Written Answers of 16 October 2002

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Competitiveness Council
  Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the outcome of the Competitiveness Council on 30 September. [74945]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I represented the UK at the Competitiveness Council of Ministers in Brussels on 30 September. This was the first meeting of the new Competitiveness Council, which is an amalgamation of the Internal Market, Industry and Research formations.

  The five specific programmes of the sixth R&D Framework programme were adopted and there was political agreement on legislative dossiers covering public procurement (the utilities directive) and fertilisers (fertilisers regulation). In addition, there was political agreement on two company law dossiers: the updating of the First Company Law Directive on filing and disclosure of company documents in the light of new technology; and the modernisation of the EU Accounting Directives to take account of the adoption of International Accounting Standards as the reporting regime for the EU's listed companies.

  Council Conclusions were adopted endorsing the Commission's Action Plan on Better Regulation and its rapid implementation.

  There was a Presidency report on the proposed discussions at the Nyborg informal, of the methods of working of the new CC formation and a progress report on the proposed 25 amendment (including some overlap with the 23 amendment) to the marketing and use of dangerous substances directive to include controls on further carcinogens, mutagens and substances toxic to reproduction.

  There were Commission presentations on the streamlining of the annual economic and employment policy co-ordination cycles and two reports: the State of the Internal Market for Services and Second Biennial Report on Mutual Recognition in the Internal Market.

  The Commission also reported that bilateral talks with Korea had failed to reach agreement, and the Commission confirmed that it would now implement the decision as agreed by the Council in June—namely to launch the WTO case against Korea together with the reintroduction of the limited and temporary shipbuilding subsidies.

  Over lunch Professor Jaap Winter reported on the consideration by the High Level Group on Company Law of corporate governance issues in the light of large-scale corporate collapses in the US. The Group's approach was to explore ways in which to improve standards of corporate governance, where necessary,
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  and strengthen the role of shareholders within a flexible EU framework. When the formal session resumed conclusions supporting the development of an EU Action Plan were adopted without debate.

  The UK voted in favour of political agreement on the public procurement directive and fertilisers regulation as well as the updating of the First Company Law Directive and the modernisation of the EU Accounting Directives. The UK was also in favour regarding the adoption of the five specific programmes of the sixth R&D Framework programme and the Council conclusions, on the Commission's Action Plan on Better Regulation and on the development of an EU Action Plan on corporate governance.

  Energy Council
  Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the outcome of the Energy Council on 4 October. [74946]

  Mr. Wilson
  I represented the UK at the EU Energy Council held in Luxembourg on 4 October.

  Discussion at this Council centred on the issue of liberalisation of the EU's electricity and gas markets. There was also a short presentation of the European Commission's proposals for directives for Community-level oil and gas stocks.

  The majority of Member States agreed that full legal separation of transmission and distribution system operators was essential for the creation of a genuinely competitive electricity and gas internal market. A minority maintained reserves as they had doubts about the necessity of legal unbundling, arguing that there were other ways to guarantee transparency and fair access to the networks.

  Supporting the majority, the UK said the current proposed exemption threshold of 100,000 customers for distribution operators was too high, because it would exclude a large part of the market in some Member States. The UK could not accept the postponement of legal unbundling for those operators until 1 January 2005, since unbundling was as essential for non-household customers as it was for household customers. The UK emphasised that the need for political agreement was particularly important in the light of the increasing consolidation across Europe. If we did not put in place the conditions needed to ensure nondiscriminatory access to networks for all market players, and this meant legal unbundling, there was a danger that incumbents might be able to use their dominant positions to thwart competition. The Commission agreed that legal separation of both transmission and distribution network operators was essential, reminding delegations that this need not imply any transfer of assets.

  On public service obligations, there was split between those preferring the universal service provisions to apply to all final customers and those, including the UK, wishing to limit them to household customers only.

  On energy labelling, most delegations agreed that any labelling system should be simple, cost-effective and accurate.
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  Discussion on access to gas storage generated strong support for a UK-inspired compromise whereby noncompetitive segments of the market would be subject to regulated third party access, while competitive segments could use negotiated access. But some Member States maintained a preference for negotiated access only.

  Nearly all Member States emphasised the need to complete the full internal market as soon as possible, supporting the dates of 2004 for opening the non-domestic sector and 2005 for the domestic sector. The Commission agreed on these operative dates, but signalled the possibility of flexibility to achieve consensus.

  The Presidency concluded that the EU remained on course to reach political agreement at the next energy Council meeting on 25 November.

  A progress report on the electricity cross border Regulation was noted without discussion. The Commission emphasised that it was an essential part of the package.

  The Commission presented proposals for two directives containing new arrangements for stocking oil and gas within the Community, explaining that the main objective was to improve security of supply of oil and gas. The Commission argued that the EU's arrangements for emergency oil stocks needed updating to take account of the current political situation; and that the development of gas as a fuel of choice for electricity generation meant that special arrangements were needed to guarantee security of supply, particularly in view of the rising proportion of gas imported into the EU.

  The UK disagreed, arguing that the existing oil arrangements of the International Energy Agency had proved to be both flexible and adequate, and that the gas measure was premature until the internal market was functioning properly.

  UK Structural Funds Programme
  Candy Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what steps his Department has taken to simplify the application process for accessing funding from UK European Structural Funds programmes; and what discussions his Department has had with UK and European partners on the simplification of the application process for accessing funding from UK Structural Funds Programme. [74396]

  Alan Johnson
  The DTI, in co-ordination with other Government Departments, has been at the forefront of discussion with other Member States and the European Commission on all aspects of simplification of Structural Funds administration. The UK has drafted papers on this issue for consideration by the Structural Funds Management Committees, and as a result of this work, Commissioner Michel Barnier called a meeting of Regional Policy Ministers on 7 October during which the Commission proposals for simplification were discussed. The UK gave its support to these proposals and will be working with the Commission and other Member States on their practical implementation.

PRIME MINISTER

  Sir Desmond Morton
  Paul Clark
  To ask the Prime Minister if an official biography of Sir Desmond Morton is being commissioned. [75045]

  The Prime Minister
  Yes, I have appointed Mrs. Gill Bennett who is a visiting Fellow of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, as the official historian to write the official biography of Sir Desmond Morton.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Asylum Accommodation Centres
  Tony Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what archaeological surveys have been conducted by(a) her Department, (b) the County Archaeological Office and (c) English Heritage in respect of the sites identified for development as asylum accommodation centres; if the Government will publish the reports; and what further plans the Government have to commission such surveys. [74520]

  Dr. Howells
  It is for the developing agency, not the DCMS, the County Archaeologist or English Heritage to undertake archaeological surveys to inform proposals for development.

  From the outset of the Accommodation Centre project, archaeology has been dealt with in accordance with government guidance as set out in PPG 16 "Archaeology and Planning". At the site option screening stage, archaeology was one of many factors used to identify sites where an Accommodation Centre might be developed without significant adverse impact to heritage interests, to preclude other sites where unacceptable impacts would occur and to identify those possible sites where desk studies, field evaluation or other archaeological measures would be necessary.

  Archaeological desk and field evaluation studies have been commissioned by the Home Office for the Accommodation Centres proposed at Newton, Bicester and Pershore. Field evaluation trenching has also been undertaken at Newton and Bicester, and is under consideration at Pershore.

  At Newton and Bicester the results of the desk and field studies have been submitted as part of the planning notification process, and documentation for Pershore will similarly form part of the planning submission. In due course, if development goes ahead any archaeological investigations in advance of development will be published in accordance with government guidance and archaeological best practice.

  Wembley Stadium
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she expects the final report of the English National Stadium Review to be published; and if she will make a statement. [75044]

  Tessa Jowell
  I am today publishing the final report of the English National Stadium Review led by Patrick Carter and placing copies in the Libraries of both
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  Houses. The report reflects the detail of the agreements concluded by all principal parties on the National Stadium project on 26 September.

  I set out on 19 December 2001, Official Report columns 291–3, four tests which I expected the Football Association (FA) and Wembley National Stadium Ltd (WNSL) to meet before the offer of Government support to the National Stadium project could be confirmed:
  First, an independent assessment of the Multiplex stadium construction contracts. This was undertaken by Cyril Sweett Ltd and copies were placed in the House libraries in May. Since May the contract has changed from a Design, Construct and Finance arrangement to a Design and Construct contract. Cyril Sweett Ltd have therefore reviewed the new contract and produced an addendum report that concludes the new contract remains value for money. I am placing copies of the addendum report in the House libraries today.
  Secondly, as I explained in my 7 May statement, Official Report columns 21–2, WNSL have made available to the Comptroller and Auditor General papers relating to the project.
  Thirdly, corporate governance changes to be made to produce a management structure capable of delivering a complex project within procedures acceptable to the public sector. In addition to the significant strengthening of the WNSL Board, already announced, a range of improved procedures are now in place.
  Fourthly, confirmation that financial support was adequate and fully committed. As Patrick Carter's report sets out, this is now the case.

  Having reviewed the steps the FA and WNSL have taken since December, last year, and Patrick Carter's assessment of the progress made by WNSL, including his view that on balance my four tests have been met, I have confirmed the Government's support to the National Stadium project which I had first offered in December. I have however also ensured that the public interest in the new National Stadium is protected by stronger safeguards than those secured at the previous project's failed syndication in 2000.

