  All children aged 5 or over

  1996

  August

  531

  530

  November

  517

  506

  1997

  February

  514

  506

  May

  508

  505

  August

  505

  507

  November

  492

  490

  1998

  February

  488

  484

  May

  480

  482

  August

  475

  480

  November

  466

  472

  194W

  Lone parent income support claimants by age of children

  Thousand

  At least one child aged under 5

  All children aged 5 or over

  1999

  February

  465

  475

  May

  463

  473

  August

  464

  476

  November

  460

  470

  2000

  February

  454

  465

  May

  450

  460

  August

  446

  463

  November

  440

  454

  2001

  February

  440

  456

  May

  437

  452

  Notes:
  1. Figures are rounded to the nearest thousand. Totals may not sum due to rounding
  2. Figures are based on a 5 per cent. sample and are therefore subject to a degree of sampling error
  3. Lone parents are defined as single people who have dependants but do not receive a pensioner or a disability premium

  Source:
  Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiries, August 1996 to May 2001

  State Pension
  Mr. Plaskitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners had a reduction in their state retirement benefit as a result of a stay in hospital; by what amount the state retirement benefit is reduced in these circumstances; and how much was saved by his Department as a result of reduced benefit payments in the last full year for which figures are available.[8678]

  Mr. McCartney
  At 31 March 2001, there were about 33,000 retirement pensioners with reductions in their retirement pension due to a stay in hospital1

  The hospital downrating rules led to an estimated £57 million reduction on expenditure on the basic state pension in 2000–01.

  From 9 April 2001, a £14.50 reduction for a person with a dependant applies after a six-week stay in hospital. This reduction was £13.50 at 31 March 2001.

  From 9 April 2001, a £28.30 reduction for a person with no dependant applies after a six-weeks stay in hospital. This reduction was £27.00 at 31 March 2001.

  After 52 weeks retirement pension recipients get the £14.50 "pocket money" rate.

  1Source:
  5 per cent. from the Pension Strategy Computer System at March 2001. Rounding to nearest hundred

  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent discussions he has had with Age Concern about the equalisation of state pensions; and if he will make a statement.[9381]

  Mr. McCartney
  We have discussions with a variety of pension organisations from time to time. These discussions generally cover wide-ranging issues which are of concern to them.

  Residential Care
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate for each local authority how many residents in(a) nursing homes and under 65-years-old, (b) nursing homes and over 65-years-old, (c) residential care and under 65-years-old and (d) residential care and over 65-years-old, will be covered by preserved rights in April 2003.[10507]

  Mr. McCartney
  There will be no residents covered by preserved rights in April 2003. From 8 April 2002 people who had preserved rights to the higher rates of income support and all new customers going into residential care or nursing homes will receive normal income support or minimum income guarantee allowances and premiums.

  No one will lose out as a result of these changes as local authorities will be able to make up any shortfalls in fees. At the moment about half of all preserved rights customers do not have enough public support to cover their fees. Many have to pay some of their personal expenses allowance, currently £16.05 a week, towards their fees. The new arrangements will mean customers will no longer have to do this.

  Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit,
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to amend the industrial injuries disablement benefit qualifications to include those unable to work through conditions caused through work processes but which are not the result of an accident or prescribed disease; and if he will make a statement. [13041]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council considered the question of injury by process in 1981. At that time it felt unable to recommend any changes to the industrial injuries scheme to allow claims in these circumstances, because the medical knowledge which could connect a process with a non-prescribed disease is not generally available. The council looked again at the issue in 1995 but was still unable to recommend any changes to the scheme.

  The council continues to monitor the position but we have no current plans to change the existing legislation.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many applications for industrial injuries disablement benefit have been refused each year since 1995 as a result of the applicant's condition being caused through work processes and not as a result of an accident or prescribed disease; and if he will make a statement.[13042]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The information is not available.

  "Removing the Barriers"
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how his Department ensured that the report "Removing the Barriers" published by the Local Government Association, was taken into account during the 1997–98 comprehensive spending review; and which of its recommendations have been implemented.[8051]

  Malcolm Wicks
  [holding answer 12 October 2001]: Since the report "Removing the Barriers" was published in 1997 we have made, and continue to make, radical
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  changes to the mechanisms through which welfare is delivered. Many of the improvements introduced by our reforms address concerns set out in the report.

  We are taking a single approach to work and benefits designed to make work pay, make work possible and to support those who are unable to work. The jobcentre plus pathfinder offices are now delivering a single, integrated service to benefit recipients of working age with a clear focus on work.

  From April 2002, the Pension Service will provide a dedicated service for pensioners, working in partnership with local agencies and acting as a gateway to other services pensioners receive.

PRIME MINISTER

  International Anti-terrorist Coalition
  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the political, diplomatic, financial and commercial commitments that have been given on behalf of Her Majesty's Government to the Governments of other states in the course of assembling and strengthening the international coalition to combat terrorism.[10898]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 29 October 2001]: The international coalition to combat terrorism has come together out of a shared recognition that only a global response can succeed. Governments across the world have willingly taken on commitments, for example of military help, or the obligation to tackle terrorism imposed by the UN Security Council Resolution 1373, because all have recognised the essential nature of the task.

  Of course, the act of building the coalition has strengthened our relationship with several countries. But the British Government have not offered financial or commercial commitments to states explicitly to reward adherence to the international coalition. That coalition has been built because its members recognise the need for a determined and united response by the international community.

  House of Lords
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister what further plans he has to reform the basis of membership of the House of Lords.[11809]

  The Prime Minister
  We shall publish our proposals for completing the reform of the House of Lords on Wednesday 7 November 2001.

  Conflict (Northern Ireland)
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the necessity of a visible demonstration that the conflict is over in Northern Ireland.[12674]

  The Prime Minister:
  Securing an end to politically motivated violence and the stable operation of democratically based institutions of Government commanding cross-community support will provide the most visible demonstration that Northern Ireland has put the past behind it.

  197W
  Decommissioning, verified by the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning, is a key part of achieving that goal.

  Afghanistan
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Prime Minister which Muslim leaders in the United Kingdom have expressed support for the coalition's military action against the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.[12931]

  The Prime Minister:
  All the main British Muslim organisation have condemned the attacks in the USA on 11 September. They and other Muslim leaders around the world have declared that such acts of infamy are wholly contrary to the Islamic or any other world religion.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Modernisation
  Ms Coffey
  To ask the President of the Council what plans he has for wider consultation of the public on modernisation of the House.[10358]

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the President of the Council if he will make a statement on progress in the modernisation of the House.[10360]

  Anne Picking
  To ask the President of the Council what plans he has to improve the parliamentary scrutiny of Bills.[10363]

  Joan Ryan
  To ask the President of the Council what plans he has to make proposals for greater involvement of Select Committees in pre-legislative scrutiny.[10365]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  During its current investigations into Select Committees, the Modernisation Committee has decided, for the first time, to take evidence in public. It has already heard from the Hansard Society, Professor the Lord Norton of Louth and from Lord Sheldon, the Chair of the Liaison Committee in the previous Parliament.

  The Modernisation Committee has asked me to provide a strategy paper setting out the broader objectives for Commons reform, which I will present to the Committee at the end of the month.

  I hope that the Modernisation Committee's proposals for reform will result in a Parliament that is relevant to voters, reflects their concerns and re-engages the public with the political process.

  Legislative Scrutiny
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the President of the Council what plans he has to make proposals to the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons to improve the scrutiny of legislation.[10359]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  It is essential that Bills leave this House properly scrutinised by MPs. I hope that we can build on the Modernisation Committee's report from the last Parliament on the legislative process. We have made efforts to ensure that more Bills are published in draft form and subject to Committee scrutiny before they are presented to Parliament.
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  I hope that the Modernisation Committee will return to these issues to assess how we might improve pre and post-legislative scrutiny. However, we must also address the issue of scrutiny by MPs during a Bill's passage and how we might improve legislation by finding ways to overcome the bottlenecks in the parliamentary process.

  Grand Committees
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the President of the Council if he will bring forward proposals to improve the legislative function of Grand Committees.[10361]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  Standing Orders already provide for Bills to be referred to Grand Committees, and for Standing Committees on Welsh or Scottish Bills to contain Members from those countries, although I agree there is a great deal of variation in Grand Committee powers, and they might usefully be looked at in the light of devolution.

  The Procedure Committee has said that it will keep the consequences of devolution under review, and the hon. Gentleman might wish to raise this with them.

  Information Technology
  Mr. Salter
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what proposals he has for using IT to improve access to the business of the House to the public.[10362]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  A wide range of information about the business of the House can be viewed on the Parliament website. The proceedings of both Houses and sittings in Westminster Hall will be webcast on a pilot basis from January 2002.

  Mr. Jack
  To ask the President of the Council if he will make proposals to the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons on further ways in which information technology might aid the work of hon. Members in the course of their Standing Committee work.[10367]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  As I indicated in July, the Modernisation Committee may well wish to look at the use of IT in the House in general, although I understand that it has not yet included this in its programme. Routine responsibility for order in Standing Committees rests with the Chairmen's Panel.

  Computer Contract
  Charlotte Atkins
  To ask the President of the Council if he will make a statement on the operation of the new computer contract for hon. Members.[10364]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  The advisory panel on the Members' Vote continues to monitor the system. I am pleased to be able to report substantial progress since my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Andrew Mackinlay) on 25 October 2001,Official Report, column 323W.

  I am told that by close of play on 2 November 2001, a further 110 orders had been fulfilled, and a further six had been partly met, making a total of 272 orders fully completed and 61 part completed. During the same period, a further 32 Members had ordered equipment,

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  bringing the total of Members who have placed orders to 500. I understand that all Members who ordered during the recess have been offered delivery dates before the end of November.

  Peerages
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the President of the Council when the House of Lords Appointments Commission is to hold its next roadshows to encourage people to apply for peerages.[10366]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  I understand that the House of Lords Appointments Commission is currently considering when to hold its next set of regional events.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Judicial Appointments
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will establish a judicial appointments commission.[10343]

  Mr. Wills
  The Lord Chancellor has established a Commission to oversee the judicial appointments process and the First Commissioner, Sir Colin Campbell, was appointed on 15 March 2001. Further to that appointment, around 10 Deputy Commissioners will be appointed to assist Sir Colin.

  Lay Magistrates
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the progress of the work to develop a national strategy for the recruitment of lay magistrates.[10344]

  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to encourage recruitment to the lay magistracy; and if he will make a statement.[10345]

  Mr. Wills
  My noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor hopes to be able to announce proposals for the creation of a national strategy for recruitment early next year. This will seek to identify a range of activities which will bring more fully to the attention of the public and employers, the role of the lay magistrate and the need for recruits from all walks of life.

  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many chairmen of lay magistrates are in post; and how many of them are(a) from the ethnic minority communities, (b) under 45 years and (c) women.[12076]

  Mr. Wills
  The chairman of each magistrates bench is elected by the magistrates of the bench at the bench annual general meeting in October. Apart from providing, through subordinate legislation, the framework within which the elections may take place, their appointment is not a matter for my noble and learned Friend, the Lord Chancellor, and his Department does not keep the figures sought.

  Auld Report
  David Taylor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what changes he expects in the role of magistrates in response to the Auld proposals.[10346]

  Mr. Wills
  The Government are grateful to Sir Robin Auld for his very substantial and important review of the criminal courts at every level. In his report he gave the lay magistracy a huge vote of confidence. Sir Robin Auld makes some radical recommendations, which will need the most careful consideration. The Government have taken no decisions on his report and we are keen to encourage wide debate on these issues before we reach decisions.

