Written Answers of 12 March 2002

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Russia
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance he is providing for the regeneration of Russia. [39573]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  We provide regenerational support to Russia worth £40 million this year in three ways: as a leading shareholder in the World Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; as a major contributor to the EU's Technical Assistance programme; and through a substantial bilateral development programme.

  War on Terrorism
  Joyce Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on their role in the coalition against international terrorism. [39575]

  Mr. Straw
  We regularly discuss the progress of the international campaign against terrorism with our partners within the EU.

  Mr. Savidge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the United States Administration about recent developments in the international campaign against terrorism. [39587]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  We regularly and frequently discuss the campaign against terrorism with the United States Administration. For example, the Foreign Secretary met Colin Powell on 31 January and discussed this dossier.

  Guantanamo Bay
  Geraint Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation of(a) Mr. Feroz Abbasi from Croydon and (b) other UK citizens being held at Guantanamo Bay. [39576]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  A team of British officials paid a second visit to Guantanamo Bay between 26 February and 1 March. All five British detainees, including Feroz Abbasi appeared to be in reasonable health. Mr. Abbasi's solicitors have made an application for judicial review in relation to his detention and access to legal representation. As this is currently before the UK courts, It would not be right for us to comment on this further.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the detaining power at Camp X Ray has indicated to him(a) the status of British nationals held there and (b) whether they will face the
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  tribunals the detaining power has proposed; and what representations he has made to the detaining power over this issue. [40617]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  The status of the British detainees and the legal procedure to which they might be subject is complex. The British Government have asked the US authorities to clarify these matters and will continue to do so. In response to our approaches, the US Government have given us the assurance that they would treat the detainees humanely and consistently with the principles of the Geneva convention.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether UK intelligence and security officials have had access to(a) British nationals detained at Camp X Ray and (b) evidence gathered from them by the detaining power. [40569]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  I refer my hon. Friend to my statement in the House on 21 January 2002,Official Report, columns 623–24W and to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Anniesland (Mr. Robertson) on 4 March, 2002, Official Report, columns 69–70W. Access to evidence gathered by the detaining power is a matter for that detaining power, in this case the US.

  St. Helena
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to visit the Island of St. Helena for the celebrations to mark the 500th anniversary of the island's discovery. [39577]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  The Secretary of State has no plans to visit St. Helena during its quincentennial year.

  The House will be pleased to note that the Overseas Territories Bill, which received Royal Assent on 26 February, will enable St. Helenians to become British Citizens by the time they celebrate their Quincentenary.

  EU Overseas Aid
  Mr. Baron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts regarding the EU overseas aid package. [39578]

  Peter Hain
  At the General Affairs Council on 18 February 2002.

  British Overseas Territories
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the right for self-determination for British overseas territories. [39579]

  Peter Hain
  Our relationship with the Overseas Territories is one of partnership, founded on the principle of self-determination.

  Pakistan
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Pakistan Government on the impact on Pakistan of the conflict in Afghanistan. [39580]
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  Mr. Bradshaw
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary met President Musharraf on 23 November in Islamabad. He also met Foreign Minister Sattar there and again in Istanbul on 12 February. He discussed Afghanistan and the situation in Pakistan. He expressed our continuing appreciation for President Musharraf's courageous stand against terrorism and underlined our long-term commitment to Pakistan.

  Sudan
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next intends to visit Sudan to discuss the implications of the civil conflict. [39581]

  Mr. MacShane
  I have no plans to visit Sudan in the near future. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development visited Sudan in January. The UK Special Representative for Sudan, Alan Goulty, will represent me during a trip to Sudan later this month.

  Middle East
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the relationship between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. [39582]

  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has held with Chairman Arafat and Prime Minister Sharon on the peace process in the last two months. [39599]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  I refer my hon. Friends to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary earlier in the House today to the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman Baker).

  Mr. Luke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with peace groups in Israel on the peace process. [39583]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary had the first meeting between the new peace coalition and a visiting Foreign Minister when he was in Jerusalem on 14 February. I met peace camps when I was in the region in February. We support efforts to bring people on both sides together in the search for peace.

  Kashmir
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the Governments of India and Pakistan about the future of Kashmir. [39584]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary remains in close contact with his Indian and Pakistani counterparts and discusses a range of issues, including Kashmir, with them. He most recently met the Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh during his visit to Delhi on 27 February. He met the Pakistani Foreign Minister, Abdul Sattar, in Istanbul during the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Conference) Conference on 12 February and during his visit to Islamabad on 862W
  23 November 2001. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister also discussed Kashmir during his visit to the region in January 2002.

  Mr. Michael Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with India and Pakistan on the subject of Kashmir. [39590]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  We remain deeply concerned at the continuing tensions between India and Pakistan. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary remains in close contact with his Indian and Pakistani counterparts and discusses a full range of issues, including Kashmir. We will continue to urge both countries to resolve all outstanding issues, including Kashmir through dialogue. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made this clear during his visit to the region in January.

  Zimbabwe
  Mr. Boris Johnson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Britain's relations with Zimbabwe. [39585]

  Mr. MacShane
  It is no secret that Britain's relations with Zimbabwe are at their lowest ebb since independence.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his counterpart in the Southern African Development Community to help maintain democracy and secure economic recovery in Zimbabwe. [39588]

  Mr. MacShane
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary was unable to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Coolum on 2–5 March. But my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and my noble Friend Baroness Amos discussed the situation in Zimbabwe at length with Southern African Heads of State.

  Colombia
  Paul Goggins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to support the peace process in Colombia. [39586]

  Mr. MacShane
  The UK strongly support the Colombian peace process, as I made clear in a press release on 23 January. We are particularly active in the EU. We have invited the Colombian presidential candidates to the UK to exchange views on the situation in Colombia, including prospects for the peace process.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will use the forthcoming session of the UN Commission on Human Rights to promote human rights in Colombia, with special reference to(a) the safety of human rights defenders and (b) groups at particular risk; [41619]

  (2) if he will take steps to ensure that this year's UN Commission on Human Rights adopts a resolution calling for the Colombian Government to implement fully the recommendations made by the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights in Bogota. [41620]
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  Mr. MacShane
  We are currently discussing preparations for the forthcoming session of the UN Commission on Human Rights with EU partners. We will be contributing fully to a range of EU initiatives, including a chairman's statement on the situation in Colombia. Our concerns about human rights violations in Colombia, and especially the threats to vulnerable communities, trade unionists and human rights defenders, will be reflected in this statement.

  World Cup
  Colin Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions she has had with the Japanese Government in connection with preparations for the world cup. [39589]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  When he visited Japan from 25–29 January, my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs held a number of meetings on the World Cup. He assured the Japanese Government that we will continue to co-operate closely with them to ensure that preparations are in place for a successful tournament. Our posts in Japan have been in close contact with the Japanese world cup organising committee, stadium authorities, police and security authorities, to provide advice and assistance. They have also facilitated contacts between the Home Office, police and other relevant agencies and their Japanese counterparts.

  Central America
  Phil Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to support the work of organisations helping street children in central America. [39591]

  Mr. MacShane
  We regularly raise our serious concerns on child rights issues with all the Governments of Central America, where our Missions monitor the situation closely. We work closely with Casa Alianza, a non-governmental organisation, and support its efforts to protect street children in Central America.

  Nepal
  Mr. Purchase
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the situation in Nepal since the recent rebel attack in the Accham district; and if he will make a statement. [39592]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  We were appalled by the barbaric attacks on the Nepalese Army and Police by the Maoists in Achham on 16 February. I discussed the attacks with the King of Nepal, the Nepalese Prime Minister and the Nepalese Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs when I visited Kathmandu on 19–20 February. The situation in Nepal is extremely serious, and the UK is supportive of the efforts of the democratically elected Government of Nepal to bring security to its people. Without security, the Nepalese people will not be able to achieve the development and prosperity that they need and deserve.

  EU Accession
  Dr. Naysmith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions are 864W
  taking place between his Department and the countries applying for entry to the EU; and if he will make a statement. [39593]

  Peter Hain
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary earlier in the House today to the hon. Member for Lewes. (Norman Baker).

  Afghanistan
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made on the implementation of the Bonn agreement with respect to women's human rights. [39596]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Since the signing of the Bonn Agreement on 5 December, progress has been made in restoring rights to women in Afghanistan. We have encouraged the involvement of women in the Afghan Interim Administration and the Special Commission for the Convening of the Loya Jirga, established under the Bonn Agreement. We welcome the appointment of two women to the Cabinet of the Interim Administration, including Dr. Sima Samar as Vice Chair and Minister for Women, and three women to the Loya Jirga Commission.

  Women have begun to return to work and girls are going back to school. We welcome the commitment made at the Tokyo Donor's Conference by Hamid Karzai, Chair of the Interim Administration, to ensure that the needs of women are a high priority in the reconstruction process. Life for women in Afghanistan has always been difficult. Afghanistan has more than a million war widows. NGO and UN run projects to get women back to work will have a huge impact on the lives of many Afghan women and children.

  But more needs to be done. We have long said that we would expect any Afghan Government to recognise international human rights norms, including women's rights. We believe that adherence to international human rights norms, including the UN Charter and CEDAW (the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, which the then Afghanistan government signed on 14 August 1980, but did not ratify) are key to restoring the rights of women.

  Iraq
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the human rights situation in Iraq. [39597]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Iraq's human rights record is appalling. We remain commmitted to doing what we can to bring about improvements in the human rights situation in Iraq and take every opportunity to raise this issue in international fora.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 5 February 2002,Official Report, column 731, on Iraq, if he will specify to which diplomatic ploys by Saddam Hussein he was referring. [39724]
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  Mr. Bradshaw
  Recent moves by the Iraqi regime include:Demarching the EU to establish high-level EU-Iraq relations. We have made clear that this would not be appropriate while Iraq remains in breach of its international obligations.
  Resuming dialogue with the UN. While we commend the UN Secretary-General's efforts to persuade Iraq to comply with relevant Security Council resolutions, including by allowing in the UN weapons inspectors, we note that the Iraqi regime has so far made no concrete commitment to do so.
  Announcing, via the Iraqi media, that a British team is welcome to visit Iraq to prove that Iraq has weapons of mass destruction. Although we have received no such offer, we have made clear that we regard this as a propaganda stunt. Iraq is obliged to grant full, unconditional access to UN weapons inspectors.

  We regard these moves as diplomatic ploys because we have yet to see any sign that the Iraqi regime is genuinely intending to co-operate with the UN. It will take actions, not words, to persuade us otherwise.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his US counterpart concerning American policy towards Iraq. [39603]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary regularly discusses a wide range of issues with his US counterpart including policy towards Iraq. He last visited the US for policy discussions on 31 January.

  India
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he has taken to advance proposals in the Delhi declaration, and in particular the recommendation that India take up a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. [39598]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  In the last two months I have visited India once and met twice with India's External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh. We have discussed a number of areas of partnership including terrorism, peacekeeping, defence relations, and Afghanistan and other regional issues. The two Prime Ministers' Personal Envoys, David Manning and Brajesh Mishra, also met on 4 February.

  I discussed Security Council reform with Jaswant Singh on 27 February. We looked forward to progress on this issue at the United Nations.

  Ms Dari Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the India-UK Round Table's contribution to furthering the partnership in education and science and technology. [39594]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  The India-UK Round Table has produced wide-ranging and constructive recommendations which complement the British and Indian Governments' efforts to develop a strong partnership. HMG, with the British Council, have taken many of the Round Table's recommendations into account, including those aimed at attracting more Indian students to the UK, and developing closer links between Indian and UK universities and research institutions in areas such as information technology. The Round Table meets again in April 2002.

  Drug Trade
  Lawrie Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress is being made in the international fight against the drug trade. [39600]

  Mr. MacShane
  The international fight against the illicit drugs trade requires political commitment, and practical co-operation. We work bilaterally and multilaterally through the EU and the UN International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) in our efforts to combat the illegal drugs trade.

  The FCO's Drugs and Crime Fund (£7.3 million in 2001–02, rising to £10 million in 2002–03), supports a broad range of project work overseas, including counter-drugs work and capacity-building for law enforcement in all of the key countries concerned in the supply of heroin and cocaine to the UK and Europe. FCO-funded training for overseas law enforcement agencies and UK operational co-operation with them has led to some notable drug seizures, removing some of the heroin and cocaine consignments destined for the UK and Europe. We have just strengthened our financial commitment to the work of UNDCP with a further contribution of £2.34 million for counter-narcotics and capacity-building project work in Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, South-eastern Europe, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador.

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met the Chief Minister of Gibraltar to discuss the future status of Gibraltar. [39601]

  Peter Hain
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I met the Chief Minister of Gibraltar most recently on 25 January. We are in regular contact with the Chief Minister in writing and through the Governor of Gibraltar.

  Mr. Francois
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place a draft copy of the Anglo-Spanish Comprehensive Agreement over the future of Gibraltar before the House. [42692]

  Peter Hain
  We have kept the House fully informed at every stage of the Brussels Process, including in the Government Adjournment debate on 31 January, and we will continue to do so. Copies of the communiqués from the three Brussels Process Ministerials that have taken place since July 2001, have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Iran
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on UK relations with Iran. [39602]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  The UK, through critical engagement, aims to support reform in Iran while maintaining a robust dialogue on issues of concern. These include Iranian support to terrorist groups in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iran's reported development of weapons of mass destruction and aspects of its human rights record.
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  We hope to continue to engage Iran on a wide range of issues of common interest, including bilateral co-operation in the fight against drugs and international support for the Interim Administration and reconstruction in Afghanistan. However, Iran's rejection of David Reddaway as our ambassador has had an impact on the conduct of our bilateral relations.

  Indonesia
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the progress the Indonesian Government have made towards reform of the security sector in Indonesia, with specific reference to the(a) accountability of the armed forces to the civilian authorities, (b) territorial structure of the armed forces, (c) accountability of security forces personnel for human rights violations and (d) business interests and non-budgetary funding of the armed forces. [40680]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  The Indonesian Government have made progress in the reform of the security sector since the democratic elections of 1999.

  Civilian oversight of the armed forces has been put in place by the nomination of a civilian Defence Minister and the agreement to end military representation in the DPR (Parliament), by 2004 and the MPR, (Parliament, regional representatives and professional leaders) by 2009.

  With the exception of the recent establishment of KODAM (the regional military command) in Aceh, there has been no significant changes in the structure of the military.

  Accountability of the security forces for committing human rights abuses has increased by the establishment of ad hoc human rights courts.

  The KPN (Supreme Audit Authority) are now starting to audit charitable foundations controlled by military.

  There is now active debate in the Indonesian media and civil society about the need for security sector reform. We remain engaged through our Global Conflict Prevention Pool Security Sector Reform programme.

  We also continue to apply pressure on the Government of Indonesia bilaterally and with our European partners, particularly on the issue of human rights.

  Job Sharing
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the extent of job sharing in his Department. [41039]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Twickenham (Dr. Cable) on 11 March 2002,Official Report, column 687W.

  Gender Pay Gap
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the extent of the gender pay gap among staff in his Department. [40995]
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  Mr. Bradshaw
  In response to the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) Task Force "Just Pay" report, the Government have committed Departments and agencies to review their pay systems by April 2003 and prepare action plans to close all equal pay gaps. The Cabinet Office issued comprehensive guidance in January 2002 to assist Departments and agencies in carrying out these reviews.

  Shafiq Rasul
  Ross Cranston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his most recent assessment is of the health of Shafiq Rasul, at Camp X-Ray; and if he will make a statement. [40826]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  A team of British officials visited Guantanamo Bay between 26 February and 1 March. They met the British detainees separately, including Shafiq Rasul. All the detainees appeared to be in satisfactory physical health. Releasing further information about the condition of individual detainees would not be appropriate without their permission.

  Madagascar
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent coup in Madagascar; what discussions he has had with(a) Government and (b) opposition on the prospect of another presidential poll in Madagascar; and what representations he has made to other Governments in the area on the situation in Madagascar. [41126]

  Mr. MacShane
  The UK, along with EU partners, the US, the Organisation of African Unity and the UN, continues to encourage the two parties, at both local and international level, to find a common solution to the impasse. Resident Ambassadors in Antananarivo, including the UK's, have been following developments closely, and maintain contact with representatives of both sides.

  Medical Insurance
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received on the availability of insurance cover for medical treatment overseas for injuries received from terrorist activities. [41190]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  None.

  Gujarat
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with representatives of the Indian Government about the violence in Gujarat. [40969]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Our High Commission in Delhi has been in contact with the Indian Home Affairs Ministry to seek their support in ensuring the protection and safety of British nationals. Our consular staff in Mumbai are in constant touch with the police and the local authorities. Following a meeting with representatives of Muslim organisations on 5 March, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary stated that he was "greatly concerned and saddened at the deaths in both communities in
  869W
  Gujarat, and hoped that calm would be restored as quickly as possible". He also said that he "appreciated the efforts of the Government of India to this end".

  Union Duties
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he intends to answer the question of 13 February from the hon. Member for Buckingham regarding staff involvement in union duties. [41579]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  The hon. Member received an answer to his question on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 202W.

  European Commission
  Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether it is intended that votes taken at the proceedings of the European Commission should be recorded. [41646]

  Peter Hain
  We are not aware of any proposal to record the votes of the College of Commissioners. The treaty establishing the European Community states that the rules governing the internal procedure of the Commission are a matter for the Commission.

  Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a verbatim report of the proceedings of the European Commission. [41645]

  Peter Hain
  The Commission does not publish verbatim reports of their meetings. But since 1 January 2002, the Commission publishes summary records of the meetings of the College on its website. These can be accessed at www.europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat—general/meeting/archives—en.htm for a period of three months following the date of the proceedings.

  Investment Dispute
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he intends to take to inform British(a) missions and (b) international investors of the consequences of the World Bank's Ad Hoc Committee's decision to uphold the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes judgment in the case of WENA Hotels against the Government of Egypt. [39723]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes publishes awards rendered in its proceedings on its website (http://www.worldbank.org/icsid/) and in its journal, provided it has the consent of both parties. Either party may also decide to publish awards on its own initiative.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he intends to reply to the letter to him dated 21 January from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton, with regard to Houria Meziani. [42796]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  I regret that, due to an administrative error, my right hon. Friend has not yet received a reply to his letter of 21 January.
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  The matter is being checked urgently and a reply will be sent in the next few days.

  General Affairs Council
  Angus Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether a Scottish Executive Minister will be a member of the UK delegation to the forthcoming General Affairs European Union Council of Ministers meeting on 11–12 March; and what information is being provided by his Department to guarantee effective pre-council scrutiny by the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament. [42686]

  Peter Hain
  I attended the General Affairs Council on 11–12 March, representing all parts of the UK.

  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 27 February 2002, official Report, column 66W, which appeared on 4 March 2002.

DEFENCE

  Afghanistan
  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what role British forces are playing in the destruction of the Afghan opium poppy crop; [40387]

  (2) what instructions have been given to British forces in Afghanistan in respect of preventing the export of heroin to the United Kingdom; [40388]

  (3) what role British forces are playing in the tracking down and destruction of heroin stockpiles in Afghanistan; [40386]

  (4) how many tonnes of heroin stockpiled in Afghanistan have been destroyed by (a) British forces and (b) the Afghan Government. [40391]

  Mr. Ingram
  The International Security Assistance Force's role in Afghanistan is to assist the Afghan Interim Authority in providing security and stability in Kabul. Some opiate stockpiles may have been destroyed during coalition military attacks on terrorist targets. I understand that the Afghan Interim Authority is planning to destroy the opium crop this month.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with the Afghan Government about the role of British forces in Afghanistan. [39595]

  Mr. Hoon
  I met the Afghan Defence Minister in London on 31 January 2002. I also met members of the Afghan Interim Administration (AIA) in Kabul on 5 February 2002, notably the Chairman of the AIA and the Interior and Defence Ministers. We discussed a variety of issues, including the role of British forces in Afghanistan.

  Air Conditioning
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which consultant was used to advise on the installation of air conditioning during the recent refurbishment of(a) his Department's main building and (b) RAF High Wycombe. [41171]
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  Dr. Moonie
  Main building will be comfort cooled using a chilled beam system. This system incorporates heat recovery on both air and water systems. The Ministry of Defence's advisers were Roger Preston and Partners.

  TPS Consult advised the Ministry of Defence on the chiller replacement project in the Strike Command Operations Centre at RAF High Wycombe.

  A400M
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what factors will be considered in the decision about which company will supply the A400M engine for the European project; and if he will make a statement. [41602]

  Dr. Moonie
  The prime contract with the Airbus Military Company is for the development and production of the A400M, including its engines. The contract specifies overall performance guarantees that the company must achieve. It is for the prime contractor, therefore, to define the selection criteria against which to judge potential engines and engine manufacturers; but among these would undoubtedly be performance and cost.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Government Costs
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the cost of governing Northern Ireland(a) under devolution excluding the cost of reserved matters and (b) under direct rule. [36707]

  Dr. John Reid
  (a) The cost of governing Northern Ireland after devolution is a matter for the Assembly—however, the Department of Finance and Personnel provided the following NI Block totals.

  (b) The table shows the cost of governing NI in the year before devolution began (1998–99), and the years in which devolution/suspension took place (1999–2000 and 2000–01).

  £ million

  NI Block

  year

  NIO WW

  DEL

  AME

  1998–99

  975

  4,687

  3,534

  16

  1999–20001

  11,026

  4,914

  3,631

  37

  2000–011

  1,138

  5,249

  4,965

  39

  1 Devolution began in December 1999 and was suspended between February and May 2000, with the result that in:

  1999–2000 £4,221K for NI Assembly was included in the NIO totals.

  2000–01 £1,733K for NI Assembly was included in the NIO totals

  Ministerial Private Offices
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the running costs were of(a) his Ministers' private offices, separately identifying expenditure on staff, and (b) his Department in each year from May 1997 to the nearest date for which the information is available. [40983]

  Dr. John Reid
  For the 1997–98 financial year, no breakdown is available from May, therefore the total is for the whole year. For the 2001–02 financial year—the total spend is not yet available, therefore the figure is an estimate based on spend to date.

  Details of the Department's (including it's agencies, but excluding NDPBs as we do not have access to a breakdown of their expenditure) total expenditure on:

  £

  (a)

  Ministers

  Staff

  1997–98

  3,218,755

  1—

  1998–99

  2,109,653

  1,317,114

  1999–2000

  1,810,886

  1,319,753

  2000–01

  1,897,659

  1,209,805

  2001–02

  1,163,7502

  21,186,332

  1 Total—including staff

  2 Est

  (b) The Northern Ireland Office

  Year

  £

  1997–98

  1,012,450,000

  1998–99

  985,989,705

  1999–2000

  1,044,332,169

  2000–01

  1,199,617,636

  2001–02

  1,120,667,473

  1 Est

  Press and Public Relations
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the annual budget for communications activities, including press, public relations, marketing and internal communications, was for his Department for each financial year from 1997–98 to 2001–02. [39913]

  Dr. John Reid
  Details of the Department's (including its agencies, but excluding NDPB's as we do not have access to a breakdown of their expenditure) total expenditure on:

  Press/public relations/marketing

  £

  1997–98

  1,077,706

  1998–99

  2,466,691

  1999–2000

  695,017

  2000–01

  591,075

  2001–02

  11,201,623

  1 To date. Estimated total is £1,441,173.

  It is not possible to identify separate costs for internal communications (i.e. staff magazines or press cuttings).

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Industrial Action
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Solicitor-General how many days have been lost owing to industrial action by staff in her Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies in each of the last four years. [36195]

  The Solicitor-General
  In my own Department, the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers, no days have been lost owing to industrial action by staff in each of the last four years.

  In the Departments for which the Attorney-General is responsible details are as follows:

  Crown Prosecution Service

  There has been only one instance of industrial action in the Crown Prosecution Service in the last four years. On that occasion, in January 2000, 2,079 days were lost.

  Treasury Solicitor's Department

  There have been no instances of industrial action in the Treasury Solicitor's Department since 5 November 1993.

  Serious Fraud Office

  There have been no instances of industrial action in the Serious Fraud Office in the last four years.

  Legal Costs
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Solicitor-General what legal costs have been incurred by her Department in each of the last four years. [34345]

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding answer 11 February 2002]: The legal costs incurred by my own Department, the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers, are included in the Crown Prosecution Service and Treasury Solicitor's Department figures.

  Crown Prosecution Service

  The legal costs associated with Counsel fees, witness expenses and other prosecution costs incurred by the Crown Prosecution Service in each of the last four years were as follows:

  £95.2 million in 1997–98

  £98.1 million in 1998–99

  £99.4 million in 1999–2000

  £107.8 million in 2000–01.

  'Other prosecution costs' includes costs awarded against the CPS, which in each of the last four years were as follows:

  £0.3 million in 1997–98

  £0.9 million in 1998–99

  £0.3 million in 1999–2000

  £0.3 million in 2000–01.

  Expenditure on administration related legal costs, comprising Lawyer Agents and Treasury Solicitor's fees, was as follows:

  £3.8 million in 1997–98

  £4.3 million in 1998–99

  £5.3 million in 1999–2000

  £6.3 million in 2000–01.

  874W
  The cost of employing Counsel and Solicitor advocates in the Crown and Higher Courts increased by 6 per cent. in real terms in 2000–01 compared with the previous year. The increase is a result of greater complexity of cases and length of trails, largely as a result of the introduction of the Human Rights Act 1998.

  Treasury Solicitor's Department

  The Treasury Solicitor's Department provides legal services to other Government Departments. The legal costs incurred in the last four years were as follows:

  £20,063,000 in 1997–98

  £20,179,000 in 1998–99

  £22,408,000 in 1999–2000

  £26,743,000 in 2000–01

  £22,340,000 in 2001–02 (to 31 December 2001).

  In the course of its work over the last four years, the Treasury Solicitor's Department has also incurred costs instructing barristers and solicitor agents, expert witnesses, inquiry agents and other case expenses. These costs were as follows:

  £16,672,000 in 1997–98

  £25,945,000 in 1998–99

  £25,795,000 in 1999–2000

  £31,564,000 in 2000–01

  £22,470,000 in 2001–02 (to 31 December 2001).

  The vast majority of these costs were recovered through payments from other Government Departments, and were accounted for by them. The Treasury Solicitor's Department incurred the following costs on legal services on its own account for cases undertaken in the general public interest:

  £5,307,000 in 1997–98

  £3,874,000 in 1998–99

  £4,244,000 in 1999–2000

  £6,113,000 in 2000–01

  £2,139,000 in 2001–02 (to 31 December 2001).

  Serious Fraud Office

  The Serious Fraud Office makes use of external legal services as part of its normal operational and administrative functions.

  The Serious Fraud Office's legal costs fall broadly into three areas:

  1. The instruction of counsel in cases;

  2. Specific advice from external firms;

  3. Other civil litigation work carried out by the Treasury Solicitor's Department.

  875W
  The legal costs incurred in each of the last four years were as follows:
  Instruction of Counsel

  £2,563,795 in 1997–98

  £2,789,951 in 1998–99

  £2,460,647 in 1999–2000

  £3,315,211 in 2000–01

  £3,568,958 in 2001–02 (to date).

  Advice from external firms

  £0 in 1997–98

  £3,373 in 1998–99

  £13,185 in 1999–2000

  £43,699 in 2000–01

  £19,990 in 2001–02 (to date).

  Civil Litigation Work by Treasury Solicitor's Department

  £86,229 in 1997–98

  £46,447 in 1998–99

  £36,036 in 1999–2000

  £1,650 in 2000–01

  £2,686 in 2001–02 (to date).

  Fair Trade Goods
  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Solicitor-General, pursuant to her answers of 16 November 2001,Official Report, column 895W, and 27 November 2001, Official Report, column 745W, on fair trade goods, if she will review during Fair Trade Fortnight the amount of fairly traded goods used in her Department. [35451]

  The Solicitor-General
  In my own Department, the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers, there are no plans to review the amount of fairly traded goods used in the Department but it is always ready to use fair trade products when these represent good value.

  In the Departments for which the Attorney-General is responsible, details are as follows:

  Crown Prosecution Service

  A review undertaken by the Crown Prosecution Service and its catering provider regarding the use of fair trade products, led to a proposal to promote fair trade confectionery in the staff restaurant facility.

  In response to earlier parliamentary questions from the hon. Member, the Crown Prosecution Service reviewed its suppliers' use of fair trade products. This review found that, although the supplier was willing to switch to fair trade products as ingredients in foods, this would mean that the overall cost of meals provided would no longer be competitive with other providers in the area. Therefore it was decided that Fair Trade confectionery items would be sold (on a promotional basis), within the canteen facility.

  The Crown Prosecution Service's involvement with fair trade is in relation only to its catering supplier, which manages the canteen in Crown Prosecution Service headquarters at Ludgate Hill. There are no other canteen facilities elsewhere in the Crown Prosecution Service. Therefore, the overall value of the contract is very small.

  However, the Crown Prosecution Service encourages ethical purchasing as part of it's purchasing policy.
  876W
  Treasury Solicitor's Department

  The Treasury Solicitor's Department has no plans to review the amount of fairly traded goods used in the Department, but is always ready to use fair trade products when these represent good value.

  The Treasury Solicitor's Department encourages ethical purchasing as a part of it's purchasing policy.

  Serious Fraud Office

  The Serious Fraud Office has no plans to review the amount of fairly traded goods used in the Department.

  When purchasing goods the Serious Fraud Office supports the principles of Government procurement, which means ensuring that the Department obtains overall value for money.

  The Serious Fraud Office encourages ethical purchasing as a part of it's overall purchasing policy.

  Union Duties
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Solicitor-General how many staff in her Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies receive paid leave to undertake union duties; how many days they are allocated; and what has been the cost to public funds in each of the last four years. [36219]

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding answer 25 February 2002]: In my own Department, the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers, no staff receive paid leave to undertake trade union duties.

  In the Departments for which the Attorney-General is responsible details are as follows:

  Crown Prosecution Service

  Facility time allocation in the Crown Prosecution Service is in the form of a block allowance to the two recognised trade unions and it is for the unions to allocate the allowance to their accredited representatives. In each of the last four years, the unions have received a block allowance of 2,674 days. The number of staff receiving paid leave to undertake union duties and the cost to public funds in each of the last four years are as follows:

  £

  Number of staff

  Cost

  1997–98

  74

  175,984.46

  1998–99

  92

  122,797.73

  1999–2000

  99

  192,346.36

  2000–01

  129

  213,683.55

  The cost of facility time as a percentage of the total salary bill for the last four years has been a constant 0.1 per cent. (rounded up).

  Treasury Solicitor's Department

  Seven members of staff in the Treasury Solicitor's Department receive paid leave to undertake union duties. The total allocation is 40 days per year. The cost to the public funds in each of the last four years was as follows:

  £9,943.79 in 1997–98

  £11,348.83 in 1998–99

  £11,689.57 in 1999–2000

  £12,096.37 in 2000–01.

  877W
  Serious Fraud Office

  No staff in the Serious Fraud Office receive paid leave to undertake trade union duties.

  Statutory Instruments
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Solicitor-General if she will list the statutory instruments issued by her Department in the last 12 months, indicating(a) the purpose of each and (b) the cost of each to (i) public funds, (ii) businesses and (iii) individuals. [36220]

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding answer 25 February 2002]: The Attorney-General has not made or laid any statutory instruments before Parliament in the last 12 months.

  In the Departments for which the Attorney-General is responsible details are as follows:

  Crown Prosecution Service

  No statutory instruments have been issued by the Crown Prosecution Service in the last 12 months.

  Treasury Solicitor's Department

  No statutory instruments have been issued by the Treasury Solicitor's Department in the last 12 months. Members of the Department have however assisted in the preparation of statutory instruments issued by the Departments they advise.

  Serious Fraud Office

  No statutory instruments have been issued by the Serious Fraud Office in the last 12 months.

  Publications
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Solicitor-General if she will list the publications issued by her Department in each of the last four years; and what the(a) circulation, (b) cost and (c) purpose of each was. [34201]

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding answer 11 February 2002]: The Attorney-General each year lays before Parliament the Law Officers' Departments Departmental Report setting out the Government's Expenditure Plans and Main Estimates for the Departments for the coming years. The costs of production are not borne by the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers and the circulation figures are not known.

  In August 2000 the Attorney-General published a Report by His Honour Gerald Butler QC on the future and role of Treasury Counsel at the Central Criminal Court and published a Government Response to that report in November 2000. Both reports were copied and bound within LSLO. The cost was met within the budgets held for photocopying and stationery and is not separately available. About 100 copies of each were produced.

  Crown Prosecution Service

  The publications issued by the Crown Prosecution Service in each of the last four years were as follows:

  1997–98

  Departmental Report (Crown Prosecution Service entry in Law Officers' Spring Departmental Report)

  Circulation: 250

  Cost: £6,838

  DPP's Annual Report to the Attorney-General

  Circulation: 4,500

  Cost: £17,480

  878W
  1998–99

  Departmental Report (Crown Prosecution Service entry in Law Officers' Spring Departmental Report)

  Circulation: 250

  Cost: £5,900

  DPP's Annual Report to the Attorney-General

  Circulation: 4,500

  Cost: £22,695

  1999–2000

  Departmental Report (Crown Prosecution Service entry in Law Officers' Spring Departmental Report)

  Circulation: 250

  Cost: £6,851

  DPP's Annual Report to the Attorney-General

  Circulation: 4,500

  Cost: £17,574

  Business Plan 1999–2000

  Circulation: 1,500

  Cost: £8,300

  2000–01

  Departmental Report (Crown Prosecution Service entry in Law Officers' Spring Departmental Report)

  Circulation: 250

  Cost: £7,024

  DPP's Annual Report to the Attorney-General

  Circulation: 4,500

  Cost: £26,208

  Business Plan 2000–01

  Circulation: 2,500

  Cost: £9,251.

  For the purposes of this answer, publications have been taken to mean those significant documents that are issued by the service as a whole to serve both an internal and external audience.

  Publication of the "Departmental Report" is mandatory. It is one of the key mechanisms through which Departments demonstrate their accountability to Parliament and the public. The CPS distributes copies to senior management within headquarters, libraries, business managers and to the Chief Crown Prosecutors in the 42 areas across England and Wales. Copies are also sent to the Attorney-General and Solicitor-General and to the Parliamentary Clerk for laying in both Houses, for the benefit of Members.

  The purpose of the "Business Plan" is to set out clearly the vision, aim and objectives, and priorities of the CPS, what it wants to achieve with the resources it has been given and the actions it needs to take in order to deliver the plan. They are the blueprint for all other plans in the CPS so that staff know how their day to day tasks fit in with the bigger picture. And, to inform counterparts in other criminal justice departments and their agencies and service, and those with an interest in criminal justice about the direction and priorities of the CPS.

  The Crown Prosecution Service's one year "Business Plan"; and the "Director of Public Prosecutions' Annual Report to the Attorney-General" are circulated to all middle and senior managers in the CPS with a summary going to all staff; they are circulated to criminal justice departments and their agencies/services both nationally and locally; to some members of the judiciary; and to those with an interest in criminal justice.
  879W
  The Director of Public prosecutions is required by statute to produce an "annual report to the Attorney-General" on the performance of the CPS. The report is laid before Parliament.

  Because of uncertainties associated with the election of 1997 and the Gildewell Review of the CPS, which did not report until June 1998, no Business Plans were published for 1997–98 and 1998–99.

  Treasury Solicitor's Department

  The publications issued by the Treasury Solicitor's Department in each of the last four years were as follows:

  1998

  Departmental Report (Treasury Solicitor's Department entry in Law Officer's Spring Departmental Report)

  Circulation: Parliament, Law Officers, Treasury Solicitor's Department management and the general public.

  Cost: £500

  Purpose: To present the Department's spending plans to Parliament and the public.

  Treasury Solicitor's Department Annual Report 1996–97

  Circulation: Parliament, Law Officers, Treasury Solicitor's Department management and staff.

  Cost: £12,000

  Purpose: Executive Agency requirement.

  Government Legal Service Journal (two editions)

  Circulation: All Government Legal Service lawyers.

  Cost: £3,000

  Purpose: To strengthen the corporate identity of and communication within the Government Legal Service.

  Government Legal Service Recruitment Brochure

  Circulation: Universities and other educational establishments; inquirers and potential applicants.

  Cost: £18,500

  Purpose: To raise the profile of and attract recruits to the Government Legal Service.

  1999

  Departmental Report (Treasury Solicitor's Departmental entry in Law Officer's Spring Departmental Report)

  Circulation: Universities and other educational establishments; inquirers and potential applicants.

  Cost: £18,500

  Purpose: To raise the profile of and attract recruits to the Government Legal Service.

  Government Legal Service Journal (two editions)

  Circulation: Universities and other educational establishments; inquirers and potential applicants.

  Cost: £3,500

  Purpose: To raise the profile of and attract recruits to the Government Legal Service.

  2000

  Departmental Report (Treasury Solicitor's Department entry in Law Officer's Spring Departmental Report)

  Circulation: Universities and other educational establishments; inquirers and potential applicants.

  Cost: £3,500

  Purpose: To raise the profile of and attract recruits to the Government Legal Service.

  880W
  Government Property Lawyers' Annual Report and Accounts 1997–98 and 1998–99

  Circulation: Parliament, Law Officers, Treasury Solicitor's Department management and staff.

  Cost: £7,000

  Purpose: Executive Agency requirement

  Treasury Solicitor's Department Annual Report 1999£2000

  Circulation: Parliament, Law Officers, Treasury Solicitor's Department management and staff.

  Cost: £10,000

  Purpose: Executive Agency requirement

  Government Legal Service Journal

  Circulation: Parliament, Law Officers, Treasury Solicitor's Department management and staff

  Cost: £2,500

  Purpose: Executive Agency requirement

  Government Legal Service Recruitment Brochure

  Circulation: Parliament, Law Officers, Treasury Solicitor's Department management and staff

  Cost: £8,000

  Purpose: Executive Agency requirement

  2001

  Departmental Report (Treasury Solicitor's Department entry in Law Officer's Spring Departmental Report)

  Circulation: Parliament, Law Officers, Treasury Solicitor's Department management and staff

  Cost: £8,000

  Purpose: Executive Agency requirement

  Treasury Solicitor's Department's Resource Account 1999–2000

  Circulation: Parliament, Law Officers, Treasury Solicitor's Department management

  Cost: £1,000

  Purpose: Departmental requirement

  Treasury Solicitor's Department's Annual Reports for 2000–01

  Circulation: Parliament, Law Officers, Treasury Solicitor's Department management

  Cost: £7,500

  Purpose: Departmental requirement

  Government Legal Service Journal (four editions)

  Circulation: Parliament, Law Officers, Treasury Solicitor's Department management

  Cost: £12,000

  Purpose: Departmental requirement

  Government Legal Service Annual Report for 1999–2000

  Circulation: Law Officers, senior Government Legal Service management and all Government Legal Service lawyers

  Cost: £21,000

  Purpose: To report on key Government Legal Service issues such as recruitment, retention, mobility and diversity.

  2002

  Government Legal Service Recruitment Brochure

  Circulation: Law Offices, senior Government Legal Service management and all Government Legal Service lawyers

  Cost: £10,000

  Purpose: To report on key Government Legal Service issues such as recruitment retention, mobility and diversity.

  This list includes only professionally produced publications for external use. Publications produced in-house have not been included.
  881W
  Serious Fraud Office

  The Serious Fraud Office has three major publications which are the Annual Report, the Departmental Report and the Resource Accounts. The total cost of publications over the last four years is as follows:

  £54,448.63 in 1997–98

  £28,219.34 in 1998–99

  £22,440.36 in 1999–2000

  £49,498.62 in 2000–01

  £64,072.64 in 2001–02.

  Owing to the nature of the Serious Fraud Office's records relating to its publications, individual costs and circulation figures could not be made available without incurring disproportionate cost.

  Departmental Publicity
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Solicitor-General what assessment she has made of the total real terms expenditure of her Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies on publicity in each of the years(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99, (c) 1999–2000, (d) 2000–01 and (e) 2001–02 (i) to date and (ii) as estimated for the whole of the present year; and if she will break these figures down to indicate expenditure on (A) advertising and (B) press and public relations. [36156]

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding answer 25 February 2002]: My own Department, the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers, keeps no separate figures for expenditure on publicity but the sums involved are minimal.

  Crown Prosecution Service

  The total real terms expenditure by the Crown Prosecution Service on publicity broken down by (A) advertising and (B) press and public relations for each of the years (a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99, (c) 1999–2000, (d) 2000–01, and (e) 2001–02 (i) to date and (ii) as estimated for the whole of the present year is as follows:

  £

  1997–98

  Advertising

  83,000

  Press and public relations

  59,000

  Total

  142,000

  1998–99

  Advertising

  101,000

  Press and public relations

  108,000

  Total

  209,000

  1999–2000

  Advertising

  105,000

  Press and public relations

  179,000

  Total

  284,000

  2000–01

  Advertising

  195,000

  Press and public relations Total

  109,000

  Total

  304,000

  2001–02 (to date)

  Advertising

  566,000

  Press and public relations

  140,000

  Total

  706,000

  2001–02 (estimated for whole year)

  Advertising

  688,000

  Press and public relations

  168,000

  Total

  856,000

  882W
  Responsibility for advertising expenditure rests with local managers in CPS areas and functional managers in CPS headquarters.

  Responsibility for expenditure on press and public relations rests with the Head of Communications Division with budget approval by the CPS board. Expenditure is primarily associated with promotional material for distribution at recruitment fairs and conferences and to raise the profile in local communities.

  Advertising expenditure is restricted to recruitment of new staff. The marked increase in expenditure in the current year is a result of additional investment in the CPS from SR2000 and a nationwide recruitment drive to achieve the target in 'The Way Ahead', of employing 300 extra lawyers by 2004.

  Treasury Solicitor's Department

  The expenditure on advertising and publicity by the Treasury Solicitor's Department in the last four years is as follows:

  £

  1997–98

  Advertising

  40,196

  Press and public relations

  33,376

  Total

  73,572

  1998–99

  Advertising

  20,177

  Press and public relations

  44,364

  Total

  64,541

  1999–2000

  Advertising

  12,021

  Press and public relations

  6,401

  Total

  18,422

  2000–01

  Advertising

  68,647

  Press and public relations

  19,611

  Total

  88,258

  2001–02 (to date)

  Advertising

  72,310

  Press and public relations

  20,250

  Total

  92,560

  Expenditure on advertising by the Treasury Solicitor's Department is directly related to the recruitment of lawyers to the Government Legal Service (GLS) and administrative staff.

  Publicity costs cover GLS representation at careers fairs, printing and publication of the GLS Journal and printing and publication of annual reports and departmental reports.

  In addition the Bona Vacantia division of the Treasury Solicitor's Department regularly places advertisements in the press seeking kin in cases where individuals have died intestate with no apparent claimants to the estate under administration. Over the period in question the real terms expenditure has been as follows:

  £

  1997–98

  173,576

  1998–99

  149,273

  1999–2000

  189,868

  2000–01

  189,805

  2001–021

  192,800

  1 To date

  883W
  Serious Fraud Office

  The Serious Fraud Office is a small department with no agencies or non-departmental bodies. It has a press office capability which is small in relation to its high public profile, achieving good value at a reasonable cost. The Serious Fraud Office does not run advertising campaigns.

  Expenditure on publicity by the Serious Fraud Office in each of the last four years was as follows:

  Actual £

  Real terms1 £

  Growth (per cent.)

  1997–98

  171,565

  171,565

  0

  1998–99

  144,637

  140,704

  -17.99

  1999–2000

  128,900

  122,440

  -28.63

  2000–01

  172,184

  160,718

  -6.32

  2001–022

  177,918

  162,020

  -5.56

  2001–023

  200,000

  182,129

  6.16

  1 GDP deflator.

  2 To date.

  3 Estimated for whole year.

  The above figures represent direct costs including staff salaries and publications relating to press and public relations for the Serious Fraud Office.

  Refurbishment
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Solicitor-General what the cost of refurbishing each Ministerial private office was in each year since May 1997. [37822]

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding answer 25 February 2002]: The Ministerial Private Office at the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers is decorated and refurbished as part of a rolling programme of redecoration and refurbishment of the entire premises in accordance with the terms of the building's lease. No separate figures for the costs involved in refurbishing and redecorating the Private Office are available.

  Empty Paper
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Solicitor-General what the total area in square feet of all empty properties owned by(a) her Department, (b) her agencies and (c) other public bodies for which she has had responsibility was in each year since May 1997. [37808]

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding answer 25 February 2002]: My own Department, the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers, does not own or lease any empty properties and has not owned or leased any empty properties in each of the last four years.

  In the Department for which the Attorney-General is responsible, details are as follows:

  Crown Prosecution Service

  The total area in square feet of all empty property owned by the Crown Prosecution Service in each year since May 1997 is as follows:

  24,720 square feet in 1997–98

  24,720 square feet in 1998–99

  51,809.4 square feet in 1999–2000

  19,851.1 square feet in 2000–01

  19,288.4 square feet in 2001–02.

  884W
  The Crown Prosecution Service currently has direct financial and managerial responsibility for offices in 108 locations. This comprises four freehold sites, 25 buildings were the leasehold interest relates to the whole property and a further 63 buildings where the leasehold interest only relates to part of the premises.

  In May 1997, the Crown Prosecution Service had contactual commitments on six empty office buildings with a total floor area of 24,720 sq ft.

  This increased to nine buildings by may 199, and an additional 27,089 sq ft.

  This reduced by May 2000 to a total of 19,851 sq ft in six premises.

  By May 2001 there were six empty office buildings which the Crown Prosecution Service had as leasehold interests, with a total floor area of 19,288 sq ft.