  The time has come for Government to stand back as the project moves into the construction phase and is taken forward by the FA and WNSL. But, as Patrick Carter has noted, to safeguard the public interest, the project as a whole will require careful monitoring and with Sport England and the London Development Agency we shall be putting in place new arrangements as recommended by the Office for Government Commerce.

  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what advice she has received from the Football Association about progress in concluding the financing of the proposed redevelopment of Wembley Stadium; [74298]

  (2) what advice she has received from the Football Association about changes in costs, including legal and professional fees, of the proposed redevelopment of Wembley Stadium; [74300]

  (3) when she expects the final contracts for the proposed redevelopment of Wembley Stadium to be concluded; and if she will make a statement. [74299]
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  Mr. Caborn
  The contracts relating to the construction of the English National Stadium at Wembley were signed on 26 September. My right hon. Friend has published today the final report of the English National Stadium Review team which included Wembley National Stadium Limited's data on changes to the costs of the project including fees. Copies of the report are available in the House libraries or from my Department's website www.culture.gov.uk.

  BBC
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the BBC curriculum online proposal; and when she expects to reach a decision on the proposal. [74314]

  Dr. Howells
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is currently considering the BBC's application for a digital curriculum service, together with the responses to the public consultation, against the criteria set out in the Department's published guidelines on proposed new BBC public services. My right hon. Friend will announce her decision on the application as soon as possible.

  Television Licences
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what changes she proposes to the working of the concessionary scheme so that eligibility for concessionary TV licences is not lost when someone under 60 years moves into the beneficiary's sheltered housing; [74538]

  (2) how many representations from (a) members of the public, (b) charities and (c) hon. Members she has received regarding sheltered housing schemes being charged for a television licence because a resident is under 60; and if she will make a statement; [74540]

  (3) when the proposals she has to change the working of the concessionary scheme so that eligibility for concessionary TV licences is not lost when someone under 60 moves into the beneficiary's sheltered housing will be published. [74539]

  Dr. Howells
  The Government proposes to introduce preserved rights for beneficiaries of the Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) concessionary television licence scheme when the social mix or the level of warden cover in their sheltered housing change, so long as the accommodation continues to be provided or managed by a local authority, a housing association or a development corporation. We intend to publish amending regulations as soon as possible, but the ARC scheme is complex and it is important that, in amending it, we avoid creating any new anomalies or unnecessary administrative burdens.

  Information about the number of representations received on different aspects of the concessionary television licensing arrangements is not recorded separately.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Senegal
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the supply of general purpose machine guns to Senegal, for use as part of a UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [74948]

  Mr. MacShane
  Following consultations with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Ministry of Defence, the Department of Trade and Industry recently approved a licence to export general purpose machine guns to Senegal. These arms will be used by the Senegalese Armed Forces in the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

  DRC is subject to an EU arms embargo, imposed by a Declaration of 7/4/1993. The embargo was put in place mainly to ensure the safety of international troops and civilian personnel deployed in the DRC. The decision to grant an exemption does not affect HMG's continued support for the EU arms embargo on the DRC.

  The decision to permit export was made on the basis that the equipment is needed by bona fide UN peacekeepers and is proportionate to the humanitarian needs of the Senegalese peacekeepers.

  HMG fully supports the Senegalese troops deployed to the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC. The decision underlines our continued support for the work being done by peacekeepers within the country.

  Iraq
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what goods on the Military List have recently been approved for export to Iraq. [74949]

  Mr. MacShane
  Following consultation with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Trade and Industry recently approved a licence to export de-mining equipment to United Nations Office for Project Services in mine clearance operations in Northern Iraq. The export included an electronic hand held exploder that appears on the Military List. The conclusion that this export does not represent a proliferation threat has been reached after careful assessment.

  The UN Iraq Sanctions Committee approved this export to Iraq under the Oil for Food programme (OFF). Under OFF Iraq is allowed to export unlimited quantities of oil to fund the purchase of humanitarian goods. The export is consistent with the consolidated EU and national arms export licensing criteria.

  Belize
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress to resolve the territorial dispute between Guatemala and Belize. [74950]

  Mr. MacShane
  The Organization of American States (OAS) concluded its two year process to help the Governments of Guatemala and Belize settle their territorial dispute on 30 September. Detailed proposals 854W
  drawn up by independent Facilitators appointed by both Governments were presented to the Governments on 16 September, provide the basis for a fair and honourable settlement to this long-standing dispute. We hope both Governments will now seize this historic opportunity.

  The Facilitators have recommended some adjustment to the land border, and proposed new maritime limits giving Guatemala an Economic Exclusion Zone and Continental Shelf in the Gulf of Honduras of some 2000 square nautical miles. The Governments of Belize and Honduras have each agreed to contribute 1000 square nautical miles to this zone.

  The Facilitators have also recommended the establishment of a tri-national ecological park covering coastal, insular and maritime areas of Belize, Guatemala and Honduras and a substantial Development Trust Fund. Details can be found on the Belize Government's website www.belize.gov.bz/.

  At a ceremony in Washington on 30 September marking the end of the facilitation process, Dr. MacShane spoke of the UK's full support for the OAS process. He welcomed the proposals highlighting the potential for investment and economic growth that will result if the referendums that are now due to be held simultaneously in both countries are successful.

  HMG believes that the Facilitators have worked patiently and meticulously to produce proposals that are fair and honourable to the Governments of Guatemala and Belize. They represent the best chance yet of settling the dispute. Settlement would also have a global significance, demonstrating that with good will and determination even the most intractable problems can be resolved by negotiation. A settlement would open a new chapter of peace and harmony between the two countries and reduce the risk of potential conflict along the border.

  We urge the Governments and civil society of both countries to enter into constructive debate on what a settlement would mean to their populace before putting the proposals to referendums.

  Azerbaijan
  Mr. Pound
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the UK will continue to uphold the OSCE embargo on the export of weapons and military equipment to Azerbaijan. [74951]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  HMG remains committed to the OSCE arms embargo against both Azerbaijan and Armenia, which we interpret as covering all goods and technology controlled under entries in Part III of Schedule 1 to the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994 (commonly known as the military list).

  In September 2002, the Government approved an export licence application for demining vests for the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Actions.

  In January 2002 the Government approved a similar request for protective jackets for demining operations to Azerbaijan.
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  The decision was made in accordance with our practice occasionally to make an exemption to our interpretation of the embargo by approving exports of non-lethal military goods to humanitarian, media or peacekeeping organisations where it is clear that the embargo was not intended to prevent those exports and there is a strong humanitarian case for them.

  Date

  Location

  Business

  October 2002

  1

  Brussels

  GAERC

  2

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  3–4

  Brussels

  Convention Plenary: Subsidiarity & Legal Personality working group conclusions; interim reports on Charter & National Parliaments working groups

  3–4

  Brussels

  Transport & Telecommunications Council

  8

  Brussels

  ECOFIN

  8

  Brussels

  Employment, Social Policy, Health & Consumer Affairs Council

  10

  Copenhagen

  EU/India Summit

  11–12

  Nyborg

  Internal Market, Consumer Affairs & Industry Meeting (Ministerial Informal)

  14

  Brussels

  Fisheries Council

  14–15

  Brussels

  Justice & Home Affairs & Civil Protection Council

  16

  Brussels

  EU Commission: Annual Report on Candidate Countries

  17

  Brussels

  Environment Council

  17

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  20

  Luxembourg

  EU Trade (Ministers Informal)

  21–22

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  24–25

  Brussels

  European Council

  28–29

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  28–29

  Aalborg

  Patent Protection: Ministers & EU Commissioners

  28–29

  Brussels

  Convention plenary: Giscard to release his constitutional text; Charter working group conclusions; preliminary reports on conclusions of Economic Governance and Complementary Competences working groups.

  November

  4

  Brussels

  Culture Council

  5

  Brussels

  ECOFIN

  6

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  7

  Brussels

  Health Council

  7–8

  Brussels

  Convention Plenary—Complementary Competences and Economic Governance working group conclusions; preliminary reports on conclusions of Simplification, National Parliaments, Security and Justice working groups.

