Written Answers of 27 June 2002

TRANSPORT

  Railways
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on railways in the south-east before the summer recess. [63760]

  Mr. Spellar
  My right hon. Friend takes an interest in all aspects of the rail system throughout the country, and will make statements to the House on rail matters as and when appropriate.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent(a) support and (b) guidance has been given by his Department to the SRA and the rail industry regarding (i) the re-opening of rail stations and (ii) the development of new lines and stations; and if he will make a statement. [64131]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Government's priorities for the Strategic Rail Authority are as set out in the Secretary of State's Directions and Guidance. The Strategic Rail Authority's priorities for implementation are set out in the Strategic Plan.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what changes(a) have taken place and (b) are planned with relation to the penalty regime in the railway industry; and if he will make a statement; [64146]

  (2) what (a) guidance has been given and (b) legislation is in place with regard to the penalty regime of the railways; what plans there are to change them; and if he will make a statement; [64148]

  (3) what recent (a) discussions have taken place and (b) assessment there has been of the role of the penalty regime of the railways; and if he will make a statement. [64149]

  Mr. Jamieson
  During the periodic review of Railtrack's access charges by the Rail Regulator in 2000, a thorough review of the incentive regime was carried out. The payment rates were raised to broadly double their previous levels in order to improve incentives to run trains punctually. Similarly, the SRA are incorporating increases in train operator's incentive rates as new franchises are let.

  The SRA is currently considering whether a more wide-ranging review of incentive regimes would be appropriate to reinforce the rail industry's drive to improve performance.

  Investment Projects
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the transport investment projects that his Department expects to receive final approval in the next 12 months. [63764]
  978W
  Mr. Jamieson
  The Secretary of State will announce his final decisions in due course.

  Ministerial Travel
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he last travelled by train on Government business. [63766]

  Mr. Darling
  I last travelled by train yesterday afternoon.

  Train Protection Warning Systems (Scotland)
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of rail track in Scotland are fitted with train protection warning systems; and what percentage this represents of the total rail track in Scotland. [63918]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The fitment programme for the train protection and warning system (TPWS) is based on the number of sites to be fitted not miles of track. Railtrack advises that in Scotland TPWS is to be installed at approximately 1,600 sites by the end of 2003. To date TPWS has been installed at 1,109 sites, of which 955 are now operational and 154 are currently being tested.

  London Underground
  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) which assets under the PPP of London Underground are defined as grey assets; and if he will make a statement; [63974]

  (2) what recent discussions he has had with (a) London Transport, (b) Transport for London and (c) Ernst and Young, on grey assets under the PPP of the London Underground; and if he will make a statement. [63973]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Grey assets are defined in the PPP contracts as those assets where a full condition assessment has not been possible, either for access reasons or lack of historical data. They tend to be older heavy civil engineering assets such as retaining walls or brick arch tunnels. The Secretary of State has had no recent discussions on such assets.

  Transport 10-year Plan
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when his Department expects to respond to the Transport, Local Government and the Regions Committee on the 10-year transport plan; and if he will make a statement. [64135]

  Mr. Jamieson
  We will aim to respond to the Committee's report within two months of its publication in line with the normal convention.

  Prestwick Air Traffic Control Centre
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer, on Prestwick, of 20 June 2002,Official Report, column 507W, what air traffic levels would make it financially prudent to commence further work at the new Scottish centre; and what current levels are. [64460]
  979W
  Mr. Jamieson
  The completion of the new Scottish centre depends on both air traffic levels and NATS' capital investment plan. Completion is expected to be during 2008 or 2009. NATS is currently engaged with suppliers in evaluating systems.

  Air traffic movements in Scottish air space in the first 12 weeks of the current financial year total 122,627.

  Rural White Paper
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what contribution his Department will make towards implementing the Government's commitment in the Rural White Paper to protect the countryside for its own sake; and if he will make a statement. [64527]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Department for Transport remains committed to ensuring transport fully contributes to sustaining and improving the English countryside. Since the publication of the Rural White Paper in 2000, we have, for instance:begun to introduce low noise surfaces on the existing trunk road network. By 2010, 60 per cent. of the network should have a low noise surface, substantially cutting road traffic noise in rural areas;
  ensured that the impacts on the environment and countryside of any new road proposals—whether for the trunk road network or proposed by local highway authorities—are clearly identified and appraised using our New Approach to Appraisal; and
  continued to work with local highway authorities and the Countryside Agency in order to develop local traffic management measures, which can help preserve the tranquillity of the countryside.

  Annual Leave
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the average annual leave entitlement is for staff in his Department in 2002. [64643]

  Mr. Jamieson
  For staff below the Senior Civil Service in the Department, including the agencies, the average annual leave entitlement in 2002 is 28 days. For staff in the Senior Civil Service in the Department, including the agencies, the annual leave entitlement in 2002 is 30 days.

  Operators' Licences
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reason a question about financial standing has been added to application forms for an operator's licence; and if he will make a statement. [64795]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Holders of licences to operate heavy goods vehicles or passenger service vehicles are required by law to have available sufficient financial resources to maintain their vehicles in a roadworthy condition and to run a viable business. Licence application forms contain questions about financial resources to enable the licensing authority to decide if the applicant meets the criteria for financial standing. These questions are not a new addition to the forms.

  Learner Drivers
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to require the use of dual controls by learner drivers for a specified period of time. [65022]
  980W
  Mr. Jamieson
  We want to improve novice driver safety—young and newly qualified drivers have a poor safety record compared to older, more experienced drivers. However, we have no evidence to suggest that the learning process is dangerous and no plans to require the compulsory use of dual controls in vehicles driven by learners. We consider that learner drivers should gain more experience before they take the driving test and earlier this year we issued a consultation paper on ways to achieve this. This included an option to introduce a mandatory requirement for a minimum amount of professional tuition.

  Research indicates that a mix of professional tuition and plenty of practice with friends or relatives is the best way to learn to drive and our initial view was that the introduction of compulsory professional tuition is not justified. Nevertheless we will be considering carefully all the views we receive on this issue before taking a final decision.

  Coastguard Helicopter (Portland)
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has held with the MCA relating to the removal of the coastguard helicopter from Portland. [64384]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I met with my hon. Friend the member for Dorset South and the chief executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on 13 June 2002 to discuss the helicopter base at Portland.

  Aircraft Movements
  Angus Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the daily average number of aircraft movements was for each of the 15 busiest airports in the United Kingdom over the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [65201]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The average daily number of aircraft movements at the 15 busiest airports in the United Kingdom over the last five years is reported in the table. These statistics relate to commercial movements only and exclude flights undertaken for private military and training purposes as well as business aviation.

  Average daily commercial aircraft movements

  Airport

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Heathrow

  1,180

  1,212

  1,235

  1,262

  1,255

  Gatwick

  629

  665

  676

  693

  673

  Manchester

  404

  446

  466

  489

  502

  Stansted

  231

  287

  372

  402

  419

  Birmingham

  219

  242

  271

  299

  305

  Edinburgh

  197

  208

  232

  244

  274

  Glasgow

  224

  236

  242

  248

  263

  Aberdeen

  238

  250

  227

  226

  243

  Luton

  110

  131

  151

  164

  164

  London City

  90

  103

  116

  137

  150

  Belfast International

  96

  107

  123

  118

  130

  Newcastle

  116

  118

  119

  120

  127

  East Midlands

  112

  118

  117

  119

  120

  Belfast City

  91

  95

  91

  91

  92

  South Coast Multi-Modal Study
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the costs were of the South Coast multi-modal study broken down by(a) staff and (b) other costs. [65148]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The current cost of contract for the South Coast multi-modal study is £1,727,000 (excluding VAT). This figure incorporates(a) staff and (b) other costs.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Committee Mandates
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Committee on the Implementation of Projects Promoting Co-operation and Commercial Relations between the European Union and the Industrialised Countries of North America, the Far East and Australasia is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [55395]

  Ms Hewitt
  EC Council Regulation 382/2001 provides for a programme of measures and actions to complement and bring added value to the efforts undertaken by member states and other European public bodies in the Japanese market, and establishes a Committee to assist the Commission in the implementation of this programme. This Regulation also provides for co-operative activities between the EC on the one hand and North America and Australasia on the other, but the Committee has had no role in these activities. The Committee has met once in the last 12 months. A British Trade International official represents the UK. It is impossible to calculate the cost of its work to public funds without incurring disproportionate cost. The Committee is currently considering the detailed arrangements for the EU trade promotion campaign towards Japan "Gateway to Japan III". Any European Community proposal that goes to the Council of Ministers would be subject to parliamentary scrutiny procedures.

  Together with member states, the Commission is currently conducting a review to bring existing legislation on the conduct of comitology committees into line with Council Decision 1999/468/EC, to 'simplify the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission'. As an obligation to this Decision, the Commission undertook to publish an annual report on the working of committees. The first report was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 26 February (COM(2001)783 Final). As part of the review process, the UK Government have encouraged the Commission to produce and maintain an electronic database of every comitology committee, its agendas and recent actions, to be accessible through the website.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Advisory Committee on Opening Up Public Contracts is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is 982W
  to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [61701]

  Ms Hewitt
  The EC Advisory Committee on Opening Up Public Contracts is composed of up to 25 independent experts whose business and industrial experience, and whose competence regarding public procurement, are widely recognised. The Committee assists the Commission in assessing the economic, technical, legal and social aspects of public procurement. It has no decision taking powers.

  The European Commission appoints the members of the Committee after consultation with business and industry. The representatives from the UK are Dr. Sue Arrowsmith, Professor of Law at the university of Nottingham and Mr. Colin Maund, Chairman of the CBI's Public Procurement Contract Group.

  The Committee has met on three occasions over the last year. There is no cost to public funds.

  The issues discussed during the last meeting of the Committee were: electronic purchasing; the Remedies Directives; the European Parliament vote on the new legislative package; in-house contracts.

  Unfair Dismissal
  Mr. Swire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if her Department will review its unfair dismissal procedure; and if she will make a statement. [55905]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Employment Bill contains proposals for amendments to certain aspects of the unfair dismissal legislation. My Department has no plans to review the legislation.

  Arms Export Licences
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what export licences have been granted since 2 May 1997 for the export of CS pellets to Malaysia where the final end-use destination was in a different country. [60696]

  Nigel Griffiths
  The export of CS pellets is controlled under entries ML3, ML4 and ML7 in Part III of Schedule 1 of the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994 as amended.

  Between 2 May 1997 and 10 June 2002 three Standard Individual Export Licences (SIELs) were issued covering the rating ML4 where the consignee was in Malaysia and the end user was in a different country. During that same period there were no SIELs issued covering the ratings ML3 and ML7 where the consignee was in Malaysia and the end user was in a different country. This information should be considered in light of the answer tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche) in response to my hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) on 30 October 1997, Official Report, columns 870–71.

  The Export Control Organisation's computer database records only permitted destinations for all Open Individual Export Licences (OIELs). Details of all SIELs and OIELs are published in the Government's Annual Reports on Strategic Export Controls. Copies of the 1997,

  983W
  1998, 1999 and 2000 Annual Reports are available in the Libraries of the House. The 2001 Annual Report will be published soon.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what end-use documentation British companies are required to supply when applying for licences for small arms exports to(a) EU or NATO countries and (b) non-EU or non-NATO countries. [62017]

  Nigel Griffiths
  Applications to export small arms to Government bodies in any country would normally need to be supported by an end-user undertaking. In certain circumstances a purchase order, or a copy of the relevant pages from a contract might be accepted in lieu of an undertaking.

  Special arrangements apply to the transfer of small arms to non-Government end users in EU member states under the provisions of the EC Directive on Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Weapons "the EC Weapons Directive" (91/477/EEC). Exporters are required to obtain prior import consent from the receiving member state and complete certain transfer documentation.

  For exports of small arms to non-Government end users in non EU countries, DTI would normally require, in addition to an end-user undertaking, to see a copy of an import permit or some other form of declaration issued by the authorities of the importing state to confirm that they were content for the individual or dealer to possess the weapons in the licence application.

  In addition, at the request of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), an export licence for small arms to destinations covered by the moratorium on the Import, Export and Manufacture of Light Weapons will not be issued unless the ECOWAS Secretariat have issued confirmation that ECOWAS Governments have been consulted and are content.

  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on her policy on the grant of export licences for sale of arms to India and Pakistan. [64389]

  Nigel Griffiths
  All relevant export licence applications for India and Pakistan are considered on a case-by-case basis in the context of the current situation in the region, against the Consolidated EU and national arms export licensing criteria, and in the light of my hon. Friend the Member for Exeter statement of 15 March 2002,Official Report, columns 1296–98W. The Consolidated Criteria include a specific reference to the preservation of regional peace, security and stability.

  I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my noble Friend the Lord Sainsbury of Turville in another place on 28 May 2002, Official Report, columns 1147–1149.

  Staff Training
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much the Department has spent on staff training and development in each of the last five years. [61053]

  Ms Hewitt
  The DTI is a recognised Investor in People.
  984W
  The following table provides detail of the spend on staff training and development for the period for which the information at the level requested is readily available, together with the percentage of the total gross running costs this represents.

  Year

  Total staff training and development expenditure £ million)

  Staff training and development as a percentage of gross running costs1

  1998–99

  3.2

  1.3

  1999–2000

  4.5

  1.7

  2000–01

  4.0

  1.4

  2001–02

  4.9

  1.6

  1Excludes ACAS, Employment Tribunals Service, Insolvency Service, Radiocommunications Agency and the National Weights and Measures Laboratory.

  Meetings
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which Ministers and officials had meetings with representatives of(a) the Confederation of British Industry, (b) the Engineering Employees Federation, and (c) the Engineering Marine Training Authority during the last year; who they met; and what the subjects and outcomes of their discussions were. [62210]

  Ms Hewitt
  Ministers and civil servants have meetings with a wide range of organisations and individuals as part of the process of policy development and analysis.

  As with previous Administrations it is not this Government's practice to provide details of all such meetings. All such contacts are conducted in accordance with the Ministerial Code, the Civil Service Code and Guidance for Civil Servants: Contacts with Lobbyists.

  Members of Parliament (Personal Data)
  Mr. Forth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information is held by her Department on each hon. Member in relation to(a) personal relationships, both current and past, (b) financial status and dealings, (c) connections with companies and interest groups, (d) connections with Governments and (e) published works; and what was held in January 2002. [61833]

  Ms Hewitt
  Ministers and officials in this Department have access to published reference sources, as well as to the information about hon. Members made publicly available by the House authorities, for the purpose of parliamentary business.

  Telecommunications (Lane Rentals)
  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has made to the Department of Transport regarding section 74A of the New Roads and Streetworks Act 1991 and the potential effects the powers will have on the ability of telecommunication companies to build high bandwidth networks. [62632]

  Mr. Timms
  Pilot schemes to test powers under which local authorities can charge utility companies lane rental, whenever the latter dig up highways to install or maintain their apparatus, began in Camden and Middlesbrough on 4 March 2002 and are due to continue until March 2004.
  985W
  The Department for Transport have appointed consultants to produce a balanced assessment of the impact of the lane rental pilots, both in terms of the effect of lane rental on the disruption caused by utility works and the costs which it imposes on those utilities. We await their first monitoring report which is due to be delivered in late autumn.

  The effects on the roll out of broadband and 3G mobile networks will be taken into account before any final decision on the national implementation of lane rental charging is made.

  Coal Industry
  John Mann
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to maintain aid to the UK coal industry. [62850]

  Mr. Wilson
  I am very pleased that we have reached agreement on a new European coal state aid regime. We fought hard to secure the flexibility to pay investment aid, and I am delighted that we have been successful. We are currently considering how the flexibility might most appropriately be used.

  Correspondence
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) for what reason she has not answered the letters of 30 November 2001 and 10 January, from the hon. Member for Edinburgh, West; [65365]

  (2) for what reason she has not answered the written question from the hon. Member for Edinburgh, West (ref 51382), of 18 April. [65364]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I have today responded to the hon. Member's letter which does not appear to have been previously received by this Department.

  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to her answers of 26 March 2002,Official Report, column 796W; 11 March 2002, Official Report, column 678W; and 14 February 2002, Official Report, column 518W, when she expects to reply to the letters of 30 November 2001 and 10 January 2002 from the hon. Member for Edinburgh, West. [51382]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I have today responded to the hon. Members' letter which does not appear to have been previously received by this Department.

  World Trade
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to her answer of 26 February 2002,Official Report, column 1128W, on GATS, if she will make a statement on progress in her Department's meetings with WTO members on the drafting of a clarification of the GATS exclusion of public services. [63428]

  Ms Hewitt
  My Department's contacts with other WTO members suggest that most prefer to rely on the "bottom-up" approach to scheduling commitments as the means of ensuring the exclusion of public services.

  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to her answer of 26 February 2002,Official Report, column 1128W, on GATS, if she will
  986W
  make a statement of progress on the WTO services negotiations as to whether Article VI of the GATS will apply to all service sectors. [63427]

  Ms Hewitt
  There has been no substantive progress on this issue, which remains under discussion among WTO members.

  Consignia
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many directors of Consignia plc have(a) resigned and (b) been replaced in the past two years. [63643]

  Mr. Timms
  Neville Bain, chairman since March 1998, left the company on 31 December 2001. He was replaced by Allan Leighton. Other recent changes are that David Mills joined the board on 15 April 2002 as chief executive of Post Office Ltd., a subsidiary of Consignia plc. Marisa Cassoni joined the board on 1 February 2001 as finance director. Allan Leighton joined the board as a non-executive director on 2 April 2001. Mike Kinski, non-executive director, left the company on 12 February 2002. The company is currently recruiting new non-executive directors. Also worth noting is that John Roberts, chief executive officer, has announced that he will retire by the end of 2002 and the process of recruiting his successor is now under way.

  Post Office
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if she will publish the terms of the Chairman's performance linked remuneration at the Post Office; [63341]

  (2) whether the Chairman of the Post Office will receive a bonus if the Post Office loses less than it did in the current year. [63342]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 20 June 2002]: Allan Leighton's basic fee for part-time Chairmanship of Consignia is £20,000 per annum. The performance-related element of his remuneration package, linked to delivery of the company's strategic plan, is being finalised and will be made public.

  Post Office Network
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to her answer of 28 January 2002,Official Report, column 66W, on the Post Office network, if she will list the funding allocated to each initiative under the sub-post office scheme. [63577]

  Mr. Timms
  The funding allocated to each initiative approved under the Sub-Post Office Start-Up Capital Subsidy Scheme as at end May 2002 was as follows:

  £

  Office

  County/Country

  Grant awarded

  Capel Le Ferne

  Kent

  20,000.00

  Holcombe

  Devon

  20,000.00

  Kirk Ireton

  Derbyshire

  8,572.32

  Buriton

  Hampshire

  16,730.15

  Risbury

  Herefordshire

  208.00

  Goadby Marwood

  Leicestershire

  1,792.75

  Struan

  Scotland

  3,897.73

  Coleby

  Lincolnshire

  3,862.00

  Henstridge

  Somerset

  10,475.16

  Deri

  Wales

  15,738.25

  987W

  £

  Office

  County/Country

  Grant awarded

  Almondbank

  Scotland

  17,750.00

  Acton Trussell

  Staffordshire

  1,051.00

  Henlow

  Bedfordshire

  9,598.83

  Bernisdale

  Scotland

  11,131.00

  Winteringham

  Lincolnshire

  6,022.20

  Lubenham

  Leicestershire

  9,847.35

  Tortington

  Kent

  11,390.75

  Laxay

  Scotland

  2,212.74

  Folkingham

  Lincolnshire

  20,000.00

  Bewcastle

  Cumbria

  865.50

  Ollaberry

  Scotland

  3,410.98

  Standon Mill

  Staffordshire

  4,689.36

  Bowden

  Scotland

  5,000.00

  North Bradley

  Wiltshire

  5,355.75

  Stranagalwilly

  Northern Ireland

  5,908.20

  Ysceifiog

  Wales

  1,160.35

  Adfa

  Wales

  8,000.00

  East Markham

  Nottinghamshire

  2,198.50

  Ightfield

  Shropshire

  4,490.00

  Tibberton

  Shropshire

  3,407.50

  Douglas Bridge

  Northern Ireland

  7,031.12

  Abergwesyn

  Wales

  453.55

  Hayton

  Yorkshire

  1,468.00

  Easton

  Colchester

  7,354.50

  Kinallen

  Northern Ireland

  13,268.15

  Brampton Bryan

  Wales

  4,652.40

  Newton-Le-Willows

  North Yorkshire

  393.63

  Great Dalby

  Leicestershire

  20,000.00

  Skelton

  Cumbria

  14,700.00

  Catworth

  Cambridgeshire

  15,223.50

  Tallington

  Lincolnshire

  313.44

  Ballyward

  Northern Ireland

  8,454.86

  Gaddesby

  Leicestershire

  12,038.38

  Rosedale Abbey

  Yorkshire

  1,522.19

  Oddington

  Gloucestershire

  7,000.00

  Ripponden

  Yorkshire

  13,838.00

  Tideswell

  Derbyshire

  20,000.00

  Skidby

  Humberside

  19,429.40

  Bradley

  Staffordshire

  5,463.75

  Surlingham

  Norfolk

  5,207.43

  Leigh On Mendip

  Avon

  280.00

  Ashill

  Norfolk

  4,069.50

  Cheddington

  Bedfordshire

  8,370.78

  Escomb

  County Durham

  1,092.00

  Palterton

  Derbyshire

  8,183.88

  Owermoigne

  Dorset

  5,200.00

  Dudleston Heath

  Shropshire

  2,450.00

  Lidlington

  Bedfordshire

  2,332.00

  Haynes

  Bedfordshire

  20,000.00

  Threapwood

  Cheshire

  12,355.00

  New Holland

  Lincolnshire

  14,878.00

  Abberley

  Worcestershire

  9,187.00

  Office for Civil Nuclear Security
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) where invitations to prospective applicants for the Advisory Board of the Office for Civil Nuclear Security were placed; how many applications were received; and whether applicants were rejected on security grounds; [63848]

  (2) who the members of the Advisory Board for the Office for Civil Nuclear Security are; what their qualifications for the post are; and if there are restrictions in place in respect of who may be appointed to the board. [63847]

  Mr. Wilson
  The members of the OCNS Advisory Board are Joan MacNaughton, the Director General for Energy and Helen Leiser, the Director of Nuclear Industries, Michael Buckland-Smith, the Director of Civil Nuclear Security, all from the Department, Jim Furness,988W
  a Deputy Chief Inspector in the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate of the Health and Safety Executive, a representative from the Security Service, and Pat Upson, Technical Managing Director of Urenco Ltd.

  These appointments reflect a range of security policy, regulatory and industry experience. The members from the Security Service, and the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate of the Health and Safety Executive were put forward by their respective organisations, at the Department's invitation. To find a suitable candidate with experience of the nuclear industry, my Department invited the main bodies in the nuclear industry to propose candidates. The five candidates put forward were evaluated and Pat Upson was invited to become a member of the Advisory Board.

  All Advisory Board members have appropriate security clearance.

  BNFL
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the reply of 10 June 2002,Official Report, column 967W, if (a) BNFL and (b) other public funds were used for the clean-up of B241 at Sellafield; and what estimate BNFL has made of the final cost of remediation of the radioactive pollution. [63908]

  Mr. Wilson
  As with a number of such legacy facilities at Sellafield, the costs of carrying out the various projects at B241 are met by BNFL with appropriate contributions from relevant customers. In the case of B241 financial responsibility for the liability falls primarily to the Ministry of Defence and the UK Atomic Energy Authority. Work is continuing. It is not yet clear what the final cost of cleaning up B241 will be.

  Timeshare Regulations
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what plans she has to introduce a registration scheme for holiday clubs; and if she will make a statement; [64497]

  (2) what plans she has to revise the Timeshare Regulations 1997 to include floating vessels; and if she will make a statement; [64499]

  (3) what plans she has to revise the Timeshare Regulations 1997 to include timeshares of less than three years' duration; and if she will make a statement; [64496]

  (4) if she proposes to amend the Timeshare Regulations 1997 to include holiday clubs; and if she will make a statement. [64498]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  Changing the Timeshare Regulations 1997 or the Timeshare Act 1992 will not help UK consumers who often buy timeshare and new products while on holiday abroad. The EU Commission is proposing next year to review the Timeshare Directive 1994 and will be considering new products and other related issues. We will therefore work closely with the Commission to ensure that our views are taken into account and are reflected in any potential amendments to the Directive.

  The Department is also seeking to tackle rogue traders operating in this area through better enforcement, more effective self-regulation within the industry and to raising consumer awareness about their rights. We are

  989W
  currently working in partnership with consumer bodies, enforcement agencies, timeshare trade associations and industry to take this forward.

  Foot and Mouth
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which(a) individuals were consulted by and (b) companies were represented on the Foot and Mouth Science Group; and if she will make a statement. [64549]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 26 June 2002]: Individuals on the FMD Science Group, and the Group itself, consulted at various points throughout the outbreak with a number of bodies, including farmers at regional meetings, the NFU, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, British Cattle Veterinary Association, British Veterinary Association, Sheep and Pigs Veterinary Associations and representatives of the food industry. All these meetings and consultations were reported back to the full Group.

  The Group was comprised of individuals from a range of disciplines and included Government research scientists, university academics, veterinary practitioners and representatives of Government Departments and agencies. The composition of the Group evolved over time to ensure that relevant expertise was brought in, eg practising vets joined at a later stage to provide a more direct link with events on the ground.

  Trawlermen (Compensation)
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures she is taking to increase awareness among potential claimants of the Icelandic water trawlermen's compensation scheme; and if she will make a statement. [64451]

  Ms Hewitt
  On top of the measures already taken when the scheme was first opened, over the past months my officials have been visiting the various port areas to discuss the scheme with local trawlermen and their representatives. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Small Firms has also had a number of meetings with my hon. Friends the Members for Hull, Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Fleetwood and Aberdeen, who are highly effective ambassadors for their constituents. In addition, there have been a number of articles about the meetings and the visits, as well as the scheme in general, in the local press. I plan to issue further publicity in the relevant port areas and trade journals to announce the end of the scheme on 1 October 2002.

  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will extend the deadline for claims under the Icelandic water trawlermen's compensation scheme to 31 December. [64453]

  Ms Hewitt
  My predecessor announced when the scheme was set up that it would run for two years—from 2 October 2000 to 1 October 2002. I have no plans to extend the deadline.

  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of the take-up by potential claimants under the Icelandic water trawlermen's compensation scheme; and if she will make a statement. [64452]
  990W
  Ms Hewitt
  When the scheme was set up, it was expected that some 4,000 former trawlermen would be eligible to receive a payment. To date we have received some 11,000 claims from former trawlermen or their dependents.

  Timber Imports
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what volume of timber from Liberia was imported to the UK(a) in 2001 and (b) in the first five months of 2002; and if she will make a statement. [64353]

  Ms Hewitt
  The UK imported 6,098 cubic metres of timber from Liberia in 2001, and 2,917 cubic metres in January to March 2002, the latest period for which data are available.

  Bhutan
  Andy King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much bilateral trade there was between the UK and Bhutan over each of the last two years; and if she will make a statement. [64296]

  Ms Hewitt
  Information on UK bilateral trade with Bhutan is given in the following table:

  UK trade in goods with Bhutan 2000–01

  £ million

  UK exports

  UK imports

  Total trade

  2000

  1.2

  1.7

  2.9

  2001

  1.6

  2.3

  4.0

  Note:

  Because of rounding, there may be slight discrepancies between the totals shown and the sums of the constituent parts.

  Source:

  HM Customs and Excise data

  Broadband
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) when she expects broadband to be introduced into service to all of England; [64275]

  (2) what percentage of geographical broadband coverage she expects to be available by 2005. [64277]

  Mr. Timms
  Our target is to have the most extensive and competitive broadband market in the G7 by 2005. We have not set a target for percentage coverage of the UK, though broadband via ADSL, Cable and Wireless technologies is already available to around 66 per cent. of the population. Satellite offers the potential for almost total coverage.