  Courthouse (Colchester)
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the establishment of a new courthouse in Colchester.[10347]

  Mr. Wills
  Work on completing the outline business case for the provision of new and refurbished magistrates courts across Essex is in progress. It is anticipated that work will be completed early in the new year and that a new courthouse in Colchester will be ready for use during 2005.

  Tribunals (Access)
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what research she has planned in respect of the effect of the award of costs on access to tribunals.[10348]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The Lord Chancellor has no research planned at present in respect of the effect of the award of costs on access to tribunals. The Government note that Sir Andrew Leggatt has made recommendations in this area. We will be taking these recommendations forward as part of our examination of tribunals in light of the Leggatt report.

  Westminster Coroner
  Mr. Pond
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations she has received concerning the performance of the Westminster coroner.[10349]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The Lord Chancellor has received a letter from solicitors representing the Marchioness action group asking what steps had been taken to review the Westminster coroner's performance of his judicial duties, given criticisms of him in Lord Justice Clarke's report. There have also been requests for meetings to discuss, among other matters, criticisms of the Westminster coroner raised in the report. While accepting Lord Justice Clarke's conclusion that the Westminster coroner acted at all times in good faith, the Lord Chancellor considered that the Westminster coroner's actions on this occasion fell below the standard to be expected of a judicial officer and he issued a formal admonishment.

  Employment Tribunals
  Mr. Heath
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what discussions he has had with the Prime Minister on the future role of the community legal service fund in employment tribunals.[10350]

  Mr. Wills
  None.

  Social Exclusion
  Ms Dari Taylor
  7 o ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what part the new community legal service partnerships play in reducing social exclusion.[10351]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  Community legal service partnerships are responsible for co-ordinating the funding and delivery of legal and advice services in their area. Through an analysis of local legal needs, CLS partnerships can ensure that resources are more effectively targeted to help the socially excluded and other vulnerable groups and individuals.

  CLS partnerships are also able to tackle social exclusion by forging links with other Government programmes. CLS partnerships are therefore starting to link with social exclusion initiatives such as local strategic partnerships where they have a key contribution to make to the delivery of the neighbourhood renewal strategy.

  In order to raise awareness of how legal and advice services, through the CLS, can help combat social exclusion, the Lord Chancellor's Department has been working with the Law Centres Federation on a joint paper, to be entitled "Legal and Advice Services—A Pathway out of Social Exclusion". The paper will be launched in November and is to be made widely available.

  Magistrates Courts (Ceredigion)
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on his response to Ceredigion county council's proposals for magistrates courts in the county.[10352]

  Mr. Wills
  I responded by letter to Ceredigion county council on 26 September 2001. My response detailed the Department's position with regard to the issues raised and reiterated the responsibilities of magistrates courts committees for the effective and efficient management of courts in their area.

  Jurors
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if jurors have the option of being escorted in and out of court(a) by separate entrances and (b) at different times from the rest of the public.[12428]

  Mr. Wills
  Twelve Crown court centres have separate entrances used only by jurors, but most other courts can arrange for them to use a separate entrance if it is felt necessary. Arrangements can also be made for jurors to be escorted in and out of the building, and at different times from the rest of the public, if the need arises.
  202W
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is done to prevent threatening behaviour from the families of convicted defendants toward jurors(a) in and (b) outside court.[12427]

  Mr. Wills
  Separate accommodation is made available for jurors until they are ready to leave the court building. If there is any threat of retribution, or if the jurors are concerned about their safety, arrangements can be made to transfer them safely away from the vicinity of the court.

  District Judges
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many district judges (magistrates' courts) are in post, broken down by the ethnic minority communities; and how many of them are(a) under 45 years and (b) women.[12075]

  Mr. Wills
  The figures have not changed from those shown in my noble and learned Friend's Judicial Appointments Annual Report (Cm 5248) published on 30 October 2001. This shows that as at 1 April 2001 there were 98 district judges (magistrates courts) in post including the senior district judge and her deputy. Of this total number, 82 are males (86 per cent.) and 16 are females (14 per cent.). Two of these district judges are Asian, one man and one woman, and two women are under 45.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

  Non-departmental Public Bodies
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many executive NDPBs there have been in existence each year from 1978; and what the total expenditure by these bodies was in each year in(a) real and (b) actual terms.[11808]

  Mr. Leslie
  Information on the number and expenditure of executive NDPBs for each year from 1979 (when the classification was introduced) to 2000 is published in the Cabinet Office publication "Public Bodies 2000". Copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House. Information on the number and expenditure of executive NDPBs during the 2000–01 financial year will be published in the new year.

  Regional Co-ordination Unit
  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what was the budget of the regional co-ordination unit(a) last year and (b) this year; and what the projected figure is for next year.[12522]

  Mrs. Roche
  The regional co-ordination unit's (RCU) budget for administrative running costs is £9.716 million in 2001–02. Funding for 2002–03 has yet to be finalised, but is expected to be in the region of £9.116 million.

  The RCU was formed during 2000–01 and overall expenditure on the RCU and its predecessor unit, the Government office co-ordination unit (GOCU) for that year totalled £5.55 million.
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  A large element of the budget of the RCU and its predecessor unit is for funding that is managed centrally on behalf of the Government office network as a whole, such as for IT and communications systems. For the current financial year, £6.689 million is in respect of centrally managed budgets.

  Energy Efficiency Week
  John Barrett
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what action his Department took in recognition of energy efficiency week.[11508]

  Mr. Leslie
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment on 30 October 2001,Official Report, column 592W.

  My Department's initiatives to improve energy efficiency will be listed in the Green Ministers report to be published on 27 November 2001. This will include efforts by the Cabinet Office and its agency, the Government Car and Despatch Agency (GCDA), to improve energy awareness among staff. Since October 2001, 100 per cent. of electricity used at 10 Downing street and the Cabinet Office buildings at 70 Whitehall and Admiralty Arch are now being generated by renewable energy (CCL exempt) sources.

  Equitable Life
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will refer to the parliamentary ombudsman the cases of those civil servants who took out additional voluntary contribution policies with the Equitable Life Assurance Society in 1999 and 2000 under the civil service AVC scheme; and if he will make a statement.[12824]

  Mr. Leslie
  No. The Cabinet Office, as managers of the civil service AVC scheme and acting on behalf of the civil service as employer, has wished to see that the appointed scheme providers remain suitable for AVC investment. To that end, the Cabinet Office appointed Bacon and Woodrow some years ago to provide expert and professional advice in this role. Bacon and Woodrow have conducted regular reviews of the civil service AVC providers and their continuing suitability for the civil service AVC scheme, as well as providing advice on specific developments. The Cabinet Office has acted throughout on the independent advice of Bacon and Woodrow. It believes it has met its responsibilities as manager fully and properly.

  The civil service AVC scheme, provides members with a choice of provider and wide choice of investment route. AVC investment carries the same risks as any other investment and benefits are not guaranteed.

  In acting on independent advice from Bacon and Woodrow, the Cabinet Office has been acting in the same way as other pension schemes affected by the problems of Equitable Life. It has not been in a privileged position and has not had access to information which is not available to the pensions industry more widely. There is a clear difference between the role of the Cabinet Office as managers of the civil service AVC scheme and the regulatory role carried out elsewhere in Government. The Cabinet Office believes it has exercised its duty of care responsibilities fully and properly.
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  The Government, in their wider role, announced on 31 August an independent inquiry into Equitable Life, to be headed by Lord Penrose. This will look at the circumstances leading to the current situation at Equitable Life and identify any lessons to be learned for the conduct, administration and regulation of life assurance. The inquiry will report to Treasury Ministers.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many civil servants took out new additional voluntary contributions policies with the Equitable Life Assurance Society in 1999 and 2000 under the civil service AVC scheme; and what advice he is giving them about possible redress for maladministration.[R] [12825]

  Mr. Leslie
  The information is not held centrally. However, I will write to the hon. Member about the numbers of civil servants who began to pay AVCs with Equitable Life in 1999 and 2000 under the civil service AVCs scheme shortly. The Cabinet Office has been pro-active in keeping civil service employers and staff informed of developments as they occur, and, through its adviser Bacon and Woodrow, has made available generic guidance. I have seen no evidence of failure, on the part of the civil service as employer, in this matter. The Government, in their wider role, have of course announced the inquiry led by Lord Penrose.

  Departmental Publications
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many publications were issued by his Department in each of the last four years.[11840]

  Mr. Leslie
  The publications issued or sponsored by the Cabinet Office between May 1997 and October 2001 are listed in the table. Because of the restructuring of the Department in May 1997, any information relating to before this date can be obtained only at disproportionate cost. This answer does not include publications which were issued in electronic form only.

  Cabinet Office publications May 1997–October 2001

  Number

  May to December 1997

  97

  January to December 1998

  127

  January to December 1999

  139

  January to December 2000

  177

  January to October 2001

  151

  Departmental Assets
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what stocks of(a) antiques, (b) paintings and (c) fine wines are held by his Department; if he will list such assets sold over the last three years together with the sale proceeds from such transactions; what plans he has to sell further such assets over the period of the current Comprehensive Spending Review; and if he will make a statement. [10835]

  Mr. Leslie
  The National Asset Register (CM 5221, July 2001) provides full details of the departmental asset holdings across all categories of assets, including heritage assets, along with details of major acquisitions and disposals since the publication of the last register in 1997. The information published in the National Asset Register for the Cabinet Office includes No. 10 Downing street.

HEALTH

  Departmental Buildings
  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the total annual running costs for buildings used, owned or rented by his Department for each nation and region of the United Kingdom, and estimate the average cost per square metre for properties used by his Department as a whole, and by region and nation of the United Kingdom.[6867]

  Ms Blears
  The table shows an estimate for the total running costs for financial year 2000–01 for buildings used, owned or rented by the Department and its agencies for England. It also estimates the average cost per square metre for properties used by the Department as a whole for England. It does not include any costs associated with the national health service.

  Region

  Total running costs>(£ million)

  Average cost per square metre

  Northern

  0.646

  268.92

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  5.311

  275.10

  North West

  2.709

  132.19

  East Midlands

  0.614

  123.42

  West Midlands

  0.909

  304.99

  Eastern

  0.735

  162.30

  South West

  1.328

  222.80

  South East

  1.188

  243.78

  London

  26.051

  350.16

  Total

  39.491

  282.25

  Running costs include capital charges, rents, service charges, rates, unitary charge (as appropriate), cleaning, decoration, building maintenance, utilities (including refuse collection), security, reception and porters. The Department does not occupy any properties in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

  Meningitis
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent steps he has taken to reduce the incidence of meningitis B; and what further steps he plans to take in the next 12 months.[9087]

  Ms Blears
  As the recent success with meningitis C vaccine has demonstrated, the best way to reduce the incidence of meningococcal Group B disease is through an effective meningitis B vaccine. Unfortunately, we are some years away from having such a vaccine. Work to find a vaccine against Group B is much more difficult than for Group C, although early indicators for a Group B vaccine are encouraging. The Department is investigating Group B vaccines in collaboration with RIVM, the Dutch national vaccine manufacturer, and funds Group B vaccine dedicated work at the Centre for Applied Microbiology Research.