  Expressed as a percentage against the total floor area under Crown Prosecution Service stewardship, the amount of vacant office space decreased between May 1997 and December 2001 from 4.6 per cent. during financial year 1997–98 to 2.2 per cent. for financial year 2001–02.

  Treasury Solicitor's Department

  The Treasury Solicitor's Department has not empty properties. The Treasury Solicitor's Department headquarters building (Queen Anne's Chambers, SW1) is fully occupied, but some small shop units in the frontage, let to commercial concerns, have been vacant from time to time as follows:

  291 square feet in 2000–01

  478 square feet in 2001–02 (to date).

  In 1999, following closure of the Government Property Lawyers, the building they used was largely vacated. The following square feet of space was vacant space in 1997–98 and subsequent financial years:

  zero square feet in 1997–98

  zero square feet in 1998–99

  15,950.67 square feet in 1999–2000

  24,913.33 square feet in 2000–01

  10,136.47 square feet in 2001–02 (to date).

  Serious Fraud Office

  The Serious Fraud office does not currently own or lease any empty property and has not owned or leased any empty property in each of the last four years.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Fuel Poverty
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her estimate is of the extent to which fuel poverty has changed in Great Britain as a result of recent changes in gas charges to domestic consumers. [36782]

  Mr. Wilson
  The increases in gas prices have largely been offset by decreases in electricity prices and therefore should not adversely affect the numbers in fuel poverty at present.
  885W
  The Government have recognised in their fuel poverty strategy the importance of fuel prices in tackling fuel poverty and will monitor the situation carefully as part of its overall monitoring of progress towards its fuel poverty targets.

  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assumptions about(a) energy prices, (b) improvements in energy efficiency standards and (c) household incomes were used to arrive at the reduced incidence of fuel poverty cited in the UK Fuel Poverty Strategy document published in November 2001. [42198]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 11 March 2002]: The estimates of fuel poverty in England in 1998 were based on income and energy efficiency information collected from a sample survey (the Energy Follow UP Survey to the English House Condition Survey (EFUS)). The estimates for 1999 and 2000 were based on the results from the 1998 EFUS, but taking account of estimated changes in incomes and fuel prices. No account was taken of changes in energy efficiency since 1998. The detailed assumptions underlying these estimates are set out in the "Fuel Poverty in England in 1999 and 2000" document which, as stated in the UK Fuel Poverty Strategy, was published at www.dti.gov.uk/energy/fuelpoverty/index.htm.

  Parental Leave Directive
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of the(a) financial costs and (b) benefits to her Department of the parental leave directive. [42491]

  Ms Hewitt
  The costs of implementation of the parental leave directive to my department have been nil.

  Post

  Advertised

  Cost (£)1

  Chief Executive Insolvency Service

  Financial Times

  5,770.00

  Director, Industrial Development Unit

  Sunday Times/Times/Financial Times

  17,865.00

  Chief Executive, NWML

  Sunday Times/Times

  7,195.00

  Solicitor and DG, Legal Services

  Sunday Times/Times

  7,320.00

  Chief executive, Companies House

  Sunday Times/Times

  12,805.00

  Regional Director, GO-NE

  Sunday Times/Times

  11,058.00

  Director, Future and Innovation

  Sunday Times/Times

  11,105.00

  Chief Executive, SBS

  Sunday Times/Times

  9,770.00

  Chief Economic Adviser

  Sunday Times/Times/Financial Times

  19,220.00

  Director, UK Foresight Programme

  Sunday Times/Times

  11,732.50

  Environmental Specialist/Senior Manager

  New Scientist

  6,715.00

  Ends Report

  1,450.00

  Aberdeen Press and Journal

  3,672.00

  Aberdeen Press and Journal

  2,700.00

  Library Information Professionals

  LA Record

  1,222.00

  Administrator/Admin. Assistant, Cardiff

  Western Mail/South Wales Echo

  11,107.80

  Technical Advisers

  Daily Telegraph

  5,964.00

  Investigation Officers

  Police Review

  4,600.00

  Guardian

  2,400.00

  Finance Managers, London

  Accountancy Age

  3,000.00

  Financial Times

  6,000.00

  Administrator/admin. Assistant, London

  Ethnic Media Group

  4,028.40

  The Voice

  2,080.60

  Ready, Willing and Able

  300.00

  Metro

  3,314.40

  Evening Standard

  5,285.04

  886W
  The benefits for the department's staff are further opportunities to take leave for the care of their children which gives greater flexibility when balancing their responsibilities at work and at home.

  The benefits to the department include enhancing the DTI's reputation as an employer of choice and contributing to the diversity of the work force; benefits which are directly passed on to our customers.

  Flexible Working
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many and what proportion of the staff of her Department are(a) job sharing, (b) term working and (c) engaged in another form of flexible working. [42430]

  Ms Hewitt
  Currently in DTI HQ there are 28 job shares; there are no individuals working school term times only and the staff survey shows that 78 per cent. of staff state that their managers allow working patterns to help them balance work and home life.

  Currently our data is limited, as many flexible working patterns are negotiated locally. However, on 2 April of this year the department will be launching a new flexible working policy (including full guidance for managers and staff) to ensure that new ways of working are available to all individuals and that the benefits to stakeholders, customers, managers and staff are fully maximised. We will also be putting in place mechanisms to monitor the increased take-up of flexible working.

  Job Advertisements
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the job advertisements placed by her Department in the last 12 months specifying where the advertisements were placed and the cost in each case. [39055]

  Ms Hewitt
  The information requested is in the following table.
  887W

  Post

  Advertised

  Cost (£)1

  Administrator, Edinburgh

  The Scotsman

  4,395.40

  Security Inspectors, Harwell

  Telegraph

  8,521.60

  Administrator, Edinburgh

  The Scotsman

  5,402.80

  Personal Assistant, Harwell

  The Wantage and Grove Herald

  874.80

  Newbury Weekly News

  786.80

  Secretarial Support, London

  Disability Now

  1,792.56

  Evening Standard and Metro

  8,538.16

  Ethnic Media Group

  4,142.64

  Ms London and Nine to Five

  2,650.80

  Administrator, Watford

  Watford Observer

  900.48

  Porter/Messenger, London

  Evening Standard

  1,892.08

  Admin. Assistant, Birmingham

  Birmingham Mail

  3,427.28

  1 Excluding VAT

  Cowboy Builders
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has for the future of the Quality Mark to combat cowboy builders. [43124]

  Mr. Wilson
  I am pleased to announce that the Quality Mark is going to be rolled out across the country over a three to four year period. The progressive rollout will begin with urban areas in England and Wales and districts that have already demonstrated interest in the scheme.

  The Quality Mark was established to combat the problem of cowboy builders by creating a list of approved tradesmen. Homeowners can call the Quality Mark hotline on 0845 300 8040 or log on to www.qualitymark.org.uk to find an independently assessed tradesman in one of 18 trades to work in their home. The scheme was piloted for six months in Birmingham and Somerset. 150 tradesmen have achieved the Quality Mark and 25,000 consumers have phoned or logged on to access the list of approved tradesmen.

  The pilot has been evaluated by a review group including industry, consumer and regulatory interests. The group published their report on 28 February and found that:
  Quality Mark meets the broad aims of the Cowboy Builders Working Group report which originally recommended the scheme;
  the mechanisms, standards and independent audits work and are set at the right levels; and
  the partnership with industry and stakeholders works well.

  The review recommended that a shadow ownership group, featuring the main partners, and working with DTI, should be established quickly to drive forward the implementation of Quality Mark. Membership and terms of reference of the group will be outlined shortly. There will also be a launch event in the coming weeks.

  Finally I would like to make it clear that reputable tradesmen all over the country can join the Quality Mark scheme immediately through the hotline or website. This is the only scheme that gives reputable tradesmen the opportunity to demonstrate their professionalism and separate themselves from the cowboys. I encourage tradesmen and local authorities to get behind the Quality. Mark so that people around the country can benefit from the scheme as homeowners in Birmingham and Somerset have.

  Small Businesses
  Brian Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what support will be made available to small businesses to enable them to comply with the legal requirement to provide disabled access once the extension of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 is implemented in October 2004. [39770]

  Nigel Griffiths
  The Small Business Service is currently working with the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) to produce a factsheet and audio guide informing small businesses about the requirements of the DDA, including the requirement which will be implemented in October 2004.

  The DRC published a revised Code of Practice on rights of access to goods, facilities, services and premises for disabled people on 26 February 2002. This statutory code explains the law and provides practical guidance for service providers on their current duties and those that will come into force in 2004.

  As well as the code, the DRC have recently published "A practical guide for small businesses and other small service providers". The guide offers advice on how small businesses and service providers might meet the needs of their disabled customers. A range of leaflets focusing on specific types of business is also available from the DRC. Advice and information on all aspects of the DDA is available via the DRC helpline.

  The Government are also working on raising awareness of the DDA among small businesses. In January we launched a large national campaign which featured small businesses in seven adverts on the theme of "How well do you serve your disabled customers?"

  Engineering Industry
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if she will make a statement on the references in the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council's digest of engineering statistics, "Engineers for Britain—The State of the Profession Towards 2002", as to(a) the general trend in the industry being for reduction and (b) the levels of dissatisfaction employers have with the skills of engineering graduates; [39704]

  (2) if she will make a statement on the conclusions of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council in its digest of engineering statistics, "Engineers for Britain—The State of the Profession Towards 2002",

  889W
  (a) that British engineering industry may suffer from a concealed skills shortage and (b) on the role for technological change and education in the process of economic growth; [39528]

  (3) if she will respond to the recommendation of the Engineering Council and Physical Sciences Research Council in its digest of engineering statistics, "Engineers for Britain—The State of the Profession Towards 2002", on the availability of information on the contribution to the economy of the engineering profession. [39531]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 4 March 2002]: The Government are aware of the importance of the contribution that the engineering and technology community makes to the UK economy and that it has the potential to make a greater contribution in the future. That is why we supported the work led by Dr. Robert Hawley, the last Chairman of the Engineering Council, that has led to the establishment of the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) chaired by Sir Peter Williams. We are also supporting the ETB in the work it has embarked on to make itself more relevant to the concerns of all in the wider engineering and technology community.

  It is also why, in the last Budget, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Skills announced that they had commissioned Sir Gareth Roberts, President of Wolfson College Oxford, to undertake an independent study into the provision of skilled scientists and engineers in the UK. Sir Gareth's report is expected shortly.

  Many of the matters raised in the Engineering Council's Digest of Engineering Statistics will be considered by the Government in the context of Sir Gareth's Report and I anticipate that they will inform the future work of the ETB.

  Enterprise Grant Scheme
  Jeff Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many bids under the enterprise grant scheme have been made by businesses within the former South Yorkshire coalfield area since 1999; and what the value and the details of the grants awarded are. [41481]

  Alan Johnson
  The Enterprise Grant Scheme (EGS) has been operational since 1 January 2000. It is available to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 250 employees to support capital investment projects of up to £0.5 million.

  The whole of South Yorkshire is covered by the EGS where grant can be awarded of up to 15 per cent. of eligible capital expenditure up to a maximum of £75,000. Since 1 January 2000, 116 EGS applications have been received from South Yorkshire companies resulting in 86 formal offers of grant with a grant value of £2.1 million against estimated capital costs of £18 million. These projects are expected to create or safeguard 530 jobs. Separate statistics are not available for the former South Yorkshire coalfield areas but approximately half of the offers relate to businesses in these areas. Details of the individual grant offers made to companies are commercially confidential.

  Accountancy Contracts
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the contracts agreed by her Department with the five largest accountancy firms since May 1997; and what was the total value of contracts with each. [42096]

  Ms Hewitt
  Contracts agreed with Arthur Andersen were listed in my reply to the hon. Member for East Carmarthen and Dinefwr (Adam Price) on 11 February 2002,Official Report, column 61W. Their total value was £4,917,000. Detailed information on contracts agreed with the other four largest accountancy firms is not centrally available for the earlier years and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost; but for the calendar years 2000–01, central records indicate the following numbers of contracts and total values:

  £

  Accountancy firms

  Number

  Deloitte & Touche

  12

  6,489,547

  Ernst & Young

  59

  1,708,722

  Pricewaterhouse Coopers

  33

  1,597,403

  KPMG

  7

  133,783

  Wind Farms
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry who(a) owns and (b) runs the wind farms in the UK; and how much has been paid by the Government to develop wind power in each of the last three years. [41328]

  Mr. Wilson
  Wind farms in the UK are commercial developments, usually owned and run by the project developer. The table below sets out public support for approved wind energy projects given through the Non Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO) and the comparable arrangements operating in Scotland and Northern Ireland. This is public expenditure, but paid for by the electricity consumer through the Fossil Fuel Levy.

  £million

  NFFO

  SRO

  NFFO-NI

  1998–99

  35.1

  7.2

  7.3

  1999–2000

  7.3

  8.1

  7.8

  2000–01

  6.8

  7.1

  7.3

  Support from NFFO is lower after 1998–99 because NFFO 1 and 2 contracts terminated on 31 December 1998.

  Spend on research projects into wind energy from my Department's Sustainable Energy Programme has been running at close to £1 million each year, and there may be other relevant research funded by the Research Councils.

  Wind farms will also benefit from the proposed Renewables Obligation now before Parliament. Again the cost will be borne by the electricity consumer.

  LNM Holdings
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which Government Departments or agencies have conducted an assessment of the background of Mr. Mittal of LNM Holdings in the last 10 years; and if she will make a statement. [38504]
  891W
  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 27 February 2002]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on 4 March 2002, Official Report, column 67W.

  I can also confirm that no such assessment was carried out by my own Department or its agencies.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Lost/Stolen Property
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list those items valued at less than £50 each which have been stolen or lost from her Department in each of the last four years. [34206]

  Clare Short
  There were no reported thefts of official property valued at under £50 during the period 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2001. A small number of items of personal property were reported as having been stolen during this period.

  Burkina Faso
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what charities and NGOs her Department funds in Burkina Faso. [34649]

  Hilary Benn
  DFID is currently supporting the work of five non-governmental organisations in Burkina Faso. Through our Small Grants Scheme we assist the work of the Association Kobinkale. We are also supporting the work of Action on Disability and Development, Anti-Slavery International, PLAN International and ACCORD through the Civil Society Challenge Fund (CSCF) and the Joint Funding Scheme (JFS).

  Commonwealth Development Corporation
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much private sector investment has been committed through the PPP of the Commonwealth Development Corporation. [41985]

  Clare Short
  CDC was transformed in 1999 into a public limited company which as yet remains wholly Government-owned. CDC already joint-manages a number of funds containing private capital.

  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the(a) existing and (b) target rate of return is on development projects undertaken by CDC Capital Partners. [41986]

  Clare Short
  Since CDC was transformed into a public limited company in 1999, no target rate of return has been set by the Government. The existing rates of return on CDC's investments vary between industry sector and region. CDC invests in commercially viable businesses and aims to generate attractive rates of return.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer of 17 December 2001,Official Report, column 5W, how much of each sum invested in poorer countries by the
  892W
  CDC was invested in countries in sub-Saharan Africa in the five years from 1996 to 2000; and if she will break these investments down by country. [34314]

  Clare Short
  The total value of CDC's investments in sub-Saharan Africa in the five years from 1996 to 2000, broken down by country, was as follows.

  £million

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  Malawi

  9

  10

  7

  4

  —

  Mozambique

  2

  3

  8

  17

  6

  Zambia

  17

  13

  5

  14

  11

  Zimbabwe

  10

  4

  5

  7

  3

  Kenya

  2

  1

  7

  7

  10

  Tanzania

  6

  13

  21

  3

  18

  Uganda

  4

  8

  3

  —

  —

  Swaziland

  19

  1

  —

  2

  —

  Cote d'Ivoire

  11

  2

  4

  14

  3

  Ghana

  7

  17

  11

  4

  3

  Nigeria

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Sierra Leone

  —

  —

  0

  —

  —

  Total

  87

  73

  72

  74

  56

  Strategic Export Controls
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development for what reason her Department is no longer a signatory of the annual report on Strategic Export Controls. [36510]

  Clare Short
  To date, my Department has not been a signatory to the four annual reports on Strategic Export Controls that have been published.

  I made this decision on the basis of the few export licence application my Department advises upon in relation to the number passed by the Department of Trade and Industry to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence and the fact that no licences have been refused under the sustainable development criterion.

  Equipment Leasing
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the equipment leasing arrangements entered into by her Department in each of the last four years; and what the cost to public funds in each case is. [38936]

  Clare Short
  The following equipment has been leased to my Department:

  £000

  Reproduction/photocopying equipment

  1998–99

  88

  1999–2000

  76

  2000–01

  102

  2001–02

  110

  Air conditioning equipment

  2001–02

  16

  Ethiopia
  Vera Baird
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how aid to Ethiopia is linked
  893W
  to (a) the restoration of civil liberties and (b) the independence of the courts there; and if she will make a statement. [40822]

  Clare Short
  We are developing a partnership with Ethiopia to help reduce the very high levels of poverty there. In building this partnership we are encouraged by the Action Plan presented to the Ethiopian Parliament by the Ethiopian Prime Minster in October last year which has an emphasis on the improvement of democratic governance and which recognises the need to make progress on issues such as civil liberties and the independence of the judiciary.

  DFID's expectations of a development partnership, which include the pursuance of policies that promote responsive and accountable government are set out in the 1997 White Paper on International Development.

  Ministerial Private Offices
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the running costs were of(a) her Ministers' private offices, separately identifying expenditure on staff and (b) her Department in each year from May 1997 to the nearest date for which the information is available. [41038]

  Clare Short
  The gross running cost for DFID from 1997–98 to 2000–01 (the last year for which figures are available) were as follows:

  £million

  1997–98

  1998–999

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  Staff Costs

  32

  37

  37

  40

  Other

  24

  22

  28

  30

  Total

  55

  59

  65

  70

  Figures for the running costs of Ministers' private offices are not recorded separately.

  LNM Holdings
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will place in the Library the briefing provided to Mr. John Kerby at the EBRD on LNM Holdings. [39139]

  Clare Short
  No. All such briefings are provided on a confidential basis between officials.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department made of LNM Holding's credit rating before supporting their application for a £70 million bank loan. [39145]

  Clare Short
  Adherence to sound banking is one of EBRD's three core principles. The bank routinely prepares rigorous financial analysis for all investments. DFID does not duplicate EBRD systems, as this would be wasteful and unnecessary.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she had discussions with the Prime Minister's Office before supporting the £70 million EBRD loan to LNM Holdings. [39108]
  894W
  Clare Short
  As I have made clear, the proposed loan was uncontroversial and within published and approved EBRD and UK objectives. Officials therefore did not consult Ministers.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether officials from her Department consulted the British Embassy in Bucharest before approving the £70 million EBRD loan to LNM Holdings. [39138]

  Clare Short
  No.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she was informed of LNM's application for a loan from the EBRD when officials from her Department asked Mr. John Kerby to support it. [39144]

  Clare Short
  As I have repeatedly made clear, Ministers were not consulted about this loan because it was judged by officials to fall within published EBRD and UK objectives and was uncontroversial.

  AMO Congo
  Tony Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what funds her Department directs to AMO Congo. [32117]

  Clare Short
  My Department is not funding any projects with AMO in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Records show that our embassy in Kinshasa donated some computer equipment to AMO in April 1998.

  Litigation
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many cases(a) her Department and (b) its agencies have defended in (i) industrial tribunals and (ii) the courts in each year since 1997; how many were concluded in their favour; and what the total cost to his Department of litigation was in each year. [41107]

  Clare Short
  Details of the number of cases DFID (there are no agencies) has defended in industrial tribunals and court cases since 1997, and showing the numbers of outcomes in our favour are contained in the table.

  Industrial tribunal cases

  Court cases

  Numbers concluded in DFID's favour

  1997

  1

  0

  1

  1998

  1

  0

  1

  1999

  0

  0

  n/a

  2000

  1

  0

  On-going

  2001

  1

  0

  On-going

  The Department pays for on-going legal advice by arrangement with Scottish Executive/Treasury Solicitor etc. However, there are no central records of the costs.

  Refurbishment
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development who provided, or is providing, the(a) windows and (b) doors for the refurbishment of the International Development building on 1 Palace Street. [41348]
  895W
  Clare Short
  The replacement secondary glazing units were supplied by Sealtite Ltd. Doors were supplied by Shadbolt International.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what organisation provided the certification for the doors and windows for the refurbishment of the International Development Building on 1 Palace Street to show that they were produced from sustainably managed sources; and if she will place a copy of these certificates in the Library. [41347]

  Clare Short
  There were no timber-framed windows fitted as part of the recent refurbishment of 1 Palace Street. Doors were supplied by Shadbolt International. Details of this company's environmental procurement policies are set out on their website at www.shadbolt.co.uk, and these were followed during the 1 Palace Street refurbishment contract. The company is a member of the WWF95+ Group, which supports the use of independent third party certification and labelling of forest products.

  Public Appointments
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many appointments to public bodies have been made through her Department(a) from April 2000 to March 2001 and (b) since 31 March 2001; and how many of these were (i) men and (ii) women. [42157]

  Clare Short
  My Department has made the following appointments to public bodies:

  Male

  Female

  Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

  April 2000—March 2001

  1

  2

  Since 31 March 2001

  8

  2

  The other two active DFID public bodies, apart from the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, are the Crown Agents Holding and Realisation Board and the Overseas Service Pensions Scheme Advisory Board—neither of them have recruited during the relevant periods.

  The Commonwealth Development Corporation became a public limited company on 8 December 1999 but the Secretary of State has retained the right to appoint two non-executive Directors on the board. The first two (both male) were appointed on 8 December 1999 but following the resignation of one of the two HMG Directors in early 2001, a new appointment (male) was made on 25 June 2001.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many answers to parliamentary questions have not been answered by her Department under exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information in each year since 1994. [29416]

  Clare Short
  No questions have been unanswered by my Department under this exemption since 1994.

  Air Conditioning
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what measures were taken by her Department to ensure that the consultant advising on the installation of air conditioning during the recent refurbishment of 20 Victoria Street, London was aware of the Government's policy on the use of hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants in air-conditioning; and if she will make a statement on the measures taken by the consultant to source practical and safe alternatives to hydrofluorocarbon-based air-conditioning. [41175]

  Clare Short
  The consultants used in the design and selection of the water source heat pump installation confirmed to DFID that the exercise was undertaken in the full knowledge of the Government's policy on the use of hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant in air conditioning, the Kyoto agreement, the latest ACRIB recommendations (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board) and BS EN378. The specification of a water source heat pump installation at 20 Victoria Street made the best use of the existing risers and plant space. This system also contains a small amount of refrigerant in each heat pump unit and so avoids any refrigerant leaks from the pipework, which contains only water.

  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which consultant was used to advise on the installation of air conditioning during the recent refurbishment of 20 Victoria Street, London. [41174]

  Clare Short
  John Melville Partnership (JMP) were the mechanical and electrical consultants employed on behalf of DFID by our project managers, Debenham Tie Leung (DTZ).

  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether an installer capable of installing not-in-kind air conditioning was invited to quote for the recent refurbishment of 20 Victoria Street, London; and if she will make a statement. [41176]

  Clare Short
  One supplier expressed an interest in tendering and offered a propane-based refrigerant for the project.

  This was not taken due to:

  (1) Propane systems carry an inherent fire risk when installed in an office environment such as 20 Victoria Street, and consequently the danger from leaks of propane are more serious than that of R407C.

  (2) Propane systems are still relatively new to the UK air conditioning market unlike the R407C units specified.

  (3) Propane systems require additional maintenance to ensure that safety checks/measures are in place, which increases the running costs of a building.

  (4) The received quotation from the supplier for the propane-based equipment was significantly in excess of the specified system.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many special advisers were employed by her(a) between 1 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 for each of those years. [41252]
  897W
  Clare Short
  Two special advisers have been employed by DFID in each year since 1997. The salary costs set out are held by financial year.

  £

  1997–98

  43,250.04

  1998–99

  61,386.87

  1999–2000

  72,885.00

  2000–01

  72,292.77

  Other costs are not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate expense.

  HIV
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of the UK's overseas aid budget is given to addressing global HIV. [41751]

  Clare Short
  In 2000–01, my Department invested over £150 millions in HIV/AIDS related programmes out of total UK Government development assistance expenditure of £3.2 billion.

  Global Fund for AIDS/TB/Malaria
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of GDP is given to the Global Fund for AIDS/TB/malaria by(a) the UK and (b) other member states of the EU. [41783]

  Clare Short
  The UK's contribution of US $200 million over the next five years to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and malaria (GFATM) represents 0.002 per cent. of estimated GNI over that period.

  The same information for the other member states of the EU could be supplied only at disproportionate cost.

  Accountancy Contracts
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the contracts agreed by her Department with the five largest accountancy firms since May 1997; and what was the total value of contracts with each. [42105]

  Clare Short
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 25 February 2002,Official Report, column 896W.

  Golden Jubilee
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what events(a) she is and (b) other Ministers in her Department are planning to attend as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations; and what events her Department is planning to arrange to celebrate the Golden Jubilee. [33254]

  Clare Short
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport gave on 11 February 2002,Official Report, column 58W.

  Departmental Events
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the(a) conferences, (b) seminars, (c) workshops, (d) exhibitions and (e) press
  898W
  conferences which have been sponsored by her Department and which took place on non-departmental premises in each of the last four years giving the title, purpose, date and cost of each. [34297]

  Clare Short
  This information is not held centrally and it would incur a disproportionate cost to provide it.

  Accommodation Costs
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the cost was of hotel accommodation for departmental staff working away from home in each of the last four years. [41058]

  Clare Short
  This information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Job Sharing
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the extent of job sharing in her Department. [41049]

  Clare Short
  My Department currently employs 18 job sharers on official job share contracts.

  We maintain a job share register where staff can find potential job share partners or new job share opportunities. We have also provided guidance to all our employees which commend the value to both the organisation and the individual of job sharing and other flexible working patterns.

  Press Office
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many staff in her Department's press office have received(a) termination and (b) redundancy payments in each of the last four years. [41087]

  Clare Short
  No such payments have been made to press office staff in the last four years.

  Zimbabwe
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much money has been given by the United Kingdom to the Zimbabwean Government as support of their Land Acquisition Act 1991; and for what reason the United Kingdom ceased making payments in support of the Land Acquisition Act 1991. [42697]

  Clare Short
  The Land Act 1992; which allowed compulsory land purchase for resettlement after the expiry of a 10-year constitutional limitation to the acquisition of agricultural land from willing sellers; was not in itself an obstacle to UK funding for land reform. The UK Government spent £44 million on the Land Reform and Resettlement Programme Phase 1 between 1981 and 1996.

  The UK and other donors made clear their willingness to support transparent land reform that took full account of the needs of poor Zimbabweans since 1996. This failed to find favour with the Zimbabwe Government. The Land Reform and Resettlement Programme Phase 2 proposed in 1998 was not supported by the UK as it has not been

  899W
  implemented in a transparent, fair, orderly, or sustainable manner. It has not attracted support from the international community for the same reasons.

  Gender Pay Gap
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the extent of the gender pay gap among staff in her Department. [41006]

  Clare Short
  The Department undertook a review of its pay systems in 2001 and implemented a range of measures to deal with the historical anomalies of the system which affected both sexes. The major change was the introduction of guaranteed progression for satisfactory performers to the top of the pay range. We now propose to undertake a formal Equal Pay Audit during the next 12 months to identify any other action required to address unjustified gender pay gaps. We have already embarked upon a diversity audit to ensure that all our systems, including those which ultimately link to our pay system such as postings and promotion arrangements, are free of gender and other bias.

  Relocation Expenses
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her policy is on the payment of relocation expenses to staff in her Department. [41030]

  Clare Short
  Our policy is to offer support for the additional costs staff necessarily incur in relocating. The level of support, which is currently under review, depends on the nature of the relocation, particularly whether it is in the UK or overseas. Relocation assistance normally includes the costs associated with preparing for relocation, securing accommodation, and a range of travel, freight, storage and other necessary expenses.

SCOTLAND

  Unsung Heroines Award Ceremony
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what the total cost to her Department was of hosting the Unsung Heroines' awards ceremony at Edinburgh Castle on 7 March. [42527]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The reception, which honoured Unsung Heroines in the context of International Women's Day, will cost approximately £3,900.

  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will list those hon. Members who submitted nominations for the Unsung Heroines awards ceremony. [42528]
  900W
  Mrs. Liddell
  All right hon. and hon. Members representing Scottish constituencies were invited to submit nominations. The Members representing the following constituencies put nominations forward:

  Aberdeen Central (Mr. Doran)

  Aberdeen North (Mr. Savidge)

  Aberdeen South (Ms Begg)

  Airdrie and Shotts (Mrs. Liddell)

  Angus (Mr. Weir)

  Argyll and Bute (Mr. Alan Reid)

  Ayr (Ms Osborne)

  Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross (Viscount Thurso)

  Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley (Mr. Foulkes)

  Clydebank and Milngavie (Mr. Worthington)

  Clydesdale (Mr Hood)

  Coatbridge and Chryston (Mr. Tom Clarke)

  Cumbernauld and Kilsyth (Ms McKenna)

  Cunninghame South (Mr. Donohoe)

  Dumbarton (Mr. McFall)

  Dumfries (Mr. Russell Brown)

  Dundee East (Mr. Luke)

  Dunfermline East (Mr. Gordon Brown)

  Dunfermline West (Ms Squire)

  East Kilbride (Mr. Ingram)

  East Lothian (Ms Picking)

  Eastwood (Mr. Murphy)

  Edinburgh Central (Mr. Darling)

  Edinburgh East and Musselburgh (Mr. Strang)

  Edinburgh North and Leith (Mr. Lazarowicz)

  Edinburgh Pentlands (Dr. Lynda Clark)

  Edinburgh South (Mr. Griffiths)

  Falkirk East (Mr. Connarty)

  Falkirk West (Mr. Joyce)

  Glasgow Anniesland (Mr. Robertson)

  Glasgow Maryhill (Ms McKechin)

  Glasgow Rutherglen (Mr. McAvoy)

  Glasgow springburn (Mr Speaker)

  Gordon (Mr. Bruce)

  Greenock and Inverclyde (Mr. Cairns)

  Hamilton North and Bellshill (Dr. John Reid)

  Hamilton South (Mr. Tynan)

  Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber (Mr. Stewart)

  Kilmarnock and Loudoun (Mr. Des Browne)

  Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell)

  Livingstone (Mr. Cook)

  Motherwell and Wishaw (Mr. Roy)

  North East Fife (Mr. Campbell)

  Paisley North (Mrs. Adams)

  Paisley South (Mr. Alexander)

  Ross, Skye and Inverness West (Mr. Kennedy)

  Roxburgh and Berwickshire (Mr. Kirkwood)

  Stirling (Mrs. McGuire)

  Strathkelvin and Bearsden (Mr. Lyons)

  West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine (Sir Robert Smith)

  West Renfrewshire (Mr. Sheridan).

  vin and Bearsden (Mr. Lyons)

  West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine (Sir Robert Smith)

  West Renfrewshire (Mr. Sheridan).

  Public Appointments
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many appointments to public bodies have been made through her Department(a) from April 2000 to March 2001 and (b) since 31 March 2001; and how many of these were (i) men and (ii) women. [42152]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Scotland Office was established in its present form on 1 July 1999.

  I have made no appointments to public bodies since that date.

TRANSPORT, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND THE REGIONS

  Business Contracts
  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) if he will list the(a) title, (b) date of award, (c) length of contract, (d) cost and (e) terms of reference of research or other contracts awarded since (i) 1 May 1997 and (ii) 1 January 2001 by (A) his Department and (B) the Health and Safety Executive to (1) Balfour Beatty plc, (2) Bombardier Transportation (formerly Adtranz), (3) WS Atkins plc, (4) Amey/Amec, (5) Bechtel-Halcrow, (6) Jarvis and (7) AEA Technology; [38962]

  (2) if he will list the projects on which (a) Balfour Beatty plc, (b) Bombardier Transportation (formerly Adtranz), (c) WS Atkins plc, (d) Amey/Amec, (e) Bechtel-Halcrow, (f) Jarvis, (g) Seeboard Group plc, (h) Thames Water plc and (i) AEA Technology are engaged (i) for and (ii) with his Department; [38988]

  (3) if he will list the (a) title, (b) date of award,(c) length of contract, (d) cost and (e) terms of reference of all technical support framework agreements since (i) 1 May 1997 and (ii) 1 January 2001 between (A) his Department and (B) the Health and Safety Executive with (1) Balfour Beatty plc, (2) Bombardier Transportation (formerly Adtranz), (3) WS Atkins plc, (4) Amey/Amec, (5) Bechtel-Halcrow, (6) Jarvis and (7) AEA Technology; if he will list all (x) published documentation and (y) unpublished written reports; and if he will place copies of related documentation in the Library. [38970]

  Dr. Whitehead
  The information requested is not held centrally and can be provided only at disproportionate cost. With reference to information on published and unpublished documentation, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 4 March 2002,Official Report, columns 90–91W.

  Resignations
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions on what date his Department received a written letter of resignation from(a) Jo Moore and (b) Martin Sixsmith. [40211]

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his statement of 26 February 2002,Official Report, column 563–64, on the resignation of Mr. Martin Sixsmith, what evidence he has collated that (a) at least one of his officials briefed the press that the line used by
  902W
  the Prime Minister's official spokesman on 14 February was incorrect and (b) an official said that he was ringing on behalf of Mr. Sixsmith; and whether he knows the identity of those officials. [39905]

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when Mr. Martin Sixsmith's three conditions for resignation described in Sir Richard Mottram's statement of 25 February were met. [39906]

  Mr. Byers
  I refer the hon. Member to the statement I made to the House on 26 February 2002,Official Report, column 563–64, and that of Sir Richard Mottram, the Permanent Secretary of my Department, made on Monday 25 February, copies of which are available in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the date was on which Mr. Martin Sixsmith ceased to be employed by his Department. [39511]

  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his oral statement on 26 February 2002,Official Report, column 574, if he will place in the Library the letter of resignation from Mr. Martin Sixsmith dated 15 February; and by what means Mr. Sixsmith formally tendered the resignation announced on the same day. [40081]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 1 March 2002]: I refer the hon. Member to the statement of Sir Richard Mottram, the Permanent Secretary of my Department, made on Monday 25 February 2002. A copy of this is available in the Libraries of the House.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) whether Mr. Martin Sixsmith was receiving a salary from his Department on 26 February; [40088]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the investigation into authorised briefings by civil servants in his Department; and by when he expects the investigation to be completed; [40097]

  (3) if he will publish the terms of Mr. Martin Sixsmith's resignation; [40094]

  (4) whether the investigation into authorised briefings by civil servants in his Department is confined to his Department's press office; [40096]

  (5) whether Mr. Martin Sixsmith is to receive a one-off payment from public funds in relation to his resignation. [40093]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 4 March 2002]: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by Sir Richard Mottram, the Permanent Secretary of my Department, on Monday 25 February 2002. A copy of this is available in the Libraries of the House.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) on what date Mr. Martin Sixsmith's employment ceased; [40087]

  (2) what (a) direct and (b) indirect involvement he had in the negotiations with Mr. Martin Sixsmith over one-off payment from public funds in relation to his resignation. [40095]
  903W
  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 4 March 2002]I refer the hon. Member to the statement I made to the House on 26 February 2002,Official Report, columns 463–64, and that of Sir Richard Mottram, the Permanent Secretary of my department, made on 25 February, copies of which are available in the Libraries of the House.

  Poverty
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proportion of fuel-poor households in the social rented sector occupy dwellings which comply with the proposed thermal comfort criteria as set out in his Department's consultation paper on the Decency Standard. [39891]

  Ms Keeble
  Social landlords are working towards the target to ensure that all social housing is brought up to a decent standard by 2010, which includes a requirement for the dwelling to provide a reasonable degree of thermal comfort. But investment will not be focused solely on bringing non decent homes up to the minimum decent home standard. Where landlords carry out work to heating and insulation, the published guidance will encourage them to maximise the energy efficiency of the dwelling.

  The 2001 baseline for the decent home target will come from the 2001 English House Condition Survey, which will be available later this year. This will also provide data on the level of fuel poverty in the social rented sector.

  Press Office
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will place in the Library the standard contract for full-time employees within his Department's press office. [40099]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 4 March 2002]: All DTLR contracts are in line with the framework set out in the Civil Service Management Code, a copy of which is in the Libraries of the House.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the standard notice period is in the employment contracts of press officers within his Department. [40092]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 4 March 2002]: The central framework for the terms and conditions of resignation is set out in the Civil Service Management Code. Departments and Agencies are responsible for ensuring their own arrangements comply with the central framework.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will(a) list the advertisements that his Department has placed publicising vacancies in the press office since June 2001 and (b) estimate the total cost of such advertising. [40108]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 4 March 2002]: DTLR has placed the following external advertisements for press officers in The Guardian.
  904W

  Press officers

  24 September 2001

  Grade 7, Senior Press Officer, Press Officer, Assistant Press Officer

  1 October 2001

  Head of News

  8 October 2001

  Senior Information Officer

  Note:

  The dates given are those when the advert first appeared

  The cost is £32.3 thousand.

  Disciplinary Code
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) if he will place in the Library the disciplinary code of conduct that operates within his Department; [40100]

  (2) if he will list the basis on which civil servants under their terms of employment could be (a) disciplined and (b) dismissed for making unauthorised briefings to the press. [40101]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 4 March 2002]: The central framework for the rules and codes of practice relating to discipline are set out in the Civil Service Management Code. Departments and Agencies are responsible for ensuring their own disciplinary arrangements comply with the central framework.

  Special Advisers
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will publish a list of the special advisers in his Department, indicating which Minister they are assigned to and their responsibilities. [40085]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 4 March 2002]: DTLR's special advisers are Dan Corry and Michael Dugher, who cover the range of departmental responsibilities.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the standard notice period is in the employment contracts of special advisers. [40091]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 4 March 2002]: Copies of the special advisers model contract are available in the Libraries of the House and it is also available on the Cabinet Office website.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions whether he intends to replace Jo Moore with a new special adviser; and whether the post will be advertised and selected through open competition. [40086]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 4 March 2002]: I will give consideration to the appointment of a new special adviser in due course.

  Trade Union Representation
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proportion of the employees in his Department are represented by a trade union. [40098]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 4 March 2002]: The Department does not hold records on the proportion of its staff represented by trade unions. However, the Department

  905W
  considers effective consultation and involvement of staff important. It is a personal decision whether or not to join a trade union; but the Department encourages staff to join an appropriate trade union and to play an active part within it, making sure their views are represented.

  Dismissal Complaints
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many complaints of(a) constructive and (b) unfair dismissal were brought against (i) his Department and (ii) the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions since May 1997. [40109]

  Mr. Byers
  [Holding answer: Monday 4 March 2002]: The following numbers of complaints of (a) constructive and (b) unfair dismissal were brought against the Department since May 1997.
  i) DTLR

  (a)0

  (b)4 (of which 1 case withdrawn by complainant.)

  ii) DETR

  (a)2 (of which 1 case withdrawn by complainant)

  (b)24 (to date 10 cases found in favour of Department).

  Accommodation Costs
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the cost was of hotel accommodation for departmental staff working away from home in each of the last four years. [41065]

  Dr. Whitehead
  The costs of hotel accommodation for departmental staff working away from home are not held centrally and so cannot be determined without disproportionate cost.

  Relocation Expenses
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what his policy is on the payment of relocation expenses to staff in his Department. [41021]

  Dr. Whitehead
  My Department's policy on the payment of relocation expenses is set out in Chapter 9 of the DTLR(C) Staff Handbook which has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Passenger Rights
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the(a) voluntary agreements and (b) legislation in place regarding passenger rights relating to (i) delays, (ii) cancellations and (iii) overbooking for (A) air passengers, (B) rail passengers, (C) ferry passengers and (D) coach passengers; what changes have taken place since 1997; and what further changes are planned. [40956]

  Mr. Jamieson
  In respect of air passengers, European Voluntary Commitments on air passenger rights came into effect on 14 February 2002. The commitments include notifying passengers of known delays, cancellations and diversions, assisting passengers facing delays and reducing the number of passengers involuntarily denied boarding.906W
  All major full service UK airlines and most airports have signed up to the Commitments. European Council Regulation 295–91 provides a certain level of protection for passengers denied boarding due to overbooking, establishing common rules for a compensation system in scheduled air transport.

  The European Commission has recently published a proposal to update the Regulation and to extend it to cover cancellation and delay. In addition, the 1929 Warsaw Convention on air carrier liability, which has been ratified by the UK, provides rights to passengers suffering damage caused by delay. Air passengers travelling as part of an inclusive tour are also covered by a European Council Directive on Package Travel (Directive 90–314) which was implemented in the UK by SI 1992–3288. This Directive provides certain rights relating to delays and cancellation.

  The rights of rail passengers to compensation for delays and cancellations are covered through the National Rail Conditions of Carriage (NRCoC), which set the minimum standards, and through individual train operator charters which often provide more generous entitlements. Since 1997 the standard of compensation provided by many train operators has improved through franchise agreements. For the future, the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) is working with the Rail Passenger Council (RPC) and the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) to review Passenger Charter compensation arrangements. They are looking to develop recommendations for an improved comprehensive system of compensation for poor punctuality and reliability that can be applied across the network. The first step in this process is to carry out research among passengers. This is currently being commissioned and should commence shortly.

  All ferry passengers have rights under the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982. This requires a trader to carry out a service with reasonable care and skill and, where it is not specified, within a reasonable time. If the trader fails to comply with these requirements the law treats the matter as a breach of contract and a consumer could, if necessary, pursue a claim for redress through the civil courts. No changes in the statutory rights legislation have been taken since 1997 nor are any planned.

  In respect of coach passengers, scheduled operators do not operate a policy of overbooking. Passengers' rights in the event of delays and cancellations are covered by the conditions of carriage of the operator concerned. These conditions are governed by fair trading legislation, and have generally not changed significantly since 1997.

  Performance Indicators
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions on what date he decided to develop a quarterly set of key indicators against which progress on improving the railways could be measured; what process of consultation his Department undertook when developing these indicators; which individuals and organisations were consulted with regards to the development of these indicators; and if he will make a statement. [40957]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Secretary of State announced on 23 January 2002 that his Department would publish a set of benchmarks against which progress and improvements
  907W
  in delivering a better railway could be judged. The set of indicators focuses on the issues that matter most to passengers: punctuality, reliability, safety and quality. The Strategic Rail Authority was consulted on the choice of indicators.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions whether the indicators of delivery in the railway industry published in Fact Sheet 4: General Railway Facts for the National Rail Summit 2002 are being monitored; and if he will make a statement. [41118]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The following table denotes' where information on each of the items listed in the delivery section of Fact Sheet 4: General Railway Facts for the National Rail Summit 2000 is regularly provided. All the publications are placed in the Library of the House at the time of publication.

  SRA annual report

  National rail trends

  On track

  DTLR performance measure scorecard

  Investment

  2—

  1—

  —

  —

  Passenger journeys

  1—

  1—

  1—

  —

  Punctuality

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  Train miles

  1—

  1—

  1—

  —

  Additional train services

  1—

  —

  1—

  —

  improvements to station facilities

  1—

  —

  1—

  —

  New stations opened

  1—

  —

  1—

  —

  Rolling stock

  1—

  3—

  1—

  1.4—

  1 Information regularly provided in publication.

  2 Includes information on franchise payments.

  3 Planned for future publications.

  4 In the form of average age of stock, from 18 March.

  London Commuter Services
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what information he collates regarding delays and cancellations on London commuter rail services; and where it is available. [40951]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) is responsible for the Public Performance Measurement (PPM) which measures the performance of train operating companies. The SRA publishes information quarterly in 'National Rail Trends' and six-monthly in 'On Track'. The information is also on the SRA web site. The March and subsequent publications of National Rail Trends will include information on the individual train operating companies.

  The PPM information in the Department's rail performance scorecard is provided by the SRA. It can be accessed on the Department's website—www.dtlr.gov.uk. The next scorecard will be published on 18 March alongside National Rail Trends.

  Railways
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps his Department(a) has taken and (b) plans to take to address skill shortages within the railway industry. [40945]
  908W
  Mr. Jamieson
  The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) will take the lead on proposals for a National Rail Academy, to promote the development of the key skills and competencies needed to run a railway on a safe and effective basis. The SRA will also become a member of the Rail Industry Training Council and will work jointly with the Department of Education and Skills to promote an action plan on manpower planning, recruitment and training and development.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if the £8.1 billion of uncommitted public investment in rail in the 10 year plan is intended to meet repayment and interest due as a result of private sector investment in the plan. [41762]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The £8.1 billion of uncommitted public capital funding, along with the rest of the £33.5 billion of public sector funding, will work in partnership with the private sector investment to deliver our Ten Year Plan objectives for rail. It will be allocated in the most cost-effective and efficient way to deliver much needed investment in the railways.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the responsibilities held by his Department which will be transferred to the European Railways Agency. [41757]

  Mr. Jamieson
  None. The European Commission's draft Regulation to establish a European Railway Agency (COM(2002)23 Final) indicates that the Agency will have no autonomous decision-making powers and that its responsibilities will be limited to carrying out technical work on behalf of the European Commission and the member states.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions whether the Department's modelling of rail demand for the 10 year plan period took into account differing levels of service reliability and overcrowding. [41655]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Yes, with the results of their impact under the basecase and our Ten Year Plan investment case outlined in Chapters 2 and 3 of the Ten Year Plan Background Analysis document.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proportion of the total 10 year plan spending targets will be taken up by revenue support for private investment. [41664]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The 10 Year Plan assumes that £8.5 billion of the £134 billion of public expenditure in the Plan provides revenue support for £56.3 billion of private investment. However to avoid double counting when adding public expenditure and private investment together, revenue support for private investment is not included in the 10 Year Plan total of £l181.9 billion. Therefore it is not appropriate to provide a figure for revenue support as a proportion of this total figure. However revenue support for private investment represents 6.3 per cent. of public expenditure in the plan.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if the working groups for the TSIs on European rail interoperability have met; and if he will make a statement. [41734]
  909W
  Mr. Jamieson
  The working groups that are responsible for drafting the rail interoperability Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs) have been meeting since 1996 when the high-speed rail interoperability Directive (96/48/EC) came into force. These working groups have now started work on TSIs for conventional rail, following adoption of the conventional rail interoperability Directive (2001/16/EC) last year. The interoperability "Article 21 Committee", the committee comprising the European Commission and the member states that formally adopts the TSIs, has also met regularly since 1996.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions who will be representing the UK on the working groups on the TSIs on European rail interoperability. [41735]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The working groups to draft the rail interoperability Technical Specifications Interoperability (TSI's) have been set up under the auspices of AEIF, the European Association for Railway Interoperability. AEIF comprises representatives from the UIC (the International Union of Railways), UNIFE (the Union of European Railway Industries) and UITP (the International Union of Public Transport) and the working group representatives are drawn from these organisations based on individual nominations by member companies.

