Written Answers of 5 July 2002

TRANSPORT

  Paddington Survivors Group
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will place in the Library a copy of the note of his meeting with the Paddington Survivors Group on 12 September 2001. [59820]

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of the official note of his meeting on 12 September 2001 with the Paddington Survivors Group what matters were discussed at the meeting; and if he will make a statement. [60541]

  Mr. Darling
  I have been asked to reply.

  My predecessor met the Paddington Survivors Group on 12 September and 24 October 2001. I met the Group on 13 June 2002. It is not the normal practice to place notes of Ministerial meetings in the Library. I agreed with the Group when we met in June that I would not publish minutes of our meeting.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Arms Exports
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of state for Trade and Industry what vetting procedures she employs to consider the suitability for export of(a) defensive and (b) offensive weapons; and if she will make a statement. [64219]

  Nigel Griffiths
  [holding answer 24 June 2002]: The Government rigorously assesses export licence application to determine the risk of the proposed export being misused in contravention of the consolidated EU and national arms export licensing criteria. I refer the hon Member to the reply from my right hon. Friend, the Member for Neath, the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, to my hon. Friend, the Member for Crawley on 26 October 2000, Official Report, columns 199–203W.

  The Government have taken a number of steps to strengthen the process of risk assessment at the licensing stage and continue to consider ways of further improving procedures in this area.

  Massey Ferguson
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what impact studies(a) have been and (b) will be undertaken by the Government on the effect of the closure of Massey Ferguson on
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  dependent companies in Coventry; and what measures the Government have taken to encourage new manufacturing companies in (i) Coventry and (ii) the West Midlands. [65661]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 3 July 2002]: Work is now underway to consider the impact of the Massey Ferguson reduction on its supplier chain. This will be conducted under the management of the "Massey Ferguson Regional Support Team", which was set up on Friday 28 June 2002. It will be chaired by Councillor Nick Nolan, Leader of Coventry City Council and members include AGCO managers, Advantage West Midlands (the Regional Development Agency), the Local Authorities, Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber or Commerce, Warwick Manufacturing Centre, Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Partnership, Jobcentre Plus (formerly the Employment Service), Trade Unions represented at the plant, local Members of Parliament, and the DTI through the Government Office for the West Midlands.

  The Government have a number of measures to support and help new businesses—including new manufacturing companies—such as Regional Selective Assistance Enterprise Grants and SMART Grants which are administered by Advantage West Midlands or the Small Business Service. In addition, the "Accelerate" scheme has helped numerous manufacturers in the motor vehicle sector, and the recommendations of the Rover Task Force has enabled funding from the UK Government and European Structural Funds to be focussed on the diversification and modernisation of West Midlands manufacturing companies.

  Manufacturing matters to the Government. A National Manufacturing Summit took place in Birmingham on 5 December 2001, with a specific West Midlands follow-up event on 7 March 2002. These have helped to initiate the Government's Manufacturing Strategy, which was published in April 2002. Additionally, the Manufacturing Advisory Service, administered by administered by the Small Business Service, will be officially launched on 8 July 2002.

  Employment Relations Act
  Mr. Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the powers he has under section 23 of the Employment Relations Act 1999; and on which occasions she has used them and under which circumstances, with special reference to when she would use them in future. [66080]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 3 July 2002]: The power in Section 23 of the Employment Relations Act 1999 enables the Government to confer statutory employment rights under or by virtue of specified primary legislation. Before deciding whether and how to use this power, we are undertaking a review of employment status issues in relation to statutory employment rights and intend to publish a discussion document before the end of July.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  World Bank Loans
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the proportion of World Bank loans to be converted to grants; and what the criteria are for deciding which World Bank loans are to be converted into grants. [66186]

  Categories for grants in IDA-13

  Per cent.

  Category

  Detail

  Proportion of IDA-13

  Debt-vulnerable countries

  Up to 40% grants for IDA-only countries with per capita income of less than $360 p.a. with debt vulnerability problems

  8

  Other very poor countries

  Up to 23% grants for other IDA-only countries with per capita income of less than $360 p.a.

  3.5

  Post-conflict countries

  Up to 40% grants for all IDA post-conflict countries for the first three years

  1.5–4

  Natural disaster assistance

  100% grants for reconstruction efforts for all IDA countries facing exceptional natural disasters

  1

  HIV/AIDS programmes for IDA only countries

  100% grants for HIV/AIDS programmes

  4

  for IDA/IBRD blend countries

  25% grants for HIV/AIDS programmes

  0.5

  Total

  18–21

  Notes:

  'IDA-only' countries refers to countries who can only access World Bank loans through IDA. 'IDA/IBRD blend' countries refers to countries who can access a combination of IDA concessional loans and IBRD non-concessional loans.

  Workers' Group Development Scheme
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will provide a

  DFID Workers Group Development Scheme funding 1998–2001

  Title

  Country

  Agency

  Budget (£s)

  1998–99

  Organisational development programme

  Philippines

  Christian Aid

  23,624

  Technical support project

  Peru

  ITDG

  24,135

  Developing an equal opportunities strategy

  Namibia

  TUC

  1,587

  Farmworkers' literacy and legal rights campaign

  Bangladesh

  War on Want

  20,939

  1999–2000

  Negotiating skills for women

  Africa regional

  TUC

  24,995

  Training on asbestos related disease

  South Africa

  TUC

  22,378

  Health and safety education

  Non-specific

  TUC

  20,054

  Implementation of core labour standards

  Uganda

  CTUC

  19,250

  2000–01

  Negotiating skills for women

  Africa regional

  TUC

  24,995

  Training on asbestos related disease

  South Africa

  TUC

  22,378

  Health and safety education

  Non-specific

  TUC

  20,054

  Implementation of core labour standards

  Uganda

  CTUC

  19,250

  The Civil Society Challenge Fund opened in October 1999 and provided new funding opportunities for trades union organisations. The Workers Group Development Scheme was therefore closed for new applications from 1 April 2000. All projects funded by the WGDS have now ended.
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  Clare Short
  Negotiations have recently concluded on the 13th Relenishment of the International Development Association (IDA), the concessional finance arm of the World Bank. 18–21 per cent. of overall IDA-13 resources, projected to be around $23 billion, will be provided in the form of grants. During the last IDA replenishment (IDA-12), less than 5 per cent. of resources were available as grants.

  The British Government has worked hard to ensure that these grants will be targeted on those countries who will benefit from them most. The categories against which grants will be allocable are in the table below.

  breakdown of her Department's expenditure since 1998–99 on the Workers' Group Development Scheme. [67516]

  Clare Short
  The information is in the following table:

  Regulatory Impact Unit
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many members of her Department have been employed in its regulatory impact unit in the past five years; and if she will make a statement. [65970]
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  Clare Short
  The Department for International Development is not involved in regulatory activity, and does not therefore have a regulatory impact unit. The Department does, however, systematically seek to assess the impact of its policies and programmes on the reduction of poverty in developing countries.

  Departmental Waste
  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of waste produced in her Department was(a) recycled, (b) composted and (c) re-used, broken down into (i) paper, (ii) plastics, (iii) aluminium cans and (iv) other, in each year since 1997; what plans there are to increase the proportions; and if she will make a statement. [65695]

  Clare Short
  Figures prior to 2000 are not available, as precise volumes were not being measured. Some measuring systems were initiated in 2000 but were not sufficiently comprehensive to enable proportions to be quoted in the format requested.

  In April 2000, recording of paper sent for recycling commenced at our main London office and averaged 300kg/wk in the initial months. This increased by 30 per cent following an office awareness-raising campaign in September 2000. Other recycling streams initiated during 2000 included plastic cups, aluminium cans, glass. newspaper, toner cartridges and used fluorescent tubes. Since December 2001, our main London office has been using a Government-approved waste contractor (John W Hannay) who collect all mixed office waste daily and sort it on receipt into 12 recycling streams. They state that they recycle over 90 per cent and send under ten per cent to landfill. This system also obviates the need for time-consuming sortingand recording of individual waste streams at source. We are currently exploring the possibility of extending this system to our other main office in East Kilbride, and will also be conducting environmental audits of our overseas offices with a view to expanding recycling, composting and re-use where local circumstances permit.

  When we relocated to a new London office towards the end of 2001;eight giant walk-in skips were filled with waste paper for recycling. Obsolete computer equipment was sent to the charity Computer Aid for reuse (including in developing countries) and surplus obsolete office furniture was donated to local schools and other charities. For the final office clearance we used a Government-approved company (Azcom, via a call-down contract with the Disposal Sales Agency) who reuse and recycle as much cleared material as possible as an alternative to landfill.

  DFID is wholly committed to the Green agenda and targets, and is in the process of finalising an Environmental Management System covering all aspects of operational activities. Improved recording and monitoring procedures will form an integral part of that system when it is up and running.