  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussion she has had with the Director General of Fair Trading about the monopoly provision of broadband. [64278]

  Mr. Timms
  Under the Telecommunications Act 1984, the Director General of Telecommunications has responsibilities to promote the interests of consumers, and to maintain and promote effective competition in relation to telecommunications.

  The Government monitors competition in the telecoms sector in close consultation with Oftel, and will keep the situation under review.
  991W
  The UK has arguably one of the most competitive broadband markets in Europe. Around 40 per cent. of the population has a choice between cable and ADSL technologies, with wireless and satellite services also available, while in the ADSL market there are around 40 resellers of BT's wholesale product. In addition Oftel have announced this week that BT will be required to offer ADSL broadband interconnection services to enable operators to connect to BT's network and therefore provide a much wider range of wholesale and retail broadband services in competition with BT.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations have been made by(a) local authorities, (b) parish councils, (c) town councils and (d) businesses on improving the broadband technology facilities available in the United Kingdom. [62101]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 18 June 2002]: Ministers and officials continue to meet and correspond with a wide range of businesses and councils. As well as bilateral consultation with businesses and the public sector, the Government have established the Broadband Stakeholder Group, which brings together the key players in the public and private sectors. We continue to meet regularly with the Broadband Stakeholder Group to discuss our broadband strategy. The group first reported in November 2001, and the Government response can be found at www.e-envoy.gov.uk. It has produced its second report this week.

  In addition, under the £30 million UK Broadband Fund, the regional development agencies and the devolved Administrations are taking forward projects to promote the benefits of broadband.

  Energy Policy
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is her latest assessment of the cost of the Scotland/England West Coast Interconnector. [64342]

  Mr. Wilson
  The possible costs are as set out in the study by PB Power, a copy of which is available on the Department of Trade and Industry's website at: www2.dti.gov.uk/energy/west—coast—interconnector—study.pdf

  Patents
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the implications for United Kingdom domestic law of the decision of the European Court of Justice in Koninklijke Philips v. Remington. [64494]

  Ms Hewitt
  In its judgment of 18 June in the Koninklijke Philips v. Remington case, the European Court of Justice concluded that the Trade Marks Directive (implemented in the UK by the Trade Marks Act 1994) could not be used to protect product characteristics or technical features.

  The European Court of Justice's decision is broadly consistent with the submissions of the Government and largely confirms existing UK practice.

  Innovation of a technical or functional nature is protectable by patents. The maximum duration of a patent is 20 years (trade mark rights can be renewed without
  992W
  limit), after which inventions pass into the public domain for anyone to use or develop. This period of 20 years, which accords with international norms, represents a balance between encouraging inventors to develop new products by preventing others from using their inventions for a limited time, and encouraging competition by publishing full details of patented inventions so that they may be widely used when rights expire.

  On the other hand, trade marks indicate the trade origin of goods. Allowing trade mark registrations to confer on proprietors an open-ended right to product characteristics or technical features would upset the balance created by the patent law.

  Consignia v. Russell Sealy
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the policy implications of the decision of the Court of Appeal in Consignia plc v. Russell Sealy. [64493]

  Mr. Timms
  Having considered the decision there appear to be no policy implications.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Genetic Engineering (Vaccinations)
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the potential use of genetic engineering in plants to provide simple vaccinations for the developing world. [63916]

  Clare Short
  Research has shown that plants can be genetically engineered to produce substances with the potential to induce immune responses to several diseases of animals and people. But the prospect of plant-produced vaccines for the routine prevention of diseases of poverty is still a distant one. At present, an important challenge facing many developing countries is to strengthen their health service delivery systems to achieve and sustain high coverage with existing vaccines, which are safe and inexpensive. DFID contributes to this objective as a partner in the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) and through its support for WHO, UNICEF and national Governments.

  Bhutan
  Andy King
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much aid the UK has given to Bhutan in each of the last five years. [64295]

  Clare Short
  The table lists aid disbursement to Bhutan from 1996–97:

  Year

  £

  1996–97

  20,000

  1997–98

  92,000

  1998–99

  14,000

  1999–2000

  11,000

  2000–01

  1,000

  2001–02

  1—

  1Not yet available

  Occupied Palestinian Territories
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the impact the division of the occupied Palestinian territories into eight separate cantons has had on the humanitarian situation in the OPT. [64320]

  Clare Short
  Reports estimate that 50 per cent. of the population are currently living in poverty (under $2 a day), and per capita income continues to decline significantly. On-going and intensified Israeli restrictions will exacerbate this situation—restricting movement of people to work and products to markets, prohibiting access to basic services such as health and education, increasing unemployment, substantially reducing the ability of the Palestinian Authority to sustain essential social services, and inhibiting the work of international organisations and aid agencies.

  Illegal Logging
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department is taking to develop a programme of action to follow on from the memorandum of understanding between the UK and Indonesia to combat illegal logging signed in April. [64352]

  Clare Short
  Since the signing of the memorandum of understanding on 18 April, DFID, in close conjunction with officials in other Government Departments, has taken a number of steps to implement the agreement.

  In May, DFID officials visited Indonesia and agreed a detailed programme of action to implement the memorandum. Indonesian officials will visit the UK in July to finalise this programme. During this visit they will meet with British Government officials, representatives of the UK Timber Trades Federation and non-governmental organisations.

  The exploitation of forest resources in Indonesia is subject to a very large number of inconsistent and often contradictory laws. Consolidated and revised legislation is not practical in the short to medium term. My Department has therefore also commissioned two consultancies (involving UK and Indonesian experts) to address two fundamental aspects of the agreement:
  the establishment of workable criteria to define legality; and
  the identification of possible systems of mandatory compliance.

  The results of this work, which is already under way, are expected by the end of August.

  Partnership Programmes
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the(a) number and (b) cost of second round partnership programme agreements. [64691]

  Clare Short
  We are currently negotiating with four non-governmental organisations under our second round 994W
  of partnership programme agreements. This is with a view to concluding negotiations within the next few weeks. Financial allocations under these agreements have not yet been finalised.

  Development Policy Forum
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the content and conclusions of the Development Policy Forum in February. [64689]

  Clare Short
  The Development Policy Forum held in Belfast in February was the first in this year's series of 11 forums, which are being held in different parts of the UK. The process will conclude with the forum in Birmingham on 8 July, following which we will publish a report on the process, and on the key issues raised. This year's series of forums, which follow previous rounds in 1998 and 2000, have focused on development and trade, the role of the private sector, and sustainable development. Participants come from a wide range of backgrounds, and have participated in both plenary and workshop discussions of the issues. These are designed to deepen understanding of development, and to enable participants to share views and ideas on how to reduce global poverty. Feedback from participants on the process remains, as with previous rounds, very positive; and all participants will receive a copy of the report at the end of the process.

  Food Aid (Southern Africa)
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer of 19 June 2002,Official Report, column 387W, when she expects food aid distribution to extend to the six countries in southern Africa identified as facing severe food shortages. [64675]

  Clare Short
  Food distribution in the six countries involves for the most part scaling up existing responses, so it is already taking place. The World Food Programme tell us that they have a total of 100,000 tonnes of food aid in the pipeline for the region, with 25,000 tonnes either already in affected countries and being distributed, or due to arrive by 1 July. There are also NGO programmes which we and others are funding which are continuing earlier food interventions.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer of 19 June 2002,Official Report, column 387W, what her Department's contribution to the World Food Programme's regional appeal for Southern Africa was in respect of the 2002–03 harvest year. [64674]

  Clare Short
  We have committed £18.75 million to the WFP regional appeal in advance of its publication. This is part of an overall new commitment of £45 million from DFID's budget that we made on 17 June for six countries in southern Africa. My Department has also seconded a logistics expert to the World Food Programme office in Harare and is considering further support for WFP's co-ordinating unit in South Africa.

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

  Foot and Mouth
  Diana Organ
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what funds her Department has made available to areas most heavily affected by the foot and mouth outbreak. [63013]

  Alun Michael
  The Government put in place a range of schemes to help those affected by the disease and the measures to control it. These included:the £80 million Business Recovery Fund, managed by the Regional Development Agencies (including £25 million reprioritised funding from RDAs' existing budgets) to help businesses adjust to changes in their markets;
  discretionary interest-free deferral of income tax, VAT and National Insurance contributions, with over £250 million deferred;
  increased central funding for local authorities to provide rate relief for businesses facing hardship (estimated at £22 million), and bringing forward mandatory rate relief for village shops, pubs and garages;
  £15 million to match charitable donations towards relief of hardship:
  £3.8 million to help local authorities reopen rights of way;
  £18 million for tourism promotion;
  £0.5 million from the Countryside Access Recovery Fund.

  The Government are continuing to work with local authorities and partnerships in the worst-affected areas to help implement their recovery strategies.

  Mrs. Dean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects to receive the report of the Royal Society inquiry into the foot and mouth outbreak. [63032]

  Mr. Morley
  The report of the Royal Society's inquiry into infectious diseases in livestock is currently expected to be published on 16 July.

  World Summit on Sustainable Development
  Mr. Connarty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress there has been in preparations for the world summit on sustainable development. [63014]

  Mr. Meacher
  Broad agreement was reached at Bali on a Programme of Action to implement sustainable development. We also had very preliminary discussions on a Political Declaration for Johannesburg. At the EU level, the European Council at Seville has just agreed the EU's final negotiating position for Johannesburg.

  Standstill Rule
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to modify the 20-day standstill rule. [63016]

  Mr. Morley
  Final decisions will not be made until we have seen the recommendations of the Royal Society and Lessons Learned Inquiries.

  Recycling
  Andrew Selous
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement regarding the implementation of European recycling directives. [63018]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive came into force in 1994. It is implemented in the UK through the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 and the Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations 1998. The End of Life Vehicles Directive was adopted in 2000 and member states are now transposing it. The proposed Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive is expected to be adopted by the EC later this year. It may therefore come into effect in the UK in 2004.

  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the cost to local authorities of implementing the Government's recycling strategy. [63021]

  Mr. Meacher
  Regulatory impact assessments are developed by the Department to assess the costs and benefits of proposed measures to increase recycling. These RIAs are published in consultation documents and are available on the DEFRA website http://www.defra.gov.uk/.

  Animal Welfare
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress her Department has made in its attempts to persuade other European Union countries to improve the welfare conditions of animals which are transported on long journeys. [63019]

  Mr. Morley
  The need for continuing improvements in the welfare of animals during transport is now generally accepted by member states. We will continue to press the European Commission to produce its proposals for changes to the present EU rules on the protection of animals during transport.

  Flooding
  Mr. Simmonds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the expenditure by the Government on flood defences in 2001. [63023]

  Mr. Morley
  This Department provides grant (and supplementary credit approvals to local authorities) to the Environment Agency, local authorities and internal drainage boards for flood and coastal defence capital works. The provisional outturn for 2001–02 is £91 million.

  The Government also provided some £268 million in further funding for flood and coastal defence through local authority funding mechanisms. An estimated £40 million was provided from other sources.

  Mr. Francois
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations she has received from the Environment Agency regarding flooding. [63026]

  Mr. Morley
  Given the Environment Agency's supervisory role for flood defence, it is recognised as a key stakeholder by this Department on flood and coastal
  997W
  defence policy and operational issues. Therefore there is an on-going dialogue between the agency and Department, but recent representations have included the agency's response to the consultation on the Flood and Coastal Defence Funding Review.

  Agricultural Shows
  Mr. Plaskitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to encourage the staging of agricultural shows. [63025]

  Alun Michael
  We strongly support the work of agricultural shows which are staged at national, regional and local levels by independent show societies. It is a matter for these societies to decide upon the format for their events and how they will be organised, but we support the events by taking space at a number of shows each year and by attendance of Ministers and officials at several, including the Royal Show.

  Farming
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement regarding the implementation of the proposals in the report published by the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food. [63027]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government intend to produce a strategy for sustainable food and farming in England in the autumn, following a wide-ranging process of stakeholder engagement. The strategy will incorporate a definitive response to each of the Policy Commission's recommendations.

  Refrigerators
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations she has received on the recycling of fridges and freezers: and if she will make a statement. [63028]

  Mr. Meacher
  We have received five representations on the recycling of fridges and freezers since 14 May 2002. The representations have mostly been from the local authorities regarding funding and from consumers on how to dispose of old fridges.

  We realise local authorities are in need of further funding and intend to make an announcement as soon as possible.

  A leaflet for householders advising on how to dispose of old fridges, originally only on the DEFRA website, has now been published in hard copy as well, and widely distributed. Guidance on the disposal of commercial refrigeration equipment has been placed on the website and recently published in hard copy.

  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent progress has been made in implementing new recycling plants for refrigerators and freezers. [63033]

  Mr. Meacher
  Investors are in the process of providing a network of new recycling facilities in the United Kingdom. Two mobile plant are up and running and three further static plant will be operational by the end of July.
  998W
  This should be sufficient to reprocess 1.2 million fridges a year. Further plant are scheduled to come online by the end of the year.

  Milk Industry (Lancashire)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the prospects for the milk industry in Lancashire. [63029]

  Mr. Morley
  In Lancashire, in common with the rest of the country, the farmgate price of milk has fallen over the last few months. The most recent official figures show that for milk delivered in April the average farmgate price of milk in the UK had fallen to 16.10 pence per litre and it is likely that the average figure for May will be even lower. As a result, some dairy farmers will be receiving less for their milk than it costs to produce it. A situation that is clearly unsustainable. However, these low prices have largely been caused by factors that are temporary in nature, most notably, oversupply of raw milk in the UK and the weakness of EU and world markets for dairy products.

  For the longer term, it is likely that the next round of WTO agriculture negotiations will further restrict the use of export subsidies and increase the exposure of EU markets to world markets. In addition, enlargement of the EU is likely to lead to pressure on the Community budget, if the CAP is not reformed.

  In order to produce a sustainable dairy industry that can compete successfully on the growing world market for dairy products, the industry must be given the opportunity to trade free of artificial constraints imposed by the WTO, as well as by the EU dairy regime. The EU price support system is focused on butter and skimmed milk powder, both in clear surplus, hampering the development of genuine markets, while milk quotas are bureaucratic, constrain production by the most efficient farmers and represent a significant financial burden to most farmers.

  The Government therefore favour the orderly phasing out of milk quotas in combination with a reduction in EU support prices to world prices, and direct but digressive aid to help farmers adjust to the new regime. During the forthcoming review of the milk quota system, due to start in June, the UK will be pressing to achieve confirmation that quotas will not continue after they lapse on 31 March 2008. These changes are intended to provider longer-term direction within the framework of the dairy regime, which farmers need in order to plan their businesses effectively.

  Biodiversity
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the recent UN report on the threat to 1,000 species of mammals and on international efforts to support biodiversity. [63034]

  Mr. Meacher
  Information from the World Conservation Union (IUCN) on the conservation status of species is reported in UNEP's Global Environment Outlook (GEO 3) published recently. The IUCN analysis from the year 2000 estimated that about 24 per cent. (1,130) of mammals and 12 per cent. (1,183) of birds are considered to be globally threatened. Since IUCN's previous assessment in 1996 the number of critically
  999W
  endangered species has increased from 169 to 180 mammals and from 168 to 182 birds. These figures are a stark warning of the need for action to conserve biodiversity and to protect species and an indication of the size of the challenge. It needs international co-operation to address problems on this scale. We are working within existing international agreements to this end and will be looking to the World Summit on Sustainable Development for a renewed level of commitment.

  Many mammal species in danger of over-exploitation through trade are listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This regulates trade in animals and plants, and products derived from them, to ensure it is carried out in a sustainable way to safeguard the long-term survival of species. Trade in the most endangered species is banned while that in species which may become endangered is carefully regulated and monitored through a system of import and export permits. There are approximately 30,000 species listed on CITES, around 5,000 of which are mammals.

  The UK is taking action at home and abroad to conserve biodiversity. The Darwin initiative launched at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 is a fund to assist countries that are rich in biodiversity but poor in resources to conserve their biological diversity. The fifth report on the Darwin Initiative was published on 17 July and copies placed in the Library of the House. So far it has provided £27 million to over 270 projects with links to some 80 developing countries. Through the UK's contributions the Global Environment Facility (GEF) we are helping developing countries and countries with economies in transition to meet their obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity. We are aiming for a significant replenishment of the GEF as soon as possible. And DFID are supporting sustainable forest management programmes in a number of developing countries.

  Agrimonetary Compensation
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment. Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations she has received on applying for agrimonetary compensation for farmers; and if she will make a statement on the rationale behind her Department's decision not to apply for much funding. [63035]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government has received representations from the industry and from hon. Members. While we acknowledge the difficulties the agricultural sector is facing and we are working with them on the recommendations of the Policy Commission on Farming and Food, we decided not to pay any further tranches of this subsidy given the many competing demands on the Exchequer at present. More than 80 per cent. of the cost would in effect have to be met by the British taxpayer.

  Coastal Protection
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the complexity of procedures for coastal protection. [63036]

  Mr. Morley
  Responsibility for deciding which flood and coastal defence projects to promote and their timing rests with operating authorities. This Department provides 1000W
  grants for flood and coastal defence capital works and associated studies, which meet essential technical, economic and environmental criteria and achieve an appropriate priority score. This Department has also provided the operating authorities with guidance on scheme appraisal.

  In the case of coast protection there are specific requirements in the Coast Protection Act 1949 which require a proposed scheme to be advertised. Anyone can object to a proposed scheme and, if the objection is not withdrawn, the Secretary of State must determine it.

  The procedures are kept under review and suggestions for change are considered carefully.

  Fisheries
  Mr. Carmichael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on recent moves towards reform of the common fisheries policy. [63037]

  Mr. Morley
  The Commission published its first set of proposals for reform of the common fisheries policy on 28 May 2002. Our preliminary assessment is that the aims of the proposals are broadly in line with the UK view developed in the light of our consultation with stakeholders last year about the Commission's Green Paper on the subject. We shall in coming weeks be assessing, again in consultation with all interested parties in the UK, all the possible implications of the Commission's proposals.

  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the European Commission proposals for the reform of the common fisheries policy. [63020]

  Mr. Morley
  Our preliminary assessment is that the aims of the proposals are broadly in line with the UK view developed in the light of our consultation with stakeholders last year about the Commission's Green Paper on the subject. We shall in coming weeks be assessing, again in consultation with all interested parties in the UK, all the possible implications of the Commission's proposals.

  Bali Conference
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the Bali prepcomm meeting. [63039]

  Mr. Meacher
  Progress was made on the importance of sanitation in eradicating poverty and meeting the millennium development goal on safe drinking water. Broad agreement was also reached on key issues such as the urgent need to restore fish stocks and address illegal fishing, and on the important role non-governmental actors can play in achieving sustainable development. The meeting also recognised the need for a strong focus on Africa.

  Other difficult issues remain outstanding, such as how the summit can address trade and finance issues to complement the Monterrey Consensus and the Doha Development Agenda. There are also specific targets on sanitation, biodiversity loss and energy which have yet to be agreed. We are continuing to ensure a successful

  1001W
  outcome for Johannesburg, including concrete actions and coherent work programmes on energy, water and sustainable patterns of consumption and production.

  Nitrate-vulnerable Zones
  Sir Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the introduction of nitrate-vulnerable zones. [63030]

  Mr. Meacher
  I refer you to the statement I am making today which outlines the action we are pursuing to tackle the problem of diffuse pollution of water by agriculture, including the designation of new nitrate vulnerable zones.

  Water Pollution
  Mrs. Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action is being taken to address diffuse pollution of water by agriculture; how the Government intend to implement the nitrates directive in England; and if she will make a statement. [165668]

  Margaret Beckett
  One year after the creation of DEFRA, it gives me enormous pleasure that what were different Departments are now working well together to develop an integrated approach to the problems of pollution, and especially diffuse pollution from agriculture.

  The increased intensification of farm production and the great steps made to reduce point source pollution from factories and sewage works mean that, as the Policy Commission on Food and Farming noted, agriculture is now clearly one of the major contributors to the pollution of water. It is also a significant polluter of air.

  Over time we will need to take further steps to reduce pollution from agriculture, but in a cost-effective way. We therefore need to involve farmers very closely in continuing work to achieve a cleaner and healthier environment. Many farmers are committed to protecting and enhancing the environment, but much more needs to be done to raise standards across all farms to the standards of the best, and to tackle the specific problem of diffuse pollution.

  Over the next few years we will be implementing the EU directives we have signed up to in order to improve water quality. As part of this work, later this year we will be holding a more detailed consultation with all sectors to follow up our first general consultation on implementing the water framework directive.

  Over 70 per cent. of nitrates and over 40 per cent. of phosphates in English waters originate from agricultural land. Up to a half of England's bathing waters are affected by short-term contamination by agricultural pollution, mainly by microbes from livestock manure being washed off farm land after rain. Excessive loads of fine silt are generated by soil erosion from intensively farmed land. Pesticides are contaminating drinking water sources, requiring expensive additional treatment at water works to remove pesticides before water can be supplied to consumers.

  No one farmer is responsible for this, but cumulatively diffuse pollution from farms is having a substantial impact on the quality of English waters. That is why we have begun a strategic review of diffuse water pollution from
  1002W
  agriculture, to identify cost-effective policy measures to prevent and control this pollution and to improve the sustainability of agriculture. We are co-ordinating this review with work announced in the Budget to review the particular role that economic instruments could play in tackling such pollution.

  As part of the open approach to policy development that we are seeking to adopt in the new Department. I am publishing today a discussion document, "The Government's Strategic Review of Diffuse Water Pollution From Agriculture in England", so that we can start a debate with farmers and other stakeholders about the problems that we face and how we can best solve them. This marks the beginning of a process for working with stakeholders to develop a package of policy measures to reduce pollution.

  Part of what we need to achieve is improved control of the application of manures and fertilisers to land. Through the review we are considering the full range of policy mechanisms that could play a part in the future in encouraging and assisting farmers to improve their management of manure and nutrients. But we also have to implement some measures now, to comply with the European Court of Justice judgment that we have failed to meet our obligations under the 1991 Nitrates Directive to tackle agricultural nitrate pollution of waters.

  We published proposals for implementing the directive in December 2001. We have carefully considered the responses to the consultation, and I am today publishing an analysis of these responses. We have decided to apply the minimum regulation consistent with our obligations under the directive, to avoid closing off other options for tackling the wider problem of diffuse pollution that might be identified through the current review.

  We will designate new nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs) covering 47 per cent. of the land area of England, which will take the total designated area in England to 55 per cent. These are areas draining into rivers, ground water and other waters which are affected by nitrate pollution. In consequence, farmers using manufactured nitrogen fertilisers or organic manures will be required to follow an action programme to reduce pollution.

  This action will help to prevent and reverse damaging impacts of eutrophication, and improve the quality of drinking water sources. Better control of manure spreading will also cut microbiological inputs to water, helping to maintain and further increase the quality of bathing waters and shellfish waters.

  The overall extent of the new designations will be less than was originally estimated in the consultation document, as a result of work to define and quantify the NVZ areas more accurately than was possible at the time the consultation document was issued. Some new areas have been added, as was anticipated in the consultation document; but more areas have been removed.

  I am today publishing a revised regulatory impact assessment, which estimates that the compliance costs incurred by farmers will amount to about £20 million per year. Costs will vary considerably from farm to farm, but I acknowledge that some farmers, particularly those who need to construct additional slurry storage facilities, will incur substantial costs. To assist those farmers who are most affected, we will extend the existing farm waste

  1003W
  grant scheme to the new NVZ areas to help finance improvements to slurry storage facilities required to implement the action programme.

  Formal designations setting down the precise boundaries of the new zones will follow as soon as possible, and it will become a legal requirement to follow the action programme from 19 December 2002. By the end of July, DEFRA will make available detailed interactive maps of the new NVZ areas. As soon as these are available, we will write to farmers to explain how to access these maps. We will also send all farmers in affected areas explanatory guidance material, together with sources of further advice on how to comply with the measures and details on the availability of grant under the farm waste grant scheme.

  We are also taking action to reduce phosphate and nitrate pollution of waters from other sources, and are announcing, separately, additional designations under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive that will require water companies to reduce phosphate or nitrate discharges from certain sewage treatment works.

  We are also committed to improving air quality. 85 per cent. of the ammonia which enters the atmosphere in the UK comes from fertilisers and manures used in agriculture. We will be publishing a booklet later this summer, which will explain the problems caused by ammonia emissions, to initiate debate on how to tackle this related problem.

  This all adds up to a substantial agenda for change. I recognise that we must secure these changes in ways which maximise the beneficial impact on the environment while minimising the regulatory burden on farmers. As we said in "Working Together", we need to explore joined-up ways of working; to develop whole farm approaches; and to identify smarter ways of regulating. For example, several of the measures I have mentioned could affect the ways farmers handle manures and fertilisers, pointing to the benefits of more integrated approaches.

  Mrs. Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the outcome was of the 2001 review of sensitive areas as required by the Urban Waste Water Treatment (England and Wales) Regulations 1994; and if she will make a statement. [65669]

  Margaret Beckett
  Based on recommendations from the Environment Agency I have reviewed the identification of Sensitive Areas in England in accordance with the criteria in Part 1 of Schedule 1 of the Urban Waste Water Treatment (England and Wales) Regulations 1994 (which transposes the European Council Directive (91/271/EEC) concerning urban waste water treatment).

  This review has resulted in the identification of 33 more water bodies in England as Sensitive Areas. 32 are because the waters have since the last review in 1997 been found to be eutrophic, or that they may in the near future become eutrophic if protective action is not taken. Eutrophic waters are those which are, or may be, adversely (in terms of their ecology and quality) affected by discharges from sewage treatment works serving communities of more than 10,000 inhabitants.

  The remaining water body, the River Itchen in the midlands, which supplies drinking water, has been identified on the basis of elevated levels of nitrate under the terms of the regulations.
  1004W
  Identification of these areas will result in more stringent treatment being provided at 53 qualifying treatment works by water companies. This treatment involves reducing levels of phosphorus and/or nitrogen in discharges to tackle eutrophication and nitrate levels of these waters.

  These new requirements on water companies to remove these nutrients from sewage treatment work discharges will complement and add to the action required by farmers under the Nitrates Directive, and by my Department on diffuse pollution, which I also announced today.

  Lists of the new sensitive areas have today been deposited in the Libraries of both Houses. Maps showing the location of all current sensitive areas (eutrophic) and (nitrate) will be deposited in the Libraries of both Houses and at offices of the Environment Agency in due course.

  Radioactive Waste
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the results were of the consultation on managing radioactive waste supply. [63038]

  Mr. Meacher
  We received 330 replies to the consultation paper "Managing Radioactive Waste Safely" published last September by the UK Government and the devolved Administrations for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. We are evaluating the outcome, and we shall shortly publish a summary of responses as well as announcing what we plan to do next.

  Farmers (Bureaucracy)
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment she has made of the length and complexity of the forms that her Department requires farmers to complete. [63017]

  Mr. Morley
  Many of the forms farmers are required to complete relate to CAP support schemes. These forms are reviewed each year for need and content. No overall assessment of the Department's forms aimed at farmers has been made since the creation of DEFRA. The Department is currently considering its overall approach to reviewing forms.

  Empty Properties
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the(a) average and (b) recommended turnaround time has been over the last 12 months for making affordable empty homes available for new tenants. [61177]

  Mr. McNulty
  I have been asked to reply.

  The average time taken by local authorities in England to re-let their housing stock is one of the best value performance indicators for housing (BVPI 68) for 2001–02. The Audit Commission expects to publish information on authorities' performance against this indicator in 2001–02 in January 2003. The latest available information is in respect of lettings during 2000–01, as reported to the Audit Commission, and can be found in their publication "Local Authority Performance Indicators 2001/2002 Council Services Compendium for England, Volumes 1 and 2". Because of variations in the way local

  1005W
  authorities maintain lettings records and compile these estimates, average figures and any comparisons between authorities should be treated with caution.