  In the meantime, it remains essential for parents and health professionals to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease and alert to act
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  quickly should they recognise any of these symptoms. Information on recognising meningococcal disease is included in all the childhood immunisation materials produced by Health Promotion England which are given to parents. Health professionals have been reminded to be alert to the expected winter rise in meningococcal cases in a letter from the Chief Medical Officer, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Pharmacist issued on 15 October.

  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to deal with changes in the incidence of meningitis in the last four years.[9855]

  Ms Blears
  Meningitis and septicaemia can be caused by a number of viruses and bacteria. Illness caused by bacteria is the most serious and meningococcal disease is the commonest cause of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia in the United Kingdom

  The incidence of meningococcal disease had been increasing in the second half of the 1990s. However, the introduction of a new vaccine against Group C meningococcal infection in November 1999 has reduced the incidence of meningococcal Group C disease by up to 90 per cent. in those age groups immunised.

  The vast majority of meningococcal disease is now caused by Group B infection. The success of the meningitis C vaccine has demonstrated that the best way to reduce the incidence of Group B disease is through an effective meningitis B vaccine. Unfortunately, we are some years away from having such a vaccine. Work to find a vaccine against Group B is much more difficult than for Group C, although early indicators for a Group B vaccine are encouraging. The Department is investigating Group B vaccines in collaboration with RIVM, the Dutch national vaccine manufacturer, and funds Group B vaccine dedicated work at the Centre for Applied Microbiology Research.

  Groundwater Protection
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the EC directives relating to groundwater protection and indicate in each case how compliance is(a) monitored and (b) enforced.[11382]

  Mr. Meacher
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Groundwater Directive (80/60/EEC) is the principal EC measure for the protection of groundwater. As competent authority in England and Wales the Environment Agency has powers under the Water Resources Act 1991, the Environment Act 1995, the Groundwater Regulations 1998 and the Anti-Pollution Works Notices Regulations 1999 to enforce this directive's authorisations. The Environment Agency has also developed a strategic monitoring network to determine groundwater status.

  Infant Mortality Rate (Worcester)
  Mr. Michael Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the infant mortality rate in Worcester was in each year since 1992.[10405]

  Ruth Kelly
  I have been asked to reply.

  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
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  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Michael Foster, dated 6 November 2001:
  As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question about the infant mortality rate in Worcester in each year since 1992(10405).
  The information requested is provided in the attached table.
  The rates for Worcester county district (which are calculated from fewer than 20 deaths) may be unreliable due to the small number of events and should be treated cautiously. Any variation they show over time, or difference from National or county or health authority rates are likely to be due to chance.

  Infant mortality numbers and rates for Worcester CD, 1992–2000

  Calendar Year

  Number

  1Rate

  1992

  11

  8.7

  1993

  9

  7.1

  1994

  8

  6.6

  1995

  13

  10.2

  1996

  10

  8.0

  1997

  8

  6.1

  1998

  8

  6.3

  1999

  10

  7.7

  20002

  9

  7.4

  1 Per 1,000 live births

  2 Provisional

  Source:
  1992–94 and 2000 unpublished
  1995–99 figures are published in the National Statistics publication 'Key Population and Vital Statistics', series VS Nos 22–26

  Power Lines
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made since April of international research on the health effect of living close to overhead transmission lines; and what review he plans of the health effects of pylons on human beings. [9650]

  Ms Blears
  The Department obtains advice on the possible health implications of exposure to electromagnetic fields, including the extremely low frequency fields (ELF) associated with power lines, from the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB).

  In June, on behalf of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a working group of scientific experts from 10 countries published its review on the health effects of static and extremely low frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields. The IAR.0 working group concluded that ELF magnetic fields are possibly carcinogenic to humans based on a statistical association between higher level magnetic field exposure and the risk of childhood leukaemia.

  This conclusion of the IARC working group is consistent with that of the NRPB Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation (AGNIR), which issued a report in March 2001. AGNIR stressed, however, that there was insufficient evidence to justify a firm conclusion that magnetic fields cause leukaemia in children. In responding to the advisory group report the board of NRPB considered there was a need to understand better the factors that might result in higher residential exposures to magnetic fields, noting also the recent evidence from the United Kingdom childhood cancer study that suggested the higher levels of magnetic fields are not attributable solely to proximity to power lines. The Government and NRPB are currently planning a study
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  into the factors that result in certain households having higher levels of exposure to power frequency magnetic fields.

  The AGNIR is also further considering the possible effects on health of corona ions generated by power lines. A first meeting to consider this issue has taken place and researchers on this topic have been invited to make presentations at future meetings. Information about the work of the advisory group is to be posted on the NRPB website www.nrpb.org.uk. A final report will be published by NRPB.

  In July, the California Health Department released a draft report for public comment and this will also be considered by AGNIR.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will commission a Government inquiry into the health effects of power frequency electric and magnetic fields.[11366]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Department obtains advice on the possible health implications of exposure to electromagnetic fields, including the extremely low frequency (ELF) fields associated with power lines, from the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB). The Board of NRPB has set up an independent Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation (AGNIR) chaired by the eminent epidemiologist Sir Richard Doll. Members are some of the United Kingdom's leading experimental scientists and epidemiologists. The AGNIR has prepared a number of reports on the possible health effects of exposure to power frequency electric and magnetic fields. Its most recent report was published in March 2001 and provided a comprehensive summary of sources of exposure to ELF electromagnetic fields and methods of measurement as well as reviews of experimental and epidemiological (human health) studies.

  AGNIR continues to monitor research on this topic.

  In June, the International Agency for Research in Cancer (IARC) based in Lyon, France, brought together an international team of experts to review the evidence for the possible carcinogenic effects of exposure to static and ELF electric and magnetic fields. It concluded that magnetic fields are "possibly carcinogenic" to humans based on a statistical association between higher level magnetic field exposure and the risk of childhood leukaemia. This conclusion is consistent with the views expressed by AGNIR.

  These two reviews by teams of eminent scientists are consistent in their findings and provide the most up to date published reviews of this subject.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the health risks of a(a) cancer and (b) non-cancer nature and other health consequences of electro-magnetic fields situated near to overhead power lines.[11416]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Department obtains advice on the possible health implications of exposure to electromagnetic fields, including those associated with power lines, from the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB). The Board of NRPB has set up an independent Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation (AGNIR) "to review work on the biological effects of non-ionising radiation relevant to human health and to advise on research priorities".
  209W
  Most of the research carried out on possible health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields and radiation has concentrated on cancer risk. In March this year, the AGNIR published a report on the potential risks of cancer from exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields that includes those from power lines. The report provides a comprehensive review of experimental and epidemiological studies relevant to an assessment of the possible risk of cancer as well as information on sources of exposure and their measurement.

  An assessment has been carried out by AGNIR of the potential neurodegenerative effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields. A report has been prepared and publication is imminent.

  The AGNIR is also further considering the possible effects on health of corona ions generated by power lines. A first meeting to consider this issue has taken place and researchers on this topic have been invited to make presentations at future meetings. A final report will be published by NRPB.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make an assessment of the possible links between childhood leukaemia and magnetic field exposures above 0.4 mircotesla.[11187]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Department obtains advice on the possible health implications of exposure to electromagnetic fields, including those associated with power lines, from the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB).

  In March this year NRPB' s Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation (AGNIR) published a review of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and the risk of cancer, which included an assessment of the possible link between childhood leukaemia and average magnetic field exposures of 0.4 microtesla or more.

  AGNIR concluded that recent large and well-conducted epidemiological studies, both in this country and overseas, have provided better evidence than was available in the past on the relationship between power frequency magnetic field exposure and the risk of cancer. Taken in conjunction, they suggest that relatively heavy average exposures of magnetic fields at 0.4 microtesla or more are associated with a doubling of the risk of leukaemia in children under 15 years of age. However, the evidence is not conclusive because of the small number of children exposed, and other features related to the design of the studies.

  NRPB have noted that, if the association between magnetic fields and the risk of cancer was causal, of the 500 cases of childhood leukaemia occurring in the United Kingdom each year an additional 2 cases might result from exposure to magnetic fields at exposures above 0.4 microtesla.

  AGNIR have pointed out that, in the UK, very few children (perhaps 4 in 1000) are exposed to 0.4 microtesla or more. The UK study (United Kingdom Childhood Cancer Study), with much the largest number of direct measurements of exposure, found no evidence of risk at lower levels.

  Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will reconsider his decision to accept the 210W
  early resignation of Mr. Harold Musgrove from the chairmanship of the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS trust; and if he will make a statement;[10155]

  (2) what discussions his Department had with Mr. Harold Musgrove about the announcement of his resignation from the chairmanship of the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS trust prior to that announcement; what the nature of any such discussion was; and if he will make a statement.[10156]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 25 October 2001]: The acceptance of Mr. Musgrove's resignation is a matter for the national health service Appointments Commission, which now has responsibility for appointments to NHS boards. Mr. Musgrove contacted the NHS Regional Director for the West Midlands to inform him of his decision to resign. His formal letter of resignation was submitted to the chair of the NHS Appointments Commission on 1 October. He subsequently had discussions with the Appointments Commissioner for the West Midlands about the timing of his departure, which was mutually agreed as 31 December 2001, allowing sufficient time for recruitment of his successor.

  Haemophiliac Patients
  Mr. Lepper
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the provision by NHS trusts of recombinant clotting factors to haemophiliac patients.[10733]

  Mr. Hutton
  We asked health authorities and national health service trusts to provide recombinant clotting factors for new patients and children under 16 from April 1998 and are considering the case for providing these products, subject to availability, for all haemophilia patients.

  Treatment Overseas
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on(a) the outstanding legal questions relating to the treatment of NHS patients abroad, (b) when he anticipates those legal questions will be resolved and (c) how patients will be selected for treatment abroad.[10704]

  Mr. Hutton
  The main legal issue on the principle of treating patients abroad has been decided. Health authorities and national health service trusts must be free to commission services in Europe. What remains to be resolved are the practical and legal issues flowing from that decision, in particular, the legal consequences for commissioners and patients should things go wrong.

  Our aim is to address these various legal, clinical and quality issues over the coming few weeks so that the first patients are able to travel for treatment before the end of the year.

  Selection of patients is a matter for local commissioners and the patients themselves. No patient will be forced to travel against his or her will. Commissioners and clinicians will need to satisfy themselves that patients are fit for travel and are at low risk of post-operative complications.

  Orthopaedic Waiting Lists
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on(a) orthopaedic waiting lists in Leeds and (b) what action will be taken to reduce these in the short term.[10705]

  Jacqui Smith
  At the end of August 2001 there were 1,714 patients waiting for orthopaedic inpatient or day case treatment at Leeds teaching hospitals national health service trust.

  There has been substantial investment of £3.7 million in orthopaedic services in Leeds this year. This is funding an additional ward and theatre for orthopaedic services and will help to fund an additional five orthopaedic consultant posts:

  two spinal surgeons

  one foot and ankle surgeon

  one lower limb surgeon

  one hand surgeon.

  Bed Blocking
  Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of acute beds are blocked in each acute national health service hospital trust.[11096]

  Jacqui Smith
  The information available is shown in the table.