  Sexual and Reproductive Health
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which NGOs her Department has supported to promote sexual and 618W
  reproductive health in developing countries in each of the last five years; and how much money each organisation has received. [66182]

  Clare Short
  My Department (headquarters and overseas offices) funds many sexual and reproductive health NGOs in the UK, US and across the developing world. Information on this is not held centrally and to collate it would incur disproportionate costs. DFID expenditure through UK NGOs (including sexual and reproductive health NGOs) is listed in Statistics on International Development (table 14). A copy is available in the Library of the House.

  Poverty Analysis
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what financial contribution her Department has made as part of its work with the World Bank, the UN Development Programme and the European Commission on a joint analysis of the linkages between environment and poverty. [67490]

  Clare Short
  My Department has contributed to a joint paper with the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme and the European Commission on the linkages between poverty reduction and environmental management. We made no financial contribution as part of this work and no new research or analysis was commissioned. Publishing and editing costs were covered by the World Bank. Our contribution was in staff time.

  UN Taskforce
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many staff in her Department are working with the United Nations Information and Communications Technologies Task Force. [67004]

  Clare Short
  The Department is represented on the Task Force by its Director-General, Resources, who calls on appropriate specialist support as necessary.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what financial support her Department is giving in 2002–03 to the United Nations Information and Communications Technologies Task Force. [67003]

  Clare Short
  The Department devotes human resources to attending and supporting Task Force meetings. No direct financial support is provided.

  Tanzania
  Mrs. Humble
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her recent visit to Tanzania. [68176]

  Clare Short
  I visited Dodoma on 2–3 July for discussions with President Mkapa and Government Ministers about the UK's development partnership with Tanzania. I was warmly received, and had some open and constructive discussions with the Government of Tanzania about their impressive progress on social and economic reform, as well as about the government's response to the International Civil Aviation Organisation's (ICAO) report on the air traffic control
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  system. Given that the contract with BAE Systems is legally binding, President Mkapa is inviting ICAO and BAE Systems to visit Tanzania to help advise his government on the best and most effective way of using the system. President Mkapa also made clear that there would be no second phase of the project. The President and Finance Minister outlined measures the government had put in place to ensure proper scrutiny and transparency of contracts to avoid any similar problems in the future. Improved systems and legislation, which DFID has helped to support, are now in place for public expenditure management and procurement.

  In view of these assurances and the measures taken by the government of Tanzania, and given the impressive achievements Tanzania has made in economic growth and social reform, I agreed to establish a six year partnership based on mutual commitments to drive forward Tanzania's poverty reduction and economic reform efforts. The Memorandum of Understanding will provide a commitment to at least £45 million per annum of support to the Tanzanian budget, the first year of which will be disbursed between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2003. In the current financial year we expect to spend a total of £80 million through our bilateral development programme.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

  Pets In Schools
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what her policy is on the(a) keeping of pets in schools and (b) development of school farms; how those activities are compatible with her Department's guidelines on health and safety; and if she will make a statement. [67198]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  Keeping pets in schools and encountering farming activities can be useful educational experiences for pupils. The Department has issued guidelines on health and safety in science education, and also endorsed guidance from educational organisations, covering good keeping and handling of living organisms in schools. The Growing Schools initiative, launched last September, and supported by £500,000 funding, includes the development of school grounds for growing, for example, food "crops", and may also support farm units which contain animals.

HEALTH

  Vaccines
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what rules apply to the use of animal material in the production of vaccines. [56021]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 14 May 2002]There have been guidelines for the pharmaceutical industry to follow on the use of certain animal materials in the production of vaccines and other medicines since 1989. The latest version of the guidelines was drawn up by the European scientific committee, the committee for proprietary medicinal products (CPMP), and adopted 620W
  in May 2001. The latest version of the guidelines became legally binding from 1 July 2000 for new applications for a licence for a medicinal product and from 1 March 2001 for products that were already licensed.

  The scope of guidance at any one time, and its implications for pharmaceutical companies, have often been unclear. Following a thorough review of the information supplied to Parliament on bovine spongiform encephalopathy-related issues in vaccines, the Government have established that, regrettably, incorrect and misleading information was given to Ministers by the medicines control agency and thus has been given in response to a number of Parliamentary Questions. An account of the questions incorrectly answered and the correct information has now been placed in the Library and letters sent to right hon. and hon. Members who asked those questions.

  We have also placed in the Library:
  a copy of the Government's chief medical officer's report on the withdrawal of the oral polio vaccine;
  a copy of the committee for safety of medicine's (CSM) consolidated review of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) agents and the safety of United Kingdom authorised human medicines;
  a report by the MCA that explains in detail the development of the guidance for the pharmaceutical industry to follow on the use of certain animal derived materials in the manufacture of medicines, and the approach taken by the agency to its implementation.

  For all practical purposes, nothing in the reports that have been published changes the safety profile of any vaccine licensed for use in the UK. In particular, the CSM's review is reassuring in concluding that there are no TSE-related issues arising from the use of animal materials in the manufacture of UK licensed vaccines.

  Children Act
  Mr. Prosser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the Government will report on the operation of the Children Act 1989. [67829]

  Jacqui Smith
  We have today published a report on the operation of the Children Act 1989, pursuant to our duties under section 83 of the Act. Copies are available in the Library and Vote Office. A copy of the document can also be found at the following website address: www.doh.gov.uk/qualityprotects/index.htm and www. doh.gov.uk/scg/childrenactreport2001. htm

  Pregnancies
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many crisis pregnancy centres are funded(a) directly and (b) indirectly by his Department; and which organisations they are operated by. [66712]

  Jacqui Smith
  There are a number of places within the National Health Service and independent and voluntary sectors that offer advice and counselling for pregnant women. The Department does not directly fund any pregnancy advice bureaux or centres but some will have contracts with primary care trusts to provide services. The Department does not centrally collect data on these services.
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  Outside of the NHS, only pregnancy advice bureaux registered by the Department can refer women to an approved independent sector place for a termination of pregnancy. These bureaux are operated by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, Marie Stopes International, Fraterdrive Limited and two individuals.

  Paediatric Rheumatoid Care
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what provision is made for paediatric rheumatoid care by hospital trusts; and how many full time consultants work in this area. [62314]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 25 June 2002]The children's national service framework, which is currently being developed, will set standards to improve the healthcare of children and young people. As with other specialities of paediatrics, access to the necessary care and arrangements for improved local delivery will be addressed by NSF hospital module. The Royal College of Paediatric and Child Health reports that there are currently 10 full time consultants who work in paediatric rheumatoid care.

  Blind People
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures the Government have taken since 1997 to increase facilities and services for blind people; and if he will make a statement. [61147]

  Jacqui Smith
  A number of initiatives have begun and legislative changes taken place since 1997 that benefit people with visual impairments as well as other disabled people. Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, deals with discrimination in the provision of goods, services and facilities. Since 1999, for example, service providers have had to take reasonable steps to change practices, policies or procedures, which make it impossible, or unreasonably difficult for disabled people including those with visual impairments to use a service.

  The community equipment services strategy, which was published in March 2001, calls for increases in the number of people benefiting from equipment. It highlights the importance of equipment and adaptations for visually impaired people. "Doubly Disabled", published in 1999, provided essential background and guidance for senior National Health Service managers with specific responsibility for advising on access for blind and other disabled persons to services and employment. Last month the Department issued fair access to care services, which provides guidance to councils with social services responsibilities on how they may achieve fair access to care services through reviewing and revising their eligibility criteria for all adult service users. Additionally, we have recently awarded the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) and the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (GDBA) jointly a project grant to develop visual care standards.

  Continence Products
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received regarding(a) the NHS and (b) social services unnecessarily charging people for continence products. [64520]
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  Jacqui Smith
  No representations have been received on these issues.

  Mental Health Services
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the expenditure per head of population on adult mental health services for each NHS health care trust in north-west England, together with the average per capita spent in(a) the north-west region and (b) England in each of the last three years. [62776]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 26 June 2002]: Expenditure per head of population is not collected at regional or trust level, however the table below contains the expenditure per head of population for all mental health services for England:

  £

  Year

  Expenditure per head of population (cash terms)

  1997–98

  2,891

  1998–99

  3,244

  1999–2000

  3,541

  Note:

  Figures for 1990–2000 are not directly comparable with earlier years due to changes in collection methods.

  Podiatry and Chiropody Services
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he proposes to take to remove regional variations in the availability of podiatry and chiropody services; and if he will make a statement. [66341]

  Jacqui Smith
  We acknowledge there are regional variations in National Health Service chiropody/podiatry services. NHS organisations such as primary care trusts (PCTs) have to prioritise services they provide to meet local demand including chiropody/podiatry services. The criteria used to clinically prioritise will be determined locally by PCTs.