  11–12

  Brussels

  Education, Youth & Culture Council

  14–15

  Brussels

  Internal Market, Consumer Affairs & Tourism Council

  18–19

  Brussels

  General Affairs & External Relations Council ( Defence)

  21

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  25–26

  Brussels

  Budget Meeting

  25–26

  Brussels

  Industry & Energy Council

  28

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  28–29

  Brussels

  Justice and Home Affairs & Civil Protection Council

  December

  2

  Brussels

  Meeting On Macro Economic Dialogue (Ministerial Trokia)

  3

  Brussels

  ECOFIN

  2–3

  Brussels

  Employment, Social Policy, Health & Consumer Affairs Council

  4

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  5

  Brussels

  Transport & Telecom Council

  6

  Brussels

  Transport & Telecom Council

  9

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  10

  Brussels

  Environment Council

  12–15

  Copenhagen

  European Council

  16–17

  Brussels

  Fisheries Council

  19

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  20

  Brussels

  Justice And Home Affairs & Civil Protection Council

  20–21

  Brussels

  Convention Plenary-External Action and Defence working group conclusions

  January

  9

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  9

  Brussels

  Agriculture & Fisheries Council (to be confirmed)

  16

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  20

  Brussels

  EUROGROUP (evening)

  20

  Brussels

  Convention Plenary

  European Union Events
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for October; and if he will list the major European Union events for the period between 31 October and April 2003. [75046]

  Peter Hain
  The information requested is in the table.
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  Date

  Location

  Business

  20–21

  Brussels

  Agriculture & Fisheries Council

  21

  Brussels

  ECOFIN

  24

  Nafplion

  Employment Council (Ministerial Informal)

  27–28

  Brussels

  General Affairs & External Relations Council

  28

  Brussels

  EU-ASEAN Ministerial

  30

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  February

  5

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  6–7

  Brussels

  Convention Plenary

  10–11

  Brussels

  AGRICULTURE & FISHERIES Council (to be confirmed)

  13

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  17

  Brussels

  EUROGROUP (evening)

  18

  Brussels

  ECOFIN

  20

  Brussels

  EDUCATION, YOUTH & CULTURE Council (to be confirmed)

  22

  Thessalonika

  Energy Council (Ministerial Informal)

  24–25

  Brussels

  General Affairs & External Relations Council Agriculture & Fisheries

  26

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  27–28

  Brussels

  Convention Plenary

  27–28

  Brussels

  Justice & Home Affairs Council

  28

  Brussels

  Employment, Social Policy, Health & Consumer Affairs Council

  March

  3

  Luxembourg

  Competitiveness Council

  6

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  6

  Luxembourg

  Employment, Social Policy, Health & Consumer Affairs Council

  6

  Luxembourg

  EUROGROUP (evening)

  7

  Luxembourg

  ECOFIN

  7

  Luxembourg

  Transport, Telecom & Energy Council

  13

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  14–15

  Athens

  (Informal Defence Meeting)

  17–18

  Brussels

  Convention Plenary

  17–18

  Luxembourg

  Agriculture & Fisheries Council

  18–19

  Luxembourg

  General Affairs & External Relations Council

  21

  Luxembourg

  European Council

  27

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  27

  Veria

  Justice and Home Affairs Council (Ministerial Informal)

  27–28

  Luxembourg

  Transport, Telecom & Energy Council)

  28

  Athens

  EU-Rio Group, EU-MERCOSUR

  28–29

  Veria

  Informal Justice & Home Affairs (Veria)

  31

  Luxembourg

  Agriculture & Fisheries Council (to be confirmed)

  April

  2

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  3–4

  Brussels

  Convention Plenary

  4

  Brussels

  Justice & Home Affairs

  5

  Lisbon

  Europe-Africa Summit

  5

  Ioannina

  Ministerial Meeting on Education (Informal)

  10

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  11–13

  Chania

  ECOFIN (Informal)

  14

  Brussels

  General Affairs & External Relations

  14

  Brussels

  Agriculture & Fisheries

  16

  Brussels

  Signature Of The Accession (Provisional Date)

  23

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  24–25

  Brussels

  Convention Plenary

  Georgia
  Laura Moffatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the appointment of a UK Special Representative for Georgia. [74952]

  Mr. Straw
  I am committed to finding a way to help Georgia become prosperous, stable and able to live in harmony with its neighbours. This is why I am glad to have appointed Sir Brian Fall as the UK's Special Representative for Georgia, with effect from 1 October. In this capacity Sir Brian will also be the UK Senior Representative on the Group of Friends of the UN Secretary General on Georgia. Sir Brian was formerly 858W
  H.M. Ambassador to Moscow (1992–95). His experience of the region and his diplomatic skills will be invaluable in helping him fulfil this role.

  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 16 August from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mohammad Aamrk Iqbal. [74562]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I am informed that due to an administrative error, my right hon. Friend did not receive a reply to his letter of 16 August. I apologise for this. A reply was sent on 7 October.

  East Timor
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a further statement, with reference to the documents made public by the Australian Government in September 2000, on the attack at Balibo, East Timor on 16 October 1975. [73697]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  In September 2000, the Australian Government published a volume of documents taken from their archives on their relations with East Timor from 1974–76. A number of these documents refer to the deaths of the journalists in the attack on Balibo.

  The British Government gave the Australian Government clearance to publish a number of official documents which referred to information obtained from British diplomatic sources.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Racial Harmony
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what policies he is planning to improve racial harmony in Britain. [74445]

  Beverley Hughes
  The Community Cohesion Unit, part of the Home Office, is committed to improving community cohesion—which will contribute to improving racial harmony. It supports local authorities and other public bodies to tackle immediate problems in communities; integrating community cohesion into mainstream policy and practice; and developing and disseminating knowledge, experience and expertise to local authorities.

  It is, for example, funding a programme of community facilitation to encourage dialogue and tackle local grievances or misunderstandings that threaten good community and race relations. A Ministerial Group has been established from across Government whose role is to ensure that their policies promote community cohesion, and it is working with the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), Local Government Association (LGA) and Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) to produce practical guidance on community cohesion for local authorities. A draft of this guidance was made available earlier in the year.

  The new Government PSA target on race equality, on which the Home Office leads, will deliver improvements in race equality and community cohesion over the next three years,
  "bringing about measurable improvements in race equality and community cohesion across a range of performance indicators, as part of the Government's objectives on equality and social inclusion" (Home Office PSA 9).

  The EC Article 13 Race Directive, which should be transposed into UK law by 19 July 2003, establishes, for the first time, a minimum standard of legal protection from racial discrimination across Europe. The UK's domestic legislation already conforms to most of the provisions of the Directive. However, some technical amendments to the Race Relations Act 1976 will be required in order to implement it. The Government is
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  considering a range of legislative options for achieving this. The Government intends to issue another public consultation exercise on the detailed proposals. This will take place in the autumn.

  Crimes Against Children
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedures are in place to ensure that overseas-recruited(a) health workers and (b) social workers who are working with children have not been convicted of an offence that relates to crimes against children. [74319]

  Hilary Benn
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Minister for Health, my hon. Friend the Member for Redditch (Jacqui Smith).

  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced in his speech to the Labour Party conference on 2 October that forthcoming legislation on sex offenders will include a new order to make those convicted of sexual offences abroad subject to the registration requirements of the Sex Offenders Act if they come to the United Kingdom.

  Devolution (Scotland)
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what co-ordination he has undertaken of Departments' assessment of the implications of the entitlement card proposals for the devolved powers of the Scottish Parliament. [71964]

  Beverley Hughes
  Home Office officials met with counterparts in the Scottish Executive to discuss issues of particular relevance to the devolved administration, prior to the publication of the consultation paper on Entitlement Cards and Identity Fraud. These contacts will continue during the consultation exercise.

  The consultation paper states that any legislation to establish an entitlement card scheme would be enacted by the Westminster Parliament, as any scheme would need to operate on a UK-wide basis if it was to be effective as an immigration control measure.

  One of the detailed options for the scope of any legislation would allow organisations to link services to a card scheme via their own legislation. Under these arrangements, it will be a matter for the Scottish Executive and Parliament to decide whether to link the services they are responsible for to a card scheme. However, they could not prevent the issuing of a card for purposes which are outside the scope of their powers, for example, the UK card as a travel document in Europe.

  Departmental Bodies
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many jobs under the remit of his Department in(a) the core department, (b) non-departmental public bodies, (c) executive agencies and (d) independent statutory bodies, organisations and bodies financially sponsored by his Department and other such organisations, are located in (i) Scotland, (ii) England, excluding Greater London, (iii) Greater London, (iv) Wales, (v) Northern Ireland and

  861W
  (vi) overseas, broken down by (A) whole-time equivalent jobs and (B) the percentage per individual department, body or organisation. [72728]

  Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 24 July 2002]: The Home Office's central personnel systems do not track jobs only staff. As staff may share a job, and as a job may be vacant awaiting the posting of staff it is not possible to provide an answer in the form requested without incurring disproportionate cost.