  BVPI68 is a "top quartile" performance indicator. The Government expect local authorities to set targets for these BVPIs which are consistent with reaching the performance standard set by the top quartile of authorities over five years (i.e. by 31 March 2005). For 2001–02 the top quartile performance standards were:

  Days

  London boroughs

  42

  Metropolitan boroughs

  29

  Unitaries

  28

  District councils

  25

  Corresponding information in respect of re-lettings by registered social landlords (RSLs) is collected by the Housing Corporation and a summary of the most recent data, for 2000–01, was published in "Housing Associations in 2001: Performance Indicators" (Source Research 56). The Housing Corporation's regulatory code does not set recommended turnaround time for RSLs to make affordable empty homes available to new tenants.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Convention on the Future of Europe
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what correspondence he has received from the European Academy of Sport with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64049]

  (2) what correspondence he has received from Service Civil International with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [63991]

  (3) what correspondence he has received from the European Federation of Youth Service Organisations with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [63987]
  1006W
  (4) what correspondence he has received from Youth of European Nationalities with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64038]

  (5) what correspondence he has received from the European Writers' Congress with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64074]

  (6) what correspondence he has received from A Seed Europe with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64004]

  (7) what correspondence he has received from the European Union of Music Competition for Youth with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64029]

  (8) what correspondence he has received from the Coordination Committee for International Voluntary Service with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64021]

  (9) what correspondence he has received from the European Humanities University, Minsk-Belaruss with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64057]
  1007W
  (10) what correspondence he has received from the Association of the International Cultural Youth Exchange with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64003]

  (11) what correspondence he has received from the Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA) with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64046]

  (12) what correspondence he has received from Global Legislators for a Balanced Environment with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64066]

  (13) what correspondence he has received from the European Playwork Association with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64000]

  (14) what correspondence he has received from the European Alliance of YMCAs with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [63988]

  (15) what correspondence he has received from the European University Institute (research) with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64085]
  1008W
  (16) what correspondence he has received from Youth Action for Peace with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [63993]

  (17) what correspondence he has received from the International Association of Civil Engineering Students with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64039]

  (18) what correspondence he has received from the Invisible College, Chisinau-Moldavia with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64059]

  (19) what correspondence he has received from the World Federation of Democratic Youth with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64010]

  (20) what correspondence he has received from the European Movement with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64064]

  (21) what correspondence he has received from the Food First Information Act Network with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64052]
  1009W
  (22) what correspondence he has received from the European Institute for Asian Studies with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [63981]

  (23) what correspondence he has received from the Foundation of Journalists with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64047]

  (24) what correspondence he has received from the Information Point Europe with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64051]

  (25) what correspondence he has received from Youth for European Educational Exchanges with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [63990]

  (26) what correspondence he has received from the European Confederation of Junior Enterprises with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64002]

  (27) what correspondence he has received from the Belgrade Open School with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64056]
  1010W
  (28) what correspondence he has received from Notre Europe with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64076]

  (29) what correspondence he has received from the Centre for HR at the University of Pretoria with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64081]

  (30) what correspondence he has received from Contact-2013 with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64007]

  (31) what correspondence he has received from the International Forum of Decision Makers on Youth with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64027]

  (32) what correspondence he has received from the Forum for European Alternatives with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64070]

  (33) what correspondence he has received from the European Bureau for Conscientious Objection with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64032]
  1011W
  (34) what correspondence he has received from European Youth Forest Action with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64020]

  (35) what correspondence he has received from the Hellenic University Association of European Studies with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64061]

  (36) what correspondence he has received from the International Council of Jewish Women with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64053]

  (37) what correspondence he has received from the European Law Students' Association with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64015]

  (38) what correspondence he has received from the Democrat Youth Community of Europe with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64019]

  (39) what correspondence he has received from Ciemen (Mercator) with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64078]
  1012W
  (40) what correspondence he has received from the International Union of Socialist Youth with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [63986]

  (41) what correspondence he has received from the Alliance of European Voluntary Service Organisations with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64024]

  (42) what correspondence he has received from the European Policy Centre (EPC) with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64044]

  (43) what correspondence he has received from the International Federation of Liberal and Radical Youth with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [63997]

  (44) what correspondence he has received from the European Confederation of Youth Club Organisations with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64017]

  (45) what correspondence he has received from Yourope-The European Festival Organisation with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities

  1013W
  with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64025]

  (46) what correspondence he has received from EFAH/FEAP with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64071]

  (47) what correspondence he has received from the Experiment in Europe Association with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64014]

  (48) what correspondence he has received from Stichting World Student Christian Federation Europe with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64034]

  (49) what correspondence he has received from the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [63984]

  (50) what correspondence he has received from the European University Institute (archives) with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64084]

  (51) what correspondence he has received from the University of Sarajevo with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what
  1014W
  assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64079]

  (52) what correspondence he has received from the Academy of European Law with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64083]

  (53) what correspondence he has received from the International Association of Agricultural Students with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64006]

  (54) what correspondence he has received from Euromet with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64042]

  (55) what correspondence he has received from the European Bureau for lesser used Languages with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64088]

  (56) what correspondence he has received from the European Citizens' Action Service (ECAS) with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64065]

  (57) what correspondence he has received from the European Union Federation of Youth Hostel Associations with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its

  1015W
  publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [63999]

  (58) what correspondence he has received from the Organizing Bureau of European School Student Unions with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [63995]

  (59) what correspondence he has received from Europe 99 with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64054]

  (60) what correspondence he has received from the European Good Templar Youth Federation with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64016]

  (61) what correspondence he has received from International Young Naturefriends with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64012]

  (62) what correspondence he has received from the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64045]

  (63) what correspondence he has received from the Erasmus Student Network International with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his
  1016W
  policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64037]

  (64) what correspondence he has received from the European Union Net Art with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64073]

  (65) what correspondence he has received from Syndesmos-The World Fellowship of Orthodox Youth with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64011]

  (66) what correspondence he has received from CIREM. Barcelona with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64062]

  (67) what correspondence he has received from the European Institute of Public Administration with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64082]

  (68) what correspondence he has received from Youth of the European People's Party with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64008]

  (69) what correspondence he has received from the European Institute for Outdoor Adventure Education with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body;

  1017W
  what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64028]

  (70) what correspondence he has received from Youth for Development and Co-operation with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe: when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64009]

  (71) what correspondence he has received from the European Federation for Intercultural Learning with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64001]

  (72) what correspondence he has received from the European Policies Research Centre at the University of Strathclyde with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64055]

  (73) what correspondence he has received from the Informal European Theatre Meeting with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64075]

  (74) what correspondence he has received from ETUC Youth with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and undiversities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64018]

  (75) what correspondence he has received from the World Federalist Movement with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met
  1018W
  representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64080]

  (76) what correspondence he has received from the Federal Trust with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64068]

  (77) what correspondence he has received from World Organisation of the Scout Movement European with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [63989]

  (78) what correspondence he has received from St. Stephen's University, Södöllö-Hungary with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64063]

  (79) what correspondence he has received from the Church and Society Commission with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64067]

  (80) what correspondence he has received from the European Youth Card Association with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [63998]

  (81) what correspondence he has received from the International Pharmaceutical Students' Federation with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of

  1019W
  Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64026]

  (82) what correspondence he has received from the European Council of Artists with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64072]

  (83) what correspondence he has received from United for Intercultural Action with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [63985]

  (84) what correspondence he has received from European Democrat Students with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64023]

  (85) what correspondence he has received from the Ecumenical Youth Council in Europe with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64043]

  (86) what correspondence he has received from the College Europe, with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64086]

  (87) what correspondence he has received from the Fritz Brauer Institute with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards
  1020W
  continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64048]

  (88) what correspondence he has received from the European Rotaract Information Centre with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64036]

  (89) what correspondence he has received from the University College of Wales (Mercator) with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64077]

  (90) what correspondence he has received from the Jean Monnet Foundation with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64069]

  (91) what correspondence he has received from the Peace Child Charitable Trust with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64031]

  (92) what correspondence he has received from European Students of Industrial Engineering with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64035]

  (93) what correspondence he has received from ECRE with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it

  1021W
  by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement: [63982]

  (94) what correspondence he has received from the Pax Christi International Youth Forum with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [63994]

  (95) what correspondence he has received from the International Federation of Catholic Parochial Youth with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe: when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64040]

  (96) what correspondence he has received from the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64060]

  (97) what correspondence he has received from the International Sonnenberg Association with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64013]

  (98) what correspondence he has received from the European Committee for Young Farmers' and 4 Clubs with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64005]

  (99) what correspondence he has received from the Association of Voluntary Service Organisations with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of
  1022W
  Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64033]

  (100) what correspondence he has received from Youth and Environment Europe with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64041]

  (101) what correspondence he has received from the Fryske Academy (Mercator) with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64087]

  (102) what correspondence he has received from the European Social Action Network with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64030]

  (103) what correspondence he has received from the International Delphic Council with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64050]

  (104) what correspondence he has received from Youth for Exchange and Understanding with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [63992]

  (105) what correspondence he has received from the Jean Monnet Association with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the

  1023W
  target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [63979]

  (106) what correspondence he has received from the International Sport and Culture Association with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body: what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [63996]

  (107) what correspondence he has received from Stichting AIESEC International with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body: what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [63983]

  (108) what correspondence he has received from IREL with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [63980]

  (109) what correspondence he has received from the International Falcon Movement-Socialist Educational with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64022]

  (110) what correspondence he has received from the European Institute of Cyprus with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe; when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audiences of its publications have been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64058]

  (111) what correspondence he has received from the Auschwitz Foundation with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe, when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audience of its publications has been; what
  1024W
  assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities, with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64983]

  (112) what correspondence he has received from the Union of European Federalists with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe, when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audience of its publications has been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities, with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64984]

  (113) what correspondence he has received from the Strasbourg Centre of European Studies with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe, when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audience of its publications has been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities, with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64985]

  (114) what correspondence he has received from the Institute for the Study of A Spinelli with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe, when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audience of its publications has been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities, with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement; [64986]

  (115) what correspondence he has received from the International Press Centre in Brussels with particular reference to the Convention on the Future of Europe when he last met representatives from that body; what his policy is towards continuing funding of it by the European Union; what the target audience of its publications has been; what assessment he has made of the compatibility of their use in schools and universities, with the requirements in the Education Act 1996 for balance in the provision of information; and if he will make a statement. [64982]

  Peter Hain
  The hon. Member asks about a huge range of organisations. The Convention on the future of Europe encourages the widest possible discussion at all levels, and we welcome the engagement of as many NGOs as possible to bring balance to this debate. It was exactly this requirement for balance across the political spectrum which the 1996 Education Act stipulated.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Hugh Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will estimate the cost of answering the parliamentary questions tabled by the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) on 19 June concerning correspondence received by his Department;
  1025W
  and if he will make a statement on ways in which hon. Members may make inquiries of his Department and the cost of each method. [64279]

  Mr. Straw
  Although the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) tabled over 120 parliamentary questions on correspondence we had received from various NGOs concerning the Convention on the Future of Europe, my right hon. Friend the Member for Neath (Peter Hain) answered all his questions with a single answer.

  In a written answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Stevenage (Barbara Follett) on 11 April 2002, Official Report,column 582W, the then Financial Secretary my right hon. Friend the Member for Brent, South (Mr. Paul Boateng) announced that the average estimated cost of answering a written parliamentary question was £129. No equivalent exercise is done for the cost of responding to MPs' letters.

  Turkey (Human Rights)
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made recently of the human rights situation in Turkey, with particular reference to the use of torture. [64318]

  Peter Hain
  On 19–20 June, a senior official from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office led a UK delegation at the first formal UK/Turkey Human Rights Dialogue, in Ankara. The dialogue was frank and constructive. There was detailed discussion of the steps Turkey has recently taken to improve the human rights situation, and of what remains to be done, including to eradicate torture. As expressed at the recent European Council in Seville, we welcome the changes Turkey has made, but implementation remains key. The European Commission will publish a further assessment of the situation in October.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department will make to Turkish Government officials during their meetings in June about(a)the continuing use of torture by Turkish authorities and (b)the implementation of the European Court of Justice ruling on Leyle Zana and her fellow imprisoned members of Parliament. [64319]

  Peter Hain
  On 19–20 June, a senior official from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office led a UK delegation at the first formal UK/Turkey Human Rights Dialogue, in Ankara. There was a frank and constructive discussion on the human rights situation in Turkey, the measures recently taken to improve it and what remains to be done, including to eradicate torture. We welcomed the changes in policy concerning incommunicado detention and the fact that some cases have been brought against those suspected of torture. We also discussed the recent judgment on the case of Leyla Zana. We look to the Government of Turkey to abide by the decision of the European Court of Human Rights in this case, as in others.

  Bhutan
  Andy King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what recent discussions 1026W
  he has had with colleagues in the European Union concerning religious freedom in Bhutan; and if he will make a statement; [64301]

  pursuant to his answer of 30 April 2002, Official Report,column 655W, what recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the Royal Government of Bhutan concerning the persecution of Christians in Bhutan; [64299]

  what steps the UK Government are taking to encourage Bhutan to provide constitutional guarantees for religious liberty in accordance with Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards; [64298]

  what steps the UK Government are taking to encourage Bhutan to ratify (a)the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, (b)the International Covenant on Economic, Cultural and Social Rights and (c) the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; [64300]

  what plans (a)Her Majesty's Government and (b) the European Union have to encourage the Royal Government of Bhutan to draw on the expertise of the international community, particularly with regard to (i) shared legal expertise and (ii) good practice on constitutional drafting. [64297]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We have received occasional NGO reports suggesting mistreatment of Christians in Bhutan. Although we have made no recent representations, we have in the past expressed our concern to the Royal Government of Bhutan that the right to choose, declare, and practice one's religion should be respected. We understand the position of the Royal Government of Bhutan is that there is freedom of individual religious practice in Bhutan. We have had no reason to discuss the issue with our European Union colleagues.

  During a visit to Thimphu in May 2001, the Deputy High Commissioner in New Delhi raised with the Royal Government of Bhutan the desirability of an early Bhutanese accession to the UN Convention Against Torture. We understand that the Royal Government of Bhutan need to pass additional legislation before they can ratify this and several other human rights conventions.

  The form and content of the Bhutanese constitution is a matter for the Government and people of Bhutan. The Commission established by HM the King in 2001 has been tasked with drafting a constitution that reflects international norms and democratic practices. The Commission has yet to produce its first report. HMG would be glad to respond to any request from Bhutan to share legal expertise and good practice on constitutional drafting.

  Royal Visits
  Mr. Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list each official visit made by each member of the Royal Family, excluding Her Majesty the Queen, in each of the past 10 years, indicating the country, date and duration of visit. [64567]
  1027W
  Mr. Straw
  The list of official visits by each member of the Royal Family in each of the past 10 years with the exception of Her Majesty The Queen, indicating the country visited, and the dates, has been deposited in the Library of the House of Commons.

  From 1998 details of such visits are available in the Annual Report of the Grant-in-Aid for Royal Travel by Air and Rail, issued by The Keeper of the Privy Purse.

  Indonesia
  Mr. Ancram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Indonesia since 1 January 2001 regarding the activities of Laskar Jihad; and if he will make a statement. [64585]

  Mr. Straw
  The British Government has consistently made clear its view that long-term solutions to regional conflicts in Indonesia can be achieved only through negotiation and consultation, and that extremists who break the law should be dealt with firmly to allow space for reconciliation efforts to take root.

  Ministers and senior officials have regularly raised the issue of extremism and, specifically, Laskar Jihad with the Indonesian Authorities.

  British Council
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent activities the British Council has undertaken in other European countries on combating racism and intolerance. [64678]

  Mr. MacShane
  The British Council has been involved in a number of initiatives, helping bring together local authorities, NGOs and others in the UK and in Italy, Sweden, France, Denmark, Germany and Belgium for exchanges on tolerance and diversity. These have included seminars and conferences covering issues such as local government practice, citizenship education, and managing cultural diversity in schools.

  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of work undertaken by the British Council in(a)promoting human rights, (b)leadership training, (c) strengthening civil society and (d)providing support for non-governmental sectors in Africa in preparation for the implementation of the New Partnership for Africa's Development. [64676]

  Mr. MacShane
  The British Council plays a distinctive public diplomacy role in Africa which complements the work of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development. The council builds people to people partnerships to support change from within—an approach consistent with the thinking behind the New Partnership for Africa's Development initiative.

  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact of the expansion of British Council activities in Russia in the past two years. [64681]

  Mr. MacShane
  The British Council opens its 14th centre in Russia this week in Rostov-on-Don. The extension of the Council's regional network in Russia in 1028W
  recent years has played an important role in helping extend UK reach and influence there. Additionally, 200–300 people per day are already visiting the Council's web portal, launched in March; the portal provides access to 70,000 British sites and is targeted at the younger generation.

  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent work the British Council has done to meet the demand from young people in China for contact with the United Kingdom. [64679]

  Mr. MacShane
  The British Council has been very active and successful in promoting educational links with China. The number of Chinese students in higher and further education, and in schools in this country in 2001 was 50,000, an increase of 30 per cent. The FCO Chevening scholarship scheme, adminstered by the British Council, brought 177 postgraduates to the UK in the academic year 2000–01, an increase of 29 students on the previous year. Under a DfES funded programme managed by the Council, school links increased from 20 to 80.

  Together with the BBC World Service and China's Open University, the Council launched its "in2english" project which reaches 250,000 teachers and students of English in China. 58,000 candidates sat English languages tests in some 20 cities in 2001, an increase of 100 per cent. on the previous year. 30 schools in the UK now teach Chinese.

  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the findings are of the British Council's Connecting Futures research into attitudes towards the United Kingdom in the Arab and Muslim worlds; and if he will make a statement. [64682]

  Mr. MacShane
  Overall the results of the Connecting Futures research confirm a favourable attitude towards the UK among young people in the Arab and Muslim world, with 63 per cent. of those polled placing the UK high on their list of favourite nations. A high regard for British education and admiration for the consistently strong British economic performance were the two positive messages cited most often by respondents. Full details of the research findings are available via the internet at www.britishcouncil.org/connectingfutures.

  The research will be valuable in informing FCO and British Council efforts to further improve and build mutually beneficial relationships between these countries and the UK.

  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress the British Council has made in promoting United Kingdom science abroad; and if it will increase its levels of funding for the promotion of excellence of UK science internationally. [64677]

  Mr. MacShane
  The British Council's recent work in this area has included the initiation of new UK collaboration with India in digital technology, biotechnology, the environment and medical research. Partnerships with broadcasting organisations have also enabled the Council to reach significantly wider audiences in promoting UK science in Hungary, Japan and Malaysia.
  1029W
  The British Council is committed to increasing its share of Foreign and Commonwealth Office grant-in-aid funding to science from £5.4 million in 2001–02 to £8 million in 2003–04. This funding will be used to project UK science as innovative and internationally competitive, and to promote understanding in science in society, raising awareness of scientific themes of importance to the UK abroad.

WALES

  Annual Leave
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what the average annual leave entitlement is for staff in his Department in 2002. [64650]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 1 February 2002,Official Report,column 574W.

  Staff Training
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much the Department has spent on staff training and development in each of the last five years. [61058]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave him on 26 April 2002,Official Report,column 501W.

  Departmental Reports
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many Wales Office departmental reports were sold in(a)2000, (b)2001 and (c)2002. [63104]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The numbers of Wales Office departmental reports sold in each of those years is:

  (a)

  (b)

  (c)

  Ministerial Salaries
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what the annual cost was of ministerial salaries in his Department in(a)1997–98 and (b)2001–02. [60949]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The level of ministerial salaries are recommended by the Senior Salaries Review Body.

  My Department came into existence on 1 July 1999. From June 2001 it has had one Cabinet Minister at an annual salary of £68,157 and one Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, at an annual salary of £26,835.

CABINET OFFICE

  Departmental Report
  Kali Mountford
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when he will publish the Cabinet Office departmental report 2001–02. [65476]

  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when the Cabinet Office departmental report for 2002 will be published. [63579]
  1030W
  Mr. Alexander
  Copies of the Cabinet Office departmental report 2001–02 were yesterday laid before Parliament, copies of which are available in the Libraries of both Houses.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

  Temporary Land Use
  Mr. Anthony D. Wright
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans the Government have to change controls for temporary use of land under Part 4 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995. [65613]

  Mr. McNulty
  On 24 January 2002 a consultation paper was issued on possible options for change to the current temporary use provisions. The paper put forward six options for change as well as inviting proposals for alternative options. A preferred option was not given. The closing date for responses was 24 April 2002.

  We have had a significant response to the consultation paper and those views will be given due weight when considering any possible changes. Any changes that are made will only be after further consideration and decisions will not be taken lightly. However, the Government have no intention of disturbing urban and rural communities' traditional social and sporting activities through changes in this area.

  Affordable Housing
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which regional plans include estimates of the need for affordable housing in their region; and what the estimate is in each case. [63905]

  Mr. McNulty
  Regional planning guidance in the south-east, south-west, east midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber all have indicators for monitoring the provision of affordable housing. All regions have policies on affordable housing in regional planning guidance.

  The indicators for monitoring affordable housing are 18,000–19,000 affordable homes per annum in the south-east region outside London, 6,000–10,000 per annum in the south-west, 3,400 dwellings per annum in the east midlands and 4,000 per annum in Yorkshire and the Humber.

  Groundwork
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, pursuant to the answer by the Under-Secretary of State for International Development, the hon. Member for Northampton, North (Ms Keeble) of 23 May 2002,Official Report,column 509W, on Groundwork, if he will indicate what the time scale is for reaching a decision on a Lancashire-wide Groundwork Trust. [64386]

  Mr. McNulty
  We are currently awaiting further information from Groundwork UK in respect of the relationship and implications of the proposed pilot for a Lancashire-wide Groundwork Trust and the strategic functions currently carried out by existing Groundwork Trusts in the county, and on the arrangements for monitoring and evaluating the pilot. We plan to reach a decision before the summer recess.

  Council Tax
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the percentage change in the council tax in county, district and unitary authorities in each of the past three years. [63022]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Decisions on council tax levels are for local authorities to take, after consulting their local electorate and taxpayers.

  The table shows the percentage changes over the past three years in the average Band D (2 adults) council taxes set by shire county councils, shire district councils and unitary authorities.

  Percentage increase in average Band D (2 adults) council tax

  Class of authority

  2000–01 over 1999–2000

  2001–02 over 2000–01

  2002–03 over 2001–02

  Shire county councils

  6.7

  6.3

  9.3

  Shire district councils

  5.4

  6.3

  8.6

  Unitary authorities

  5.7

  6.1

  8.2

  High Hedges
  Mrs. Brooke
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if his Department has issued a leaflet on guidelines to local authorities on dealing with high hedges complaints. [64530]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has no plans to issue a leaflet on guidelines to local authorities on dealing with high hedge complaints. Until there is a change in the law, local authorities have no powers to intervene in these matters.

  We are preparing a leaflet for members of the public, advising them how they might approach their neighbours to try to agree a solution to their hedge problems. The leaflet will include information on a range of factors that people might consider in settling on the right hedge height for their particular circumstances. It will cover such matters as what heights will ensure privacy; those at which a hedge can be safely maintained; and those likely to block light to neighbouring properties.

  We expect to publish the leaflet later in the summer and will provide copies to all Members of Parliament.

  Mrs. Brooke
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what progress is being made to introduce legislation on controlling high hedges. [64529]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Government supported the high hedges Bill introduced last session by the hon. Member for Solihull (John M. Taylor MP). Unfortunately, it fell due to lack of time before the election. Although it has not been possible to bring forward a high hedges Bill in the current session, we remain committed to legislation allowing local authorities to deal with complaints about high hedges as soon as parliamentary time can be found.

  Fire-fighters
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on recent representations he has received about fire-fighters' pay. [64268]
  1032W
  Mr. Raynsford
  We greatly appreciate the valuable contribution to public protection made by the fire service, and by the other emergency services. Our emergency services are rightly held in high regard for their professionalism and dedication.

  The Government have no statutory role in determining fire-fighters' pay. Representatives from local government, representing the employers, and from the Fire Brigades Union, representing employees, are responsible for negotiating fire-fighters' 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. It would not be appropriate for the Government to comment on the progress of these negotiations.

  Neighbourhood Renewal Fund
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to extend economic support to disadvantaged and deprived areas through the neighbourhood renewal fund beyond its allocation until 2003–04. [63961]

  Mr. McNulty
  We are considering the future of the neighbourhood renewal fund in the context of spending review 2002, on which decisions will be announced in July.

  Housing (Older People)
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he will publish the Choice and Quality in Housing for Older People strategy guidance that has been developed with the Department of Health. [64516]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Government are producing two documents relating to older people's housing and related support. These will both be published late summer.

  The first document, "Quality and Choice for Older People's Housing: A Strategic Framework. The Story So Far", is the follow-up report on the actions for Government set out in the original strategic framework document published by the then Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions and the Department of Health in January 2001.

  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, with the Department of Health and the Housing Corporation has also co-commissioned work on guidance for local authorities and their partner organisations in preparing older people's strategies.

  Housing (Key Workers)
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many station houses have been provided for key workers in London in each year since 1997. [64371]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Government no longer allocate specific funding to local authorities for housing improvement grants. Each housing authority must decide how much it will allocate towards this purpose from the total capital funding provided to it by the Government each year.
  1033W
  Total capital resources made available for housing purposes for all authorities in England for 2002–03 is £2.5 billion. For Gloucestershire the figure for 2002–03 is £16.6 million, an increase of 85 per cent. on 1997–98.

  Homelessness (Castle Point)
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what proportion of the national allocation to tackle homelessness, announced in the March 2002 report, "More Than a Roof', has been allocated to Castle Point borough council. [64264]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Government are investing £125 million this financial year to tackle homelessness. I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave,Official Report,(64265), which states that the Homelessness Directorate has not received an application for funding from Castle Point borough council towards implementing their homelessness strategy.

  £8 million per annum has been provided to local authorities (through the local government finance settlement, with effect from 2001–02) to implement the Homelessness Act. A further £10 million will be allocated in 2002–03 to assist local authorities to deliver the priority need order. It has not yet been decided what proportion of this money will go to individual local authorities. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Local Government Association are currently considering how the money will be shared.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if Castle Point borough council has submitted an action plan to show how it will reduce numbers and length of stay for homeless families with children in bed-and-breakfast accommodation. [64266]

  Mr. McNulty
  Based on 2001 statistics, Castle Point was not identified as one of the highest users of bed-and-breakfast hotels (B&B). The authority was not, therefore, required to submit a B&B reduction action plan in the first round of applications for funding to reduce numbers of families with children in B&B. However, the latest data from Castle Point indicates that is has 20 homeless households in B&B, of which 16 are families with children. We will be contacting the authority shortly to discuss their proposals to meet the commitment that, by March 2004, no homeless family with children is in B&B except in an emergency and even then for no more than six weeks.

  Castle Point, like all authorities has been sent a 10-point check list of good practice, outlining the key `building blocks' which we expect every authority to have in place to deliver reductions in B&B hotel use. In addition, the changes to housing benefit subsidies provide an incentive for authorities to lease private sector homes as a better quality alternative to B&B hotels.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if the Homeless Directorate in his Department has received a bid for funding to help local homeless people, from Castle Point borough council. [64265]
  1034W
  Mr. McNulty
  On 14 March 2002, local authorities were invited to submit proposals to the new Homelessness Directorate in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for funding for local homelessness strategies. These are being considered at the moment. Castle Point borough council have not submitted any proposals for funding.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what proportion of the additional money per year provided to local authorities in the revenue support grant to help them meet their new statutory obligations under the Homelessness Act 2002 has been allocated to Castle Point borough council. [64263]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Government added £6.5/8/8 million to the general grant for 2001–02 to 2003–04 to meet local authorities' new statutory obligations under the Homelessness Act 2002. General grant is distributed to councils through standard spending assessments (SSA) which take account of various broad social and economic factors such as population. It is not possible to estimate how much of an authority's SSA relates to additional provision for particular responsibilities. It is, of course, for local authorities to decide how to allocate their general grant. Local authorities' responsibilities under the Homelessness Act 2002 are within the Environmental, Protective and Cultural Services SSA Block.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the total cost of local government in the north-west was in the last financial year. [64541]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Local authorities within the north-west region have reported revenue expenditure 2001–02 budget figures totalling £8.3 billion. Revenue expenditure is expenditure funded by council tax, general Government grants, specific Government grants inside aggregate external finance and use of reserves.