  To assist PCTs in meeting this demand, we are committed to recruiting more allied health professionals (AHPs), which include chiropodists/podiatrists, through the NHS Plan target of over 6,500 extra AHPs, and as extended and stated in the "Delivery Plan", there will be 30,000 extra therapists and scientists over the September 2001 baseline by 2008.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will resume the collation of statistics for chiropody and podiatry care. [66339]

  Jacqui Smith
  We continue to collect and publish information annually on initial contacts and first contacts by region with the chiropody services. The only change in the statistics collection was the discontinuation of all face to face contact data from 2000–01.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the extent to which chiropody and podiatry services are cost effective in preventing the need for more serious intervention. [66695]

  Jacqui Smith
  The national service framework programmes are wherever possible based on research evidence. Where this is not possible it is based on expert
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  consensus of best practice. Research gaps brought to our notice from the NSF programmes are priority areas for research in the future.

  Chiropody and podiatry services are known to be cost effective in preventing the need for more serious intervention. In diabetes, podiatrists have an essential role in the prevention and management of foot conditions especially in helping to prevent and treat foot ulcerations which may result in amputation. Foot care can reduce complications in people with diabetes by two thirds.1

  The role of the podiatrist in falls prevention is acknowledged in the NSF for older people, and chiropodists and podiatrists have been involved in developing both NSFs for older people and diabetes.

  1 Audit Commission Report Testing Times April 2000.

  Care Home Beds
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many care home beds have been closed in Surrey in each of the last five years. [67466]

  Jacqui Smith
  Information on care home bed closure is not centrally collected. Information provided in the table shows the number of registered residential and nursing care beds in Surrey from 1997 to 2001 at 31 March each year.

  Table: Residential and nursing care beds from 1997 to 2001 in Surrey

  At 31 March

  Numbers

  Year

  Total number of care beds

  Residential care places1

  Nursing care beds2

  19973

  12,088

  7,305

  4,783

  1998

  12,681

  7,538

  5,143

  1999

  12,321

  7,406

  4,915

  2000

  12,599

  7,261

  5,338

  2001

  11,440

  6,628

  4,812

  1 Includes residential care beds in small homes (less than four places)

  2 Includes nursing beds in private hospitals and clinics

  3 Information on nursing beds relates to registered beds during the period 1 October 1996 to 31 March 1997

  Source:

  Department of Health's annual returns

  Milk
  Gillian Merron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the provision of subsidised break time milk for(a) nursery school children and (b) primary school children in (i) Lincolnshire and (ii) England; [65032]

  (2) how many schools in (a) Lincolnshire and (b) each other county are benefiting from the EU School Milk Subsidy Scheme. [65034]

  Mr. Morley
  I have been asked to reply.

  It is not possible to provide a breakdown of uptake between primary and nursery school children, or details of the number of schools participating in the scheme, as this information is known only to the local education authorities which make claims for subsidy to the Rural Payments Agency (RPA). On the basis of the amount of milk on which subsidy is claimed, the RPA estimate that
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  around one in 10 eligible pupils in Lincolnshire is a beneficiary of the scheme. This compares with around one in five for England as a whole. Given the basis on which claims are made, comparable county-by-county figures could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

CABINET OFFICE

  Green Minister
  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office who his Department's green minister is; when they(a) have attended and (b) plan to attend meetings of the Green Ministers' Committee; what the outcomes of meetings were for his Department's activities; and if he will make a statement. [65986]

  Mr. Alexander
  The Cabinet Office's Green Minister is Douglas Alexander who was appointed to the ENV (G) Committee in June 2002. Having only recently been appointed he has yet to attend any of the Committee's meetings, but intends to do so in the future.

  It is the established practice under exemption two of Part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information not to disclose information relating to the proceedings of Cabinet Committees.

  Ministerial Responsibilities
  Mr. Tom Harris
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will publish a revised list of ministerial responsibilities. [68177]

  Mr. Alexander
  The Cabinet Office has today published a revised List of Ministerial Responsibilities. Copiers have been placed in the Libraries of both House and in the Vote Office. The list is also available on the Cabinet Office website: www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk.

  Female Staff
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what percentage of the staff of his Department are women; and what the percentage was in June 1997. [66918]

  Mr. Alexander
  Data on staffing levels is not available for June 1997 as it is only collected twice a year, as at 1 April and 1 October. We are currently in the process of collecting the data for 1 April 2002.

  For current figures I would refer the hon. Member to the document on staffing that was released on 21 February 2002. For figures as at 1 April 1997 I would refer the hon. Member to Table 1D of Civil Service Statistics 1997, which was published on 29 January 1998. Copies of both the documents were placed in the Libraries of the House at the time of publication.

  The Civil Service Reform programme is aiming to achieve a dramatic increase in diversity, whereby all individuals are valued and encouraged to maximise their potential. As part of this, targets have been set for 2005 to tackle under-representation in the Senior Civil Service, and departments have set targets across all grades. The Head of the Civil Service reports to the Prime Minister annually on diversity.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Judge-directed Acquittals
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Solicitor-General what action has been taken to reduce the number of(a) judge-ordered and (b) judge-directed acquittals since 1999. [60203]

  The Solicitor-General:
  In 1999, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) introduced an adverse outcome analysis system. This provided CPS areas with a consistent means to identify reasons for adverse outcomes and also to allocate responsibility of any failure. This information is collated centrally.

  For the last seven years, many areas of the CPS have had in place, with the police, a system of joint performance management that involves an appraisal of Crown Court acquittals, including those ordered and directed by the judge. This process has provided areas with information showing particular trends and a means by which improvements can be made.

  Judge-ordered and judge-directed acquittals, 1999–2002

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  as % of completed cases

  as % of completed cases

  as % of completed cases

  Judge-ordered acquittals

  9,616

  11.1

  10,145

  12.3

  11,825

  14.0

  Judge-directed acquittals

  1,777

  2.0

  1,755

  2.1

  1,471

  1.7

  Abandoned Prosecutions
  Dr. Ladyman
  To ask the Solicitor-General how many prosecutions were abandoned before trial in the last year for which figures are available. [64433]

  The Solicitor-General:
  During the year ending March 2002, the Crown Prosecution Service discontinued proceedings in respect of 171,381 defendants in the magistrates courts, and 26,418 were bound over without trial. Proceedings were written off in respect of 73,084 defendants, usually because the police could not trace the defendant.

  In the Crown Court, the Crown Prosecution Service decided to offer no evidence in cases involving 11,825 defendants, while a further 1,461 were bound over without trial. In addition, proceedings were written off in respect of 1,590 defendants.

  Crown Prosecution Service
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Solicitor-General what plans she has(a) to give the CPS a greater role in the investigatory stage of cases and (b) to encourage it to assess the evidence earlier. [64436]

  The Solicitor-General:
  The reforms of the CPS since this Government came into office in 1997 mean that the CPS now works more closely with the police. But there is more to do. Since February this year, pilot studies have been conducted to assess the practicability of Lord Justice Auld's recommendation that the Crown
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  The Crown Prosecution Service produces quarterly summaries of unsuccessful case outcomes from information drawn from its various case tracking systems. This year the CPS and the police have begun to develop a joint case outcome analysis which builds on these two processes and will focus on avoidable case failure. Under this system, the reasons for judge-ordered and judge-directed acquittals in individual cases will be jointly assessed for individual training needs and other joint strategies for performance improvement.

  The process will be supported by more sophisticated management information following the introduction of the CPS' Compass Case Management System due to roll out between April and December 2003.

  The figures in the following table show a fall in judge-directed acquittals from 1,777 in 1999 to 1,471 last year, a reduction of 17.2 per cent. Over the same period judge-ordered acquittals rose from 9,616 to 11,825, an increase of 23 per cent. Much of this increase can be attributed to recent changes in procedures. Since January 2001, the prosecution, unlike before, have been able to discontinue cases in the Crown Court. Although this is a prosecution decision, the current system records these as judge-ordered acquittals.

  Prosecution Service should determine the charge in all but minor, routine offences or where, because of circumstances, there is a need for a holding charge.

  The pilots are due to be completed next month, but preliminary results reinforce our belief in the need to involve the CPS form the outset I cases to ensure that they are in the best state that they can be before a trial begins. We will provide details of our response to the Lord Justice Auld's recommendation when the white paper on reform of the criminal justice system is published shortly.

  Crime Victims
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Solicitor-General what progress has been made in granting access by the victims of crime to prosecution barristers. [64432]

  The Solicitor-General
  In England and Wales victims will not normally have any contact with prosecuting counsel until the case is listed for trial.

  The exception to this rule is cases involving vulnerable or intimidated victims, where a meeting should take place between the Crown Prosecutor and the victim at some time prior to the trial. Prosecuting counsel should wherever possible attend that meeting.

  The practice is different in Northern Ireland. There, there is no restriction on the prosecution, or on counsel, from meeting with prosecution witnesses and talking to

  627W
  them about their evidence. The purpose of this is to help the prosecution assess the weight of the evidence available to them.