  Scotland

  London

  Rest of England

  Wales

  Northern Ireland

  Overseas

  Dept/Body/Organisation1

  No. (FTE)

  %age

  No. (FTE)

  %age

  No. (FTE)

  %age

  No. (FTE)

  %age

  No. (FTE)

  %age

  No. (FTE)

  %age

  Total (FTE)

  Core Home Office including Immigration and Nationality Departmenta

  112.8

  0.9

  8163.9

  66.3

  3921.0

  31.8

  54.8

  0.4

  9.6

  0.08

  57.6

  0.5

  12320.5

  Fire Service Collegec

  0

  0

  0

  0

  152.8

  100

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  152.8

  Forensic Science Servicec

  0

  0

  722.6

  32.9

  1,322

  60.34

  146.4

  6.7

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2191

  Passport & Records Agencyc2

  200.76

  7.32

  544.48

  19.84

  1,623.3

  59.16

  258.64

  9.43

  116.76

  4.26

  0

  0%

  2743.94

  Prison Servicec

  1

  0

  6,400.6

  15.3

  34,785.9

  82.9

  777.5

  1.9

  0

  0

  0

  0

  41,965

  Notes:

  KEY

  a"Core department (excluding agencies)

  bNon-departmental public body

  cExecutive agency

  dindependent statutory body, organisation or body financially sponsored by the department

  1Permanent Staff (fte) by Region as per MANDATE figures 31/03/01

  2Data from Passport & Records Agency is as 8 October 2002

  Asylum Seekers
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what contact his Department has had with the Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council regarding the potential impact of establishing an asylum seeker accommodation centre at RAF Turnhouse on council services in Edinburgh; [74184]

  (2) what discussions his Department has had with the Director of Education of the City of Edinburgh Council regarding the provision of educational facilities for asylum seekers in RAF Turnhouse; [74185]

  (3) what discussions his Department has had with the Director of Social Work of the City of Edinburgh Council regarding the provision of social services for asylum seekers at RAF Turnhouse; [74187]

  (4) what discussions his Department has had with the Director of Housing of the City of Edinburgh Council regarding the provision of housing facilities for asylum seekers (a) during their stay in and (b) after their departure from RAF Turnhouse: [74186]

  (5) what consultation his Department has had with the Chief Constable of the Lothian and Borders Police regarding the policing of the area near to an asylum accommodation centre at RAF Turnhouse. [74181]

  Beverley Hughes
  Following the announcement of the shortlist of eight sites in January, my officials conducted initial consultations, including with the Leader of City of Edinburgh Council and other officers. Detailed consultations will be undertaken if it is decided to submit a planning notification in respect of the Air West Edinburgh site.
  862W
  Home Office staff figures in each region and nation of the United Kingdom are published in "Civil Service Statistics" year on year and placed in the Library. Staffing Figures for non-departmental public bodies are published in "Public Bodies 2001".

  Home Office Staffing figures as at 1 April 2001 are set out in the table. Information is provided, as at that date, to enable comparisons with other Government departments.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the measures taken to deter bogus asylum seekers in the last two years by the EU. [74450]

  Beverley Hughes
  In December 2002 Council adopted the EURODAC Regulation establishing a computerised central database of fingerprint images, as well as the electronic means for Member States to transmit fingerprint images to the central database. Once operational, expected to be early next year, EURODAC will enable the fingerprints of asylum applicants and certain other third country nationals to he compared to support the application of the Dublin Convention and its successor. This will enable the rapid identification of those seeking to abuse asylum systems by making multiple and differing claims throughout the European Union.

  In December 2001 the Laeken European Council called for urgent action to combat illegal migration, itself linked to the making of fraudulent asylum claims. In February 2002, Member States adopted a comprehensive Action Plan, which included measures on border management, readmission agreements and co-ordinating work in source and transit countries. The Seville European Council in June 2002 agreed a range of further measures to combat illegal migration.

  Immigration
  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people resident in Reading, East became UK citizens in 2001. [74759]
  863W
  Beverley Hughes
  90,2951 persons were granted British citizenship in the United Kingdom in 2001. Corresponding information on grants to persons in particular constituencies is not available, and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost by examination of individual case records.

  Note:

  1Provisional

  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons have entered the UK for the purposes of(a) visiting, (b) study,

  Passengers, given leave to enter the United Kingdom by purpose of journey, excluding EEA nationals, 1997 to 2001

  Purpose of journey

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001P

  Visitors

  7,760,000

  8,040,000

  8,370,000

  8,930,000

  8,170,000

  of which: Business visitors

  1,530,000

  1,530,000

  1,600,000

  1,770,000

  1,610,000

  Students

  278,000

  266,000

  272,000

  313,000

  339,000

  Employment related

  145,000

  161,000

  173,000

  179,000

  186,000

  of which: Work permit holders (including dependants)

  62,975

  68,385

  76,010

  91,825

  108,825

  Working holidaymakers

  33,300

  40,800

  45,800

  38,400

  35,800

  Au pairs

  15,295

  15,880

  14,645

  12,870

  11,985

  Domestic workers

  15,640

  15,825

  14,890

  14,290

  10,465

  Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent, who are seeking or taking employment

  8,350

  10,220

  11,785

  10,930

  10,635

  Seasonal agricultural workers1

  9,275

  9,450

  9,760

  10,105

  8,390

  Investors

  25

  15

  25

  50

  25

  Family reunion

  28,570

  34,705

  32,780

  36,065

  33,410

  of which: Admitted as a spouse or fianceé(e)

  26,385

  32,165

  30,320

  32,970

  29,100

  Dependants2

  2,185

  2,545

  2,460

  3,095

  4,310

  Notes:

  PData are provisional

  1May be an underestimate of those who work as seasonal agricultural workers as they may enter through other admission categories.

  2Excludes those children granted settlement on arrival as it is not possible to separate those travelling independently for family reunion from those travelling with their parents. However, in each of the five years shown these total no more than 1.800.

  Figures are rounded to the nearest five or to three significant figures

  No data are currently available for the number of
  persons who have entered the UK for the purpose of humanitarian protection. It is not possible to provide information on how many asylum seekers entered the UK in any given period, because some arrive clandestinely and subsequently apply for asylum in-country rather than on arrival at UK ports. Others may enter legally with visas as visitors, or under another immigration status, and subsequently claim asylum.

  The table below shows the number of applicants who applied for asylum in the UK, both at port and in-country, in each year between 1997 and 2001.

  Applications for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, 1997 to 20011

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001P

  Applications received

  32,500

  46,015

  71,160

  80,315

  71,365

  Applied at port

  16,590

  23,345

  29,455

  25,935

  25,210

  Applied in-country

  15,915

  22,670

  41,700

  54,380

  46,160

  Notes:

  PData are provisional

  1May exclude some cases lodged at Local Enforcement Offices between January 1999 and March 2000. Excludes Kosovars evacuated from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia under the humanitarian operation which began in April 1999 who were granted exceptional leave for 1 year, and a number of grants of temporary exceptional leave given to Kosovars who arrived in the United Kingdom outside the evacuation programme, other than those who applied for asylum whilst in the UK. As at July

  864W
  (c) economic activity, (d) family reunion and (e) humanitarian protection in each year since 1997. [73748]

  Beverley Hughes
  The information requested on how many persons have entered the United Kingdom (UK) as visitors, students, for employment related and family reunion purposes are given in the table. The figures given exclude passengers who are not subject to immigration control, i.e. European Economic Area (EEA) nationals and Commonwealth citizens who have the right of abode in the UK.

  2000 the majority of those Kosovars who had arrived under the humanitarian evacuation operation had returned to (FRY) Former Republic of Yugoslavia.

  Figures are rounded to the nearest five.

  Ronald Biggs
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what effect the marriage of a prisoner to a foreign national has on the rights of(a) the marriage partner and (b) existing children to (i) remain in the United Kingdom, (ii) hold a British passport and (iii) obtain British citizenship. [73533]

  Beverley Hughes
  If the prisoner is not, himself, a British citizen or a person settled in the UK, then his status would not confer any entitlement on his spouse and children to remain in the UK. Providing that adequate funds were available, his spouse and children could seek leave to enter the UK for short periods to visit him in prison.

  If the prisoner is a British citizen or person settled here, a foreign national marrying him would be able to apply for leave to remain here on the basis of the marriage. The application would be considered on its merits, taking into account the following factors:
  the length of the sentence;
  whether the marriage is subsisting and the sponsor (that is the prisoner) supports the application and intends to resume co-habitation on release;

  865W
  whether the spouse is able to maintain and accommodate herself and any dependants without recourse to public funds, given that the sponsor is in prison.

  Any dependent children (under 18) could apply for leave to enter or remain in line with the conditions of the spouse.

  Marriage to a British citizen does not confer automatic British citizenship on a foreign national. The requirements for naturalisation must still be met, although they are less demanding than for naturalisation of someone not married to a British citizen.

  A legitimate child born overseas to a British citizen father and non-British citizen mother may be a British citizen from birth, whilst an illegitimate birth overseas to such parents would usually mean that the child was not a British citizen. However, if the parents of an illegitimate child subsequently marry, and the law of the country in which the father is domiciled legitimates a child of the relationship upon the parents' marriage, the child will be treated as having been born legitimate. The child would then be regarded as a British citizen from birth and would be entitled to enter and remain freely in this country.

  A person would not be entitled to hold a British passport without first obtaining British nationality.

  Passport and Records Agency
  Mrs. Humble
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Passport and Records Agency intends to publish its annual accounts for 2001–02. [75393]

  Beverley Hughes
  The Passport and Records Agency Accounts 2001–02 has been published today and copies of the Report have been placed in the Library.

DEFENCE

  Unpaid Advisers
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the names of the unpaid advisers appointed by him and his predecessor since June 1997, stating in each case(a) the date of their appointment, (b) the duration of their appointment and (c) the project or projects on which they have been engaged. [43377]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding reply 25 March 2002)]No unpaid advisers have been appointed by Defence Ministers since June 1997.

  For details of unpaid appointments made by the Ministry of Defence to task forces, review groups and other ad hoc advisory groups, I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answer provided by my hon. Friend for Shipley (Mr. Leslie) on 16 November 2001, Official Report, columns 895W–96W.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many overseas visits have been undertaken by 866W
  parliamentary private secretaries in his Department at departmental expense in each of the last four years; and at what cost to public funds. [36810]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 25 February 2002]Parliamentary Private Secretaries supporting Ministers in this Department have travelled overseas on Government business on three occasions. As military transport was used no additional costs were incurred. All travel complied with the requirements of the Ministerial Code.