  Delayed discharges-first quarter activity

  Percentage

  Blocked beds health authority

  Delayed discharge rate1

  Bradford

  1.7

  Durham

  7.5

  East Riding

  1.6

  Gateshead and South Tyneside

  6.4

  Leeds

  3.9

  Newcastle and North Tyneside

  3.9

  North Cumbria

  13.8

  Northumberland

  2.4

  Sunderland

  3.7

  Tees

  5.5

  Wakefield

  4.5

  North Yorkshire

  5.6

  Calderdale and Kirklees

  2.4

  Barnsley

  1.5

  North Derbyshire

  1.9

  South Derbyshire

  0.9

  Doncaster

  3.0

  Leicestershire

  2.4

  Lincolnshire

  2.2

  North Nottinghamshire

  3.4

  Nottingham

  2.9

  Rotherham

  2.9

  Sheffield

  3.8

  South Humber

  6.3

  Birmingham

  14.7

  Coventry

  5.4

  Dudley

  8.5

  Herefordshire

  5.8

  Sandwell

  4.4

  Shropshire

  3.2

  Solihull

  7.0

  North Staffordshire

  7.7

  South Staffordshire

  12.4

  Walsall

  5.9

  Warwickshire

  5.4

  212W

  Delayed discharges—first quarter activity

  Percentage

  Blocked beds health authority

  Delayed discharge rate1

  Wolverhampton

  4.1

  Worcestershire

  5.8

  South Lancashire

  4.2

  Liverpool

  5.3

  Manchester

  2.3

  Morecambe Bay

  8.3

  St. Helens and Knowsley

  6.8

  Salford and Trafford

  3.2

  Sefton

  5.3

  Stockport

  1.8

  West Pennine

  3.0

  Bury and Rochdale

  2.9

  North Cheshire

  4.6

  South Cheshire

  4.6

  East Lancashire

  0.2

  North West Lancashire

  10.6

  Wigan and Bolton

  —

  Wirral

  2.0

  Bedfordshire

  3.9

  North Essex

  —

  South Essex

  —

  Suffolk

  13.6

  Cambridgeshire

  5.4

  Norfolk

  5.5

  Hertfordshire

  —

  Hillingdon

  16.1

  Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster

  —

  Redbridge and Waltham Forest

  10.0

  Croydon

  5.0

  Kingston and Richmond

  5.4

  Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham

  2.1

  Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth

  3.7

  Barking and Havering

  9.2

  Brent and Harrow

  18.2

  Camden and Islington

  6.8

  Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow

  7.7

  East London and City

  2.6

  Barnet, Enfield and Haringey

  7.4

  Bromley, Bexley and Greenwich

  —

  Berkshire

  13.3

  Buckinghamshire

  17.4

  East Kent

  4.8

  West Kent

  4.3

  East Surrey

  6.5

  West Surrey

  12.8

  East Sussex, Brighton and Hove

  —

  West Sussex

  7.8

  Northamptonshire

  12.3

  Oxfordshire

  5.4

  North and Mid Hampshire

  18.6

  Southampton and South West Hampshire

  14.3

  Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and South East

  4.8

  Hampshire

  —

  Somerset

  6.5

  South and West Devon

  5.6

  Wiltshire

  9.7

  Avon

  9.5

  Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

  6.1

  Dorset

  5.5

  North and East Devon

  9.3

  Gloucestershire

  9.0

  1All ages

  NICE (Compulsory Guidance)
  Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on providing funding to health authorities to meet the cost of implementing compulsory guidance issued by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.[11094]

  Mr. Hutton
  We expect national health service bodies to fund treatments recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence from their general allocations which increased on average by 6.25 per cent. in real terms for 2001–02.

  We are preparing to implement our manifesto commitment that
  "local health authorities and trusts will be directed to fund drugs and treatments recommended by NICE",
  and expect to announce further details shortly.

  NHS Dentistry
  Mr. Tony Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS dentists there were in the Northamptonshire constituencies in(a) 1992, (b) 1997 and (c) 2001.[11273]

  Ms Blears
  The number of general dental service dentists in Northamptonshire health authority is shown in the table at 30 June for the years(a) 1992, (b) 1997 and (c)

  General dental service: Number of dentists in Northamptonshire health authority at 30 June

  Northamptonshire HA

  All dentists

  June 1992

  138

  June 1997

  153

  June 2001

  167

  Data are not available centrally by constituency.

  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS dentists were taking on new patients on 1 September.[11117]

  Ms Blears
  There are some 16,000 general dental service dentists in England. Some of these dentists have no patient registrations including specialist dentists such as those with practices limited to orthodontics. 14,000 dentists took on at least one new registration during August 2001.

  In addition, there were 400 personal dental service dentists, 100 salaried dentists and 1,300 dentists in the community dental service who may have been taking on some new national health service patients.

  Mr. Simmonds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase the provision of dentistry and the number of dentists in(a) Lincolnshire and (b) Boston and Skegness.[11550]

  Ms Blears
  In September 1999, we gave a commitment that, within two years, everyone would be able to access National Health Service dentistry if, and when, they wanted it via NHS Direct. All health authorities in England now have in place dentistry action plans to ensure that everyone in their local area can access NHS 214W
  dentistry if they want it, within a reasonable time and distance. These plans identify shortfalls in service provision and ways of tackling user demand.

  Action is being taken to improve the situation in Lincolnshire and Boston and Skegness. Lincolnshire is one of the third wave personal dental service pilots. The pilot will see the development of a dental access centre at six sites across the county, including Boston and Skegness, through a combination of new buildings and conversion of existing Community Dental Services. £877,000 capital and £340,000 revenue were allocated to the pilot in 2000–01 with a further £270,000 capital and £91,000 revenue in the current financial year.

  In addition, Lincolnshire has received dental care development funding amounting to £95,000 in 2000–01 and £185,000 in 2001–02 for expansion and modernisation of practices in areas of poor access which are already offering significant NHS commitment and are prepared to increase numbers of NHS patients. A further allocation of £407,000 has been made from the dental modernisation fund to modernise premises and upgrade equipment and from the dental practice. £17,000 has been allocated from the dental practice grant to set up quality assurance systems in each dental practice.

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many salaried dentists are employed(a) by the national health service and (b) by the personal dental service.[11913]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 2 November 2001]: The latest information on the number of salaried dentists employed in the national health service in England is shown in the table for each of the dental services. The figures are on a headcount basis rather than whole-time equivalent.

  Personal dental services are one of the ways in which the NHS provides dentistry and may be used both for NHS trust based projects with salaried dentists and for arrangements which are similar to the general dental service, with self employed dentists.

  Number of salaried dentists employed in 2000–01

  England

  Number

  a) By the NHS (excluding personal dental services)

  Hospital dental service1

  2.190

  Community dental service1

  1.340

  Salaried GDS dentists2

  101

  b) By the personal dental services2,3

  Dentists in pilots managed by trusts

  392

  Total4 NHS salaried dentists

  4,023

  1 Number of dentists at September 2000.

  2 Number of dentists at June 2001.

  3 Excludes 200 dentists in pilots not managed by trusts where most dentists are self employees of the contract holders.

  4 Some dentists work in several services and are counted in each service.

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what the gross fee is paid for(a) an MOD amalgam and (b) a root canal filling on the lower first molar to an independent contractor dentist in the NHS;[11914]
  215W
  (2) what is the unit cost of provision by the salaried dental service of (a) an MOD amalgam and (b) a root canal filling on the lower first molar, taking into account all management, rental and other overheads.[11915]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 2 November 2001]: The item of service fee currently paid to a dentist providing treatment in the general dental services (GDS) is £17.60 per tooth for an amalgam filling in permanent or retained deciduous teeth for three or more surfaces where the mesio-occlusal and disto-occlusal surfaces are involved. If pin or screw retention is involved there is an additional fee of £5.40. The fee for the root filling of each root canal of a permanent tooth per first molar tooth is £68.65.

  The total fees claimed by general dental practitioners are intended to cover all costs including management, rental and other overheads. Under the personal dental service's arrangements, treatments are not remunerated on an item of service basis but are included as part of the overall contractual arrangements. We have no reason to expect that in the salaried services similar item of service treatments would differ significantly in cost from the GDS, taking into account the range of patients treated.

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people, and what proportion of the population, had no access to an NHS dentist in May of each year since 1997.[11916]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 2 November 2001]: About 24 million people, almost half of the population, are registered with a general dental services (GDS) dentist in England at any one time. This has been broadly constant over the last three years (figures before this time are not comparable because of changes to the registration period). Registration figures represent people who have been seen by a GDS dentist within the past 15 months. Excluded from these figures are people who have chosen not to attend their dentist in the latest 15 months as well as people who have been treated within the GDS but are not registered and those who have used other NHS dental services, such as the community dental services.

  Information on the number of people who sought national health service dentistry unsuccessfully in each year since 1997 is not available.

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health by what date he expects to be able to provide universal access to an NHS dentist.[11917]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 2 November 2001]: In September 1999, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister pledged that within two years, everyone would be able to access national health service dentistry by phoning NHS Direct.

  All callers to NHS Direct should now be able to gain access to NHS dentistry either to receive emergency dental treatment, urgent treatment to relieve pain or have an oral examination followed by a course of treatment for identified dental problems.

  For each of these kinds of treatment, health authorities have set local standards for times and distances, for both rural and urban locations, for dentistry to be available for their populations.

  Child Abuse
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if his Department will request local authorities to provide statistics on the abuse of disabled children as a subset of the annual figures collected regarding the total number of children registered for abuse.[11413]

  Jacqui Smith
  We already collect statistical information about the abuse of disabled children. Information on the numbers of disabled children in need known to local authority social services departments, and the reason for their being in need (including abuse/ neglect), was collected by the Department as part of the first children in need survey in February 2000. The report is published on the Department's Home Page of the Internet at www.doh.gov.uk/cinresults.htm. A copy of the report is also available in the Library. The survey is being repeated in late 2001, and the results are likely to be available in mid 2002.

  Child Protection Register (Disabled Children)
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many local authorities(a) have fulfilled their obligations to provide a register of disabled children and (b) are able to provide information on the numbers of disabled children on the child protection register. [11410]

  Jacqui Smith
  We do not keep a list of authorities which have a disabled children's register. However, this years' national overview report on the 2001–02 "quality protects" management action plans, reports that most councils currently have up-to-date registers of disabled children.

  All local authorities should be able to provide information on the numbers of children on the child protection register although we do not hold it centrally. However, local authority returns from the children in need census, currently taking place, will mean this information will become available.

  Drinking Water
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what priority he gives to multi-barrier approaches to protect drinking water quality; and if he will make a statement in respect of hazard assessment critical control points.[11381]

  Ms Blears
  There is a regulatory requirement for all public water supplies in England and Wales to be treated before entering supply. If the raw water comes from a surface water derived source, the treatment has to be appropriate to the classification of the raw water as specified by the European Community Directive on the quality required of surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water (75/440/EEC). This could involve a multi-barrier approach.

  There are separate regulations relating to Cryptosporidium oocysts in drinking water, which require water companies to carry out risk assessments at all treatment works site. Companies may either install treatment capable of continuously removing particles greater than one micron in diameter or install continuous sampling for Cryptosporidium oocysts at sites considered to be at significant risk.
  217W
  These regulations are enforced by the Drinking Water Inspectorate on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and for the National Assembly for Wales.

  Zyban
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton:
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what guidelines have been given to health authorities for the prescribing of the anti-smoking drug Zyban; and which health authorities allow GPs to prescribe this drug;[11100]

  (2) if he will calculate the number of people who have been prescribed the anti-smoking drug Zyban since its release on prescription basis; and how many deaths have been attributed to the use of Zyban; [11101]

  (3) what changes have been made to the recommended dosage of Zyban by the manufacturers GlaxoSmithKline during the last 12 months; and for what reasons these alterations were made;[11102]

  (4) what assessment he has made of the effectiveness and safety of Zyban in the treatment of people addicted to smoking; and if he will make a statement.[11103]

  Ms Blears
  Since Zyban (bupropion) was marketed in the United Kingdom in June 2000, at least 440,900 prescriptions of Zyban have been dispensed, based on the prescription cost analysis (PCA) data for England.