  Rape Trials
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Solicitor-General what steps she is taking to ensure CPS lawyers have the skills to prosecute successfully in rape trials. [64434]

  The Solicitor-General:
  Rape cases are acknowledged to be among the most difficult to prosecute to conviction, and the expertise of prosecutors and prosecuting counsel is especially important. The recent joint inspection into the investigation and prosecution of cases involving allegations of rape found that prosecution decision-making is generally sound and handled by experienced prosecutors. But it made a number of recommendations to spread best practice across the CPS, including the need for specialist prosecutors. The CPS is currently working out how best to implement these recommendations to improve the chances that those guilty of rape will be convicted.

  An inter-departmental working group expects to respond to the recommendations in the Report as a whole later this month.

  Information Technology
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Solicitor-General if she will make a statement on the use of IT in the Crown Prosecution Service. [64435]

  The Solicitor-General
  The first stage of the CPS IT modernisation programme (the Connect 42 project) was completed successfully at the end of 2001, and has provided all Crown Prosecution Service staff with computers and e-mail. This enables prosecutors and caseworkers to access the Internet for legal reference material as well as providing secure e-mail to police forces and other Government Departments.

  The second stage of the modernisation programme (the Compass project) is a PFI project and was awarded to Logica, on time and budget, in December 2001. Logica, in partnership with the CPS, are providing maintenance, support and replacement of the IT infrastructure over 10 years. In addition, Logica have been contracted to provide a case management system compatible and linked with other IT systems in the CJS to replace the four case tracking systems currently used by CPS.

  Police Custody (Deaths)
  Tony Cunningham
  To ask the Solicitor-General what her policy is on taking the views of the family of victims into account when deciding whether to prosecute following a death in police custody. [64438]

  The Solicitor-General
  The Crown Prosecution Service reviews all cases, including those involving death in police custody, in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors. This provides that before considering whether it is the public interest to prosecute, there must be sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of a conviction. If the evidential test is satisfied, the Crown Prosecutor will take into account the 628W
  consequences for the family and any views expressed by the victim's family when considering if it is in the public interest to prosecute.

  The Attorney General, with the support of the Director of Public Prosecutions, is currently reviewing the prosecution process in cases arising from a death in custody and has issued a consultation paper on which he has taken steps to consult widely. The paper can be found on our website. On 23 May in this House, I invited hon. Members to respond to the paper and placed a copy in the Library of the House.

DEFENCE

  Homeless Ex-servicemen
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures the Government have in place to care for ex-soldiers and servicemen who are homeless and suffering financial and emotional problems. [66361]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 3 July 2002]The Social Exclusion Unit's 1998 Report identified that between one quarter and one fifth of rough sleepers had been in the Armed Forces at some stage, predominantly some years before as National Servicemen. Since then, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has been working in partnership with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's Homelessness Directorate, (previously known as the Rough Sleepers Unit) and the charitable sector to improve care and support for acute cases of homelessness, and notably those already sleeping rough on the streets or at high risk of doing so.

  The MOD has put in place new preventive mechanisms at pre-discharge, point of discharge and post-discharge to help vulnerable leavers make a more successful transition to civilian life. These and other measures taken by the Government and its partners have reduced levels of rough sleeping by some two-thirds, in line with the Prime Minister's target. Furthermore, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has confirmed that an interim analysis of rough sleeping data gathered in November 2001 shows that the percentage of rough sleepers with an Armed Forced background has decreased markedly since the 1998 SEU Report.

  Medical care of ex-Service personnel with substantial emotional problems is the responsibility of the National Health Service (NHS) and the full range of treatments and psychiatric services is available. Those requiring psychiatric treatment may be treated as NHS patients at the Duchess of Kent's Psychiatric Hospital, subject to the nature of their medical condition and capacity though, if they reside outside the catchment area, their local Health Authority would have to meet the cost of treatment in accordance with NHS budgetary procedures.

  The MOD has recently placed a research contract with Kings College London to help advise policy decisions to improve the delivery of cross-departmental support to veterans and to identify any areas of unmet need. This research will include interviews with key stakeholder organisations, such as Combat Stress.
  629W
  The Veterans Agency already makes payments to allow qualifying war pensioners suffering from psychological injury or illness to receive remedial treatment at Combat Stress centres.

  Defence Estate Disposals
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his estimate is of the value of disposals from the Defence Estate for each year from 1993–94 to 2002–03; and if he will make a statement. [66292]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 4 July 2002]Cash receipts

  The receipts on a cash basis received for land/property disposals are provided in the following table:

  Disposal programme

  £ million

  Year

  Actual cash received

  1993–94

  76

  1994–95

  75

  1975–96

  74

  1996–97

  180

  1997–98

  143

  1998–99

  158

  1999–2000

  287

  2000–01

  206

  2001–02

  159

  Accrual basis

  The Department moved to Resource Accounting and Budgeting and therefore the DE Agency now reports, within its Annual Report and Accounts, disposals on an accrual basis. See the following table:

  £ million

  Accrual basis

  Year

  Accrual

  2000–01

  225

  2001–02

  184

  Oral Questions
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many oral questions he has transferred to other Departments in each of the last 18 months. [67049]

  Dr. Moonie
  The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Questions are transferred only when it is more appropriate for another Department to answer.

TREASURY

  VAT
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the reason is for the delay in introducing the Extra Statutory Concession to reduce VAT on home care services supplied by private businesses; and when he expects to introduce the regulation. [66147]
  630W
  Mr. John Healey
  [holding answer 2 July 2002]We will introduce the Extra Statutory Concession as soon as revised regulations governing the conduct of the private recruitment industry are laid before Parliament by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

  Departmental Waste
  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of waste produced in his Department was(a) recycled, (b) composted and (c) reused, broken down into (i) paper, (ii) plastics, (iii) aluminium cans and (iv) other in each year since 1997; what plans there are to increase these proportions; and if he will make a statement. [65698]

  John Healey
  The following table shows the percentage of waste recycled by HM Treasury since 1997 broken down into waste streams:

  Per cent.

  Waste streams

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Paper

  0.01

  0.6

  0.07

  25

  34

  Glass/cans

  0.02

  0.02

  0.02

  0.02

  0.4

  Mixed other

  0.04

  0.1

  0.05

  0.73

  0.04

  Totals

  0.07

  0.07

  0.14

  26

  34

  The Treasury are moving into newly refurbished accommodation (1 Horse Guards Road) later this month and are implementing an environmental management system that will be certified to ISO 14001 by the end of the year. As a result of improved waste monitoring and recycling initiatives, we expect to be able to increase the amount of waste we recover.

  Overseas Development
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what volume of correspondence his Department has received since October 2001 regarding(a) the United Nations target of spending 0.7 per cent. of gross domestic income on overseas development assistance and (b) debt relief for developing countries. [64603]

  Mr. John Healey
  Including letters, campaign postcards and e-mails there have been approximately(a) 3,000 and (b) 38,000 related items of correspondence received by the Treasury, both supporting the Government's recent actions to increase overseas development assistance and relieve the debt of the world's poorest countries, and encouraging us to further action in the future.

  Regulatory Impact Unit
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many members of his Department have been employed in its regulatory impact unit in the past five years; and if he will make a statement. [65976]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Treasury, Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise each have separate departmental regulatory impact units in which two, five and three people respectively co-ordinate work on regulatory impact. The number of people in these units has remained broadly constant.
  631W
  The staff in each unit work closely with the officials responsible for developing policies within their department and the regulatory impact unit within the Cabinet Office. They focus on those regulations which impact on business, charities, and the voluntary sector.

WORK AND PENSIONS

  Advertising
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the total cost was of advertising and promoting benefits in 2000–01. [46467]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The total cost of advertising social security benefits (excluding pensions) in 2000–01 was £4.4 million. Production, distribution and other costs totalled a further £3 million.

  New Deal
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many civil servants are employed on New Deal related work in(a) Leicester and (b) the UK. [63448]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  Information on the number of people employed on New Deal work nationally is not collected centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The New Deals are a key element of our welfare to work strategy and are an integral part of the work of many people in the Department.

  In the Leicestershire Jobcentre Plus District around 70 civil servants work directly on the New Deals.

  Bereavement Benefits
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make arrangements for the payment of bereavement benefits to widows who were otherwise qualified to receive them but were excluded on grounds of gender prior to the coming into force of the Welfare and Pensions Act 1999. [61370]

  Malcolm Wicks
  [holding answer 24 June 2002]I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Northavon (Steve Webb) on 27 June,Official Report, column 1061W W.

  Doctors
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many(a) complaints and (b) comments have been received concerning each doctor working for the Medical Services since 1997. [65192]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  There are over 2,000 doctors carrying out examinations for Medical Services. Information relating to individual doctors is held on personal files and could be disclosed only with the consent of the individual doctor. This could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. All complaints are investigated individually by Medical Services, and appropriate remedial action taken.