  The 2001–02 forecast figure for total capital expenditure in the north-west region is £1.5 billion.

  Regional Policy
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many central Government Departments are not represented at a regional level within the network of Government offices; and what plans there are to increase the remit and responsibilities of regional staff. [63101]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Government offices support the work of nine Departments: the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister; Department for Culture, Media and Sport; Department for Education and Skills; Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Department for Transport; Department for Work and Pensions; Department of Health; Department of Trade and Industry; and Home Office.

  The Government will continue to look for further opportunities to integrate more closely other regional activities and networks within Government office structures.

DEFENCE

  Forces Health (Afghanistan)
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures have been taken to prevent further outbreaks of illness among British forces in Afghanistan. [64489]

  Dr. Moonie
  An infection control specialist and infection outbreak investigation team were deployed during the outbreak. Their recommendations have lead to a tightening up of existing sanitary and hygiene measures.

  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the field hospital at Bagram has re-opened following its closure as a result of illness. [64490]

  Dr. Moonie
  34 field hospital at Bagram never closed although for a time it did not accept trauma patients, a measure that was lifted on 19 May 2002.

  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on hygiene standards of sanitary facilities used by British troops in Afghanistan. [64488]

  Dr. Moonie
  Afghanistan is a challenging environment which does place some limits on the sanitary facilities that can be provided. For example, there is not an unlimited supply of water. However, basic sanitary facilities are in place. Troops have access to showering facilities and the medical advice is that the deep trench latrines that are in place do not compromise hygiene standards, if well maintained.

  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the condition of the Royal Marines in Afghanistan who were struck down by illness during May. [64487]

  Dr. Moonie
  All British troops in Afghanistan who were suffering from winter vomiting disease during May have now recovered.

  Seville European Council
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Prime Minister's statement of 24 June on the Seville European Council, if he will make a statement on the relationship between ESDP and NATO; and if it is the policy of the Government for NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe to play the central role in military planning to meet crises and contingencies for NATO and ESDP operations. [64810]

  Mr. Hoon
  The European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) complements and reinforces NATO. The Government are continuing to work within both the EU and NATO to conclude agreement on the arrangements to enable the EU to have assured access to NATO's planning capacities. These arrangements, which cover the role of D/SACEUR, are crucial to the success of ESDP.

  EU Rapid Reaction Force
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans there are for the extension of the EU Rapid Reaction Force's mandate to the fight against terrorism; and if he will make a statement. [64811]
  1036W
  Mr. Hoon
  There is no standing European Rapid Reaction Force. The European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) seeks to enable the European Union to deal with the full range of conflict prevention and crisis management missions defined in the Amsterdam treaty, the "Petersberg Tasks". The European Council at Seville agreed a declaration concerning the contribution of the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, including ESDP, in the fight against terrorism. This can already include the use of military forces if appropriate.

  Nuclear Test Veterans
  Hywel Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements are in place to test the blood and saliva of British nuclear test veterans for evidence of irradiation. [50688]

  Dr. Moonie
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 17 January 2002,Official Report, column 394W, to the hon. Member for Angus (Mr. Weir).

  Computers
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures are(a)in place and (b)under discussion in his Department in order to ensure compliance with the WEE Directive. [60741]

  Dr. Moonie
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him on 12 June 2002,Official Report,column 1266W, by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Trade and Industry (Mr. Wilson).

  Staff Numbers
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many staff were employed by his Department on(a)2 May 1997 and (b)31 May 2002. [60896]

  Dr. Moonie
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 13 June 2002,Official Report,column 1402W, by the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, (Mr. Alexander).

  Strategic Sealift Capability
  Mr. Laxton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made toward finalising the arrangements for the UK's future military strategic sealift capability. [65664]

  Dr. Moonie
  I am pleased to announce that negotiations with AWSR Shipping Ltd. have been concluded and a PFI contract that will run until 2024 has been signed. The full service will be available from 2003. AWSR will provide, operate, maintain and manage six roll-on roll-off vessels and supply crews for the whole of the period of their contract. 180 new jobs for British seafarers will be created. After a phase in period, crews will be sponsored reserves. Based on a projected usage, the service is worth some £950 million, of which some £800 million is likely to be spent in the United Kingdom.

  All six ships will not be needed all the time for Ministry of Defence work. When not engaged on MOD tasks they will be available for commercial trade.
  1037W
  The service will play a central role in fulfilling our strategic defence review commitment to enhance the armed forces' equipment lift requirements and allow the movement of the joint rapid reaction forces quickly to overseas theatres as required.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  National Lottery
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the review of the licensing and regulation of the National Lottery. [65667]

  Tessa Jowell
  I am today publishing a consultation document, setting out a number of possible changes to the future licensing and regulation of the lottery.

  The document addresses the licensing arrangements which should apply when Camelot's second licence expires in January 2009. Our principal aim is to consider in good time therefore whether, and if so what, changes to the law governing the operation of the lottery are needed to ensure effective competition at that point, in the interests of maximising the income for good causes which it raises. The document takes account of the views of reports by the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee and by the National Audit Office into the award of the second licence.

  The document also invites views on the issue of whether the lottery should continue to be regulated by the National Lottery Commission, or brought within the remit of the Gambling Commission which we propose to establish, as described in "A safe bet for success".

  We shall shortly be publishing a further document which sets out our thinking on the arrangements for the distribution of lottery income, with a view to ensuring that the money for good causes is spent to best effect.

  In this way, looking at both the income and distribution sides of the lottery, we aim to underpin its long-term success and appeal, so that the public can have confidence in supporting it.

  I am arranging for copies of the consultation document to be deposited in the Libraries of both Houses. The consultation document is also available on the DCMS website at www.culture.gov.uk; and copies may be obtained, free of charge, from the Department. I shall be glad to consider comments on it.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Security Force Collusion Investigation
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make available the terms of reference according to which Mr. Justice Peter Cory will conduct his investigation into allegations of security force collusion. [65614]

  Dr. John Reid
  At the Weston Park talks last summer, the British and Irish Governments undertook to appoint a judge of international standing to conduct an investigation into allegations of collusion by the security forces in six 1038W
  particular cases. The two Governments announced the appointment of Mr. Justice Peter Cory, a former member of the Supreme Court of Canada, on 29 May 2002. I have placed a copy of the judge's terms of reference, which are set out in his letter of appointment, in the Library.

  Police Service Annual Report
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he hopes to make available the annual report for 2001–02 of the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland. [65615]

  Dr. John Reid
  Copies of the Chief Constable's annual report for 2001–02 will be placed in the Library tomorrow. It is a general report on the carrying out of the PSNI of their functions during 2001–02 financial year which is submitted to the Northern Ireland Policing Board and also to me for laying before Parliament in accordance with Section 58 (4) of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000.

  Police Reserve
  Mr. Donaldson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he will make a decision about the future of the Police Full-Time Reserve in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [64215]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Government remain committed to the objective of phasing out the Full-Time Reserve in line with the Patten report and the Implementation Plan.

  The Policing Board has asked the PSNI in the context of the service's overall human resources strategy, to prepare detailed proposals, including the Full-Time Reserve, to be considered by the board. I look forward to hearing the board's views, in conjunction with the chief constable's assessment, before final decisions are made.

  I understand the effect of uncertainty on officers and their families. I hope that it will be possible to reach conclusions on this issue shortly. In the meantime, the contracts of Full-Time Reserve officers will continue to be renewed.

  Forensic Science
  Mr. Salter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has made a decision on the future of forensic science in Northern Ireland. [55340]

  Dr. John Reid
  [pursuant to his reply, 8 May 2002, c. 199W]: I have agreed that the executive agency status of Forensic Science Northern Ireland should be continued until 31 March 2006. In addition, I have agreed with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury that Forensic Science will become a Trading Fund from 1 April 2004. My decisions follow the completion of Stage 1 of a quinquennial review which examined the past performance of Forensic Science and the alternative organisational arrangements available for the delivery of forensic services in Northern Ireland. Generally the agency was found to have performed well and I commend its staff for their dedication through a difficult period. Stage 2 of the review will now be carried out to look at ways of improving the delivery of services by the agency. Copies of the Stage 1 report have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses and will be available in due course on the NIO and Forensic Science websites.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

  Funding (Luton, South)
  Margaret Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what moneys have been provided(a) directly and (b) via agencies for which the Department has responsibility to the Luton, South constituency since 1997. [58586]

  Mr. Miliband
  The information requested can be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Departmental budgets are allocated on a national and regional basis and not by constituency.

  Ministerial Meetings
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which Ministers and officials had meetings with representatives of(a) the Confederation of British Industry, (b) the Engineering Employees Federation, and (c) the Engineering Marine Training Authority during the last year; who they met; and what the subjects and outcomes of their discussions were. [62204]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  Ministers and civil servants have meetings with a wide range of organisations and individuals as part of the process of policy development.

  As with previous Administrations, it is not this Government's practice to provide details of all such meetings. All such contacts are conducted in accordance with the Ministerial Code, the Civil Service Code and Guidance for Civil Servants: Contacts with Lobbyists.

  Children (Deafness)
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate she has made of the number of children with deafness in full-time education in each in the last three years. [61417]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  [holding answer 13 June 2002]: Information on numbers of children with specific types of special need is not available centrally.

  The Department is considering introducing a requirement for schools and local education authorities to provide this information from 2004.

  School Rolls
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the total roll number was of the(a) January 2001 Year 10 and (b) January 2002 Year 11. [62660]

  Mr. Miliband
  The requested information is not collected by year group. The nearest equivalent data collected by pupil age is shown in the table.

  Maintained secondary schools': number of full-time pupils by age

  England

  Position at January of each year

  Aged2

  Number of pupils

  2001

  14

  559,422

  20023

  15

  547,654

  1Including middle-deemed

  2At 31 August of previous year

  3Provisional

  Source:

  Annual School Census

  Specialist Teaching
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what provision is available to teachers to assist them to deliver a wider range of specialisms and cross-curricular activities, particularly in vocational subjects. [62458]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 18 June 2002]: From September 2002 all those training to teach 11 to 14-year-olds will he trained in the Key Stage 3 Strategy emphasising the importance of cross curricular work. Those training to teach 14 to 18-year-olds will train to teach whatever national qualifications are relevant to their subject, including vocational qualifications, key skills and work related learning. An extensive programme of staff training and free support materials for schools and colleges is being funded by my Department to coincide with the introduction of new vocational GCSEs in September 2002. This is in addition to existing professional development opportunities which teachers can use to address any training needs on specialist or cross curricular activities.

  Teacher Workload
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps her Department has taken(a) to reduce the number of new initiatives and (b) to improve the rigour of assessment of those initiatives following the publication of the School Teacher's Review Body report on teacher workload. [63167]

  Mr. Miliband
  We are consulting on the School Teachers' Review Body report on teacher workload. One of the recommendations concerns the management of initiatives and reporting requirements. We are discussing the best ways forward on this and other aspects of the report with the school workforce remodelling working party, which includes teacher and head teacher representatives. Following the current consultation exercise, we expect to make formal proposals in the autumn.

  Our strategic document "Education and Skills: Delivering Results A Strategy to 2002" describes how we will be working to improve delivery of our targets. We have worked with Cabinet Office to improve how we assess the impact of our policies on delivery partners, including the workload implications. This includes greater involvement of and consultation with schools about the best method of implementing new policies.

  The Government are committed to helping teachers raise standards in schools. Departmental initiatives are designed to spread good practice, tackle poor practice and sponsor innovate practice. Sometimes this involves streamlining departmental programmes—for example the national supplementative of the standards fund.

  Schools (Voluntary Support)
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what information she has on the number of hours of voluntary support provided in schools and early years settings. [63886]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 24 June 2002]: The Government do not collect this information.

  Staff Recruitment
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what information she collates on the number of new staff recruited each year by schools, colleges and early years settings. [63885]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 24 June 2002]: The Department collects information from teacher pension records on teachers in service in the maintained schools sector in England at 31 March each year. From this information, numbers of new teachers can be compiled. The most recent data available are for 31 March 2000.

  The Department does not collect numbers of new staff recruited to further education colleges and early years settings, or numbers of new staff recruited to non-teaching posts in schools.

  Criminal Records Checks
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what estimates she has made of the number of criminal records checks which need be carried out each year by school, colleges and early years settings; [63884]

  (2) if she will estimate the annual cost of criminal records checks to schools, colleges and early years settings. [63887]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 24 June 2002]: There are no estimates of numbers or costs available in respect of schools and colleges. My Department does not collect the kind of information about the number of staff and volunteers in these areas that would enable estimates to be made, and therefore the information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Ofsted arranges checks for those working in early years settings, such as childminders and day care staff, and it expects to request over 350,000 checks this year. We have set aside a sum of money to ensure that individuals in early years settings will not have to meet the CRB fee during the current financial year.

  Examination Results
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of pupils gained(a) five GCSEs at grade A-C and (b) two A-Levels in each local education authority in each year since 1999–2000, ranked by order of the most recent year. [63888]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 24 June 2002]: The information requested has been placed in the Libraries.

  Teacher Numbers
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to ensure all schools in England and Wales have sufficient teachers for the beginning of the new academic year. [64524]

  Mr. Miliband
  Schools are the employers and have primary responsibility for recruitment. Since 1997 the Government have introduced a series of measures to increase the number of teachers available to schools. They include measures to stimulate recruitment to initial teacher training, such as Training Salaries and "Golden Hellos"; a major boost to the Graduate Teacher 1042W
  programme for experienced entrants; a funded strategy for teachers' continuing professional development; extra pay flexibilities to allow schools to reward staff with scarce skills; extra support on behaviour management in the classroom; and funding for local Recruitment Strategy Managers within local education authorities. There were 9,400 more teachers in our schools in January 2002 than in January 2001—the biggest year-on-year rise for 20 years. There were also 26,700 more support staff in schools, and a 5 per cent. increase in the numbers of people starting initial teacher training courses.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students have failed the(a) numeracy and (b) literacy skills tests prior to entering teaching in each year since tests were introduced. [64558]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 26 June 2002]: The 1999–2000 teacher training cohort was the first to take a paper-based numeracy skills test. Following the first opportunities to take the test, 852 individuals had still to pass. Individuals had unlimited opportunities to pass the test throughout their induction period.

  The 2000–01 teacher training cohort took the computerised literacy and numeracy tests. As at 5 September 2001, 355 had still to pass either the numeracy or literacy skills tests. These individuals could enter teaching as unqualified teachers for up to five years and continue to have unlimited opportunities to pass the tests.

  The majority who fail the tests decide to re-sit. Figures are not available for this year as students are still taking the tests.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to ensure that children in England and Wales are taught by teachers with the relevant subject qualifications. [64557]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 26 June 2002]: It is for schools, as employers, to employ the best available qualified people to teach their pupils and to deploy them appropriately. Preparations are in hand for a Secondary Schools Curriculum and Staffing Survey which will collect information on teachers' subject qualifications.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many children in England are being taught at(a) KS3 and (b) KS4 by teachers who do not have a qualification relevant to the subject being taught. [64556]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 26 June 2002]: The percentage of lessons taught by full-time teachers at November 1996 that were taught by a teacher with no post A-level qualification in that subject were as follows, by subject:

  Percentages of periods

  Subject

  KS3

  KS4

  Mathematics

  11

  8

  English

  14

  8

  Biology1

  17

  9

  Chemistry1

  6

  1

  Physics1

  7

  3

  General Science1

  5

  4

  Other Sciences

  79

  63

  French

  11

  9

  German

  20

  15

  Spanish

  28

  27

  1043W

  Percentages of periods

  Subject

  KS3

  KS4

  Other Modern Languages

  76

  49

  Design and Technology2

  35

  27

  Information Technology2

  65

  56

  Combined Technology2

  34

  31

  Home Economics

  20

  16

  Business Studies

  25

  33

  Classics

  25

  12

  History

  17

  6

  Religious Education

  24

  20

  Geography

  15

  8

  Other Social Studies

  58

  44

  Combined Arts/Humanities/Social Studies

  84

  78

  Music

  4

  1

  Drama

  36

  26

  Art

  7

  5

  Physical Education

  5

  6

  Careers Education

  92

  88

  Personal and Social Education

  96

  95

  General Studies

  13

  99

  Total3,4

  20

  16

  1Teachers qualified in general science are treated as qualified to teach biology, chemistry, or physics. Teachers qualified in biology, chemistry or physics are treated as qualified to teach general science.

  2Teachers qualified in other technology are treated as qualified to teach design and technology or information technology. Teachers qualified in design and technology or information technology are treated as qualified to teach combined technology.

  3Teachers are counted once against each subject which they are teaching.

  4'Other' not included in total percentages.

  Note:

  This is the most recent available information.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many individual students who failed(a) numeracy and (b) literacy skills tests for entering into teaching have not re-applied to take the tests. [64555]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 26 June 2002]: 79 individuals in the 2000–01 cohort who failed (a) numeracy or (b) literacy skills tests for entry into teaching have not re-applied to take the test(s).

  The majority of those who fail decide to re-sit the tests. Figures are not available for this year as students are still taking the tests.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list average salary for(a) primary teachers, (b) secondary teachers, (c) graduates in all other sectors and (d) all employees in each year since 1974. [64373]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 26 June 2002]: Average salaries for full-time teachers, for others in employment with a degree or above and for all full-time employees is shown in the following table.

  Full-time teachers1

  Nursery and primary

  Secondary

  Employees with a degree or better2

  All employees3

  1974

  2,120

  2,390

  4—

  2,170

  1975

  3,220

  3,550

  4—

  2,820

  1976

  3,790

  4,110

  4—

  3,350

  1977

  4,180

  4,460

  4—

  3,660

  1978

  4,410

  4,680

  4—

  4,120

  1979

  4,900

  5,180

  4—

  4,670

  1980

  5,920

  6,220

  4—

  5,750

  1981

  7,430

  7,790

  4—

  6,510

  1982

  8,090

  8,460

  4—

  7,120

  1044W

  Full-time teachers1

  Nursery and primary

  Secondary

  Employees with a degree or better2

  All employees3

  19833

  8,670

  9,050

  4—

  7,730

  19833

  7,690

  1984

  9,160

  9,580

  4—

  8,310

  1985

  9,660

  10,160

  4—

  8,920

  1986

  10,490

  11,120

  4—

  9,630

  1987

  11,970

  12,740

  4—

  10,370

  1988

  12,920

  13,780

  4—

  11,390

  1989

  13,850

  14,830

  4—

  12,500

  1990

  14.500

  16,020

  4—

  13,720

  1991

  16,490

  17,720

  4—

  14,850

  1992

  18,450

  19,950

  4—

  15,880

  1993

  19,970

  21,470

  4—

  16,520

  1994

  20,280

  21,630

  23,570

  16,980

  1995

  20,860

  22,200

  23,880

  17,540

  1996

  21,370

  22,730

  26,280

  18,340

  1997

  22,080

  23,480

  26,910

  19,170

  1998

  22,700

  24,130

  27,320

  20,050

  1999

  523,570

  525,060

  28,890

  20,860

  2000

  524,390

  525,930

  30,090

  521,880

  2001

  626,143

  627,917

  30,660

  23,170

  1Average salary of full-time teachers in the maintained nursery, primary and secondary schools sector of England and Wales at 31 March of each year 1974 to 2001. Figures cover all grades and include any allowances paid. Figures up to 1993 include sixth form colleges. The 2001 salary figures include those threshold pay increases that were made before March 2001. However, they do not include threshold pay increases relating to people who passed the threshold in September 2000 and had not received their payment by March 2001. This money was backdated after March 2001 and therefore the average salary for March 2001 will be understated. The estimated average salary in March 2001 for primary and secondary schools combined, including all threshold pay increases, is £27,800. Source: DfES Database of Teacher Records.

  2Average salary of those in full-time employment in the UK with a degree or better qualification, in the spring of years shown. Excludes teachers with such qualifications. Source: Labour Force Survey (as the New Earnings Survey does not include qualifications data). Gross weekly and hourly earnings data are known to be underestimated in the LFS. Earnings data is based on information from about two-fifths of all respondents. Respondents with hourly pay greater than £100 are excluded.

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

  4Not available.

  5Revised.

  6Provisional.

  Pupil Participation
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent representations she has received on including in Ofsted's framework of school assessments measures that are being taken by schools to encourage and improve pupil participation in the school's decision-making process. [63654]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  [holding answer 26 June 2002]: No recent representations have been received about including an assessment of measures to encourage and improve pupil participation in Ofsted's framework.

  Public Appointments
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many days elapsed between the
  1045W
  departures of chief executives and the arrivals of successors for each non-departmental body funded by her Department and its predecessor Departments since 1979. [59711]

  Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 10 June 2002]: The information requested for NDPBs currently funded by my Department are as listed. Information on NDPBs previously funded by my Department but which no longer exist, could be provided only at disproportionate cost:

  Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI): David Sherlock, the first and current chief inspector, was appointed on 1 April 2001.

  British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (BECTA)—formerly National Council for Educational Technology (NCET): Noel Thompson was appointed as the first chief executive of NCET on 1 April 1990, he left the post on 28 February 1992. Between 1 March and 2 August 1992 the post was held by an interim chief executive, Graham Walters. Between 3 August 1992 and 31 January 1997 the post was held by Margaret Bell. Between 1 February and 2 September 1997 the post was held by another interim chief executive, Michael Littlewood. Between 3 September and 31 December 1997 Owen Lynch held the post on secondment. On 1 January 1998 Owen Lynch was appointed as the first chief executive of BECTA, a post he currently holds.

  Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE): Professor Graeme Davies was appointed as the first chief executive in 1992, he left on 30 September 1995. Between 1 October 1995 and 30 September 2001 the post was held by Brian Fender. Sir Howard Newby, the current chief executive, was appointed on 1 October 2001.

  Investors in People UK (IIP UK): Mary Chapman, the first chief executive, left the post in May 1998. Ruth Spellman, the current chief executive, was appointed on 1 October 1998.

  Learning and Skills Council (LSC): John Harwood, the first and current chief inspector, was appointed on 1 October 2000.

  National College for School Leadership (NCSL): Heather Du Quesnay, the first and current director, was appointed on 1 September 2000.

  Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA): Dr. Nick Tate was appointed as the first chief executive in 1997, he left the QCA on 31 August 2000. Between 1 September 2000 and 31 December 2001 the post was held by Professor David Hargreaves. The post is currently filled temporarily by Beverley Evans, Ken Boston will take up post on 16 September 2002.

  Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA): Christopher Duff, the current chief inspector, was appointed on 22 April 2002.

  Student Loans Company (SLC): Ron Harrison was appointed as the first chief executive on 10 January 1990, he left the post on 10 March 1995. Between 11 March and 31 December 1995 the post was vacant. Colin Ward, the current chief executive, was appointed to the post on 1 January 1996.
  1046W
  Teacher Training Agency (TTA): Anthea Millett was appointed as the first chief executive on 1 January 1995, she left on the post on 31 December 1999. Ralph Tabberer, the current chief executive, was appointed on 7 February 2000.

  Children Leaving Care
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what financial assistance is offered to children who leave care at the age of 16 years to remain in full or part-time education. [62657]

  Jacqui Smith
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000, which commenced on 1 October 2001, places a duty on local authorities to help care leavers with education and training, as appropriate in light of the individual young person's needs to the end of their agreed programme. Local authority support may be extended until a care leave's 24th birthday and can continue for longer if this is necessary to complete an agreed programme of education and training.

TREASURY

  Overpayments (Crown Immunity)
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his policy towards Crown immunity in cases where taxpayers sue for the refund of overpayments made to the Inland Revenue. [64379]

  Dawn Primarolo
  My understanding is that the Inland Revenue does not have a legal right to claim Crown immunity where taxpayers claim refund of an overpayment of tax.

  Landfill Tax Credit Scheme
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made in the consultation on the landfill tax credit scheme. [64378]

  John Healey
  The consultation on the future of the landfill tax scheme closed on 17 June. A summary of responses will be produced shortly.

  Illegal Meat Imports
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the priority given by HM Customs and Excise to the prevention of illegal meat imports into the UK. [64876]

  John Healey
  Import controls to detect illegal import of meat and meat products are the responsibility of the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and local or port health officers. HM Customs and Excise does not therefore specifically target its checks against the risk of illegal import of meat and meat products.

  Customs does however support the controls to prevent illegal import of meat and meat products by:
  Dealing with meat and meat products found in the course of checks made in relation to the wide range of controls for which Customs does have lead responsibility;

  1047W
  Participating in joint exercises organised by DEFRA or local or port health officers;
  Supporting DEFRA and local and port health officers with information to assist in detection of illegal imports; and
  Contributing to the DEFRA led illegal imports programme, for example by assisting in developing risk assessment.

  Network Rail
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place the accounting advice given by the Office for National Statistics concerning Network Rail in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [65059]

  Mr. Boateng
  Yes, the letter from the Office for National statistics of 20 June 2002 giving accounting advice concerning Network Rail will be placed in the Library.

  Mr. Howard
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of the treatment of Network Rail debt on potential UK obligations under EMU convergence programmes and the stability and growth pact. [64880]

  Mr. Boateng
  Network Rail will be classified to the private sector in national accounts. It would pose no threat to UK obligations under EU treaties that concern excessive government deficits.

  Mr. Howard
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what submissions his Department has made to the ONS about the treatment of Network Rail debt in the national accounts; and if he will set out the reasoning behind those submissions. [64881]

  Mr. Boateng
  Over the months since October 2001 Treasury has kept ONS informed about the developing proposals for the constitution and financing of Network Rail in order to give ONS the opportunity to ask questions affecting the sector classification.

  Year started contributing

  Retire at end year

  Years of contribution

  Lump sum built up (£)

  Lump sum in 2000 earnings terms (£)

  Annuity rate in last year of contribution

  Pension at retirement (nominal terms, £ weekly)

  Pension at retirement (2000 earnings terms, £ weekly)

  1956

  1986

  31

  17,681

  38.694

  14.1

  48

  105

  1957

  1987

  31

  21,066

  42,786

  14.0

  57

  115

  1958

  1988

  31

  23,845

  44,503

  13.7

  63

  117

  1959

  1989

  31

  25,578

  43,792

  14.0

  69

  118

  1960

  1990

  31

  27,866

  43,460

  15.2

  82

  127

  1961

  1991

  31

  34,243

  49,608

  14.6

  96

  139

  1962

  1992

  31

  41,169

  56,297

  13.2

  105

  143

  1963

  1993

  31

  53,666

  71,268

  11.7

  121

  161

  1964

  1994

  31

  47,497

  60,865

  11.6

  106

  135

  1965

  1995

  31

  57,034

  70,893

  11.3

  124

  154

  1966

  1996

  31

  60,718

  72,850

  11.0

  129

  154

  1967

  1997

  31

  71,040

  81,762

  10.4

  141

  163

  1968

  1998

  31

  85,598

  93,743

  9.4

  155

  169

  1969

  1999

  31

  80,168

  83,738

  8.9

  138

  144

  1970

  2000

  31

  85,438

  85,438

  9.1

  149

  149

  1971

  2001

  31

  83,936

  80,348

  8.9

  143

  137

  The figures are based on hypothetical modelling of the return from contributing to a pension fund using the following assumptions:
  A person contributes to a personal pension for 31 years.
  The earnings of each individual go up in line with average earnings.
  1048W
  On 14 June 2002 Treasury wrote to ONS asking for a formal decision on the sector classification of Network Rail in national accounts. ONS replied on 20 June saying that, subject to NR's members confirming the board of directors, and further checking of the legal documents, NR would be classified to the private sector in national accounts. The reasoning behind the submissions was to obtain ONS' s view on the sector classification of Network Rail, and to make sure that ONS received in good time all the information it needed to make that decision and raise any queries.