  To date, there have been 53 reports to the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM)/Medicines Control Agency (MCA) of suspected adverse reactions in relation to Zyban with a fatal outcome. The contribution of Zyban to these fatal cases is unproven and in the majority of cases the individual's underlying condition may provide an alternative explanation. In 14 of these reports the individual was not taking Zyban at the time of death. Smoking itself is the single greatest cause of premature deaths in the UK and is responsible for 120,000 deaths per year, which is equivalent to more than 13 people an hour.

  Zyban has been authorised in 14 European member states via the mutual recognition procedure. At the time of licensing our independent expert scientific advisory body, the CSM, advised that Zyban met appropriate standards of quality, safety and efficacy to justify its licence for use as an aid to smoking cessation in combination with motivational support in nicotine-dependent patients.

  Since marketing, the safety of Zyban has been closely monitored by the MCA/CSM, particularly the accumulating evidence from spontaneous reports of suspected adverse drug reactions received in association with its use. The CSM has advised that the balance between the effectiveness of Zyban in helping people to stop smoking, and the health benefits that this brings, with the risk of adverse effects remains favourable.

  Guidance on prescribing and use of Zyban is provided in the authorised Summary of Product Characteristics for health professionals and Patient Information Leaflet. These documents provide information on use of Zyban, contraindications, warnings and possible adverse effects. Key prescribing information is also included in the British National Formulary which is sent by the Department to doctors and pharmacists.
  218W
  Zyban was made available on national health service prescription in June 2000 in all health authorities. Since then a number of communications have been issued to health professionals. In March 2001 the MCA and CSM reminded general practitioners and health professionals in smoking cessation clinics about the safety profile of bupropion and provided information on safe prescribing, in particular predisposing factors for seizures. This information was distributed to doctors and pharmacists in the MCA/CSM drug safety bulletin "Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance".

  In May 2001, the CSM issued new guidance (strengthened warnings particularly about potential interactions with other medicines) and advised a slower increase in the dose of Zyban in order to minimise the risk of side effects especially seizures (the lower 150mg dose should be prescribed for the first six days, increasing to 150mg twice daily on day seven rather than day four). This new guidance was issued in order to allow more time for the drug levels to stabilise, to help minimise the risk of adverse reactions, particularly seizures.

  The Department provided information to all doctors concerning the safety of Zyban, via an article in the Chief Medical Officer's Update 30 (May 2001), entitled "Safety of Zyban as an aid to smoking cessation". A copy of the CMO's Update 30 can be found in the Statistics Section, in the Library. Updated information on the safety profile of Zyban can also be found on the MCA website.

  General Practitioners
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the number of general practitioners in the national health service in England and Wales in each of the last four years.[11868]

  Mr. Hutton
  The number of general practitioners in the national health service in England in each of the last four years is shown in the table. Information relating to Wales is a matter for the devolved Administration.

  General medical practitioners in England as at 1 October 1997 to 1999 and 30 September 2000

  Headcount

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  All practitioners (excluding GP retainers)1

  29,389

  29,697

  29,987

  30,252

  of which:

  Unrestricted principals and equivalents (UPEs)2

  27,099

  27,392

  27,591

  27.704

  1 All practitioners (excluding GP retainers) includes UPEs, restricted principals, assistants, GP registrars, salaried doctors (para. 52 SFA) and PMS other. GP retainers were not collected until 1999. In 1999 there were 972 GP retainers; in 2000 there were 1,117.

  2 Unrestricted principals and equivalents (UPEs) includes GMS unrestricted principals, PMS contracted GPs and PMS salaried GPs.

  Source:
  Department of Health General and Personal Medical Services Statistics.

  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the definition of excessive as applied to GP list sizes; what measures he plans to take to ensure that areas which experience sudden population growth have sufficient numbers of medical practitioners; and what measures he will encourage the National Clinical Assessment Authority to take against doctors with excessive list sizes.[12767]
  219W
  Mr. Hutton
  From 2002 health authorities will be responsible for determining how many general practitioners are needed in their areas. List size and population change are among the factors they will consider. The National Clinical Assessment Authority's role is to assess the clinical performance of a GP if a health authority raises concern.

  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the number of general practitioner vacancies in each(a) health authority and (b) primary care trust in the last two years.[12775]

  Mr. Hutton
  The number of general practitioner vacancies reported by health authorities in the Department's annual general practitioner recruitment retention and vacancy surveys for 1999–2000 and 2000–01 are shown in the table. Information on vacancies in primary care trusts is not held centrally.

  Health Authority1

  2000

  2001

  Avon

  33

  67

  Barking and Havering

  2

  1

  Barnet Enfield & Haringey HA

  17

  40

  Barnsley

  8

  10

  Bedfordshire

  19

  20

  Berkshire

  19

  29

  Bexley, Bromley & Greenwich HA

  5

  29

  Birmingham

  7

  65

  Bradford

  17

  37

  Brent & Harrow

  8

  29

  Buckinghamshire

  2—

  38

  Bury & Rochdale Health Authority

  7

  12

  Calderdale & Kirklees

  12

  26

  Cambridgeshire

  1

  6

  Camden & Islington

  1

  15

  Co. Durham & Darlington

  2—

  26

  Cornwall & Isles of Scilly

  0

  22

  Coventry

  4

  17

  Croydon

  8

  25

  Doncaster

  12

  26

  Dorset

  25

  38

  Dudley

  12

  9

  East London & City

  31

  38

  Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow

  4

  2

  East Kent

  13

  29

  East Lancashire

  6

  28

  East Riding and Hull

  7

  23

  East Surrey

  12

  10

  East Sussex, Brighton & Hove

  2—

  2—

  Gateshead and South Tyneside

  10

  8

  Gloucestershire

  17

  28

  Herefordshire

  6

  10

  Hertfordshire

  3

  60

  Hillingdon

  5

  19

  IoW, Portsmouth & SE Hampshire

  16

  18

  Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster

  11

  17

  Kingston & Richmond

  8

  17

  Lambeth Southwark & Lewisham

  33

  72

  Leeds

  19

  55

  Leicester

  15

  48

  Lincolnshire

  19

  46

  Liverpool

  19

  16

  Manchester

  10

  24

  Merton, Sutton & Wandsworth

  2—

  2—

  Morecambe Bay

  4

  7

  Newcastle & North Tyneside

  23

  26

  Norfolk

  21

  53

  North and East Devon

  14

  19

  North Cheshire

  10

  16

  North and Mid Hampshire

  9

  18

  220W

  Health Authority1

  2000

  2001

  North Cumbria

  8

  19

  North Derbyshire

  11

  16

  North Essex

  7

  17

  North Nottinghamshire

  24

  27

  North Staffordshire

  12

  30

  North West Lancashire

  3

  26

  North Yorkshire

  2—

  33

  Northamptonshire

  18

  31

  Northumberland

  8

  18

  Nottingham

  13

  29

  Oxfordshire

  24

  62

  Redbridge and Waltham Forest

  16

  21

  Rotherham

  7

  7

  Salford & Trafford

  11

  26

  Sandwell

  6

  16

  Sefton

  6

  17

  Sheffield

  13

  33

  Shropshire

  4

  16

  Solihull

  10

  11

  Somerset

  4

  28

  South & West Devon

  20

  7

  South Cheshire

  19

  27

  South Essex

  31

  34

  South Humber

  15

  22

  South Lancashire

  9

  13

  South Staffordshire

  15

  23

  Southampton and SW Hampshire

  17

  18

  Southern Derbyshire

  2—

  27

  St. Helens & Knowsley

  10

  22

  Stockport

  10

  11

  Suffolk

  10

  17

  Sunderland

  13

  22

  Tees

  34

  43

  Wakefield

  20

  29

  Walsall

  6

  10

  Warwickshire

  14

  25

  West Kent

  31

  60

  West Surrey

  23

  35

  West Sussex

  31

  45

  Wigan & Bolton

  17

  19

  Wiltshire

  17

  22

  Wirral

  9

  13

  Wolverhampton

  4

  5

  Worcestershire

  1

  4

  1 This table reflects the health authorities as at April 2001.

  2Not provided

  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of general practitioners due to retire in each of the next five years.[12774]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department does not collect information about retirement intentions of general practitioners. All unrestricted principals and equivalents (UPEs) have to retire as a principal by the age of 70. Around 480 UPEs will reach 70 by 2006.

  Waiting Lists (Buckinghamshire)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people were on the waiting list in Buckinghamshire for hospital treatment in each of the last four years; and if he will make a statement.[11865]

  Ms Blears
  The numbers of patients waiting for hospital treatment between March 1997 and March 2001 are shown in the table.
  221W

  Inpatient waiting list data for Buckinghamshire health authority

  Quarter

  Size of inpatient waiting list

  March 1997

  14,039

  June 1997

  14,253

  September 1997

  15,276

  December 1997

  16,154

  March 1998

  16,149

  June 1998

  15,706

  September 1998

  14,878

  December 1998

  14,679

  March 1999

  13,069

  June 1999

  13,795

  September 1999

  14,000

  December 1999

  13,854

  March 2000

  12,604

  June 2000

  12,937

  September 2000

  13,252

  December 2000

  13,535

  March 2001

  13,332

  June 2001

  13,604

  Source:
  QF01 quarterly waiting times return, Department of Health.

  NHS Plus
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his proposals for NHS Plus with particular reference to(a) income generation, (b) avoiding unfair competition with private sector consultants and (c) improving awareness of occupational health issues among health professionals and private employers.[11310]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 31 October 2001]: NHS Plus will be launched on 19 November as a national network of National Health Service Occupational Health Departments who will be selling occupational health services to the private or other parts of the public sector, particularly small and medium sized businesses. Occupational health services are not part of the statutory NHS provision: NHS Plus will be provided as an income generating service. Under the rules of income generation, such services have to recover their full costs as well as making a surplus which is reinvested in the health service. Our aim is that NHS Plus will help to raise awareness of the importance of occupational health to businesses as well as helping to improve the quality of occupational health available to NHS staff themselves.

  Social Services (London)
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received that local authority social services provision(a) as a whole and (b) other than those which have been specifically targeted for priority increased provision by his Department, have been disproportionately affected in London; and if he will make a statement.[11845]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Department receives many representations from various sources and in various forms about the level of funding for social services in London and elsewhere.

  Between 1996–97 and 2001–02 total provision made available by the Government for social services in London has increased by 28 per cent., including a 24 per cent. increase in the personal social services standard spending assessment. These substantial increases in provision demonstrate our commitment to London's social services.

  Health Authorities (Efficiency)
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent estimates he has made of variations in the efficiency of health services across different health authorities; and if he will make a statement.[11067]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 31 October 2001]: The national health service performance indicators were published in July 2000, and can be found on the Department's website: www.doh.gov.uk/nhsperformanceindicators. This includes a comparison of the performance of health authorities across a number of different aspects of performance, including efficiency.

  The information we have published shows there is variation in performance, including for day case rates, length of stay, and prescribing. Publishing comparative information of this sort is key to both improving performance and strengthening public accountability.