  Universal Banking Services
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Isle of Wight (Mr. Turner) of 18 June 2002,Official Report, column 289W, what assessment he has made of the implications of a delay in the provision of universal banking services for the extension of automated credit transfer from 2003. [66558]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The Post Office tell us they are on schedule for the introduction of universal banking services in April 2003. In line with the recommendations of OGC reviews, contingency arrangements are part of the planning for this project as they are for all projects.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Statutory Instruments
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many statutory instruments have been(a) introduced, (b) removed and (c) amended by her Department since 1 January; and what the (i) cost and (ii) saving has been in each case. [64630]

  Mr. Caborn
  DCMS have introduced 15 Statutory Instruments since 1 January 2002 including one Instrument which was originated in this Department but eventually made by the Privy Council. Endorsed on each is an Explanatory Note, which identifies the legislation revoked or amended by the instrument.

  An assessment of the costs and savings attributable to each could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Oral Questions
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many oral questions she transferred to other Departments in each of the last 18 months. [67031]

  Mr. Caborn
  Between 1 January 2001 and 30 June 2002 the Department for Culture, Media and Sport transferred five oral questions to other Departments as follows:

  October 2001–1;

  January 2002–1;

  February 2002–1; and

  March 2002–2.

  Questions are transferred to another Department only when it is clear that DCMS are not responsible for that area of policy and only when the other Department has agreed to answer it.

  New Opportunities Fund for Children's Play
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport who will lead the review of the New Opportunities Fund for Children's Play; what the review process will be; how she proposes to involve children and young people in the review; and when it will conclude. [66776]
  633W
  Mr. Caborn
  [holding answer 4 July 2002]These issues are still under discussion. We hope to make an announcement shortly.

  Football and Hockey
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much funding Sport England gives to(a) football, (b) hockey, (c) men's football, (d) women's football, (d) men's hockey and (f) women's hockey. [66771]

  Mr. Caborn
  [holding answer 4 July 2002]The following figures show the amount of funding Sport England has given to football and hockey since the inception of the Lottery.

  There have been 429 community capital awards to football up to March 2002, totalling £187,106,898 (of which £120,000,000 went to Wembley National Stadium) and 1,504 Awards for All totalling £4,468,471. There have been 137 community capital awards to hockey up to March 2002, totalling £57,638,283, and 360 Awards for All totalling £1,144,680.

  No further breakdown is available.

  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she last met television executives to discuss the broadcasting of(a) football and (b) hockey. [66768]

  Mr. Caborn
  [holding answer 4 July 2002]I met executives from ITV Digital on 16 March, and the Director-General of the BBC on 18 March, to discuss the broadcasting of football. I have not discussed the broadcasting of hockey with television executives.

  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much funding per participant Sport England gives to(a) football, (b) hockey,(c) men's football and (d) women's football, (e) men's hockey and (f) women's hockey. [66772]

  Mr. Caborn
  [holding answer 4 July 2002]According to the Football Association, there are a total of 1.2 million football players.

  Funding from Sport England to Association Football in 2001–02 totals £6,951,295.

  From these figures funding per participant is therefore £5.79.

  According to the English Hockey Association there are approximately 68,000 regular national, regional and local league players, in addition to an estimated 165,000 active club members.

  Funding from Sport England to the English Hockey Association in 2001–02 totals £3,827,861.

  From these figures funding per participant is therefore £16.42.

  No further breakdown is available.

  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many people participate in(a) football, (b) hockey, (c) men's football, (d) women's football, (e) men's hockey and (f) women's hockey. [66770]
  634W
  Mr. Caborn
  [holding answer 4 July 2002]According to the Football Association, there are 36,000 affiliated football clubs and a total of £1.2 million football players. Of this total 60,000 are women and girls who participate in the sport.

  According to the English Hockey Association there are approximately 68,000 regular national, regional and local league players, in addition an estimated 165,00 active club members. No figures by gender exist.

  Sport Activities
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list those activities which her Department recognises as sport. [67018]

  Mr. Caborn
  The Sports Councils currently recognises 112 activities. Recognition is based on a number of criteria used by the Councils within a framework agreed with Government. The main criteria used by the Councils are "physical" effort and "skills". I am arranging for a full list of activities recognised by the Sports Councils and recognised Government bodies with English or GB/UK remit (which is publicly available) to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Sub-continent
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Governments of(a) India and (b) Pakistan about the deployment of landmines along their shared border. [66172]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing North (Mr. Pound) on 25 June 2002,Official Report, column 791W.

  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the current situation with respect to cross-border terrorist incursions into India. [66176]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  There are welcome reports that infiltration across the Line of Control has reduced in recent weeks. This has helped to reduce tensions in the region. But the situation still remains fragile. Pakistan must continue taking steps to bring about a permanent end to cross-border infiltration and militancy. And, in parallel, India must respond with further de-escalatory steps. As I said in the House on 25 June,Official Report, column 736, we want support for cross-border terrorism to stop and a verifiable end to infiltration as the first step towards reducing the current tensions. We want both Governments to talk through the issues that divide them and to talk to the people of Kashmir about how they want to go forward.

  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his assessment of the sequence of activities required to decrease tensions in the South Asian region. [66175]
  635W
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We have welcomed recent moves by India and Pakistan to reduce tensions in the region, but the situation there still remains fragile. Pakistan must continue taking steps to bring about a permanent end to cross-border infiltration and militancy. And, in parallel, India must respond with further de-escalatory steps. We have also made clear our concerns about the human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the importance of holding free, fair and inclusive elections there in the autumn. Although India and Pakistan can only resolve their differences by direct bilateral dialogue, the international community can help by remaining fully engaged.

  India
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact of the Delhi Declaration. [66171]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  As my hon. Friend, the Member for Exeter (Mr. Bradshaw), stated in his reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Stockton South (Dari Taylor) on 16 April 2002,Official Report, column 829W, the New Delhi Declaration of 6 January 2002 represents a new high-water mark in the strong and vibrant relationship between the United Kingdom and India. This relationship has been marked in recent months by better co-operation in a variety of areas of common interest.

  We remain committed to increasing co-operation with India under the provisions set out in the Declaration, and are confident it will help to further strengthen UK/Indian relations.

  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Government of India about combating terrorism. [66174]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We discuss terrorism with the Indian government on a regular basis. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, has a regular dialogue on terrorism with his counterparts in the Indian Ministries for External and Home Affairs. The Foreign Secretary has spoken with Indian Ministers on the telephone on a number of occasions recently about the tension between India and Pakistan and terrorism. Terrorism was also high on the agenda when he visited New Delhi in May. The Foreign Secretary will continue this dialogue with the in coming Indian Foreign Minister, Yashwant Sinha. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister also discussed terrorism with Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee during his visit to India in January. During this visit the two Prime Ministers agreed to enhance significantly our co-operation on combating terrorism. In addition to these contracts, the UK-India Joint Working Group on Terrorism meets every six months at official level to discuss international terrorism and opportunities for co-operation and training. The last meeting of the Group was in April in London.

  Recycling
  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of(a) paper and (b) other goods purchased by his
  636W
  Department was recycled paper in each year since 1997; what the annual total cost of these purchases was; what plans there are to increase these proportions; and if he will make a statement. [65771]

  Mr. MacShane
  The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost as detailed records were not kept for the full period in question. Since October 2001 the FCO has bought only 100 per cent. recycled printer and photocopier paper for use by its UK Departments. We are looking at ways to increase procurement of other recycled stationery products.

  Departmental Waste
  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of waste produced in his Department was(a) recycled, (b) composted and (c) re-used, broken down into (i) paper, (ii) plastics, (iii) aluminium cans and (iv) other in each year since 1997; what plans there are to increase these proportions; and if he will make a statement. [65700]

  Mr. MacShane
  This information could only be provided at disproportionate cost since we do not keep records in the requested format. The breakdowns below represent the information supplied for Green Minister's reports for 2000–01 and 2001–02.

  tonnes

  2002–01

  2001–02

  Total waste

  3,389.88

  1,343.21

  Total waste recovered

  824.28

  415.16

  (24.32%)

  (30.91%)

  Details of waste recycled

  Paper

  180.00

  162.52

  Toner cartridges

  2.29

  1.38

  Fluorescent tubes

  0.59

  1.94

  Metal and wood

  n/a

  16.2

  Batteries recycled

  n/a

  1.24

  Special waste (oils)

  n/a

  2.26

  The FCO will be re-tendering its waste contracts later this year. We aim to increase the amount of waste recycled in line with Green Minister's targets.