  Age Discrimination
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's policy is towards age discrimination. [42581]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence integrated age into its equal opportunity policy some years ago and the Department has a commitment that there should be no unfair discrimination on the basis of age. Action on diversity has and will continue to tackle any negative attitudes, particularly through the training and development of managers and through the monitoring of recruitment, selection and appraisal statistics.

  The Ministry of Defence, like other Departments, has reviewed its age retirement policy in light of the Government's commitment to tackle ageism in the workplace as set out in the Code of Practice for Age Diversity in Employment published in 1999 and in the Performance Innovation Unit's Report "Winning the Generation Game". The review concluded that there should be no change. In the MOD, some two-thirds of the workforce have the option to retire anytime between the age of 60 and 65.

  Wales
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the(a) date, (b) location and (c) purpose was of visits by ministers in his Department to Wales since 1997; and when he next intends to visit Wales. [62074]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding reply 17 June 2002]Defence Ministers have made the following visits to Wales since 1997:

  Dates

  2 March 1999

  Clwyd

  Visit to RAF Sealand/Defence Aviation Repair Agency

  7 March 1999

  St Athan

  Visit to Defence Aviation Repair Agency

  5–6 June 1999

  Cwmbran

  Rededication of War Memorial

  9 June 2000

  Chepstow

  Visit to Royal Anglian Regiment

  9 January 2002

  St Athan

  Visit to Defence Aviation Repair Agency

  7 August 2002

  St Athan

  Visit to Defence Aviation Repair Agency

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence plans to visit Wales in early November.

  Consultancies
  David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list external(a) public relations/ communications companies, (b) advertising and marketing companies, (c) management consultancies, (d) accountancy companies, (e) banking firms,

  867W
  (f) individual consultants and (g) other specialist consultancies used by his Department since June 2001; what actions those consultancies/companies have performed within his Department; and what costs have been incurred through use of these consultancies/companies. [74678]

  Dr. Moonie
  The information requested is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. However, information on expenditure on external assistance, categorised by type of work and Top Level Budget Holder, is contained in the Ministry of Defence's annual return of expenditure on External Assistance. Copies have been placed in the Library of the House since 1996.

  Equipment (Heat and Desert Conditions)
  Jon Trickett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what performance criteria and testing procedures relating to possible use in extreme heat and desert conditions were utilised during the procurement processes for(a) the Challenger II Tank and its related AS90 self propelled gun, (b) items of military clothing, (c) C17 transport aircraft and (d) radio communication and information systems. [74649]

  Dr. Moonie
  Performance criteria and testing procedures during the procurement of any equipment or materiel are those required to ensure that the operational requirements set at that time are met. Amongst the criteria used is the Ministry of Defence series of Defence Standards (DEFStans). The performance of equipments that have been in-service for some time is routinely monitored to ensure that they continue to meet operational requirements.

  Both the Challenger II Tank and AS90 were procured against a requirement to operate in Northwest Europe. Following the experience of Exercise SAIF SAREEA II, the ability to operate more effectively in Desert conditions is being enhanced through logistic improvements and for AS90, a Desertisation Upgrade Pack.

  Military clothing must meet or exceed the relevant European and British quality standards and performance characteristics. Garments are tested for conformity and, for operational clothes, trials are conducted by the user in the required environmental conditions.

  The UK C-17 aircraft is an Off-the-Shelf solution to meet the Short Term Strategic Airlift Requirement. The aircraft has been designed, developed, tested and cleared by Boeing and the United States Air Force to operate in a wide range of environments including extreme heat and desert conditions.

  The main tactical radio communications system currently in use in the land environment is the Clansman family of radios and ancillaries. Designed for operations, over a temperature range of - 40 to + 55 degrees centigrade, in combat zones anywhere in the world, Clansman remains just as capable as it always has been to meet the requirement it was delivered against. The Design Authorities provided the temperature operating range when the equipment was procured in the 1970s.
  868W
  Ptarmigan has been the army's deployable trunk communications system since 1985 and was designed to operate in North West Europe. The three major installations, which provide the backbone of the system, operate primarily within a temperature range of - 32 to + 45 degrees centigrade. The Ptarmigan system was not designed for the desert environment, but the purchase of additional Generators, Air Conditioners, Thermal Screening Panels, when required, has enabled the system to operate adequately in the desert environment.

  The Personal Role Radio (PRR) was first deployed in July 2001. It is designed to meet any environment in which individual soldiers could realistically expect to operate and survive. In particular within a temperature range up to + 55C and in dry and desert conditions. The National Audit Office report on Exercise SAIF SAREEA II (paragraph 2.8) states that the PRR performed very well.

  Armed Forces Personnel
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent progress has been made to increase the numbers of(a) engineers, (b) signallers and (c) medical services in the armed forces. [74413]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Armed Forces undertake numerous and varied recruiting and retention initiatives designed to improve the manning levels of all trades and specialisations which are experiencing, or which are predicted to encounter, shortfalls. Those undertaken to boost levels of engineers, signallers and medical services personnel are bearing fruit. In the Army, in the first six months of 2002–2003, RE enlistments are up 33 per cent., REME enlistments up 24 per cent., R Signals enlistments up 24 per cent. and AMS enlistments up by 7 per cent., over the corresponding period last year. These specialist groups are amongst those that are subject to close scrutiny because of the potential impact that any shortfalls might have on operational capability.

  Defence Bills Agency
  Mr. Michael Jabez Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the performance targets for the Defence Bills Agency for the financial year 2002–03 will be revised following the appointment of a new chief executive. [74942]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Department and the new Chief Executive have reviewed the targets set for the Defence Bills Agency for the financial year 2002–2003. As a result, it was decided that there was scope for further tightening of the already high standards of service provided by the Agency since its formation in 1996. The Key Targets are now as follows:

  1. To make a progressive reduction in the unit costs of output for bills and invoices of between 15 per cent. and 20 per cent. by March 2004; specific annual targets to be agreed with the Owner.

  2. Produce accounting and financial information to the ISO 9001–2000 quality standard and to the times set out in the 1999 Service Level Agreement with MOD Centre.

  3. To pay 99.9 per cent. of correctly presented bills within 11 calendar days of receipt as part of the Department's 30-day payment target.

  4. To raise 97 per cent. of invoices accurately within 4 days of receipt of a correctly authorised claimable document.

  869W

  5. Reduce the overdue collectable debt to 35 per cent. of total collectable debt (based on a 6 month rolling average).

  6. To make a progressive improvement of at least 2 per cent. in the overall level of customer satisfaction compared with the targets set in 2000–2001.

  The change to key target number 3 is an effective increase in the challenge to the Agency since previous performance was rounded to the nearest per cent.

  Housing
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much military service personnel housing is owned by his Department in(a) the UK and (b) overseas. [54643]

  Dr. Moonie
  pursuant to his reply, 19 September 2002,Official Report, column 316W. The figure for housing in England, Scotland and Wales was incorrect. This figure should have read 52,600 not 2,600 as printed in the Official Report. Similarly, the number of Quarters owned or leased by the Ministry of Defence under PFI arrangements should read 7,600, not 7,000.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Afghanistan
  Mr. Purchase
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much of the assistance pledged for Afghanistan at Tokyo in January has been provided; and if she will make a statement. [74947]

  Clare Short
  At the Tokyo conference in January 2002, bilateral and multilateral donors pledged a total of $4.5 billion (about £2.9 billion) over five years, for both reconstruction and continuing humanitarian needs. The UK pledge was £200 million (about $285 million) over 5 years. Of the $1.8 billion pledged at Tokyo for 2002, the UN estimate that just over $1.3 billion (60 per cent.) has so far been disbursed. Humanitarian appeals are currently funded at between 75 per cent. and 90 per cent. for the larger UN agencies; however, initial estimates contained in the UN Immediate and Transitional Assistance Programme document are now widely perceived to be an underestimate, as needs are likely to increase with the coming winter.

  I have increased our commitment from £1.8 million to £55 million this financial year for humanitarian and reconstruction assistance for Afghanistan. Of this amount, about £21.5 million has already been disbursed, mainly through UN agencies, the Red Cross and NGOs, for humanitarian and early recovery assistance. We have also channelled £10 million through the World Bank's Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund. Of the additional £15 million recently made available for this financial year, £11 million will help meet immediate needs, including support for the ongoing refugee return programme and humanitarian requirements throughout the forthcoming winter. I have also placed a Briefing on the Reconstruction of Afghanistan in the Library of the House.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Equality Commission
  Mr. Tom Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what decisions he has reached on appointments to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. [74939]

  Mr. Browne
  The reappointment of sixteen of the existing Commissioners, including the Chief Commissioner, Joan Harbison, and the Deputy Chief Commissioner, Bronagh Hinds took effect on 16 August 2002.

  The other Commissioners reappointed are:

  Jeremy Bryson

  Harry Coll

  Paul Donaghy

  Alan Henry

  John Heron

  Ann Hope

  Ruth Lavery

  Stephen Livingstone

  Margaret Logue

  Harry McConnell

  Robin Mullan

  Bob Osborne

  Monica Wilson

  Noreen Wright

  The reappointments are for varying terms of up to three years. In addition, the Secretary of State proposes to advertise for new appointments to the Commission in the next few months. In this way we hope to ensure the optimum balance between continuity and fresh thinking on the Commission as it continues its important task of promoting equality of opportunity.