  The UK is well represented on these working groups, from both railway companies including Railway Safety and manufacturing industry. The UK is also represented on the interoperability "Article 21 Committee", the committee comprising the European Commission and the member states that formally adopts the TSIs. Until the end of 2001, representation was provided by the Department, but the Strategic Rail Authority has now taken over this role.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how often he receives reports on(a) punctuality, (b) cancellations, (c) investments made and (d) the safety record of the railways. [41291]

  Mr. Spellar
  I receive a range of reports and information, in the course of day to day business, on the operation of and investment in the railways.

  Rents
  Mr. Grogan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Hendon (Mr. Dismore) of 12 December 2001,Official Report, column 871W, on rents, if he will provide similar estimates to those he provided for Hendon for the real terms percentage changes in each year he predicts for formula rents for council tenants in (a) Selby and (b) York until 2011. [41264]

  Ms Keeble
  As I said in my answer of 6 February 2002,Official Report, column 1004W, to my hon. Friend, the underlying increase in "formula" rents will be the same for all local authorities.

  It is possible to make estimates of how average "actual" rents might change in real terms between 2001–02 and 2011–12 if the national average local authority formula rent were to increase by an average of about 1.5 per cent. per year, and each local authority were to move its actual average rent to its average formula rent over that period
  910W
  (ignoring the impact of rent caps and the limit on annual rent changes for individual tenants). This was the basis of the figures given to my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon (Mr. Dismore) on 12 December 2001, Official Report, column 871W. On the same basis, the figures for Selby and York would be as follows:

  Percentage

  Selby

  York

  Estimated real increase

  2002–03

  1.3

  0.7

  Estimated average real increase

  2001–02 to 2011–12

  1.8

  1.3

  Average real increase

  1991–02 to 2001–02

  3.1

  4.3

  However, these figures are only estimates based on a number of assumptions. Ultimately the level of "actual" local authority rents over the next ten years is a matter for the local authority. The level will depend, among other things, on the outcomes of future spending reviews, changes in property values and the decisions taken by individual local authorities.

  Asbestos
  Tony Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to review Health and Safety Executive regulations on(a) blue, (b) brown and, (c) white asbestos. [41356]

  Dr. Whitehead
  I have no plans for a fundamental review of the asbestos regulations.

  The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has recently consulted on proposals to amend the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987, which govern work with all types of asbestos.

  The Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983, which require most work with asbestos insulation, asbestos coating and asbestos insulating board to be carried out by an HSE licensed contractor, are soon to be subject to a routine periodic review by the HSC (next year). If amendments are proposed the HSC will consult upon them.

  Proposals to amend The Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations 1992, which ban the marketing, supply and use of all types of asbestos, are currently being reviewed to consolidate them and ensure that they are fully consistent with EC Directives

  Once the HSC has considered the results of any of these consultations they will put their proposals to me for consideration.

  Research Documents
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 25 February 2002,Official Report, column 813W, on research documents, what criteria the Department uses when defining a research programme; who within a programme is responsible for selecting the best method of publication; if he will list the types of publication available to programmes; and for whose needs availability on demand of programme details can be tailored. [41389]
  911W
  Mr. Jamieson
  The Department's research programmes are defined by the evidence needs of policy areas and listed in the Departmental website (annexe A of the DTLR(C) Research Overview). As previously indicated, publication methods for the dissemination of research results are chosen by the relevant research programme manager and the policy area responsible. Contact points for the individual programmes are also listed in the website.

  There are many publication methods including formal Government publication routes, academic journals, and reports by private sector research contractors. Publications from individual programmes may be checked through their areas on the website or through the listed contact points. Methods may be specific to individual projects or follow standard practices developed for particular audiences (e.g. Local Transport Notes and traffic advisory leaflets, Road Safety research series, Building Regulations' Approved Documents and Housing's Research Summaries). Where targeted at specific groups of users—for example road safety officers, local government officers, cycling groups—the results of research may be distributed through advisory leaflets or best practice guidance.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 25 February 2002,Official Report, column 813W, on research documents, in which locations a record of research is held; on what date work started on improved database facility; what form it will take when completed; and on what date the improved database facility will be completed. [41390]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Records of research are held within the policy divisions and their research management teams. The staff and records for DTLR(C) research programmes are largely accommodated in four London buildings—Eland House, Ashdown House (Victoria), Great Minster House and Horseferry House. Some work is also undertaken at Moreton-in-Marsh. HSE and Agencies—who are located in other buildings—handle their own research.

  Work started to improve access to records of research in the former DETR in March 2001. The aim was to provide a unified database of information about all research projects in the former Department. The work has been taken forward within DTLR. The initial development phase of the database software was completed last month. The extensive job of populating the database for the year 2001–02 is now under way aiming at completion within three months. A specification for further work to present this information in a form suitable for access through the DTLR website is in preparation.

  Railtrack
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 25 February 2002,Official Report, column 784W, on Railtrack, what action was taken by his Department in response to the examples of key areas of failure highlighted by the report of the Environment,
  912W
  Transport, and Regional Affairs Committee, 'Rail Investment: Renewal, Maintenance and Development of the National Rail Network'; and for what reason Railtrack was not placed into railway administration until October 2001. [41331]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Government's response to the main conclusions and recommendations of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee's report was presented to Parliament by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 15 October 2001 (Cm 5283). The Government's response drew the Committee's attention to the reasons behind the placing of Railtrack plc into Railway Administration on 7 October 2001.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the cost has been to the Government of meeting Railtrack plc's operational bills. [41581]

  Mr. Jamieson
  £1.96 billion.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the cost has been to the Government of advisers involved in Railtrack administration. [41582]

  Mr. Jamieson
  From 7 October 2001 to the end of February 2002, the cost of advisers working for my Department on the administration of Railtrack and on the process of exiting administration was about £5.6 million.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions from which organisation he has obtained legal advice about a possible challenge from Railtrack shareholders. [41583]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Secretary of State has instructed the Treasury Solicitor to act on his behalf in relation to threatened action from Railtrack shareholders.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions which companies tendered for the public relations work on Railtrack administration. [41765]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Finsbury were originally engaged by Schroder Salomon Smith Barney (SSSB) on their own account, to assist them in their work as the Department's banking advisers.

  At the end of December 2001, it was decided to extend Finsbury's involvement. They now work direct to the Department. The extension of Finsbury's involvement was by single tender in view of the knowledge and expertise they had accumulated at that stage.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many rail investment projects of over £5 million have been started by Railtrack in administration since the appointment of the administrator. [41301]

  Mr. Spellar
  Twenty.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much money has been(a) granted and (b) lent to Railtrack in administration. [41300]
  913W
  Mr. Spellar
  Railtrack plc has received £162 million of grant and £1.8 billion under the Government loan facility.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what estimate his Department has made of the cost to Government of underwriting the debt of the successor company to Railtrack in administration; [42806]

  (2) what steps the Government will take to ensure that the receiver company to Railtrack in administration has a minimum BBB credit rating. [42811]

  Mr. Byers
  Bidders for Railtrack will need to put forward their proposals for the financing of the successor company. These proposals will need to demonstrate how bidders will ensure that the successor company will have a sufficiently high investment grade credit rating to raise the necessary finance for its activities in an efficient and cost effective manner. They will also need to set out any proposals for Government support.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when the data room for Railtrack in administration will be open to bidders. [42626]

  Mr. Byers
  This is a matter for the Administrator.

  Agencies and Organisations
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the public sector agencies and organisations that receive funding from his Department. [41740]

  Dr. Whitehead
  The following public sector organisations receive funding from the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions: -

  Housing Corporation

  The Commission for Local Government in England

  Regional Development Agencies

  East of England Development Agency

  East Midlands Development Agency

  North East Development Agency

  North West Development Agency

  South East England Development Agency

  South West of England Development Agency

  West Midlands Development Agency

  Yorkshire and Humberside Development Agency

  Strategic Rail Authority

  Local Government Standards Board for England

  Valuation Office Agency

  Valuation Tribunals

  Audit Commission

  Health and Safety Commission (a Crown NDPB) incorporating (Health and Safety Executive/Health and Safety Laboratory)

  English Partnerships

  Urban Regeneration Agency

  Commission for New Towns

  914W
  Housing Action Trusts

  Castle Vale HAT

  Liverpool HAT

  Stonebridge HAT

  Tower Hamlets HAT

  Waltham Forest HAT

  Civil Aviation Authority

  London Underground

  Improvement and Development Agency for Local Government

  Employers' Organisation for Local Government

  The Fire Services Examination Board

  The National Foundation for Educational Research in England and Wales

  The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education

  The Local Government International Bureau

  The Local Authorities Co-ordinating Body on Food and Trading Standards

  Public Private Partnerships Programme

  National Youth Agency

  All local authorities in England.

  The Department also has a number of grant regimes that are open to application by both private sector and public sector organisations. information on the nature of recipients is not collated across regimes.

  London Underground
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if final agreement has been reached with tube lines and Metronet over risk transfer under PPP. [41580]

  Mr. Jamieson
  London Underground is responsible for negotiation of contracts with tube lines and Metronet for the modernisation of the underground's infrastructure. Final contracts can only be agreed following the completion of consultation with the Mayor and Transport for London.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the sections of the London Underground which are forecast to see significant reductions in crowding levels as a result of the PPP. [41650]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I refer to the answer given to the hon. Member on 4 February 2002,Official Report, column 731–32W.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many trains will be refurbished or replaced in the first seven and a half years of the London Underground PPP. [41742]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I refer to my answer to the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake) on 4 March 2002,Official Report, column 88W.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what instructions London Underground has received about the phasing of spending plans under the PPP; and what spending projects London Underground must include in the second 15 year period. [41743]
  915W
  Mr. Jamieson
  London Underground is responsible for the development of PPP contracts for the modernisation of the underground's infrastructure. The Secretary of State has set out proposals on the level of grant that can be provided to support London Underground over the next seven and a half years, but has issued no instructions to London Underground about the phasing of spending plans.

  The draft contract sets out detailed requirements for the whole 30 year contract period, and that periodic reviews every seven and a half years will allow London Underground to revise its requirements to reflect changing circumstances.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions whether final contracts have been agreed with tube lines and Metronet. [41682]

  Mr. Jamieson
  London Underground is responsible for negotiation of contracts with Tube Lines and Metronet for the modernisation of the underground's infrastructure. Final contracts can only be agreed following the completion of consultation with the Mayor and Transport for London.

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what role his Department has played by means of(a) legislation and (b) direction in ensuring that London Underground makes the contractual documentation relating to the PPP publicly available following completion of the competition. [42118]

  Mr. Jamieson
  [holding answer 11 March 2002]: None.

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 4 March 2002,Official Report, column 88W, on PPP contracts, for what reason the acceptance of a safety case as a condition precedent is a matter for London Underground Ltd. and the bidders. [42177]

  Mr. Jamieson
  [holding answer 11 March 2002]: The modernisation plans can only proceed if London Underground's revised safety case is accepted by the Health and Safety Executive. The decision to include this legal requirement as condition precedent to a contract between London Underground and the bidders is a matter for the parties to the contract.

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the provision for taking over the work of Infracos under the London Underground PPP if the consortiums fail; and with whom this provision will lie. [42120]

  Mr. Jamieson
  [holding answer 11 March 2002]: London Underground is responsible for the development of contracts for the modernisation of the underground's infrastructure.

  The contract provides powers for London Underground to step in to take over the work of the infrastructure companies for health, safety or security reasons or if the infrastructure does not comply with a corrective action notice in relation to a failure to perform its obligations. If an infrastructure company defaults on the contract there
  916W
  are provisions for the contract to be transferred to another party or, if no suitable party is found, for London Underground itself to take over the contract.

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 169W, on London Underground, under what powers he is able to put in place interim staff for an arbiter before a permanent appointment can be made. [42292]

  Mr. Jamieson
  [holding answer 11 March 2002]: Under section 227 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999.

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his reply of 4 March 2002,Official Report, column 86W, on value for money and safety assessments of the London Underground PPP contracts, if he will provide a list of the other information sent to the Mayor and Transport for London on 7 February; and how long before the LT board meeting of 7 February the value for money analysis was completed. [42112]

  Mr. Jamieson
  [holding answer 1 March 2002]: Information provided to the Mayor and Transport for London in relation to consultation on the modernisation proposals is a matter for London Transport. The exact timing of the completion of London Transport's value for money analysis is a matter for London Transport.

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 4 March 2002,Official Report, column 87W, on PPP cost overruns, what would be regarded as inefficient or uneconomic behaviour. [42267]

  Mr. Jamieson
  [holding answer 11 March 2002]: London Underground is responsible for the development of contracts for the modernisation of the underground's infrastructure.

  The Greater London Authority Act 1999 requires the PPP Arbiter, among other things, to promote efficiency and economy in relation to a PPP agreement, and to take into account factors notified by the parties to the agreement or specified in the agreement.

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what role his Department has played in setting the level of performance required for the Infracos under the London Underground PPP. [42117]

  Mr. Jamieson
  [holding answer 11 March 2002]: The Secretary of State wishes to see a comprehensive modernisation of the underground with increased capacity, improved reliability and higher quality. The detailed level of performance required from the infrastructure companies has been set by London Underground.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what is the(a) status of and (b) expected date for finalising each of the bids to operate trains on the London Underground under the proposed PPP scheme. [42812]

  Mr. Byers
  The proposed PPP contracts are for the modernisation of the underground's infrastructure. London Underground will continue to operate the entire tube network, including trains.
  917W
  London Underground is responsible for the contracts. Final contracts can only be agreed following the completion of consultation with the Mayor and Transport for London.

  Congestion Charging
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what work his Department has done to assess the impact on the targets in the 10-year plan if local authorities fail to implement congestion charging schemes as outlined in the plan. [41657]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Modelling by the Department of the results of implementing the 10-year plan, but omitting the eight road user charging and 12 workplace parking levy schemes that the plan assumed local authorities would introduce outside London, shows that congestion would reduce to 5 per cent. below 2000 levels, compared with a 6 per cent. reduction if the assumptions in the plan are met

  A number of local authorities are actively examining possible schemes. Whether they go ahead will be a matter for them, taking into account local factors. We would, in any case, expect most schemes to come forward towards the end of the 10-year plan period.

  The assumptions in the 10-year plan will be reviewed as part of the first review of the plan. We will publish the results later this year.

  East Thames River Crossings
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has for new East Thames river crossings; and on what time scale. [41649]

  Mr. Jamieson
  None. The proposed East Thames river crossings are a matter for the Mayor and Transport for London.

  Road Noise
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent estimate he has made of the cost difference between low and high noise road surfaces. [41653]

  Mr. Jamieson
  A recent estimate by the Highways Agency suggests that there is very little difference in whole life cost between low and high noise road surfaces. This estimate takes account of both the initial cost and the expected life of the surface, which can both vary between individual products and applications.

  Inter-Urban Road Travel
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions whether it is his policy to charge for inter-urban road travel. [41662]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Government have no plans at present to introduce general charges for road users to travel on the inter-urban road network, although we are looking seriously at plans to ensure that foreign hauliers pay their fair share of costs on our roads.

  Airport (South-East)
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the sites under consideration for a new airport in south east England. [41744]

  Mr. Jamieson
  There will be a full public consultation on possible sites before Ministers come to conclusions. Consultation is scheduled for Spring 2002.

  10-year Plan
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the sustainable distribution strategy set out in section 12 on page 45 on the 10-year plan background analysis. [41660]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The assumptions about developments in the distribution industries listed on page 45 of "Transport 2010: The Background Analysis" were informed by polling experts in the haulage/logistics industries, academics and vehicle manufacturers.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the policy changes that will be required to deliver land use planning directed at increasing the attractiveness of public transport, walking and cycling as described in section 12 on page 44 of the 10-year plan background analysis. [41659]

  Mr. Spellar
  In developing the 10-year plan, the Department assumed that land use planning would contribute to lower traffic growth (and thus greater use of other modes) by promoting accessibility to development by public transport, walking and cycling. The Government issued Planning Policy Guidance note 13 (PPG13) on Transport in March 2001, setting out national land use planning policy on transport, to support the integrated transport strategy and 10-year plan. Other PPGs support the same objective of promoting sustainable transport choices.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions whether the amount transferred from the unallocated budget in the 10-year plan to the rail budget has been moved from the years in which it was originally allocated. [41666]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The revised amounts and profile of the unallocated budget and the rail budget are shown in the revised version of Table A3 from the 10-year plan, copies of which were placed in the House Library on 25 February.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will provide a schedule of budget allocations to the 10-year plan at constant 2001 prices. [41665]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The information requested for transport spending plans expressed in 2001–02 prices is shown in the table.
  919W

  Transport spending review 2000 plans: 2000–02 to 2003–04

  £ million, 2001–02 prices

  2000–01 plans

  2001–02

  2002–03

  2003–04

  Three year totals

  Total

  5,018

  6,056

  7,324

  8,879

  22,260

  of which:

  Capital

  2,391

  3,258

  4,410

  5,883

  13,551

  Resource

  2,627

  2,798

  2,914

  2,996

  8,709

  of which:

  Strategic roads

  1,548

  1,632

  1,759

  1,832

  5,222

  Local

  1,203

  1,788

  2,035

  2,207

  6,030

  Railways

  1,508

  1,607

  2,266

  3,398

  7,271

  London

  578

  826

  1,045

  1,222

  3,093

  Other transport

  181

  204

  220

  220

  645

  Notes:

  1. The table is based on Table Al (p98) in 'Transport 2010: The 10 Year Plan' which is expressed in outturn or cash prices.

  2. Both tables exclude £2.7 billion of transport-related Revenue Support Grant funding for local authorities, but include £37/139/209 million (cash) of other public funding for transport compared with the Transport spending totals shown in Treasury's Spending Review 2000 White Paper.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what estimate the 10-year plan model made of the impact of changes in average non-regulated rail fares on demand for(a) rail and (b) road traffic. [41656]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The 10-year plan rail demand modelling work assumed that non-regulated fares would increase in line with inflation. As there is no real change in non-regulated fares they had no impact upon changes in either rail or road traffic demand in the model.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the starting date was for the 10 years of the Transport Plan. [41302]

  Mr. Spellar
  The start date for spending under the 10-year plan was the beginning of the current financial year on 1 April 2001.

  Road Journeys
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of road journeys that will be saved as a result of the rail measures in the 10-year plan. [41652]

  Mr. Jamieson
  We estimate that just under two-thirds of the increased passenger rail demand will be from car users switching to rail. However, this shift does not translate directly into a saving in road journeys, as the reduced level of road traffic will be partly offset by other travellers attracted to the less congested roads.

  Channel Tunnel
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he has assessed(a) future capacity levels in the channel tunnel and (b) the need for a new tunnel in the future. [41745]

  Mr. Jamieson
  At the end of 1999 Eurotunnel sent to the Governments of France and the UK, through the Channel Tunnel Intergovernmental Commission, a package relating to two tunnel projects, one road and one rail. Eurotunnel submitted this package in order to discharge an undertaking entered into when the Concession Agreement was signed in 920W
  1986. At that time Eurotunnel stated that according to its traffic forecasts, the capacity of the existing tunnel would be sufficient to meet demand for the next 20 years.

  Ministerial Travel
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when(a) he and (b) his ministerial colleagues last travelled by bus on departmental business. [41680]

  Dr. Whitehead
  Cabinet Office Guidance on ministerial travel states that Ministers should use the most efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. Ministers have travelled on buses during a number of visits and are keen to encourage their use.

  Local Government Finance
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the total value is of PPP schemes launched by local authorities since 1997. [41678]

  Dr. Whitehead
  This information is not held on PPP schemes other than those which receive central Government support for the capital element under the Private Finance Initiative. The total capital value of PFI schemes signed by local authorities since 1997 is £2.8 billion. Schemes worth another £1.4 billion are in procurement.

  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to change the system of financial credit-rating of local authorities. [41729]

  Dr. Whitehead
  We have never required or encouraged local authorities to seek commercial credit ratings and have no plans to do so. All local authorities are rightly regarded as highly creditworthy and do not need credit ratings to obtain loans.

  Rail and Bus Passengers
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what work the Department carries out to monitor rail and bus passenger satisfaction. [41663]
  921W
  Mr. Jamieson
  The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) commissions a bi-annual National Passenger Survey. The results are published in "On Track" in June and December. The SRA also publishes information on customer complaints about rail services, quarterly in "National Rail Trends" and six-monthly in "On Track". These documents are placed in the Library of the House each time they are published.

  For local bus travel, since April 2000, the Department has carried out quarterly surveys of passenger satisfaction in England outside London. A similar survey is carried out in London by Transport for London. The results are published by DTLR each quarter in the Transport Statistics Bulletin "Bus Quality Indicators: England". Copies of each quarterly report are in the Library of the House.

  DTLR also commissions more general research into public attitudes to transport issues. Questions about perceptions of local buses and of rail services, covering both users and non-users of services, were asked in the Omnibus Survey of households run by the Office for National Statistics, in January 2001. Results were published on the Department's website in an article "Attitudes to Local Transport Issues", a copy of which I am arranging to place in the Library of the House. Further questions on buses were asked in the British Social Attitudes Survey 2001, but results will not be available until autumn 2002.

  Crossrail
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) whether his estimate of the impact of the delay in the construction of Crossrail on crowding levels on the London Underground takes into account forecast growth in underground usage during the period of the 10-year plan; [41651]

  (2) what impact the delay in Crossrail, as envisaged in the SRA Strategic Plan, has on the modelling described in the Background Analysis of the 10-year plan. [41648]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Modelling work undertaken for the 10-year plan considered the broad strategic impact on crowding on rail and tube services of a Crossrail type link which opened at the end of the 10-year plan period. A later opening date would have no direct impact on these results. The separate modelling work reported in the Background Analysis of the 10-year plan was undertaken to assess growth in passenger kilometres. This did not assume the construction of Crossrail because it is primarily intended to relieve overcrowding, and is not expected to contribute greatly to passenger growth.

  South West Regional Assembly
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to vary the numbers of members at present sitting in the Shadow South West Regional Assembly; and how many members will be elected to the proposed South West Regional Assembly. [41393]

  Dr. Whitehead
  "South West Regional Assembly" is the name used by the regional chamber designated by the Secretary of State under s.8 of the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998. It is not a "shadow" body of a922W
  possible future elected regional assembly for the southwest, but a voluntary body which has been recognised by Ministers for the purposes of scrutiny of the South West Regional Development Agency. The number of members of the assembly is therefore primarily a matter for the assembly.

  The forthcoming Regional Governance White Paper will set out our proposals for elected regional assemblies in future, including their number of members.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what(a) salaries and (b) expenses are available to members of the Shadow South West Regional Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the remuneration of members of the proposed assembly. [41394]

  Dr. Whitehead
  Salaries and expenses of the existing the South West Regional Assembly are a matter for the assembly. The forthcoming Regional Government White Paper will set out our proposals for elected regional assemblies in future.

  Regional Development Agencies
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what role RDAs will play in shaping a new EU regeneration framework. [41482]

  Ms Keeble
  We will be consulting the RDAs and a range of other organisations working in the regeneration field about our proposals to ensure that regeneration schemes are state aid proof, including the possibility of a new framework.

  Refuges
  Margaret Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list those local authorities which have refuges which are(a) 100 per cent. funded and (b) part-funded by his Department; and if he will list other sources of funding and limits which apply. [41671]

  Ms Keeble
  This Department does not fund refuge provision directly.

  Refuge accommodation is mainly owned by registered social landlords (57 per cent.) and local housing authorities (32 per cent.). Most of the remainder are owned by refuge groups and the private sector.

  Revenue support for refuges is provided principally through transitional housing benefit, social housing management grant, local authority funding plus a range of charitable sources.

  The Department does not hold information about the funding of refuges in individual local authority areas.

  Margaret Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list those local authorities which(a) have refuge provision at the rate of one place per 10,000 of population and (b) do not meet this target. [41667]

  Ms Keeble
  There is no target for refuge provision.
  923W
  There is a best value performance indicator, (BVPI 176) which is—"the number of domestic violence refuge places per 10,000 population, which are provided or supported by the authority". Local authorities are required to set their own performance target against this indicator, which appeared in the indicator set for the first time in 2001–02 and remains in the 2002–03 set of BVPIs. No data on local authority performance against this indicator are available yet; local authorities will provide their performance data for BVPI 176 to the Audit Commission for 2001–02 after 31 March 2002. The data will then be audited and will be available in autumn 2002.

  Margaret Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list per(a) constituency, (b) local authority area and (c) region those areas which have refuge provision which does not meet the target of one place per 10,000 population as recommended in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. [41672]

  Ms Keeble
  There is no target for refuge provision contained in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

  There is a best value performance indicator, (BVPI 176) which is—"the number of domestic violence refuge places per 10,000 population, which are provided or supported by the authority". Local authorities are required to set their own performance target against this indicator, which appeared in the indicator set for the first time in 2001–02 and remains in the 2002–03 set of BVPIs. No data on local authority performance against this indicator are available yet; local authorities will provide their performance data for BVPI 176 to the Audit Commission for 2001–02 after 31 March 2002. The data will then be audited and will be available in autumn 2002.

  Landlords
  Margaret Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent discussions he has had with the British Federation of Landlords and Private Tenants groups on bringing small landlords within the same tax regime as other small businesses. [41670]

  Ms Keeble
  There have been no discussions recently between these bodies and Ministers of this Department on the tax regime for landlords. Tax matters are, in any event, a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

  A34
  Mr. George Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when construction of the A34 Alderley Edge bypass will begin. [41392]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The South East Manchester Multi Modal study covers the A34 Alderley Edge bypass.

  I am currently considering this report and the North West Regional Assembly's recommendations and hope to make an announcement shortly.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to the answer of 4 March 2002,Official Report, column 93W,
  924W
  ref. 38443, what criteria are used to determine (a) unacceptable numbers of applicants accepted as homeless and (b) numbers accommodated under the legislative provisions by a local authority. [41430]

  Ms Keeble
  There are no criteria for determining that the level of applicants accepted as statutorily homeless is unacceptable. A range of information about local housing authorities' activities under the homelessness provisions of the Housing Act 1985 and the Housing Act 1996 is submitted quarterly by authorities to the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions. A summary of this is published by the Department in a quarterly statistical release. The data published include the number of households being accommodated in temporary accommodation, pursuant to a duty under the homelessness provisions, at the end of the relevant quarterly period.

  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to the answer of 4 March 2002,Official Report, column 93W, ref. 38444, if he will publish the guidance used to determine the trigger point at which he should intervene to secure an authority's compliance with its statutory duty to house the homeless. [41431]

  Ms Keeble
  We have agreed a protocol with the Local Government Association that sets out the key principles and procedures for the use of the best value intervention powers. The protocol has been published as Annexe D of the Department's Circular 10/99. Copies of the circular have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Weight Limits (Bridges)
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps he takes to ensure that maximum weight limits on local bridges are enforced; and if he will make a statement on the penalties applicable to those in breach of those limits. [37634]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  I have been asked to reply.

  The police are responsible for enforcing these limits. Weight limits on bridges are notified by traffic signs, and failure to comply with such signs is an offence under section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The maximum penalty for this offence is a fine not exceeding £1,000 plus a three point endorsement.

  Wembley Park Underground
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how he plans to respond to the London Development Agency/London Underground report on the options for increasing capacity at Wembley Park underground station. [43231]

  Mr. Byers
  I welcome this report, copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House. It demonstrates that it should be possible to make real improvements to capacity and access—particularly for disabled people—without the need to rebuild Wembley Park Station.

  While the report's proposals are significantly less expensive than rebuilding the station, they cannot be accommodated within the £20 million which the Government have already agreed to make available for infrastructure improvements. In the light of this new

  925W
  evidence, I have now decided that if the stadium development proceeds, I should make available additionally up to £7 million from my transport provision. This would make it easier for people travelling to the new stadium, as well as those living and working in the area. I understand that the Mayor of London has also agreed to make available a similar sum.

  Multiple Occupation
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the reason for the delay in the drafting of legislation for the regulation of HMOs. [42229]

  Mr. Byers
  The Government are committed to introducing a national licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and we consulted on our proposals in 1999. We remain committed to legislating for this at the earliest possible opportunity.

  The Government are also currently supporting my hon. Friend for Brighton, Kemptown's Home Energy Conservation Bill. This Bill would introduce reforms to the current discretionary HMO registration regime, most notably by making it mandatory and providing for a revised definition of an HMO.

  Public-Private Partnerships
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 4 March 2002, ref. 37622, on reputational externalities, what is the size of the adjustment made for reputational externalities in the calculations underlying the final assessment report; and if he will make a statement. [41396]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 4 March 2002,Official Report, column 83W.

  Public Bodies
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many appointments to public bodies have been made through his Department(a) from April 2000 to March 2001 and (b) since 31 March 2001; and how many of these were (i) men and (ii) women. [42150]

  Ms Keeble
  Ministers in this Department have appointed or reappointed(a) 116 people in the year April 2000 to March 2001 (i) 82 of whom are men and (ii) 34 women and (b) 100 people since 31 March 2001 (i) 58 of whom are men and (ii) 42 women.

  Transport and Telecommunications Council
  Angus Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions whether a Scottish Executive Minister will be a member of the UK delegation to the forthcoming Transport and Telecommunications European Union Council of Ministers meeting on 25–26 March; and what information is being provided by his Department to guarantee effective pre-council scrutiny by the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament. [42690]
  926W
  Mr. Jamieson
  There are no plans for a Minister from the Scottish Executive to be a member of the UK delegation to the Transport and Telecommunications Council on 25–26 March.

  In developing the UK position, there is regular contact between Ministers and officials of the Department and the Scottish Executive on those issues in which there is a Scottish interest, as required by the memorandum of understanding between the UK Government and the three devolved Administrations. The then Transport Minister in the Scottish Executive attended the Transport Council on 28 June 2001 as part of the UK delegation.

  Councils
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proportion of(a) district, (b) county and (c) Metropolitan councils he estimates will be judged as coasting. [42628]

  Mr. Byers
  No such estimate exists. The categorisation will be for the Audit Commission.

  Vehicle Registration
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to move to a system of continuous registration of all motor vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [42558]

  Mr. Jamieson
  A proposal to introduce continuous registration—under which the keeper of a vehicle would retain a statutory responsibility to license it until DVLA was notified of a change of keeper—was one of a number of proposals set out by the Government in its consultation document on abandoned vehicles in October 2001. My right hon. Friend intends to make an announcement on the outcome of the consultation shortly.

  National Celebrations
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what arrangements his Department has made to celebrate(a) St. Patrick's Day, (b) St. George's Day, (c) St. Andrew's Day and (d) Her Majesty the Queen's Golden Jubilee; and how his Department celebrated St. David's Day. [42301]

  Dr Whitehead
  [Holding answer: Monday 11 March 2002]: The Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions has fully supported the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in making suitable arrangements for Her Majesty the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations. Details of those events may be found on the Golden Jubilee website at www.goldenjubilee.gov.uk.

  My Department has no specific arrangements to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, St. George's Day or St. Andrew's Day. My Department did not specifically celebrate St. David's Day.

  Shoreham Harbour
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will publish the dates and minutes of meetings of the Maritime Vision for Shoreham Harbour Steering Group since its inception. [42357]
  927W
  Mr. Jamieson
  The Shoreham Maritime Regeneration Strategy was set up in May 1998 to foster the regeneration of Shoreham Harbour. The Shoreham Maritime Steering Group is seeking to implement this strategy and has since been holding regular meetings. Although the Government Office for the South East is a partner of the Steering Group, it is not within the remit of the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions to publish the dates and minutes of these meetings.

  Shoreham Harbour Link Road
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what feasibility study he has carried out into the provision of a road link between the A259 at Shoreham Harbour with the A27; and when he plans to publish the findings; [42390]

  (2) what discussions he has had with Shoreham Port Authority about the provision of a link road between the A259 at Shoreham Harbour and the A27. [42356]

  Number of fire stations in England and Wales at 1 January 1997–2002

  Fire authority

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  2002

  Avon

  23

  23

  23

  23

  23

  23

  Bedfordshire and Luton

  14

  14

  14

  14

  14

  14

  Buckinghamshire

  20

  20

  20

  20

  20

  20

  Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

  28

  28

  28

  28

  28

  28

  Cheshire

  24

  24

  24

  24

  24

  24

  Cleveland

  15

  15

  15

  15

  15

  15

  Cornwall

  31

  31

  31

  31

  31

  31

  County Durham and Darlington

  16

  15

  15

  15

  15

  15

  Cumbria

  38

  38

  38

  38

  38

  38

  Derbyshire

  31

  31

  31

  31

  31

  31

  Devon

  58

  58

  58

  58

  58

  58

  Dorset

  29

  29

  29

  29

  29

  30

  East Sussex

  24

  24

  24

  24

  24

  24

  Essex

  51

  51

  51

  51

  51

  51

  Gloucestershire

  20

  20

  20

  20

  20

  20

  Greater Manchester

  43

  43

  43

  43

  43

  43

  Hampshire

  54

  54

  54

  54

  52

  52

  Hereford and Worcester

  26

  26

  26

  26

  26

  27

  Hertfordshire

  32

  32

  32

  32

  32

  32

  Humberside

  31

  31

  31

  31

  31

  32

  Isle of Wight

  10

  10

  10

  10

  10

  10

  Isles of Scilly

  7

  7

  7

  7

  7

  7

  Kent and Medway Towns

  66

  66

  66

  66

  66

  66

  Lancashire

  40

  40

  40

  40

  40

  40

  Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland

  20

  20

  20

  20

  20

  20

  Lincolnshire

  37

  37

  37

  37

  38

  38

  London

  113

  113

  113

  113

  112

  112

  Merseyside

  27

  27

  27

  26

  26

  26

  Mid and West Wales

  57

  57

  57

  57

  57

  57

  Norfolk

  40

  40

  40

  40

  40

  40

  North Wales

  44

  44

  44

  44

  44

  44

  North Yorkshire

  37

  37

  37

  37

  37

  37

  Northamptonshire

  22

  22

  22

  22

  22

  22

  Northumberland

  19

  19

  19

  19

  19

  19

  Nottinghamshire and City of Nottingham

  25

  25

  25

  25

  25

  25

  Oxfordshire

  24

  24

  24

  24

  24

  24

  Royal Berkshire

  20

  20

  20

  20

  20

  20

  Shropshire

  23

  23

  23

  23

  23

  23

  Somerset

  24

  24

  24

  24

  24

  24

  South Wales

  50

  50

  50

  50

  50

  50

  South Yorkshire

  24

  24

  24

  24

  24

  24

  Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire

  30

  30

  30

  30

  30

  30

  Suffolk

  36

  36

  36

  36

  36

  36

  Surrey

  24

  24

  24

  24

  24

  24

  Tyne and Wear

  18

  19

  19

  19

  19

  19

  928W
  Ms Keeble
  No discussions have been held with Shoreham Port Authority regarding the provision of a link road between the A259 and the A27. There is no Government-led study into such a link road but there is a wider local authority study currently taking place. This work includes a variety of separate work streams looking at the regeneration potential for the port area, and the feasibility of facilitating much of the future potential for local and port development.

  Fire Stations
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many functioning fire stations there were, broken down by fire brigade area, in each year since 1997. [42235]

  Mr. Byers
  The number of fire stations in each fire authority area in England and Wales as at 1 January from 1997 to 2002 is in the table:
  929W

  Number of fire stations in England and Wales at 1 January 1997–2002

  Fire authority

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  2002

  Warwickshire

  20

  20

  20

  19

  19

  19

  West Midlands

  41

  41

  41

  41

  41

  41

  West Sussex

  28

  28

  28

  28

  28

  28

  West Yorkshire

  50

  50

  50

  50

  50

  50

  Wiltshire and Swindon

  25

  25

  25

  25

  25

  25

  Source:

  DTLR calendar year returns.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Press and Public Relations
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the annual budget for communications activities, including press, public relations, marketing and internal communications, was for her Department for each financial year from 1997–98 to 2001–02. [39921]

  Dr. Howells
  The spend in my Department on communications activities including press, public relations, marketing and internal communications from 1997–98 to 2001–02 was:

  year

  £

  1997–98

  493,098

  1998–99

  471,303

  1999–2000

  762,438

  2000–01

  775,904

  2001–02

  1602,700

  1 Estimated outturn

  Film Production
  Mr. Hepburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which film production

  Production Name

  Production Type

  Production company

  Start

  End

  Ludwig's First at the Fair

  Short film

  Tyne Castle Film and Video

  31 May 1995

  31 August 1998

  Dance For A Stranger

  Short film

  Ipso Facto

  5 January 1996

  15 January 1996

  Untitled

  Short film

  Studio Arts TV

  24 June 1996

  24 June 1996

  Refuge

  Short film

  Lightyears Films

  29 August 1996

  4 September 1996

  The Creatives

  Short film

  Absolutely Productions

  26 October 1996

  26 October 1996

  Looking

  Short film

  Purple Film Productions

  8 January 1997

  13 January 1997

  An Egg's and Egg

  Short film

  Ipso Facto Films

  24 February 1997

  25 February 1997

  Four Hours Insecurity

  Short film

  Chariot Productions

  1 July 1997

  8 July 1997

  Wasps

  Short film

  Ipso Facto Films

  29 August 1997

  6 September 1997

  Untitled

  Short film

  Roy Martin

  16 September 1997

  17 September 1997

  Untitled

  Short film

  Carpet Films

  20 September 1997

  20 September 1997

  Built for the Stone Age, Living in the Space Age

  Short film

  Wishful Thought

  29 September 1997

  5 October 1997

  Bird

  Short film

  Zoo Films

  28 October 1997

  1 November 1997

  Chariots of Desire

  Short film

  Odd Couple Productions

  25 January 1998

  29 January 1998

  Sleep

  Short film

  Airship Films

  1 March 1998

  7 March 1998

  Panino

  Short film

  Bridge and Tunnel Films

  26 April 1998

  1 May 1998

  The Block

  Short film

  Shiney Beast

  6 July 1998

  15 July 1998

  In Between

  Short film

  Indica Films

  15 July 1998

  21 July 1998

  Wing

  Short film

  Miranda Tuffnel

  31 July 1998

  23 September 1998

  Flying Home

  Short film

  Hard Place Productions

  1 August 1998

  5 August 1998

  The Gatherers

  Short film

  Cumbria Film Independents

  2 August 1998

  6 August 1998

  Psyche Out

  Short film

  Pilgrim Films

  20 August 1998

  23 August 1998

  Orpheus

  Short film

  Ad Hoc Films

  31 August 1998

  30 January 1999

  Mrs. Buchan

  Short film

  Ipso Facto Films

  1 September 1998

  7 September 1998

  Ravine

  Short film

  RVK Productions

  24 September 1998

  27 September 1998

  Heads (Tease)

  Short film

  Hard Place Films

  13 October 1998

  14 October 1998

  Untitled

  Short film

  Ipso Facto

  31 October 1998

  31 October 1998

  Safe

  Short film

  Y I Productions

  25 January 1999

  29 January 1999

  Nasty Neighbours

  Feature film

  Ipso Facto

  22 February 1999

  23 February 1999

  Untitled

  Short film

  Canny Productions

  1 March 1999

  7 March 1999

  Untitled

  Short film

  27 May 1999

  30 May 1999

  930W
  companies in the north-east received grants from the UK Film Council; and how much they received in the last 12 months. [40630]

  Dr. Howells
  One Lottery grant has been made to film production companies in the north-east in the last 12 months of £40,000 to the Northern Production Fund. The Film Council has also funded Northern Film and Media (through its Regional Investment Fund for England), which has enabled that organisation to invest non-Film Council funds in the region. This includes a total of £213,629 to film production companies and individuals for production and development activity.

  Mr. Hepburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many films were produced by film production companies in the north-east in(a) 1996, (b) 1997, (c) 1998, (d) 1999, (e) 2000 and (f) 2001. [40632]

  Dr. Howells
  I understand from Northern Film and Media that 78 films were produced in the north-east in the period 1996 to 2001, 50 of which were produced by companies based in the region. The following list shows the start and end dates of the 50 productions.
  931W

  Production Name

  Production Type

  Production company

  Start

  End

  Rob of the Rovers

  Short film

  Pinball Films

  28 June 1999

  1 July 1999

  Mavis and the Mermaid

  Short film

  Shoreline Films

  23 September 1999

  1 October 1999

  The Good, the Bad and the Feathered

  Short film

  Eagle Films

  13 October 1999

  19 October 1999

  Millennium Movies

  Short film

  A19 Films and Video

  1 November 1999

  29 November 1999

  Stars in Her Eyes

  Short film

  Ethel Factor

  6 November 1999

  10 November 1999

  Going, Going

  Short film

  MJW Productions

  5 December 1999

  8 December 1999

  Whipped Cream

  Short film

  Packham Pear Productions

  26 February 2000

  29 February 2000

  Gabriel and Me

  Feature film

  Samuelson Productions/IMP

  19 June 2000

  26 June 2000

  Fish

  Short film

  Pilgrim Films

  26 July 2000

  30 July 2000

  Stix

  Short film

  Little California Films

  22 September 2000

  29 September 2000

  Playback

  Feature film

  Canny Pictures

  15 January 2001

  28 January 2001

  Grainger Town Poetry Films

  Short film

  International Media Productions

  26 February 2001

  26 February 2001

  Flickerman and the Ivory Skinned Woman

  Short film

  Pilgrims Films

  26 March 2001

  29 March 2001

  Ticket to Ride

  Short film

  Ipso Facto

  24 April 2001

  29 April 2001

  Star Man

  Short film

  Yipp Films

  3 June 2001

  10 June 2001

  Momentum

  Short film

  24:25 Films Ltd.

  16 July 2001

  20 July 2001

  Sweet Dreams

  Short film

  International Media Productions

  14 June 2001

  19 June 2001

  Danny and his Amazing Teeth

  Short film

  Ipso Facto Films

  29 July 2001

  2 August 2001

  King of the Road

  Short film

  Pilgrim Films

  18 July 2001

  23 July 2001

  Accommodation Costs
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the cost was of hotel accommodation for departmental staff working away from home in each of the last four years. [41068]

  Dr. Howells
  In DCMS travel and subsistence administration is contracted out and there is no electronic record of hotel accommodation. To provide this information would involve a manual check of each travel and subsistence claim which could be undertaken only at disproportionate cost.

  Gender Pay Gap
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the extent of the gender pay gap among staff in her Department. [41002]

  Dr. Howells
  In response to the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) Task Force "Just Pay" report the Government have committed Departments and agencies to review their pay systems and prepare any necessary action plans to close any equal pay gaps by April 2003. The Cabinet Office issued comprehensive guidance in January 2002 to assist Departments and agencies in carrying out these reviews. DCMS will be carrying out its review within the next six months and the Royal Parks Agency will be building it into their programme.

  Relocation Expenses
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what her policy is on the payment of relocation expenses to staff in her Department. [41033]

  Dr. Howells
  The underlying principle of DCMS's policy on the payment of relocation expenses to staff is that reasonable costs associated with a compulsory permanent transfer to a new workplace will be reimbursed; and anyone joining DCMS from other locations does so on purely voluntary terms. To date there has been no call to use this policy primarily because DCMS is a London based organisation.
  932W
  In the Royal Parks Agency where Parks Managers are required to relocate to Parks Lodges they receive a relocation package of £2,500 and reimbursement for removal expenses.

  Images of England Website
  Mr. Alan Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) whether(a) owners and (b) tenants will be informed in writing if their properties are to be listed on the Images of England website being established by English Heritage; [40838]

  (2) what representations she has received on the publication of details of listed private properties on the Images of England website and (a) the Data Protection Act 1998 and (b) the ECHR; [40839]

  (3) whether owners and tenants may permanently remove their property from the Images of England website being set up by English Heritage to catalogue listed buildings. [40840]

  Dr. Howells
  English Heritage undertook a comprehensive and successful series of regional press campaigns to publicise the "Images of England" project. They made it clear that it was their intention to photograph every building on the statutory list for the project; owners or occupiers will not therefore be informed individually. Owners who do not wish their building to appear should contact English Heritage, but they should bear in mind that information on every listed building is already in the public domain. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received two letters about Data Protection and Human Rights legislation in this context.

  National Collections
  James Purnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) whether overseas loans are taken into account when her Department assesses the proportion of total collection on display to the public; [40333]

  (2) what loans from the Royal Armouries collection have not been returned after a period of three years. [40334]
  933W
  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 6 March 2002]: The number of overseas loans varies substantially from one museum to another and is not a key performance measure used by my Department.