  Staff Retention
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to improve the retention of staff working in the professions allied to medicine.[12157]

  Mr. Hutton
  "Meeting the Challenge" sets out our plans for developing and supporting allied health professions and the central role they have to play in delivering the NHS plan's key priorities. A copy has been placed in the Library. The NHS plan also introduced the improving working lives standard to ensure that national health service employers create well-managed, flexible working environments that support all NHS staff.

  Nurses
  Mr. Hendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of nursing vacancies were filled by nurses trained(a) in the UK, (b) in the remainder of the EU and (c) elsewhere in each of the past five years for which figures are available.[12037]

  Mr. Hutton
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Correspondence
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for West Derbyshire, dated 11 August, forwarded to him by the Department of Education and Skills on 21 August, and the reminder letters of 20 September, concerning training programmes for the managers of care homes.[11960]

  Jacqui Smith
  I replied to the hon. Member on 1 November.

  Heroin Addicts
  Paul Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many heroin addicts are receiving their heroin from the NHS; and what percentage that represents of the estimated total of heroin addicts.[12060]

  Ms Blears
  There are currently no centrally held figures on the number of deaths as a result of heroin abuse.
  223W
  There were 2,943 deaths records in 1999 where drugs were recorded as a primary cause of death. However, the database from which these figures derive cover accidents and suicides involving drugs, as well as poisonings due to drug abuse and drug dependence, but not other adverse effects of drugs. The range of substances these statistics cover are wide, including legal and illegal, prescribed substances and over the counter medications such as paracetamol.

  For each death the database includes every mention of a substance recorded on the death certificate or mentioned by the coroner.

  The Department is developing a comprehensive strategy to reduce drug-related deaths which is to be launched shortly.

  Health Campaigns
  Paul Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of Government campaigns in the past 15 years in reducing the consumption of(a) alcohol and (b) tobacco. [12286]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 2 November 2001]: The aim of the Department's health promotion campaigns on alcohol during the period in question has been to encourage sensible drinking and to promote knowledge of the risks of alcohol misuse. Current advice is that men should drink no more than 3–4 units of alcohol per day and women should drink no more than 2–3 units of alcohol per day. There has been a consistent increase in recent years of the proportion of drinkers who were aware of the sensible drinking advice: a rise from 54 per cent. in 1997 to 64 per cent. in 2000.

  Our tobacco education campaign, launched in December 1999, is aimed at persuading smokers to give up and non-smokers, particularly children, not to start.

  Between October 1992 and May 1994 a prospective controlled trial was conducted in four television regions in central and northern England. Evaluation showed that the campaign was effective in reducing smoking and preventing relapse but as part of a prolonged campaign. We concluded that anti-smoking TV advertising should be undertaken routinely as an essential component of any tobacco reduction strategy.

  A number of different measures are in place to evaluate the effectiveness of the "Don't Give Up Giving Up" TV advertising campaign, which has been running since December 1999. Quarterly surveys of smoking attitudes and awareness of the campaign are being carried out and results indicate that the campaign is well recalled and is communicating effectively with the target audience.

  There is a clear link between advertising and the number of calls to the helpline. In non-advertising periods there is a background level of around 1,000 calls per week to the helpline, this increases to approximately 4,000 a week when there is advertising activity.

  The website "givingupsmoking.co.uk" has had over 4.4 million "hits" since its launch in December 1999.

  Earlier this year the World Health Organisation, in partnership with the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, published a report entitled "Smoking Media Cessation Campaigns from Around the World". The study
  224W
  evaluated the results of mass media campaigns from nine nations (including England) and six states from the United States of America. The report concluded that comprehensive media campaigns are working and that successful campaigns
  "maintained a strong media presence for extended periods of time."

  Lymphoedema
  Mr. Shepherd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what level of treatment for lymphoedema is available(a) nationally, (b) within the West Midlands and (c) in Walsall.[11998]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 2 November 2001]: Data on the number of lymphoedema clinics across the United Kingdom are not collected either centrally or regionally.

  We are aware of the following services available to patients in Walsall: Little Bloxwich day hospice has a full time specialist lymphoedema nurse who runs lymphoedema clinics; St Giles hospice has two lymphoedema nurses providing services.

  Nuclear Accidents (Iodine)
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what stocks of iodine doses are held against the possibility of nuclear accidents.[12616]

  Jacqui Smith
  The exact figure is not held centrally by the Department as stocks are held in locations close to operating nuclear installations, however, I have been advised that nearly three million tablets were produced in 1998 and are held by the various parts of the nuclear industry throughout the United Kingdom including Ministry of Defence sites.

  Partnership Grant
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been paid to local authorities in 2001–02 under the partnership grant; and how much is allocated for 2002–03.[12363]

  Jacqui. Smith
  [holding answer 5 November 2001]: The partnership grant was last paid in 2000–01. It has been subsumed in the promoting independence grant, which amounts to £296 million in 2001–02 and is provisionally £862 million in 2002–03.

  National Care Standards Commission
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many accountants there are in the planned establishment for the inspection function of the National Care Standards Commission; and how many have been recruited.[12342]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 5 November 2001]: There are no plans to recruit accountants within the inspection function of the National Care Standards Commission. The headquarters of the Commission has two posts requiring qualified accountants, one of whom has already been recruited. The Commission may seek external accountancy advice as necessary.

  Clinical Negligence
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many claims for clinical negligence against the
  225W
  NHS which went to trial were successful; and of these how many were (a) legal aid cases and (b) pursued on a no win, no fee basis, for the latest year for which figures are available;[11950]

  (2) how many claims for clinical negligence against the NHS went to trial; and of these how many were (a) legal aid cases and (b) pursued on a no win, no fee basis for the latest year for which figures are available;[11949]

  (3) how many claims for clinical negligence were (a) made against the NHS and (b) settled out of court; of these how many were (i) legal aid cases and (ii) pursued on a no win, no fee basis; how many went to trial; and of these how many were legal aid cases in the latest: year for which figures are available.[11948]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 5 November 2001]: Comprehensive data on the total number of clinical negligence claims are not collected centrally.

  However, the national health service litigation authority handles clinical negligence claims made against the NHS under two risk pooling schemes, but only those at above certain values. Of the claims held by the NHS litigation authority on its database, there were 4,570 reported to the relevant NHS body in the year 2000–01.

  The NHS litigation authority's database does not show whether cases are settled out of court or go to trial. However, the NHSLA estimates that approximately 95 per cent. of cases which they settle are done out of court. It is also not possible to distinguish from NHSLA data whether a case is funded by legal aid or under a conditional fee arrangement (no win, no fee). However, the NHSLA estimate that approximately 95 per cent. of all cases are legally aided, while the number being pursued under a conditional fee arrangement is limited to around a dozen.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total cost was to the NHS of clinical negligence cases in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and in each year what was the proportion paid in legal fees.[11953]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 5 November 2001]: Figures on the amounts included in the National Audit Summarised Accounts for clinical negligence expenditure for the latest available years are as follows:

  Year

  £ million

  1996–97

  235

  1997–98

  144

  1998–99

  221

  1999–2000

  373

  Source:
  National health service summarised accounts for health authorities, NHS trusts and NHS litigation authority

  Figures prior to 1996–97 are not available because clinical negligence was not separately identified in the accounts before that date.

  Changes to accounting policies mean that these amounts are not directly comparable.
  226W
  The summarized accounts do not show, and it is there not possible to break down, separately what proportion of these figures are for legal fees.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his latest estimate is of the annual cost to the NHS of a no-fault compensation scheme for clinical negligence.[11954]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 5 November 2001]: There are no reliable estimates of likely costs of no-fault compensation.

  No-fault compensation is among the issues now being considered by the Chief Medical Officer's advisory committee looking at the options for reforming the system for dealing with clinical negligence claims. The Department has recently commissioned Professor Paul Fenn, Professor of insurance policy at the University of Nottingham, to conduct a study evaluating the potential cost of alternative systems for compensating patients.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many claims for clinical negligence were made against the NHS in each of the last five years, for which figures are available.[11951]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 5 November 2001]Comprehensive data on the total number of clinical negligence claims are not collected centrally.

  However, the national health service litigation authority handles clinical negligence claims made against the NHS under two risk pooling schemes, but only those at above certain values. The NHS litigation authority does not hold data on whether a case is funded by legal aid or under a conditional fee arrangement (no-win no-fee). Of the claims held by the NHS litigation authority on its database, the information requested is set shown in the table:

  Clinical negligence claims against the NHS

  Year

  All claims

  1996–97

  4,017

  1997–98

  6,711

  1998–99

  6,415

  1999–2000

  5,973

  2000–01

  4,570

  Doctor Suicides
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the suicide rate was among NHS doctors in the latest 12 month period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.[12600]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 5 November 2001]: The information requested is not available centrally.

  Avon Health Authority
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the proportion of the administrative budget of Avon health authority that will be transferred to(a) primary care trusts, (b) the Strategic Health Authority and (c) the regional Government office from April 2002. [12368]
  227W
  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 5 November 2001]: Avon health authority is undertaking preliminary work on the transfer of budgets from the authority to those organisations that are assuming its functions. It is not, however, possible to provide robust estimates on final allocations until the functions and structures of each organisation are agreed in the new year.

  Beta Interferon
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the mechanism by which patients will be able to participate in the extended clinical trials of the beta interferon drug.[12344]

  Ms Blears
  We are currently holding discussions with the manufacturers to consider a range of options under which drugs for multiple sclerosis might be made available under the national health service. One option is a risk-sharing scheme which will evaluate their clinical and cost effectiveness, and until these discussions are concluded we cannot provide the information requested.

  Overseas Doctors
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what disciplinary regimes overseas doctor applicants to the NHS will be subject to while employed in the UK.[12709]

  24 hour staffed beds

  31 March 1999 position

  31 March 2000 position

  Additional 24 hour staffed beds from 1998–99 to 1999–2000

  31 March 2000 position (adjusted for changes in definition, boundaries and errors)

  31 March 2001 position

  Additional 24 hour staffed beds from 1999–2000 to 2000–01

  England

  4,0744,396

  322

  4,010

  4,304

  294

  Northern and Yorkshire

  Y01

  938

  1,074

  136

  872

  829

  -43

  Trent

  Y02

  242

  257

  15

  257

  283

  26

  West Midlands

  YO7

  278

  205

  25

  276

  270

  -6

  North West

  YO8

  414

  419

  5

  407

  451

  44

  Eastern

  YO9

  313

  439

  126

  439

  557

  118

  London

  Y10

  774

  881

  107

  703

  832

  129

  South East

  Yll

  595

  622

  27

  605

  600

  -5

  South West

  Y12

  520

  499

  -21

  451

  481

  30

  Source:
  Common Information Core 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01

  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many assertive outreach mental health teams are in operation.[12769]

  Jacqui Smith
  Returns received indicate that there were 173 assertive outreach teams in operation as at 30 June 2001. This is the latest date for which information is currently available.

  Children's Homes
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children were being looked after in children's homes in each year since 1997.[12706]
  228W
  Mr. Hutton
  In order to practise in the United Kingdom, all doctors must be registered with the General Medical Council.

  Overseas hospital doctors employed in the national health service are subject to exactly the same disciplinary regimes as all other doctors. Also, overseas doctors working as general practitioners in the NHS are subject to the same disciplinary systems as other GPs.

  Prescription Charges
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to reassess the list of conditions exempt from prescription charges.[12721]

  Ms Blears
  We have no current plans to do so.