  Oversight Commissioner Report
  Mr. Kevan Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish the latest report received from the Oversight Commissioner. [74940]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Oversight Commissioner's second statutory report for 2002 was published on 10 September and a copy was laid before the House in accordance with section 68(4)(a) of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000.

CABINET OFFICE

  The Royal Prerogative
  Mr. Greg Knight
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will issue guidance to Government Departments requiring them to keep records of every decision taken using the Royal Prerogative and to place such records in the Library every 12 months. [71682]

  Mr. Alexander
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer provided by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Carmichael) on 25 June 2002,Official Report, column 802W.

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

  National Forest Company
  Dr. Ladyman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will report on the National Forest Company's progress in creating the National Forest in the East Midlands. [74943]

  Margaret Beckett
  I have arranged for copies of the National Forest Company's Annual Report and its Accounts for 2001–2002 to he placed in the House libraries.

  Habitats Directive
  Dr. Ladyman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what changes are planned to improve implementation of EC Directive 92/43/EEC (the Habitats Directive) where European-protected species are found on development sites in England. [74944]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government has decided it is necessary to make improvements to the arrangements for the implementation of the Habitats Directive in respect of European protected species and the land-use planning regime in England.

  We are proposing, with the agreement of my noble Friend, Lord Rooker, Minister for Planning, to improve the protection afforded to these threatened species by integrating the requirements of the Directive within the land-use planning process, ensuring consideration of all the relevant issues within the planning process rather than in two separate regimes. Officials in Defra and the

  Slaughters that have occurred on dangerous contact premises since the last case of foot and mouth disease on 30 September 2001

  Date individual seropositive animal bled

  Reason for testing

  Initial Result

  Rebleed requested

  No. of animals at time of sampling

  No. of animals slaughtered

  Method of disposal

  Location of disposal site

  Probang sample and Final result

  01/10/01

  Serosurveillance

  Seropositive

  Yes

  57

  57 sheep

  Render

  Lancaster

  No virus detected by probang

  04/10/01

  Serosurveillance

  Seropositive

  Yes

  653

  1 sheep

  Render

  Lancaster

  No virus detected by probang

  09/10/01

  Serosurveillance

  Seropositive

  Yes

  100

  95 sheep

  Render

  Lancaster

  No virus detected by probang

  12/10/01

  Serosurveillance

  Seropositive

  Yes

  402

  387 sheep

  Render

  Lancaster

  No virus detected by probang

  16/10/01

  Serosurveillance

  Seropositive

  Yes

  176

  2 goats

  Render

  Lancaster

  No virus detected by probang

  20/10/01

  Pre-movement

  Seropositive

  Yes

  266

  1 sheep

  Render

  Lancaster

  No virus detected by probang

  24/10/01

  Pre-movement

  Seropositive

  Yes

  105

  1 sheep

  Render

  Lancaster

  No virus detected by probang

  26/10/01

  Serosurveillance

  Seropositive

  Yes

  1280

  I sheep

  Mass burial

  Tow Law

  No virus detected by probang

  30/10/01

  Serosurveillance

  Seropositive

  Yes

  148

  1 sheep

  Render

  Lancaster

  No virus detected by probang

  31/10/01

  Serosurveillance

  Seropositive

  Yes

  407

  360 sheep

  Render

  Lancaster

  No virus detected by probang

  4/11/01

  Serosurveillance

  Seropositive

  Yes

  2067

  9 sheep

  Render

  Lancaster

  No virus detected by probang

  05/11/01

  Serosurveillance

  Seropositive

  Yes

  129

  129 sheep

  Render

  Lancaster

  No virus detected by probang

  05/11/01

  Serosurveillance

  Seropositive

  Yes

  2000

  1 sheep

  Render

  Lancaster

  No virus detected by probang

  872W
  ODPM have worked closely together in drawing up the proposals and a public consultation will be published shortly.

  The proposals should improve the implementation of the Habitats Directive by ensuring that planning authorities take the Directive's provisions relating to European protected species, such as great crested newts and bats, fully into account in considering development applications. The proposals will also reduce the regulatory burden on business by integrating the two regimes and thereby removing the need for a separate consent to be sought following grant of planning permission. It will therefore be a quicker, more streamlined and effective process.

  In the interim period, our Department will continue to operate the licensing system for developments affecting European protected species but with some administrative improvements.

  Slaughtering
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on what dates slaughters have occurred on dangerous contact premises since 30 September 2001; if she will list(a) the number of premises and animals involved on each occasion broken down by type, (b) the numbers tested, with details of the types of test carried out and the results on each occasion, (c) the locations of the disposal sites of carcasses and method of disposal and (d) the number of premises and animals that were additionally slaughtered out on other premises as a result of the identification of infection of premises relating to these activities; and if she will make a statement. [74699]

  Margaret Beckett
  The information requested is set out in the following table.
  873W

  Slaughters that have occurred on dangerous contact premises since the last case of foot and mouth disease on 30 September 2001

  Date individual seropositive animal bled

  Reason for testing

  Initial Result

  Rebleed requested

  No. of animals at time of sampling

  No. of animals slaughtered

  Method of disposal

  Location of disposal site

  Probang sample and Final result

  6/11/01

  Serosurveillance

  Seropositive

  Yes

  584

  68 sheep

  Render

  Lancaster

  No virus detected by probang

  17/11/01

  Serosurveillance

  Seropositive

  Yes

  591

  1 sheep

  Render

  Lancaster

  No virus detected by probang

  04/12/01

  Serosurveillance

  Seropositive

  Yes

  1539

  1 sheep

  Render

  Lancaster

  No virus detected by probang

  18/12/01

  Serosurveillance

  Seropositive

  Yes

  2067

  2067 sheep

  Render

  Bradford

  No virus detected by probang

  03/01/02

  Pre-movement test

  Seropositive

  Yes

  332

  2 sheep

  Render

  Bradford

  No virus detected by probang

  17/01/02

  Restocking

  Seropositive

  Yes

  156

  1 sheep

  Render

  Widnes

  No virus detected by probang

  15/02/02

  Restocking

  Seropositive

  Yes

  170

  1 sheep

  Incineration

  Stratford-Upon-Avon

  No virus detected by probang

  05/03/02

  Restocking

  Seropositive

  Yes

  424

  1 sheep

  Incineration

  Stratford-Upon-Avon

  No virus detected by probang

  Notes:

  The tests used was the Competitive ELISA test.

  Seropositives had probang tests carried out after slaughter. This was to try and isolate virus rather than just antibody.

  All probangs returned negative results.

  If a positive result had returned the farm would have been designated an Infected Premises.

  No premises were slaughtered out as dangerous contacts as a result of these cases.

  Timber
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidance she provides on the timber procurement strategy. [74602]

  Mr. Meacher
  Advice on the timber procurement strategy is currently given in Section 3 of the Green Guide for Buyers. A copy is on the "Sustainable Development in Government" web site, which also includes other guidance on the subject. URL:http:// www.sustainable-development.gov.uk/sdig/improving/ contextf.htm.

  My officials have also provided Departments with a model specification clause for inclusion in contracts for timber procurement. Ministers do however recognise that better guidance is required if buyers are to be fully equipped to resolve the complexities involved in procuring timber and timber products from legal and sustainably managed sources. This is one of the issues addressed by consultants in their report on the timber scoping study that was commissioned by Defra in October 2001 and is currently under consideration. A copy of the report is on the Tropical Forest Forum's web site. Look in Forum activities/Trade/Timber Trade at http://www.forestforum.org.uk.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

  Education Maintenance Allowance
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many educational maintenance allowances are available; and at what annual cost. [74631]

  Margaret Hodge
  [holding answer 15 October 2002]Education Maintenance Allowances are available to all those young people who are resident in a pilot area, who meet the relevant eligibility criteria for that particular pilot and who meet the conditions of their Learning 874W
  Agreement. The actual amount the young person receives also depends on the particular variant being piloted in their area. Take-up of EMA varies from one LEA area to another depending on the variant being tested and on the level of marketing carried out by the LEA and other local partners. In the last academic year over 120,000 young people benefited from EMA across all pilot areas. This figure will increase again this year when the pilot scheme reaches steady state with two cohorts of young people in all 56 areas. The cost of the scheme, including evaluation and other related pilot activity, was slightly over £99 million for the last financial year.

  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she has completed evaluation of the pilot education maintenance allowances. [74630]

  Margaret Hodge
  [holding answer 15 October 2002]The evaluation of the EMA pilots began in Spring 1999 and is scheduled for completion next year. The evaluation was designed with two purposes. The first was to determine how effective an EMA approach was in increasing participation, retention and achievement amongst young people from low-income families. The second was to provide evidence on the most effective aspects of the various models being tested.

  Evidence from the first two years of the pilots shows that EMAs increased participation in full-time education in Year 12 by 5.9 percentage points among eligible young people. The participation gain was further increased to 7.3 percentage points in Year 13. On this basis we decided to extend EMAs nationally from September 2004. We are now looking to further evidence to inform the development of the most effective model for national implementation.