  Mr. Howard
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with the Department for Transport about the treatment of Network Rail debt in the national accounts. [64872]

  Mr. Boateng
  Treasury officials have advised the Department for Transport that the Office for National Statistics (ONS) would classify Network Rail (NR) to the private sector in national accounts once its board of directors had been confirmed by a meeting of NR's members.

  "Modernising Annuities"
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library the figures underlying the graph on page 19 of "Modernising Annuities" published by the Inland Revenue in February; what the date is in each year for which the figures are valid; and what the source is of the date used for earnings, annuity rates and value of maturing personal pension funds. [61084]

  Mr. McCartney
  I have been asked to reply.

  The information in the table sets out the figures underlying the graph on page 19 of "Modernising Annuities" published by the Inland Revenue and the Department of Work and Pensions in February.

  Each individual contributes 10 per cent. of their earnings into a personal pension.
  For the first 21 years, the fund is invested in equities, providing a return in line with the FT30 price index (dividends are ignored to allow for the effect of charges).

  1049W
  Over the last 10 years of contributions, the fund is switched into gilts at a rate of 10 per cent. of the fund each year.
  The return on gilts is in line with the Barclays capital total return index.
  A further annual charge of 1 per cent. of the fund under management is paid out of the fund each year.
  Upon retirement on 31 December of the given year, an annuity is purchased at the prevailing rate of that year.

  Date and sources of information:
  Historical annuity rates provided by Annuity Direct; and the rates refer to level annuity for a male aged 65, single life, guaranteed 5 years.
  The annuity rates were calculated by taking the average of monthly rates for each year. The annuity rates for 2001 refer to the average of monthly rates from January to October only.

  Earnings:
  The average earnings series from 1963 to December 2001 is taken from National Statistics publication, 'The Abstract of Statistics for Social Security Benefits and Contributions and Indices of Prices and Earnings, 2001 Edition'.
  Two indices have been put together to form a monthly average earnings series, starting from 1963. The Index of Average Earnings from 1963 to 1975 covered employees in all industries and services, except postal services, banking and medical services. The Average Earnings Index (whole economy) from 1976 to present covered all employees.
  Prior to 1963 the earnings series was constructed by back calculating using the annual growth in average earnings of full time male manual employees.
  Figures for 2001 refer to the average of monthly rates from January to October only.

  £ million

  GTMS

  Project Management and Technical Advice

  0.802

  Berwin Leighton

  Legal Advice

  1.345

  Dresdner Kleinwort Benson

  Financial Advice

  0.660

  DEGW

  Change Management Advice

  0.16

  Cecil Denny Highton

  Advice on Accommodation requirements

  0.101

  CB Hillier Parker

  Specialist property-related Advice

  0.013

  Roger Preston and Partners

  Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Advice

  0.043

  Willis Corroon

  Insurance Advice

  0.006

  PriceWaterHouseCoopers

  Accountancy Advice

  0.033

  3.223

  Customs and Excise
  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions Customs and Excise have seized pirated(a) video cassettes, (b) compact discs and (c) DVDs at UK ports of entry in each of the last five years; and what quantities were seized on each occasion. [59661]

  John Healey
  Customs do not maintain separate totals of seizures in the categories requested. Details of all seizures of such goods are provided to the European Commission who now compile annual statistics and publish them on their website at: http://europa.eu.int/commitaxation—customs/customs/counterfeit—piracy/statistics/uk—en.pdf.
  1050W
  The FT 30:
  Figures taken from: Economic Trends Annual Supplement, Office for National Statistics.
  Figures for 2001 refer to the average of monthly rates from January to September only.

  Gilt Rates:
  Barclays capital total return index
  Figures for 2001 refer to estimates after the end of October 2001.

  Treasury Building PFI
  Mr. Bacon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total professional fees were for the Treasury Building PFI deal, broken down by(a) payer and (b) payee. [57829]

  Ruth Kelly
  [holding answer 22 May 2002]: Further to my right hon. Friend the former Chief Secretary's reply to the hon. Member on 5 February 2002, Official Report, column 840W, the total professional fees paid by Exchequer Partnership and HMT to date are as follows:

  (i) Professional fees paid by EP to date total £22.08 million. £6.968 million of these fees were accounted for in the earlier reply. Of the remaining £15.112 million, the major payees were Foster and Partners (architects) £5.68 million, Waterman Partnership (structural engineers) £1.63 million, Jaros Baum and Bolles (mechanical and electrical engineers) £1.57 million, Hanscomb (quantity surveyors) £1.48 million and Stanhope plc (property developers) £1.47 million.

  (ii) Professional fees payable by HMT to date total £3.223 million and were payable to the firms listed in the table. Of this sum, £2.637 million was accounted for in the earlier answer.

  These statistics show video cassettes, compact discs and DVDs as a single category. For the year 2000 there were 556 seizures totalling 38,138 items seized. This includes both pirated items (i.e. those breaching copyright) and counterfeit items (those with false trade marks). Figures for earlier years are not available.

  ECOFIN Council
  Roger Casale
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the outcome was of the ECOFIN Council held on 20 June; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement. [64363]
  1051W
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  I attended the ECOFIN meeting on 20 June.

  ECOFIN agreed the Commission's recommendations for the broad economic policy guidelines for 2002 to 2003. The UK supports the guidelines which emphasise the importance of further structural reform in Europe. Following discussion at the Seville European Council the guidelines were adopted by ECOFIN on June 21.

  ECOFIN discussed arrangements for launching the Euro-Mediterranean Facility in the European Investment bank. It was decided that the facility would be launched in the autumn on the basis of the commission's funding plan but that the European Investment bank, the commission and the council would take forward discussions on the allocation of funds for the facility.

  The council agreed two reports to go to the European Council at Seville. The first was a progress report on energy taxation, and the second an updated report on the tax package, following the launch of negotiations with the Swiss on the tax on savings.

  Commissioner Bolkestein gave a short oral report to the council on the work of the financial action task force in combating terrorist financing and ECOFIN noted that this work was progressing satisfactorily.

  ECOFIN was also updated by the chair of the Economic and Financial Committee on on-going work to improve corporate governance in the EU.

  The council also reached political agreement on a directive on taxation of biofuels.

  No votes were taken at the meeting.

  Earnings Statistics
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what the(a) weekly median earnings and (b) distribution of earnings for those earning (i) under the point below which 10 per cent. of earners fall and (ii) the point above which 10 per cent. of earners exceed, are in (A) Scotland and (B) each of the unitary local authority areas in Scotland, broken down by (1) all manual, (2) all non-manual and (3) all workers; [63696]

  (2) what proportion of full-time workers in (a) Scotland, (b) each of the unitary local authority areas in Scotland and (c) Great Britain have hourly earnings (i) including and (ii) excluding overtime below (A) £7.97, (B) £7.32, (C) £5.38 and (D) £4.10 broken down by categories (1) male manual, (2) male non-manual, (3) all male workers, (4) female manual, (5) female non-manual, (6) all female workers, (7) all manual, (8) all non-manual and (9) all workers. [63697]

  Ruth Kelly
  [holding answer 25 June 2002]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to Annabelle Ewing, dated 27 June 2002:
  As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent questions on the distribution of weekly earnings and average hourly earnings for workers in Great Britain, Scotland and the unitary authorities in Scotland. (63696 & 63697)
  1052W
  I am placing in the House of Commons Library, tables showing average weekly earnings, both including and excluding overtime, (Table 1) and the proportion of people earning below the different thresholds you listed, both including overtime (Table 2) and excluding overtime (Table 3).
  The New Earnings Survey (NES) can provide earnings data for small geographical areas. The release of NES data is restricted to figures that are derived from a sufficiently large sample of employees, and have an acceptable level of accuracy and I have provided the available data for Scotland, the unitary authorities in Scotland and Great Britain only for those areas where the samples are large enough. These are based on the 2001 NES, the latest survey for which data are available.

  Age Discrimination
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if(a) his Department and (b) its agencies have a policy of not considering applications for employment by persons over a particular age. [59456]

  Ruth Kelly
  [holding answer 10 June 2002]: HM Treasury and its executive agency, the Debt Management Office, do not apply age restrictions on applications for employment, with the exception that we cannot consider applicants above our maximum retirement age of 60.

  NATS
  Mr. Hoban
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 17 June 2002,Official Report, column 130W, on NATS, what arrangements have been put in place to succeed the Troika insurance scheme. [64705]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Government's Troika insurance scheme for aviation third party terrorism risks was due to come to an end on 30 June. Provision of insurance under Troika has now been extended for a further 60 days, and will now come to an end at 23:59 on 29 August. Discussions are continuing in Europe on possible insurance arrangements to succeed individual government insurance schemes for aviation, and on developments in the commercial aviation insurance market.

  Capital Returns
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information he has collated on the pre-tax rate of return on capital employed for the UK(a) banking, (b) pharmaceutical and (c) telecommunications industry in each year since 1990. [64962]

  Ruth Kelly
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from John Pullinger to Mr. Peter Lilley:
  The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question concerning what information has been collected on the pre-tax rate of return on capital employed for the UK (a) banking. (b) pharmaceutical and (c) telecommunications industry in each year since 1990. I am replying in his absence. (64962)
  The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publish data on the rates of return for Private Non-Financial Companies in the "Profitability of UK Companies" Press Notice (which is available to download free from the www.statistics.gov.uk website). The most detailed breakdown available in this release covers total Manufacturing and total Service Sector rates of return. No further disaggregation into Pharmaceutical or Telecommunications Industries is available. The ONS does not have any information on the rates of return for Financial Companies (including Banks).

  Annual Leave
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average annual leave entitlement is for staff in his Department in 2002. [64651]

  Ruth Kelly
  The annual leave entitlement for staff below the senior civil service is:25 days on entry and 30 days after seven years service.

  The annual leave entitlement for members of the senior civil service is currently set by the Cabinet Office at 30 days.

  Information about average leave entitlement can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Insurance Cover
  Brian Cotter
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what procedures are in place to assess and monitor information compiled by the insurance industry as a basis for determining contracts of cover. [64935]

  Ruth Kelly
  Determining whether to offer cover, and terms and prices of contracts, are for the commercial judgment of insurers. Except for certain specified circumstances, insurers are free to gather and use whatever obtainable information they believe is relevant. It is in insurers' interests to only use relevant and accurate information. Government does not assess or monitor the compilation of such information.

  Flooding
  Brian Cotter
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations his Department has received on the accuracy of information compiled by the insurance industry relating to flood risks; and what action he plans to take. [64936]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Treasury regularly receives representations on a wide variety of issues. The Environment Agency is working hard to improve the availability of accurate flood risk information; this includes liaison with the Association of British Insurers.

  Nauru
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what counter measures the United Kingdom Government have taken in respect of the Financial Action Task Force recommendations concerning Nauru; and if he will make a statement. [65106]

  Ruth Kelly
  The UK has implemented all the FATF counter measures against Nauru, through guidance issued by the Joint Money Laundering Steering Group.

  UK financial institutions conduct enhanced scrutiny of business dealings with financial institutions from all countries on the FATF's Non Co-operative Countries and Territories list. In the case of Nauru, UK financial institutions would treat business dealings with even greater caution and would be more likely to make a Suspicious Transaction Report to the National Criminal Intelligence Service.

  Ministerial Visits
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many EU applicant countries he has visited since 1 May 1999. [65402]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer visited Malta on 20 September 2000 to attend the Commonwealth Finance Ministers Meeting.

  Ministerial Meetings
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he last met the Chairman of the IMF. [65401]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer regularly meets Horst Köhler, the Managing Director of the IMF, including at the international meetings of the IMF, World bank and G7 Finance Ministers' Meetings.

  Early Retirement
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would have been the impact on(a) tax revenues, (b) pension funds and (c) gross domestic product if all those who have taken early retirement had instead worked until their statutory retirement age for the period 1982 to 2002. [65018]

  Ruth Kelly
  Between 1984 and 2000 activity rates of individuals aged 50 and over have remained broadly constant at just under 70 per cent., with the male activity rate falling slightly while the female rate has risen. Currently, only 39 per cent. of men are still in employment at age 64, 47 per cent. of women at age 59.

  With increasing life expectancy, pensions will have to last longer requiring more pension saving by individuals themselves and through occupational arrangements. The Government have policies in place to enable and encourage people to work longer and save more for retirement. The new deal 50 plus was introduced nationally in April 2000, and has helped over 60,000 older people find work. The Government are also, through the Age Positive campaign, challenging ageist employment practices; and is committed to legislating against age discrimination in employment and training by 2006.

SCOTLAND

  Ministerial Training
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much has been spent by her Department on training in leadership skills for Ministers and officials in each of the last five years. [52721]

  Mrs. Liddell
  [holding answer 26 April 2002]: The Scotland Office was established on 1 July 1999.

  Since that date my Department has incurred no expenditure in leadership skills for Ministers. Officials in my Department have access to a wide range of training and development opportunities including leadership skills. Leadership is often one element of a wider personal development programme. Information on the amount attributed to development of leadership skills from such programmes could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Data Protection
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans she has to propose legislation on the application of the Data Protection Act 1998 in relation to unstructured personal information in manual form, so that the rights of access granted to data subjects are the same in Scotland as they are in England; and if she will make a statement. [59207]

  Mrs. Liddell
  While the subject matter of the Data Protection Act 1998 is reserved, the amendments made by the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to extend the scope of the Data Protection Act to cover unstructured personal data held by UK public authorities (as defined in the Freedom of Information Act) do not apply to such data held by Scottish public authorities. However, the Scottish Executive has indicated that it intends to provide the same rights of access to personal information held by Scottish public authorities as those contained in the Freedom of Information Act 2000 as regards personal information held by UK public authorities.

  Certified Timber
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will list the refurbishment projects that(a) are in progress and (b) will start within the next six months; and what action is being taken to ensure that these will procure certified timber. [59773]

  Mrs. Liddell
  My Department has no refurbishment projects in progress or planned within the next six months.

  Scottish Older People's Consultative Forum
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many seats the Scottish Older People Advisory Group has on the Scottish Older People's Consultative Forum. [64845]

  Mrs. McGuire
  The Scottish Older People's Consultative Forum is chaired by the Scottish Executive and considers devolved matters. Therefore, any questions about its composition are for the Scottish Parliament.

ADVOCATE-GENERAL

  Ministerial Training
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Advocate-General how much has been spent by her Department on training in leadership skills for Ministers and officials in each of the last five years. [52722]

  The Advocate-General
  [holding answer 26 April 2002]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given today by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

WORK AND PENSIONS

  Benefits
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many persons were entitled to receive each benefit and tax credit at the most recent date 1056W
  for which information is available; and how many had (a) become entitled and (b) ceased to be entitled, in the preceding 12 months. [35217]

  Malcolm Wicks
  [holding answer 11 June 2002]: We aim to ensure that people are in an informed position to make choices on whether to claim benefit and we are the first Government to encourage the active pursuit of take-up initiatives as a means of tackling pensioner poverty. On 30 May 2000 we launched the minimum income guarantee (MIG) take-up campaign and this resulted in a further 127,371 successful MIG claims.

  The available information on benefit take-up is published in the Income-Related Benefits Estimates of Take-Up in 1999–2000, a copy of which is available in the Library. Tax credits are the responsibility of the Inland Revenue.

  Information on the number of people receiving social security benefits is available in the Library in the following publications:
  Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance—Disability, Care and Mobility Benefits Quarterly Statistical Enquiry, August 2001;
  Income Support—Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiry, November 2001; Jobseeker's Allowance; Jobseeker's Allowance Quarterly Statistical Enquiry, November 2001.
  Incapacity Benefit/Severe Disablement Allowance—Incapacity Benefit and Severe Disablement Allowance Quarterly Summary Statistics November 2001;
  Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit—Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit Quarterly Summary Statistics for November 2001; and
  Retirement Pension—Retirement Pension Summary of Statistics, September 2001.

  The available information on the number of people who have stopped and started receiving social security benefits has been placed in the Library. In addition, this table gives the number of people receiving bereavement benefits, child benefit, guardians allowance, industrial injuries disablement benefit, invalid care allowance, maternity allowance and reduced earnings allowance.

  Benefits
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the planned phases for the transfer of benefit payments to automated credit transfer. [60843]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Customers will be moved from order books and girocheques to payment into a bank or building society account on a benefit by benefit basis. This will start in 2003 and we plan to finish two years later. We plan to start to contact the first customers in late 2002. Even after the move to payments directly into accounts, customers will still be able to continue to collect their benefits in cash from the Post Office if they wish.

  Carers
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what assessment has been made of the additional cost to a person of caring for a disabled person; and what element of this is provided for in the state pension; [62371]
  1057W
  (2) what representations he has received regarding the rule that invalid care allowance cannot be paid to people of pensionable age; and what plans he has to review this rule. [62372]

  Maria Eagle
  No estimates of the additional cost to a person of caring for a disabled person are available and the state pension does not contain an element in respect of caring responsibility, but carers entitlement to state pension is protected through contribution credits and the home responsibilities protection scheme. In addition, from April this year some 2 million carers are able to build up entitlement to an additional pension through the state second pension.

  As part of the substantial package of measures to help carers announced in autumn 2000, the Government have responded positively to representations made by older carers and their organisations by abolishing the age 65 upper age limit for claims to invalid care allowance. This change comes into effect on 28 October 2002. It will enable older carers with little of no retirement pension to receive the allowance, while those with low incomes will benefit by gaining access to the carer premium paid with income-related benefits, and follows the substantial increases to the carer premium and to the earnings limit for entitlement to invalid care allowance made in April 2001. Overall these measures, together with the continued payment of invalid care allowance for up to eight weeks after the death of the severely disabled person being cared for, will provide over £500 million in extra support for carers over three years.

  Age 60–64

  Age 65–69

  Age 70–74

  Age 75–79

  Age 80+

  Single males

  Median income (£)

  n/a

  138

  141

  136

  132

  Number

  n/a

  230,000

  260,000

  240,000

  290,000

  Single females

  Median income (£)

  132

  127

  127

  116

  109

  Number

  380,000

  470,000

  630,000

  670,000

  1.000,000

  Couples

  Median income (£)

  n/a

  296

  258

  236

  211

  Number

  n/a

  980,000

  760,000

  510,000

  410,000

  Notes:

  1. The definition of income used here is gross income, that is income gross of the following items: income tax payments, national insurance contributions, contributions to occupational and personal pension schemes, local taxes, maintenance, child support payments and parental contributions to students living away from home.

  2. "Median income" represents the income of the person or family exactly in the middle of the range of ranked incomes of the age group. For each age group there is a wide range of incomes.

  3. The data are from the Family Resources Survey 2000–01 and are rounded to the nearest £1 or 10,000.

  4. Estimates are for pensioner units. Pensioner units are defined as single (non-cohabiting) people over state pension age (65 and over for men, 60 and over for women) and couples (married or cohabiting) where the man is over state pension age.

  5. Pensioner units are allocated to age categories according to the age of the head. The head of a couple is defined as the man.

  6. Estimates have not been split by gender for couples as the extent of income sharing within pensioner units is not known.

  7. Means tested benefits refer to minimum income guarantee, working families' tax credit, housing benefit, council tax benefit and social fund grants.

  8. These results are based on survey respondents' identification of different elements of benefit income, and are therefore subject to misreporting.

  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if it is his policy to regard money purchase pension schemes as broadly comparable with final salary pension schemes; and if he will make a statement. [63169]

  Mr. McCartney
  Both defined benefit and defined contribution pensions have their advantages and disadvantages. However, the Government's principal

  In-work Benefits (Administration)
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what(a) costs associated with moving in-work benefit administration from his Department to the Inland Revenue and (b) other costs his Department incurred in each year since 1999–2000 with regard to the working families tax credit. [62604]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The project costs to this Department associated with replacing family credit with working families tax credit in 1999 are estimated at £1.5 million for 1998–99 and 1.6 million for 1999–2000.

  No figures are available for the on-going costs—information provided to customers about working families tax credit is part of the package of information given to them about the benefits of moving into work.

  Pensions
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his answer of 22 May 2002,Official Report, column 378W, on pensions, if he will update his estimates based on the Family Resources Survey 2000–01 of (a) median pensioner incomes, excluding means-tested benefits, by (i) age, (ii) sex and (iii) marital status, and (b) the size of each group. [62693]

  Mr. McCartney
  The information required is in the table.

  concern is to ensure that as much money goes into the pension pot as possible, and is not spent on the cost of selling or running the pension fund.

  Over a whole working life, if contributions to a defined benefit scheme were the same as those to a defined contribution scheme we would expect the pension benefits to be broadly comparable.

  New Deal
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Portsmouth, South constituency found permanent employment as a result of the New Deal for(a) long term unemployed 25 plus, (b) lone parents, (c) disabled people and (d) 50 plus in each of the years since they were introduced; and if he will make a statement. [63370]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  Information on the New Deal for Disabled People is not available at constituency level. Such information as is available is in the table.

  Programme

  New Deal 25 plus1

  New Deal 50 plus2

  New Deal for Lone Parents3

  Total number of people entering sustained employment', in Portsmouth, South

  1998–99

  30

  4—

  20

  1999–2000

  20

  4—

  100

  2000–01

  10

  50

  120

  2001–02

  60

  70

  140

  1In April 2001 New Deal 25 Plus was extended and enhanced, to provide a flexible, more individually-tailored service to help more people get jobs and remain in them.

  2Figures for sustained employment are not given for the New Deal 50 plus and the New Deal for Lone Parents. The figures given are therefore the total number of jobs gained.

  3Sustained employment is defined as employment lasting more than 13 weeks.

  4Figures are not available as the New Deal 50 plus was only introduced nationally from April 2000.

  Source:

  New Deal Evaluation Database.

  Benefit Fraud
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much funding has been given for investigating benefit fraud in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [63681]

  Malcolm Wicks
  For details of the Department's spending, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave my right hon. Friend the Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Field) on 10 December 2001,Official Report, column 618W.

  Bereavement Benefits
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will review the rules on awarding backdated benefits to men widowed before the introduction of the 2001 changes to bereavement benefits. [63691]

  Malcolm Wicks
  [holding answer 21 June 2002]: We have no plans to do so. There is continuing litigation and the matter will be kept under review.

  We reformed benefits in widowhood by introducing bereavement benefits from 9 April 2001. Before then there was no statutory basis to make payments of widow's benefits to men. The Government have said already that in making those reforms their obligation was to future widowers and widows. The reforms in 2001 met this obligation and went further. The new widowed parents allowance was available to existing widowers from its introduction in April 2001.

  Stakeholder Pensions
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on compliance by small and medium enterprises with stakeholder pension notification arrangements. [64290]

  Mr. McCartney
  Firms with five or more employees are required to designate a stakeholder pension scheme for their staff, unless exempted from doing so because they provide an occupational scheme for their work force or allow their staff access to a personal pension scheme to which the employer makes a contribution of at least 3 per cent. of the employee's basic pay. Part of this designation process involves consulting relevant employees prior to selection of a scheme and then notifying them of the name and address of their designated stakeholder pension scheme. They must also allow representatives of the designated scheme reasonable access to their employees in order to supply them with information about the scheme. The Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority (Opra), which has responsibility for regulating compliance with all aspects of the designation process, has received no specific reports of firms failing to notify employees of their stakeholder arrangements. However it is a matter that they sometimes come across on following up a report alleging non-designation. Reports to Opra tend to be of a general nature rather than alleging a specific breach of one part of the designation requirement. To date Opra has received 361 reports alleging lack of workplace access to a stakeholder pension scheme, of which 327 have been resolved.

  Figures on designations of stakeholder pension schemes are not broken down by size of company. However the majority of employers required to designate a stakeholder pension scheme for their work forces are small to medium enterprises. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has reported that around 322,000 of those 350,000 employers estimated as required to do so had designated a stakeholder pension scheme for their staff by the end of March 2002. This represents a compliance rate of around 90 per cent.

  Overseas Residents (Benefits)
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list in chronological order each reciprocal bilateral agreement involving the UK for the vertical payment of social security benefits, indicating restrictions on their payment in full to beneficiaries resident abroad. [64291]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The main purpose of such reciprocal agreements is to protect the social security position of workers moving between the two countries during their working lives. They prevent employees, their employers and the self-employed from having to pay social security contributions to both the home state and the state of employment at the same time and ensure that such workers' rights to certain benefits are maintained. They vary to some extent from country to country depending on the nature and scope of the other country's social security scheme. Generally, they cover contributory benefits in respect of the following contingencies: sickness, invalidity, unemployment, retirement, bereavement and industrial injuries. Workers who have contributed to both countries schemes during their working lives can usually
  1061W
  receive an old age pension from each country which reflects the proportionate amount of their insurance in, or contributions to, each country's scheme.

  The reciprocal bilateral social security agreements involving the UK are as follows:
  The National Insurance and Industrial Injuries (Italy) Order 1953/884
  The National Insurance and Industrial Injuries (Luxembourg) Order 1955/420
  The National Insurance and Industrial Injuries (Netherlands) Order 1955/874
  The National Insurance and Industrial Injuries (France) Order 1958/597
  The Family Allowance, National Insurance and Industrial Injuries (Belgium) Order 1958/771
  The Family Allowance, National Insurance and Industrial Injuries (Yugoslavia) Order 1958/1263
  The Family Allowance, National Insurance and Industrial Injuries (Denmark) Order 1960/211
  The National Insurance and Industrial Injuries (Republic of Ireland) Order 1960/707
  The National Insurance and Industrial Injuries (Turkey) Order 1961/584
  The Family Allowance, National Insurance and Industrial Injuries (Germany) Order 1961/1202
  The National Insurance (Republic of Ireland) Order 1966/707
  The Family Allowance, National Insurance and Industrial Injuries (Switzerland) Order 1969/384
  The Social Security (Bermuda) Order 1969/1686
  The National Insurance (Republic of Ireland) Order 1971/1742
  The Family Allowance, National Insurance and Industrial Injuries (Gibraltar) Order 1974/555
  The Family Allowance, National Insurance and Industrial Injuries (Spain) Order 1975/415
  The Social Security (Isle of Man) Order 1977/2150
  The Social Security (Portugal) Order 1979/921
  The Social Security (Austria) Order 1981/605
  The Social Security (Mauritius) Order 1981/1524
  The Social Security (Cyprus) Order 1983/1698
  The Social Security (New Zealand) Order 1983/1894
  The Social Security (Finland) Order 1984/125
  The Social Security (Israel) Order 1984/354
  The Social Security (United States of America) Order 1984/1817
  The Social Security (Iceland) Order 1985/1202 (as amended by SI 1982/3211)
  The Social Security (Sweden) Order 1988/590 (as amended by SI 1982/3213)
  The Social Security (Philippines) Order 1989/2002
  The Social Security (Norway) Order 1991/767 (as amended by SI 1982/3212)
  The Social Security (Barbados) Order 1992/812
  The Social Security (Jersey and Guernsey) Order 1994/2802
  The Social Security (Canada) Order 1995/2699
  The Social Security (Malta) Order 1996/1927 (replaced 1956/1987 and 1958/727)
  The Social Security (Jamaica) Order 1997/871 (replaced 1972/1587)
  The Social Security (United States of America) Order 1997/1778 (supplementary to SI 1984/1817 above).
  1062W

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if it is possible for jobseeker's allowance claimants to have their records removed from the Department computer system. [64870]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Procedures are already in place to ensure that customer records are routinely deleted from the jobseeker's allowance computer system where they have been inactive for four years. There are important business reasons for retaining customer information for this period, for example, because these records may be needed to support Inland Revenue tax rebates.

  Any information recorded by the Department must be factually correct. If a person believes that we have recorded inaccurate information about them, they should in the first instance approach the Department to request its amendment or removal.

  Pensioner Poverty (Stroud)
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners have been lifted out of poverty in the Stroud constituency since 1997. [65009]

  Mr. McCartney
  Poverty and social exclusion are complex concepts, affecting many aspects of people's lives; including their living standards, health, housing and quality of environment. The third annual report, "Opportunity for All—Making Progress" (CM 5260), sets out the Government's strategy for tackling poverty and social exclusion and presents the latest information on the indicators used to monitor progress against this strategy. A copy is available in the Library.