  I shall place in the Library details of loans made from the Royal Armouries' collections over three years ago that have not yet been returned.

  Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether funding for the heritage economic regeneration scheme is allocated only to areas of deprivation; and if she will make a statement. [40968]

  Dr. Howells
  The heritage economic regeneration scheme was set up by English Heritage in 1998 to boost the country's deprived urban and rural communities. English Heritage issues guidance to local authorities which explains the funding criteria. They advise that this does not preclude them from assisting schemes in areas which do not rank highly in the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Region's deprivation indices, providing there is a clear regeneration need.

  Litigation
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many cases(a) her Department and (b) its agencies have defended in (i) industrial tribunals and (ii) the courts in each year since 1997; how many were concluded in their favour; and what the total cost was to her Department of litigation in each year. [41116]

  Dr. Howells
  During the period in question:The Department for Culture Media and Sport defended no cases in either industrial tribunals or the courts;
  The Historic Royal Palaces Agency defended one industrial tribunal in 1997 which found in its favour. There were no cases which went to the courts;
  The Royal Parks Agency defended one industrial tribunal in 1997 which found against it and compensation of £3,500 was awarded. The agency defended two industrial tribunals in 2001 both of which were found in its favour. There ere no cases which went to the courts.

  Other than the compensation figure, no information is available on the cost of the litigation.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many special advisers were employed by her(a) between 1 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. [41249]

  Dr. Howells
  Details of special advisers employed in the Department are shown in the table.

  Special advisers

  Period year

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Total

  19971

  2

  0

  2

  1998

  1

  1

  2

  934W

  Special advisers

  Period year

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Total

  1999

  1

  1

  2

  2000

  2

  0

  2

  2001

  3

  0

  3

  1 1 May to 31 December 1997

  The information about the total amount spent on special advisers by the Department could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  NESTA
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to review National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts funding programmes. [41338]

  Mr. Caborn
  NESTA has established itself as a significant supporter of creativity and innovation over the past two years and is currently undertaking evaluation studies of its three funding programmes. The Department is taking a close interest in the outcome of this work and this evidence will be taken into account in the Quinquennial Review of NESTA, which is scheduled to take place in 2004–05.

  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the NESTA-funded projects in the last two years; and what assessment she has made of NESTA projects. [41339]

  Mr. Caborn
  Since its inception, NESTA has made more than 200 awards, totalling over £15 million. These awards range widely across the arts and sciences, and have made some interesting connections between the two. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport takes a close interest in NESTA's progress and believes that it is making a valuable contribution in line with its objectives. I am asking the chief executive of NESTA to write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible with the details of each award made so far and shall ensure that a copy of the letter is placed in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament.

  North West Arts Board
  Mr. Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the proposed transfer of the North West Arts Board's staff, assets and liabilities to the Arts Council of England. [40405]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 7 March 2002]: The proposed transfer of the North West Arts Board's staff, assets and liabilities to the Arts Council of England is a matter for the North West Arts Board and the Arts Council of England. I understand that North West Arts Board agreed the resolution to proceed with the transfer to the Arts Council of England at their meeting on 4 March.

  Free Television Licences
  David Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many pensioners in Telford are in receipt of free television licences. [41425]
  935W
  Dr. Howells
  TV Licensing, which administers the free television licence scheme for the BBC as licensing authority, is not able to provide geographical breakdowns of the number of free licences issued. However, estimates based on the 1991 Census indicate that there were approximately 3,200 people aged 75 or over in the Telford constituency.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many pensioners in Clwyd, South are in receipt of free television licences. [41900]

  Dr. Howells
  TV Licensing, which administers the free television licence scheme for the BBC as licensing authority, is not able to provide geographical breakdowns of the number of free licences issued. However, estimates based on the 1991 Census indicate that there were approximately 4,800 people aged 75 or over in the Clwyd, South constituency.

  Portable Antiquities Scheme
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she expects to announce future funding plans for the portable antiquities scheme. [42367]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 11 March 2002]: My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State for the Arts expects to be able to make an announcement about the future funding of the portable antiquities scheme when she attends the Standing Conference on Portable Antiquities on Thursday 14 March. Copies of this announcement will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament.

  Broadcasting Restrictions
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the groups and organisations which are restricted from being able to broadcast by radio and television; and on statutory restrictions on material which can be broadcast. [41370]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 11 March 2002]: In relation to ownership, the statutory rules broadly have the effect of disqualifying the following groups from holding licences;
  non-EEA individuals and bodies (except licences to provide television multiplex services, national or local radio multiplex services, digital additional services, local delivery services, non-domestic satellite or radio services, licensable programme services and licensable sound programme services)
  local authorities
  political organisations
  religious organisations (regulators have discretion to waive this in relation to cable/satellite TV and local analogue, cable or satellite radio services)
  certain publicly funded bodies (this applies only to radio licences, apart from radio restricted service licences)
  advertising agencies
  a person who is, in the opinion of the regulators, subject to influence from a body which is itself disqualified, the effect of which is, or is likely to be, adverse to the public interest.

  The Government's proposals for media ownership are set out in the consultation paper on media ownership rules published by DCMS and DTI in November 2001.
  936W
  In terms of material which by statute may not be broadcast, the broadcasting regulators, for example the ITC, are required to publish rules on a number of matters which are set out in the current Broadcasting Acts. They include material which is likely to encourage or incite to crime or to lead to disorder, and the advertising of specific products, including tobacco and prescription drugs.

  Community Land Purchases
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport under which section of its remit funds from the National Lottery are provided for funding community land purchases; and how much has been used for this purpose in(a) Scotland and (b) the UK to date. [42529]

  Mr. Caborn
  Statutory policy directions set by the Government determine the type of activities the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) can support under its programmes.

  Under its directions for the Green Spaces and Sustainable Communities programme NOF has committed £10.78 million to the Scottish Land Fund, administered for NOF by Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Since February 2001 the Scottish Land Fund has awarded 17 grants for acquisition purposes totalling £4,084,613. This programme is exclusive to Scotland and no other NOF funds have been allocated for community land purchases in the UK.

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

  Multiple Food Retailers
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has given to establishing an independent regulator for multiple food retailers. [42170]

  Margaret Beckett
  [holding answer 11 March 2002]: We have no plans to establish an independent regulator for multiple food retailers. The Code of Practice on Supermarkets' Dealings with Suppliers, which applies to supermarkets that have 8 per cent. or more of the market, provides for independent dispute resolution. The supermarkets currently falling above this threshold (Asda, Safeway, Sainsbury and Tesco) have all given legally binding undertakings to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to abide by the code and it will now come into force on 17 March 2002. In addition, we are encouraging wider adoption of the code in the food chain on a voluntary basis.

  Organic Farming
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will publish a strategy for increasing levels of organic farming. [42169]

  Margaret Beckett
  [holding answer 11 March 2002]: The development of the organic farming sector will be carried forward in the context of an organic action plan, taking account of the recommendations of the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food.

  Illegal Meat Imports
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the dates and locations of spot checks on illegal meat imports carried out by her Department in the last two years. [38842]

  Margaret Beckett
  [holding answer 28 February 2002]: Responsibility for enforcing legislation on imported meat rests with the local and port health authorities not with my Department. All Customs officers dealing with passengers look for the range of restricted and prohibited goods, including meat, as part of their normal duties. DEFRA's State Veterinary Service staff are responsible for enforcing rules on imports of live animals and animal products not intended for human consumption. Officials from the three bodies co-operate from time to time on special joint exercises to deter and detect illicit imports in passengers' baggage, including meat.

  Since April 2001, members of the State Veterinary Service have been involved in around nine joint exercises at Heathrow (covering 20 flights). They have also participated in some of the exercises organised by Crawley borough council who have responsibility for Gatwick airport.

  Information for 2000 and other locations is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Waste
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on research being undertaken by the Environment Agency concerning the health effects of bioaerosols arising from the incineration and composting of waste. [41218]

  Margaret Beckett
  [holding answer 7 March 2002]: I refer the hon. Member to the answers given on 31 January 2002, Official Report, column 473W, on the health effects of bioaerosols from composting. Bioaerosols are not the subject of specific research by the Environment Agency in relation to incineration because the micro-organisms do not survive the incineration process—the residues are essentially sterile in a biological sense. The Environment Agency is, however, currently undertaking a research project relating to waste incineration entitled "Human Health Review of Incineration and Combustion Techniques". The aim of this project is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the nature and degree of any human health impacts of substances released to the environment, from a range of combustion and waste incineration processes burning a range of virgin and waste derived fuels.

  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what assessment she has made of the Waste Electrical Electronic Equipment Directive's requirement for manufacturers to be responsible for the treatment and collection of historic waste; [38120]
  938W
  (2) if she will make a statement on financial responsibility for collecting waste electrical goods from households under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive; [38119]

  (3) what assessment she has made of the feasibility of a visible fee for new electronic and electrical goods, levied at the point of sale, to fund the collection, disposal and treatment of waste electrical goods. [38122]

  Mr. Wilson
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Department of Trade and Industry is preparing an updated Regulatory Impact Assessment on all costs and benefits associated with the WEEE Directive. I will be depositing this in the Libraries of the House during the next month.

  The directive as currently drafted states that producers will, as a minimum, be responsible for the collection costs of WEEE when deposited at a central point. A final decision on implementation cannot be taken until the directive is adopted and we have consulted business again.

  The Government will consider the possibility of visible fees alongside other options for fulfilling the financial obligations of the WEEE Directive, as long as the adopted text provides for this.

  Local Produce
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the economic impact of initiatives promoting local produce within the respective areas. [39410]

  Mr. Morley
  The Department has not itself undertaken any assessment of the economic impact of initiatives promoting local produce. However, the Countryside Agency, which we grant-aid, is contributing to the funding of the New Economics Foundation's Plugging the Leaks programme. Among other things, the programme is piloting a tool which allows local groups to measure the economic impact of various activities including local food initiatives.

  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what initiatives her Department is supporting to promote local produce in the south-west. [39411]

  Mr. Morley
  Through Food from Britain and the Countryside Agency, the Government have contributed to the funding of the Regional Food Group, Taste of the West. Taste of the West provide various business support and promotional activities including, "Meet the Buyer" events, the publication of regional food and drink guides, attendance at local, regional and national shows, the holding of workshops and seminars and the promotion of farmers' markets. We have also provided funding for the National Association of Farmers' Markets which promotes the development of farmers' markets throughout the country.

  In addition, the Department has awarded grant under the Agriculture Development Scheme, the Rural Enterprise Scheme and the LEADER+ initiative to a variety of projects that involve the promotion of local food and drink within the region. One example is the recent award under the third round of the Agriculture

  939W
  Development Scheme to the South West Regional Food and Drink Group to support a pilot model for a regional food trade organisation.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for North-East Derbyshire which was acknowledged on 11 December, reference 162918. [36401]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 14 February 2002]: I am sorry for the delay in replying to my hon. Friend. His letter raised issues that are for the Treasury to answer and it has been passed to them for reply.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects to reply to the letter of 20 December 2001 from the hon. Member for Totnes regarding constituent Mr. Trevor Pennington and a declaration by Devon county council on 27 February 2001. [36394]

  Mr. Morley
  A reply to the hon. Member's letter was sent on 6 March 2002.

  Civil Servants
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what was the(a) percentage and number of rail journeys undertaken on first class tickets, (b) average cost of a first class journey by rail and (c) total cost of rail travel in each of the past four years broken down by grade of civil servant. [37496]

  Mr. Morley
  Unfortunately it is not possible to provide this detailed information without incurring disproportionate costs.

  Rail Journeys (Staff)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make it her policy that rail journeys undertaken by staff in her Department should ordinarily be on standard class tickets. [40431]

  Mr. Morley
  Section 8 paragraph 8.2.1 of the Civil Service Management Code requires Departments and agencies to ensure staff use the most efficient and economic means of travel in the circumstances, taking account of any management benefit or the needs of staff with disabilities. These central principles are repeated in departmental and agency staff handbooks which also stress that official journeys may be taken only after other options of conducting official business (such as via telephone, email or video conferencing) have been considered unsuitable. These rules ensure that any official journey is undertaken only when appropriate and by the most appropriate means.

  Following the creation of DEFRA my officials are reviewing a wide range of travel policies and procedures to take account of our responsibilities towards the environment. Indeed, the Department is developing a new framework, provisionally titled "Framework for Sustainable Development on the Government Estate", that
  940W
  will cover key operational areas across Government and, among other things, require Departments to promote greener modes of travel.

  Gender Pay Gap
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the extent of the gender pay gap among staff in her Department. [41005]

  Mr. Morley
  As part of a review of its pay system, DEFRA commissioned two pay equality audits by independent consultants (the Institute for Employment Studies). These were carried out between July and October 2001. The consultants were aware that the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) Task Force "Just Pay" report had been issued. They were provided with a copy of that report and a draft version of the Cabinet Office's Equal Pay guidance (which was subsequently finalised and issued in January 2002).

  The purpose of the two audits was to assess existing and any continuing pay equality issues "before and after" implementation of proposed changes to the pay system. The reports provided a range of statistical studies, including pay level analysis by gender.

  The first audit provided baseline information by assessing DEFRA's current pay system and staff pay levels. The second audit then reviewed pay levels (projected through three years) following assumed implementation of pay system proposals. The results indicated that the changes proposed to the pay system would bring about improvements.

  DEFRA is aware that the Government have committed Departments and agencies to review their pay systems by April 2003 and prepare action plans to close any equal pay gaps. The information from these earlier audits will provide essential background for a more comprehensive equal pay audit.

  Common Agricultural Policy
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had with EU(a) member and (b) applicant states on CAP reform; and if she will make a statement. [40707]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 5 March 2002]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has had discussions on CAP reform with colleagues from Spain, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia and Poland since 1 January 2002.

  Ruddy Duck
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much has been spent on the campaign to eradicate the ruddy duck in Britain; how much is expected to be spent by the conclusion of the campaign; and if he will make a statement. [39533]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government are undertaking a control trial to test the feasibility of eradicating the UK's population of ruddy duck within 10 years, determining
  941W
  the financial cost of such a programme and indicating the number of birds needed to be culled each year to achieve this.

  The control trial is being undertaken to investigate the best possible way for the UK to conserve the globally threatened white-headed duck which is threatened by the ruddy duck. The control trial has not yet concluded and no decision has yet been taken on whether to proceed on a campaign to eradicate the ruddy duck.

  The total cost of the control trial is approximately £900,000 (this has increased slightly as a result of disruption to the work programme caused by foot and mouth disease). Payments of approximately £140,000 remain before the control trial concludes on 30 June 2002.

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the estimated population of the ruddy duck in Britain was at the start of the campaign for their eradication; what the population is; and if he will make a statement. [39535]

  Mr. Meacher
  No decision has yet been taken on whether to undertake a campaign to eradicate the ruddy duck in the United Kingdom. Figures are given in relation to the Government's control trial.

  The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBs) data are the best source of information for ruddy duck numbers. During the winter of 1998–99, prior to commencement of the control trial, these counts identified a minimum of 3,641 birds (although this does not include information from one important site). The most recently published WeBs counts are for 1999–2000. These found a minimum of 4,565 birds.

  The Government consider that action needs to be taken to ensure that the globally endangered white-headed duck, the only native European species of stiff-tailed duck, does not become extinct. The success of the control trial however should not be judged simply on the number of ruddy ducks controlled. The contractors must design a population model to establish the feasibility of eradication, estimate the cost of such a strategy, carry out population counts at various sites and test methods of control at various habitats and during various seasons, including the examination of trapping as an alternative to shooting at sites where shooting is not feasible.

  Salmon Fishing (Severn Estuary)
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received from the Blackrock Lave Net Salmon Fishermen's Association about the future of salmon fishing in the Severn estuary; and if she will make a statement. [40711]

  Mr. Morley
  We have received a number of representations on behalf of the Blackrock Lave Net Salmon Fishermen's Association in connection with the Environment Agency consultation on a Salmon Action Plan for the Severn estuary. The plan seeks to ensure the long-term sustainability of salmon stocks and the fisheries it supports. Views have been sought on several options to reduce the numbers of salmon caught and so protect stocks. The agency will take into account all comments received and aims to publish the final plan in the summer.942W
  Should this recommend fishing restrictions these would be subject to a further public consultation and require DEFRA approval.

  Combined Heat and Power
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will issue her draft combined heat and power strategy for consultation. [41129]

  Mr. Meacher
  We will issue the draft strategy for consultation shortly.

  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action her Department plans to take to achieve the Government's target to double the UK use of CHP by 2010. [40940]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Department is developing a CHP strategy in close collaboration with other Government Departments. This will set out the measures needed to achieve the target to double installed Good Quality CHP electrical capacity to at least 10,000 MW by 2010. We will issue the draft strategy for consultation shortly.

  Flooding (Lee Valley)
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects the Environment Agency to publish its pre-feasibility report on the Lower Lee Valley Flooding Strategy. [40679]

  Mr. Morley
  This Department provides 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. Further to increases in spending plans in the last two spending reviews, additional funding of £51 million over the four years from 2000–01 was announced in November 2000 following the severe flooding that year. An increased priority was given to urban flooding defences and the grant rates for all river flood defences were increased by 20 per cent.

  Operational responsibility for flood management measures rests with the local operating authorities, normally the Environment Agency and local councils, who decide which projects to promote and their timing. I understand that the initial scoping report for the Lower River Lee Flood Defence Strategy is currently being reviewed by the agency and they plan to publish a summary of it in April this year. The purpose of the report is to identify flooding problems and key issues.

  EU Directives
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what studies she has made of the way in which other EU states implement directives and regulations affecting farmers and food production; and what assessment she has made of the compliance costs in each country. [36583]

  Mr. Morley
  The responsibility for monitoring the regulatory situation in member states and for maintaining a level playing field through the proper implementation and enforcement of EU legislation is a matter for the European Commission. In developing its own regulatory
  943W
  reform plan, DEFRA does have regard among other matters, to practice in other member states where appropriate.

  Welfare of Laying Hens Directive
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will review the impact of the welfare of laying hens directive 1999/74/EC on the British egg industry five years after its implementation. [41229]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 11 March 2002]: The directive makes provision for a review in 2005.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she intends to incorporate directive 1999/74/EC (welfare of laying hens) into domestic legislation. [41225]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 11 March 2002]: Directive 99/74/EC will be incorporated in England by amending the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2000. Separate regulations will be made to implement this directive in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if all the systems detailed in the welfare of laying hens directive 1999/74/EC will be available to UK producers. [41224]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 11 March 2002]: Yes: English implementing legislation will include all the systems detailed in the welfare of laying hens directive 99/74/EC. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will follow suit.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with her counterparts in each EU member state on the welfare of laying hens directive 1999/74/EC; and what her estimate is of the(a) speed and (b) vigour with which the directive will be implemented in other member states. [41227]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 11 March 2002]: Member states are responsible for bringing into force the necessary regulations to comply with this directive and for communicating the main provisions of national law into the EU Commission.

  The EU Commission is responsible for monitoring enforcement by member states.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what assessment she has made of the impact on(a) jobs, (b) productivity and (c) profitability of the welfare of laying hens directive 1999/74/EC; [41223]

  (2) what assessment she has made of how much the welfare of laying hens directive 1999/74/EC will cost the British egg industry. [41228]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 11 March 2002]: A regulatory impact assessment has been produced, following public consultation. It will be published to accompany the statutory instrument to implement the welfare of laying hens directive.
  944W
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what mechanisms for appeal will exist against legal enforcement of the welfare of laying hens directive 1999/74/EC. [41226]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 11 March 2002]: The regulations implementing the laying hens directive are made under the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968. A person can be convicted of an offence under this legislation; the appeal mechanism is to a higher court.

  The regulations could be challenged in the ECJ as not correctly implementing the directive; through judicial review proceedings; or by a challenge on human rights issues.

  Pig Farming
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement about the rearing of pigs in factory farms. [40465]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 5 March 2002]: There is comprehensive legislation to protect the welfare of pigs on farm. In particular, the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2000 specify detailed conditions under which pigs must be kept. There is also a code of practice.

  Last October the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers adopted a pig welfare directive which will eventually bring conditions in all other member states up to British pig welfare standards.

  Farming and Food White Paper
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on her plans to implement the recommendations of, "Farming and Food: A Sustainable Future". [40464]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 5 March 2002]: The Commission's report will make a substantial contribution to a new strategy for sustainable food and farming, which we aim to launch in the autumn. We will work with a wide range of stakeholders to determine how best to take forward the Commission's ideas and deliver positive changes on the ground. As responsibility for addressing the Commission's recommendations rests with industry and other organisations as well as Government, we will be looking for their active involvement. Before Easter we will publish a steering document which will inform and guide this and launch the stakeholder engagement process.

  Meat Exports
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the future viability of the UK export market; when she expects actual exports of livestock and animal products to resume; and if she will make a statement. [37920]

  Mr. Morley
  It is for industry, rather than the Government, to assess the viability of export markets, although the Government have an important role to play in helping to secure the removal of barriers to exports. Indications from the UK industry are that many traditional
  945W
  overseas buyers are keen to resume business, although it will take time to regain and exceed the level of business (£1.37 billion in the livestock and livestock product sector) seen in 2000.

  The European Commission has now lifted restrictions on exports of meat, animal products and live animals. Exports to other EU member states can thus resume and have already done so in many cases. Exports to third countries can also recommence as soon as we have received the requested confirmation from the importing countries of their import conditions. We are actively pursuing such confirmation from priority export markets.

  Olive Oil
  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to impound olive oil that is suspected of being contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. [6055]

  Yvette Cooper
  I have been asked to reply.

  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  On 4 July 2001, the Food Standards Agency was notified of the contamination of Spanish olive-pomace oil with high levels of benzo(a)pyrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon that could cause cancer. To protect consumers, the agency advised retailers to withdraw all Spanish olive-pomace oil from the UK market and recall fat spreads and dressings containing olive-pomace oil as an ingredient. This advice does not apply where it can be shown that the olive-pomace oil or products in which it is used contain acceptably low levels of benzopyrene.

  On 14 August 2001, the agency alerted the public following notification of high levels of benzo(a)pyrene in two batches of olive-pomace oil produced in Greece. The UK distributor withdrew the batches and any remaining in circulation should not be used. The agency is continuing to be notified where high levels of

  Inward secondees from private sector from May 1997 to date

  Name of parent organisation

  Responsibilities

  Grade

  Funding arrangements

  Start/end Date

  Ernst and Young

  School Leadership Division, Policy adviser

  Consultant

  DfES

  9/10/2000 to 31/3/2001

  International Computers Ltd.

  UfI Transition Team, Assisted in establishment of UfI organisation as a public private partnership

  G7

  Parent Organisation

  2/6/1998 to 30/11/1998

  Aqumen Services

  Private Finance Division, Advising Department on public/private finance.

  Adviser

  DfES

  10/4/1998 to 1/11/1998

  Ernst and Young

  Teachers Pay and Pensions, Policy Adviser

  Consultant

  DfES

  1/1/2000 to 31/12/2000

  Pannell, Kerr, Foster

  Private Finance Division, Finance Adviser

  G7

  DfES

  30/7/1997 to 31/3/1998

  The Link Group

  Workplace Learning Division, Head of Learning Projects

  G6

  Parent Organisation

  2/4/2001 to 31/3/2002

  XANSA

  New Deal Task Force, Co-ordination of Ambition IT Project

  G7

  Parent Organisation

  1/1/2001 to 30/9/2001

  Ernst and Young

  National College for School Leadership, Consultant

  Consultant

  Parent Organisation

  15/5/2000 to 14/11/2000

  Next Employment Agency

  Member of the Secretariat for the National Disability Council

  SEO

  Parent Organisation

  1/9/1998 to 31/8/2000

  Ernst and Young

  Transforming Secondary Education, Policy adviser

  Consultant

  DfES

  3/10/2000 to 22/12/2000

  Enigma Productions

  Financial and Analytical Services, Financial adviser

  Consultant

  DfES

  13/3/2000 to 12/3/2001

  946W
  benzopyrene are found in olive-pomace oil produced in the European Union. Where these products are sold in the UK they have been removed from sale.

  On 29 November 2001, the agency completed a survey of olive and olive-pomace oils to determine the levels of benzo(a)pyrene in oils sold in the UK from Greece, Italy and Spain. Where elevated levels of benzo(a)pyrene were found during the survey in some samples of olive-pomace oils, action was taken to prevent the sale of the product and the European Commission notified.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

  Student Drop-out Rates
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students have dropped out of university at the end of the first year for each university; and of those how many were subsequently re-admitted or started a new course at another university in each of the past three years. [36624]

  Margaret Hodge
  [holding answer 25 February 2002]: The available information on the non-continuation of students beyond the first year in each university, and the proportion who resume after a year out, is contained in "Performance Indicators in Higher Education in the UK" published by the Higher Education Funding Council for England, a copy of which is available from the House Library.

  Secondments
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the names of staff who have been seconded to her Department from the private sector since May 1997, indicating(a) the names of the organisation from which each has come, (b) their responsibilities and civil service grades within her Department, (c) the organisation responsible for paying their salary and (d) the start and end dates of their secondment. [35839]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  [holding answer 12 February 2002]: Since May 1997 23 staff have been seconded to this Department from the private sector. The following table sets out (a) the names of the relevant private sector organisations, (b) the secondees' responsibilities and their grades, (c) the organisation responsible for paying salary and (d) the start and end date of the secondment.
  947W

  Inward secondees from private sector from May 1997 to date

  Name of parent organisation

  Responsibilities

  Grade

  Funding arrangements

  Start/end Date

  National Westminster Bank

  Financial and Analytical Services, Adviser on Communications

  G6

  Shared

  6/3/2000 to 5/3/2001

  Ernst and Young

  Transforming Secondary Education Delivery, Unit Policy Adviser

  Consultant

  DFES

  10/1/2000 to 22/12/2000

  Nationwide Anglia Building Society

  People Skills Division, Assistant Director developing the Work-Life Balance Campaign.

  G7

  DfES

  5/9/2001 to 4/9/2002

  Ernst and Young

  Teachers Pay and Pensions, Policy adviser

  Consultant

  DfES

  27/9/2000 to 31/1/2001

  Glaxo Wellcome

  Schools Directorate, Adviser on best practice in Science

  Adviser

  Employing Organisation

  3/11/1998 to 31/1/2000

  National Westminster Bank

  Business Manager

  Adviser

  Shared funding

  13/3/2000 to 12/3/2001

  Centre for British Teachers

  Schools Impact and Feedback Division, Policy Adviser

  G6

  DfES

  1/4/2001 to 31/3/2004

  Price Waterhouse Cooper

  Surestart Unit, Providing financial and audit advice

  G7

  DfES

  1/10/2000 to 30/9/2001

  National Westminster Bank

  Performance and Innovation Unit, Project Manager

  G7

  DfES

  6/3/2000 to 23/6/2000

  Centre for School Standards

  Pupil Standards Division, Support on delivery and operational matters.

  EO

  DfES

  14/1/2002 to 12/7/2002

  International Communications Ltd.

  Lifelong Learning and Technologies Division, Assist with the operation of Learning Direct and the Ufl launch 2000

  G6

  DfES

  1/2/2000 to 31/3/2001

  Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research

  Research for Analytical Services

  SRO

  DfES

  6/1/1997 to 21/10/1997

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many staff in her Department have been seconded to jobs in the(a) private and (b) public sector in each of the last four years. [31768]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on 7 February 2002,Official Report, columns 1129–30W.

  Departmental Retirement Ages
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the retirement ages that apply to the employees of her Department and its agencies, including how many and which categories of employees are affected by each; and if she will make a statement on her Department's policy on flexible retirement. [32832]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  Within my Department, all staff outside the senior civil service can choose to retire between 60 up to a maximum retirement age of 65. This is subject to satisfying fitness and efficiency requirements. Staff in the senior civil service grades retire at age 60. Out of a total of 4,258 staff, 109 are in the senior civil service grades.

  My Department's policy on flexible retirement is intended to improve opportunities and choice for people aged 50 to 65 in the Department and to support the Department's equality strategy.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether her duty under section 10 of the Education Act 1996 extends to the promotion of education for asylum seekers in detention and reception centres. [37278]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  [holding answer 28 February 2002]: No individual or class of persons is owed a specific duty under section 10 of the 1996 Act. The Secretary of State does not have a specific duty to promote education for asylum seekers in detention and reception centres. The duty is very wide and general and applies to "the people of England and Wales". However, one of the Secretary of
  948W
  State's roles when exercising this duty is to work with all bodies and institutions with education responsibilities and to assist them to provide effective education. The Department has been in contact with the Home Office and local education authorities and encouraged them to work together to provide facilities and services that are appropriate to meet the educational needs of the residents of these centres.

  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether education provided to asylum-seeking children in accommodation centres will deliver the national curriculum. [42408]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  Under the current legislation the national curriculum applies to schools maintained by local education authorities. This Department is working closely with the Home Office on issues relating to the education of children of asylum seekers in accommodation centres. A final decision has yet to be made about the detail of the education provision that will be made available in accommodation centres.

  Human Rights
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the activities undertaken by the UK in the framework of the Decade for Human Rights Education. [40527]

  Margaret Hodge
  There are a number of activities undertaken by the UK which promote human rights education relevant to the UN Decade for Human Rights. These include:the introduction of citizenship education, which teaches children about legal and human rights, as part of the Personal, Social and Health Education and Citizenship framework in primary schools. This will be a compulsory subject in the National Curriculum from September 2002 in England. Citizenship education is also available within the curricula of Wales and Scotland.
  the introduction of a human rights perspective into the Department for International Development's work, as set out in DFID's Target Strategy Paper, "Realising Human Rights for Poor People".

  949W
  a "human rights helpline" and website managed by the Home Office on the Human Rights Act. National roadshows have also been held to explain its implications to a wider audience.
  the website developed by the British Council, which provides a news service on human rights issues in the UK. It also contains information on international developments on civil and political rights, the rights of children, and the rights of minority groups. A set of booklets on Citizenship Education and Human Rights Education has also been distributed to UK and overseas audiences.

  Opportunity Bursaries
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many opportunity bursaries were awarded in each university in England in 2001–02. [40559]

  Margaret Hodge
  Of the 6,580 opportunity bursaries allocated to participating institutions, a total of 6,129 had been awarded by December 2001. Information is not held about the number of opportunity bursaries awarded by individual institutions. The following table shows the number of students with an opportunity bursary in attendance at each institution as at December 2001. Students awarded a bursary by one institution who took up an HE place elsewhere are counted within the total for the institution they transferred to.

  The 451 opportunity bursaries that were not awarded from the initial allocations were redistributed to institutions in January 2002. We expect all opportunity bursaries available in 2001–02 to be taken up.

  Institution

  Number of opportunity bursaries initially allocated 2001–02

  Number of opportunity bursary holders attending each institution 2001–021

  Universities

  Anglia Polytechnic University

  64

  53

  Aston University

  46

  37

  University of Bath

  27

  23

  University of Birmingham

  96

  85

  Bournemouth University

  36

  36

  University of Bradford

  63

  72

  University of Brighton

  45

  27

  University of Bristol

  33

  26

  Brunel University

  59

  56

  University of Cambridge

  53

  40

  University of Central England

  95

  89

  University of Central Lancashire

  126

  127

  City University

  23

  27

  Coventry University

  109

  119

  De Montfort University

  152

  169

  University of Derby

  85

  85

  University of Durham

  54

  58

  University of East Anglia

  34

  15

  University of East London

  71

  76

  University of Essex

  31

  31

  University of Exeter

  30

  19

  University of Gloucestershire

  34

  23

  Goldsmiths College

  23

  18

  University of Greenwich

  78

  95

  University of Hertfordshire

  88

  88

  university of Huddersfield

  118

  118

  University of Hull

  72

  67

  Imperial College

  33

  31

  Keele University

  36

  38

  University of Kent at Canterbury

  40

  21

  King's College London

  53

  35

  Kingston University

  69

  63

  Lancaster University

  57

  55

  University of Leeds

  124

  97

  Leeds Metropolitan University

  92

  96

  University of Leicester

  58

  62

  University of Lincoln

  89

  85

  950W

  Institution

  Number of opportunity bursaries initially allocated 2001–02

  Number of opportunity bursary holders attending each institution 2001–021

  University of Liverpool

  93

  98

  Liverpool John Moores University

  145

  127

  London Guildhall University

  79

  77

  Loughborough University

  62

  75

  University of Luton

  91

  91

  University of Manchester

  102

  90

  UMIST

  40

  32

  Manchester Metropolitan University

  188

  188

  Middlesex University

  115

  114

  University of Newcastle

  74

  62

  University of North London

  80

  38

  University of Northumbria at Newcastle

  115

  104

  University of Nottingham

  55

  57

  Nottingham Trent University

  133

  135

  University of Oxford

  45

  36

  Oxford Brookes University

  32

  26

  University of Plymouth

  80

  73

  University of Portsmouth

  78

  84

  Queen Mary, University of London

  54

  42

  University of Reading

  35

  34

  Royal Holloway, University of London

  24

  26

  University of Salford

  121

  107

  University of Sheffield

  83

  83

  Sheffield Hallam University

  158

  158

  University of Southampton

  55

  19

  South Bank University

  81

  73

  Staffordshire University

  133

  140

  University of Sunderland

  139

  118

  University of Surrey

  21

  19

  University of Surrey Roehampton

  27

  26

  University of Sussex

  30

  23

  University of Teesside

  88

  78

  Thames Valley University

  43

  43

  University College London

  47

  54

  University of Warwick

  43

  37

  University of West of England, Bristol

  84

  84

  University of Westminster

  72

  73

  University of Wolverhampton

  153

  159

  University of York

  38

  31

  Bath Spa University College

  14

  15

  Bolton Institute of Higher Education

  49

  28

  Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College

  39

  36

  Canterbury Christ Church University College

  20

  20

  Chester College of Higher Education

  21

  21

  University College Chichester

  13

  13

  Edge Hill College of Higher Education

  36

  30

  King Alfred's College, Winchester

  15

  15

  Liverpool Hope

  40

  49

  University College Northampton

  69

  51

  St. Mary's College

  13

  14

  Southampton Institute

  71

  67

  University College Worcester

  19

  20

  York St. John College

  22

  23

  Bishop Grosseteste College

  11

  10

  Central School of Speech and Drama

  11

  8

  Cranfield University

  11

  6

  Cumbria College of Art and Design

  11

  7

  Dartington College of Arts

  11

  11

  Falmouth College of Arts

  11

  11

  Harper Adams University College

  11

  11

  Kent Institute of Art and Design

  17

  16

  University of London

  11

  0

  London School of Economics and Political Science

  11

  6

  The London Institute

  44

  43

  Newman College

  11

  11

  Northern School of Contemporary Dance

  11

  8

  Norwich School of Art and Design

  11

  11

  School of Oriental and African Studies

  11

  4

  School of Pharmacy

  11

  11

  Ravensbourne College

  11

  11

  RCN Institute

  11

  0

  Rose Bruford College

  11

  1

  Royal Academy of Music

  11

  11

  Royal College of Music

  11

  7

  Royal Northern College of Music

  11

  11

  Royal Veterinary College

  11

  0

  St. George's Hospital Medical School

  11

  9

  College of St. Mark and St. John

  11

  15

  St. Martin's College

  18

  17

  951W

  Institution

  Number of opportunity bursaries initially allocated 2001–02

  Number of opportunity bursary holders attending each institution 2001–021

  The Surrey Inst of Art and Design University College

  15

  15

  Trinity and All Saints

  17

  16

  Trinity College of Music

  11

  9

  Wimbledon School of Art

  11

  5

  Writtle College

  11

  1

  Total universities

  6,370

  5,900

  Further education colleges

  Barnsley College

  34

  32

  Birmingham College of Food

  47

  52

  Bradford College

  57

  58

  Newcastle College

  32

  33

  Stockport College of FE and HE

  23

  23

  St. Helens College

  17

  15

  Total further education colleges

  210

  213

  Other UK institutions

  0

  216

  Total (all institutions)

  6,580

  6,129

  1 Data as at December 2001

  2 16 students were awarded a bursary by one of the institutions participating in the scheme

  but subsequently took up a place in a non-participating institution. Arrangements allow these students

  to continue to receive their bursary at the institution they are studying.

  Relocation Expenses
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what her policy is on the payment of relocation expenses to staff in her Department. [41027]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  Relocation expenses are paid to the Department's staff if the move is considered to be in the public interest.

  Teacher Recruitment
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what impact the "Those who can, teach", advertising campaign has had on teacher recruitment. [41886]

  Mr. Timms
  Since it was launched in January 2001, the Teacher Training Agency's "Those who can, teach" campaign has had a positive impact on recruiting teachers. Last September, recruitment to initial teacher training courses rose for a second successive year, while the number of graduates who have applied to train as teachers so far this year is 22 per cent. higher than at the same point in 2001. Last year, the total number of inquiries about careers in teaching received by the agency's Teaching Information Line was 48 per cent. higher than in 1999–2000. Between September 2001 and March 2002, 10 per cent. more inquiries were received than in the corresponding period the previous year. The Teacher Training Agency will launch the next phase of the current advertising campaign later in the spring.

  LEA Spending
  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the spending is(a) per pupil and (b) per head of population in each local education authority in the south-west of England. [41964]
  952W
  Mr. Timms
  The following table contains information relating to expenditure per head of population based on total net current expenditure after recharges for 2000–01:

  £

  LEA name

  NCE per pupil rounded

  NCE per person rounded

  Bath and North East Somerset

  2,820

  450

  City of Bristol

  3,110

  430

  North Somerset

  2,790

  420

  South Gloucestershire

  2,760

  470

  Cornwall

  2,680

  440

  Isles of Scilly

  4,990

  700

  Torbay

  2,790

  450

  Plymouth

  2,800

  490

  Devon

  2,720

  400

  Bournemouth

  2,770

  400

  Poole

  2,530

  360

  Dorset

  2,800

  420

  Gloucestershire

  2,690

  440

  Somerset

  2,790

  430

  Swindon

  2,760

  480

  Wiltshire

  2,790

  440

  Notes:

  1. NCE data obtained from S52 outturn statements, table 3. These data are provisional and as such are subject to change.

  2. 2000–01 expenditure per pupil is based on NCE in primary, secondary and special schools after recharges per FTE pupil. Pupil numbers are obtained from Form 7 returns.

  3. Total 2000–01 expenditure per head of population is based on total NCE after recharges ie covering all LEA education spend per head of population. Population estimates cover resident population as at mid-2000 based on the 1991 census.

  Connexions
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether the Connexions Service has power to obtain information about individual young people from(a) the Benefits Agency, (b) youth services,(c) social services departments, (d) local education authorities, (e) youth offending teams and (f) the police. [42131]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  [holding answer 11 March 2002]: The Learning and Skills Act 2000 enables all these organisations to provide information to Connexions.

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which information local provider databases within a Connexions partnership they are required to retain about 13 to 19-year-olds, which they are required to pass on to the partnership, regional databases and national database; and what right individual data subjects have to prevent information being passed on. [42135]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  [holding answer 11 March 2002]: Local providers are required to provide information to Connexions partnerships according to the terms of section 117 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000.

  There is no current requirement for Connexions partnerships to pass any individual data to a regional or national database. Aggregated information is required to be provided for management information purposes.

  The rights of individual subjects to prevent information being passed on are safeguarded by the Data Protection Act.
  953W
  We are looking to improve the information that is available to Connexions partnerships and personal advisers, to support their service to young people while respecting the principles of the Data Protection Act. This will be done through the introduction of a new Connexions Customer Information System, which is currently being developed.

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what information is collected by the Connexions service about children and young adults(a) with and (b) without the agreement of the data subject; from what sources; and whether data will be (i) retained and (ii) passed on to other agencies without the agreement of the data subject. [42145]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  [holding answer 11 March 2002]: Local Connexions partnerships are building the information systems needed to offer the most effective service to young people. Their activities take place within the framework of the Learning and Skills Act 2000, and partnerships also need to observe the principles of the Data Protection Act. Partnerships are data controllers in their own right; my Department supports them with advice and guidance.

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills with which other Government operated databases the national Connexions database will be cross-matched; and if data subjects on those databases will(a) be informed and (b) have the right to opt out of such matching. [42332]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  [holding answer 11 March 2002]: We are examining what national approaches will be appropriate to support the work of local Connexions partnerships. Feasibility testing is at an early stage. In part this involves looking, in co-operation with the office of the Information Commissioner, at how to make best use of the Child Benefit Register and schools data sources.

  Arson
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps the Government are taking to reduce malicious fires and arson in schools; and if she will make a statement. [42226]

  (b) Cost to DfES (£)

  Initiative

  (a) Purpose

  (i) 2000–01

  (ii) 2001–02

  Higher Education Reach-out to Business and the Community Fund (HEROBC)1

  To develop the capability of higher education institutions to respond to the needs of business of all sizes and sectors and a range of bodies within the wider community

  18,600,000

  20,000,000

  Business Fellowships

  To focus on recognising and developing creative activities carried out within HEIs to build their response to the needs of business, across the full range of their academic activity.

  n/a

  103,125

  1 From 2001–02 HEROBC was sumsumed in the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) whose purpose to build capacity of higher educations institutions to work this business, in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

  954W
  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  Most arson attacks take place when schools are closed, but all of them have the potential to cause considerable damage and disruption. Buildings may be destroyed, and irreplaceable records, teaching notes and course work lost.

  Officials from my Department sit on the Arson in Schools Working Group, a group of experts representing the insurance industry, the fire and police services, local authorities and Government Departments. One of its outputs has been the publication of the guide "How to Combat Arson in Schools", which is available free and has been well received by schools.

  My Department has also published the guide "Fire Safety", which includes advice on how to reduce the risks of arson attacks. This complements our guidance on reducing crime in schools, such as the booklet "Improving Security in Schools" and the video "Can You See What They See?" A school security website has been established.

  Teachers' Pay
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether funds provided to schools for payment of the upper spine of teacher remuneration can be used for other purposes. [42239]

  Mr. Timms
  Schools will be able to use the new special grant for performance pay progression to pay for performance points awarded to teachers on the upper, leadership and advanced skills teacher pay scales and for double increments awarded to teachers on the main pay scale. The grant cannot be used for other purposes. The existing special grant for threshold payments (which take teachers to point 1 of the upper pay scale) can be used only for that purpose.

  Knowledge Transfer
  Mr. Hoban
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the(a) purpose and (b) cost of knowledge transfer initiatives sponsored by her Department in (i) 2000–01 and (ii) 200–02. [42596]

  Margaret Hodge
  The knowledge transfer initiatives supported by the Department for Education and Skills in 2000–01 and 2001–;02 are listed in the following table. These initiatives are partnerships with the Department of Trade and Industry; funding is routed via the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). Only the cost to DfES is shown.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

  Public Appointments
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many appointments to public bodies have been made through his Department(a) from April 2000 to March 2001 and (b) since 31 March 2001; and how many of these were (i) men and (ii) women. [42153]

  Mr. Leslie
  The following appointments have been made to public bodies sponsored by my Department.

  1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001

  1 April 2001 to 28 February 2002

  Total public appointments

  72

  132

  of which:

  Men

  43

  10

  Women

  29

  22

  1 Includes 13 appointments to the Women's National Commission all of whom are women

  In addition, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has made the following appointments to the Advisory Committees on Justices of the Peace in Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside.

  1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001

  1 April 2001 to 28 February 2002

  Total public appointments

  15

  40

  of which:

  Men

  8

  18

  Women

  7

  22

  Departmental Payments
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the instances in which his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies failed to pay valid invoices within 30 days or after the agreed credit period in the financial year 2000–01. [32023]

  Mr. Leslie
  All Departments are committed to pay 100 per cent. of correctly presented invoices on time. My Department undertakes to pay all invoices within 30 days of receiving them. However, payment terms may vary between Departments.

  In the financial year 2000–01 the Cabinet Office and its agencies paid 96.36 per cent. of invoices within 30 days. This shows an improvement over the previous year.

  More detailed information on specific instances of failure to pay within 30 days is not readily available and can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Civil Service Entrants
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what percentage of the senior civil service in each of the last four years has been(a) female, (b) members of ethnic minority groups and (c) former students of Oxford and Cambridge. [38315]

  Mr. Leslie
  The information is as follows:(a) At 1 April each year, the percentage of the senior civil service who were female is shown.
  956W

  Percentage

  1998

  17.8

  1999

  19.7

  2000

  21.6

  2001

  24.2

  (b) At 1 April each year, the percentage of those in senior civil service posts or equivalent who were known to be members of ethnic minority groups is shown:

  Percentage

  1998

  1.6

  1999

  1.7

  2000

  2.2

  2001

  2.4

  This information is collected by Departments in a voluntary questionnaire and is known to be incomplete.

  At 1 April each year, the percentage of those in senior civil service posts or equivalent whose ethnic origin is unknown were as follows:

  Percentage

  1998

  13.9

  1999

  10.3

  2000

  11.7

  2001

  12.5

  Departments are currently re-surveying the ethnicity of their staff to bring the data into line with the Census 2001 categories.

  This information relates to those in the senior civil service and other posts of equivalent responsibility (ie includes the diplomatic service and a number of other specialist posts).

  (c) At 1 April each year, the percentages of the senior civil service who are known to have been to university and the percentages of those who are known to have been to Oxford or Cambridge are as follows:

  Percentage

  University status unknown

  Known to have been to University

  Known to have been to Oxford or Cambridgeas percentage of total

  1999

  32.9

  67.1

  24.1

  2000

  38.7

  61.3

  21.1

  2001

  43.2

  56.8

  18.8

  The information is not available for 1998.

  Officials are working with Departments to improve both the quality and coverage of the data.