  Full-time Education
  John Mann
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on the definition which she uses of full-time education. [74788]
  875W
  Mr. Miliband
  There is no legal definition of full-time education for state maintained schools. In providing full-time education to pupils, LEAs should look to DfES Circulars 7/90 and 11/99 as to the number of hours recommended for pupils at each key stage. Neither circular imposes a statutory requirement on LEAs, but provides guidance only. Circular 7/90 establishes a general guide to good practice on lesson time, which OFSTED echo in their guidance. The suggested weekly lesson times are as follows:

  Age

  Hours

  5–7

  21

  8–11

  23.5

  12–14

  24

  14–16

  25

  Information on Circulars 7/90 and 11/99 can be accessed at www.dfes.gov.uk/guidanceonthelaw/

  For further education purposes, students classified for statistical purposes as full-time are defined as those enrolled on programmes of at least 450 guided learning hours per year, or for at least 150 guided learning hours per tri-annual period or more than 16 guided learning hours per week for shorter courses.

  For higher education, the Higher Education Statistics Agency's definition is:
  "The Funding Councils have agreed that a common definition of full-time is that the years of programme of study must involve a minimum of 24 weeks study."

  Student Loans
  Jonathan Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will provide monthly loans payments to higher education students. [73971]

  Margaret Hodge
  We have no plans to do so for 2003/04. Nevertheless, we are looking at what flexibility on payments might be introduced later as part of our programme to modernise student support.

  16–19-Year-Olds
  Mr. Djanogly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of full-time students stayed in education in the Huntingdon constituency after the age of(a) 16 and (b) 18 years in (i) 1997 and (ii) 2001. [74224]

  Margaret Hodge
  Data on the percentage of students staying on in full-time education are not calculated for areas smaller than LEAs as reliable estimates cannot be made. Participation rates at sub-national level are only available for 16 and 17 year olds. The latest available data are for end 1999 and are published in the annual statistical bulletin, "Participation in Education and Training by Young People Aged 16 and 17 in Each Local Area and Region. England".

  Huntingdon constituency is part of Cambridgeshire LEA. Prior to 1998/99 Cambridgeshire LEA was included in the aggregated Cambridgeshire and Peterborough LEA, therefore two sets of figures are given below. The first columns set out the participation rates for 16 and 17 year olds in full-time education for
  876W
  Cambridgeshire and Peterborough LEA at end 1997 and end 1999; the second group for Cambridgeshire LEA at end 1998 and end 1999:

  16 and 17 year olds in full-time education

  Cambridgeshire and Peterborough LEA

  Cambridgeshire LEA

  Age

  end 1997

  end 1997

  end 1998

  end 1999

  16

  71

  75

  71

  75

  17

  62

  59

  58

  60

  Local Initiative Fund Scheme
  Mrs. Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what allocations of funding were made by the Greater Manchester Learning Skills Council to each of the boroughs under the Local Initiative Fund Scheme for 2001–02. [74190]

  Margaret Hodge
  This is a matter for the Learning and Skills Council. John Harwood the Council's Chief Executive will write to the hon. Member with the information requested and a copy of his reply will be placed in the Library.

  British Educational Communications and Technology Agency
  Mr. Lazarowicz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what progress has been made on the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency Quinquennial Review. [75392]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  In line with Cabinet Office guidance, the review is being carried out in two stages. I am now in a position to make an announcement about the outcome of Stage 1 and the basis on which work will be taken forward on Stage 2

  The Government has today published the report "Quinquennial Review of the British Educational and Communications Technology Agency (Becta)—Stage 1 October 2002", copies of which have been placed in the Library.

  The report underlines Becta's key role in working with the Department for Education and Skills to ensure that schools and colleges take full advantage of every opportunity to exploit the transformational impact of ICT. The work they do is vital in ensuring that schools and colleges are provided with the best possible advice on a range of ICT issues from procuring value for money equipment to managing websites and, most importantly, ensuring that ICT is embedded in every aspect of teaching and learning.

  Many of the recommendations made in the report have already been acted upon by both Becta and the DfES and have been reflected in Becta's Corporate Plan, 2002–05. It provides valuable pointers on the direction in which Becta should be moving. Stage two of the Review will take forward the issues in this report. It will concentrate on the future of Becta, providing greater emphasis on looking at how services and functions could be provided more effectively.

  I am looking forward to continuing to work with Becta on our challenging objectives on ICT in schools and ensure that pupils leave education with the ICT skills necessary for the modern workplace.

  Disability Rights
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on actions taken by(a) her Department, (b) other Government departments and (c) education providers in connection with the introduction of disability rights to post-16 education. [74667]

  Margaret Hodge
  [holding answer 15 October 2002]The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) exempted educational institutions from its provisions. Through the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001, my Department has plugged an unacceptable gap in the DDA to include all bodies responsible for Further and Higher Education and LEA-secured adult and community education, within its provisions.

  We are implementing the new duties in three stages:
  From 1 September 2002 it is unlawful to discriminate against disabled students by treating them less favourably than others. In addition, responsible bodies have a duty to provide reasonable adjustments to provision where disabled students might otherwise be substantially disadvantaged.

  Number of Three and Four Year Olds1,2 in Maintained Nursery and Primary Schools January 2002 (Provisional)

  Pupils in nursery schools and nursery classes

  Pupils in infant classes in primary schools3

  All pupils under 5 in nursery and primary schools

  ENGLAND

  341,221

  357,496

  698,717

  NORTH EAST

  28,990

  19,452

  48,442

  Darlington

  1,214

  798

  2,012

  Durham

  5,279

  3,686

  8,965

  Gateshead

  1,837

  1,422

  3,259

  Hartlepool

  1,248

  740

  1,988

  Middlesbrough

  2,166

  1,185

  3,351

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  2,488

  1,860

  4,348

  North Tyneside

  2,336

  1,499

  3,835

  Northumberland

  2,880

  2,410

  5,290

  Redcar and Cleveland

  2,031

  1,077

  3,108

  South Tyneside

  1,821

  1,184

  3,005

  Stockton-on-Tees

  2,330

  1,451

  3,781

  Sunderland

  3,360

  2,140

  5,500

  NORTH WEST

  54,226

  53,532

  107,758

  Blackburn with Darwen

  1,363

  1,358

  2,721

  Blackpool

  428

  1,094

  1,522

  Bolton

  2,721

  2,215

  4,936

  Bury

  1,527

  1,390

  2,917

  Cheshire

  3,073

  4,999

  8,072

  Cumbria

  3,314

  3,520

  6,834

  Halton

  815

  937

  1,752

  Knowsley

  2,438

  1,309

  3,747

  Lancashire

  5,817

  8,737

  14,554

  Liverpool

  4,756

  3,390

  8,146

  Manchester

  5,368

  3,448

  8,816

  Oldham

  2,198

  2,075

  4,273

  Rochdale

  1,904

  1,778

  3,682

  Salford

  2,442

  1,863

  4,305

  Sefton

  2,566

  2,118

  4,684

  St. Helens

  1,479

  1,414

  2,893

  Stockport

  2,378

  2,164

  4,542

  Tameside

  2,173

  1,820

  3,993

  Trafford

  2,120

  1,620

  3,740

  Warrington

  1,253

  1,558

  2,811

  Wigan

  1,986

  2,342

  4,328

  Wirral

  2,107

  2,383

  4,490

  878W
  From 1 September 2003 responsible bodies will have a duty to make adjustments involving the provision of auxiliary aids and services.
  From 1 September 2005 responsible bodies will have a duty to make adjustments to physical features of premises where these put disabled students at a substantial disadvantage.

  My Department is working with the Disability Rights Commission, the Learning and Skills Council, the Higher Education Funding Council and other partners in the post-16 sector, to support providers in implementing the new duties with additional funding and guidance. £172m has been allocated over the years 2002–04.

  Infant Classes
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many children under the age of five years are being taught in infant classes in primary education, broken down by local education authority. [74282]

  Mr. Miliband
  The available information for maintained primary schools is shown in the table along with, for completeness, figures for under 5's in maintained nursery schools and classes.
  879W

  Number of Three and Four Year Olds1,2 in Maintained Nursery and Primary Schools January 2002 (Provisional)