  The minimum income guarantee (MIG) was introduced in April 1999 to provide money for the poorest pensioners as quickly as possible. 2,600 pensioners are receiving the MIG in the Stroud constituency.

  To ensure that all pensioners share in rising prosperity, the basic state pension has risen by £3 a week for single pensioners and £4.80 for couples on top of above-inflation increases last year. This is in addition to the introduction of winter fuel payments, currently £200 per household, made to 22,100 pensioners in the Stroud constituency and free TV licences for the over-75s.

  Source:

  Income Support Statistical Enquiry, February 2002.

  City and County of Swansea Council
  Clive Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will publish the inspection report of the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate in respect of city and county of Swansea council. [65665]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The Benefit Fraud Inspectorate's (BFI) report on the city and county of Swansea council was published today and copies of the report have been placed in the Library.

  This follow-up inspection report shows that the council has progressed from being a poorly performing authority in 1999 to one that was now performing to a satisfactory level in most areas.
  1063W
  The first inspection found that Swansea had struggled to administer housing benefit and council tax benefit effectively and that a backlog of work had built up. However, the follow-up inspection found that the council had taken steps to address the recommendations in BFI's first report, which had reduced the level of outstanding work.

  BFI's first report stated that the council's counter fraud performance was suffering due to a lack of management control. Inspectors found that this had improved at the time of the follow-up inspection and Swansea was committed to the personal and collective development of the investigation team.

  Swansea administered some £59.1 million in housing benefits in 2000–01.

  The report makes recommendations to help the council address weaknesses and to improve the administration of housing benefit and council tax benefit, as well as counter fraud activities.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is now considering the report and will be asking the council for its proposals in response to the findings and recommendations of the BFI.

  Cardiff County Council
  Clive Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will publish the inspection report of the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate in respect of Cardiff county council. [65666]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The Benefit Fraud Inspectorate's (BFI) report on Cardiff county council was published today and copies of the report have been placed in the Library.

  The report finds that, generally, the council performed well in administering benefits but needed to improve counter fraud work.

  Inspectors found a marked difference in performance between the city hall and area office teams. Performance was poorer, and sickness levels higher, at the city hall which was dealing with a backlog of 4,500 documents.

  The report notes good performance in a number of areas including the verification of claims, a good working relationship with the Benefits Agency, excellent complaints procedures and good internal audit practices.

  Areas of poor performance included decision notices that did not comply fully with legislation, fraud investigations which were curtailed too early meaning that Cardiff was unable to prosecute fraudsters, and the lack of a counter fraud publicity policy and risk analysis of fraud.

  There was mixed performance in dealing with overpayments of benefit with the classification of overpayments being poor. Inspectors note that the council had begun to improve in this area.
  1064W
  The council had a service improvement plan in place prior to the inspection. This comprehensive plan addresses many of the points that the report identifies. Elected members and staff are jointly driving through the objectives of the plan.

  Cardiff administered some £80 million in housing benefits in 1999–2000.

  The report makes recommendations to help the council address weaknesses and to improve the administration of housing benefit and council tax benefit, as well as counter fraud activities.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is now considering the report and will be asking the council for its proposals in response to the findings and recommendations of the BFI.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many special advisers were employed by himself and his predecessor(a) between I May and 31 December 1997 and (b) in each year from 1998 to 2001 inclusive; and what the total amount spent on special advisers by the Department was in each of those years. [41261]

  Mr. McCartney
  Two special advisers were employed by the Department of Social Security and subsequently by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in each year from 1997 to 20 January 2002. From 21 January 2002, in recognition that DWP now has a Minister who attends Cabinet, it employed three special advisers.

  Details of costs for special advisers with individual Departments are not given in order to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned.

  Independent Remuneration Panel
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the work of the independent remuneration panel. [61950]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I have been asked to reply.

  Local authorities are required to establish and maintain an independent remuneration panel. The purpose of this panel is to make recommendations to the authority about the allowances to be paid to elected members. Authorities are under a duty to have regard to the recommendation of their independent remuneration panel when establishing their scheme and levels of allowances.

  Means-tested Benefits
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the estimate is of the cost of means-tested benefits for(a) men over 65 and (b) women over 60 for 2002–03. [61259]

  Mr. McCartney
  The information is not available in the format requested. The costs of means tested benefits, that is the minimum income guarantee, housing benefit and council tax benefit, to people aged 60 and over for 2002–03 are estimated to be £10.415 million.

  Source:

  Departmental Report 2002.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Immigration Appellate Authority
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what reasons have been given for adjournments in hearings dealt with by the IAA since January 2001; and how many adjournments have been granted under each reason. [63460]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The reasons for adjournments are wide ranging, therefore, I have listed the top 10 reasons for adjournments since 1 June 2001–31 May 2002.

  In adjudicator hearings these are:

  Reason given

  Number of adjournments granted

  Lack of court time

  1,821

  For further evidence to be supplied by representative

  1,367

  Representative need to supply medical report

  1,173

  Home Office reconsidering their decision

  1,140

  Other reasons for representatives needing more time

  1,060

  Document needs to be authenticated or translated

  993

  Appellant sick

  768

  Home Office documents missing

  671

  New Home Office issue raised

  630

  Representative sick

  622

  In tribunal hearings they are:

  Reason given

  Number of adjournments granted

  For further evidence to be supplied by representative

  100

  Other reasons for representatives needing more time

  55

  New Home Office issue raised

  40

  Home Office reconsidering their decision

  27

  Other reason for representative's non attendance

  25

  Representative sick

  22

  Representative need to supply medical report

  14

  Needs a combined hearing

  12

  Representatives instructed late

  11

  Document needs to be authenticated or translated

  11

  Figures prior to June 2001 are not available.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Leggatt Report
  Mr. Djanogly
  To ask the Solicitor-General if she will make a statement on the Government's response to the Leggatt report on tribunal justice. [64535]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Government are considering its response to the Leggatt review and will announce its conclusions later in the year.

  The Government's response will take into account the public consultation exercise completed in December 2001, which generated over 350 responses.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Staff Numbers
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff were employed by his Department on(a) 2 May 1997 and (b) 31 May 2002. [60897]

  Beverley Hughes
  In respect of(a) 2 May 1997, I refer the hon. Member to reply given to him by my hon. Friend the Member for Paisley, South (Mr. Alexander) on 13 June 2002, Official Report, column 1158W.

  In respect of (b) 31 May 2002, while published figures for I April 2002 have not yet been centrally compiled, estimates are available from the Home Office Personnel Information Manpower Management System (PIMMS) and the personnel systems of the Home Office Agencies, and I have provided them in the table.

  Full-time equivalents

  Home Office area1

  1 April 2002

  Home Office main2

  13,573

  Forensic Science Service

  2,448

  (United Kingdom Passport Agency)

  2,807

  Her Majesty's Prison Service

  43,420

  Grand total

  64,251

  1The Fire Service College moved to the Department of the Enviroment in the machinery of Government changes 8 June 2001.

  2The number includes 4,511 extra staff recruited since 31 March 2002 to deal with immigration and asylum work within the Immigration and Nationality Directorate.

  Street Crime
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the street crime initiative courts in London; how they are proposed to operate and for what purpose; what role is envisaged for the Witness Service in relation to them; and if he will make a statement. [60540]

  Hilary Benn
  There are 19 specially designated street crime courts in London. Of these nine are Crown courts and 10 are magistrates courts.

  The Crown courts are: Blackfriars, Croydon, Harrow, Inner London (designated Youth Crown court for Inner London), Isleworth, Kingston, Middlesex Guildhall, Snaresbrook, and Wood Green.

  The 10 magistrates courts designated as special street crime courts are: Acton, Balham, Brent, Camberwell Green, Croydon, Harringay, Stratford, Thames, Waltham Forrest, and West London

  As well as fast tracking street crime cases the designated courts are designed to ensure that victims and witnesses have separate facilities, such as secure waiting areas, to avoid the risk of intimidation from alleged offenders. The Witness Service, provided by victim support also provides support to witnesses before, during and after they give evidence, to lessen the number of cases failing to proceed.
  1067W
  The specialist street crime courts are part of a package of measures across the Court Justice Service and other Government departments, designed to tackle street crime by dealing swiftly and effectively with the perpetrators of these offences.

  Extradition Laws
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans the Government have to improve the UK's extradition laws. [65175]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  At present it takes too long to extradite someone from the United Kingdom. Not only is this against the interests of justice and the victims of crime but it is the British taxpayer that foots the bill: paying for the fugitive to be detained and often funding their legal battle.

  The previous Home Secretary launched a review of extradition law and the Home Office published proposals for consultation in March last year. Since then the attacks on 11 September have added impetus to European Union (EU) plans for an EU-wide arrest warrant.

  The Government has already announced that we intend to legislate to bring this into effect. This will dramatically speed up the extradition process between EU states, but not at the expense of fugitive's rights.

  It should also make it possible in some circumstances to return people to the United Kingdom who, under the old system, would not have been extradited.

  We also plan to streamline procedures for non-EU countries too.

  I am today publishing a consultation paper containing a draft Extradition Bill which outlines our proposals and invites all of those with an interest to comment.

  An Extradition Bill will be introduced when parliamentary time allows.

  Royal Prerogative
  Mr. Carmichael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what decisions have been made by his Department in the last year under authority from the royal prerogative. [63132]

  Mr. Blunkett
  [holding answer 25 June 2002]:Records are not kept of the individual occasions on which powers under the royal prerogative are exercised, nor would it be practicable to do so.

  Prisoners (Educational Standards)
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the standards of literacy and numeracy among prisoners; and what information he collects on these subjects. [60829]

  Hilary Benn
  The majority of prisoners have serious basic skills needs which must be addressed if we are to help them re-settle effectively into the community on release. In 2001–02 prisoners achieved over 24,000 basic skills qualifications. Almost 16,000 were at level 2—an increase of 30 per cent. over the previous year. The basic skills target for 2002–03 is 28,800 at all levels.
  1068W
  We collect monthly information on the number of basic skills qualifications gained at establishment level. The Prisoners' Learning and Skills Unit (PLSU), based in the Department for Education and Skills, supports establishments which are falling short of expectations.

  We have ensured that prisons are part of national developments in basic skills, and have been piloting new national curriculum materials and tests in seven prisons. Additional capital resources over this year and next from the Capital Modernisation Fund will help us to deliver improvements in basic skills by supporting initial assessment, the integration of basic and key skills into prison workshops and the transformation of Libraries into learning resource centres.

  From April 2002, education and training in prisons—including basic skills provision—has been inspected against the criteria set out in the Common Inspection Framework, which covers all post-16 learning. With the support of the PLSU, the majority of prisons have established quality improvement groups to secure better planning and delivery of all their learning provision and to respond to the findings of inspection reports. We expect the remaining prisons to do so shortly.

  Public Service Agreements
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 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. [60891]

  Beverley Hughes
  The Home Department's Public Service Agreement sets out the key outcomes it is committed to deliver with the resources provided, and its Service Delivery Agreement sets out the key steps towards delivery of those targets. Every year the Department publishes performance against its targets—including on value for money—and the resources it has used, in its departmental report.

  Departmental Website
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the procedures for information appearing on his Department's website. [54520]

  Mr. Blunkett
  I apologise for the delay in replying.

  The Home Department's website is not only used to communicate policy, but it is pivotal as a tool for consultation as well. Content is developed in co-operation with policy owners, who are responsible for its currency and accuracy. Information on the site is updated or removed whenever required, ensuring that the contents are as reliable as possible. This immediacy allows our content to reflect the activities of the Department across all its responsibilities in England and Wales for the criminal law, crime reduction, policing, prisons and probation as well as for immigration and asylum policy across the United Kingdom. Other areas of the site reflect the Department's lead on active communities, race equality and family policy.

  National Security
  Mr. Goodman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what reasons of national security compel the Home Office to retain sections of PRO file PRO/30/60/13/2 dating from 1887 to 1896 closed under section 3.4 of the Public Records Act 1958. [61284]

  Mr. Blunkett
  The Home Office retained those sections of PRO file PRO/30/60/13/2 that were considered sensitive as defined under schedule 3 of the Intelligence Services Act 1994. The continuing sensitivity relates to honouring commitments to keep certain matters secret and so retain the confidence of those who do or would co-operate with the authorities on intelligence and security matters as well as protecting the identities of family members and descendants who might in some circumstances be placed at risk. I will continue to keep this under review.

  Criminal Records Bureau
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received regarding the time taken by the Criminal Records Bureau to process applications from local authorities for information; and if he will make a statement. [61516]

  Hilary Benn
  A number of representations have been received directly or indirectly. Measures are being taken to address the initial operating difficulties, which have resulted in delays in responding to applications for disclosure. We are determined that the Criminal Records Bureau will be in a position, as soon as possible, to meet the high standards of service that it has set itself.

  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to(a)reduce delays in conducting Criminal Records Bureau checks and (b)maintain security of such checks when outsourced to other countries. [61346]

  Hilary Benn
  [holding answer 17 June 20021:The information is as follows.

  (a)The Criminal Records Bureau has introduced a number of measures as part of a performance improvement plan in order to reduce delays in conducting Criminal Record Bureau checks. These measures include:
  Rapid recruitment and training of additional staff
  Additional resources to deal with the older applications. Extensions to working hours to increase output.
  Revised procedures to deal with errors/omissions. These remove such applications from mainstream processes thereby increasing the efficiency of processing both correctly completed applications and the exceptions.
  Significant increase in call centre staffing levels to cope with demand.
  Return of incomplete or incorrectly completed application forms to the registered body for correction.

  The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) has also introduced the following short-term contingency measures:
  The CRB will carry out and issue the results of a List 99 check, for all teachers, in advance of a full disclosure check.
  The CRB has introduced a contingency plan to deliver a very limited number of manual criminal record checks.
  Outsourcing most of the backlog of applications to the data entry facility of Hays Plc in Chennai (Madras, India).
  Letters have been issued to Lead Countersignatories about the situation.
  1070W
  (b)The concept of processing data overseas is not a new one and has been carried out successfully for a number of years. The security of criminal records checking should in no way be jeopardised by the outsourcing of the data capture process. The company carrying out the work in this case, Hays Plc has undertaken work for other public bodies.

  A number of proposed sites were researched, both in the United Kingdom and abroad. The site in Chennai was chosen for many reasons, including:
  Hays have extensive experience in this sector and have been employing staff in this line of work for over 12 years.
  Hays staff are already engaged in processing data for several overseas clients whose data are not dissimilar to that of the CRB.
  A comprehensive security audit has been carried out on the staff, premises and processes involved.

  Hays Plc in India offer the greatest capacity and flexibility to meet the CRB's needs.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the(a)date, (b)location and (c)purpose was of visits by Ministers in his Department to Wales since 1997; and when he next intends to visit Wales. [62079]

  Mr. Blunkett
  [holding answer 17 June 2002]:Information in respect of United Kingdom travel is not held centrally and a full answer could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, I have visited Wales (North and South) on official business three times this year already including a keynote address at the Justices' Clerks Society Annual Conference in Cardiff. I plan to visit South Wales later this year to speak at a Crime and Drug Related conference.

  All travel is undertaken fully in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Ministerial Code and Travel by Ministers, copies of which are available in the Libraries.

  Community Policing
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his oral answer of 10 June 2002,Official Report,column 589, what steps he has taken to familiarise himself with the situation in Nottingham; and if he will make a statement. [61755]

  Mr. Denham
  Day to day arrangements for the policing of Nottingham is an operational matter for the Chief Constable. The Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire (Stephen Green QPM) has told me of the proposed changes to the policing of the Nottingham (C) Division planned by the Divisional Commander (Chief Superintendent Johnson). I understand that the changes to beat policing have yet to be finalised and implemented, but they do have the support of the Chief Constable and Nottingham city council.

  Nottinghamshire force was reorganised on 1 April this year with a view to improving policing in the county. This resulted in a change in the structure of Nottingham Division. In addition, Chief Superintendent Johnson (the new Divisional Commander) decided that he needed to increase the number of beat managers in Nottingham. The proposed changes are designed to deliver this.
  1071W
  I am told the Divisional Commander also plans to address the different policing needs of Nottingham and recognise the heavy work load that Nottingham beat managers have through the changes he wishes to make.

  Increasing the number of beat managers will not reduce officers out on the streets as beat managers also patrol their beat. It is intended that there should be teams of two to three shift working beat managers assigned to a beat over seven days. This should give better coverage than the present arrangements under which beat managers work Monday to Friday; give officers improved ownership of the beat, and more responsibility in policing the area. This should help the team to build better relationships with local communities.

  The Government are committed to increasing the resources available to the police service. You may like to know therefore that in addition to a good police funding settlement in Spending Review 2000, we have, through the Crime Fighting Fund (CFF), allocated 157 CFF recruits to Nottinghamshire Constabulary over the three years to March 2003. On 31 January 2002 the force had 2,313 police officers which is 38 more than it had on 31 March 2001.

  Prisons
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions fire services have attended each category B prison in the last 12 months for which information is available. [62377]

  Hilary Benn
  In the period June 2001 to May 2002, there were a total of 58 occasions on which the fire services attended category B prisons. These have been broken down by prison as follows:

  Prison

  Number of times visited

  Albany

  0

  Blundeston

  3

  Dovegate

  0

  Garth

  7

  Grendon

  1

  Gartree

  1

  Lowdham Grange

  0

  Maidstone

  3

  Parkhurst

  8

  Kingston

  0

  Rye Hill

  2

  Swaleside

  33

  Probation boards' allocations before transfers

  A

  B

  C

  D

  Base position from 2001–million)

  Increase (£n)

  Initial allocation 2002–03 (£ million)

  Percentage increase

  Avon and Somerset

  12.893

  0.387

  13.280

  3.0

  Bedfordshire

  4.917

  0.148

  5.065

  3.0

  Cambridgeshire

  5.309

  0.224

  5.533

  4.2

  Cheshire

  8.826

  0.431

  9.257

  4.9

  Cumbria

  4.932

  0.148

  5.080

  3.0

  Derbyshire

  8.234

  0.321

  8.555

  3.9

  Devon and Cornwall

  12.516

  0.375

  12.891

  3.0

  Dorset

  5.237

  0.157

  5.394

  3.0

  Durham

  6.092

  0.899

  6.991

  14.8

  Essex

  12.513

  0.375

  12.888

  3.0

  Gloucestershire

  4.650

  0.140

  4.790

  3.0

  Hampshire

  14.029

  0.872

  14.901

  6.2

  Hertfordshire

  6.994

  0.210

  7.204

  3.0

  Humberside

  8.976

  0.869

  9.845

  9.7

  Non-UK Minors
  Paul Holmes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many girls aged(a)under 16 and (b)aged 16 and 17 years were arrested for prostitution in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000 and (iii) 2001; how many of these were not UK nationals; and what nationalities were those who were not UK nationals. [62217]

  Hilary Benn
  The information is not collected centrally.

  National Probation Service
  Martin Linton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funding he has made available to the National Probation Service for 2002–03; what criteria the NPS has used to fund the 42 probation areas; and what the areas' budgets are for(a)2001–02 and (b)2002–03. [62052]

  Hilary Benn
  The provisional funding for the National Probation Service for 2002–03 is £666.7 million. This is used to meet

  (a) central costs of the National Directorate (including Estates and Information Technology costs for the local areas)

  (b) the cost of training Probation Officers

  (c) the operating costs of local boards, allocated to local boards and

  (d) the cost of Hostels, which is also allocated to local boards.

  The target funding to the 42 probation areas for operational costs (c above) is calculated, (a)85 per cent. on the basis of a formula which assesses relative need, and (b)15 per cent. on the basis of workload. Since some local boards were historically funded significantly above the implied formula funding level, a minimum increase of 3 per cent. has been applied as a transitional measure.

  The areas' budgets for operating costs (excluding short-term adjustments and before transfer of £20 million for Drug Testing and Treatment Orders to Department of Health) for 2001–02 and 2002–03 total £515 million and £537 million (provisional) respectively and are shown in the following table. Budgets for Hostels are £39.7 million and £40.6 million for 2001–02 and 2002–03 respectively.
  1073W

  Probation boards' allocations before transfers

  A

  B

  C

  D

  Base position from 2001–02 (£ million)

  Increase (£ million)

  Initial allocation 2002–03 (£ million)

  Percentage increase

  Kent

  13.802

  0.414

  14.216

  3.0

  Lancashire

  14.831

  0.445

  15.276

  3.0

  Leicestershire

  8.241

  0.341

  8.582

  4.1

  Lincolnshire

  5.390

  0.184

  5.574

  3.4

  Norfolk

  6.347

  0.330

  6.677

  5.2

  Northamptonshire

  4.856

  0.471

  5.327

  9.7

  North Yorkshire

  5.590

  0.527

  6.117

  9.4

  Nottinghamshire

  10.801

  0.474

  11.275

  4.4

  Staffordshire

  8.809

  0.350

  9.159

  4.0

  Suffolk

  5.085

  0.153

  5.238

  3.0

  Surrey

  6.692

  0.201

  6.893

  3.0

  Sussex

  10.485

  0.315

  10.800

  3.0

  Teeside

  7.618

  0.325

  7.943

  4.3

  Thames Valley

  16.000

  0.480

  16.480

  3.0

  Warwickshire

  4.031

  0.121

  4.152

  3.0

  West Mercia

  8.865

  0.346

  9.211

  3.9

  Wiltshire

  4.747

  0.187

  4.934

  3.9

  Greater Manchester

  30.685

  0.921

  31.606

  3.0

  Merseyside

  18.508

  0.555

  19.063

  3.0

  Northumbria

  16.838

  0.572

  17.410

  3.4

  South Yorkshire

  14.990

  0.661

  15.651

  4.4

  West Midlands

  31.149

  1360

  32.509

  4.4

  West Yorkshire

  23.916

  0.928

  24.844

  3.9

  Greater London

  90.072

  2.702

  92.774

  3.0

  Dyfed-Powys

  4.491

  0.478

  4.969

  10.6

  Gwent

  5.613

  1.208

  6.821

  21.5

  North Wales

  5.970

  0.908

  6.878

  15.2

  South Wales

  14.486

  0.461

  14.947

  3.2

  Total

  515.026

  16.603

  537.000

  4.3

HEALTH

  Health Screening
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his Department's policy is on developing health screening for all people over the age of 60 years. [53685]

  Jacqui Smith
  General practitioners (GPs) are required, under their existing terms of service, to offer an annual health check to their patients who are over 75. The Department will consider with the GP professional bodies

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  First attendances

  35,705

  36.730

  36,224

  37,526

  37,111

  Follow up attendances

  3,950

  4,810

  5,094

  4,447

  4,624

  Total Accident and Emergency attendances

  39.655

  41,540

  41,318

  41,973

  41,735

  West Park Development, Epsom
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will withdraw the plan to construct a new roundabout on Christchurch Road in Epsom as part of the proposed West Park development. [55638]

  Ms Blears
  The proposed roundabout is intended to provide access to the West Park site in conjunction with the existing access from Horton Lane.
  1074W
  the best way of assessing the health of older people proactively in primary care, in the light of the single assessment process that is to be implemented shortly.

  Royal Shrewsbury Hospital
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many accident and emergency admissions there were at the Royal Shrewsbury hospital in each year since March 1997. [56184]

  Ms Blears
  The data requested is shown in the table

  Two vehicular access points into the site represents good practice in terms of road design and safety, urban design, public transport, emergency access and egress as well as an advantageous traffic management plan to both the retained health care uses and the proposed new development.

  Homeless People
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of(a)rough sleepers and
  1075W
  (b)people living in temporary accommodation are registered with a general practitioner. [56567]

  Ms Blears
  This information is not collected centrally. However, the Government are committed to ensure that all children in temporary accommodation receive regular health checks from health professionals, and to increase access to general practitioners and health care for all homeless people. The absence of a permanent address should not be a bar to registering with a general practitioner.

  Vaccines
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients in each of the last five years have received the pneumococcal vaccine. [56921]

  Ms Blears
  The number of people who have received pneumococcal vaccine can be estimated by the number of prescription items dispensed in the community for pneumococcal vaccine. The amount of pneumococcal vaccine dispensed in England for the last five years is given in the table.

  Number of prescription items dispensed in the community for pneumococcal vaccine, 1997 to 2001

  England

  Prescription items (thousands)

  Net ingredient cost (£000)

  Number of vaccines (thousands)

  1997

  646.0

  6,422.6

  646.2

  1998

  445.4

  4,428.5

  445.7

  1999

  550.5

  5,415.0

  551.8

  2000

  539.1

  5,244.3

  540.3

  2001

  468.1

  4,682.9

  468.4

  Radio Systems (Emergency Services)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment has been made of the interoperability of the new ambulance radio system with those of other emergency services; and if he will make a statement. [56682]

  Mr. Lammy
  It is our intention to undertake a national procurement exercise for a new national digital radio network for ambulance services starting in July 2002. Increased interoperability and resilience has been built into the user requirement specification for the new network based on the expert advice of the professional heads of the ambulance, police and fire services.

  Cancer Treatment
  Mr. Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he last met the Government's National Cancer Director to discuss cancer treatment in the NHS; and how often such meetings take place. [59285]

  Ms Blears
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State last met Professor Mike Richards, National Cancer Director on 18 June. They also usually meet informally at least once a month to discuss cancer services. Other Ministers also regularly meet Professor Richards.

  Mental Health
  Matthew Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to create the world class mental health service envisaged in the Wanless report; and if he will make a statement. [59859]

  Jacqui Smith
  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Budget statement outlined substantial additional resources to ensure a modern health service. There is no doubt that increase in national health service expenditure over the next decade will see substantial increases in spending on mental health. The Department is studying the Wanless report with great interest and it will be an important source of analysis and information in the allocation of resources to the service.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many of the new graduate primary care mental health worker posts have been(a)created and (b)filled in (i) England and (ii) North Yorkshire; [60508]

  (2) how many of the new primary care trusts have employed graduate primary care mental health workers to assist GPs (a)in England and (b)North Yorkshire; [60505]

  (3) how many of the new primary care trusts have employed gateway workers to provide a round-the-clock co-ordinating service to specialised care in (a)England and (b)North Yorkshire; [60506]

  (4) how many of the mental health gateway worker posts have so far been (a)created and (b)filled in (i) England and (ii) North Yorkshire. [60509]

  Jacqui Smith
  The new graduate primary care mental health workers and mental health gateway workers announced in the NHS Plan will be employed to help general practitioners manage and treat common mental health problems in the financial year 2003–04. Further information to support their recruitment, and to monitor their establishment, will be available in due course. A special session on new primary care workers and `Gateway' workers was held at 23 November 2001 conference 'Fast-forwarding Primary Care Mental Health' (www.doh.gov/fastforward).

  Pilot projects for new graduate primary care workers have recently started in Northumbria and Birmingham. A mental health primary care team, established in Scarborough in 1998, with the aim of strengthening primary care mental health provision, also achieved NHS Beacon status in April 1999. The service provides one model of how gateway staff might work in other parts in the country.

  This year, £2.5 million has been made available to establish new training programmes to support new primary care workers when they are employed. This initiative is being led by South Trent Work Force Development Confederation.

  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the extent of under-investment in core mental health services (i) in London and (ii) nationally over the past 20 years; and if he will make a statement. [62911]

  Jacqui Smith
  Health authorities and now primary care trusts as commissioners of local services are required to spend money based on their assessment of need.
  1077W
  The Department has recently received the details of a mental health finance mapping exercise that was completed by mental health national service framework local implementation teams at the end of October 2001.

  The NHS Plan announced substantial additional investment in mental health services. In 2002–03 an additional £93.5 million revenue and £70 million capital, and in 2003–04 an additional £312 million revenue and £17 million capital will be made available.

  The finance mapping exercise will provide an opportunity to track this investment through to local service provision.

  Myeloma
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the most common form of treatment is for myeloma patients. [62719]

  Ms Blears
  Chemotherapy, usually combined with steroids, is the main treatment for myeloma.