  Democratic Republic of the Congo
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received in respect of conflict between the Rwandan Army and dissident Banyamulenge forces in South Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo; and if he will make a statement. [66323]

  Mr. MacShane
  The South Kivu area of DRC is relatively inaccessible. Reliable information is scarce. But there are worrying NGO reports that the fighting between dissident Banyamulenge forces and the RCDGoma/Rwandan Army is causing a humanitarian crisis for the people of the Hauts Plateaux. We have raised this matter with the Government of Rwanda and in the UN Security Council.
  637W
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the security and humanitarian situation in the East of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [66322]

  Mr. MacShane
  We continue to monitor closely the situation in eastern DRC. In particular, we have been concerned over fighting in Kisangani, Ituri province and the Hauts Plateaux in south Kivu. the associated abuses of human rights and the negative impact on the humanitarian situation. Where the security situation permits we have encouraged the United Nations Mission (MONUC) to investigate and to take appropriate action. We have raised our concerns with the governments of the region. We have supported UN resolutions and EU statements calling on the de facto authorities of the region to ensure the protection of civilians, respect human rights and uphold the rule of law.

  Staff (Health and Safety)
  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what his responsibility is for the health and safety of his Department's staff deployed abroad; [66108]

  (2) what his policy is on health and safety in British embassies. [66110]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The FCO's policy on the Health and Safety of its staff is the same both at home and overseas that is to keep staff safe at work, so far as is reasonably practicable. Statutory duties under UK law (eg the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994) do not apply overseas. However, as a good employer, the FCO accepts its responsibility to try to provide the same duty of care to all its employees.

  Zimbabwe
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which overseas Governments have notified him(a) that they accept and (b) that they do not accept (i) the result and (ii) the legitimacy of the Zimbabwean presidential elections. [65998]

  Mr. MacShane
  [holding answer 1 July 2002]The European Union, the United States, Norway, Switzerland, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and others, have gone on record as saying that they do not accept that the election result reflected the will of the Zimbabwean people.

  The Commonwealth, SADC Parliamentary Forum, and Japanese election observer teams reported that the election was not free and fair.

  The Ghanaian election observer team reported that the election process fell short of the internationally accepted electoral standards and norms. President Wade of Senegal has said that
  "Mr Mugabe did not respect the rules. We can't call that an election."
  638W
  Several countries in Africa and elsewhere have gone on record as accepting the outcome of the election, though a number have qualified their assessments.

  US Peacekeeping
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations the UK Government, in its capacity as a United Nations Security Council member, is making to the USA in respect of the resolution proposed by the latter exempting UN peacekeepers from each jurisdiction of any international tribunal including the International Criminal Court and what steps the UK Government are taking to ensure that UN peacekeepers will not be exempt form the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court; [66228]

  (2) what representations the UK Government are making to the USA about the latter's continued commitment to its global peacekeeping and enforcement activities and the basis upon which such commitments are carried out. [66229]

  Mr. MacShane
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has been in close touch with his US counterpart on the draft Security Council resolution renewing the mandate for UNM I BH/SFOR peacekeeping forces in Bosnia.

  The Government are committed to an effective International Criminal Court. We understand US concerns for their peacekeepers but do not share them. We are working with the US and other UN Security Council Members to achieve a solution acceptable to Security Council Members which will enable the US to continue to participate in international peacekeeping.

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

  Entertainment Costs
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the cost was of the Department's 2001 staff Christmas Party; and how many people attended. [61651]

  Mr. Morley
  The Department did not hold a party for staff at Christmas 2001.

  EU Management Committee
  Angus Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the EU Committee on the supply of agricultural products to the population of the former Soviet Union is next due to meet; whether experts nominated by the Scottish Executive(a) have been and (b) are members of it; and if she will make a statement. [64901]

  Mr. Morley
  The Department has no record of such a committee.

  Environment Council
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the outcome was of the Environment Council on 25 June;
  639W
  what the Government's stance was on each issue discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. [65276]

  Margaret Beckett
  I represented the UK at Environment Council on 25 June, accompanied by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Environment. The Council made real progress on a range of important issues.

  The Council approved a Decision, on behalf of the European Community, to ratify the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The UK supported Community ratification of this important instrument. The Protocol establishes clear and specific international rules on the import and export of genetically modified organisms (GMOs): prompt ratification by the EU will help secure its entry into force.

  Council Conclusions were adopted paving the way for a thematic strategy on the sustainable use of soil. The UK supported the Conclusions, which invite the Commission to produce a Community Strategy and, where appropriate, general principles for assessing and managing threats to soil but, with France, Austria and Denmark, made a written declaration on the importance of respecting and subsidiarity principle.

  Conclusions were also adopted emphasising the need to take measures to halt biodiversity loss by 2010, and welcoming the outcome of the Sixth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Ministerial Declaration made there. The Conclusions also suggested next steps in the implementation of the Habitats Directive and management of the Natura 2000 network.

  Brief Council Conclusions were adopted on progress on ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. These expressed disappointment at Australia's recent withdrawal from the Protocol and urged other parties who have not yet done so to ratify as soon as possible.

  Ministers held general orientation debates on three subjects: the proposed amendments to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive recovery and recycling targets, the proposed revision of the Seveso II Directive, and a proposed Environmental Liability Directive.

  On packaging and packaging waste, the UK intervened in support of a compromise Presidency text and registered a Parliamentary Scrutiny reserve. The compromise text maintains the Commission's minimum overall targets, and broadly maintains their proposed material specific targets (plastic recycling target increased to 22.5 per cent), but extends the deadline for Member States to meet those targets from 2006 and 2008 and removes the maximum target for recovery. The European Parliament first reading is expected to be in September, and so Council is likely to agree a Common Position in October.

  Member States, including the UK, supported the Presidency compromise text on proposed amendments to the Seveso II Directive. The Directive aims to prevent major accidents involving dangerous substances. The proposed amendments would alter the classification system for explosives, change threshold quantities for substances dangerous to the environment, and for carcinogens, and add new named carcinogens to those
  640W
  already listed in the Directive. France proposed lower thresholds for reject ammonium nitrate, following an accident at Toulouse in September 2001 when a quantity of ammonium nitrate exploded. This change was agreed with UK support. Again following the European Parliament first reading in early July, the Council is likely to agree a Common Position in October.

  During the debate on environmental liability, Ministers focused on the issues of financial security and subsidiary responsibility. The UK intervened arguing that subsidiary responsibility was not consistent with the polluter pays principle and that the Council should not make a decision on the appropriate system of financial security until the precise scope of the Directive was clear. The Presidency concluded that Member States were divided on these issues but that a majority favoured both some form of compulsory financial security and some form of subsidiary responsibility for Member States.

  The Council took note of COREPER's conclusions in support for Environment Council in its contributions on follow-up to the EU Sustainable Development Strategy, including if necessary the establishment of a group of high-level officials, and on co-ordination between the sectors concerned by sustainable development.

  The Presidency gave a progress report on the proposed emissions trading Directive and invited views. The UK expressed support for a Community emissions trading scheme. The Presidency also updated Council on a proposal for a Regulation concerning traceability and labelling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and on the Decision to ratify the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure (PIC) for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, and its associated implementing Regulation.

  Under Any Other Business, Sweden drew the Council's attention to the progress made by industry in developing technology to reduce emissions from diesel cars and suggested that community rules needed revising to reflect this. Portugal presented its national strategy for Sustainable Development. The Netherlands called for a proposal accelerating the phase out of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Germany raised the issue of co-existence of GMO and conventional crops. Belgium asked the Commission for an update on the forthcoming white Paper in Integrated Product Policy. The UK asked whether the Commission has decided on its intended legislative approach for Fluorinated gases. The Commission replied that it was still considering various options for legislation, and would make a proposal by the end of 2002.

  Bovine TB
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the cost has been so far to her Department of compensating farmers for losses due to the deaths of bovine TB infected cattle. [65689]

  Mr. Morley
  From the beginning of 1997 until the end of 2001, a total of £26,144,176 has been paid out to farmers for cattle slaughtered under TB control measures.
  641W
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what interim measures are being undertaken to provide farmers with financial and other support whilst awaiting bovine TB trial results. [65688]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government recognise the economic difficulties that farmers face from the disclosure of bovine tuberculosis in their herds, and from the imposition of movement restrictions by the State Veterinary Service. In accordance with the recommendation of the Agriculture Select Committee, officials are currently considering potential future strategy options, including measures to alleviate economic difficulties faced by those under movement restrictions. Consultation with stakeholders (including farmers' union) have started.

  CAP Underspend
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total CAP underspend was in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement. [66513]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 2 July 2002]: Expenditure on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is made in accordance with the EU regulations. Actual CAP expenditure may be higher or lower than forecast at the beginning of each budgetary year, due to the market situation, exchange rate fluctuations, or exceptional items. Surplus from one year's EC Budget is returned to Member States in the following year's Budget by means of a reduction of the amount to be financed from own resources. This has the effect of reducing the amount each Member State is required to pay from the GNP-based resource. The budget process requires the Commission to estimate the level of expenditure necessary in a particular year. It would be misleading to describe a difference between the estimate and outturn expenditure as an "underspend". Information on the implementation of the budget is available from the House of Commons Library in the Annual Reports of the Court of Auditors.