  Gender Pay Gap
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the extent of the gender pay gap among staff in his Department. [40993]

  Mr. Leslie
  In response to the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) Task Force 'Just Pay' report, the Cabinet Office and its agencies and the Central Office of
  957W
  Information are committed to reviewing their pay systems by April 2003 and preparing action plans to close any gender pay gaps.

  Regions White Paper
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the reason for the delay in the publication of the Regions White Paper. [42174]

  Mr. Leslie
  We have always stated that the Regions White Paper will be presented to Parliament as soon as it is ready. That remains the case.

WALES

  Coal Communities (Regeneration)
  Dr. Francis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales regarding the regeneration of former coal communities in Wales. [34843]

  Mr. Touhig
  I have regular discussions with the First Minister of the National Assembly for Wales on a range of issues.

  In a relatively short space of time the Coalfields Regeneration Trust has established itself as a leading funder and partner in coalfield regeneration in Wales. All the £3.46 million available for Wales during the first three years has been committed to nearly 60 projects.

  Consignia
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with Consignia concerning the future of the postal service in Wales. [35639]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I have had discussions with ministerial colleagues about this issue.

  Public Appointments
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many appointments to public bodies have been made through his Department(a) from April 2000 to March 2001 and (b) since 31 March 2001; and how many of these were (i) men and (ii) women. [42148]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Information about numbers of ministerial appointments to public bodies is included in the Cabinet Office's annual report "Public Bodies". Copies are placed in the Library of the House and the report is published on the Cabinet Office website.

  My Department does not sponsor any public bodies; however, I am jointly responsible for some appointments made through other sponsoring Departments.

WORK AND PENSIONS

  Industrial Action
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many interim payments have been issued to those whose benefit or tax credit awards have been delayed as a result of the recent PCS Union strike action. [30343]
  958W
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many benefit claimants have received interim payments at an amount equivalent to the full benefit rate as a result of industrial strike action undertaken by Jobcentre Plus staff; and under what terms and conditions such interim payments are being made. [32641]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  [holding answer 5 February 2002]: As at January 28, there are around 4,700 customers in receipt of weekly or fortnightly interim payments. The payments are made at a rate equivalent to the income support rates. Interim payments are recoverable and will be off set against any benefit that is due once the claim is reviewed and assessed using the normal benefit rules.

  Tax credits, administrated by the Inland Revenue, have not been affected by industrial action in the Department for Work and Pensions.

  Housing Benefit
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of private rented sector tenants have had their entitlement to housing benefit restricted as a result of(a) local reference rent determinations and (b) single room rent determinations in each rent service area in the past 12 months. [34551]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The information is not available.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on what basis a student loan is classed as income for students applying for housing benefit. [36060]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Support for full-time students is generally provided through the educational maintenance system which is designed for their needs. However some full-time students in vulnerable groups, such as lone parents or disabled people, are eligible to claim income-related benefits, including housing benefit, in recognition of their extra needs.

  As with other people claiming income related benefits any income a student has is taken into account when assessing entitlement to benefit. Since a student loan is intended to help towards everyday living costs it is taken into account as income. However, before the weekly income is assessed £319 of the annual loan is disregarded towards the cost of travel and £260 towards the cost of books and equipment. In addition, any grants made specifically for these costs are disregarded in full. Once the weekly loan income has been calculated a further£10 a week is disregarded.

  To treat student loans in any other way would put students in a better position than people who have no access to these resources.

  Rent Service
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) if he will list by Rent Service area the localities used by the Rent Service in(a) September 2001 and (b) January 2002 to determine the local reference rent and single room rent; [34552]

  (2) what requirements the Rent Service has to consult on changes to the geographical extent of localities used to determine local reference rents and single room rents; [34553]
  959W
  (3) if he will place in the Library a copy of the internal memorandum issued to officers of the Rent Service following the introduction of Statutory Instrument No. 3561; [34554]

  (4) if he will place in the Library a copy of the Rent Service report on the impact on the number of localities of the introduction of Statutory Instrument No. 3561. [34555]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Our policy is that local reference rents should reflect the generality of the market and must therefore be based on an area large enough to take account of the bigger picture which reflects a more generalised choice of housing. Localities are intended to reflect the qualities (both good and bad) of an area. Details of Rent Service localities are not published because markets can change rapidly rendering such information out of date and meaningless. Localities are necessarily fluid in order to reflect the housing market. Current Rent Service guidance states that localities should be reviewed on a monthly basis.

  Rent Officers determine localities by using their professional judgment, expertise and knowledge of the local housing market. There is no requirement for the Rent Service to consult formally about these arrangements.

  The technical advice and guidance circular on valuation good practice, which is used by rent officers in England, is the responsibility of the Rent Service. A copy of the circular, which has also been shared with Rent Officers in Wales and Scotland, has been placed in the Library.

  There has been no report from the Rent Service on the impact on the number of localities since the introduction of Statutory Instrument 3561. The amendments introduced by that instrument are designed to ensure that our policy is achieved and to restore certainty. They are not designed to change the way in which localities or local reference and single room rents are decided. The position for people claiming Housing Benefit is therefore unchanged.

  Performance and Verification Frameworks
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will place in the Library the responses to the consultations on the performance framework and the verifications framework. [29484]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Local authority circular F25/2001 contains a summary of the responses to consultation on the Department's paper "Splitting the Verification Framework into Modules" issued in July 2001. A copy of this circular has been placed in the Library.

  A copy of the summary of responses to consultation on the performance framework has also been placed in the Library.

  Winter Fuel Payments
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what progress has been made in discussions with the European Commission about the extent of the UK's legal obligations under European regulations on winter fuel payments; and if he will make a statement; [39988]

  (2) what plans his Department has to pay winter fuel allowance to British pensioners living abroad. [27598]
  960W
  Mr. McCartney
  [holding answer 4 March 2002]: Department officials met recently with officials from the European Commission, and as a result of that we expect to bring this matter to a close shortly.

  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much his Department plans to spend on(a) winter fuel payments and (b) Warm Front plus grants in (i) 2001–02 and (ii) 2002–03. [37640]

  Mr. McCartney
  The estimated cost of winter fuel payments for 2001–02 and 2002–03 is around £1.7 billion for each year.

  Warm Front plus grants are a matter for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. However, I understand that the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) is now marketed as the Warm Front Team and that for the period April 2001 to January 2002, over £73 million was spent on HEES plus grants. The expected HEES plus spend for the remainder of 2001–02 is almost£8 million. For the 2002–03 financial year, it is estimated that the spend on HEES plus will be in the region of £50 million.

  Fraud
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his answer of 26 February 2002,Official Report, column 1256W, in what format the information requested is available. [39869]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Information is available only on the total number of cases involving benefit fraud and claimant error. To produce a separate figure for the number of benefit fraud cases, and hence the proportion of these in which prosecutions were brought, each case would have to be re-examined individually.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his most recent estimate is of the level of benefit fraud in 2001–02. [39017]

  Malcolm Wicks
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Govan (Mr. Sarwar) on 30 November 2001,Official Report, column 1166W.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what systems exist to enable members of the public to inform his Department of cases of benefit fraud. [38197]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Members of the public can inform the Department of cases of suspected benefit fraud by either telephoning the Benefit Fraud Hotline (0800 854 440); using the Targeting Fraud Website www.targetingfraud.gov.uk; or writing or calling in at their local Benefit Office or Jobcentre. All the information provided is strictly in confidence and members of the public do not have to give their name if they do not wish to do so.

  Minimum Income Guarantee
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assumption he has made about the proportion of pensioners receiving the minimum income guarantee(a) with and (b) without setting the basic

  961W
  state pension at the same level for (i) all pensioners, (ii) those aged over 75 years and (iii) those aged over 80 years. [29722]

  Mr. McCartney
  In August 2001 there were just over 2 million pensioners receiving the minimum income guarantee. This represents just under 17 per cent. of the total population of Great Britain who are aged over 60, further information is in the table.

  Total MIG caseload and the proportion of pensioners aged over 60 who would be on MIG if the basic state pension was set at the singles level of MIG for a) those over 60 b) those over 75 and c) those over 80.

  Total MIG caseload after up rating of BSP

  Remaining MIG caseload as a percentage of total 60+ population

  a) over 60

  1.1

  9

  b) over 75

  1.5

  12

  c) over 80

  1.65

  14

  Note:

  Numbers of pensioners rounded to the nearest 50,000 and given in millions of pensioners. Per cent. given to nearest 1 per cent.

  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners in Walthamstow are claiming the minimum income guarantee. [38470]

  Maria Eagle
  As at November 2001 there were 3,300 pensioners claiming the MIG in the Walthamstow constituency.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Power of Attorney
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if she will list the cost of obtaining power of attorney in each of the last five years. [40801]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  Most people who make powers of attorney do so with help from legal advisers. We have no information about the cost to individuals as this is a private matter agreed between the individual and his or her legal advisers. Where the individual has made an enduring power of attorney, there is a fee to register the power of attorney if the individual becomes mentally incapacitated. The fee for registering an enduring power of attorney was £50 from 1997 and increased to £75 on 1 October 1999. The Public Guardianship Office (PGO) has recently conducted a review of the fees charged, including fees for registration of enduring powers of attorney, as the existing fees policy does not meet the full cost of the service delivered, as required by HM Treasury guidance. Fees charged by the PGO are set by the Lord Chancellor, in consultation with the consent of HM Treasury, and will be laid before Parliament shortly.

  Job Sharing
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if she will make a statement on the extent of job sharing in her Department. [41051]
  962W
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Twickenham (Dr. Cable) on 25 February 2002,Official Report, column 844W.

  City Status
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the announcement will be made as to which applicants have been granted the status of city to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Her Majesty The Queen's accession. [42146]

  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when she expects an announcement on the bestowing of city status to celebrate the Golden Jubilee. [41439]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  My noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor hopes to announce the results of the Golden Jubilee city status competition shortly.

  1901 Census
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when she expects to place details of the 1901 Census onto the internet; and if she will make a statement. [41925]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Aylesbury (Mr. Lidington) on 4 March 2002,Official Report, column 55W.

  Catering Services
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what the cost was of(a) in-house canteen and (b) other catering services provided by his Department in each of the last four years. [38928]

  Mr. Wills
  The Lord Chancellor's Department also replies on behalf of its associated offices and the Court Service.

  Catering services to meet the Department's requirements are provided through contractual arrangements with specialist suppliers.

  (a) With reference to the first part of the question, the term "in-house canteen" is taken to mean facilities provided primarily for use by the Department's staff.

  Staff canteens are provided at a number of key central locations where staff are concentrated. These facilities are used regularly by staff from other locations and visitors to the Department's premises.

  Revenue from sales to staff and visitors is used to defray costs to the Department. However, it is necessary to support the service as outlined:

  Lord Chancellor's Department and associated offices

  £

  1998–99

  140,763.74

  1999–2000

  141,564.00

  2000–01

  213,794.86

  2001–02

  1161,362.92

  1 To January.

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  (b) The majority of expenditure on catering services in the Department is required for facilities provided to jurors and other members of the public attending court buildings. Court staff, the legal profession and judges also use these facilities; use by these groups is around 10 per cent. of sales. Catering services are provided at 63 Crown and Combined Court Centres in England and Wales. Revenue from sales is used to defray cost to the Department. The remaining costs for each of the last four years is set out in the table:

  Court Service

  £

  1998–99

  1,027,011.00

  1999–2000

  1,442,516.00

  2000–01

  1,323,969.00

  2001–02

  1948,603.00

  1 To December.

  Accommodation Costs
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what the cost was of hotel accommodation for departmental staff working away from home in each of the last four years. [41062]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The information requested is not immediately available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  The Department has authority to reimburse expenses incurred by LCD staff in connection with their employment subject to the conditions set out in section 8 of the Civil Service Management Code. However the Lord Chancellor's Department does not maintain separate data on the hotel element within the total of travel and subsistence costs.

  Lord Chancellor's Department staff can claim reimbursement of actual expenditure (subject to provision of receipts) within an overall ceiling of £100 per night in London and £90 per night in major cities and £80 per night elsewhere. This ceiling covers hotel bed and breakfast, lunch and dinner and travel between hotel and place(s) visited on official business.

  Personal Injury Cases
  Mr. Ivan Henderson
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he will publish a consultation paper on periodical payments for future loss and care costs in personal injury cases. [43088]

  Mr. Wills
  The Lord Chancellor has today published the consultation paper "Damages for Future Loss: Giving the Courts the Power to Order Periodical Payments for Future Loss and Care Costs in Personal Injury Cases". The consultation paper proposes that the courts should have the power to award damages for future loss and care costs in the form of periodical payments. Responses to the consultation are sought by 7 June 2002. Copies of the consultation paper have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Fatal Accidents (Bereavement Damages)
  Linda Gilroy
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will change the level 964W
  of bereavement damages awarded under section 1 A of the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 and Article 3A(5) of the Fatal Accidents (Northern Ireland) Order 1977. [43087]

  Mr. Wills
  The Lord Chancellor laid before Parliament yesterday orders increasing the level of bereavement damages from £7,500 to £10,000 to reflect the increase in inflation since the figure was last revised in 1991. The orders will take effect from 1 April 2002.

  Citizen's Advice Bureaux
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what funding the Government provide each year to the Citizen's Advice Bureaux; and if he will make a statement. [41220]

  Dr. Whitehead
  [holding answer 7 March 2002]: I have been asked to reply.

  Individual Citizen's Advice Bureaux are funded through a variety of sources, including lottery money, and by local authorities who decide on the level of funding in the light of their own assessment of local needs and the resources available to them. Central Government provide support for local authorities in this area through general grant. The Legal Services Commission, a non-departmental public body, also provides funding to some Citizens Advice Bureaux through the system of contracting, introduced as part of the arrangements for the community legal service.

TREASURY

  Small Landlords
  Margaret Moran
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with the British Federation of Landlords and Private Tenants associations on bringing small landlords within the same tax regime as other small businesses. [41668]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Ministers and civil servants have meetings with a wide range of organisations and individuals as part of the process of policy development and analysis. I refer to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 4 February 2002,Official Report, column 689W, stating that 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".

  Refurbishment
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer who provided, or is providing, the(a) windows and (b) doors for the refurbishment of the Treasury building. [41349]

  Ruth Kelly
  Oakmead have provided the new and replacement windows. Ruddy Joinery have provided the bulk of the new doors.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what organisation provided the certification for the doors and windows for the refurbishment of the Treasury
  965W
  building to show that they were produced from sustainably managed sources; and if he will place a copy of these certificates in the Library. [41350]

  Ruth Kelly
  A number of companies have provided the necessary certification for this refurbishment. A copy of the certificates will be placed in the Library at the earliest suitable opportunity.

  Inland Revenue
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which Minister has responsibility for ensuring that the rules laid down by the Civil Service Management Code are observed within the Inland Revenue. [42054]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The direct responsibility lies with the Chairman of the Board of Inland Revenue as the Head of the Non-Ministerial Department. He exercises his responsibilities under the general direction of Treasury Ministers.

  ECOFIN
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the outcome was of the ECOFIN Council held in Brussels on 5 March; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement. [42705]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  The Paymaster General and I attended the ECOFIN Council.

  ECOFIN agreed a Key Issues Paper on the 2002 Broad Economic Policy Guidelines, which will be submitted to the Barcelona European Council. Ministers also agreed reports on structural reform, increasing labour market participation and promoting active aging and healthcare and care for the elderly. They also adopted an ECOFIN report on the integration of environmental and sustainable development into economic policy making.

  ECOFIN discussed the mid-term review of the Financial Services Action Plan and agreed that progress should be accelerated to meet the deadlines agreed at the Lisbon European Council.

  ECOFIN endorsed the European Commission's study on globalisation and development and agreed a statement on it. Ministers also considered a Commission report on the preparation of the International Conference on Financing for Development in Monterrey. I called for European Union member states to lead the way on global social justice, to set out a strong EU position in support of the aims of the conference, and specifically to make a new commitment to increasing overseas development assistance as a proportion of Gross National Product. This issue was discussed further at the General Affairs Council on 11 March.

  An opinion on the Danish Convergence Programme was agreed and the Commission's oral update on the transition to the euro was noted.

  ECOFIN agreed Council priorities for the 2003 budget. Ministers also noted the implementation of initiatives to improve management and accounting in order to combat fraud and irregularity, and consequently agreed a recommendation that the European Parliament grant discharge of the 2000 budget. The Commission outlined
  966W
  its Green Paper on the European Public Prosecutor. There was widespread agreement to see how the new Eurojust fared before considering alternatives.

  Ministers discussed a number of proposals for strengthening EU development assistance to the Mediterranean region. No agreement was reached at this stage on the potential role of a new financing institution, and ECOFIN will consider the matter further at its meeting on 14 March ahead of the Barcelona European Council.

  The Presidency presented a paper on administrative cooperation on tax matters. The paper will be considered further by the Fiscal Questions Group and ECOFIN will then be asked to adopt a report to the Seville European Council in June. The Paymaster General, in her role as Chair of the Code of Conduct Group, delivered an oral report on the Group's progress and its work programme under the Spanish Presidency. There will be a further update on the Group's work at the ECOFIN in June. No votes were taken at the meeting.

  Stamp Duty
  Mr. Hoban
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 28 February 2002,Official Report, column 815, on stamp duty, what the value was of property transactions of less than £150,000 in the three months immediately prior to the introduction of the stamp duty exemption in the 2,000 most deprived wards. [42621]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The information requested is not available.

  Equitable Life
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the situation regarding Equitable Life. [42685]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Equitable Life's current situation is a matter for the society's board and for the members of the society.

  Self-Assessment
  Mr. Hoban
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people completed self-assessment income tax forms in(a) 1998–99, (b) 1999–2000 and (c) 2000–01. [42594]

  Dawn Primarolo
  No details are held of the number of people who completed self-assessment tax returns. The number of completed tax returns for each tax year received by the Inland Revenue in the following tax year is as follows:

  1998–99: Number of 1997–98 returns received: 8,374,888

  1999–2000: Number of 1998–99 returns received: 8,506,751

  2000–01: Number of 1999–2000 returns received: 8,795,949.

  Share Incentive Plans
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many share incentive plans have received Inland Revenue approval. [42001]
  967W
  Dawn Primarolo
  292 share incentive plans have received Inland Revenue approval up to 6 March 2002 and a further 140 plans are in the final stages of the approval process.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will reply to the letter dated 8 February from the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan regarding national insurance contributions. [42799]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I have done so.

  Tax Referral
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much is owed by businesses in(a) Scotland and (b) the UK in respect of schemes to defer liability for (i) PAYE, (ii) VAT and (iii) corporation tax to mitigate the effects of foot and mouth disease. [42000]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Between 21 March 2001 and 3 March 2002, the total amounts deferred in respect of PAYE, VAT and Corporation Tax came to £65.236 million, £109.598 million and £11.954 million respectively. These are gross figures and take no account of amounts subsequently paid. Businesses seriously affected by the foot and mouth outbreak have not been required to recommence payments of deferred liability and we do not have full details of payments received. It is, therefore, not possible to state how much is still owed by businesses in Scotland and England. However, a sample review of these cases in December 2001 suggests that as much as £78.45 million has been paid voluntarily.

  Aggregates Levy
  Barbara Follett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes he proposes to make to the aggregates levy legislation. [43215]

  Mr. Boateng
  The primary legislation for the aggregates levy was included in the Finance Act 2001. Since the Act received Royal Assent, Customs and Excise have continued to consult the aggregates industry on matters of details, with a view to finalising the secondary legislation, which will be laid shortly.

  During those discussions a number of technical issues have been raised, and it is the Government's intention to make a number of small changes in this year's Finance Bill that will facilitate the smooth functioning of the levy. These are:
  To amend the definition of aggregate to include rock that has not been subject to an industrial crushing process
  To clarify the definition of dimension stone
  To extend the exemption for processing waste arising from the extraction of coal to the processing waste of all industrial minerals
  To clarify that for all mineral extraction, any aggregate contained in the overburden is taxable
  968W
  To extend the exemption for aggregate won from forest or farm land and used in adjacent land, to its use in land occupied with that forest or farm
  To extend the exemption for drill cuttings to include onshore drill cuttings
  To extend the penalty regime to customers of aggregate suppliers in circumstances where the customers give false information concerning the use of aggregate
  To introduce a number of minor technical amendments which clarify policy intention, close a potential loophole or bring the legislation into line with other taxes. These were detailed in Customs and Excise Business Brief No. 17/2001 issued on 28 November 2001.

  The Government also announced in the pre-Budget report that it was minded to phase in the levy for aggregates used in processed products in Northern Ireland. Enabling legislation for this change will also be brought forward in this year's Finance Bill.

  Public Service Agreements
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 27 February 2002,Official Report, column 1326w, on public service agreements, if he will place the record of the performance of each Government Department held by his Department for each public service agreement target in the Library for each year for which outturn data are available; and if he will make a statement. [41395]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Departments have reported, and will continue to report, their progress against PSA targets in their departmental reports, all of which are presented to Parliament.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  "Safer Clubbing" Guide
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the "safer clubbing" guide. [42534]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  The "safer clubbing" guide contains comprehensive new advice for club owners, dance event promoters and local authority licensing departments on how to ensure the health and safety of anyone attending dance events. It advises club owners on how to tackle drug dealing and recommends that clubs have police approved staff, searches and the use of metal detectors and regular patrols of all areas of the venue.

  The clear message to young people remains that they should not take illegal drugs, and that they are harmful. The new guidelines should help reduce the availability of these drugs at venues. We must also take steps to reduce the harm that drugs cause individuals. The "safer clubbing" guide aims to do just that—it does not condone drug use.

  Criminal Cases Review Commission
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases which had been dealt with by the Criminal Cases Review Commission have been examined by the European Court of Human Rights in the last five years. [40867]
  969W
  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. If applicants remain dissatisfied with the Commission's decisions on whether to refer their case to an appellate court, it is open to them to seek a domestic remedy by initiating judicial review proceedings. From the Commission's inception until 31 March 2001, four judicial review applications only have been granted leave: three were decided in the Commission's favour and one was settled on terms agreed by the Commission and the applicant.

  Baton Guns
  Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement on the use of baton guns by police forces in England and Wales; [40473]

  (2) what guidelines are in place governing the use of baton guns by police forces in England and Wales. [40474]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 5 March 2002]: Baton rounds have been available to police forces in England and Wales since 1981, primarily for use in situations of public disorder.

  In August 1999 the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) reissued operational guidelines for the use of baton rounds in situations of public disorder which were approved by my right hon. Friend the then Home Secretary (Mr. Straw).

  ACPO also issued guidance on the use of baton rounds in situations where firearms would otherwise need to be used on 24 September 2001. This followed the then Home Secretary's announcement in April 2001 of the introduction of the L21A1 round which unlike its predecessor has a trajectory which is sufficiently predictable to be suitable for such use.

  Currently 36 forces, maintained under the Police Act, possess the new baton round and I understand that three others will shortly be acquiring it.

  EU Policy
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what co-operation exists between UK and French authorities in relation to asylum procedures; what plans there are to extend co-operation; and if he will make a statement. [29678]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 24 January 2002]At the Franco-British summit in Cahors in February 2001 the United Kingdom and French authorities agreed to increase practical co-operation between our two countries through meetings on the Cross Channel Commission. This resulted in regular meetings throughout last year, to discuss practical measures on both asylum and migration issues of common interest to our two countries. The Cross Channel Commission will continue to meet in the coming year.

  EU Asylum Policy
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress towards European Union agreements on common 970W
  asylum policy; and if he will list agreements made to date and the areas of future work including timetables for (a) agreement and(b) implementation. [29679]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 24 January 2002]The Treaty of Amsterdam committed member states to adopt by May 2004 a broad range of measures designed to establish minimum standards for asylum procedures and polices across the European Union. At the Tampere European Council in October 1999 member states agreed to look beyond the minimum standards established by 2004 towards the creation of a common European asylum system. After a slow start there is now increasing momentum on the first stage of the process to establish minimum standards. The United Kingdom has participated actively in this process and has opted in to all measures to date where the three-month time limit from formal presentation of the proposal has already expired.

  The following measures have been adopted to date: Council Regulation establishing the EURODAC electronic fingerprinting database (adopted 11 December 2000); Council decision for an agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway concerning the criteria and mechanisms for establishing the state responsible for examining a request for asylum lodged in a member state or in Iceland or Norway (adopted 15 March 2001); Council decision establishing a European Refugee Fund (adopted 28 September 2000); and Council directive on minimum standards for giving temporary protection in event of mass influx (adopted 20 July 2001).

  The following measures are under discussion but have not yet been agreed: Proposal for Council directive on minimum standards on procedures in member states for granting and withdrawing refugee status; Proposal for a Council directive laying down minimum standards on the reception of applicants for asylum in member states: Proposal for a Council regulation replacing the Dublin Convention; and a proposal for a Council directive on minimum standards for the qualification as refugees or as persons who otherwise need international protection.

  The Laeken European Council in December 2001 called for the Commission to bring forward revised proposals for the measures setting minimum standards for asylum procedures and the regulation to replace the Dublin Convention by the end of April 2002.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate his Department has made of the number of unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors who went missing in the UK in(a) 1999,(b) 2000 and (c) 2001, broken down by (i) nationality, (ii) age at disappearance and (iii) gender. [29677]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 24 January 2002]: The Home Office does not centrally record information on the number of unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors who have gone missing in the United Kingdom, and no estimate has been made on this number.

  Information on the number of unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors in 1999 and 2000, broken down by nationality, is published in the annual statistical bulletin "Asylum Statistics 2000", a copy of which is available in the Library, and from the Home Office

  971W
  Research, Development and Statistics Directorate website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration 1.html. Annual figures for 2001 are not yet available.

  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how notification of appellants' representatives will take place under the rules contained in SI, 2001, No. 4014; by whom; at what point after promulgation by the adjudicator or tribunal of their determination this will happen; if an appellant is detained at the same time as service of the determination on them, what instructions there are to notify representatives of the fact; and whose responsibility it will be to do so. [27511]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 16 January 2002]: Appellants' legal representatives will be notified of determinations by Immigration and Nationality Directorate staff. For those served by post, a copy of the determination will be sent to the representative at the same time as the determination is sent to the appellant. In the case of determinations served in person, representatives will be notified by fax, normally on the same day, but in any case within 24 hours. It is for the appellants to advise their legal representatives that they have been detained, should they wish to do so.

  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the purpose is of the new asylum procedure rules in S.I., 2001, No. 4014 in regard to failed asylum appeals where(a) a certificate has been upheld and(b) leave has been refused to appeal to the IAT; which agency will be instructed to carry out service; what instructions have been given and are proposed to be given on (i) method of service, (ii) timing of service, (iii) entry/and search of premises, (iv) detention and (v) removal; and where those instructions will be published. [27510]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 16 January 2002]The rules provide for asylum appeal determinations in cases where the appellant has no further statutory right of appeal to be sent to the Home Office by the Immigration Appellate Authority for service on the appellant. The purpose of this is to reduce the opportunity for absconding at this stage by enabling the Home Office to serve the determination in person where appropriate.

  Service is undertaken by the Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate either by post or in person. Almost all determinations will be served within 48 hours of receipt in the Home Office: the remainder will be served within a further six weeks, to be exceeded only in exceptional circumstances. No new powers relating to entry, search, detention or removal arise from these rules.

  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the expected time delay is between the date of the determination of the adjudicator or tribunal and the date of service of the decision on the failed appellant under the rules contained in S.I., 2001, No 4014; and what the usual period of delay is between the date of the determination in a successful appeal and the sending of full refugee status papers to a successful appellant. [27513]
  972W
  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 16 February 2002]We anticipate that almost all determinations received by the Home Office under these rules will he served within 48 hours. The remainder will be served within a further period which would exceed six weeks only in exceptional circumstances.

  There have been delays in implementing allowed appeals but additional resources have now been provided and the majority of cases should now be being processed within 24 days of the date of determination.

  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy that no removals will take place following service of the determination without(a) prior and reasonable notice being given to the appellant's representative and (b) the appellant being given the opportunity to receive legal advice following the introduction of S.I., 2001, No. 4014. [27512]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 16 January 2002]Appellants' legal representatives will be notified of determinations at the same time as appellants for those served by post, and on the same day or within 24 hours for those served in person. The decision to obtain legal advice is a matter for the individual concerned but is open to appellants at that stage.

  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reason a copy of the Procedure Rules relating to S.I., 2001, No. 4014 has not been placed on the HMSO website. [27515]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 16 January 2002]A copy of the rules was placed on Her Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO) website on 4 January 2002.

  Prisoners (Wrongful Convictions)
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many funding applications have been received to operate aftercare services for wrongfully convicted prisoners; and what procedures have been used to assess them. [39695]

  Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 1 March 20021 We have received one unsolicited application. No procurement exercise has been undertaken.

  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress the working party considering aftercare for wrongfully convicted prisoners has made; and if he will make a statement. [39696]

  Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 1 March 2002]: Proposals for a support and advice service are being finalised by officials. Ministers will be considering these proposals shortly.

  Non-departmental Public Bodies
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the instances in which his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies failed to pay valid invoices within 30 days or after the agreed credit period in the financial year 2000–01. [32032]
  973W
  Angela Eagle
  Instances where the Home Office, its agencies or non-departmental public bodies failed to pay valid invoices within 30 days or paid after the agreed credit period in the 2000–01 financial year were:

  Percentage

  Main Home Office

  11.4

  Agencies

  6.9

  Non-departmental public bodies

  10.9

  Arthur Andersen
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the total cost to his Department has been of services provided by(a) Andersen and (b) Accenture, Anderson Consulting for (i) accountancy services, (ii) consultancy work and (iii) other work in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [32104]

  Angela Eagle
  My Department has not used the services provided by(a) Andersen (b) Accenture or Andersen Consulting for either accountancy or consultancy work since 1997.

  Departmental Events
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the(a) conferences, (b) seminars,(c) workshops, (d) exhibitions and (e) press conferences which have been sponsored by his Department and which took place on non-departmental premises in each of the last four years, giving the title, purpose, date and cost of each. [34179]

  Angela Eagle
  Information is not held centrally on sponsored events run on behalf of the Department on non-departmental premises.

  A breakdown of expenditure on this basis could be supplied only at disproportionate cost.

  Prisoners (Wales)
  Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many male prisoners from Wales are held in prison in England, broken down by offences for which they are held. [37119]

  Beverley Hughes
  Information can be provided only on the basis of a prisoner's court of first committal as home address is not consistently recorded on central records.

  Offence

  Number of male prisoners committed in Wales currently in custody in England

  Violence against the person

  402

  Sex offences

  245

  Burglary

  290

  Robbery

  155

  Theft and handling

  125

  Fraud and forgery

  13

  Drug offences

  191

  Other offences

  189

  Offence not recorded

  7

  974W
  The information given is for 31 January 2002 when there were altogether 3,358 male prisoners in England and Wales who were committed in Wales. There were 63,814 male prisoners in total.

  Advertising
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what the expenditure was per campaign for the five most expensive media advertising campaigns his Department undertook in the past five parliamentary Sessions including the current parliamentary Session in(a) Scotland,(b) England,(c) Wales and(d) Northern Ireland; and for the last two parliamentary Sessions and the current Session, when each advertising campaign (i) began and (ii) ended in (A) Scotland, (B) England, (C) Wales and (D) Northern Ireland; [37396]

  (2) what the cost was of media advertising in each of the past five parliamentary Sessions including the current Session, for his Department in (a) England,(b) Wales and (c) Northern Ireland; and for the last two parliamentary Sessions and the current parliamentary Session, what the media advertising expenditure was per month in (i) England, (ii) Wales and (iii) Northern Ireland. [37408]

  Angela Eagle
  For details of the Home Department's five largest campaigns I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Isle of Wight (Mr. Turner) on 28 January 2002,Official Report, column 87W.

  During the financial year 1999–2000 the timing of major campaigns was as follows:

  Electoral Registration: August 1999

  European Elections: May 1999

  Fire Safety: Chip Pan Safety—September 1999; Pilot for Fire Escape Routes—March 2000

  Police Recruitment: Special Constables—February 2000; Fast Stream—on-going.

  During the financial year 2000–01 the timing of major campaigns was as follows:

  Police Recruitment: August 2000—on-going

  Fire Safety Escape Routes: September 2000

  Vehicle Crime: September 2000—on-going

  Electoral Registration: February 2001

  Postal Voting: March 2001.

  These campaigns cover England and Wales. The single exception to this was the campaign that ran to inform people about new voting procedures at the time of the European parliamentary elections in 1999, which also covered Scotland and Northern Ireland. All the Department's major campaigns deploy advertising on satellite TV and, for this medium, coverage is not restricted to England and Wales. Separate records of campaign expenditure in each country within the United Kingdom are not kept.

  Work Permits
  Lembit Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his Department's policy is on issuing work permits to Lithuanian citizens; and if he will make a statement. [27830]
  975W
  Angela Eagle
  There is not a differential between nationalities when considering a work permit application. The decision is determined by whether the application meets the criteria of the work permit arrangements.

  Lembit Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many work permits were issued by the Government in each of the last three years to Lithuanian citizens; and if he will make a statement. [27831]

  Angela Eagle
  The number of work permits issued to Lithuanian citizens in each of the last three years is 101 for 1999, 124 for 2000 and 411 for 2001, the total being 636.

  Global Crossing
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the dates of meetings that(a) special advisers and(b) Ministers in his Department have had since 1 January 1999 with representatives of Global Crossing; and if he will make a statement. [34057]

  Mr. Blunkett
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by myself on 8 February 2002,Official Report, column 1248W.

  Reception Centres
  Mr. Syms
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase the capacity of reception centre accommodation; and what financial provision he has made for this purpose. [22138]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 10 December 2001]My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced in his statement to the House on 29 October 2001 plans for establishing induction centres, accommodation centres and removal centres. The estimated capital cost of providing the necessary facilities is £250 million over the next two years. Decisions about the long-term mix of facilities will be taken in the light of the emerging evidence about what works.

  Money Laundering
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what reports the National Criminal Intelligence Service received in respect of UK financial institutions being involved in money laundering activities relating to money transferred out of Serbia and the former Yugoslavia; and if he will make a statement. [39005]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  The National Criminal Intelligence Service has received reports in which Serbia and the former Yugoslavia are referred to in financial disclosures made by United Kingdom financial institutions. However the contents of such reports are confidential.

  Manslaughter
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the interdepartmental working group on the reform of manslaughter has met; how many further meetings of the group are expected; when he expects the group to finalise its report and proposals; when he expects to publish the digest of responses to the consultation paper; who is represented on the interdepartmental group; and if he will make a statement on progress. [37956]
  976W
  Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 27 February 2002]The interdepartmental working group was attended by representatives from: the Home Office, the Lord Chancellor's Department, the Attorney-General's Office, the Law Commission, the Cabinet Office, the Crown Prosecution Service, the Health and Safety Executive, the Department of Health, the National Health Service Executive Headquarters, the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Food Standards Agency. Since the end of the consultation period, September 2000, the group as a whole has met three times. There were also several formal and informal meetings to take forward specific issues attended by the relevant representatives. There will be no further meeting of the entire group and I hope to receive their report in the near future.

  We will be publishing a digest of the responses to the consultation paper shortly.

  Genetically Modified Animals
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what safeguards the Government have in place to ensure the well-being of genetically modified animals being produced and maintained for experiments; and if he will make a statement; [41983]

  (2) what procedures are in place to regulate the transgenesis process used to create genetically modified animals; and if he will make a statement; [41982]

  (3) what (a) percentage and (b) proportion of genetically modified animals, which were killed during experiments, were classed as failures in those experiments in each year since 1987; [41981]

  (4) if he will amend the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to provide greater protection for genetically modified animals. [41980]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 11 March 2002]The production, maintenance and use of genetically modified animals for experimental and other scientific purposes, once they are beyond a specified stage in their foetal, larval or embryonic forms, are controlled under the terms of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

  For a decision to be made on whether and on what terms a licence might be granted to produce, breed or use genetically modified animals, the 1986 Act requires the same considerations to be taken into account as for genetically normal animals. These are that the likely benefits of the programme are weighed against the likely adverse effects on the animals concerned (the cost/benefit assessment), and that there are no alternatives which either replace animal use entirely, reduce the number of animals needed or refine the procedures to minimise pain and suffering (3Rs). Licence applicants must also demonstrate that the procedures are for a permitted purpose and are likely to achieve the stated objectives.

  It is not always possible to predict the likely welfare effects of novel genetic modifications. However, project licence authorities are framed to permit only apparently healthy genetically modified animals to be produced or maintained unless, and exceptionally, a specific scientific justification is made and accepted for the production of genetically modified animals whose welfare is expected to be compromised.
  977W
  Detailed codes of practice, produced under authority of the 1986 Act and laid before Parliament, set the minimum standards of housing and care for all animals produced and used in regulated procedures. Compliance with these standards is a condition of project licences, and is monitored by the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate.

  The Government are satisfied that the 1986 Act, and related guidance and codes of practice, adequately caters for the welfare of transgenic/genetically modified animals used in scientific procedures, and that there is no need in that respect to amend it to provide for separate or additional controls.

  Since 1988 annual statistics published by the Home Office have contained information on the overall use of genetically modified animals in scientific procedures. The detail provided has increased over the years, and the latest publication entitled "Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals Great Britain 2000" (Cm 5344) contains a great deal of related data (copies are available in the Library). The annual statistics do not record technical failures, and there is no other centrally held data on that. Information on the success rate of the techniques used is, however, widely published in scientific literature.

  Police Pension Scheme
  Richard Younger-Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) under the post-1978 police pension scheme, what percentage of the contributions is calculated to cover payments to widows of retired officers; and what the actuarial estimate is of the number of widows as a percentage of total claimants of the pension; [38418]

  (2) what the average payment made to the widow of a retired police officer under the pre-1978 police pension scheme was in the last 12 months for which figures are available; [38407]

  (3) under the pre-1978 police pension scheme, what percentage of the contributions was calculated to cover payments to widows of retired officers; and what the actuarial estimate of the number of widows was as a percentage of total claimants of the pension. [38408]

  Mr. Denham
  Figures for the average payment to the widow of a retired police officer or for the number of such widows are not available centrally. From a survey undertaken in 1996 the Government Actuary's Department has estimated that 7 per cent. of actual pensions expenditure at the time represented payments to widows and widowers of former officers. It is estimated that the present-day figure would be about 8 to 9 per cent.

  As the changes to spouses' benefits over the final quarter of the last century feed through into payment, it is estimated that the proportion of pensions expenditure they represent will rise to over 15 per cent. over the next 30 years. The Government Actuary's Department estimates that the present cost of new-entrant benefits accruing to be 32 per cent. of pay of which about a third (11 per cent. of pay) is contributed by the officer in service. The total cost attributable to spouses' benefits is about 5 per cent. of pay.
  978W
  It is not possible to identify all the earlier corresponding figures, but the employee contribution rate in 1978 for male officers was 7 per cent. This rate was set in 1972 for benefits which included accruing thereafter a widow's half-rate pension. Before 1972 male officers were paying contributions either at a rate of 5 per cent. for benefits which included a widow's flat-rate pension, if they had elected to stay on this pre-=1956 benefit, or at a rate of 6.25 per cent. for benefits including a widow's third-rate pension.

  Prison Population
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the prison population was on the first day of each of the last 18 months. [38667]

  Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 28 February 2002]Information is held centrally for the last day of each month.

  Date

  Population

  31 January 2002

  67,870

  31 December 2001

  66,049

  30 November 2001

  68,452

  31 October 2001

  67,053

  30 September 2001

  67,465

  31 August 2001

  67,056

  31 July 2001

  67,092

  30 June 2001

  66,403

  31 May 2001

  66,012

  30 April 2001

  65,604

  31 March 2001

  65,394

  28 February 2001

  64,631

  31 January 2001

  63,403

  31 December 2000

  61,617

  30 November 2000

  64,075

  31 October 2000

  64,218

  30 September 2000

  64,960

  31 August 2000

  65,666

  Court Proceedings
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the circumstances in which a court can proceed without a jury. [41366]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  [holding answer 11 March 2002]In England and Wales, some 95 per cent. of criminal cases are conducted in magistrates courts without a jury. Criminal trials in the Crown court are conducted with a jury. Pre-trial issues such as bail or preliminary rulings are heard by the judge alone. He or she can also order an acquittal before the jury is empanelled. Once a trial has started, a hearing to consider the admissibility of evidence or a point of law is invariably heard in the absence of a jury. Sentencing is a matter for the judge alone. In the Coroner's court, the majority of inquests are heard without a jury.

  Empty Properties
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the total area in square feet of all empty properties owned by(a) his Department,(b) his agencies and (c) other public bodies for which he has had responsibility was in each year since May 1997. [37814]
  979W
  Angela Eagle
  The total area in square feet of empty properties in the Home Department's estate and the estate of its agencies and non-departmental public bodies for each of the financial years requested is as follows:

  Area (square feet)

  1997–98

  225,829

  1998–99

  1,108,477

  1999–2000

  1,923,759

  2000–01

  1,514,727

  Nearly all the vacant space is accounted for by buildings, which are held for refurbishment or redevelopment. This includes prisons or other secure facilities for which, town planning approval can be difficult to obtain. The 1999–2000 and 2000–01 figures also include Lunar house, Croydon, which is now reoccupied following a major refurbishment and 2 Marsham street which is being held for demolition and redevelopment. Figures on the floor area of empty residential homes are not kept and a meaningful estimate could be made only at disproportionate cost.

  Official Visits
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the official visits to(a) Paris and (b) Brussels made by each Minister in his Department in 2001 and the mode of travel used; and what guidance is provided to Ministers in his Department on the choice of mode of travel for such visits. [38155]

  Angela Eagle
  Since 1999 this Government have published an annual list of all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing £500 or more during each financial year. The Government have also published on an annual basis the cost of all Ministers' visits overseas. Details of travel undertaken since 1 March 2001 will be published as soon as possible after the end of the current financial year. Copies of the lists are available in the Library.

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

  Child Pornography
  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been charged with distribution of child pornography on the internet as a result of investigations by the Obscene Publications and Internet Unit in each of the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [38138]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  There is no separate offence of distributing child pornography on the internet.

  The internet investigations team of the Metropolitan police Obscene Publication Unit was established in September 2000. Distribution of child pornography by means of the internet is a relatively recent phenomenon and figures for the full period requested are not available. Figures for 1995–2001 are as follows:

  Number

  1995

  1

  1996

  9

  1997

  4

  980W

  Number

  1998

  1

  1999

  2

  2000

  16

  2001

  21

  These figures do not include offenders identified through investigations by the internet team of the Obscene Publications Unit who were outside the Metropolitan police area.

  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were convicted of distributing child pornography across the internet in each of the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [38139]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  Convictions for distributing pornography are not directly identifiable on the Home Office Court Proceedings database. This is because all offences under section 1 of the Protection of Children Act 1978 are covered in a single group.

  Obscene Publications and Internet Unit
  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money was spent on the Obscene Publications and Internet Unit of the Metropolitan police for(a) salaries, (b) technology equipment and (c) upkeep of facilities, in each of the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [38137]

  Mr. Denham
  The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that the information for the period requested is not available. However, expenditure of the Obscene Publications and Internet Unit between April 2001 to February 2002 was £775,000 on salaries and £25,000 on technology equipment and upkeep of facilities.

  Airguns
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the penalty is for carrying a loaded airgun in a public place. [38243]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  Under section 19 of the Firearms Act 1968, it is an offence to carry a loaded airgun in a public place. This is a summary only offence for which the maximum penalty is six months imprisonment or a fine of the statutory maximum (£5,000) or both.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the British Association for Shooting and Conservation's campaign calling for the safe handling of airguns. [38241]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  The Government believe that much can be done to tackle the unacceptable misuse of air weapons through rigorous enforcement of the existing law coupled with a programme of education on the safe and responsible handling of these weapons. To this end, the British Association for Shooting Conservation (BASC) campaign is welcome and has received the full support of the police. It will help to ensure that people who use airguns do so safely and with full regard to firearm and wildlife legislation.

  Policy Development Grant
  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what press releases mentioning policy development grant his Department issued while it was responsible for electoral and political party regulation. [37876]

  Mr. Blunkett
  None.

  Charing Cross Police Station
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Charing Cross police station was accepting reports of minor crime over the telephone between 24 December 2001 and 11 January 2002. [35542]

  Mr. Denham
  The Commissioner of the Police of the Metropolis informs me that Charing Cross police station accepted reports of minor crime over the telephone between 24 December 2001 and 11 January 2002.

  Policing (Newark)
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to improve policing in Newark and Retford. [39197]

  Mr. Denham
  The White Paper, "Policing a New Century" (Cm 5326), published last December, sets out the Government's plans for reforming the police service and improving policing throughout England and Wales, including Newark and Retford.

  The proposals set out in the White Paper will lead to a more professional and effective police service. This will be achieved through reformed management systems; modernised terms and conditions; better use of forensic and technological tools to aid crime prevention, detection and conviction; as well as greater visibility and accessibility of policing services.

  The Police Reform Bill, currently before Parliament, will provide the necessary statutory powers for these reforms.

  DNA Proofing Techniques
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how a convicted person claiming innocence and seeking review or appeal can ascertain whether new DNA proofing techniques would have relevance in his or her case; how he or she can ensure that it is applied to the evidence and the results made known; and if he will make a statement. [38995]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The Criminal Cases Review Commission has the statutory power to preserve any material, including forensic material, which it thinks necessary for a review of a case. The commission exercises this power as necessary in relation to applications made to it, where the process of normal appeal has been exhausted or where there are exceptional circumstances. It also maintains close contact with the Forensic Science Service so that the commission is aware of the latest developments in this field. The commission will determine whether DNA or other forensic tests are required in light of all the factors of a case and will authorise such tests as it believes necessary. The results 982W
  of any tests would be disclosed in accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Appeal Act 1995 and the commission's policy on disclosure.