  UK Biobank
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of company access to anonymised genetic and lifestyle data from UK Biobank. [62277]

  Ms Blears
  Details of how companies may gain access to anonymised genetic and lifestyle data held by the UK Biobank have not yet been finalised. A monitoring body, independent of the UK Biobank funders, will be established to protect the interests of Biobank participants and the general public. This monitoring body will be responsible for finalising, and overseeing the implementation of, policies on access to anonymised samples and data by all users, whether in the commercial or academic sectors, taking into account the results of consultations with the public and other stakeholders. An open meeting with industry representatives is being planned for later this year to discuss possible access arrangements. All projects, whether funded from the public or private sector, will need to have ethical approval and will be reviewed by the scientific management committee.

  Chiropody and Podiatry Services
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Warrington, North of 24 May,Official Report,column 691W, what the terms of reference were of the review of chiropody services, "Feet First II"; and if he will list the members of the task force assembled during the research of the review of chiropody services, "Feet First [60723]

  Jacqui Smith
  The following aims were agreed for the review of "Feet First":

  To review whether the recommendations made in "Feet First" were still relevant or needed updating in the light of national health service developments in the late 1990s; and
  1078W
  To examine levels of service currently being provided and the role of podiatry in the prevention of social exclusion by considering:
  evidence of reductions in service;
  shortcomings not related to funding; and
  outcome measures that are likely, within available resources, to be feasible and acceptable to the NHS.

  The following were members of the working party for the review of "Feet First":

  Chairman

  Dr. A. Muir Gray, Director of the Institute of Health Sciences, Oxford University

  Members
  Avril Imison, Head of Policy—Therapy Services NHS Executive Marie Lancett, Chiropody Adviser—NHS Executive
  Paul Riley, Policy Manager NHS Executive
  Christine Farrell, NHS Executive
  Anne Stephens, Head of Podiatry Services—Camden and Islington CHS NHS Trust
  John Rom, Chief Executive—Northampton Community Healthcare NHS Trust
  Pamela Sabine, Chairman—Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, Thameside Community Health NHS Trust
  Peter Graham, Chiropody Services Manager—Merton and Sutton Community NHS Trust
  Jackie Haynes, Chief Executive—Buckinghamshire Health Authority.

  Weight Management
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to make the database of weight management services developed by the Department available at local practitioner level. [61476]

  Ms Blears
  The database of weight management services was completed in 1997 and made available at each national health service regional office for local dissemination on request. There are no plans to make it available at local practitioner level.

  Sexual Health and HIV
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the action plan outlining implementation of the sexual health and HIV strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement. [61076]

  Ms Blears
  The sexual health and HIV strategy implementation action plan was published on the Department's website on 24 June. This sets out in detail how we will work both through the national health service and in partnership with other Government Departments and the voluntary sector to modernise services and tackle sexual ill-health and inequalities.

  Tuberculosis
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department gives for screening for TB in England. [61083]

  Ms Blears
  The Department has published recommendations in two documents. One in June 1996, "Recommendations for the prevention and control of tuberculosis at local level" and again in September 1998 in the document entitled "UK guidance on the prevention
  1079W
  and control of transmission of HIV-related tuberculosis and drug-resistant, including multiple drug-resistant, tuberculosis".

  Macular Degeneration
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received regarding the use of photodynamic therapy for macular disease; and if he will make a statement. [61513]

  Mr. Lammy
  Since January 2002, the Department has received eight letters from members of the public, 88 letters from Members of Parliament on behalf of constituents, and 16 parliamentary questions about the availability of photodynamic therapy as a treatment for age-related macular degeneration.

  The National Institute for Clinical Excellence are currently carrying out an appraisal of photodynamic therapy. NICE published their final appraisal determination on the use of photodynamic therapy as a treatment for age-related macular degeneration on 12 June. The appraisal process has not yet been completed and NICE have not made any recommendations on photodynamic therapy. NICE are seeking the views of consultees during the appeal process and will consider carefully any points that are made. NICE's recommendations may change as a result of the appeal process. The earliest guidance could be available is at the end of July or early August.

  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many people in the UK suffer from age-related macular degeneration; what assessment he has made of the treatment available to them; and if he will make a statement; [62564]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the prescribing of photodynamic therapy for sufferers of wet age-related macular degeneration. [62565]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 17 June 2002]:A study sponsored by the macular disease society in 2001 estimated that there were 182,000 people with age related macular degeneration with a best eye visual acuity below that judged appropriate for certification as blind or partially sighted. Around 10 to 15 per cent. of those will have the 'wet' type of the condition, for which photodynamic therapy is intended as a treatment. However it is not possible to say in how many cases the treatment would be effective.

  The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) are currently carrying out an appraisal of photodynamic therapy. NICE published their final appraisal determination on the use of photodynamic therapy as a treatment for age related macular degeneration on 12 June. The appraisal process has not yet been completed and NICE have not made any recommendations on photodynamic therapy. NICE are seeking the views of consultees during the appeal process and will consider carefully any points that are made. NICE's recommendations may change as a result of the appeal process. The earliest guidance could be available at the end of July or early August.

  In August 1999 the Department issued Health Service Circular 1999/176 which asks the NHS bodies to continue with local arrangements for the managed introduction of new technologies where guidance from NICE is not
  1080W
  available at the time the technology first became available. These arrangements should involve an assessment of all the available evidence.

  Departmental Grants
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which organisations which were in receipt of a grant from him in 1997–98 no longer are; what the annual saving is; which organisations which were not in receipt of a grant in 1997–98 now are; and what the annual cost of each is. [61391]

  Jacqui Smith
  I refer the hon. Member to the response given by my right hon. Friend, the Chief Secretary to Her Majesty's Treasury on 17 June 2002,Official Report,column 137W.

  Winter Vomiting Disease
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what additional support the NHS is providing to Whipps Cross University Hospital Trust to deal with the outbreak of winter vomiting disease (SRSV) and its aftermath; and if he will make a statement. [62013]

  Mr. Hutton
  Following a meeting at the North East London health authority (HA) on the 27 May about the outbreak of winter vomiting disease at Whipps Cross University Hospital national health service trust, all trusts in the local health economy made available any spare capacity they had should it have been necessary. Although unused, the Homerton and Barking, Havering and Redbridge NHS trusts offered help as did Bans and the London and Newham trusts, both of which took patients from Whipps Cross. As such the local health economy was able to minimise the disruption of services for patients.

  The public health team from the local primary care trusts (PCTs) has attended daily incident management team meetings, to control the outbreak. Rapid communication channels are in place between general practitioners and other healthcare professionals in the PCTs.

  The public health team at the PCTs also liaised with the communicable disease surveillance centre and the regional epidemiologist to advise the incident team on outbreak management based on lessons learnt elsewhere across the country.

  The directorates of health and social care London region, communicable diseases surveillance centre and the North East London health authority are working extremely closely together to monitor and contain the spread of this virus. No patients and staff at the trust are seriously ill and all are expecting to make a full recovery.

  Pain Control
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what(a)guidelines he has issued to health professionals relating to and (b)arrangements are in place for effective pain control for people sent home from hospital in their dying weeks; and if he will make a statement. [62327]

  Ms Blears
  Health Service Circular 1998/115 (June 1998) enclosed copies of guidance produced by the national council for hospice and specialist palliative care
  1081W
  services including 'Guidelines for Managing Cancer Pain in Adults' and 'Changing Gear—Guidelines for Managing the Last Days of Life in Adults'. The circular and booklets were sent to national health service trust chief executives, nurse executive directors and medical directors. A supportive and palliative care strategy is being developed under the NHS Cancer Plan to ensure best treatment and care from when cancer is first suspected and throughout the illness through to death and bereavement.

  E-Medicine
  John Mann
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to develop an infrastructure for secure electronic health data communications. [62356]

  Ms Blears
  The NHS Plan set the context for the major modernisation of the national health service in England. It clearly sets out a vision of a health service designed around the patient, and which enables integrated care to be delivered by a range of organisations. The commitments of the NHS Plan to new ways of working can only be achieved through the well-planned implementation of an information technology (IT) and systems infrastructure.

  In line with the. NHS Plan, and in response to feedback from the NHS and the supplier community, we are introducing a far more robust approach to standardisation. An infrastructure based on universal internet technology, government-wide standards and those developed specifically to meet the needs of the NHS will give all staff the means to access the right information in the right places at the right time.

  Subject to approval of funding and spending plans from April 2002 to April 2003 we will work on developing the NHS' IT management structure, capacity and capability. We will also define the data, and data interchange standards we will require in the future. We will build the essential

  Name

  Mrs. Ruth Popple

  Chair, Carlisle and District Primary Care Trust

  Mr. Graham Ogden

  Chief Executive, Carlisle and District Primary Care Trust

  Mr. Allan Buckley

  Vice Chair, Eden Valley Primary Care Trust

  Mr. Peter Kohn

  Chief Executive, Eden Valley Primary Care Trust

  Mr. Doug Scott

  Director of Planning, Eden Valley Primary Care Trust

  Mr. Patrick Everingham (chair)

  Chair, West Cumbria Primary Care Trust

  Ms Veronica Marsden

  Chief Executive, West Cumbria Primary Care Trust

  Cllr Barbara Cannon

  Chair, North Cumbria Acute Hospitals Trust

  Mr. Nick Wood

  Chief Executive, North Cumbria Acute Hospitals Trust

  Mr. Eric Urquhart

  Chair, North Cumbria Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Trust

  Mr. Brian Clayton

  Chair, Cumbria Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  Mr. Alan Donkersley

  Chief Executive, Cumbria Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  Mr. John Cain

  Environmental Health Officer, Allerdale Borough Council

  Cllr C. McCarron-Holmes

  Executive Member, Allerdale Borough Council

  Cllr Ray Bloxham (Vice Chair)

  Portfolio Holder Health, Carlisle City Council

  Mr. Laurie Brewis

  Head of Housing Provision, Carlisle City Council

  Mr. John Stanforth

  General Manager, Copeland Borough Council

  Cllr Brian Dixon

  Executive Member, Copeland Borough Council

  Mr. Louis Victory

  Chief Executive, Cumbria County Council

  Cllr John Mallinson

  Executive Member, Cumbria County Council

  Mr. Mike Siegal

  Director of Social Services, Cumbria County Council

  Mr. Ruth Atkinson

  Policy and Strategy Manager, Eden District Council

  Cllr Bryan Metz

  Executive Member, Eden District Council

  Mrs. Jessica Riddle

  Chair, Carlisle Council for Voluntary Service

  Mrs. Pat Black

  Chair, Eden Council for Voluntary Service

  Mrs. Kay Pitchford

  Chair, West Cumbria Council for Voluntary Service

  Mrs. Elaine Steven

  Chair, East Cumbria Community Health Council

  Mrs. Jennifer Drouet

  Chair, West Cumbria Community Health Council

  Mr. Tony Potter

  North Cumbria Health Action Zone

  Note:

  A nomination for a director of public health for the North Cumbria Primary Care Trusts has not yet been confirmed.
  1082W
  system specifications to deliver the national health record service. We will also develop the infrastructure, including broadband capacity, needed to lay the basis for key applications.

  Subject to approval of funding and spending plans, between April 2003 and April 2005 we plan to put in place
  Broadband access (more than I 28kbs) to every clinician and support staff in the NHS
  increased bandwidth to minimum—2Mbps between trusts and across NHS Net Gateways
  Access and authentication available for all NHS staff
  National NHS directory service
  Domain to domain encryption.

  Subject to approval of business cases, formal open procurement exercises are planned for NHS networking services (to replace the existing framework contracts that expire in 2003–04), and for NHS public key infrastructure services.

  North Cumbria Health Action Zone
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been paid by the North Cumbria Health Action Zone to the Countryside Alliance in the last two years. [62360]

  Jacqui Smith
  Over the past two years, £100,000 has been allocated to the Countryside Alliance by the North Cumbria Health Action Zone in respect of the food development project.

  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health who the Chair is of the board of the North Cumbria Health Action Zone; and if he will list its membership. [62358]

  Jacqui Smith
  The chair of the North Cumbria Partnership for Health Board is Mr. Patrick Everingham.

  The complete membership of the board is listed.
  1083W
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health who is the landlord of the North Cumbria Health Action Zone headquarters; and what the annual rental cost is. [62359]

  Jacqui Smith
  The landlord for the North Cumbria Health Action Zone headquarters is the North West Development Agency. The annual rent for 2001–02 was £16,217.52.

  Chair's salary

  Chief executive's salary

  Total spend

  Final approved expenditure limit

  Capitation position

  Distance from target1

  2001–02

  Bracknell Forest PCT2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Newbury and Community PCT

  12,970

  69,305

  63,414

  63,433

  64,710

  (2.0)

  Reading PCT

  12,589

  75,000

  149,398

  149,565

  153,334

  (2.5)

  Slough PCT

  12,967

  71,792

  90,337

  91,094

  93,066

  (2.2)

  Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead PCT2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Wokingham PCT

  12.967

  65,300

  84,862

  85,585

  83,891

  2.0

  Total

  51,493

  281,397

  388,011

  389,677

  395,001

  2002–033

  Bracknell Forest PCT

  16,017

  65,000

  —

  —

  66,752

  5.6

  Newbury and Community PCT

  16,017

  77,700

  —

  —

  69,508

  (1.5)

  Reading PCT

  18,154

  75,000

  —

  —

  152,261

  (2.4)

  Slough PCT

  16,017

  74,377

  —

  —

  93,394

  (2.9)

  Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead PCT

  18,154

  80,000

  —

  —

  118,277

  1.6

  Wokingham PCT

  18,184

  67,500

  —

  —

  90,012

  2.0

  Total

  102,543

  439,577

  —

  —

  590,204

  —

  1Figures in brackets equal under target.

  2Bracknell Forest and Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead PCTs came into existence on 1 April 2002 (all other PCTs on 1 April 2001)

  3Final approved expenditure limit for 2002–03 is not currently available.

  Digital Hearing Aids
  Mark Tami
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to extend the availability of digital hearing aids in the NHS. [63063]

  Jacqui Smith
  We are committed to extending the benefits of digital hearing aids, provided as part of a modernised service. We have invested over £30 million in the modernising hearing aids services project over the past three years. This will bring the number of sites providing a modernised service to 50 by the end of this financial year, with at least 15 more sites having the equipment and training to enable them to start fitting digital aids from April 2003.

  Audiology departments were informed, on 11 June 2002, that James Strachan, chief executive at Royal National Institute for the Deaf and the national health service purchasing and supply agency (PASA), working with the Department, have now negotiated an excellent deal on the price of digital hearing aids. All NHS audiology departments are free to purchase from these contracts, whether they are currently part of the project or not, provided they have the necessary infrastructure in place and relevant experience of fitting digital hearing aids.

  Medication (HIV Patients)
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has issued on the availability of
  1084W

  Primary Care Trusts (Berkshire)
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the salary of the chair and the chief executive and the total spending and capitation fee of each of the Berkshire primary care trusts; and if he will list the distance from target of the annual spend in each primary care trust area in(a)2000–01, (b)2001–02 and (c)2002–03. [63112]

  Ms Blears
  The information requested is shown in the table for the years 2001–02 and 2002–03. The primary care trusts were not in existence in 2000–0]

  tuberculosis medication for HIV patients; and if there are any circumstances in which an HIV patient would be expected to pay for tuberculosis medication. [63465]

  Ms Blears
  Guidance on the treatment of patients with HIV-related tuberculosis was published in the report "The Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis in the United Kingdom: UK Guidance on the Prevention and Control of Transmission of 1. HIV-related Tuberculosis 2. Drug-resistant, Including Multiple Drug-resistant, Tuberculosis", by the interdepartmental working group on tuberculosis.

  If the medication is supplied to a patient and administered at a hospital it is free of charge. If the medication is supplied otherwise than for administration at a hospital normal prescription charging arrangements apply. No charge will be payable if the patient qualifies for free prescriptions on any grounds, such as low income.

  NHS Dentistry (Yeovil)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action is being taken to improve access to NHS dentistry in Yeovil constituency; and if he will make a statement. [63371]

  Mr. Lammy
  Arrangements are now in place to ensure that everyone who requires national health service dentistry will be directed to available services simply by phoning NHS Direct. Over the last 18 months we allocated over £210S)00 to extend and improve existing
  1085W
  NHS dental facilities in Somerset. In February 2001 the capacity of these services was further increased when a dental access centre was opened in Yeovil.

  We are aware of the need for further improvements and during 2001 the chief dental officer led a working group to look at options for change to modernise NHS dentistry. This group has completed its deliberations. The proposals in 'Options for Change' need practical testing and demonstration sites will be set up, working with the NHS Modernisation Agency. We will begin the process of identifying the demonstration sites over the coming months.

  MS Patients
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the necessary structures and systems will be operating in Essex, to assess MS patients' eligibility for disease modifying therapies for MS. [63146]

  Ms Blears
  The five acute trusts in Essex have assessed the arrangements necessary to implement the scheme to assess multiple sclerosis (MS) patients' eligibility for disease modifying therapies for MS.

  All trusts highlighted a need for additional specialist nurse support. Applications have been made to the MS Society for access to their specialist nurse fast-track scheme and these applications are currently being processed. Once approved, recruitment will commence as soon as possible. Identification of potentially eligible new patients has taken place and this information has been passed to primary care trusts.

  Once the infrastructure is in place within the centres, these patients will be reviewed and if they meet the required Association of British Neurologists criteria, will commence treatment.

  Care Homes and Nursing Homes
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many cases each responsible local authority would be expected to deal with under the formula for transferring funding for residents of care homes and nursing homes on preserved rights from the Department of Work and Pensions to local authorities; [63157]

  Children looked after in London boroughs, by ethnic origin, as at 31 March 2001

  Percentage

  Ethnic origin

  London boroughs

  All children

  White

  Mixed origin

  Black or Black British

  Other ethnic groups

  London

  100

  52

  10

  25

  12

  Inner London

  Camden

  100

  50

  18

  25

  8

  Greenwich

  100

  66

  7

  15

  12

  Hackney

  100

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  100

  39

  4

  37

  21

  Islington

  100

  39

  21

  22

  18

  Kensington and Chelsea

  100

  31

  30

  32

  7

  Lambeth

  100

  37

  10

  47

  7

  Lewisham

  100

  46

  5

  35

  14

  South wark

  100

  50

  13

  32

  5

  1086W
  (2) what unit of funding was used in arriving at the formula for the transferred responsibility for residents of care homes and nursing homes with preserved rights to local authorities. [63153]

  Jacqui Smith
  The national budget for the preserved rights grant was determined principally on the basis of the expected number in mid 2002–03 of residents formerly entitled to preserved rights. The allocation for individual local authorities was calculated in proportion to the distribution of residents with preserved rights as at December 2000. The caseloads of people under 65 and over 65 were considered separately. The data for December 2000 were provided by the Department for Work and Pensions. These data were adjusted by information provided by councils on the numbers of preserved rights residents supported outside their area. These adjusted data are available on the Department of Health's website at http:/www.doh.gov.uk/scg/incom-sup.htm.

  (3) what attempts were made to assess the capacity of the private sector to meet the assessed care needs of individual residents in care homes and nursing homes with reserved rights before arriving at the funding formula for transfer of undertaking to local authorities. [63154]

  Jacqui Smith
  Until March this year, responsibility for the regulation and inspection of independent sector residential care homes and nursing homes lay respectively with local councils and the national health service. Part of this function included checking that homes were able to meet the needs of their residents. On 1 April 2002, this responsibility passed to the National Care Standards Commission, for care homes in England. Until the abolition of preserved rights to higher levels of income support there was no requirement on councils to assess the care needs of residents with preserved rights unless the council was topping up their care home fees.

  Children in Care
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of the number of children in the care of London boroughs in(a)1999, (b)2000 and (c)2001 were from (i) black and (ii) ethnic minority backgrounds. [64105]

  Jacqui Smith
  The available information for children looked after in London boroughs at 31 March 2001 is shown in the table. Information for earlier years is not available, as 2001 was the first year information was collected on the ethnic origin of children looked after by local councils in England.
  1087W

  Children looked after in London boroughs, by ethnic origin, as at 31 March 2001

  Percentage

  Ethnic origin

  London boroughs

  All children

  White

  Mixed origin

  Black or Black British

  Other ethnic groups

  Tower Hamlets

  100

  45

  16

  15

  24

  Wandsworth

  100

  49

  4

  40

  6

  Westminster

  100

  44

  19

  27

  11

  Outer London

  Barking and Dagenham

  100

  73

  6

  5

  16

  Barnet

  100

  69

  12

  14

  5

  Bexley

  100

  87

  —

  8

  —

  Brent

  100

  34

  13

  46

  6

  Bromley

  100

  81

  10

  —

  —

  Croydon

  100

  71

  11

  14

  4

  Ealing

  100

  50

  18

  19

  13

  Enfield

  100

  63

  —

  —

  19

  Haringey

  100

  38

  15

  43

  3

  Harrow

  100

  55

  10

  16

  19

  Havering

  100

  79

  —

  —

  13

  Hillingdon

  100

  50

  8

  27

  14

  Hounslow

  100

  68

  15

  11

  6

  Kingston upon Thames

  100

  84

  —

  10

  —

  Merton

  100

  75

  —

  20

  —

  Newham

  100

  36

  4

  32

  27

  Redbridge

  100

  71

  12

  14

  —

  Richmond upon Thames

  100

  77

  —

  —

  13

  Sutton

  100

  84

  —

  9

  —

  Waltham Forest

  100

  49

  20

  29

  2

  1Indicates not availabelle

  Notes:

  1. Figures for children looked after in this table exclude children looked after under an agreed series of short term placements.

  2. Small percentages, particularly where the number is less than five, together with all data for the City of London, have been suppressed for reasons of confidentiality. All suppressed data in the table are indicated by the symbol "—".

  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children were in the care of(a)London boroughs and (b)local authorities in England and Wales in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000 and (iii) 2001. [64106]

  Jacqui Smith
  The information requested for London and local councils in England is shown in the table. Information on the number of children looked after by local councils in Wales is a matter for the Welsh Assembly.

  Children looked after at 31 March 1999 to 2001, England and London

  Number

  1999

  2000

  2001

  England

  55,500

  58,100

  58,900

  London

  9,590

  10,400

  10,970

  Notes:

  1. Figures for children looked after in this table exclude children looked after under an agreed series of short term placements.

  2. Figures for London have been rounded to the nearest 100. All figures include estimates for missing data.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many and what percentage of children between the ages of 16 and 18 years living(a)in a residential care home and (b)with foster parents were not in education, employment or training for the last five years for which figures are available. [63113]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 19 June 2002]:The information requested is not collected centrally. A new departmental statistical return (0C3) will collect data from social services departments in England concerning
  1088W
  the educational or employment status of care leavers on their 19th birthday. The return requires councils to report whether each care leaver, who was looked after on 1 April in their 17th year, is in education, training, employment, or is sick or unemployed. This data will be published for the first time in autumn 2002.

  Occupational Health (NHS Staff)
  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the adequacy of occupational health provision for NHS staff. [63832]

  Mr. Lammy
  Data collected by the Department in 1999 show that all national health service staff in the hospital sector have access to occupational health services. In 60 per cent. of NHS trusts these services are provided in house, while the other 40 per cent. buy in services from neighbouring NHS organisations. The NHS Plan announced a further £21 million of funding for the extension of occupational health services to general practitioners and their staff.

  In order to address this the Department has issued service delivery standards for occupational health as part of the improving working lives standard. The effective management of occupational health and safety services in the NHS was issued in November 2001, and is available in the Library. The Department is currently working with occupational health providers on further standards related to pre-appointment checks.

  More than half of NHS occupational health units that also provide services to small and medium sized enterprises through NHS Plus. In these trusts the chief

  1089W
  executive has signed a declaration that services to staff are already of an adequate standard and will not be affected by implementing NHS Plus. A percentage of income generated through NHS Plus is reinvested in improving occupational health services to NHS staff.

  Colchester Primary Care Trust
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects that the Colchester Primary Care Trust will achieve fair weighted capitation; and if he will make a statement. [64222]

  Mr. Lammy
  We will announce allocations to primary care trusts for the three years 2003–04, 2004–05 and 2005–06 in the autumn. Our aim is to move primary care trusts towards their fair shares determined by the weighted capitation formula as quickly as practicable.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will reply to the letter of Dr. Seward of Milford on Sea of 12 May. [63830]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Department has no record of receiving this correspondence. The Department's Ministerial Correspondence Unit is seeking a copy of this correspondence.

  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Tunbridge Wells, of 2 May requesting a meeting to discuss the MRI scanner facilities at the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS trust. [58610]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 25 May 2002]:A reply was sent on 25 June 2002.

  Respite Care
  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many respite care places were available in each year since 1997(a)in Wiltshire and (b)in England. [63829]

  Jacqui Smith
  Information on the number of respite care places is not available centrally.

  Dlayed Discharges
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many delayed discharges there are in the Portsmouth, South constituency that are waiting to leave; and if he will make a statement. [64478]

  Ms Blears
  Information on delayed discharges is collected at health authority rather than constituency level. All available information has been placed in the Library. Figures for Quarter 4 of 2001–02 show that the former Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and South East Hampshire health authority area had 97 delayed discharges.

  The Government recognise that delayed discharges are a problem across the south-east. Health and local authorities are working together to take action to improve the situation. In October 2001 the Government announced an extra £300 million in the "Cash for Change" initiative to tackle bed blocking in 2001–02 and 2002–03. Last year Hampshire received over £2 million, this year over £5 million.
  1090W
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many delayed discharges there were in(a)North Yorkshire and (b)England in the last three months. [63082]

  Jacqui Smith
  I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave her on 26 June 2002,Official Report,column 976W.

  Non-executive Directors
  Mr. Hoban
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many vacancies there are for non-executive directors of PCTs. [64339]

  Mr. Lammy
  The national health service appointments commission is responsible for non-executive appointments to the boards of primary care trusts (PCTs). PCT boards are themselves now responsible, within certain limits, for determining their complement of non-executive members. As a result, the chief executive of the appointments commission wrote to all PCT chairs on 14 June to establish the planned size of their board for 2002 and the number of new non-executives they would like the commission to recruit to fill the vacancies. Responses have been requested by 30 July.

  Parkinson's Disease
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (I) what funding the Government are making available to provide specialist nurses to treat Parkinson's disease in(a)England and (b)Gloucestershire; and if he will make a statement; [64448]

  (2) how many specialist nurses to treat Parkinson's disease there are in (a)England and (b)Gloucestershire; and if he will make a statement. [64447]

  Jacqui Smith
  We do not hold information centrally on the skills profile of nurses at either a local or national level. We understand from the Parkinson's Disease Society however, that there are currently 134 of these nurses in post.

  Funding is allocated to health authorities so that they can take decisions about the staff and services they need to provide to meet the health needs of their local populations. Funds are not earmarked centrally to support the funding of particular staff groups.