  Farms
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many farms there were in England in each reporting period from 1979–80 to 2002; and if she will make a statement. [66278]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 4 July 2002]: The number of main holdings included in the overall Agricultural and Horticultural Census results (following the periodic reclassification between main and minor holdings) were:

  Number of Holdings

  Year

  Number

  1980

  155,688

  1985

  153,766

  1990

  150,652

  1995

  146,112

  2000

  146,347

  2001

  159,417

  642W
  Notes:

  1. Holdings in the census have been classified as main and minor. Main holdings are included for selection in the annual census (since 1995 this has been on a sample basis). Minor holdings are only surveyed once every five years following which a review of the classification between main and minor takes place. New holdings are counted as main holdings until the next reclassification exercise.

  2. Additional holdings from a significant register updating exercise were identified in 2000 and first included in 2001.

  3. The figures for June 2002 Census are still being processed. From this year the distinction between main and minor is being dropped.

  4. Holdings may not relate to individual farms. A single business may consist of several holdings.

  Source:

  June Agricultural and Horticultural Census

  Grasslands
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the reasons why the conditions of(a) lowland and upland calcareous grassland, (B) upland acid grassland, (c) upland heathland and (d) bogs in England are generally unfavourable; and what measures she is taking to improve them. [66779]

  Alun Michael
  The information sought is not available.

  Foot and Mouth
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will publish figures on the number of appeals against slaughter during the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak, including how many were upheld and how many of the total appeals were against contiguous culls. [68297]

  Mr. Morley
  In total there were 584 appeals against slaughter, all but four were dealt with by the local DEFRA Divisional Veterinary Manager. Of the 584 cases where animal owners challenged decisions to slaughter livestock, 534 were appealing against contiguous culls. In total, 376 appeals were upheld, 336 of which were appeals against contiguous culls.

  The above figures include the four appeals heard in court of which three were against contiguous culls. Two of the four were upheld; one was an appeal against a dangerous contact cull and the other was against a contiguous cull. The successful appeal against a contiguous cull subsequently became an infected premises.

  Agriculture Council
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the outcome was of the Agriculture Council held on 27 June; what the Government's stance was on each issue discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. [67730]

  Margaret Beckett
  I represented the United Kingdom at the Agriculture Council meeting in Luxembourg on 27 June 2002.

  The Council received progress reports on Commission proposals concerning the control of zoonoses and a common market organisation for ethyl alcohol, and reached provisional political agreement on

  643W
  a proposed framework regulation laying down general food hygiene rules. It noted there was no qualified majority support for or against a proposal to register "feta" as a protected legislation of origin. Under the relevant procedures, this means the Commission will be able to adopt the measure under its own powers in due course.

  During a brief discussion of BSE, Commissioner Byrne called on the French Government to comply with the ECJ's ruling on its illegal ban on British beef exports. The French Minister announced their intention to defer implementation of their national rules banning spinal cord from sheep over six months old until January 2003. I subsequently followed up both these points bilaterally with my French counterpart.

  The Council discussed Presidency papers on the future of the EU's Veterinary Fund, the CAP fruit and vegetables regime and the use of agricultural insurance as a risk management tool. It also received a presentation from Commissioner Fischler on the medium term prospects for the main EU agricultural markets, in advance of his proposals for CAP Reform, which are expected on 10 July.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  "Making Decisions"
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the response of organisations to the Consultation Paper, "Making Decisions"; and if he will list those that(a) supported the principle of doctors being able to withhold food and fluid from patients and (b) those that did not. [67249]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The Consultation Paper "Making Decisions: Helping People who have Difficulty Deciding for Themselves" seeks responses by 9 July 2002. Following the closure of the consultation period, all responses received will be thoroughly considered and will inform the final published version of the guidance leaflets. I will make a statement on responses to the Consultation in due course.

  Edward VIII
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what recent guidance she has given to individual departments concerning the public release of documents relating to Edward VIII; and if he will make a statement. [66720]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  Individual Government Departments are responsible for re-reviewing remaining closed records relating to King Edward VIII in line with the standard criteria for extended closure from the Open Government White Paper (1993). General guidance on access to records relating to the Royal Family was issued jointly by the Cabinet Office and Public Record Office in September 2001 and is available on the PRO website at: www.pro.gov.uk/recordsmanagement/access.

  Norwich Airport
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the planning process being undertaken on land development around Norwich Airport. [61769]

  Mr. McNulty
  Development opportunities at and around Norwich Airport are identified in the City of Norwich Local Plan. The City Council has made proposals to replace this plan. The Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions assessed this replacement plan against Government policy in the summer of 2001 and submitted various representations. The replacement local plan proposes to allow Norwich Airport to continue to develop as a regional airport of significant importance to the local economy. The Secretary of State did not submit any representations on the proposals for Norwich Airport in the initial deposit version of the local plan. When the revised version of the local plan is published later this year I will carefully assess any changes made to the plan.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

  Building Regulations
  Mr. Anthony D. Wright
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he expects to publish the revisions to Part E of the Building Regulations; and if he will make a statement. [68178]

  Mr. Leslie
  Part E of the Building Regulations sets standards for the sound insulation between new homes. I propose to publish amendments to part E of the Regulations and the supporting documents in the autumn of this year. There will be a requirement in the regulations for testing the sound insulation of a sample of new homes on each site.

  The requirement for sound insulation testing will apply to houses, flats, hostel and hotel accommodation, whether purpose built or formed by conversion of other types of building. For new hostel and hotel types of accommodation, and houses, flats, hostel and hotel accommodation formed by conversion of other types of building, I anticipate that the requirement will come into force on 1 July 2003. For new houses and flats only, I anticipate that it will come into force on 1 January 2004.

  The reason for this later date is that I have asked the House Builders Federation to develop Robust Standard Details for the sound insulation of separating walls and floors for use in new houses and flats. These Robust Standard Details must provide consistently good performance, and so will not need routine testing.

  Officials and the Building Regulations Advisory Committee will assess whether the House Builders Federation has achieved this objective. If satisfied that this scheme might work successfully, then I will put the proposals out to public consultation. If this does not raise any unforeseen issues, I would intend to amend the Regulations to allow Robust Standard Details to be used as an alternative to testing. Otherwise, I anticipate that testing will be introduced on 1 January 2004.
  645W
  Mindful of the need not to overburden business with unnecessary administration, we want to give the construction industry a chance to prove that their preferred system will work. However, we are not prepared to compromise on consumer issues. If Robust Standard Details do not prove effective, testing will be introduced.

  The consultation on Part E also included a proposal to transfer the protection of new housing from external noise from the Town and Country Planning System to the Building Regulations system. We have decided not to proceed with the proposal as part of this amendment. However, we are continuing to explore whether we should pursue this at a later date.

  Firefighters
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on pay negotiations for firefighters. [67531]

  Mr. Leslie
  The Government have no statutory role in determining firefighters' pay. Representatives from local government, representing the employers, and from the Fire Brigades Union, representing employees, are responsible for negotiating firefighters' pay and conditions of service. These groups meet in the National Joint Council for Local Authorities' Fire Brigades. We understand that the two sides are currently in discussion on the Fire Brigades Union pay claim, which was formally tabled on 28 May.

  Rate Support Grant
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what his policy is on the future of NDR and rate support grant. [65673]

  Mr. Raynsford
  In the draft local government Bill, we have set out our proposals to provide general grant support to local authorities through a single grant stream, to be known as Formula Grant, instead separate support streams comprising redistributed national non-domestic rates (NNDR) and Revenue Support Grant (RSG).

  We believe that this will simplify the grant distribution system, so making it more intelligent and transparent.

  The proposed merger would have no effect on the collection of business rates or on the total amount being redistributed. Neither would it reduce accountability, as we would continue to publish details of the total amount of business rates being redistributed and to maintain the existing formal accounts covering receipts and payments.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to review the Barnett Formula for local authority finance; and if he will make a statement. [67441]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Mechanisms for the allocations of public expenditure are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. He has made it clear on several occasions that the Government have no plans 646W
  to review the Barnett Formula, which in any case applies to allocations to the devolved administrations, not to English local authorities.

  Empty Homes
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) what estimate he has made of the amount of empty social housing in England in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement; [65851]

  (2) what estimate he has made of how many homes were lying empty in England in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [65854]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The total number of vacant dwellings in England on 1 April in each of the last five years is presented in the table, along with the number that were owned by social landlords.

  Number of vacant dwellings in England at 1 April

  Year

  Total vacant housing

  of which: Social Housing

  2001

  755,100

  121,600

  2000

  760,500

  124,700

  1999

  767,000

  116,600

  1998

  753,300

  110,900

  1997

  767,200

  107,900

  Notes:

  Figures presented to the nearest 100

  Sources:

  ODPM annual Housing Investment Programme return (HIP). Housing Corporation annual Regulatory and Statistical return (RSR).