  As for those who are seeking to overturn via the normal appeal process, any individual is free to commission the Forensic Science Service or other forensic science organisations to undertake further DNA profiling tests, providing there is a sufficient amount of retained material and provided payment can be met.

  The Forensic Science Service can give guidance as to whether there is sufficient material left to undertake further tests; and if further DNA profiling tests would provide more information than is already available. It will also provide an estimate for the cost of carrying out any further tests. The Forensic Science Service requires that any requests of this nature are communicated through a solicitor, who will be in a position to advise the individual. Individual contracts and terms of business are agreed with any instructing solicitors or legal representatives.

  Asylum Application (Southend)
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to come to a decision on the asylum application made by Mr. Naveem Ahmed of Southend who claimed asylum on 26 May 2000, references TA 338/99 and A/1031630. [36377]

  Angela Eagle
  I wrote to the hon. Member on 11 March 2002.

  Child Entertainers
  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to include child entertainers in the group of professionals working with children who are screened; and if he will make a statement. [38141]

  Mr. Keith Bradley
  The child protection provisions in Part 2 of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 (CJ) (CSA) provide a new definition of working with children. It includes positions whose normal duties involve caring for, training, supervising or being in sole charge of children, and positions whose normal duties involve unsupervised contact with children under arrangements made by a responsible person, for example a parent. Anyone whose paid or unpaid work entertaining children meets one of the definitions included in the legislation would already be covered by its provisions.

  These provisions form part of an integrated system for the protection of children. They enable the courts to disqualify unsuitable people from working with children as part of their sentence or the disposal of their case. Those who breach such a disqualification order commit a criminal offence.

  The relevant provisions in the CJ and CSA consolidate and strengthen the framework for protecting children. It is none the less important that parents remain vigilant about those circumstances under which they entrust their children to the care of an adult, particularly if they are not present to ensure their children are safe.

HEALTH

  Postcode Prescribing
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on postcode prescribing. [2934]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The Government are determined to eradicate "postcode prescribing". We set up the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) to help to achieve this. NICE provides clear advice to the national health service about the clinical and cost effectiveness of drugs and treatments.

  Prescription Charges
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the health impact on patients of having to pay for prescriptions; and if he will make a statement; [4630]

  (2) what plans he has to extend the existing exemptions from prescription charges; and if he will make a statement. [4644]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer her to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  I have at present no plans to change the current exemption and remission arrangements which are intended to ensure that no-one need be deterred from obtaining any necessary medication on financial grounds. Around 85 per cent. of items are dispensed free of charge and around 50 per cent. of the population do not have to pay charges.

  Food Supplements
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has(a) commissioned and(b) evaluated on the (i) health benefits and (ii) safety of health and nutritional supplements. [3729]

  Yvette Cooper
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  Most people are able to meet their nutritional needs by eating a balanced, varied diet, and therefore do not need to take dietary supplements. Key exceptions are:
  Women intending to become pregnant are advised to take supplements of folic acid before conception to the 12 week of pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects.
  984W
  As a safety net for children and women from low income groups, supplements of vitamins A, D and C are available on the welfare food scheme.
  Asian mothers are routinely advised to take supplements of vitamin D as they are more prone to deficiency.
  Iron supplements may be prescribed to women or children with iron-deficiency anaemia which was not found to improve with appropriate dietary advice.

  Research commissioned by the Food Standards Agency in relation to health benefits of nutrient supplements
  fish oil on cardiovascular disease risk factors calcium, vitamins D and K on bone health antioxidant vitamins (e.g. vitamin E and C) on reducing cell damage from oxidative stress (thought to be involved in the initiation of many diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease)folic acid on risk factors for cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer.
  Some of these studies have finished while others are ongoing. Results from the finished studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals and placed in the public domain in the Agency library. The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition may consider the conclusions reached by these and the other studies.

  Evaluation of safety of nutrient supplements

  The Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals was established to review the safety of high dose vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure that the public is not put at risk.

  The Group expects to complete the reviews of the relevant scientific information on the safety of individual vitamins and minerals shortly. Following this, the Group will complete risk assessments for the vitamins and minerals reviewed. Its conclusions will be issued by the Food Standards Agency for public consultation with a view to publishing its final report in 2002. A copy of the final report will be sent to the Scientific Committee on Food to inform deliberations by that committee on a draft proposal for a European Union Council Directive relating to the addition of nutrients to foods.

  Evaluation of safety of health supplements

  The safety of individual health supplements are considered on their merits on a case by case basis according to available evidence base and when safety of these supplements are raised as a cause of concern. Routine safety evaluation of health supplements is not undertaken.

  Pancreatic Cancer
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will review pancreatic cancer services in the northwest of England; and if he will make a statement. [5454]

  Yvette Cooper
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  Following publication of the national guidance on the organisation of services for upper gastro-intestinal cancers in 2001, including pancreatic cancers, the three cancer networks in the north-west have been reviewing these

  985W
  services and are engaged in developing appropriate service plans as part of their overall Service Delivery Plans.

  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the record and policy of the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool on the treatment of pancreatic cancer. [5457]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 20 July 2001]I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust provides a specialist referral service for pancreatic surgery to hospitals in Merseyside and Cheshire and beyond. The service plays a major role in research and audits its clinical activities regularly through the trust's clinical governance arrangements. Over the last twelve months, since introducing a four-bedded post operative critical care facility, the trust has not had to cancel any pancreatic surgery and waiting times for surgery have improved. The service will be externally appraised as part of the next round of the regional cancer services appraisal programme which is due to commence in June 2002.

  MMR
  David Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of children aged(a) one to two, (b) two to three and (c) three to four years have been given MMR inoculations in Cumbria since May 1997. [5825]

  Yvette Cooper
  I apologise to the right hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The information requested is shown in the table.

  Percentage of children immunised against MMR

  By their 5th birthday1

  At 31 March

  By their 2nd birthday

  First dose

  First and dose second dose

  North Cumbria

  1998

  96

  —

  —

  1999

  93

  —

  —

  2000

  95

  98

  91

  Morecambe Bay

  1998

  91

  —

  —

  1999

  88

  —

  —

  2000

  90

  95

  83

  1 Information about uptake of MMR immunisation at age five was collected for the first time in 1999–2000.

  Source

  Department of Health, Statistics Division SD2B

  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will reply to the letter of 5 October 986W
  from the hon. Member for West Derbyshire on the current position regarding single dose and MMR triple vaccinations. [21473]

  Yvette Cooper
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply sent to him on 10 December 2001.

  Digital Hearing Aids
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason there is no centre for the provision of digital hearing aids in the south-east of England. [60581]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  There are currently three centres for the provision of digital hearing aids in the south-east region of the national health service. They are situated at East Berkshire Community Health NHS Trust, Royal Berkshire and Battle Hospitals NHS Trust and Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust.

  Care Homes
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health who will assess the needs of care home service users; who will pay for such an assessment as required under care home standards; and if he will make a statement. [80591]

  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The national minimum standards require that prior to a service user moving into a home an assessment of his or her needs should be undertaken. In most cases this will have been undertaken either by social workers or nurses depending on where the service user is prior to moving. Where a self funding service user has not had an assessment this should be undertaken by the provider prior to that person moving into the home. Either the provider or at least one other member of staff should be suitably trained in conducting assessments. Since in the majority of cases the cost of assessing service users before they enter a home falls to local authorities or the national health service the cost impact on providers would be marginal. The regular review of assessed needs should be a normal part of the conduct of care homes.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what investigations his Department has carried out into minimum data sets where care homes are concerned in the last five years. [8554]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 18 October 2001]I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.
  987W
  In October 2000 my Department published for consultation the Core Information Requirements for Children's Social Services, as part of the Quality Protects initiative. The resultant full set of children's services documents is available at http://www.doh.gov.uk/ qualityprotects/info/publications/coreinforma tionreq.htm.

  Version 1 of the Adults Aged 18 and Over Social Care Core Information Requirements was published in August 2001 for consultation and is available at http:// www.doh.gov.uk/scg/adultcoreinfo/index.htm.

  Revisions of both sets of documents are due to be published later this year. Although the information requirements documents are not specifically for care homes, there is mention of the current central statistical returns for care homes. The Department is also promulgating the Mental Health Minimum Data Set, covering information about patients who are subject to the Care Programmes Approach, some of whom may be resident in care homes. This is planned for implementation from April 2003.

  Orthodontics
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what discussions are taking place between the Department of Health and representatives of the dental profession about orthodontic provision; and when he proposes to publish guidance on criteria for acceptance for orthodontic treatment under the NHS; [6360]

  (2) if he intends to change the criteria for acceptance for orthodontic treatment under the NHS; and what changes to NHS orthodontic services he plans. [6361]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  Our national health service dental strategy "Modernising NHS Dentistry—Implementing the NHS Plan" set out our intention to reform orthodontic treatment to encourage the most appropriate treatment within the general dental service for patients, taking into account the approach being piloted using the index of treatment need which was already being widely used in the rest of the NHS. Officials have had very helpful discussions with the profession on changes to the current system to enable these valuable NHS resources to be targeted towards cases of greatest clinical need. We hope to reach agreement on charges, including any transitional arrangements, later this year.

  Departmental Projects
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what(a) building and (b) refurbishment projects are planned by his Department in (i) the current year and (ii) the next financial year; and what the costs will be of each project. [6585]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer her to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon.988W
  Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  There are two buildings where there are significant refurbishment projects being undertaken in this current year in relation to buildings occupied by or the direct responsibility of this Department or its agencies. The costs for both fall into this financial year. These are:

  2001–02

  £ million

  St, Nicholas Building, Newcastle

  1.2

  Goldings House, London

  2.2

  There are also a significant number of other buildings where there are works of a more minor nature and the fitting out of local offices in preparation for occupation by the National Care Standards Commission.

  This reply does not include information about the national health service.

  Devolved Administrations
  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is with regard to(a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department giving evidence to (i) Scottish Parliament, (ii) Welsh Assembly and (iii) Northern Ireland Assembly Committees; and to what categories of document he gives (A) full access, (B) restricted access and (C) no access to (1) Scottish Parliament, (2) Welsh Assembly, (3) Northern Ireland Assembly and (4) House of Commons Select committees. [7048]

  Yvette Cooper
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  Devolution Guidance Note (DGN) 12—"Attendance of United Kingdom Ministers and Officials at Committees of the Devolved Legislatures" sets out general advice on attendance of UK Ministers and officials at committees of the devolved legislatures. The guidance applies equally to invitations from committees of the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales and Northern Ireland Assembly.

  The Department would respond promptly and courteously to each request for information as it is received. The important principle is that each legislature exercises authority over its Ministers. Subject to criteria as set out in DGN 12 it would be exceptional for Ministers from the Department to attend to give evidence to the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly of Wales and Northern Ireland committees.

  Copies of DGN 12 are available at: www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/constitution/devolution/guidance/dgn12.htm.

  Ambulance Services
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what extra funding he will provide to extend the fast response paramedics service in the Lancashire Ambulance Service. [8417]
  989W
  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The Lancashire Ambulance Service was among the first to achieve the 75 per cent. target for reaching category A calls within eight minutes. It did so by investing in fast response paramedic services. The Government provided funding towards this scheme as well as towards the purchase of defibrillators. The money was used to extend the fast response service.

  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will make an assessment of the re-organisation of ambulance services in Hampshire. [11975]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer Friday 2 November 2001]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  On 15 January 2002 I announced that proposals to merge ambulance trusts in the south-east would not go ahead.

  This decision was made in light of two policy initiatives "Reforming Emergency Care" and "Shifting the Balance of Power" that will help to make ambulance services more responsive to local needs. Health authorities together with their primary care trusts will review the position of their local ambulance services by September 2002. They will make recommendations to the director of health and social care in the south about how ambulance services should be organised in the future.

  Mental Health
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what work has been undertaken and how much money has been spent to address the issues raised in the NCI report into suicide and homicide by people with mental illness; and if he will make a statement. [9513]

  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The recommendations of the National Confidential Inquiry report are in line with the targets in the Mental Health National Service Framework and NHS Plan and implementation is taking place at local level.

  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many episodes of community psychiatric nursing care took place in(a) 1996–97 and (b) 1999–2000. [14110]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 12 November 2001]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave
  990W
  my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  In 1996–97 there were 566,000 first contacts and 381,000 initial contacts and in 1999–2000 there were 586,000 first contacts and 348,000 initial contacts.

  First contacts refer to the numbers of different individuals receiving care—these figures indicate an increase in the overall numbers of individuals seen by community psychiatric nurses (CPNs) over this period.

  Initial contacts refer to the new episodes of care in any one year, and these figures indicate a reduction, suggesting the CPNs were seeing people for longer periods which would be compatible with the emphasis on providing services for the most vulnerable and those with enduring mental health problems.

  Cash for Change Initiative
  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what formula was used to determine the councils targeted for extra help under the Government's cash for change initiative. [9060]

  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  All councils received additional funding through the Building Care Capacity Grant. Of the £90 million distributed to councils in 2001–02, £43.5 million was distributed to 95 councils on the basis of Standard Spending Assessment, and £47 million was targeted on the 55 councils with the most severe problems associated with delayed discharge. The extra funding to these councils reflected the rate of delayed discharge in each council's area in summer 2001.

  The same criteria were used to distribute the £190 million available for councils through this grant in 2002–03. £91 million was allocated to the 95 councils, and the balance (£99 million) to the remaining 55 councils targeted for extra help.

  Residential Care
  Mr. Hepburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many beds are available in residential care in south Tyneside. [9985]

  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  There are currently 1,256 beds available in residential care in south Tyneside.

  Mr. Hepburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many elderly people are waiting for beds in residential care in south Tyneside. [9984]
  991W
  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  There are currently five people waiting for beds in residential care in south Tyneside. Funding is available for them all; however, there are no vacancies in the residential care home of their choice.

  Heart Disease
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what further steps the Government plan to take to reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease in men. [11178]

  Yvette Cooper
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The Government recognise that the death rate from coronary heart disease is significantly higher among men than women and have made it clear that tackling this disease is one of our top priorities. We are taking action through the NHS Plan, and the National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease to tackle the main modifiable risk factors that are more prevalent among men, such as smoking and poor diet.

  A comprehensive smoking cessation service on the NHS is now available across England to support smokers who want to quit. We are also developing a five-a-day programme to increase availability and awareness of fruit and vegetables among groups with the lowest intakes, including men. In addition, we are developing work on exercise and working across Government to improve facilities to support active lifestyles, and the development of communities where it is easier for people to be active.

  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will conduct a review into waiting times for heart bypass operations in the Morecambe Bay Health Authority area; and if he will make a statement. [7515]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 18 October 2001]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  At present, most cardiac patients are referred to the Blackpool Victoria hospital where the maximum waiting time is between 15 and 18 months for routine surgery and up to nine months for urgent treatment. The Blackpool Victoria hospital NHS trust is on target to achieve a 15-month maximum waiting time by 31 March 2002.

  Caesarean Sections
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of births were by caesarean section in each health authority in England in each of the past five years. [10016]
  992W
  Yvette Cooper
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer her to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The statistics are available as national totals, by regions and national health service trusts but not by health authority.

  The table shows national NHS hospital deliveries and percentage of caesarean section 1994–95 to 1999–2000.

  NHS hospital deliveries

  Total number of deliveries (=100%)

  Percentage of deliveries by caesarean section

  1994–95

  604,300

  15.5

  1995–96

  592,699

  16.3

  1996–97

  594,500

  17.0

  1997–98

  585,000

  18.2

  1998–991

  19.4

  1999–20001

  20.4

  1 provisional

  The last NHS maternity statistics including caesarean section rates was published on the 12 June 2001 showing data by trust. A copy was placed in the Library. It can also be found in Table 36 from the DH website at http://www.doh.gov.uk/public/sb0114.htm.

  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what targets he has for the proportion of babies born by caesarean section. [12606]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 5 November 2001]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  The Department currently does not have any targets for the proportion of babies born by caesarean section. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) are producing guidelines on caesarean section. It is also an area we would expect the forthcoming Children's National Service Framework to address.

  Casualty Waiting Times
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the average waiting time at(a) Chorley and South Ribble NHS hospital casualty department and (b) Preston NHS Acute hospital casualty department in the last six months. [11546]

  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  This information is not collected centrally. However, in the week ending 24 February, 84 per cent. of patients attending at Chorley and 77 per cent. of patients at Preston departed from the accident and emergency departments in under four hours.

  NHS Funding
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his estimate is of the annual real terms increase in NHS funding for each of the years(a) 1971–72, (b) 1972–73, (c) 1973–74, (d) 1974–75, (e) 1975–76, (f) 1976–77, (g) 1998–99, (h) 1999–2000, (i) 2000–01, (j) 2001–02, (k) 2002–03 and (1) 2003–04. [10747]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 31 October 2001]: I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  The information requested is set out in the tables.

  NHS expenditure, 1972–72 to 1977–78

  Outturn

  Net NHS expenditure (£ billion)

  Real terms increase (Percentage)

  1971–72

  2.0

  —

  1972–73

  2.3

  5.5

  1973–74

  2.5

  2.6

  1974–75

  3.4

  11.1

  1975–76

  4.5

  5.6

  1976–77

  5.1

  0.4

  NHS expenditure 1997–98 to 2003–04

  Net NHS expenditure (£ billion)

  Real terms increase (Percentage)

  1997–98

  135.0

  —

  1998–99

  136.9

  2.7

  1999–2000

  140.2

  6.4

  2000–01

  244.6

  8.9

  2001–02

  348.8

  6.9

  2002–03

  353.5

  6.8

  2003–04

  357.0

  3.9

  1 Outturn

  2 Estimated outturn

  3 Plan

  Ciprofloxacin
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with(a) British pharmaceutical companies and (b) his United States counterparts, regarding the patenting of Ciprofloxacin penicillin supplies; and if he will make a statement. [11161]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 1 November 2001]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer her to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  I have not had discussions with pharmaceutical companies concerning the patent of Ciprofloxacin.

  My officials have had general discussions with the manufacturer of Ciprofloxacin and several other manufacturers of key medical supplies as part of the medical countermeasures programme against the deliberate release of a biological agent.
  994W
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has recently signed an agreement with his United States counterpart to explore opportunities for joint working across a range of issues concerning bio-terrorism.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans the Government have to ensure supplies of the penicillin Ciprofloxacin are available in the United Kingdom. [11162]

  Yvette Cooper
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer her to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  A substantial stockpile of Ciprofloxacin and other appropriate antibiotics has been secured, and stocks are being further augmented.

  Furthermore, appropriate emergency supplies of Ciprofloxacin and other essential antibiotics have been strategically placed across the UK to facilitate rapid deployment in an emergency.

  Nutrition
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the annual cost of under-nutrition to the NHS; and if he will make a statement. [12914]

  Yvette Cooper
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The number of finished consultant episodes (FCEs) of in-patient care in national health service hospitals in England in 2000–01 for malnutrition was 306. These figures do not represent the number of patients as a person may have more than one FCE in the year.

  This information is extracted from the Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES) system, which contains details of patients admitted to and treated in NHS hospitals in England. HES does not hold data on cost of treatment for malnutrition.

  Figures for 2000–01 have not yet been adjusted for shortfalls (ie they are ungrossed).

  Herceptin
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the drug Herceptin in the treatment of breast cancer; and when the National Institute for Clinical Excellence is likely to make a decision on the licensing of Herceptin. [13380]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer her to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.
  995W
  The Secretary of State and the National Assembly for Wales have asked the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) to appraise Herceptin for breast cancer, and to provide guidance on its use for the national health service in England and Wales.

  The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) is expected to give guidance on Herceptin by the end of this month, providing there are no appeals.

  NICE is not responsible for the licensing of medicines. Herceptin is a European licensed product whose licence was granted by the European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA). Medicines Control Agency licensing records the licence as granted on 28 August 2001.

  Bed Shortages
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what research he has made into the(a) likelihood and (b) scale of bed shortages across London this winter; and if he will place a copy of such research in the Library; [13117]

  (2) what action he has taken to minimise the effects of bed shortages in hospitals in (a) London and (b) elsewhere in the United Kingdom this winter; what guidelines he has issued; and if he will make a statement. [13115]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 7 November 2001]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  Health service circular 2001/014/local authority circular (2001)017 published in July 2001 gave guidance to the national health service in England on planning capacity. Under this guidance all health authorities established local capacity planning groups to plan capacity for winter 2001–02.

  As a result the NHS went into winter with 1,225 more general and acute and 198 critical care beds than the same time in 2000–01. And in the same period, London went into winter with 351 more general and acute beds and 27 critical care beds.

  The results of the bed census carried out at the end of November 2001 were published in "NHS Emergency Pressures—Making Progress" which was placed in the Library in December 2001.

  Elective Surgery
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health at how many places elective surgery was available(a) in each health authority in England and (b) in total for England, in the last two years for which figures are available. [13613]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.
  996W
  In 1999–2000, 251 NHS trusts in England carried out elective operations. 245 NHS trusts carried out elective operations in 2000–01. The table shows the number of trusts in each health authority that carried out elective surgery in both of those years. Fourteen NHS trust mergers took place between these two years.

  Number of NHS trusts

  Health authority

  1999–00

  2000–01

  Hillingdon

  1

  1

  Kensington Chelsea and Westminster

  3

  4

  Enfield and Haringey

  1

  1

  Redbridge and Waltham Forest

  2

  2

  Bedfordshire

  2

  2

  Berkshire

  4

  4

  Buckinghamshire

  4

  4

  Bexley and Greenwich

  2

  2

  Bromley

  1

  1

  Croydon

  1

  1

  East Kent

  1

  1

  West Kent

  5

  5

  Kingston and Richmond

  1

  1

  Lambeth Southwark and Lewisham

  3

  3

  Merton Sutton and Wandsworth

  3

  3

  West Surrey

  5

  5

  East Sussex Brighton and Hove

  4

  4

  West Sussex

  6

  6

  Barking and Havering

  1

  1

  Barnet

  2

  2

  Brent and Harrow

  2

  2

  Camden and Islington

  5

  5

  Ealing Hammersmith and Hounslow

  3

  3

  East London and The City

  5

  5

  North Essex

  4

  3

  South Essex

  2

  2

  South Lancashire

  1

  2

  Liverpool

  4

  5

  Manchester

  4

  4

  Morecambe Bay

  1

  1

  St. Helens and Knowsley

  1

  1

  Salford and Trafford

  3

  3

  Sefton

  3

  3

  Stockport

  2

  1

  West Pennine

  3

  3

  Northamptonshire

  3

  3

  Oxfordshire

  2

  2

  Suffolk

  3

  3

  Barnsley

  2

  2

  North Derbyshire

  2

  2

  South Derbyshire

  2

  2

  Doncaster

  1

  2

  Leicestershire

  4

  2

  Lincolnshire

  3

  1

  North Nottinghamshire

  3

  3

  Nottingham

  2

  2

  Rotherham

  1

  1

  Sheffield

  3

  3

  Bury and Rochdale

  2

  2

  North Cheshire

  2

  2

  South Cheshire

  3

  3

  East Lancashire

  2

  2

  North West Lancashire

  3

  3

  North and Mid Hampshire

  4

  3

  Portsmouth and South East Hampshire

  2

  2

  Southampton and South West Hampshire

  2

  2

  Isle of Wight

  2

  2

  Somerset

  3

  3

  South and West Devon

  3

  3

  Wiltshire

  3

  3

  Avon

  7

  7

  Birmingham

  8

  8

  Wigan and Bolton

  2

  3

  Wirral

  2

  2

  Bradford

  2

  2

  County Durham

  2

  2

  East Riding

  1

  1

  Gateshead and South Tyneside

  2

  2

  997W

  Number of NHS trusts

  Health authority

  1999–00

  2000–01

  Leeds

  2

  2

  Newcastle and North Tyneside

  1

  1

  North Cumbria

  2

  2

  South Humber

  2

  2

  Northumberland

  1

  1

  Sunderland

  1

  1

  Tees

  3

  2

  Wakefield

  1

  1

  North Yorkshire

  4

  4

  Calderdale and Kirklees

  3

  3

  Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

  2

  2

  Dorset

  5

  6

  North and East Devon

  3

  3

  Gloucestershire

  3

  3

  Coventry

  1

  1

  Dudley

  2

  2

  Herefordshire

  2

  2

  Sandwell

  1

  1

  Shropshire

  4

  4

  North Staffordshire

  1

  1

  South Staffordshire

  3

  3

  Walsall

  1

  1

  Warwickshire

  2

  2

  Wolverhampton

  1

  1

  Worcestershire

  4

  2

  East and North Hertfordshire

  2

  1

  West Hertfordshire

  2

  1

  Cambridge

  5

  5

  Norfolk

  4

  4

  Total

  251

  245

  Note:

  The figures have been adjusted to take account of miscodings.

  Atypical Medicines
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has received the provisional findings of NICE in respect of atypical medicines for the treatment of schizophrenia; and if he will publish them. [13780]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The Department has received the provisional and final appraisal determinations. We expect NICE to produce guidance on atypical anti-psychotics within the next few weeks providing there are no appeals.

  Emergency Child Admissions
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement on the public service agreement target to reduce the number of children admitted to hospitals as an emergency during their first year of life with(a) gastro-enteritis, (b) a respiratory infection and (c) a severe injury; [14018]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the public service agreement target for reducing low birth-weight babies. [14017]

  Yvette Cooper
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.
  998W
  The public service agreement targets referred to are for Sure Start for the period 1998–99 to 2001–02. A statement on progress towards these targets will be published in the Department for Education and Skills' annual report in spring 2002.

  Patient Expectation
  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to improve quality of expectation among NHS patients; and if he will make a statement. [14043]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002 Official Report, column 192W.

  The national health service plan set out a vision for creating a patient-centred NHS. The Government have already taken action to improve the quality of patients' experience through a range of initiatives: high quality standards of care through national service frameworks; better quality food and higher standards of cleanliness; measurement of performance from the patient's perspective, through a new system of local surveys and locally published patient prospectuses; new initiatives to strengthen the voice of patients and the public in the management and delivery of health services, as set out in "Involving Patients and the Public in Health Care: Response to the Listening Exercise".

  ME/CFS
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the work of his Department's working party on ME/CFS; and when he expects that working party will publish a report. [14708]

  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The independent CFS/ME working group was set up to review the field of CFS/ME with the aim of providing best practice guidance for clinicians, managers, patients, and carers to improve the quality of care and treatment. Their independent report was published on 11 January 2002 and is available on http://www.doh.gov.uk/cmo/cfsmereport/index.htm.

  The report has identified CFS/ME as a specific illness. The report makes a number of recommendations about recognition and definition of the illness: treatment and care; health service planning; education and awareness; and research. We shall be bringing this report to the attention of chief executives of health authorities, trusts and primary care trusts so that they can consider its implications when commissioning services.

  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what process will be used to evaluate the best methods of treatment for ME/CFS. [36384]
  999W
  Ms Blears
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  Clinicians face problems when treating patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, as there are neither agreed diagnostic criteria nor one form of treatment to suit every patient. We need to develop a greater understanding in this area. A useful way forward at a local level could be for clinicians and patients to develop clinical learning networks that will allow them to develop expertise.

  The Department has also asked the Medical Research Council to develop a broad strategy for advancing biomedical and health services research on CFS/ME.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which items of departmental expenditure fall within the category of miscellaneous services, referred to on page 30 of the 2001 Departmental report. [15251]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The category contains a wide range of activities including expenditure on certain public health functions such as environmental health, health promotion and support to the voluntary sector. The only common feature is that they receive funding direct from the Department of Health, and not via health authorities.

  Individual Learning Accounts
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the cost to public funds in 2001–02 of individual learning accounts to staff in the national health service. [15767]

  Mr. Hutton
  We are investing up to £10 million in 2001–02 to support the commitment in the "NHS Plan" (a copy of which is available in the Library) that national health service staff who do not have a professional qualification will have access to either a NHS learning account of £150 each or national vocational qualification training to level 2 or 3.

  Doctors (Retirement)
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library the information he has received from the NHS pensions agency concerning the retirement of general practitioners, which he referred to during the Second Reading debate of the NHS Reform and Health Care Professions Bill. [17418]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 23 November 2001]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave
  1000W
  my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 29 October 2001, Official Report, column 558W. I am advised that the data excluded those who take their pension before the pension scheme's normal retirement age of 60.

  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what statistics he has collated on the spread of ages at which doctors have retired in(a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000 and (e) 2001. [13853]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 12 November 2001]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  Data in the form requested are not readily available. The number of hospital and community doctors, including Principal and Assistant General Medical and Ophthalmic Practitioners, in England and Wales who have received a retirement pension before or after age 60 for each of the financial years 1997 to 2001 is in the table.

  Financial year

  Before age 60

  After age 60

  Total

  1997

  503

  959

  1,462

  1998

  547

  957

  1,504

  1999

  453

  866

  1,319

  2000

  403

  694

  1,097

  2001

  551

  978

  1,529

  Compulsory Retirement
  Linda Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he issues to NHS authorities and trusts on the practice of compulsory retirement based solely on age. [20486]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer her to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 92W.

  Although there is no central guidance on compulsory retirement based solely on age, NHS organisations and their staff are encouraged to explore the available flexibilities and opportunities. The NHS pension scheme allows staff approaching retirement age and beyond to work more flexibly. This will enable the NHS to keep experienced staff, and their invaluable skills and knowledge.

  In the case of general practitioners health authorities are required under regulation 7(11) of the National Health Service (General Medical Services) Regulations 1992 to remove from their medical list any doctor who has attained the age of 70 years.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many, and what proportion of letters received by the
  1001W
  Department from hon. and Right hon. Members between 20 June and 20 July were replied to in (a) under 15, (b) under 20, (c) under 30, (d) under 40 and (e) over 40 working days. [22002]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 10 December 2001]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  The information is shown in the table.

  Ministerial replies—20 June to 20 July

  Replies sent within

  Number of replies

  Percentage

  15 days

  527

  34

  20 days

  436

  28

  30 days

  202

  13

  40 days

  186

  12

  Over 40 days

  202

  13

  Total

  11,553

  100

  1 In addition 199 letters were transferred to other Government Departments

  Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the handling of the case of Mrs. Violet Christine Mitchell by the Royal Surrey County Hospital in September; and when he will reply to correspondence from(a) Jane Cole of 13 and 28 September and 15 November and (b) the right hon. Member for South West Surrey. [18888]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer her to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  I appreciate the considerable distress Mrs. Mitchell has suffered but I am assured that there was no negligence involved in the delay in diagnosing her injury. The nature of the injury could not be fully ascertained at the first examination and all necessary steps were subsequently taken to reach the correct diagnosis.

  My officials wrote to Ms Cole on 29 November in response to her letters dated 28 October and 15 November. My Department has no record of receiving any letters sent in September.

  My right hon. Friend, the Minister of State replied to the right hon. Member's letter on 4 December 2001.

  Nursing Homes
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many residential and nursing homes have closed because an inspection highlighted inadequacies in their facilities. [23423]

  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.
  1002W
  In the period 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000 (the most recent for which information is available) there were 140 closures of residential care homes and nursing homes (including children's homes) through cancellation procedures under the Registered Homes Act 1984.

  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact of the introduction of free nursing care on the level of charges to residents of nursing homes. [34856]

  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  We expect nursing homes to reduce fees in line with the Registered Nursing Care Contribution received. However, I am aware that a number of national providers have used the opportunity afforded by the introduction of free nursing care to increase fees levied on people funding the costs of their own care. I have written to those providers seeking clarification and justification for the level of increase that they propose. We will take further action if required.

  UK Human Tissue Bank
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received on the work of the UK Human Tissue Bank; if he will make a statement on their work; what advice has been issued to NHS trusts about the collection by the UK Human Tissue Bank of non-transplantable human tissue from hospitals nationwide; what has been done to encourage the use of human tissue by scientists operating within the UK; and what evidence he has collated as to the efficacy of using human tissue rather than animal subjects in tests. [25444]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  All Tissue Banks in the public sector supplying human tissues for therapeutic purposes to the NHS are required to be accredited by the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) by 31 March 2003. An MCA inspection will determine whether the bank complies with the standards set out in—"A Code of Practice for Tissue Banks: providing tissues of human origin for therapeutic purposes."

  The UK Human Tissue Bank (UK HTB) is a not for profit organisation based at De Montfort university, Leicester. They collect, process and distribute non-transplantable human tissue for research purposes to scientists working in universities, medical institutions and the pharmaceutical industry. UK HTB have had discussions with Department officials, the Medical Research Council (MRC), and the MCA seeking clarification of departmental policy. They have not written or met with Ministers.
  1003W
  The MRC supports the principle of human tissue banks for research, and actively encourages the deposition and use of human tissue samples, where appropriate. The MRC Guidelines 'Human tissue and biological samples for use in research' observes that
  "use of such [human] material can … reduce both the research demands on patients and the need to use animals".

  In the light of Alder Hey and events elsewhere, we are committed to a fundamental review of the law concerning the taking, storage and use of human tissue from both the living and the dead, including organs and tissues for transplantation. The Chief Medical Officer made 17 specific recommendations regarding the removal, retention and use of human organs and tissue. An extensive programme of implementation is well under way, led by the Department of Health, which is working closely with other Government Departments and other agencies. This includes work to review the Human Tissue Act and the Human Organ Transplants Act and common law. A consultation document will be issued shortly.

  Multiple Sclerosis
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what recent discussions he has had with those pharmaceutical companies that have developed beta interferon and other disease-modifying drugs for MS, concerning the terms on which these drugs may be made available on the NHS in the future; [18079]

  (2) what recent discussions he has had with pharmaceutical companies that manufacture disease-modifying drugs for MS on their willingness to supply those drugs to the NHS at a price which reflects their efficacy, and if he will make a statement. [24980]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) on 8 February 2002, Official Report, column 1241W.

  Neuroleptic Drugs
  Paul Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in reducing the inappropriate over-use of neuroleptic drugs in homes for the elderly. [26030]

  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  A number of measures have been taken to ensure that there is no inappropriate or excessive use of antipsychotic drugs for older people. In particular, implementation of the National Service Framework for Older People will ensure effective prescribing and administration of medication for older people. The new national minimum
  1004W
  standards for care homes, for implementation from April 2002, include standards to protect older people from inappropriate medication.

  Latex Allergy
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures his Department is taking to protect health service staff and patients who are allergic to latex from exposure to it; and if he will refer the issue of latex allergy to the Medical Devices Agency Committee on Safety of Devices. [26124]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 11 January 2002]: I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  The Medical Devices Agency (MDA) regularly investigates the risks posed to patients and health care workers and, along with the Department, issues relevant guidance. Latex is recognised as a sensitiser or substance hazardous to health as defined by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH 1994) and HSC 1999/186 instructed that individuals who are sensitised to latex should stop using latex medical gloves and be provided with gloves made from an alternative material.

  It would be inappropriate to refer the issue of latex allergy to the MDA's Committee on Safety of Devices at the moment, because the MDA is actively involved in drafting European guidance for manufacturers on the regulations for medical devices containing latex. The European Commission group working on this document is expected to complete this work later this year.

  Lauren Wright
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans the Government have to hold a public inquiry into the death of Lauren Wright; [27238]

  (2) what measures have been put in place to ensure that there is no repetition of the events which led to the death of Lauren Wright. [27236]

  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  We have no plans to hold a public inquiry in this case. This does not ignore the tragedy that Lauren Wright's death represents, but we need to balance detailed investigation and inquiry with action that will ensure we minimise the possibility of such tragedies happening again.

  In Lauren's case, the independent review into the actions of health staff and organisations, which is due to report in March 2002; the robust oversight by the Area Child Protection Committee of the implementation by local agencies of the action plan produced to take forward the recommendations of the serious case review; the follow-up inspection of Norfolk's children's services by

  1005W
  the Social Services Inspectorate, which found substantial improvements in Norfolk's child care and child protection services; and the Social Services Inspectorate/Audit Commission Joint Review of Norfolk scheduled for March 2002, should together ensure that the lessons from this tragedy are learned and applied in practice in the future within Norfolk.

  We have already established a statutory inquiry into the death of another little girl, Victoria Climbie. The Victoria Climbie inquiry, being chaired by Lord Laming, is a wide ranging inquiry that will closely examine the working of our child protection system. We anticipate that this inquiry will produce recommendations that will be relevant to child protection practice and procedure across the country, and which, as far as possible, will prevent further tragedies of this kind. We look forward to Lord Laming's report and his recommendations with interest.

  Accident and Emergency Departments
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures of performance he uses to judge the quality of care in accident and emergency departments. [27716]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) review teams follow patients' pathways of care when undertaking clinical governance reviews of national health service trusts. Accident and emergency (A&E) departments are frequently included as a key element of a pathway of care.

  The review teams both interview A&E staff and observe A&E departments in order to examine how patients are cared for during their stay. Elements frequently reported on are issues about the quality of the environment, the maintenance of confidentiality, the provision of privacy which promotes dignity, the flow of care, including waiting times and how the department relates to other services.

  All CHI reports highlight both notable practice and issues that require the organisation's action. All action issues are followed up utilising the trust's own action plan, which like the report is published.

  In addition, the Government measure waiting times in A&E. Data on waits for admission post decision to admit are published quarterly. The NHS Plan set a new target for A&E, to reduce the maximum wait in A&E from arrival to admission, transfer or discharge to four hours by 2004. In line with this target, from August 2001, data on total time in A&E from arrival to admission, transfer or discharge have been collected. These data show that the NHS is currently on track to meet this target with 77 per cent. of A&E attenders spending four hours or less in A&E.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff were required to work on Sundays in accident and emergency departments in each year between 1990 and 2000. [30938]
  1006W
  Ms Blears
  The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Staffing of accident and emergency departments is a matter for the national health service locally.

  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average number of trolley bays is per thousand patients seen in accident and emergency departments in England. [36891]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  Information on the number of trolley bays in accident and emergency departments is not collected centrally. In the year 2000–01 there were 12,953,000 attendances at accident and emergency departments in England.

  Ministerial Transport
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his estimate is of the cost of(a) ministerial cars and drivers and (b) taxis for his Department in each of the last four years. [27907]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on 30 January 2002, Official Report, column 406W.

  The table gives a summary of costs of taxis.

  Cost of taxis

  Year (April to March)

  £

  1998–99

  189,730.78

  1999–2000

  220,603.24

  2000–01

  250,321.97

  2001–02

  236,944.18

  Head Injuries
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will create a new social services user category for neurological conditions including acquired brain injury. [30838]

  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  It is not usual practice to instruct councils with social services responsibilities to provide services within specific categories and I do not at present intend to create a new user category for neurological conditions. However I recognise the importance of the provision of the right sort of services to meet the needs of people with acquired

  1007W
  brain injury. The National Service Framework (NSF) for long-term conditions will set standards for the care and treatment of various long-term conditions, including for acquired brain injury. This NSF will look at services and set standards in both health and social care.

  NHS Professionals
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he will take against those trusts which choose not to use NHS professionals to provide their temporary nursing staff. [30769]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  Current advice to trusts about the use of NHS professionals is contained in HCS 2001–02.

  Private Hospitals
  Mr. George Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will require private sector hospitals to publish performance indicators on standards of patient care. [30856]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, at column 192W.

  National Care Standards Commission inspection teams will collect data on the performance indicators for the sector as laid out in regulation 28 of the Private and Voluntary Health Care Regulations. This data will be analysed and form part of the report from the Commission to the Secretary of State.

  The Commission is also examining other key clinical indicators that may be perceived to be a reflection on the quality of care received by a patient, and inspection teams will collect data on these issues in the first year of inspection experience. They will test the approaches to data collection to ensure that it is robust before publishing the results.

  Patient Treatment Statistics
  Chris Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients were treated in the(a) NHS and (b) private sector (i) in total and (ii) as a percentage, in each of the last 10 years. [30565]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, at column 192W.

  This information is not available in the form requested.
  1008W
  Information on the numbers of NHS patients treated by hospitals in England is available from Hospital Episodes Statistics, published by the Department of Health. The Department of Health does not collect information on the overall number of patients treated in private hospitals.

  Food Products
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the Food Standards Agency concerning manufacturers of food products who will not disclose when they use mechanically recovered meat. [32797]

  Yvette Cooper
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, at column 192W.

  I have been advised by the Food Standards Agency that a research project, to establish whether bovine mechanically recovered meat (MRM) was a significant source of human exposure to material infected with Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy between 1980 and 1995, is currently being finalised with potential contractors. The agency has had preliminary discussions with the main meat trade associations who have said that they will help gather as much information as possible. The results of the study will be reported to the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee, which advises the Government on matters concerning BSE and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, and will be made publicly available.

  NHS Direct
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many calls to NHS Direct are initially dealt with by a call handler who is not a qualified nurse. [33757]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  It is general practice for calls made to NHS Direct to be handled by call handlers before being passed on to a qualified nurse. Between 20 and 30 per cent. of NHS Direct's calls are health information calls and can be handled without any form of consultation with a nurse.

  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average length of time was for a caller to NHS Direct to speak to a qualified nurse in the last 12 months. [33758]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  For the calendar year of 2001, NHS Direct handled around five million calls. The average length of time for a caller to NHS Direct to speak to a nurse is not currently

  1009W
  available. However, 59.23 per cent. of all callers spoke to a nurse within five minutes, and 82.35 per cent. of all callers spoke to a nurse within 30 minutes.

  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many calls were made to the NHS Direct service during the year to 31 December 2001; and what the costs were of administering the service for that period. [30313]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 25 January 2002]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  For the calendar year of 2001, NHS Direct handled around five million calls, averaging 96,000 calls a week. The cost of running NHS Direct in 2000–01 was £80 million.

  Consultation Documents
  Dr. Richard Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 9 November 2001,Official Report, columns 476–77W, on consultation documents, how many of the consultation documents issued by his Department in 2000 defined a preferred option; and in how many of these the preferred option was adopted. [33536]

  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  Of the 31 consultation exercises that the Department conducted during 2000, six defined a preferred option and in five cases the preferred option was adopted.

  Accountancy Services
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total cost to his Department was for accountancy services in each of the last four years. [34163]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The Department's accounting system does not collect information in the form requested.

  Departmental Policies (Bristol, East)
  Jean Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Bristol, East constituency, the effects on Bristol of his Department's policies and actions(a) from 5 May 1994 to 2 May 1997, (b) from 2 May 1997 to 7 May 1998, and (c) since 7 May 1998. [35605]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer her to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon.
  1010W
  Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to her by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office on 4 March 2002, Official Report, column 80W.

  Further information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the provision of milk tokens to mothers who are asylum seekers. [35007]

  Yvette Cooper
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply he received on 10 January 2002, Official Report, column 1024W.

  Statutory Instruments
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the statutory instruments issued by his Department in the last 12 months, indicating(a) the purpose of each and (b) the cost of each to (i) public funds, (ii) businesses and (iii) individuals. [36234]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  A list of all statutory instruments made by the Department of Health in 2001 and to date in 2002 has been placed in the Library. Information relating to the purpose and cost of each instrument can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  From March 2002, explanatory memoranda will be provided for all affirmative statutory instruments as announced by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House on 1 February 2002, Official Report, column 584W. Much of the information requested will be provided in this memoranda.

  Bed Blocking
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received concerning bed blocking of old age psychiatry beds(a) in the UK and (b) in North Yorkshire. [36917]

  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer her to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  Discharges from old age psychiatry beds can be delayed because of difficulties in finding suitable ongoing care for these patients. Standard 7 of the national service

  1011W
  framework for older people requires that older people who have mental health problems should have access to integrated mental health services provided by the national health service and councils to ensure effective diagnosis, treatment and support, for them and their carers. Implementing the requirements of Standard 7 will minimise the problems of delayed discharges from old age psychiatry beds. In addition, we are planning to encourage the provision of intermediate care services which meet the needs of people suffering from dementia.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate his Department has made of the extent of bed blocking in the south-east; and what action he is taking to reduce it. [6257]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 15 October 2001]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  Tackling delayed transfers of care is a high priority throughout the south-east region. Addressing delayed transfers of care features strongly in both performance improvement plans and local modernisation reviews in the south-east. To support this work, over £14 million of additional funding was allocated to local authorities within the south-east this year and over £36 million allocated next year to tackle bed blocking.

  A joint social care/national health service regional strategic group has been established to identify specific actions that can be taken to improve availability within the residential and nursing home market. It will also produce a planning model for intermediate care in the south-east.

  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of acute beds are blocked in each health authority in England. [37480]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 5 March 2002]: The information requested has been placed in the Library.

  Long-term Care Beds
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of the need for long-term care beds in the(a) private, (b) voluntary and (c) public sectors. [35526]

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of the need for long-term care beds in the(a) private, (b) voluntary and (c) public sectors. [36518]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 26 February 2002]: I apologise to the hon. Members for the delay in responding to this question. I refer them to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  I refer them to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Aylesbury (Mr. Lidington) on 1 February 2002, Official Report, columns 626–27W.
  1012W
  All types of providers have a role to play in supplying services and we have not made separate assessments for different sectors.

  Strokes
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many stroke cases have occurred in each health authority in England in the last three years(a) in total and (b) as a per capita figure; and how many stroke cases there were per consultant in each national health service region in the last three years. [37831]

  Jacqui Smith
  The information requested for consultants is not currently available centrally while essential validation work on data at consultant level is being carried out both centrally and locally at Trust level. It is planned that consultant level information will begin to become available in the summer of 2003.

  The information requested for stroke cases for the last three years has been placed in the Library.