  Mental Health Services
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many 24-hour mental health staff beds are in operation.[12768]

  Jacqui Smith
  Returns received indicate that there were approximately 4,300 24 hour staffed mental health beds at 31 March 2001. This is the latest date for which validated information is currently available.

  Jacqui Smith
  The information requested is shown in the table.

  Number of children looked after by local councils in England at 31 March 1997–20011

  Children's homes

  Years ending 31 March

  All children looked after

  Number

  Percentage

  1997

  51,100

  6,200

  12

  1998

  53,300

  6,100

  11

  1999

  55.500

  6,100

  11

  2000

  58,100

  6,300

  11

  2001

  58,900

  6,200

  10

  1 Figures in this table exclude children looked after under an agreed series of short term placements

  Source:

  CLA 100

  SSDA 903

  NHS National Plan
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the sponsors of the NHS national plan consultation leaflet and the public consultation to inform the NHS national plan.[12722]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department funded the NHS national plan consultation leaflet and the public consultation to inform the NHS national plan. There were no sponsors involved.

  Logos
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost was of developing the new logo for the Commission for Health Improvement.[12723]

  Mr. Hutton
  The cost of developing the logo for the Commission for Health Improvement was £2,115.

  Prescription Pricing Authority
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the gross expenditure of the Prescription Pricing Authority was in relation to the monitoring of prescriptions in the last 12 months.[10781]

  Ms Blears
  The annual gross expenditure of the Prescription Pricing Authority for the financial year 2000–01 was £62,340,000. Included in this was the sum of £1,238,000 for monitoring patient compliance with the current prescription charging arrangements.

  Chiropodists
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received on behalf of independent private sector chiropodists and podiatrists in respect of the draft Health Professions Council Order; and if he will place them in the Library.[12782]

  Mr. Hutton
  We hope shortly to lay before the House a report on the outcome of consultations. We have no plans to publish individual responses, but their authors are free to do so.

  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to amend the draft Health Professions Council Order to provide for independent private sector chiropodists and podiatrists to be represented on the Health Professions Council;[12783]

  (2) if he will appoint a representative of independent private sector chiropodists and podiatrists to the Health Professions Council.[12781]

  Mr. Hutton
  No. There is scope on the Health Professions Council for one registrant member of each profession regulated by the council. The council will be able to recruit additional members to its committees including its professional advisory panels, and will be encouraged to cover all sectors of the professions.
  230W
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his assessment is of the level of expertise of chiropodists and podiatrists trained by the SMAE Institute.[12784]

  Mr. Hutton
  The assessment of qualifications for the purposes of state registration is a matter for the Chiropodists Board of the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine.

  I can confirm however that officials have been facilitating meetings with the registered and unregistered sector, which includes the SMAE Institute, to open dialogue between the two sectors. An agreement was reached at the last meeting in October for the unregistered sector to submit their course documentation for assessment. So far no documentation has been received.

  Cancer Services
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his Department's target is, under the National Cancer Plan, for the number of CT scanners per thousand of the population.[11887]

  Jacqui Smith
  In 2000 there were approximately five machines per million head of population in England. By the time the investment programme in computer tomography scanners is completed in 2004 that figure will have risen to seven per million.

  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the criteria employed in determining which(a) hospitals and (b) cancer centres will receive help from the Cancer Capital Modernisation Fund CT Scanner Replacement Programme 2000 to 2003.[11886]

  Jacqui Smith
  The clear criterion announced in January 2000 was based on the age of the scanners in the national health service at that time. By 2004 all computer tomograpy scanners in the NHS will be no more than 10 years old.

  No distinction was made in applying the above criterion between scanners for cancer centres and those for other hospitals.

  Adoption
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children were placed for adoption in each year since 1998 broken down by local authority as a percentage of the number(a) in care and (b) of the total population of 18 years and under.[12925]

  Jacqui Smith
  The information requested is shown in the table. The answer to part(b) of the question has been expressed as rates per 10,000 resident population aged 17 and under.

  The numbers of adopted children increased from 2,200 in 1998–99 to 2,700 in 1999–2000 and 3,100 in 2000–01. This equated to 4.0 per cent. in the looked after population in 1998–99. 4.7 per cent. in 1999–2000 and 5.2 per cent. of the looked after population in 2000–01.
  231W