  New Housing
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what progress has been made on achieving the Government's target for constructing new housing on previously used land; and if he will make a statement. [65858]

  Mr. McNulty
  In 2001 an estimated 61 per cent. of new dwellings were provided on previously-developed land. This includes new dwellings provided from the conversion of existing buildings, which account for three percentage points. The Government's target is that by 2008, 60 per cent of additional housing should be provided on previously-developed land and through conversions of existing buildings.

  Regional Assemblies
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans the Government have to review regional boundaries in areas which reject a directly elected regional assembly based on the regions set out in the Governments Regional Government White Paper; and if he will make a statement. [67453]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Our proposals for the boundaries of elected regional assemblies are set out in chapter 6 of the Regional Governance White Paper,Your Region, Your Choice.

  Local Government White Paper
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he expects that the provisions contained in the Local Government White Paper will be implemented; and if he will make a statement. [65862]
  647W
  Mr. Raynsford
  We published an implementation plan in April which sets out the planned dates for delivering the key proposals in the White Paper and which is updated monthly. It is available on the Department's web site. We continue to make good progress, with a draft Local Government Bill published for consultation on 12 June which takes forward a number of the proposals included in the White Paper.

  Local Authority Public Services
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what progress has been made on achieving the Government's objective of putting all local authority public services online by 2005; and if he will make a statement. [65865]

  Mr. Raynsford
  All local authorities (bar one) in England responded in July 2001 to the invitation to prepare and submit Implementing e-Government Statements. These are corporate plans focus how each authority approaching the task of e-enabling their services.

  Local government's self-assessment, as reported in their statements, of the average availability of electronic services as at July 2001 was at 29 per cent against the National Target (all services e-enabled by end of 2005). On the basis of these statements we expect local authorities to reach 45 per cent by March 2003, 73 per cent by March 2004 and 100 per cent by 2005.

  In April we published for consultation a draft National Strategy (e-gov@local: towards a national strategy for local e-government) that seeks to clarify a common and ambitious vision of local e-government and promote its delivery. We are also providing £350 million (over three years from 2001–02) of investment to promote its e-delivery in local government, which includes:
  £160 million over the next two years to local authorities (ie £400k each) to support the implementation of their local strategies.
  A further £75 million over the same period will be made available to partnerships of councils working together and with other local public service bodies. This will encourage local economies of scale and joined-up local services.
  Up to £80 million over the next two years will be spent in creating generic e-government solutions—based on best practice—around key technologies (such as smartcards and websites) and priority services (such as online school admissions, planning applications) which can be made available to all authorities. Thereby helping to speed up the introduction of e-government and reducing the gross investment costs to the public purse.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Fireworks
  David Burnside
  To ask the Secretary of state for Northern Ireland if he will consult(a) the Northern Ireland Fireworks Association and (b) other interested parties before proceeding with the Explosives (Fireworks) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002. [54118]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Explosives (Fireworks) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002 came into effect on 6 May.
  648W
  Representatives for the fireworks industry in Northern Ireland were afforded an opportunity to put forward their views on the problem of fireworks misuse in February when they met with officials from my Department. In addition I received written representations from, among others, MLAs, local councils and members of the public and I considered carefully every representation before deciding that prohibiting the purchase, possession, sale and use of garden fireworks except under licence would be the most effective first step in addressing the problems of fireworks misuse.

  Weston Park Talks
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he will appoint the international judge to address the six issues of concern identified in the July 2001 Weston Park talks. [56651]

  Jane Kennedy
  On 29 May 2002 the British and Irish Governments announced the appointment of the Honourable Mr Justice Peter deCarteret Cory, a retired member of the Supreme Court in Canada, to conduct the investigation of allegations of collusion. This follows the commitment made by two Governments following the Weston Park talks last summer to appoint a judge of international standing from outside both jurisdictions to undertake a thorough investigation of allegations of collusion in the cases, of the murders of Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and Superintendent Bob Buchanan, Pat Finucane, Lord Justice and Lady Gibson, Robert Hamill, Rosemary Nelson and Billy Wright.

  Devolution
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what(a) units and (b) programmes he has established to develop the work of his Department since devolution; what units and programmes (i) ceased and (ii) began to be run down after devolution; and what functional units and programmes continue. [60851]

  Jane Kennedy
  Devolution did not significantly change the functions of the Northern Ireland Office, since the responsibilities transferred on 2 December 1999 were already managed by the separate Northern Ireland departments. The duties of the Secretary of State and his ministerial colleagues were, however, substantially reduced and private offices have been streamlined accordingly. In addition teams established to provide support for the Talks process and for the enactment of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 have been wound up. New teams have been established to take forward work on policing, criminal justice and prisons issues. A full description of the ongoing work of the Northern Ireland Office is given in the Department Report, published on 14 June (CM 5432).

  Statutory Instruments
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many statutory instruments have been(a) introduced, (b) removed and (c) amended by his Department since 1 January; and what the (i) cost and (ii) saving has been in each case. [64628]
  649W
  Jane Kennedy
  The Northern Ireland Office has introduced one Statutory Instrument since January 2001; the Criminal Injuries Compensation (NI) Order was introduced on 1 May 2002.

  The approximate spend to March 2002 is £1,700,000, the forecast cost is expected to be around £1,900,000. This figure includes approximately £900,000 for the computer system for Compensation Agency to support the Tariff scheme. It must be note that a part of this system was to be introduced in the Compensation Agency anyway.

  As the Order has only recently been introduced, it is too early to provide any figure relating to savings on the compensation budget.

  EU Directives
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the EU directives relating to his Department which have been(a) amended and (b) repealed in 2002. [64947]

  Jane Kennedy
  There have been no EU directives amended or repealed in 2002 relating to the Northern Ireland Office.

  Policing Board
  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) pursuant to his answer of 17 June 2002,Official Report, column 66W, how many meetings of the (a) Policing Board, (b) Policing Board committees and (c) Policing Board sub-committees each member attended (i) for the full duration and (ii) for part of the meeting; [64551]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 17 June 2002, Official Report, column 66W, if he will list the attendance records for (a) elected and (b) non-elected members of the Police Board of Northern Ireland at Policing Board subcommittee meetings since the Board went live. [64552]

  Jane Kennedy
  As the Policing Board is a non-departmental public body, I would invite the hon. Member to write to the Chairman of the Policing Board seeking the information that she requires.

  Performance Targets
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what has been the(a) cost and (b) saving from the pursuit of the Department's Public Service Agreement targets in each year since they were introduced; [61044]

  (2) what the (a) cost and (b) saving has been from the Department's pursuit of Service Delivery Agreement targets in each year since they were introduced. [61640]
  650W
  Jane Kennedy
  The Northern Ireland Office's Public Service Agreement (PSA) was first published in October 2000 to cover the three-year period 2001–02 to 2003–04. As the PSA targets effectively embrace virtually all of our departmental activities the cost of seeking to meet our PSA objectives is essentially the same as our total departmental expenditure. For 2001–02 (the first year of our PSA) this is currently estimated at £1,052 billion.

  The efficiency elements within our current PSA are already reflected in the profiling of the budget set for the Department whereby anticipated reductions in spending in one area are redirected to offset emerging pressures in other areas.

  Departmental Expenditure Limit
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how much and what proportion of the Departmental Expenditure Limit for 2002–03 had been spent by 31 May; what the figures were for 2001–02; and if he will make a statement; [61003]

  (2) how much and what proportion of his 2002–03 Departmental Expenditure Limit has been spent by 31 May; what the figures were for 2001–02; and if he will make statement. [61744]

  Jane Kennedy
  The details of the Departmental Expenditure Limit for 2001–02 and 2002–03, and the proportion of spend to 31 May is as follows:

  2001–02

  DEL (Resource)

  £1,056,836,000

  Spend at 31 May

  £217,655,000

  Proportion

  20.5%

  2002–03

  DEL (Resource)

  £1,092,309,000

  Spend at 31 May

  This information is not yet available

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much and what proportion of the departmental expenditure limit for 2002–03 will be accounted for by staff costs; what the figures were for 2001–02; and if he will make a statement. [61033]

  Jane Kennedy
  Details of staff costs as a percentage of Departmental Expenditure Limit:

  2001–02

  Total DEL

  £1,056,836,000 (Resource DEL, excluding Capital) Staff costs £115,483,000*

  Proportion

  10.9%

  2002–03

  Total DEL

  £1,092,309,000 (Resource DEL, excluding Capital)

  Staff costs

  £120,295,000

  Proportion

  11%

  * (Please note that this figure is provisional only, at this stage. Final outturn figures for the 2001–02 financial year are not yet available.)