  Pregnant Women (Exposure to Chemicals)
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action his Department is taking to minimise exposure of pregnant women to chemicals, including pesticides, that have the potential to disrupt endocrine systems. [38131]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Department contributes to Government procedures for risk assessment and setting exposure limits for chemicals used in various areas. These procedures aim to protect the public, including pregnant women and the foetus. They include the approval of pesticide products following consideration of the advice from the independent Advisory Committee on Pesticides.

  The Department, together with the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Health and Safety Executive, and the European Chemical Industries Council, the Department is funding a £1.7 million research programme of epidemiological studies to investigate trends in male reproductive health, and the possible influences of occupational or environmental (or other) exposure to chemicals. The programme includes evaluation of effects of maternal exposures on the male foetus. Results from the four studies in the programme are expected to be available by the end of this year.

  The Department also participates in European risk assessments of chemicals; has contributed to the development of the European Commission Community Strategy for Endocrine Disrupters; and is contributing to a comprehensive assessment (through the World Health Organisation's International Programme on Chemical Safety) of the state of the science on endocrine disruption. In addition it supports the leading role which the United Kingdom plays in the test guidelines programme of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which aims to ensure that the harmonised test methods used internationally reflect best practical approaches for assessing the health effects of chemicals. This includes an active role in the work of the OECD Endocrine Disrupter Testing and Assessment Group which is taking forward the validation of new methods for detecting compounds with such properties.
  1013W
  Further information on this issue, and on Government action, is in the note "Hormone (Endocrine) Disrupting Substances in the Environment" at http://www.defra.gov.uk/nvironment/hormone/index.htm

  As the assessments progress and further scientific evidence becomes available, the Government, together with our European partners, will evaluate whether further action to limit exposure to chemicals is required.

  Hospital Admissions
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the rate of admissions to hospital of children per 1,000 children under 16 that were the result of an unintentional injury resulting in a hospital stay of longer than three days was in 1999–2000. [5237]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 19 July 2001]: I apologise to my right hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs, Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  The rate at which children under 16 are admitted into hospital as the result of an unintentional injury resulting in a hospital stay of longer than three days was 1.02 per 1,000 children under 16 in 1999–2000.

  National Alcohol Strategy
  Mr. Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on plans for a national alcohol strategy. [5565]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 20 July 2001]: I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  The NHS Plan says that the Department will be implementing the national strategy to tackle alcohol misuse by 2004. The Department is on course to achieve this target and we expect to publish a consultation paper for the strategy this summer.

  Transplants
  Ms Stuart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions there have been between the NSCAG and their Scottish colleagues on the new transplant centre in Glasgow. [4379]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 20 February 2002]: I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer her to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  Discussions have taken place with Scotland and they are participating in the work to develop national standards for the service.
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  Specific decisions on the restart of the adult heart transplant surgery service at North Glasgow University Hospital NHS Trust are however a matter for the Scottish Executive Minister for Health and Community Care.

  Hinchingbrooke Hospital
  Mr. Djanogly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) hospital medical staff, (b) consultants and (c) nursing and midwifery staff were employed at Hinchingbrooke hospital on (i) 31 March and (ii) in each year since 1996. [6174]

  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The information requested is shown in the table.

  NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): hospital medical staff, consultants and qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff employed at Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust as at 30 September each year

  Whole-time equivalents

  All hospital medical staff

  of which Consultants

  Qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff

  1996

  110

  50

  490

  1997

  120

  50

  510

  1998

  120

  50

  540

  1999

  130

  50

  540

  2000

  140

  60

  530

  2001

  140

  60

  490

  Notes:

  1. Figures are rounded to the nearest ten.

  2. Figures exclude learners and agency staff.

  Source:

  Department of Health non-medical workforce census

  Department of Health medical and dental workforce cenus

  Huntingdonshire PCT was established on 1 April 2001 and some qualified nursing and health visiting community staff have transferred from the acute hospital which accounts for the apparent fall in the 2001 whole-time equivalents figure.

  Nursing Care (Financial Support)
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of eligible residents in nursing homes have been assessed for the level of need for financial support for their nursing care. [32964]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 4 February 2002]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) on 27 February 2002, Official Report, columns 1398–99W.

  National Service Framework
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much of the(a) revenue and (b) capital additional funding in 2001–02 to fast-forward the National Service Framework has been (i) allocated and (ii) spent. [35492]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 12 February 2002]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  Announced with the national health service plan was additional funding to fast forward the national service framework. In 2001–02 £12.35 million revenue and £68 million capital was originally allocated. £4 million capital has been reallocated to 2002–03. The revised allocations for 2001–02 are therefore £12.35 million revenue and £64 million capital.

  BCG Vaccination
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the level of vaccination coverage is among children who should have received the BCG vaccination in the last academic year. [38682]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 28 February 2002]: Information about the numbers of children receiving BCG vaccinations is contained in tables 4 and 5 of the Statistical Bulletin "NHS Immunisation Statistics, England: 2000–01". A copy of the bulletin is available in the Library and can also be found on the Department of Health website www.doh.gov.uk/public/sb0121.htm.

  Since the resumption of the schools routine BCG programme in March 2001, up to the end of January 2002, over 2.2 million more doses of vaccine have been distributed to co-ordinators around the United Kingdom compared with the previous year.

  Smoking
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the effect of rates of tobacco tax on levels of smoking. [40516]

  Mr. Boateng
  I have been asked to reply.

  Research has consistently shown that the demand for cigarettes is affected by their price. So it follows that tax levels can play an important role in determining levels of overall tobacco consumption.

  Asbestos
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from(a) Eternit of Belgium and (b) Saint-Gobain SA of France concerning the provision of asbestos substitutes. [39295]

  Dr. Whitehead
  [holding answer 1 March 2002]: I have been asked to reply.

  The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was in regular correspondence with Eternit UK, as a manufacturer of asbestos cement products, when it was planning legislation to prohibit the importation, supply and use of all forms of asbestos. Officials from HSE also met
  1016W
  representatives from the company in February 1997, when the availability of asbestos substitute materials was discussed.

  When the Health and Safety Commission consulted on draft Regulations in autumn 1998, Eternit UK commented on the proposals, giving their full support.

  I am not aware of any similar contacts with Saint-Gobain.

  Vaccinated Meat
  David Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information the Government have received regarding the health implications of vaccinated meat entering the food chain. [2577]

  Yvette Cooper
  I apologise to the right hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  I assume the hon. Member is referring to foot and mouth disease vaccines.

  The foot and mouth disease vaccines for use in any vaccination programme contain inactivated foot and mouth disease virus as their active ingredient. The FSA advise that there are no appreciable health implications of eating meat from animals vaccinated with the inactivated virus and there are no chemical safety concerns for human consumers associated with the use of the vaccines in food producing animals.

  National Cardiothoracic Transplant Service
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 3 July 2001,Official Report, column 149W, on the transplant service, what funds will be available to meet the costs of implementation of the Government's proposals for reorganisation of the National Cardiothoracic Transplant Service. [2840]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 9 July 2001]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  The discussion document on the National Adult Heart and Lung Transplant Scheme was issued on 21 September 2001. From 1 April 2002 the Service will be commissioned by the National Specialist Commissioning Advisory Group who will be responsible for managing the service within funds allocated centrally.

  Accident and Emergency Centres
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria are used to judge whether accident and emergency centres remain functional. [2936]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon.
  1017W
  Friend the member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column
  192W.

  It is up to local health communities to determine the provision of services in line with clinical advice. The Government are keen to see that patients have access to services at as local a level as possible but against this desire must be balanced the need to ensure that patients receive the highest levels of clinical care, where ever that care is provided.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what critical mass is required to maintain an accident and emergency unit. [8416]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  It is up to local health communities to determine the provision of services in line with clinical advice. The Government are keen to see that patients have access to services at as local a level as possible but against this desire must be balanced the need to ensure that patients receive the highest levels of clinical care, where ever that care is provided.

  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to improve the efficiency with which patient records are handled in accident and emergency departments. [12860]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The NHS Plan, "Information for Health" and "Building the Information Core", made a clear commitment to providing electronic records to everyone in England. The objective is eventually to provide on-line access to the patient record for all members of the national health service family including family doctors, hospitals, NHS Direct, ambulance services and mental health trusts, etc.

  One of the key targets in "Information for Health" requires all hospitals to have fully integrated systems meeting Electronic Patient Records (EPR) level 3 requirements, in place by March 2005 to support clinical activity.

  The successful implementation of EPR in acute, primary care and community social care environments are a pre-requisite to successful implementation of the first generation of Electronic Health Records (EHR) to support 24-hour emergency care. The EHR will be a summary of the data contained in the numerous organisational-based EPRs (hospitals, primary care, community, etc.) about an individual and will initially be used to support 24-hour emergency care. The ultimate aim is to make it available to all health care professionals to support routine care. The target in "Information for Health" called for the first generation EHR to support 24-hour emergency care to be in place by March 2005.

  Hospital Trusts
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultation will take place in relation to the future of hospital trusts. [2933]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  We are committed to ensuring that there are comprehensive mechanisms in place to ensure full and effective consultation on matters relating to the national health service.

  Currently the NHS has a duty to consult with community health councils on changes to the NHS. The NHS Reform and Healthcare Professions Bill, currently before Parliament, provides for the abolition of community health councils, which are to be replaced by a wider and more comprehensive patient and public involvement system.

  In the future the NHS will be placed under a duty to consult local authority overview and scrutiny committees on plans substantially to develop or vary health services, including hospital trusts. This duty is provided for in the Health and Social Care Act 2001.

  Additionally, section 12 of the Health and Social Care Act 2001 places a duty on the NHS to involve and consult the public and its representatives on the planning and development of services, and to involve them in decisions affecting services.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement on the number of board meetings held without minutes being taken by the Chorley and South Ribble Hospital; [2932]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the emergency board meeting of the Chorley and South Ribble and Preston acute hospital trusts regarding merger, with particular reference to the notice given to board members. [2924]

  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  All formal meetings of the Chorley and South Ribble NHS Trust Board have been properly minuted. The Chairs of Chorley and South Ribble NHS Trust and Preston Acute Hospitals NHS Trust called an extraordinary joint meeting of Non-Executive, Executive Directors and senior officers who report directly to the Chief Executive, on 2 July 2001. The agenda was issued on 28 June 2001. The purpose of that meeting was to discuss the appointment of a new Chief Executive, but the question of a possible merger was then raised. The subject was formally debated at the next meeting of the Chorley and South Ribble NHS Trust Board which took place on 30 July 2001.
  1019W
  Consultation on the proposed merger of the Chorley and South Ribble NHS Trust and the Preston Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is due to conclude on 10 March. A submission will then be put to Ministers in due course.

  National Institute for Clinical Excellence
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the number of people with advanced colorectal cancer that are being denied irinotecan, oxaliplatin and raltitrexed for the treatment of their disease. [3288]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 11 July 2001]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 129W.

  The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recently published guidance on the use of irinotecan, oxaliplatin and raltitrexed for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer.

  Directions have been issued obliging health authorities and primary care trusts to provide appropriate funding for treatments recommended by NICE. From 1 January this year, the NHS will have three months from the date of publication of each technology appraisal guidance to provide funding, so that clinical decisions made by doctors involving NICE recommended treatments or drugs can be funded.

  Mental Health
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the new antipsychotic drugs for schizophrenia have been tested for side effects; and what conclusions were made. [3453]

  Ms Blears: I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2000, Official Report, column 192W.

  Companies applying for a licence to market a new drug are required to submit the result of clinical trials. These trials will include data on the side effect profile of the products under investigation.

  All recently introduced antipsychotics, which include clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine and quetiapine, have been tested in clinical trials on large numbers of patients in order to adequately characterise their side effect profiles.

  These drugs are recognised to produce side effects in some patients, most frequently extrapyramidal symptons, dizziness, postural hypotension, and weight gain. More rarely these drugs may produce more serious adverse effects including blood disorders or neuroleptic malignant syndrome, or serious movement disorders (tardive dyskinesia) with prolonged use. These side effects are described in the summary of product characteristics for the individual products.
  1020W
  The clinical data collected in the trials of these drugs indicate that these new antipsychotics are generally better tolerated by patients than the older drugs in that some side effects occur less frequently or with reduced severity.

  In all cases the information on adverse events related to use of the drug (side effect profile) must be considered in relation to the clinical benefit produced by the drug. The potential for harm from possible side effects must be weighed against the likely benefit to patients from the drug. Such a judgment is termed an overall risk to benefit assessment. For all new antipsychotic drugs which have been granted a licence, this overall risk to benefit assessment was considered to be positive.

  Rocky Bennett
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what response the Government have made to the recommendations of Coroner William Armstrong at the inquest into the death of Rocky Bennett; and if he will make a statement. [5312]

  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The Government's response to the issues raised in the Coroner's inquest following the death of Mr. David (Rocky) Bennett has been placed in the Library.

  North Cumbria Health Authority
  David Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what representations he received(a) before and (b) after the decision was made to move the headquarters of North Cumbria health authority; [5269]

  (2) what discussions he had with representatives of North Cumbria health authority (a) prior to and (b) after the decision was taken to move the headquarters to West Cumbria; [5268]

  (3) if he will reverse the decision by the Chairman of the North Cumbria health authority to move the headquarters to West Cumbria; [5266]

  (4) what the cost is of moving the headquarters of the North Cumbria health authority from Carlisle to West Cumbria. [5267]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 19 July 2001]: I apologise to the right hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  The North Cumbria health authority has not moved its headquarters.

  I am aware that the North Cumbria Acute Hospitals National Health Service Trust, which was established on 1 April 2001, has based its headquarters at the West Cumberland hospital.
  1021W
  I understand that the Department has received representations at a local level. The decision as to the location of the trust headquarters was taken by the trust board and was taken in the interest of the whole organisation. No costs were incurred by the trust.

  Transplants
  Paul Holmes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) whether the national specialist commissioning advisory group studied comparisons of success rates between transplant centres, contrasting percentage survival rates with the number of transplants performed in each centre each year; [4512]

  (2) whether the national specialist commissioning advisory group compared waiting times for pre-transplant assessment between transplant centres with the number of transplants performed in each centre each year; [4513]

  (3) whether the national specialist commissioning advisory group assessed existing figures on after-care services provided by centres in relation to the number of transplants performed in each centre each year; [4514]

  (4) whether the national specialist commissioning advisory group examined best practice in other countries with regard to transplants. [4515]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 19 July 2001]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  Our long-term goal for the cardiothoracic service is to increase the number of patients who receive successful heart and lung transplants, to ensure that today's high quality service is sustained in the future and to improve the working lives of the professionals who provide this crucial service.

  To meet this goal, we issued a discussion document on 21 September 2001. It announces that all six cardiothoracic transplant units will continue to provide a service to NHS patients. To do so, they will need to meet the clear and explicit requirements set out in the new monitoring framework proposed in the discussion document. These requirements include staffing levels and qualifications, arrangements for retrieval of organs, the number of transplants carried out or the number of patients seen in follow-up clinics and survival and rejection rates. All six units will be inspected against these requirements.

  The new service standards and effective monitoring will help ensure continued improvement to the quality of cardiothoracic transplant services, and provide patients with a national service of the highest possible quality. A copy of the discussion document, which invites comments on the standards and specification for the service, is in the Library.

  Ms Stuart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what factors underlay the recommendations by NSCAG about transplant centres in England and Wales. [4380]
  1022W
  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 20 July 2001]: I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer her to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  The key factor, which underlay the recommendations, was to ensure high quality clinical skills are maintained within our cardiothoracic transplant teams so as to ensure patients continue to receive the highest care possible.

  Ms Stuart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health upon what evidence NSCAG based its recommendation concerning the number of transplants individual surgeons should perform each year. [4381]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 20 July 2001]: I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer her to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  The recommendation as to the number of transplants individual surgeons should perform comes from the Royal College of Surgeons Expert Working Party chaired by Professor Sir Peter Morris which reported in January 1999.

  Ms Stuart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate NSCAG has made of patient outcome if a transplant unit performs(a) 40 and (b) 50 transplants per annum. [4382]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 20 July 2001]: I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer her to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  In considering outcome data provided by United Kingdom Transplant Authority, NSCAG found that there is no statistically significant difference in the available outcome data between centres.

  Ms Stuart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment NSCAG and the Royal College of Surgeons has made of the levels of skills required to perform(a) heart transplant operations, (b) heart valve operations and (c) lung transplants. [4383]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 20 July 200I]: I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer her to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  It is the responsibility of the Royal College of Surgeons to accredit those who seek to perform (a), (b) and (c) as with other forms of surgery.

  The responsibility of NSCAG is to offer advice to the Secretary of State in commissioning designated national specialist services.
  1023W
  Ms Stuart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate has been made of the number of heart and lung transplants that could be undertaken per annum by five national centres. [4385]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 20 July 2001]: I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer her to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  The number of heart and lung transplants that could be undertaken in any given number of centres depends on the availability of organs and the capacity within the centres. Over time capacity can be adjusted depending on the resources available.

  Ms Stuart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration the National Specialist Commissioning Advisory Group has given to the travel and transportation needs of patients following heart transplantation for follow-up care in the first 12 months following surgery. [4377]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 20 July 2001]: I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer her to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  As part of the review of cardiothoracic transplant services, population access to centres for transplant services was one of the factors considered.

  Our proposals for new national standards are set out in the discussion document "National Adult Heart and Lung Transplant Service" and will be reviewed in the light of the comments received.

  Ms Stuart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment NSCAG has made of the number of people in a unit needed to perform a given number of operations; and what factors underlay the assumptions involved. [4384]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 20 July 2001]: I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer her to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  The responsibility of NSCAG is to offer advice to the Secretary of State in commissioning designated national specialist services.

  The work force in each unit is determined not by NSCAG but by the service agreement between the unit and the Department of Health through negotiations.

  Ms Stuart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will undertake a review of organ retrieval boundaries to reflect population size and ensure equal access. [4386]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 20 July 2001]: I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer her to the reply that
  1024W
  my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  Organ retrieval boundaries are continuously reviewed by the Cardiac Transplant Advisory Group, a subcommittee of the United Kingdom Transplant Authority. The directors of all the National Cardiothoracic Transplant centres comprise the membership of the Cardiac Transplant Advisory Group.

  Home Care
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give the latest data on the number of households receiving more than 10 contact hours of intensive home care and over five visits during a survey week per thousand head of population aged 65 and over. [5852]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 20 July 2001]: I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  In the autumn of 2000 survey week (the latest date for which data are available), 9.2 households per 1,000 population aged 65 or over in England were receiving intensive home care (more than ten contact hours and over five visits).

  Arthritis (Wales)
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussion he has had with his counterpart at the National Assembly for Wales, concerning the development of a national strategy to deal with arthritis in Wales. [6430]

  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The National Assembly for Wales is responsible for health matters in Wales. Department of Health officials continue to work with officials in the National Assembly for Wales generally on the development of health strategies.

  Family Doctor Practices
  Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his policy towards family doctor practices that wish to replace a full-time partner with two half-time doctors. [6761]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.
  1025W
  As set out in the NHS Plan (paragraph 13.11) the Medical Practices Committee will be abolished on 31 March 2002 and its functions devolved to Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). In future therefore PCTs will be responsible for determining these matters in line with our policy of devolving power and responsibility to the local level.

  Departmental Spending
  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total amount of spending by his Department was in each nation and region of the United Kingdom, in the last year for which figures are available; what proportion of his Department's total spending this constitutes; and if he will make a statement. [6869]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The information is not available in the form requested.

  The total spend by the Department of Health is shown in the tables.

  (i) Direct expenditure on health service provision via health authorities.

  Total expenditure—health authorities by regional office
  for 1999–2000

  England

  £000

  Trent and Yorkshire

  4,955,804

  Trent

  3,918,218

  Eastern

  3,721,362

  London

  6,458,945

  South East

  6,082,384

  South West

  3,527,739

  West Midlands

  3,933,614

  North West

  5,271,048

  Total

  37,869,114

  Notes:

  1. This information is provided on a resource basis.

  The majority of general dental services is not included in health authority accounts and is separately accounted for by the Dental Practice Board. Pharmacedutical services accounted for by the Prescription Pricing Authority are also excluded. Total expenditure for England in respect of these two services for 1999–2000 was £2,233,288,000.

  2. There has been a change of accounting policy agreed after the submission of the 1999–2000 summarisation forms, relating to the treatment of fixed asset impairments. This would have resulted in lower expenditure figures for health authorities than that shown in the table. The amount involved on average is approximately £7 million per health authority.

  Source:

  Health Authority Summarisation Forms 1999–2000.

  (ii) Department of Health central expenditure on hospital, community health, family health, miscellaneous health and related services and on personal social services.

  Expenditure administered by the Department, by its regional office and by other related bodies for 1999–2000

  £000

  Central Department

  1,457,154

  Executive agencies

  304

  Non-departmental public bodies

  180,784

  Special health authorities

  227,941

  1026W

  Expenditure administered by the Department, by its regional office and by other related bodies for 1999–2000

  £000

  Other statutory bodies

  195,720

  Northern and Yorkshire regional office

  161,742

  Trent regional office

  156,734

  Eastern regional office

  94,815

  London regional office

  572,709

  South East regional office

  218,770

  South West regional office

  153,920

  West Midlands regional Office

  108,226

  North West regional office

  185,279

  Total

  3,714,098

  Notes:

  1. This information is provided on a cash basis.

  2. Expenditure shown is by administering and managing body.

  3. Expenditure of the Department and its executive agencies, non-departmental public bodies and special health authorities is generally on an England-wide basis. Certain services are, however, provided to or on behalf of the Scottish Executive, the National Assembly for Wales and Northern Ireland. The proportion of expenditure on such UK-wide services is negligible in comparison to the overall quantum of expenditure.

  Source:

  The Appropriation Accounts for Class II, Votes 1 and 2 and the central accounting records of the Department of Health 1999–2000.

  (iii) Department of Health expenditure on the administration of services.

  Administrative expenditure of the Department, its regional offices and its executive agencies for 1999–2000

  £000

  Central Department

  207,457

  Executive agencies

  31,615

  Northern and Yorkshire regional office

  6,984

  Trent regional office

  7,151

  Eastern regional office

  6,888

  London regional office

  9,964

  South East regional office

  9,428

  South West regional office

  7,047

  West Midlands regional office

  7,057

  North West regional office

  7,443

  Total

  301,034

  Notes:

  1. This information is provided on a cash basis.

  2. Expenditure is utilised wholly within England.

  Source:

  The Appropriation Accounts for Class II, Votes 1 and 2 and the central accounting records of the Department of Health 1999–2000.

  Nursing Care (Elderly People)
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many residents of nursing homes are receiving payments under the Government's new scheme for funding part of nursing care for the elderly. [8832]

  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The survey of health authorities carried out in June 2001 identified 42,700 people in nursing homes responsible for paying all their care costs from their own resources.
  1027W
  By the end of February 2002, 95 per cent. had had their needs determined by a national health service nurse and the remainder should be completed by the end of March.

  All payments will be effective from 1 October 2001 or whenever the person became eligible for NHS funded care.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospitals are in operation which were financed by use of the Private Finance Initiative; what his estimate is of the number of beds in each hospital; and if he will make a statement. [10746]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 31 October 2001]I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  Eight hospitals, financed by the use of the private finance initiative (PFI), are now fully operational. Listed are the details of the number of beds in each of these hospitals. The overall number of beds provided under the PFI is virtually identical to the number which would have been provided had they been built using public capital.

  Scheme

  Total Number of beds under previous provision1

  Total number of beds as proposed in OBC

  Total number of beds provided by PFI solution

  Dartford

  Total G&A beds

  416

  360

  362

  Maternity

  37

  40

  40

  Total beds

  453

  400

  402

  Carlisle

  Medicine

  —

  252

  216

  Total G&A beds

  452

  —

  —

  Surgical

  —

  155

  144

  Day case beds

  15

  —

  —

  ITU/HDU

  —

  10

  9

  Paediatrics/SCBU

  —

  37

  37

  Total G&A beds

  —

  426

  406

  Maternity

  —

  48

  38

  Total beds

  467

  474

  444

  South Bucks

  Acute

  304

  331

  331

  General

  193

  153

  158

  Total G&A beds

  497

  484

  489

  Maternity

  53

  53

  53

  Total beds

  550

  537

  542

  Norfolk and Norwich

  Intensive

  44

  53

  33

  General and acute

  855

  689

  833

  Total G&A beds

  899

  742

  866

  Maternity

  56

  67

  67

  Total beds

  955

  809

  953

  North Durham

  Total G&A beds

  464

  2533

  443

  Maternity

  263

  33

  Day case

  24

  32

  48

  Total beds

  551

  565

  524

  Greenwich

  Total G&A beds

  474

  504

  447

  Maternity

  37

  40

  37

  Mental health

  77

  77

  87

  Total beds

  588

  621

  571

  1028W

  Scheme

  Total number of beds previous provision1

  The total Number of beds as proposed in the OBC

  Total Number of beds provided by PFI solution

  Calderdale

  Surgical

  127

  116

  116

  Medical

  142

  122

  122

  Elderly

  177

  149

  149

  SCBU

  18

  14

  14

  ITU/HDU

  5

  16

  16

  Total G&A beds

  469

  417

  417

  Mental Health

  135

  78

  78

  Women/children

  100

  74

  74

  Day case

  46

  35

  35

  Private patients beds

  —

  10

  10

  Total beds

  750

  614

  614

  South Manchester

  Adult medical

  363

  313

  213

  Surgery

  363

  286

  286

  paediatric

  68

  60

  60

  Total G&A beds

  794

  659

  659

  Additional Surgical

  —

  —

  60

  Maternity

  39

  33

  37

  Medical rehabilitation

  82

  50

  33

  Mental health

  143

  77

  77

  Unallocated

  38

  63

  91

  Day case

  66

  66

  74

  Total beds

  1,162

  948

  1,031

  1 As a June 2000

  2 Includes day case

  Biological Agents
  Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he has taken to prepare hospitals to deal with civilian casualties from an attack with biological agents. [12858]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  Plans to deal with civilian casualties from a deliberate release of a biological agent have built upon guidance issued to the national health service and regional directors of public health, in 1998, entitled "Planning for major incidents". Specific guidance to help plan the NHS response "Deliberate release of Biological and Chemical agents" was sent out to regional directors of public Health in March 2000. Since 11 September, additional guidance has been sent to regional directors of public health and all health authorities to plan for mass casualty incidents and responses to chemical/biological incidents.

  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he has sufficient stockpiles of vaccines, anti-toxin and antibiotics to protect the civilian population in the event of attack by susceptible biological agents; and if he would make a statement. [12859]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.
  1029W
  The Department of Health has extensive contingency planning in place. This includes arrangements to mitigate the effects of a terrorist act and to ensure response and recovery in conjunction with other Government Departments, the NHS and key public health agencies. Strategic stocks of vaccine and antibiotics are in place. We are securing stockpiles of anti-toxin, subject to limited availability worldwide. For security reasons, details of stocks will not be revealed.

  Infectious Diseases
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make funds available to the High Security Infectious Diseases Unit in addition to those specified under the Centrally Funded Initiatives and Special Allocations allocations. [12715]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 6 November 2001]:I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  We already provide funding, based on past and current usage, to enable the high security Infectious Disease Units in London and Newcastle to remain in a state of readiness to receive and care for patients who may be suffering from highly infectious diseases.

  MS Treatment (Cannabis Derivatives)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish the results of the trials of cannabis derivatives in the treatment of MS sufferers. [14800]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stafford (Mr. Kidney) on 18 October 2001, Official Report, columns 1345–6W.

  NHS Magazine
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which officials in his Department are responsible for approving the content of NHS Magazine. [15323]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  A wide range of officials approve the content of the NHS magazine depending on the particular areas the articles cover. Ministers do not see the content of the magazine prior to publication.
  1030W

  Pneumococcal Vaccinations
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the number of older people(a) in England and (b) in Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East who have benefited from (i) subsidised and (ii) free pneumococcal and flu vaccinations. [16211]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 19 November 2001]: I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  Final monitoring figures received from flu co-ordinators nationally report that, at 31 December 2001, 5,113,556–68 per cent. of those aged 65 years and over—received their flu immunisation. For the same period, Tees health authority report that 58,202 (67.8 per cent.) received their flu immunisation.

  Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended to those based on underlying ill health rather than age. The Department does not therefore hold data on the number of immunisations given by age group. Figures obtained from the Prescribing Analysis and Cost (PACT) system for the period December 2000 to November 2001 show that 486,000 prescriptions for pneumococcal vaccine were dispensed nationally and 4,800 for Tees health authority.

  CT Scanners
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many CT scanners there are per million of the population for(a) Merseyside and Cheshire, (b) Greater Manchester, (c) Lancashire and south Cumbria and (d) the north-west region. [19908]

  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The information requested can be found in the following table:

  Area

  Number of CT scanners

  Resident population1(Million)

  Number of CT scanners per million population1

  Greater Manchester and Cheshire

  21

  2.7

  7.7

  Lancashire and south Cumbria

  8

  1.6

  5.0

  Merseyside and Cheshire

  16

  2.3

  7.0

  North west region

  45

  6.6

  6.8

  England

  285

  50

  5.7

  1 Approximate

  Correspondence
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will reply to the letter of 17 October from the hon. Member for Aylesbury (reference POH(4)5009/19). [23276]

  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave
  1031W
  my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  A reply was sent on 20 December 2001.

  National Clinical Directors
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the identity and sphere of competence of each tsar working on behalf of(a) his Department and (b) the NHS. [24600]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The seven national clinical directors and their spheres of competence are:
  Professor Ian Philp, the National Director for Older People's Services, is responsible for leading the implementation of the national service framework for older people which sets the Government standards for the health and social care for older people in England. Professor Philp is Honorary Consultant Physician, Northern General Hospital, with responsibility for the rehabilitation of frail older people. His team won the UK Hospital Doctor of the Year Award (Older People's category) in 1998. He continues to see patients at the Northern General Hospital one day per week. His research activity is on assessing the needs of older people and their family carers. He was Scientist-in-Charge of several large European Community-funded programmes and has published widely on this topic.
  Professor Mike Richards, is responsible for spearheading the development and implementation of cancer policy for the Department/NHS. Professor Richards has extensive experience in both medical oncology and palliative medicine. He was a senior lecturer and Reader in Medical Oncology before taking up the post of Professor of Palliative Medicine at Guy's and St. Thomas' in 1995.
  Dr. David Colin-Thome, is responsible for primary care. Dr. Colin-Thome's key role is to aid the development of primary care within the Department and in the national health service and to contribute to implementing the primary care elements of the NHS plan. Particular areas of work within the Department are: ensuring that the policy on general practitioners who have special clinical interests is implemented, as is the delivery of national service frameworks in primary care. He was a Fellow and proposed visiting professor at Manchester University and a former director of primary care at both north-west and London regional offices. Dr. Colin-Thome continues his GP work on a part-time basis.
  Professor Al Aynsley-Green, the National Clinical Director for Children is leading the work of the children's task force and the development of the children's national service framework (NSF). Professor Aynsley-Green is the Nuffield Professor of Child Health at the Institute of Child Health, University College London and a practising paediatrician at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust. He is a member of the team whose submission led to the Queen's Anniversary Prize being awarded in 2001 to the Institute of Child Health. He is also president of the Association of Professors in Paediatrics and an elected member of the Council of The Academy of Medical Sciences. He holds prestigious grants for his research in child life and health.

  Professor Aidan Halligan, has a dual role as National Director of Clinical Governance for the NHS and Director of the NHS Clinical Governance Support Team, now part of the Modernisation Agency. Professor Halligan was appointed in September 1999, and led the creation of a multi-disciplinary team to work with the NHS, to support the implementation of clinical governance. Professor Halligan has valuable experience of service
  1032W
  redesign and patient centred quality improvement from his work at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. Professor Halligan is Professor of Fetal-Maternal Medicine at the University of Leicester and prior to appointment was Head of Obstetrics at Leicester Royal Infirmary. He retains a clinical and research commitment and sees patients one day a week.
  Professor Louis Appleby, is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Manchester where he leads major research units on suicide and on post-natal mental illness. Since 1996, he has been Director of the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness, whose recommendations formed the basis of standard 7 of the NSF on mental health—this standard is about suicide prevention. He has been a consultant psychiatrist since 1991, working in Manchester.
  Dr. Roger Boyle, is responsible for implementing the national service framework for coronary heart disease (CHD). Qualified from the London Hospital Medical College in 1972, Dr. Boyle has been a consultant cardiologist in York since 1983. He is a member of the Council of the British Cardiac Society and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and the European Society of Cardiology. Dr. Boyle is a member of the external reference group that drew up the national service framework for CHD and chairman of the focus group on acute presentations as well as chairing the national task force for coronary heart disease.

  MMR Vaccination
  Miss Kirkbride
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to study the incidence of autism in(a) children immunised with MMR and (b) children who have not been given MMR jabs. [24277]

  Yvette Cooper
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The cause of autism is not yet known and many factors may play a role. The recently completed Medical Research Council (MRC) review of the epidemiology and causes of autism concludes that the strongest evidence to date is for a major genetic component. It says that methodological differences between studies, changes in diagnostic practice, and increased public and professional awareness are likely causes of apparent increases in prevalence but notes that it is not yet clear whether these factors account for it all.

  A number of studies, including one commissioned by the Medicines Control Agency have examined the postulated link between measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and autism and have found no association. Two of these studies (Fombonne et al, Paediatrics, 2001 and Hiejbel and Gillberg, Autism, 1998) have specifically looked at rates of autism in populations who have had MMR and populations who have not had MMR using consistent definitions of autism. These studies did not find an increased reported rate of autism in MMR immunised children when compared with children who had not had MMR. Taylor et al, Lancet 1999, looked at the rate of MMR immunisation in autistic children in north Thames and found no significant difference when compared with the rate of MMR immunisation among all children in north Thames. A follow-up study (Vaccine 2001) showed no temporal association between MMR and onset of autism at any time. In February 2002, the Public Health Laboratory Service published a further study investigating MMR, regressive autism and bowel symptoms. This study compared the proportion of autistic children with bowel

  1033W
  or developmental regression over a 20-year period from 1979, a period when MMR vaccine was introduced in the United Kingdom. They showed that there was no change in the proportion of children with regression or bowel symptoms during this time, irrespective of whether they had had MMR or not (Taylor et al, BMJ 2002, 324; 393–6).

  In addition to the above, an ongoing study funded by the MRC and led by Professor Andrew Hall, is investigating possible causes of autism. This study will examine whether autistic children have a history of other conditions or medical problems, for example, problems during birth. This study, which examines a representative sample of health records drawn from over two million people registered with 300 general practices across the UK, will also look at autism and the MMR vaccine.

  Miss Kirkbride
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on what guidance he gives to GPs seeking to expel patients from their list because of a refusal to accept the MMR vaccination. [35424]

  Yvette Cooper
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The registration/de-registration of patients with a general practitioner is governed by the Doctor's Terms of Service. We strongly endorse the General Medical Council guidance "Duties of A Doctor" which says that it is unacceptable to discriminate against patients on grounds of lifestyle, culture, beliefs, race, colour, sex, sexuality, age, social status or perceived economic worth. Refusal to accept the measles, mumps and rubella vaccination should not therefore be regarded by a general practitioner as a reason for removing somebody from his or her patient list.

  Contingency Fund
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what criteria relating to bed availability are used to assess eligibility for funding from the Department's contingency fund; [27016]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 10 January 2002]I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  Officials within the Department have control over a small fund to deal with particular pressures on local health services. Money is allocated in discussion with regional offices based on well established procedures for monitoring local health services. This monitoring includes information on bed availability.

  NHS Professionals
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what measures are in place to monitor the performance of NHS professionals; [30768]
  1034W
  (2) if he will list the performance targets that have been set for NHS professionals; [30770]

  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) by what means he intends to(a) monitor and (b)) improve the efficiency of NHS professionals; [37374]

  (2) whether the Commission for Health Improvement will be able to inspect and report on the work of NHS professionals. [37373]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to the hon. Members for the delay in responding to these questions. I refer the hon. Members to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  A national project board with representatives from the NHS and Department of Health is responsible for the extension and development of NHS professionals, including national monitoring and performance of NHS professionals providers. Regional project boards closely manage the development across regions. Also each site has its own project structure to manage and monitor implementation.

  A Code of Practice is being developed to provide a framework for the management of temporary staff to the NHS, including NHS professionals.

  The functions of the Commission for Health Improvement will cover NHS professionals.

  Dr. Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what protections are contained within NHS Professionals to ensure nurses do not exceed the 48 hour work week. [30766]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, column 192W.

  Health service circular 2001–002 and the guidance NHS Professionals—"A co-ordinated, NHS-led approach to temporary staffing" sets out national standards for good employment practice in the management of temporary staffing. This includes using the best of modern information technology and call centre technology within agreed national frameworks for terms and conditions of service, delivering high quality patient care through clinical governance.

  NHS Professionals uses software that automatically flags up any shift in which an individual could exceed a 48-hour working week, and this is then raised with the individual.

  Details of any current existing working arrangements are discussed during recruitment and the individual has a responsibility to inform NHS Professionals of any changes to these working hours.

  Also, nurses working periods between rest periods are monitored to ensure that they are getting enough rest between shifts and that their total hours worked are satisfactory. These measures safeguard both the staff and their patients.
  1035W
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many nurses working through NHS Professionals in the week ending 19 January were in receipt of premium payments. [30773]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W).

  The information requested is not held centrally.

  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure that the costs of(a) timesheet processing and (b payroll functions of NHS Professionals are identified and reported. [41728]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  HSC 2001–002 and guidance NHS Professionals—"A co-ordinated, NHS-led approach to temporary staffing" sets out national NHS Professionals standards for good employment practice, including provision for weekly payment upon submission of completed and authorised timesheets.

  Local, regional and national project boards are in place to monitor the implementation of NHS Professionals to meet the required standards.

  Osteoporosis
  Mr. Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the clinical guidelines on the assessment and prevention of falls in older people will include information on osteoporosis; and if he will make a statement. [31464]

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason osteoporosis has been left out of NICE's scope for the development of a clinical guideline on the assessment and prevention of falls in older people. [32856]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 4 November 2001]: I apologise to the hon. Members for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Members to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  Following its consultation on the scope of the guideline I understand that NICE decided that osteoporosis could not be given proper consideration as part of a guideline on falls prevention. However, we are considering a proposal for a separate clinical guideline on osteoporosis.

  "The Bulletin"
  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the respondents that have expressed concerns over the capacity and capability of primary care trusts to 1036W
  handle the functions to be devolved from the existing health authorities after April, according to Issue 7 of The Bulletin dated January 2002. [34139]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  In the "Shifting the Balance of Power" discussion period, over 400 responses were received from existing primary care trusts (PCTs), health authorities, national health service trusts, local representative committees, voluntary organisations, community health councils, local authorities, universities, royal colleges, major national representative bodies and numerous individuals. Several of these respondents were concerned to some extent that PCTs would not have the capacity or capability come April to undertake their new functions effectively. However, these concerns were raised in the summer of 2001, since then much progress has been made in the development and implementation of PCT policy.

  It would be wrong to expect PCTs to manage their enhanced role and new functions without support. That is why a number of central initiatives, for example the national primary and care trust development programme, have been established to help PCTs develop the expertise and the capacity they will need to take on these functions.

  At a local level PCTs are being encouraged to develop collaborative working arrangements with each other to pool knowledge, and share capacity and expertise.

  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made under the comprehensive development programme referred to in Issue 7 of "The Bulletin" dated January 2002 in ensuring that primary care trusts are able to handle functions devolved from health authorities. [34138]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  To ensure that primary care trusts are able to handle functions devolved from health authorities in April 2002, a number of central support and development initiatives were established through the primary care trust development programme, the leadership centre, the National Health Service appointments commission and the Modernisation Agency.

  A framework of organisational and person competencies for PCTs and their staff has since been identified after an extensive listening exercise with PCTs and other key stakeholders. This will shortly be available to all PCTs to use as self-assessment tool to help determine the organisation's competence and enable PCTs to build and develop the capability and capacity to deliver on their enhanced role. A series of events have also been held for PCT chief executives and some other senior staff to develop the ideas of PCTs collaborating on areas where self sufficiency is not possible. As a result network arrangements are being put in place over the country.
  1037W
  Appropriate induction and development programmes have also been developed for PCT non executive directors and similar programmes for other leaders are in progress. A number of specialist groups have been established to look in more detail at PCTs' competence on issues such as dentistry and nursing while teams of PCT leaders have also been recruited to look at the major PCT competencies in more detail.

  As more staff are in place and PCTs take on their new functions, development programmes will continue apace. Indeed, the primary care trust development programme has a three year future already planned out. PCT development will be linked increasingly to development initiatives for the new health authorities to ensure that changes across the NHS are delivered in a whole systems way.

  Intermediate Care
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of the intermediate care joint investment plans have been agreed as set out on page 172 of the National Service Framework for Older People milestones. [34024]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 7 February 2002]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  In the light of Shifting the Balance of Power and a government wide drive to reduce levels of bureaucracy, a new approach to planning in the national health service NHS) is being developed.

  Chief executives of the new strategic health authorities (StHAs) will be accountable for delivery of national priorities as part of three-year franchise agreements with the Department. Franchise agreements will be underpinned by an annual delivery agreement (ADA) that outlines the actions and investments required to deliver on the commitments outlined in the Planning and Priorities Framework (2002–03), of which the development of intermediate care services is a key deliverable. Taken together, the components of StHA franchise agreements, including the ADA, will form the key instrument of accountability between the NHS and the Department.

  In the light of these changes and the commitment by Departmental boards to reduce the health and social care planning burden, the NHS will no longer be required to produce either older people's or intermediate care joint investment plans. Any local planning of intermediate care services for 2002–03 that has already taken place will feed in to the new planning arrangements.

  This does not mean that the NHS will cease to plan or invest jointly-it will. Crucially though the quality and effectiveness of that planning will now become the responsibility of the StHAs, who will be responsible for ensuring that adequate mechanisms are set in place at a PCT and trust level to ensure effective joint investment and planning.

  NHS Employment Costs
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the estimated additional cost to the NHS in England and Wales of the changes to employers' national insurance contributions for 2002–03. [34436]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 7 February 2002]I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  we are not aware of any changes to employer's national insurance contributions which will give rise to additional costs to the NHS in 2002–03.

  NHS Organisation
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to merge(a) existing and (b) proposed NHS (i) national directors posts, (ii) commissions, (iii) offices, (iv) types of trust, (v) types of authority, (vi) groups, (vii) boards, (viii) committees, (ix) forums, (x) councils and (xi) bodies. [35493]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 12 February 2002]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  Proposals for changes to existing NHS bodies were set out in "Shifting the Balance of Power—Securing Delivery", published in July 2002 and "Shifting the Balance of Power—The Next Steps" published in January 2002, copies of which are available in the Library.

  GP Targets
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what targets he has set for general practitioners to achieve(a) now and (b) by 2004. [36894]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The general practitioner (GP) pay system includes incentives for GPs to deliver targets on childhood immunisation and cervical cytology. These have been a feature of the pay system since 1990. The NHS plan sets targets for modernising primary care services where GPs are expected to contribute to their achievement, including in particular, the access target that by 2004 patients should be able to see a GP within 48 hours or another health professional within 24 hours. None of these targets are, however, for GPs to achieve on their own. It is for primary care trusts locally to lead, organise, support and resource delivery of the NHS plan targets for primary care.

  National Care Standards
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the National Care Standards Regulations. [37135]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 26 February 2002]: The Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Care Homes Regulations and National Minimum Standards for Older People and for Younger Adults was placed in the Library on 21 January 2002. We will be placing the Regulatory Impact Assessments for Care Homes and for other service areas on the Department of Health's NCSC website shortly.

  Advertising
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the expenditure of his(a) Department, (b) agencies and (c) non-departmental public bodies on newspaper advertising by title in each year since 1997. [26986]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, at column 192W.

  The table shows figures on total spend on advertising including promotional campaigns for the Department for the financial years 1996–97 to 2000–01.

  £ million

  Financial year

  Advertising expenditure

  1996–97

  2.50

  1997–98

  2.04

  1998–99

  8.53

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–021

  Antibiotics

  —

  —

  0.91

  —

  0.44

  Blood donation

  0.60

  1.70

  20.22

  —

  —

  CALM

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0.05

  Drugs

  —

  —

  0.53

  0.5

  —

  Flu

  —

  —

  —

  2.01

  1.45

  Mind out

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0.13

  National health service including nurse recruitment

  1.30

  4.90

  4.21

  4.90

  5.0

  NHS direct

  0.12

  0.78

  1.24

  0.28

  1.25

  Organ donation

  0.02

  0.77

  0.47

  0.43

  0.18

  Prescription fraud

  —

  0.38

  —

  0.18

  nil

  Sexwise/teenage pregnancy

  —

  —

  0.39

  1.5

  2.0

  Sexual health

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0.3

  Social worker recruitment

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1.0

  Smoking

  —

  —

  36.18

  8.97

  47.79

  Walk in centers

  —

  —

  —

  0.17

  0.02

  Winter

  —

  —

  1.16

  2.03

  0.2

  Total

  2.04

  8.53

  15.31

  20.97

  19.81

  1 Planned (to be updated)

  2 The Department's spend on blood donation advertising reduced in 1999–2000 because most of this activity was funded directly by the national blood authority, who took over full responsibility for this expenditure on 1 April 2000.

  3 Prior to 1999–2000 advertising on smoking was undertaken by the health education Authority (HEA).

  4 Including Asian specialist press.

  All of the above campaigns relate to England only

  A breakdown of expenditure by campaign by month can only be provided at disproportionate costs.
  1040W

  £ million

  Financial year

  Advertising expenditure

  1999–2000

  15.31

  2000–01

  21.97

  National, regional and local media, including newspapers, are considered for all of the Department's advertising campaigns. The selection of media will depend on a number of factors including the nature and complexity of the message and on the target audience.