  Number of looked after children placed for adoption at 31 March 1998 to 2001

  England

  Number, percentage and rates per 10,000 population

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Number

  % of all looked after children

  Rate per 10,000 population

  Number

  % of all looked after children

  Rate per 10,000 population

  Number

  % of all looked after children

  Rate per 10,000 population

  Number

  % of all looked after children

  Rate per 10,000 population

  England

  2,410

  5

  2

  2,880

  5

  3

  3,135

  5

  3

  3,420

  6

  3

  North East Shire Counties

  Durham

  15

  3

  1

  15

  3

  1

  10

  2

  1

  35

  7

  3

  Northumberland

  20

  6

  3

  20

  6

  3

  10

  3

  1

  10

  3

  1

  Unitary Authorities

  Darlington

  1—

  1

  1—

  5

  4

  3

  10

  9

  4

  15

  13

  7

  Hartlepool

  10

  11

  4

  5

  6

  3

  10

  9

  4

  10

  7

  4

  Middlesbrough

  20

  11

  5

  10

  5

  2

  5

  3

  2

  20

  8

  5

  Redcar and Cleveland

  10

  4

  2

  10

  6

  3

  15

  9

  4

  15

  9

  5

  Stockton On Tees

  15

  10

  4

  10

  6

  2

  10

  4

  2

  10

  4

  2

  Metropolitan Districts

  Gateshead

  0

  0

  0

  5

  3

  2

  15

  6

  4

  15

  5

  3

  Newcastle Upon Tyne

  40

  10

  7

  45

  10

  7

  25

  5

  4

  40

  9

  7

  North Tyneside

  20

  7

  4

  25

  9

  6

  25

  9

  6

  35

  10

  8

  South Tyneside

  5

  2

  2

  10

  3

  3

  25

  8

  6

  15

  5

  4

  Sunderland

  35

  9

  5

  40

  10

  6

  40

  9

  6

  45

  9

  7

  North West Shire Counties

  Cheshire

  10

  2

  1

  20

  4

  1

  30

  7

  2

  35

  8

  2

  Cumbria

  40

  7

  4

  30

  7

  3

  40

  8

  4

  30

  6

  3

  Lancashire

  20

  2

  1

  40

  3

  1

  50

  3

  2

  60

  5

  2

  Unitary Authorities

  Blackburn and Darwen

  0

  0

  0

  5

  2

  2

  10

  4

  3

  15

  5

  3

  Blackpool

  1—

  1

  1

  10

  4

  3

  5

  2

  2

  30

  10

  10

  Halton

  0

  0

  0

  5

  5

  2

  10

  5

  3

  10

  5

  3

  Warrington

  5

  4

  1

  10

  6

  2

  15

  10

  4

  15

  10

  3

  Metropolitan Districts

  Bolton

  30

  10

  5

  15

  4

  2

  25

  8

  4

  25

  8

  4

  Bury

  5

  4

  2

  10

  5

  3

  5

  4

  2

  5

  3

  1

  Manchester

  30

  3

  3

  55

  5

  5

  65

  5

  6

  85

  7

  8

  Oldham

  5

  2

  1

  20

  7

  3

  15

  5

  3

  20

  7

  4

  Rochdale

  20

  11

  4

  25

  10

  5

  20

  7

  3

  15

  6

  3

  Salford

  20

  5

  4

  30

  6

  5

  30

  5

  5

  35

  6

  7

  Stockport

  20

  8

  3

  20

  6

  3

  15

  5

  2

  20

  5

  3

  Tameside

  15

  7

  3

  10

  5

  2

  15

  5

  2

  25

  10

  5

  Trafford

  10

  6

  2

  15

  8

  3

  5

  3

  1

  10

  6

  2

  Wigan

  20

  6

  3

  15

  4

  2

  20

  5

  3

  30

  7

  4

  Merseyside Metropolitan Districts

  Knowsley

  0

  0

  0

  15

  6

  4

  15

  6

  4

  10

  5

  3

  Liverpool

  20

  2

  2

  25

  2

  2

  40

  3

  4

  65

  6

  6

  Sefton

  10

  4

  1

  10

  4

  2

  10

  3

  1

  15

  5

  3

  St. Helens

  20

  8

  5

  25

  9

  6

  25

  10

  6

  30

  11

  8

  Wirral

  10

  4

  2

  15

  4

  2

  10

  3

  2

  15

  4

  2

  Yorkshire and Humberside Shire Counties

  North Yorkshire

  30

  9

  2

  20

  6

  2

  5

  1

  1—

  15

  4

  1

  Unitary Authorities

  East Riding Yorkshire

  1—

  1

  1—

  10

  5

  1

  10

  5

  2

  20

  10

  3

  Kingston Upon Hull

  50

  6

  8

  35

  5

  5

  20

  3

  3

  30

  5

  5

  North East Lincolnshire

  15

  5

  3

  10

  4

  3

  10

  4

  3

  15

  5

  3

  North Lincolnshire

  20

  10

  6

  5

  3

  2

  10

  4

  2

  5

  3

  2

  York

  15

  13

  4

  10

  7

  2

  20

  14

  5

  10

  7

  3

  Metropolitan Districts

  Barnsley

  15

  5

  3

  15

  4

  3

  20

  6

  4

  15

  4

  3

  Bradford

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  50

  8

  4

  30

  5

  3

  Calderdale

  5

  2

  1

  5

  2

  1

  10

  5

  2

  10

  4

  2

  Doncaster

  15

  4

  2

  30

  8

  4

  25

  6

  4

  35

  8

  5

  Kirklees

  10

  4

  1

  15

  5

  2

  25

  8

  3

  35

  11

  3

  Leeds

  65

  5

  4

  60

  5

  4

  55

  4

  4

  60

  5

  4

  Rotherham

  25

  7

  4

  25

  7

  4

  25

  7

  5

  25

  6

  4

  Sheffield

  35

  7

  3

  40

  7

  4

  50

  7

  5

  40

  6

  4

  Wakefield

  10

  3

  2

  15

  3

  2

  10

  3

  2

  20

  5

  3

  East Midlands Shire Counties

  Derbyshire

  25

  5

  2

  20

  4

  1

  15

  2

  1

  25

  4

  1

  Leicestershire

  10

  4

  1

  10

  4

  1

  10

  3

  1

  10

  3

  1

  Lincolnshire

  10

  2

  1

  50

  10

  4

  65

  13

  5

  85

  16

  6

  Northamptonshire

  35

  6

  2

  35

  6

  3

  45

  8

  3

  35

  6

  2

  Nottinghamshire

  50

  11

  3

  80

  16

  5

  70

  13

  4

  60

  11

  4

  Unitary Authorities

  Derby

  1—

  1

  1

  10

  3

  2

  15

  3

  2

  30

  7

  5

  Leicester

  35

  8

  4

  35

  8

  4

  40

  95

  2

  5

  5

  4

  Nottingham

  70

  11

  10

  60

  10

  9

  65

  11

  10

  90

  14

  13

  Rutland

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1—

  8

  1

  232W 233W

  Number of looked after children placed for adoption at 31 March 1998 to 2001

  England

  Number, percentage and rates per 10,000 population

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Number

  % of all looked after children

  Rate per 10,000 population

  Number

  % of all looked after children

  Rate per 10,000 population

  Number

  % of all looked after children

  Rate per 10,000 population

  Number

  % of all looked after children

  Rate per 10,000 population

  West Midlands Shire Counties

  Shropshire

  10

  7

  1

  20

  11

  3

  10

  5

  2

  5

  4

  1

  Staffordshire

  20

  3

  1

  25

  4

  1

  25

  4

  1

  35

  7

  2

  Warwickshire

  5

  2

  1

  10

  3

  1

  15

  4

  1

  10

  3

  1

  Worcestershire

  25

  5

  2

  25

  4

  2

  35

  5

  3

  40

  7

  4

  Unitary Authorities

  Herefordshire

  10

  5

  3

  10

  5

  3

  15

  7

  3

  1—

  2

  1

  Stoke-On-Trent

  1—

  1

  1

  20

  6

  4

  20

  6

  4

  15

  4

  2

  Telford and Wrekin

  15

  8

  5

  5

  4

  2

  10

  5

  2

  1—

  1

  1

  Metropolitan Districts

  Birmingham

  75

  5

  3

  70

  4

  3

  95

  6

  4

  80

  5

  3

  Coventry

  1—

  1

  1

  0

  0

  0

  25

  5

  3

  15

  3

  2

  Dudley

  10

  4

  2

  10

  3

  2

  10

  2

  1

  20

  6

  3

  Sandwell

  20

  4

  3

  15

  3

  2

  10

  2

  1

  20

  4

  3

  Solihull

  1—

  2

  1

  10

  6

  2

  5

  3

  1

  10

  5

  2

  Walsall

  0

  0

  0

  25

  7

  4

  25

  7

  4

  25

  6

  4

  Wolverhampton

  1—

  1

  1

  10

  3

  2

  20

  5

  3

  30

  7

  5

  South West Shire Counties

  Cornwall

  25

  4

  2

  30

  6

  3

  40

  7

  4

  20

  3

  2

  Devon

  35

  6

  2

  40

  6

  3

  35

  5

  2

  30

  4

  2

  Dorset

  10

  3

  1

  5

  3

  1

  15

  5

  2

  5

  2

  1

  Gloucestershire

  1—

  1

  1—

  15

  3

  1

  15

  3

  1

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Isles of Scilly

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Somerset

  15

  4

  1

  20

  5

  2

  20

  5

  2

  5

  2

  1

  Wiltshire

  5

  2

  1

  10

  4

  1

  1—

  1

  0

  5

  2

  1

  Unitary Authorities

  Bath and NE Somerset

  0

  0

  0

  5

  5

  2

  1—

  1

  1

  1—

  3

  1

  Bournemouth

  15

  7

  5

  10

  5

  3

  0

  0

  0

  1—

  1

  1

  Bristol

  15

  3

  2

  25

  4

  3

  30

  6

  4

  25

  5

  3

  North Somerset

  10

  7

  3

  5

  5

  2

  15

  11

  4

  10

  6

  2

  Plymouth

  10

  3

  2

  10

  3

  2

  20

  5

  3

  20

  4

  3

  Poole

  10

  9

  3

  1—

  3

  1

  1—

  2

  1

  5

  4

  2

  South Gloucestershire

  10

  5

  1

  1—

  1

  1—

  5

  4

  1

  5

  4

  1

  Swindon

  5

  4

  2

  1—

  2

  1

  10

  5

  2

  5

  4

  1

  Torbay

  1—

  1

  1

  5

  3

  3

  5

  2

  2

  10

  4

  4

  Eastern Shire Counties

  Bedfordshire

  25

  8

  3

  20

  6

  2

  25

  7

  3

  20

  6

  2

  Cambridgeshire

  15

  3

  1

  25

  6

  2

  20

  5

  2

  15

  4

  1

  Essex

  60

  6

  2

  70

  7

  2

  80

  6

  3

  75

  6

  3

  Hertfordshire

  35

  5

  2

  35

  4

  1

  40

  5

  2

  50

  6

  2

  Norfolk

  15

  3

  25

  4

  2

  25

  4

  2

  45

  6

  3

  Suffolk

  15

  3

  1

  25

  5

  2

  30

  5

  2

  30

  5

  2

  Unitary Authorities

  Luton

  10

  5

  2

  10

  4

  2

  15

  5

  3

  10

  3

  2

  Peterborough

  15

  5

  4

  15

  5

  4

  15

  4

  4

  30

  9

  8

  Southend

  15

  5

  3

  15

  6

  4

  10

  4

  2

  10

  5

  3

  Thurrock

  5

  6

  2

  10

  7

  4

  10

  5

  3

  10

  6

  3

  Inner London

  Camden

  30

  9

  8

  25

  8

  7

  30

  9

  8

  35

  11

  9

  City of London

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  00

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Greenwich

  40

  10

  7

  30

  7

  5

  30

  7

  6

  20

  4

  4

  Hackney

  10

  2

  2

  10

  3

  2

  20

  4

  3

  15

  3

  3

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  25

  8

  8

  20

  6

  7

  20

  5

  6

  25

  6

  8

  Islington

  1—

  1

  1

  25

  5

  6

  15

  3

  4

  15

  3

  4

  Kensington and Chelsea

  10

  5

  4

  10

  4

  3

  15

  7

  4

  5

  3

  2

  Lambeth

  30

  5

  5

  35

  5

  5

  40

  5

  6

  30

  4

  5

  Lewisham

  25

  6

  5

  30

  6

  5

  15

  3

  3

  25

  4

  4

  Southwark

  1—

  1—

  1—

  15

  3

  3

  35

  6

  6

  50

  8

  9

  Tower Hamlets

  15

  6

  3

  10

  4

  2

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  20

  7

  4

  Wandsworth

  25

  7

  5

  15

  5

  3

  20

  6

  4

  20

  5

  4

  Westminster

  30

  10

  8

  25

  9

  7

  25

  9

  7

  20

  7

  5

  Outer London

  Barking and Dagenham

  1—

  1

  1—

  10

  5

  2

  10

  3

  2

  10

  3

  2

  Barnet

  1—

  2

  1—

  5

  3

  1

  10

  4

  1

  10

  4

  1

  Bexley

  10

  5

  2

  10

  6

  2

  10

  6

  2

  15

  8

  3

  Brent

  15

  5

  3

  15

  5

  2

  15

  5

  3

  15

  5

  3

  Bromley

  20

  8

  3

  10

  4

  2

  1—

  1

  1—

  15

  5

  2

  Croydon

  30

  9

  4

  15

  5

  2

  20

  5

  3

  15

  4

  2

  Ealing

  10

  3

  1

  0

  0

  0

  25

  5

  3

  35

  9

  5

  Enfield

  1—

  1

  1—

  20

  7

  3

  25

  10

  4

  25

  9

  4

  Haringey

  10

  3

  2

  10

  3

  2

  15

  4

  3

  20

  4

  4

  Harrow

  5

  5

  1

  15

  8

  3

  10

  5

  2

  10

  4

  2

  Havering

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  10

  5

  2

  1—

  3

  1

  Hillingdon

  10

  3

  1

  20

  6

  3

  15

  3

  2

  20

  5

  3

  234W 235W

  Number of looked after children placed for adoption at 31 March 1998 to 2001

  England

  Number, percentage and rates per 10,000 population

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Number

  % of all looked after children

  Rate per 10,000 population

  Number

  % of all looked after children

  Rate per 10,000 population

  Number

  % of all looked after children

  Rate per 10,000 population

  Number

  % of all looked after children

  Rate per 10,000 population

  Hounslow

  0

  1

  1

  15

  6

  3

  10

  3

  2

  15

  5

  3

  Kingston upon Thames

  0

  0

  0

  10

  10

  3

  5

  5

  2

  1—

  4

  1

  Merton

  0

  0

  0

  1—

  2

  1

  10

  5

  2

  10

  6

  2

  Newham

  10

  2

  1

  20

  4

  3

  25

  5

  3

  25

  5

  4

  Redbridge

  10

  6

  2

  20

  13

  3

  15

  10

  3

  20

  14

  3

  Richmond upon Thames

  1—

  2

  1

  1—

  4

  1

  5

  5

  1

  5

  6

  2

  Sutton

  20

  19

  5

  10

  6

  2

  10

  8

  3

  10

  6

  2

  Waltham Forest

  1—

  1

  1

  5

  3

  1

  10

  2

  1

  15

  6

  3

  South East Shire Counties

  Buckinghamshire

  20

  8

  2

  25

  10

  2

  10

  4

  1

  10

  4

  1

  East Sussex

  20

  4

  2

  20

  5

  2

  45

  10

  4

  35

  7

  3

  Hampshire

  55

  8

  2

  40

  5

  1

  45

  5

  2

  50

  6

  2

  Kent

  60

  5

  2

  65

  5

  2

  65

  4

  2

  105

  6

  3

  Oxfordshire

  30

  6

  2

  45

  10

  3

  35

  7

  2

  45

  10

  3

  Surrey

  45

  7

  2

  85

  13

  4

  55

  8

  2

  50

  7

  2

  West Sussex

  40

  6

  3

  40

  6

  2

  35

  4

  2

  40

  6

  3

  Unitary Authorities

  Bracknell Forest

  5

  8

  2

  5

  10

  3

  10

  14

  3

  5

  10

  3

  Brighton and Hove

  20

  6

  4

  25

  7

  5

  20

  6

  4

  30

  8

  6

  Isle of Wight

  5

  4

  2

  1—

  1

  1—

  10

  5

  3

  10

  7

  5

  Medway Towns

  5

  2

  1

  25

  8

  4

  35

  11

  6

  15

  5

  3

  Milton Keynes

  10

  2

  2

  25

  8

  5

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  5

  3

  1

  Portsmouth

  1—

  1

  1

  10

  5

  3

  15

  6

  3

  15

  6

  4

  Reading

  1—

  1

  1—

  1—

  1

  1

  15

  13

  5

  15

  12

  5

  Slough

  0

  0

  0

  1—

  3

  1

  5

  4

  2

  15

  9

  5

  Southampton

  20

  6

  4

  25

  6

  5

  30

  8

  7

  15

  4

  3

  West Berkshire

  5

  5

  1

  5

  5

  2

  1—

  2

  1

  5

  6

  2

  Windsor and Maidenhead

  1—

  5

  1

  1—

  3

  1

  10

  9

  3

  5

  7

  2

  Woking

  10

  12

  3

  10

  11

  3

  5

  7

  2

  10

  9

  2

  1Less than five (for numbers) or 0.5 (for rates or percentages)

  Figures have been rounded to the nearest five

  n/a = not available

  236W

  Land Registry: Disaster Recovery Plans
  Land Registry: Disaster Recovery Plans
  Barry Room: Ventilation
  Barry Room: Ventilation
  International Humanitarian Law
  International Humanitarian Law
  British Airlines: Temporary Insurance Scheme
  British Airlines: Temporary Insurance Scheme
  Passport Numbers
  Passport Numbers
  Public Order and Community Cohesion
  Public Order and Community Cohesion
  Charities: Registration
  Charities: Registration
  Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate :Ethical Review Processes
  Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate :Ethical Review Processes
  EU/Israel Association Agreement: Article 2
  EU/Israel Association Agreement: Article 2
  Incapacity Benefit and Personal Capability Assessments
  Incapacity Benefit and Personal Capability Assessments
  Teacher Training: Mentoring
  Teacher Training: Mentoring
  Business Links Programme: Costs
  Business Links Programme: Costs
  Business Recovery Fund
  Business Recovery Fund
  Quality Parish and Town Councils
  Quality Parish and Town Councils