  Residential and Nursing Care
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average cost per person of care for is(a)residential care and (b)nursing care broken down by local authority. [64388]

  Jacqui Smith
  The table shows the average cost per person per week of residential and nursing care for 2000–01 broken down by local authority in England as reported by councils to the Department. Information on unit costs by client group is available on the key indicators graphical system, a copy of which is available in the Library.
  1091W

  Unit cost of residential and nursing care, 2000–01

  £ per week

  Residential care

  Nursing

  care

  Barking and Dagenham

  —

  —

  Barnet

  587

  420

  Barnsley

  259

  232

  Bath and North East Somerset

  412

  350

  Bedfordshire

  —

  —

  Bexley

  420

  489

  Birmingham

  418

  378

  Blackburn with Darwen

  291

  357

  Blackpool

  328

  366

  Bolton

  373

  352

  Bournemouth

  336

  363

  Bracknell Forest

  648

  491

  Bradford

  —

  —

  Brent

  —

  —

  Brighton and Hove

  482

  362

  Bristol

  413

  410

  Bromley

  438

  459

  Buckinghamshire

  456

  462

  Bury

  317

  348

  Calderdale

  338

  333

  Cambridgeshire

  325

  366

  Camden

  487

  497

  Cheshire

  323

  365

  City of London

  561

  566

  Cornwall

  285

  363

  Coventry

  —

  —

  Croydon

  410

  448

  Cumbria

  332

  393

  Darlington

  328

  348

  Derby

  326

  387

  Derbyshire

  338

  344

  Devon

  373

  445

  Doncaster

  372

  350

  Dorset

  358

  351

  Dudley

  473

  297

  Durham

  335

  342

  Ealing

  516

  509

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  260

  430

  East Sussex

  673

  245

  Enfield

  526

  517

  Essex

  —

  —

  Gateshead

  404

  390

  Gloucestershire

  403

  472

  Greenwich

  480

  415

  Hackney

  479

  391

  Halton

  349

  407

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  560

  499

  Hampshire

  400

  408

  Haringey

  —

  —

  Harrow

  522

  489

  Hartlepool

  381

  378

  Havering

  475

  450

  Herefordshire

  477

  417

  Hertfordshire

  —

  —

  Hillingdon

  529

  654

  Hounslow

  581

  476

  Isle of Wight

  292

  352

  Isles of Scilly

  —

  —

  Islington

  586

  468

  Kensington and Chelsea

  583

  565

  Kent

  —

  —

  Kingston upon Hull

  341

  336

  Kingston upon Thames

  546

  442

  Kirklees

  337

  299

  Knowsley

  351

  373

  Lambeth

  —

  —

  Lancashire

  315

  379

  Leeds

  421

  391

  Leicester

  342

  332

  Leicestershire

  329

  371

  Lewisham

  514

  405

  Lincolnshire

  331

  247

  Liverpool

  383

  310

  Luton

  446

  373

  Manchester

  343

  372

  Medway Towns

  376

  361

  1092W

  Unit cost of residential and nursing care, 2000–01

  £Per Week

  Residential care

  Nursing care

  Merton

  423

  335

  Middlesbrough

  349

  347

  Milton Keynes

  374

  354

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  307

  342

  Newham

  499

  416

  Norfolk

  397

  449

  North East Lincolnshire

  320

  230

  North Lincolnshire

  306

  426

  North Somerset

  318

  450

  North Tyneside

  —

  —

  North Yorkshire

  340

  370

  Northamptonshire

  393

  350

  Northumberland

  351

  351

  Nottingham

  323

  339

  Nottinghamshire

  314

  376

  Oldham

  325

  425

  Oxfordshire

  499

  432

  Peterborough

  395

  419

  Plymouth

  445

  413

  Poole

  393

  392

  Portsmouth

  —

  —

  Reading

  560

  465

  Redbridge

  485

  462

  Redcar and Cleveland

  —

  —

  Richmond upon Thames

  591

  463

  Rochdale

  318

  378

  Rotherham

  339

  344

  Rutland

  363

  345

  Salford

  372

  352

  Sandwell

  386

  359

  Sefton

  395

  363

  Sheffield

  300

  377

  Shropshire

  350

  364

  Slough

  479

  467

  Solihull

  440

  355

  Somerset

  —

  —

  South Gloucestershire

  385

  341

  South Tyneside

  —

  —

  Southampton

  322

  470

  Southend

  426

  372

  Southwark

  611

  427

  St. Helens

  408

  335

  Staffordshire

  333

  344

  Stockport

  387

  522

  Stockton-on-Tees

  360

  374

  Stoke-on-Trent

  360

  359

  Suffolk

  398

  379

  Sunderland

  360

  375

  Surrey

  395

  366

  Sutton

  462

  443

  Swindon

  420

  396

  Tameside

  285

  368

  Telford and Wrekin

  309

  333

  Thurrock

  406

  424

  Torbay

  308

  390

  Tower Hamlets

  —

  —

  Trafford

  360

  374

  Wakefield

  393

  383

  Walsall

  388

  374

  Waltham Forest

  449

  433

  Wandsworth

  492

  527

  Warrington

  426

  351

  Warwickshire

  420

  306

  West Berkshire

  565

  397

  West Sussex

  —

  —

  Westminster

  706

  465

  Wigan

  333

  367

  Wiltshire

  425

  416

  Windsor and Maidenhead

  565

  423

  Wirral

  455

  311

  Wokingham

  —

  —

  Wolverhampton

  485

  361

  Worcestershire

  373

  407

  York

  351

  353

  England

  389

  377

  Care Homes
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement on fee levels for(a)care homes for older people and (b)care homes operating in other sectors of care; [64999]

  (2) what investigations his Department is carrying out into the models of pricing care, with specific reference to reducing levels of paperwork; [65031]

  (3) if he will make a statement on the recent report of Laing and Buisson on care home costs. [65014]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Government welcome the contribution made by the Joseph Rowntree report to the discussion about the appropriate level of care home fees. We support any publication that aids councils in setting fair and realistic fee levels. The Government are putting record levels of investment into the system. We increased resources to social services by 20 per cent. in real terms between 1996–97 and 2002–03, this represents a national real terms increase of 3 per cent. per annum. There is evidence that this extra investment is making a difference. In a recent report by Laing and Buisson, the authors of the Joseph Rowntree report, it is stated that councils have raised care home fees by an average of 3 per cent. in the last year.

  The social services performance assessment framework indicators published in October 2001 contain information on local council's unit costs for nursing and residential care for different client groups.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) pursuant to the answer of 22 May 2002,Official Report,column 424W, on care homes, how many of the letters from (a)hon. Members and (b)the public were about increases in care home fees related to the introduction of free nursing care; and if he will list the other subjects which (i) hon. Members and (ii) members of the public wrote concerning the introduction of NHS-funded care; [60793]

  (2) pursuant to the answer of 22 May 2002, Official Report,column 424W, on free nursing care, how many letters have been received from hon. Members regarding the failure of care homes to pass on the NHS free nursing care contribution, broken down by party. [60794]

  Jacqui Smith
  (holding answer 12 June 20021:Since October last year, the Department has received in excess of 10,000 letters from hon. Members and in excess of 24,000 letters from members of the public. Of the letters received, 232 and 150 from hon. Members and members of the public respectively covered issues relating to free nursing care, including fee levels, the process of assessment, banding levels for registered nursing care contribution, policy justification, the mechanisms of payment and the costs of equipment. The letters from hon. Members are broken down by party as follows:

  Labour: 118

  Conservative: 95

  Liberal Democrats: 19.

  Long-term Care Beds
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 17 June 2002,Official Report,
  1094W
  column 167W, on long-term care beds, what resources and local priorities will prevent primary care trusts and NHS trusts from providing continence services. [63866]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 24 June 2002]:Primary care trusts and national health service trusts provide continence services as part of their general community based services.

  It is for health authorities in partnership with primary care trusts and other local stakeholders to determine how best to use their funds to meet national and local priorities for improving health, tackling health inequalities and modernising services.

  As a result of the Budget, the NHS in England will receive an annual average real terms growth in resources of 7.4 per cent. for the five years from 2003–04 to 2007–08. This means that over the same five year period there will be an increase of £34 billion in NHS funding for England. This is the highest sustained growth in funding in the history of the NHS.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 17 June 2002,Official Report,column 167W, on long-term care beds, if he will set out the factors he considers other than number of beds in his determination of planning expenditure on long-term care. [63868]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 24 June 2002]:Chapter 2 and Research Volume 1 of the Report of the Royal Commission on long-term care set out the factors which affect the demand for and cost of long-term care.

  Intermediate Care
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on progress towards the introduction of intermediate care. [65015]

  Jacqui Smith
  Intermediate care has made rapid progress over the last two years—there is very good progress towards the targets set in the NHS Plan and there are many examples of good practice around the country. However, it is still a relatively new service and there is more work to be done to ensure that it becomes firmly established and meets its full potential.

  The Department's recent review of intermediate care—Intermediate Care: Moving Forward—is available on the website and a copy has been placed in the Library. The full results of the Department's survey of intermediate care provision conducted last summer are also in the Library.

  Hearing Aids
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when digital hearing aids will be available in West Sussex. [64667]

  Jacqui Smith
  An announcement about which national health service trusts will join the modernising hearing aid services project and will be providing digital hearing aids by the end of March 2003, was made in my reply to the hon. Member for East Worthing and Shoreham (Tim Loughton) and the hon. Member for Twickenham (Dr. Cable) on 10 April 2002,Official Report,column 465–66W.
  1095W
  In addition to the second wave sites, we intend to provide at least a further 15 sites with the training and equipment they need to start fitting digital hearing aids from April 2003. I understand that Surrey and Sussex Healthcare has already expressed an interest in being one of those sites.

  Neonatal Care
  Mr. Sedgemore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to publish the report of the National Review of Neonatal Care by Dr. R. MacFaul and others; and if he will make a statement. [64683]

  Jacqui Smith
  The report follows a very important review of provision for neonatal services. The report is under active consideration at present. I expect to determine the next steps in this process shortly.

  Chelmsford PCT
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what accumulated deficit has been identified by the Chelmsford PCT from 1 April. [55737]

  Mr. Lammy
  [holding answer 14 May 2002]:It is not possible to provide information on liabilities inherited by Chelmsford Primary Care Trust as it was newly established on 1 April 2002. The information will be published in the final accounts at the end of the financial year.

  Worthing and Southlands Hospital Trust
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many matrons have been recruited to the Worthing and Southlands Hospital Trust since his Department's announcement on the issue. [59571]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 24 May 2002]:Available information was published in a report, "Modern Matrons in the NHS: a progress report", on 15 April 2002, showing that there are 1,895 nurses in modern matron posts across the national health service in England. Data broken down by individual trust are not available centrally.

  Fostering
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children have been placed in foster families broken down by(a)region and (b)health authority in each of the last five years. [61354]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 17 June 2002]:The data available are shown in the table. The table shows the number of looked-after children who started one or more periods of foster care during the year.

  Number of looked after children who started one or more periods of foster care during the years ending 31 March 1997 to 2001

  England

  Number

  Year endinig 31 March

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  England

  32,900

  33,300

  2,400

  32,700

  29,800

  North East

  2,000

  2,000

  2,000

  2,000

  1,800

  Shire counties

  Durham

  300

  270

  300

  305

  160

  Northumberland

  210

  230

  215

  220

  175

  1096W

  Number of looked after children who started one or more periods of foster care during the years ending 31 March 1997 to 2001

  England

  Number

  Year ending 31 March

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Unitary authorities

  Darlington

  55

  55

  85

  60

  95

  Hartlepool

  70

  75

  105

  100

  120

  Middlesbrough

  100

  120

  100

  110

  140

  Redcar and Cleveland

  135

  115

  145

  115

  115

  Stockton on Tees

  115

  130

  130

  115

  90

  Metropolitan districts

  Gateshead

  110

  155

  145

  90

  145

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  265

  280

  310

  335

  285

  North Tyneside

  255

  190

  175

  195

  210

  South Tyneside

  100

  95

  125

  85

  —

  Sunderland

  250

  255

  180

  230

  155

  North West

  3,900

  4,000

  3,900

  3,800

  3,300

  Shire counties

  Cheshire

  330

  370

  405

  375

  275

  Cumbria

  270

  295

  350

  325

  300

  Lancashire

  815

  800

  675

  585

  605

  Unitary authorities

  Blackburn and Darwen

  150

  105

  80

  95

  120

  Blackpool

  185

  190

  190

  180

  205

  Halton

  115

  130

  155

  160

  125

  Warrington

  110

  135

  100

  90

  45

  Metropolitan districts

  Bolton

  160

  190

  155

  190

  155

  Bury

  110

  75

  90

  90

  75

  Manchester

  780

  775

  775

  745

  585

  Oldham

  110

  135

  165

  130

  110

  Rochdale

  105

  150

  145

  125

  55

  Salford

  200

  180

  160

  210

  180

  Stockport

  110

  130

  115

  110

  100

  Tameside

  150

  140

  120

  120

  150

  Trafford

  70

  90

  85

  100

  90

  Wigan

  165

  155

  170

  210

  145

  Merseyside

  900

  1,000

  1,100

  1,100

  900

  Metropolitan districts

  Knowsley

  145

  125

  120

  145

  190

  Liverpool

  445

  450

  530

  550

  450

  Sefton

  80

  105

  105

  110

  80

  St. Helens

  65

  80

  90

  70

  80

  Wirral

  205

  230

  205

  175

  145

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  3,700

  3,800

  3,500

  3,400

  3.100

  Shire counties

  North Yorkshire

  305

  275

  210

  200

  215

  Unitary authorities

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  110

  120

  110

  145

  85

  Kingston upon Hull

  395

  420

  325

  285

  270

  North East Lines

  170

  155

  120

  140

  150

  North Lincolnshire

  115

  100

  125

  75

  50

  York

  100

  80

  75

  95

  105

  Metropolitan districts

  Barnsley

  135

  150

  150

  120

  115

  Bradford

  470

  425

  405

  370

  320

  Calderdale

  120

  145

  150

  95

  95

  Doncaster

  230

  165

  235

  220

  175

  Kirklees

  155

  170

  140

  180

  140

  Leeds

  600

  675

  625

  645

  585

  Rotherham

  185

  205

  210

  170

  195

  Sheffield

  335

  430

  400

  400

  440

  Wakefield

  320

  315

  265

  245

  125

  East Midlands

  2,400

  2,700

  2,600

  2,500

  2,400

  Shire counties

  Derbyshire

  315

  290

  315

  385

  365

  Leicestershire

  165

  175

  240

  275

  220

  Lincolnshire

  365

  305

  290

  275

  275

  Northamptonshire

  410

  450

  415

  400

  310

  Nottinghamshire

  330

  385

  385

  410

  415

  1097W

  Number of looked after children who started one or more periods of foster care during the years ending 31 March 1997 to 2001

  England

  Number

  Year ending 31 March

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Unitary authorities

  Derby

  235

  205

  165

  160

  155

  Leicester

  240

  410

  425

  345

  405

  Nottingham

  355

  425

  385

  280

  285

  West Midlands

  3,700

  3,900

  3,600

  3,700

  3,200

  Shire counties

  Shropshire

  140

  90

  90

  135

  110

  Staffordshire

  290

  260

  260

  280

  255

  Warwickshire

  330

  395

  310

  330

  245

  Worcestershire

  300

  285

  320

  385

  295

  Unitary authorities

  Herefordshire

  130

  120

  130

  75

  80

  Stoke-on-Trent

  105

  180

  155

  165

  195

  Telford and Wrekin

  130

  70

  90

  75

  100

  Metropolitan districts

  Birmingham

  930

  1,085

  865

  880

  820

  Coventry

  205

  195

  165

  220

  145

  Dudley

  170

  150

  195

  235

  140

  Sandwell

  335

  375

  370

  295

  225

  Solihull

  165

  150

  130

  130

  105

  Walsall

  235

  295

  300

  305

  290

  Wolverhampton

  240

  200

  190

  175

  175

  South West

  3,800

  3,500

  3,200

  3,300

  2,900

  Shire counties

  Cornwall

  590

  580

  545

  485

  375

  Devon

  470

  405

  410

  450

  385

  Dorset

  285

  280

  200

  160

  140

  Gloucestershire

  280

  280

  290

  310

  280

  Somerset

  345

  300

  285

  285

  305

  Wiltshire

  280

  285

  245

  230

  165

  Unitary authorities

  Bath and North East Somerset

  85

  85

  65

  100

  65

  Bournemouth

  160

  175

  145

  145

  150

  Bristol

  345

  320

  275

  260

  270

  North Somerset

  150

  160

  135

  135

  135

  Plymouth

  300

  185

  140

  250

  225

  Poole

  100

  125

  90

  125

  100

  South Gloucestershire

  90

  70

  95

  85

  85

  Swindon

  195

  155

  130

  155

  160

  Torbay

  115

  120

  135

  105

  90

  Eastern

  3,400

  3,300

  3,100

  3,400

  2,900

  Shire counties

  Bedfordshire

  225

  195

  180

  180

  190

  Cambridgeshire

  325

  385

  345

  285

  185

  Essex

  795

  665

  670

  860

  695

  Hertfordshire

  445

  450

  425

  370

  340

  Norfolk

  480

  435

  520

  490

  450

  Suffolk

  400

  415

  370

  380

  360

  Unitary authorities

  Luton

  180

  150

  180

  210

  200

  Peterborough

  215

  290

  180

  285

  185

  Southend

  190

  215

  175

  185

  165

  Thurrock

  110

  90

  80

  150

  120

  London

  5,000

  5,100

  5.300

  5,400

  5,300

  Inner London

  Camden

  155

  185

  230

  220

  190

  Greenwich

  135

  140

  225

  275

  240

  Hackney

  285

  280

  260

  220

  205

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  135

  175

  155

  200

  270

  Islington

  140

  135

  160

  185

  120

  Kensington and Chelsea

  75

  105

  95

  70

  100

  Lambeth

  295

  260

  280

  245

  265

  Lewisham

  250

  300

  220

  270

  205

  Southwark

  335

  345

  270

  265

  260

  Tower Hamlets

  245

  100

  120

  125

  115

  Wandsworth

  205

  195

  190

  185

  240

  Westminster

  135

  145

  145

  140

  140

  1098W

  Number of looked after children who started one or more periods
  of foster care during the years ending 31 March 1997 to 2001

  England

  Number

  Year ending 31 March

  1997

  1998

  /999

  2000

  2001

  Outer London

  Barking and Dagenham

  65

  95

  115

  135

  155

  Barnet

  95

  120

  170

  150

  200

  Bexley

  120

  140

  165

  150

  140

  Brent

  220

  220

  215

  215

  245

  Bromley

  115

  155

  130

  110

  70

  Croydon

  235

  135

  165

  170

  175

  Ealing

  125

  130

  195

  215

  215

  Enfield

  85

  100

  120

  90

  125

  Haringey

  175

  165

  210

  205

  255

  Harrow

  75

  95

  100

  140

  95

  Havering

  85

  75

  105

  125

  80

  Hillingdon

  150

  110

  140

  230

  250

  Hounslow

  155

  160

  115

  150

  150

  Kingston upon Thames

  60

  60

  65

  40

  65

  Merton

  120

  145

  150

  150

  85

  Newham

  255

  340

  385

  320

  305

  Redbridge

  185

  190

  140

  110

  70

  Richmond upon Thames

  80

  50

  80

  80

  55

  Sutton

  95

  60

  90

  85

  80

  Waltham Forest

  155

  190

  110

  155

  130

  South East

  4,200

  4,100

  4,100

  4,200

  4,200

  Shire counties

  Buckinghamshire

  135

  115

  130

  165

  130

  East Sussex

  365

  250

  300

  280

  300

  Hampshire

  410

  435

  460

  505

  465

  Kent

  875

  995

  1,090

  1,060

  1,105

  Oxfordshire

  245

  180

  245

  200

  225

  Surrey

  255

  210

  265

  255

  280

  West Sussex

  455

  500

  370

  545

  440

  Unitary authorities

  Bracknell Forest

  40

  40

  30

  35

  35

  Brighton and Hove

  355

  340

  265

  220

  200

  Isle of Wight

  140

  155

  135

  155

  90

  Medway Towns

  155

  170

  165

  135

  150

  Milton Keynes

  125

  175

  150

  '

  '

  West Berkshire

  70

  40

  50

  55

  65

  Portsmouth

  115

  125

  105

  95

  150

  Reading

  95

  75

  30

  30

  45

  Slough

  65

  30

  55

  55

  35

  Southampton

  180

  195

  190

  235

  240

  Windsor and Maidenhead

  50

  35

  20

  35

  45

  Wokingham

  25

  30

  40

  40

  45

  Not available.

  Notes:

  1. The table excludes children looked after under a series of short term placements.

  2. All local council figures have been rounded to the nearest five.

  3. Data for three local councils, Rutland, City of London and Isles of Scilly, have been suppressed for reasons of confidentiality. All regional and England figures include estimates for missing data and have been rounded to the nearest 100.

  Cycle of Abuse
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has conducted to examine the link between abused children and their potential to become abusive adults. [62717]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 19 June 2002]:Between 1992 and 1996, the Department's policy research programme (PRP) funded a study by Professor David Skuse at the Institute of Child Health with the title: "The transition from sexually abused to abuser: a preliminary enquiry", at a total cost of £346,000.

  Subsequently, from 1996 to 2000, the Department provided funding for Professor Skuse to undertake a study entitled "A prospective study of the onset of sexually

  1099W
  abusive behaviour in boys who were sexually abused in early childhood: validation of risk index". This study cost £566,000.

  Two further studies of relevance were each funded by one of the Department's regional offices: "A survey of the psychological effects of child abuse and the resulting medical/other agency intervention of general health and personal benefits as adults (pilot study)" by Michelle Robson, from the Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust, which was funded from December 1999 to April 2000, and a study on "Emotional and behavioural problems in children of women who experienced maltreatment in childhood", by Professor J. W. Hill, at the Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital NHS Trust, funded from February 1999 to June 2000.

  Epilepsy
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to make more funds available to ring fence funds to prevent sudden deaths in epilepsy. [62987]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 19 June 2002]:Local health and social care organisations are responsible for planning and providing services for people with epilepsy. The recently announced budget settlements for the national health service (representing an annual average increase of 7.6 per cent. above inflation over the five years 2003–04 to 2007–08) and personal social services (PSS) (representing an annual average increase of 6.0 per cent. above inflation over the three years 2003–04 to 2005–06), will provide the investment needed to support services which best meet patients' and users' needs.

  The Department has recently welcomed the publication of the Government funded national sentinel audit of epilepsy-related death. The audit looked at investigations into epilepsy deaths, care provided prior to death and contact with bereaved families. The Department has given a commitment to consider the recommendations of the audit and develop an action plan by September 2002 to try to improve epilepsy services and reduce the number of preventable deaths from epilepsy.

  The Department is also undertaking a range of initiatives to improve services for the care and management of people with epilepsy. For example, we have:
  Provided funding to the Joint Epilepsy Council (JEC) to develop a "National Statement of Good Practice for the Treatment and Care of People who have Epilepsy", which was published in May 2002. The statement makes a series of recommendations for good

  Treatment modality

  Average baseline waiting time (weeks)

  Maximum acceptable length of wait (weeks)

  1999–2000

  2002–03

  2003–04

  In-patient detoxification

  6.1

  4

  2

  Community prescribing—specialist

  10.2

  6

  3

  Community prescribing—GPs

  5

  4

  2

  Structured counselling

  4

  4

  2

  Structured day care programme

  3.3

  4

  3

  Residential rehabilitation

  5.4

  4

  3

  1100W
  quality epilepsy services. It is intended to facilitate commissioning and will be of use to NHS purchasers, providers and service users.
  Asked the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) to develop a clinical guideline (due in summer 2004) for the diagnosis, management and treatment of epilepsy to help address widespread variations in clinical practice and contribute to the improvement of services. This will be supported by a technology appraisal (due autumn 2003) of the clinical and cost-effectiveness of new anti-epileptic drugs in children and adults, to help promote appropriate uptake and equitable access.
  Announced that the national service framework (NSF) for long term conditions is expected to develop standards of care for specific neurological conditions, including epilepsy. The NSF is expected to be published in 2004. Implementation is expected to start from 2005.
  Developed the expert patients programme, which aims to provide training in self-management skills for people with long term chronic conditions. The first pilot phase will include people with epilepsy.
  Provided funding to the national society for epilepsy for its living well project. The project aims to promote independent living by providing locally based short-term courses for people with epilepsy to develop self-help and self-management techniques.

  Care Records
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if, under standard 16 of the National Care Standards, it is compulsory for receivers of care to complete daily records which can be accessed by other people; and what mechanisms are in place to accommodate those who, on grounds of privacy, refuse to do so. [63629]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 26 June 2002]:Standard 16 of the domiciliary care national minimum standards (consultation version) states that it is not compulsory for the service user to keep records. The requirement is for the service provider to keep records.

  Drug Addicts
  Paul Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the waiting time is for drug addicts for residential rehabilitation; and what he expects the waiting time to be in two years. [63335]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 20 June 2002]:Estimated figures for waiting times for residential rehabilitation from referral to initial consultation are shown in the table. Figures for other treatment modalities are provided as a comparison. These figures were compiled to assist the national treatment agency in setting targets for reducing overall waiting times and are the latest currently available. Figures for 2000–01 are currently being collated and will be available shortly.

  The targets for treatment services are shown in the table. This information relates to the local authority area, not for each individual agency.
  1101W
  The information that is available to the Government is the longest wait for different modalities of treatment in each drug action teams area. DAT reported these figures in December 2001 as part of the routine planning process for treatment at local level. The national treatment agency will publish more comprehensive data later this year.

  Care Home Patients
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many residents aged over 65 were in(a)local

  Table 1: Registered care places for older people1, as at 31 March (rounded numbers)

  Total

  Local authority staffed homes

  Independent dual residential care homes1

  Independent nursing care homes2

  Independent dual residential care homes3

  19955

  407,680

  62,440

  176,560

  155,210

  13,460

  19965

  412,450

  60,160

  176,950

  158,750

  16,600

  19975

  415,060

  54,680

  183,390

  153,440

  23,540

  1998

  428,230

  52,730

  186,730

  159,620

  29,140

  1999

  418,040

  49,110

  185,270

  152,940

  30,710

  2000

  412,450

  45,210

  183,250

  149,020

  34,970

  2001

  401,980

  41,830

  182,470

  141,920

  35,770

  1Includes places for older mentally infirm people.

  2Includes residential care beds in small homes (less than four places).

  3Excludes registered nursing beds in private hospitals and clinics.

  4Registered residential care places only.

  5Information on nursing beds relates to registered beds during the period I October (of the previous year) to 31 March each year.

  Source:

  Department of Health's annual returns

  Table 2: Registered care places for older people as a percentage of population aged over 65, as at 31 March

  Percentage

  Total

  Local authority staffed homes

  Independent dual residential care homes1

  Independent nursing care homes2

  Independent dual residential care homes3

  19954

  5.3

  0.8

  2.3

  2.0

  0.2

  1996

  5.3

  0.8

  2.3

  2.0

  0.2

  1997

  5.3

  0.7

  2.4

  2.0

  0.3

  1998

  5.5

  0.7

  2.4

  2.1

  0.4

  1999

  5.4

  0.6

  2.4

  2.0

  0.4

  2000

  5.3

  0.6

  2.3

  1.9

  0.4

  2001

  5.1

  0.5

  2.3

  1.8

  0.5

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

  2Excludes registered nursing beds in private hospitals and clinics.

  3Registered residential care places only.

  4Information on nursing beds relates to registered beds during the period 1 October (of the previous year) to 31 March each year.

  Source:

  Department of Health's annual returns
  1102W
  authority, (b)independent residential, (c)independent nursing and (d)independent dual registered homes (i) in total and (ii) as a percentage of the population aged over 65 in each of the last 10 years. [64288]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 26 June 2002]: Information on the number of residents in care homes is not readily available. The available information is provided in Tables 1 and 2.

  World Hunger
  World Hunger
  Race Directive
  Race Directive
  Trafficking People
  Trafficking People
  European Arrest Warrant
  European Arrest Warrant
  Extradition
  Extradition
  Dome Site
  Dome Site
  China: Visit of Mr Li Ruihuan
  China: Visit of Mr Li Ruihuan
  Steel Industry
  Steel Industry
  Azerbaijan: Displaced Persons
  Azerbaijan: Displaced Persons
  Ingushetia: Displaced Chechen People
  Ingushetia: Displaced Chechen People
  Guantanamo Bay
  Guantanamo Bay
  Afghanistan: Prisoners
  Afghanistan: Prisoners
  EU: Public Knowledge
  EU: Public Knowledge
  Ageing: Report to UN Conference
  Ageing: Report to UN Conference
  Temporary Veterinary Inspectors
  Temporary Veterinary Inspectors
  Foot and Mouth Disease
  Foot and Mouth Disease
  Waste Incineration
  Waste Incineration
  Urban Waste Water Treatment: Sensitive Areas
  Urban Waste Water Treatment: Sensitive Areas
  Diffuse Pollution of Water by Agriculture
  Diffuse Pollution of Water by Agriculture
  Cabinet Meetings
  Cabinet Meetings