  For national campaigns a mix of broad sheets and tabloids is frequently used. For regional advertising, space has been taken in many prominent regional newspapers and a number of local ones. A breakdown of expenditure on newspaper advertising by title could only be supplied at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what the expenditure was per campaign for the five most expensive media advertising campaigns his Department undertook in the past five parliamentary sessions including the current parliamentary session in(a) England, (b) Wales and (c) Northern Ireland; and, for the last two parliamentary sessions and the current session, when each advertising campaign (i) began and (ii) ended in (A) England, (B) Wales and (C) Northern Ireland; [37417]

  (2) what the cost was of media advertising in each of the past five parliamentary Sessions including the current Session, for his Department in (a) England, (b) Wales and (c) Northern Ireland; and for the last two Parliamentary Sessions and the current parliamentary Session, what the media advertising expenditure was per month in (i) England, (ii) Wales and (iii) Northern Ireland. [37403]

  Ms Blears
  Major advertising campaigns commissioned by the Communications Directorate are tabled as follows (in £ millions).

  Medical Staff Numbers
  Mr. Michael Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) nurses, (b) doctors and (c) consultants

  1041W
  were employed by NHS trusts in Worcesteshire in (i) 1998, (ii) 1999, (iii) 2000 and (iv) 2001; and if he will make a statement. [28357]

  Yvette Cooper
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2000,Official Report, column 192W.

  National health service hospital and community health services (HCHS) nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff and hospital medical staff by NHS Trusts in Worcestershire Health Authority as at 30 September each year from 1998 to 2001.

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff

  Whole time equivalent

  2,880

  2,790

  2,770

  3,020

  Headcount

  3,950

  3,620

  3,540

  4,020

  Hospital medical staff

  Whole time equivalent

  420

  410

  420

  440

  Headcount

  540

  530

  520

  540

  Medical consultants

  Whole time equivalent

  160

  160

  160

  170

  Headcount

  180

  180

  170

  180

  Notes:

  1. In 1999 and 1998, the HA was made up of the following trusts:

  Alexandra Healthcare NHS Trust

  Kidderminster Healthcare NHS Trust

  Worcester Royal Infirmary NHS Trust

  Worcestershire Community Healthcare NHS Trust

  2. In 2000 the HA was made up of the following trusts which had merged:

  Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust which included the former:

  Alexandra Healthcare NHS Trust

  Kidderminster Healthcare NHS Trust (part)

  Worcester Royal Infirmary NHS Trust

  NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): Surgical consultants, nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff, support staff and administrative staff employed within Hillingdon HA as at 30 September each year

  Headcount

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  All Hillingdon HA

  Nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff

  1,250

  940

  700

  1,180

  1,390

  of which

  Qualified

  1,180

  800

  700

  1,150

  1,360

  Unqualified

  80

  140

  1—

  30

  30

  Support staff

  100

  70

  80

  80

  70

  Administrative staff

  500

  340

  410

  580

  690

  All medical and dental staff

  590

  530

  550

  250

  280

  of which:

  Surgical group consultants

  40

  40

  30

  10

  20

  Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust

  Nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff

  910

  940

  700

  950

  1,040

  of which:

  Qualified

  910

  800

  700

  950

  1,040

  Unqualified

  1—

  140

  1—

  1—

  2—

  Support staff

  80

  70

  80

  80

  70

  Administrative staff

  340

  340

  410

  420

  500

  1042W
  3. Worcestershire Community and Mental Health NHS Trust which included the former:

  Kidderminster Healthcare NHS Trust (part)

  Worcestershire Community Healthcare NHS Trust

  Source:

  Department of Health non-medical work force census

  Department of Health medical and dental census

  The drop in nurse numbers observed between 1998 and 1999 are those for the total number of nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff, whereas there was little change in the numbers of qualified staff. The figures also reflect that during this period three acute NHS trusts merged into one. In addition, the community and mental health services across Worcestershire merged into one trust.

  The implementation of recruitment and retention initiatives has increased the number of NHS nurses now working Worcestershire. The NHS vacancy survey shows that between 2000–01 the vacancy rate for qualified nurses in Worcestershire reduced from 1.3 per cent. to 0.8 per cent. The equivalent vacancy rate for consultants between 2000–01 reduced from 4.1 per cent. to 2.9 percent.

  The Government's comprehensive spending review delivered massive additional investment for the NHS. As part of this, we will see 20,000 additional nurses by 2004, 7,500 more consultants, 2,000 more general practitioners and 6,500 more therapists and other health professionals.

  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people were employed in each NHS hospital within the London Borough of Hillingdon in each year since 1997 as(a) surgeons, (b) doctors, (c) nurses, (d) other supportive medical staff, (e) administrative staff and (f) ancillary staff. [28536]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The Department does not collect this information by borough. Information available is shown in the table.
  1043W

  NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): Surgical consultants, nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff, support staff and administrative staff employed within Hillingdon HA as at 30 September each year

  Headcount

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  All medical and dental staff

  180

  200

  220

  240

  250

  of which:

  Surgical group consultants

  10

  10

  10

  10

  20

  Harefield Hospital NHS Trust

  Nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff

  340

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  of which:

  Qualified

  270

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Unqualified

  80

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Support staff

  30

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Administrative staff

  160

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  All medical and dental staff

  90

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  of which:

  Surgical group consultants

  1—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Hillingdon PCT

  Nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff

  3—

  3—

  3—

  230

  350

  of which:

  Qualified

  3—

  3—

  3—

  200

  320

  Unqualified

  3—

  3—

  3—

  30

  30

  Support staff

  3—

  3—

  3—

  2—

  2—

  Administrative staff

  3—

  3—

  3—

  160

  190

  All medical and dental staff

  3—

  3—

  3—

  2—

  10

  Surgical group consultants

  3—

  3—

  3—

  2—

  2—

  NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): Surgical consultants, nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff support staff and administrative staff employed within West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust and its predecessors as at 30 September each year

  Headcount

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Mount Vernon and Watford Hospitals NHS Trust

  Nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff

  960

  1,050

  950

  3—

  3—

  of which:

  Qualified

  940

  920

  880

  3—

  3—

  Unqualified

  20

  130

  70

  3—

  3—

  Support staff

  120

  110

  30

  3—

  3—

  Administrative staff

  630

  580

  500

  3—

  3—

  All medical and dental staff

  300

  320

  320

  3—

  3—

  of which:

  Surgical group consultants

  20

  20

  20

  3—

  3—

  St. Albans and Hemel Hempstead NHS Trust

  Nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff

  780

  670

  840

  3—

  3—

  of which:

  Qualified

  760

  630

  770

  3—

  3—

  Unqualified

  20

  50

  80

  3—

  3—

  Support staff

  80

  70

  50

  3—

  3—

  Administrative staff

  300

  350

  370

  3—

  3—

  All medical and dental staff

  190

  170

  170

  3—

  3—

  of which:

  Surgical group consultants

  10

  10

  10

  3—

  3—

  West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust

  Nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff

  3—

  3—

  3—

  1,670

  2,020

  of which:

  Qualified

  3—

  3—

  3—

  1,500

  1,660

  Unqualified

  3—

  3—

  3—

  170

  360

  Support staff

  3—

  3—

  3—

  60

  70

  Administrative staff

  3—

  3—

  3—

  850

  1,000

  All medical and dental staff

  3—

  3—

  3—

  480

  500

  Surgical group consultants

  3—

  3—

  3—

  40

  40

  1044W

HEALTH

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mrs. Brooke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will reply to the questions from the hon. Member for Mid-Dorset and North Poole tabled on 14 November, (ref 15786 and 15787). [20745]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.
  I refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave on 18 January 2002, Official Report, column 532W.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to answer the questions tabled by the hon. Member for Aylesbury on 26 November, Refs. 19317 and 19322. [25502]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 9 January 2002]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  Replies were sent on Monday 14 January and Tuesday 5 February.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to reply to the question of 5 December, ref. 21340, from the hon. Member for Buckingham on sickness absence. [24751]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 8 January 2002, Official Report, column 623W.

  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will answer the written question tabled by the hon. Member for Yeovil on 19 December 2001, Ref. 24038. [30316]

  Mr. Hutton
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave him on 30 January 2002,Official Report, column 425W.

  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to reply to the written question tabled by the hon. Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak on 9 January regarding roaccutane. [32725]
  1046W
  Jacqui Smith
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that the under-secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for the under-secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for Salford (Ms Blears), gave on 30 January 2002,official Report, column 425W.

  Harry Cohen
  To ask the secretary of state for Health when he intends to reply to the question tabled by the hon. Member for Leyton and Wanstead for answer on 18 January (ref 29229), on the Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service. [35243]

  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  I replied to my hon. Friend on 26 February 2002, Official Report, column 1063W.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what target his Department has set for the time taken to answer written parliamentary questions; what the average time taken to answer all parliamentary questions has been in the last year; what assessment he has made of performance against the target for answering written parliamentary questions; and how he monitors the target. [42588]

  Mr. Milburn
  The Department aims to answer named day written questions by the date specified, and ordinary written questions within one week, wherever possible. Performance is monitored using a record management database.

  I regret that the other information is not readily available in the form requested because the record management database from which it is drawn is currently not reliable, for the reasons set out in the reply that I gave to my hon. Friend, the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble), of 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W, on parliamentary questions, how many (a) written and (b), pursuant written parliamentary questions have been asked by hon. Members since the start of Session 2001–02. [42618]

  Mr. Milburn
  I estimate that to date in this session, some 5,500 written parliamentary questions have been tabled for the Department, around 170 of which were tabled to follow up points made in previous answers.

  I regret that exact data are not readily available in the form requested because the record management database from which it is drawn is currently not reliable, for the reasons set out in the reply that I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  Hospital Activity
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health apart from Derriford hospital, how many hospitals in England have activity levels at three times the national average and resources at less than twice the national average. [30709]

  Mr. Hutton
  This information could be provided only at a disproportionate cost.

  HIV/AIDS
  Chris Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the budget was for HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns in each of the last 10 years. [25115]

  Yvette Cooper
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  Budgets for the last 10 years are shown in the table:

  £ million

  1991–92

  11.00

  1992–93

  11.23

  1993–94

  9.41

  1994–95

  9.87

  1995–96

  8.06

  1996–97

  5.20

  1997–98

  5.20

  1998–99

  4.80

  1999–2000

  5.90

  2000–01

  4.70

  2001–02

  5.05

  The figures provided are not on a consistent basis and for some years also include expenditure on contraceptive education. Prior to 1996–97 figures are based on health education of AIDS/HIV and sexual health plus some contraceptive education, and include a proportion of the health education authority's (as was) overhead costs.

  In addition, funding has been allocated to the NHS annually to carry out HIV prevention activities at local level, including local awareness campaigns. In 2000–01 £55 million was provided for this work.

  This year, further funding of £47.5 million was announced to implement the national sexual health and HIV strategy. This includes a commitment to a national safer sex awareness campaign which we aim to launch this autumn.

  Hepatitis C
  Mr. Selous
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to compensate victims of the hepatitis C, who became infected as a result of NHS treatment. [5867]

  Yvette Cooper
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.
  1048W
  There are no plans to provide financial support for haemophilia patients who became infected with hepatitis C through NHS blood products.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to answer parliamentary question ref. 24038, tabled for answer on 19 December 2001. [26811]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 15 January 2002]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  A reply was sent on 21 February 2002, Official Report, column 424W.

  Mrs. Brooke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will reply to the questions tabled by the hon. Member for Mid-Dorset and North Poole for answer on 21 November 2001, ref. 15786 and 15787, on NHS dentists. [26894]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 15 January 2002]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  A reply was sent on 18 January 2002, Official Report, column 531W.

  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was, for each year since 1995, the total number of(a) letters from hon. Members, (b) letters from members of the public and (c) parliamentary questions from (i) hon. Members and (ii) Lords dealt with by his Department; what percentage took (A) more than one month and (B) more than three months to provide a substantive answer; and if he will make a statement. [7047]

  Ms Blears
  The available information is in the table.

  Total number of letters received

  Percentage of cases that took more than a month to reply

  Ministerial correspondence

  1995

  16,121

  21

  1996

  11,376

  13

  1997

  14,547

  24

  1998

  10,648

  39

  1999

  18,346

  53

  2000

  18,621

  50

  2001

  19,655

  40

  Correspondence from members of the public

  1995

  —

  —

  1996

  23,028

  —

  1997

  19,738

  96

  1998

  52,656

  37

  1999

  29,528

  44.3

  2000

  39,894

  19.4

  2001

  37,928

  12.5

  1049W
  I regret that, for parliamentary questions, exact data are not readily available in the form requested because the record management database from which it is drawn is currently not reliable, for the reasons set out in the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to reply to the letter to him dated 24 January from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton, with regard to Mr. S. Haslett. [42795]

  Ms Blears
  A reply was sent to my right hon. Friend on 12 March.

  Departmental Performance Targets
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each Minister in his Department the performance against target for(a) answering written parliamentary questions and (b) answering letters from hon. Members for each of the last 12 months. [30967]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The available information in relation to correspondence is in the table. The table shows the figures in percentage form.

  Month (2001)

  SOFS

  MS(H)

  MS(C)

  PS(L)

  PS(PH)

  PS(H)

  January

  11

  8

  42

  42

  9

  32

  February

  9

  23

  64

  63

  12

  31

  March

  7

  28

  68

  33

  7

  30

  April

  40

  32

  82

  45

  39

  59

  May

  28

  44

  72

  58

  45

  66

  June

  43

  64

  78

  82

  85

  97

  July

  96

  97

  90

  86

  76

  83

  August

  51

  65

  44

  71

  64

  64

  September

  65

  35

  39

  69

  29

  33

  October

  68

  68

  76

  77

  23

  9

  November

  56

  48

  80

  65

  5

  16

  December

  44

  54

  32

  38

  12

  18

  I regret that the information relating to parliamentary questions cannot be provided because the record management database from which it would be drawn is not now reliable for the reasons set out in the reply that my right hon. friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  Mr. Shiblu Rahman
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the reasons for the delay were in the emergency services provision in respect of the death of Mr. Shiblu Rahman on 1 April in Bow; and if he will make a statement. [2720]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to the hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the 1050W
  Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  The first call received by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) from Mr. Rahman's family was categorised as amber two—serious but not immediately life threatening. The target for the LAS is to reach these calls within 19 minutes, which it did by dispatching a fast response unit to the scene.

  A second call to the LAS provided new information on Mr. Rahman's condition, at which point it would have been more appropriate to upgrade the call to red—immediately life threatening. However, the call was still allocated an amber response. This was an error for which the LAS has apologised. An incident debrief was arranged to establish the circumstances surrounding the call categorisation and ambulance despatch.

  The Rahman family have been kept updated on the investigation carried out by the LAS.

  Cancelled Operations
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list health authorities in England in order of the highest number of(a) cancelled operations and (b) patients not readmitted within one month following the cancellation of an operation. [5882]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The information requested is in the tables that follow. The information is for the latest quarter available, quarter 2, 2001–02.

  Operations should not be cancelled (for non-medical reasons) on the day patients are due to arrive or after arrival in hospital, and if this happens, patients should be admitted to hospital within one month of the first operation date.

  Cancelled operations for non-clinical reasons, health authorities in England, 2001–02, quarter 2

  Number of last minute cancellations for non-clinical reasons in the quarter

  England

  20,901

  West Surrey Health Commission

  2,290

  Birmingham HA

  1,214

  Avon Health

  951

  Barking and Havering HA

  695

  Oxfordshire HA

  624

  Manchester Health

  523

  Sheffield Health

  509

  South and West Devon HA

  479

  Cambridgeshire HA

  475

  Buckinghamshire HA

  449

  Camden and Islington HA

  420

  Leicester HA

  409

  Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and South East Hampshire HA

  320

  North Essex HA

  307

  Barnet, Enfield and Haringey HA

  292

  Newcastle and North Tyneside HA

  292

  East Sussex, Brighton and Hove HA

  279

  1051W

  Cancelled operations for non-clinical reasons, health authorities in England, 2001–02, quarter 2

  Number of last minute cancellations for non-clinical reasons in the quarter

  South Cheshire HA

  273

  St. Helen's and Knowsley HA

  268

  Wigan and Bolton HA

  268

  Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth HA

  268

  Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster HA

  262

  Berkshire HA

  257

  Redbridge and Waltham Forest HA

  252

  Tees HA

  242

  Norfolk HA

  238

  North Yorkshire HA

  237

  Northamptonshire HA

  235

  Wiltshire HA

  227

  Brent and Harrow HA

  219

  Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham HA

  219

  Dorset HA

  218

  South Essex HA

  212

  West Pennine HA

  201

  Bedfordshire HA

  201

  North Cumbria HA

  196

  South Staffordshire HA

  191

  Worcestershire HA

  191

  Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow HA

  179

  West Kent HA

  179

  North West Lancashire HA

  178

  Leeds HA

  174

  Wakefield HA

  171

  Hertfordshire HA

  171

  North and East Devon HA

  170

  East Lancashire HA

  166

  West Sussex HA

  164

  Morecambe Bay HA

  162

  Shropshire HA

  160

  Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich HA

  149

  Bradford HA

  144

  Sefton HA

  143

  Southampton and South West Hampshire HA

  142

  Nottingham HA

  141

  Suffolk Health

  134

  East Riding HA

  132

  Croydon HA

  127

  Lincolnshire Health

  127

  East Surrey HA

  120

  North Staffordshire HA

  118

  Liverpool HA

  118

  Somerset HA

  118

  Gloucestershire Health

  114

  North Cheshire Health

  106

  North and Mid-Hampshire HA

  101

  Doncaster HA

  101

  Southern Derbyshire Health

  98

  Calderdale and Kirklees HA

  97

  Coventry Health

  89

  South Lancashire HA

  89

  North Derbyshire Health

  82

  Cornwall and Isles Of Scilly HA

  81

  South Humber HA

  74

  Hillingdon HA

  73

  Herefordshire HA

  70

  Salford and Trafford HA

  67

  Countv Durham HA

  65

  Dudley HA

  61

  Sandwell HA

  55

  Wirral Health

  55

  East London and The City HA

  54

  Rotherham HA

  53

  Warwickshire HA

  53

  Sunderland HA

  44

  North Nottinghamshire Health

  42

  Gateshead and South Tyneside HA

  40

  East Kent HA

  38

  Walsall HA

  37

  Stockport HA

  29

  Barnsley HA

  12

  Kingston and Richmond HA

  11

  Wolverhampton HA

  9

  1052W

  Cancelled operations for non-clinical reasons, health authorities in England, 2001–02, quarter 2

  Number of last minute cancellations for non-clinical reasons in the quarter

  Northumberland HA

  8

  Bury and Rochdale HA

  3

  Solihull HA

  —

  Source:

  Department of health form QMNG

  Patients not admitted within one month of cancellation for non-clinical reasons, health authorities in England, 2001–02, quarter 2

  Number of patients not admitted within one month of last minute cancellation

  England

  4,684

  Oxfordshire HA

  419

  Avon Health

  339

  Manchester Health

  256

  St. Helen's and Knowsley HA

  233

  West Surrey Health Commission

  229

  Barking and Havering HA

  197

  Birmingham HA

  170

  Buckinghamshire HA

  115

  Redbridge and Waltham Forest HA

  100

  Wiltshire HA

  92

  Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow HA

  92

  South Staffordshire HA

  90

  Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and South East Hampshire HA

  84

  Wakefield HA

  83

  Leeds HA

  82

  South Cheshire HA

  78

  Cambridgeshire HA

  78

  Brent and Harrow HA

  76

  West Pennine HA

  74

  Northamptonshire HA

  73

  Camden and Islington HA

  71

  Barnet, Enfield and Haringey HA

  70

  Newcastle and North Tyneside HA

  70

  Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster HA

  66

  East Sussex, Brighton and Hove HA

  65

  Suffolk Health

  63

  South Essex HA

  59

  Norfolk HA

  59

  Berkshire HA

  58

  West Sussex HA

  57

  Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham HA

  53

  South and West Devon HA

  52

  North and East Devon HA

  52

  North Yorkshire HA

  49

  Shropshire HA

  45

  Morecambe Bay HA

  43

  Croydon HA

  42

  Wigan and Bolton HA

  41

  Tees HA

  39

  East London and The City HA

  38

  North Cumbria HA

  35

  Sheffield Health

  35

  Southampton and South West Hampshire HA

  34

  Bedfordshire HA

  33

  Dorset HA

  32

  Worcestershire HA

  31

  Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich HA

  27

  Merton. Sutton and Wandsworth HA

  27

  North Staffordshire HA

  23

  Coventry Health

  23

  North Cheshire Health

  22

  Sandwell HA

  21

  East Kent HA

  20

  Calderdale and Kirklees HA

  19

  County Durham HA

  19

  East Riding HA

  18

  1053W

  Patients not admitted within one month of cancellation for non-clinical reasons, health authorities in England, 2001–02, quarter 2

  Number of patients not admitted within one month of last minute cancellation

  North and Mid Hampshirse HA

  18

  North Essex HA

  17

  East Lancashire HA

  16

  Cornwall and Isles Of Scilly HA

  14

  Rotherham HA

  13

  Warwickshire HA

  13

  Liverpool HA

  13

  Doncaster HA

  12

  Lincolnshire Health

  12

  Salford and Trafford HA

  11

  Herefordshire HA

  10

  Wirral Health

  10

  Gloucestershire Health

  9

  West Kent HA

  9

  Gloucestershire Health

  8

  West Kents HA

  8

  Hertfordshire HA

  7

  Nottingham HA

  4

  Stockport HA

  4

  Gateshead and South Tyneside HA

  2

  Northumberland HA

  2

  Somerset HA

  1

  Sefton HA

  —

  Kingston and Richmond HA

  —

  East Surrey HA

  —

  Southern Derbshire Health

  —

  South Lancashire HA

  —

  North West Lancashire HA

  —

  North Derbyshire Health

  —

  South Humber HA

  —

  Hillingdom HA

  —

  Dudley HA

  —

  Sunderland HA

  —

  North Nottinghamshire Health

  —

  Walsall HA

  —

  Barnsley HA

  —

  Wolverhampton HA

  —

  Bury and Rochdale HA

  —

  Leicester HA

  —

  Bradford HA

  —

  Solihull HA

  —

  Source:

  Department of health form QMNG

  Transplant Centres
  Ms Stuart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what international models relating to the population size were considered by the National Specialist Commissioning Advisory Group in reaching their recommendations on transplant centres in England and Wales. [4378]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that my light hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood ((Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The configuration and arrangements for cardiothoracic transplantation in United Kingdom are unique. NSCAG considered the research data available internationally and found that there was no comparator that gave useful evidence to determine the configuration.

  Information for Health
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 13 July 2001,Official Report,
  1054W
  column 664W, on Information for Health, what external appraisal has been completed of (a) the scale of investment required and (b) the feasibility of Information for Health being completed within the resources allocated. [6743]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  There has been no external appraisal of the scale of investment required for the completion of the strategy. There are Outline Business Cases and Full Business Cases for the larger elements of the strategy; these are subject to external approval. Other elements of strategic implementation are subject to local choice and individual local health communities decide on the levels of local investment which match local priority. These decisions are subject to local standing financial controls.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the number of staff employed by his Department by region and nation of the UK; and if he will make a statement. [6864]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The information requested can be found in the table.

  Government office region (GORs)1

  Total

  London

  3,108

  South East

  182

  South West

  231

  West Midlands

  160

  North West

  810

  North East

  158

  Merseyside

  15

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  1,301

  East Midlands

  64

  Eastern

  131

  Grand total

  6,160

  1 Government Office Regions (GORs) as defined by Cabinet Office for official statistical returns. It excludes data where GOR information is not held.

  Figures relate to England only. The Department has no staff in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

  Source:

  Department of Health August 2001 payroll data

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total expenditure was on(a) advertising, (b) polling, (c) focus groups, (d) design consultants, (e) caterers, (f) production of departmental publications and (g) photographs/photographers by his Department for each year since 1995 in (i) cash and (ii) real terms; what was (A) the annual percentage increase in spending on

  1055W
  each category and (B) spending on each category as a percentage of the total departmental running costs; and if he will make a statement. [6898]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The table shows figures on total spend on advertising including promotional campaigns for the Department for the financial years 1996–97 to 2000/01.

  £ million

  Financial year

  Advertising expenditure

  1996–97

  2.50

  1997–98

  2.27

  1998–99

  8.63

  1999–2000

  14.83

  2000–01

  21.12

  The information requested at (b) to (g) above is not collected centrally and can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much he forecasts will be spent in the current financial year by his Department as a direct result of measures associated with terrorism. [10234]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 26 October 2001]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  The measures we have taken are an essential part of the ongoing planning process, and are closely integrated into the general preparedness of the NHS to deal with a broad range of potential emergencies.

  The Department has also committed considerable staff time and effort into dealing with the consequences of the events of 11 September to which it would be difficult to attribute a specific financial value.

  The Department's annual report will be available later in the year.

  Departmental Promotions
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much his Department spent on information literature, advertising and campaign material in the financial years(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1997–98, (d) 1998–99, (e) 1999–2000 and (f) 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [12270]

  Mr. Hutton
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.
  1056W
  The information is not readily available in the form requested. Details of expenditure on advertising for the years 1996–97 to 2000–01 were provided in an answer to the hon. Member for Angus (Mr. Weir) today.

  Market Research
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what expenditure has been incurred by his(a) Department, (b) agencies and (c) non-departmental public bodies in each of the last four years on (i) opinion polling, (ii) focus groups and (iii) other forms of market research; and if he will list the surveys commissioned and the purpose of each. [27942]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  Copies of research reports are not routinely placed in the Library although a list giving details of market and opinion research undertaken by the Department is made available. A list of research projects carried out by the Department in the financial year 1999–2000 was placed in the Library in May 2000. A list of research projects undertaken by the Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies in 2000–01 and 2001–02 is being compiled and will be placed in the Library. These lists may not include all research projects, as some information is not centrally available.

  A list of the Department's expenditure incurred on (i) opinion polling, (ii) focus groups and (iii) other forms of market research for the last four years could only be provided at disproportionate costs.

  We are committed to consulting and involving the public to help inform both policy formulation and the delivery of better quality public service. Responsive public services are an important part of the Modernising Government initiative.

  We only conduct or commission market or opinion research when it is justified by the needs of the policy or programme and is the most economical, efficient and effective way to achieve the purpose.

  Ministerial Meetings
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health on how many occasions each Minister in his Department has refused to meet an hon. Member in each of the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement about the criteria used to make such decisions. [30966]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and the whole ministerial team are happy to meet parliamentary colleagues who wish to see them and do so frequently in a variety of settings.

  Mental Health
  Mrs. Helen Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to extend to patients who are not formally detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 the right to review their admission; [32752]

  (2) if he will take steps to amend the Mental Health Act 1983 to ensure that patients who are formally detained in hospital benefit from the same rights as formally detained patients; [32749]

  (3) if he will make it his policy that disputed informal admissions to hospitals should be processed as though they were formal admissions. [32755]

  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer her to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  There are two groups of patients who may be treated for a mental disorder without being formally detained under the Mental Health Act 1983: those who have consented and are being treated voluntarily and those who are unable to consent and do not resist treatment.

  The Government are committed to reforming the Mental Health Act 1983 and a Bill will be introduced as soon as parliamentary time allows.

  The Government do not plan to introduce any new rights for patients who are capable of giving consent to treatment and who do so, as they can stop consenting at any time. Neither detention in hospital nor treatment can lawfully continue if a capable patient withdraws consent, except where formal powers under the legislation are used. Once formal powers are invoked, patients have the benefit of the statutory safeguards which accompany the use of those powers.

  There has been concern about the position of patients who are not formally detained but who have not consented to their treatment. These are patients with long-term incapacity who are therefore unable to consent and young people under 18 who may be treated against their wishes if their parents consent.

  New legislation will bring in measures to protect adult patients who have a long-term incapacity to consent, who are in a hospital or nursing home receiving treatment for a serious mental disorder and who do not resist treatment. These safeguards will include, among other things, the right to challenge admission and treatment before a mental health tribunal. As, in practice, it is unlikely that such patients will be able to take advantage of safeguards for themselves, the legislation will also provide for a nominated person to act on the patient's behalf. Where such patients demonstrate resistance to detention or treatment, they will only be lawfully detained or treated under formal powers. New rights will also be introduced for young people with serious mental disorders who are, nevertheless, able to give a view about their own treatment.

  Surgical Instruments
  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what were the excess(a) mortality and (b) morbidity figures associated with single-use instruments for tonsillectomy in 2001. [32780]

  Yvette Cooper
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  The Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) does not collect details of instruments used during tonsil and adenoid surgery or the cause of death. The HES database does show that there were 41,483 finished consultant episodes in tonsil and adenoid surgery in 2000. From January to September 2001 figures show over 20,700 finished consultant episodes reported, but these figures are not complete.

  HES does not record deaths in hospital, but can give no information on cause of death or morbidity measures. As the number of deaths following tonsillectomy is so small (fewer than six), the Department is unable to publish these mortality figures for patient confidentiality reasons.

  Publicity Expenditure
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the total real terms expenditure of his Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies on publicity in each of the years(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99, (c) 1999–2000, (d) 2000–01 and (e) 2001–02 (i) to date and (ii) as estimated for the whole of the present year; and if he will break these figures down to indicate expenditure on (A) advertising and (B) press and public relations. [36170]

  Ms Blears
  I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.

  This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Efficiency Taskforce
  Mr. Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 21 January 2002 to the hon. Member for Woodspring (Dr. Fox), Official Report, column 673W, for what reason it is not possible to ascribe specific financial savings to the work of the NHS efficiency taskforce. [37431]
  Mr. Hutton: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.
  The taskforce and its members provided general advice on a range of issues relating to performance improvements. It would not be possible without

  1059W
  disproportionate cost to quantify the contribution of specific initiatives that the taskforce made to overall efficiency savings.

  Rehabilitation
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to improve awareness of rehabilitation issues among trainee doctors. [11311]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 31 October 2002]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  The content and standard of postgraduate medical training is the responsibility of the UK competent authorities, the Specialist Training Authority (STA) for specialist medicine and, for general practice, the Joint Committee on Postgraduate Training for General Practice (JCPTGP). They are responsible for setting quality standards in postgraduate medical education and practice. They are independent of the Department of Health.

  In addition, the General Medical Council's Education Committee has the general function of promoting high standards of medical education. The committee also co-ordinates all stages of medical education, to ensure that students and newly qualified doctors are equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential for professional practice.

  NHS Budget
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his estimate is of the annual increase in the NHS budget needed to meet the higher costs associated with(a) an aging population and (b) improved healthcare technology; and if he will make a statement. [10818]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 31 October 2001]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  Since there is no single agreed methodology for estimating the impact of aging and improving healthcare technology on the cost of health care, the Department takes an alternative approach to estimating the underlying pressures on health care expenditure. The Department uses the trend increase in activity and expenditure for individual services as an indicator of likely future increases in costs. For example, the Department uses trend growth in the following categories of services:

  Expenditure on FHS drugs;

  Non-elective (emergency) hospital activity; and

  The number of patient visits by community staff.

  These trend increases include the impact of aging population and health care technology. They also capture the effect of other factors, such as changes in public expectations and changes in the underlying health status of the population.

  Treatment Abroad
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS patients have been sent abroad for operations over the last three months; in which countries they have been treated; what has been the cost saving to the NHS; and if he will make a statement. [11474]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 1 November 2001]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  Under the pilot scheme to send national health service patients abroad, currently under way in south-east England, 18 patients travelled for treatment in January and 41 in February. 11 patients travelled for treatment on Friday 1 March and a further 20 are due to travel in the week commencing 4 March. The patients are being treated in France and Germany. We expect up to 200 patients to travel overseas for treatment as part of the pilot.

  The prices for these procedures are commercially confidential. However, they are comparable to the prices charged for individual operations in the United Kingdom private sector.

  The Department has authorised a total of 252 E112 applications since the beginning of December 2001, permitting patients to receive treatment, maternity care or continuing care in other countries of the European Economic Area, funded by the NHS. 72 in December, 94 in January and 86 in February. (These figures are GB figures, as the Department administers this scheme on behalf of Scotland and Wales.) However, the fact that a given number of forms were authorised in a given period does not necessarily mean that the same number of patients actually travelled overseas in that period. The countries involved were Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Portugal and Spain.

  No information on costs can be provided as invoices are submitted retrospectively.

  Residential Care Homes
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 23 October 2001,Official Report, column 159W, how many individuals (i) of pensionable age and (ii) 75 years or older in each year since 1 May 1997 to the latest available date have been living in (a) residential care homes and (b) residential nursing care homes; and in each category how many were (i) self-funding the fees, (ii) partially funding the fees and (iii) being funded wholly by the state in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. [11945]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 2 November 2001]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  The information available centrally for people aged 65 and over in England is in the table. The number of people who are resident in residential care homes and paying for

  1061W
  their own care is not collected centrally. A survey conducted in June 2001 estimated the number of people in nursing homes who were paying wholly for their own care, but no information was collected on age.

  Number of places/registered beds in residential and nursing homes for older people (aged 65 and over)1 with Local Authority Supported residents in these homes, 1997 to 2001, England

  Rounded numbers

  As at 31 March

  19972

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Number of places in residential care homes3

  261,600

  268,600

  265,100

  263,400

  260,100

  Number of LA supported residents in residential care homes4

  129,400

  135,300

  137,800

  140,100

  138,100

  Number of registered beds in nursing homes5

  154,200

  160,000

  153,500

  149,600

  142,500

  Number of LA supported residents in nursing homes

  60,800

  67,500

  67,500

  67,600

  65,500

  1 Includes older people who are mentally infirm.

  2 Refers to the period 1 October 1996 to 31 March 1997 for number of registered beds in nursing homes

  3 Residential places in local authority staffed, voluntary, private, small (homes with less than four places) and dual registered homes

  4 Local authority supported residents in local authority staffed and independent residential care homes. A local authority supported resident is a resident whose fees are paid in part or in full by the local authority. This does not include the number of people who are supported by the NHS or the Department for Work and Pensions.

  5 General and mental nursing homes including private hospitals and clinics.

  Source: Department of Health returns.

  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what meetings he has had with representatives of the private residential care homes since April 2001. [24341]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 8 January 2002]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  I have met with: Coalition on Charging on 4 September 2001; Rescare on 26 September 2001; and numerous individual care home owners.

  The Under-Secretary, Lord Hunt of Kings Heath met with Lord Haskel and Rosalind Preston, Chair of the Residential Nursing Home for the Jewish Community on Monday 30 April 2001.

  Influenza
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to minimise the effects of a flu epidemic on hospital resources; and if he will make a statement. [13116]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 7 November 2001]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  As with winter 2000–01, we ran a high media profile publicity campaign targeting all those aged 65 years and over as well as those in at risk groups. These are people of all ages with: chronic respiratory disease, including asthma; chronic heart disease; chronic renal disease; diabetes; immunosuppression due to disease or treatment; and those living in long-stay residential and nursing homes or other long-stay facilities.
  1062W
  Information on the number of homes and beds in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is a matter for the devolved Administrations.

  These people would be most at risk of high morbidity, and would be the people most likely to need hospitalisation if they caught flu.

  We ran a national television advertising campaign, again featuring Sir Henry Cooper, following market research on last year's successful media programme. In addition, there were many other media adverts targeting people aged 65 years and over as well as people in the various clinical risk groups, encouraging them to be immunised.

  This year, 12.2 million doses of influenza vaccine were available for the United Kingdom, some 1.3 million doses more than last year, and enough to achieve our increased minimum target in England of immunising at least 65 per cent. of people aged 65 years and over.

  Final monitoring figures received at the end of December 2001 showed that 68 per cent. of those aged 65 years and over received their flu immunisation. This is three percentage points higher than the target set at the start of the campaign.

  Press Officers and Special Advisers
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) press officers and (b) special advisers are employed by his Department; what the numbers were in each of the last five years; and what the cost was in each case. [24676]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 8 January 2002]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  The information requested is shown in the tables.

  Year

  Numbers

  Cost (£)

  Press officers

  1996–97

  15

  1—

  1997–98

  16

  1,061,664

  1063W

  Year

  Numbers

  Cost (£)

  1998–99

  18

  1,122,393

  1999–2000

  21

  1,252,509

  2000–01

  22

  1,232,937

  Special advisers

  1996–97

  2

  2—

  1997–98

  2

  2—

  1998–99

  2

  2—

  1999–2000

  2

  2—

  2000–01

  2

  2—

  1 Details of the costs for press offices are given for the periods 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01. For the period of 1996–97, could be provided only at disproportionate costs.

  2 Details of costs for Special Advisers within the individual Departments are not given, in order to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned.

  Older People (Social Services)
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the methodology used to derive the 2002–03 allocation as indicated in the document entitled "Improving Social Services for Older People". [28289]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 15 January 2002]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  All councils received additional funding through the Building Care Capacity Grant. The 55 councils with the highest rates, and the most severe problems, with delayed discharge received extra funding. The extra funding to these councils reflected the rate of delayed discharge in that council's area in summer 2001.

  The same criteria were used to distribute the £190 million available for councils through this Grant in 2002–3.

  Golden Jubilee
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what events(a) he is and (b) other Ministers in his Department are planning to attend as part of the golden jubilee celebrations; and what events his Department is planning to arrange to celebrate the golden jubilee. [33251]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 4 February 2002]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on 11 February 2002, Official Report, columns 58–59W.

  General Practitioner (Child Registration)
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children aged(a) under five and
  1064W
  (b) five to 18 were known not to be registered with a general practitioner (i) in 2002 and (ii) five years ago; and what proportion they represent of the cohort. [35211]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 11 February 2002]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  The Department does not have any data on "non-registered patients".

  BCG Vaccine
  Mr. Goodman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the availability of the BCG vaccine in schools in Buckingham. [5649]

  Yvette Cooper
  [holding answer 20 July 2001]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  The Government's policy is that all school children should be immunised with BCG between the ages of 10 and 14 if they have not previously been immunised. Initially, in Buckinghamshire, this vaccine was offered to those students who were due to leave school in summer 2001. Where there has been sufficient vaccine and resources, year 10 pupils were also offered testing and immunisation. Any current year 10 and year 11 pupils who have not been offered the vaccine will be offered testing and immunisation during this academic year.

  Multiple Sclerosis
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will discuss with the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs the research of Professor Alan Ebringer of Kings College, associated with BSE, and its implications for multiple sclerosis. [27036]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC) provides scientifically based advice to the Department of Health, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Food Standards Agency and the devolved Administrations on matters relating to spongiform encelopathies, taking into account the remits of other bodies with related responsibilities. At SEAC's meeting on 6 February 2002, Professor Ebringer and his colleagues gave a presentation outlining both the autoimmune hypothesis for the cause of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) and the diagnostic test that had been developed on the basis of the proposed aetiology. Following a lengthy discussion, SEAC considered that Professor Ebringer supported his theory by using a limited choice of publications, and that he had disregarded much of the published literature.

  SEAC concluded that, on the basis of the results presented, there was little justification at this time for carrying out additional work. The minutes of SEAC's discussions can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/bse/bse-publications/seac/mins06–02–02.pdf

  STI-571
  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will ensure that patients participating in the UK trials for the drug STI-571, who receive proven benefits from the drug during the trial, will continue to have STI-571 made available to them, pending the appraisal of the drug by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence; [5667]

  (2) when he will answer the question tabled by the hon. Member for Taunton on 17 July 2001 (ref: 5667) on STI-571. [19484]

  Ms Blears
  [pursuant to his reply, 30 November 2001, c.1200W]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  A letter about the future provision of Glivec (STI-571), agreed by Ministers and signed by both Neil McKay, the Chief Operating Officer, and Professor Mike Richards, the National Cancer Director, was sent on 24 October to all NHS Regional Directors.

  Novartis, the manufacturers of Glivec, made a limited free supply available for those patients on the Extended Access Programme (EAP) after which it was for health authorities and trusts to discuss the funding of the treatment. However, as the letter of the 24 October makes clear, there is no question of treatment being withdrawn from patients on funding grounds once EAP supplies ends. Treatment should cease only on clinical grounds.

  Those patients involved in trials of Glivec will continue to have their treatments funded by Novartis.

  Herceptin
  Dr. Stoate
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if Herceptin has received approval from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence; what plans he has to increase its availability to NHS patients; and if he will make a statement. [1416]

  Yvette Cooper
  An announcement will be made shortly.

  Hospital Trust Chief Executives
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the salaries of the hospital trust chief executives in England, including bonus payments; and what are the terms of their bonus/incentive schemes. [7597]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 15 October 2001]: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W.

  Information on the salaries of individual hospital trust chief executives is confidential. National health service trust summarisation schedules for 2000–01 contain information for total remuneration of NHS trust chief executives, which includes basic salary, benefits and
  1066W
  performance related bonuses. The basic salary may include compensation for loss of office. The table showing the breakdown of total remuneration by band has been placed in the Library.

PRIME MINISTER

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 6 March 2002, refs 40634–7,Official Report, column 343W, what consideration he gives to the application of the Ministerial Code of July 2001 paragraph I (iv), when answering written parliamentary questions. [42401]

  The Prime Minister
  Paragraph 1 of the Ministerial Code sets out Ministers' responsibilities in relation to Parliament and the public.

  LNM Holdings
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer of 13 February 2002,Official Report, column 198, by what means he was first informed of the donation by Mr. Mittal to the Labour Party registered on 20 June 2001. [41841]

  The Prime Minister
  I have nothing further to add to my previous answer.

  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to the statement of 5 March 2002, of the Secretary of State for Wales,Official Report, column 169, who, within his office, amended the draft of his letter to the Prime Minister of Romania concerning LNM steel. [41845]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 14 February 2002,Official Report, columns 610–11W.

  Ministerial Code
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will extend the principles of ministerial conduct set out in the Ministerial Code to the giving of accurate and truthful information outside Parliament. [42839]

  The Prime Minister
  Paragraph 1 of the Ministerial Code sets out Ministers' responsibilities in relation to Parliament and the public.

  Iraq
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his statement to the House of 6 March 2002,Official Report, column 297, in what form he plans to consult the House (a) before and (b) after commitment of British forces to action in Iraq. [42409]

  The Prime Minister
  I have nothing further to add to my statement, and the answer I gave the hon. Member for Hackney, North and Stoke Newington (Ms Abbott) on 6 March 2002,Official Report, column 287.

  UK European Commissioner
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Prime Minister what the procedure and timescale will be for the appointment of the UK's Commissioner to the EU in 2005; and if he will submit the role to his candidate for scrutiny by select committees. [42619]
  1068W
  The Prime Minister
  The procedure for selecting, in mid-2004, the President and members of the next European Commission are as set out in the EU Treaty. The role of national parliaments (and their Scrutiny Committees) in the EU generally will be considered in the 'European Convention' that has just started.

  Magistrates' Courts: Dorset
  Magistrates' Courts: Dorset
  Defendants' Court Attendance Costs: Dorset
  Defendants' Court Attendance Costs: Dorset
  Bereavement Damages
  Bereavement Damages
  Northern Ireland: Policing
  Northern Ireland: Policing
  Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil Service: Life Peers
  Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil Service: Life Peers
  IRA Ceasefire
  IRA Ceasefire
  Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman
  Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman
  Sex Discrimination Act 1975: Extension to Public Authorities
  Sex Discrimination Act 1975: Extension to Public Authorities
  Northern Ireland: Weston Park Discussions
  Northern Ireland: Weston Park Discussions
  IRA Decommissioning
  IRA Decommissioning
  Northern Ireland: Prisoners' Early Release Scheme
  Northern Ireland: Prisoners' Early Release Scheme
  Register of Lords' Interests
  Register of Lords' Interests
  Personal Injury Cases
  Personal Injury Cases
  Commonwealth Ministers' Discussions: Capital Punishment and Prison Conditions
  Commonwealth Ministers' Discussions: Capital Punishment and Prison Conditions
  Middle East
  Middle East
  China: British Citizens or Residents
  China: British Citizens or Residents
  Turkey: Human Rights
  Turkey: Human Rights
  Gibraltar
  Gibraltar
  World Trade Organisation Negotiations
  World Trade Organisation Negotiations
  UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
  UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
  Afghanistan: Civilian Casualties
  Afghanistan: Civilian Casualties
  Medically Downgraded Army Personnel
  Medically Downgraded Army Personnel
  Harrier Departmental Fleet
  Harrier Departmental Fleet
  Army: Recruitment
  Army: Recruitment
  Staff Sergeants and Sergeants: Extension of Service
  Staff Sergeants and Sergeants: Extension of Service
  Flight RR 500, 18 February
  Flight RR 500, 18 February
  Courts Martial: ECHR Judgment
  Courts Martial: ECHR Judgment
  Single Sky Proposals
  Single Sky Proposals
  Royal Armoured Corps: Collective Performance Levels
  Royal Armoured Corps: Collective Performance Levels
  Regional Cultural Consortiums
  Regional Cultural Consortiums
  National Stadium
  National Stadium
  Sports Clubs: Applications for Charitable Status
  Sports Clubs: Applications for Charitable Status
  NHS Hospitals: Board and Lodging
  NHS Hospitals: Board and Lodging
  Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations
  Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations
  Energy Generation: Nuclear and Renewable Sources
  Energy Generation: Nuclear and Renewable Sources
  Scotland: Renewable Energy
  Scotland: Renewable Energy
  Sound Recording: Copyright Exception
  Sound Recording: Copyright Exception
  Labelling Policy: Lead Department
  Labelling Policy: Lead Department
  Ridgeway
  Ridgeway
  Sustainable Development
  Sustainable Development
  Trout and Cormorants
  Trout and Cormorants