  Pupils in nursery schools and nursery classes

  Pupils in infant classes in primary schools3

  All pupils under 5 in nursery and primary schools

  YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER

  48,330

  35,763

  84,093

  Barnsley

  3,010

  796

  3,806

  Bradford

  6,333

  4,130

  10,463

  Calderdale

  1,678

  1,652

  3,330

  Doncaster

  3,225

  2,412

  5,637

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  2,012

  1,838

  3,850

  Kingston Upon Hull, City of

  3,285

  1,359

  4,644

  Kirklees

  3,463

  3,348

  6,811

  Leeds

  7,224

  5,532

  12,756

  North East Lincolnshire

  1,700

  949

  2,649

  North Lincolnshire

  1,283

  921

  2,204

  North Yorkshire

  2,460

  4,188

  6,648

  Rotherham

  2,667

  2,048

  4,715

  Sheffield

  4,502

  3,770

  8,272

  Wakefield

  4,458

  1,635

  6,093

  York

  1,030

  1,185

  2,215

  EAST MIDLANDS

  30,966

  27,738

  58,704

  Derby

  2,708

  1,709

  4,417

  Derbyshire

  5,611

  5,355

  10,966

  Leicester

  3,898

  1,750

  5,648

  Leicestershire

  224

  4,746

  4,970

  Lincolnshire

  2,461

  5,003

  7,464

  Northamptonshire

  3,281

  5,051

  8,332

  Nottingham

  4,671

  774

  5,445

  Nottinghamshire

  8,009

  3,126

  11,135

  Rutland

  103

  224

  327

  WEST MIDLANDS

  42,930

  42,478

  85,408

  Birmingham

  10,047

  9,236

  19,283

  Coventry

  2,677

  2,439

  5,116

  Dudley

  2,959

  2,481

  5,440

  Herefordshire

  570

  1,177

  1,747

  Sandwell

  4,086

  2,578

  6,664

  Shropshire

  1,333

  1,064

  2,397

  Solihull

  2,127

  1,737

  3,864

  Staffordshire

  3,665

  7,284

  10,949

  Stoke-on-Trent

  2,492

  1,883

  4,375

  Telford and Wrekin

  1,527

  665

  2,192

  Walsall

  3,911

  2,225

  6,136

  Warwickshire

  2,054

  3,774

  5,828

  Wolverhampton

  3,411

  1,934

  5,345

  Worcestershire

  2,071

  4,001

  6,072

  EAST OF ENGLAND

  28,564

  38,233

  66,797

  Bedfordshire

  2,564

  2,713

  5,277

  Cambridgeshire

  1,715

  4,112

  5,827

  Essex

  3,770

  8,569

  12,339

  Hertfordshire

  10,198

  8,523

  18,721

  Luton

  1,631

  1,527

  3,158

  Norfolk

  2,703

  5,563

  8,266

  Peterborough

  427

  1,437

  1,864

  Southend-on-Sea

  769

  1,283

  2,052

  Suffolk

  3,746

  3,548

  7,294

  Thurrock

  1,041

  958

  1,999

  LONDON

  70,921

  51,725

  122,646

  INNER LONDON

  30,812

  19,887

  50,699

  Camden

  1,270

  988

  2,258

  City of London

  —

  —

  —

  Hackney

  2,254

  1,571

  3,825

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  1,762

  540

  2,302

  Haringey

  2,736

  1,959

  4,695

  Islington

  1,778

  1,358

  3,136

  Kensington and Chelsea

  891

  611

  1,502

  Lambeth

  2,635

  1,718

  4,353

  Lewisham

  2,698

  1,894

  4,592

  Newham

  4,771

  2,779

  7,550

  Southwark

  3,109

  2,116

  5,225

  Tower Hamlets

  3,209

  1,958

  5,167

  880W 881W

  Number of Three and Four Year Olds1,2 in Maintained Nursery and Primary Schools January 2002 (Provisional)

  Pupils in nursery schools and nursery classes

  Pupils in infant classes in primary schools3

  All pupils under 5 in nursery and primary schools

  Wandsworth

  2,208

  1,587

  3,795

  Westminster

  1,491

  808

  2,299

  OUTER LONDON

  40,109

  31,838

  71,947

  Barking and Dagenham

  2,150

  1,635

  3,785

  Barnet

  2,577

  2,244

  4,821

  Bexley

  1,925

  1,822

  3,747

  Brent

  2,480

  1,962

  4,442

  Bromley

  342

  2,337

  2,679

  Croydon

  2,902

  2,646

  5,548

  Ealing

  3,590

  2,293

  5,883

  Enfield

  1,928

  2,427

  4,355

  Greenwich

  3,273

  1,078

  4,351

  Harrow

  1,076

  1,533

  2,609

  Havering

  948

  1,764

  2,712

  Hillingdon

  3,383

  2,002

  5,385

  Hounslow

  2,205

  1,708

  3,913

  Kingston upon Thames

  1,311

  989

  2,300

  Merton

  2,037

  1,234

  3,271

  Redbridge

  2,491

  1,940

  4,431

  Richmond upon Thames

  840

  1,121

  1,961

  Sutton

  1,844

  53

  1,897

  Waltham Forest

  2,807

  1,050

  3,857

  SOUTH EAST

  23,843

  52,900

  76,743

  Bracknell Forest

  767

  243

  1,010

  Brighton and Hove

  1,127

  1,577

  2,704

  Buckinghamshire

  1,364

  3,661

  5,025

  East Sussex

  775

  3,433

  4,208

  Hampshire

  785

  9,278

  10,063

  Isle of Wight

  158

  894

  1,052

  Kent

  1,914

  10,573

  12,487

  Medway

  589

  2,202

  2,791

  Milton Keynes

  783

  1,670

  2,453

  Oxfordshire

  3,567

  1,765

  5,332

  Portsmouth

  611

  1,379

  1,990

  Reading

  1,759

  156

  1,915

  Slough

  1,740

  736

  2,476

  Southampton

  473

  1,575

  2,048

  Surrey

  3,568

  7,312

  10,880

  West Berkshire

  840

  752

  1,592

  West Sussex

  1,169

  5,194

  6,363

  Windsor and Maidenhead

  1,045

  97

  1,142

  Wokingham

  809

  403

  1,212

  SOUTH WEST

  12,451

  35,675

  48,126

  Bath and North East Somerset

  385

  1,199

  1,584

  Bournemouth

  350

  1,019

  1,369

  Bristol, City of

  3,553

  2,787

  6,340

  Cornwall

  1,652

  3,637

  5,289

  Devon

  1,899

  4,628

  6,527

  Dorset

  290

  2,482

  2,772

  Gloucestershire

  124

  4,102

  4,226

  Isles of Scilly

  0

  15

  15

  North Somerset

  262

  1,334

  1,596

  Plymouth

  984

  1,837

  2,821

  Poole

  131

  925

  1,056

  Somerset

  655

  3,694

  4,349

  South Gloucestershire

  473

  2,144

  2,617

  Swindon

  605

  1,610

  2,215

  Torbay

  661

  857

  1,518

  Wiltshire

  427

  3,405

  3,832

  Notes:

  1Headcount of children aged three and four at 31st December in the previous calendar year.

  2Includes two year olds.

  3Includes reception and other classes not designated as nursery classes

  … Not available. Data not reported by City of London Local Education Authority.

  Source:

  Annual Schools Census

  University Tuition Fees
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much university tuition fees are what they will be next year; and what plans she has to increase this amount. [73382]

  Margaret Hodge
  In the academic year 2002/03, the maximum student contribution towards tuition fees for full-time undergraduates in England and Wales attending courses at publicly funded institutions of higher education is £1,100. This represents a 2.4 per cent. increase over the corresponding fee rate for the previous year. Fee rates are uprated annually on the basis of price inflation; those for 2003/04 are due to be announced in December.

  Student Finance
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, when she will publish her review of student finance. [74668]

  Margaret Hodge
  [holding answer 15 October 2002]: We plan to publish our review of student finance later in the Autumn, as part of the strategy document setting out our 10-year vision for the development and reform of higher education.

  Skills Council
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what plans she has to create a sector skills council for the voluntary sector [74638]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  [holding answer 15 October 2002]: The Sector Skills Development Agency is responsible for discussing and assessing proposals for Sector Skills Councils made by employers. The Agency then advises government about the award of a Sector Skills Council licence having fully considered the strength of the proposal in meeting the rigorous Sector Skills Council standard. Discussions are currently taking place between voluntary sector representatives and the Agency about the prospect of a strong proposal for a Sector Skills Council or what alternative arrangements might better serve this broad sector.

  LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

    Court Service
    Mrs. Humble
    To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when she intends to publish the Court Service Annual report and Accounts for 2001–02. [75192]

    Yvette Cooper
    The Court Service Annual Report and Accounts for 2001–2002 has been published today and copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  WORK AND PENSIONS

    Pensions (EU Objectives)
    Mr. Pickthall
    To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what progress has been made against the 11 EU objectives for pension systems. [75389]
    884W
    Mr. McCartney
    A copy of the UK National Strategy Report on pensions was placed in the Library on 19 September 2002. The Report is the UK's contribution to the exchange of information and best practice on pensions between Member States agreed by the European Council at Laeken in December 2001. It contains information on current pensions policy.

    Major Accident Hazards Directive
    Mr. Pickthall
    To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the European Commission proposal to amend Directive 96/82/EC on the control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances. [75391]

    Mr. Nicholas Brown
    The Seveso II Directive on the control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances aims to prevent major accidents and limit their consequences for human health and the environment. Pressure to amend the Directive follows a number of recent accidents involving dangerous substances.

    The House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee recommended that the UK's handling of two of the provisions within the European Commission proposal should be subject to a debate by European Standing Committee A. This was due to take place on 15 October, but has been postponed.

    Political Agreement to a Council Common Position on the proposal will be reached at the Environment Council on 17 October.

    Social Security Advisory Committee
    Mr. Pickthall
    To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has for reviewing the Social Security Advisory Committee. [75390]

    Mr. Andrew Smith
    In line with normal practice for periodic review of non-departmental public bodies, I have asked that a review be conducted of the Social Security Advisory Committee which begins today. The review will look at the rationale for establishing the Committee, its past performance and its organisational structure. It will consider the role of the organisation in the future and may make recommendations for change.

    I have appointed Professor Hazel Genn to act as independent reviewer. We will be taking views from interested parties through a consultation exercise. I am sure the review will produce interesting and helpful results.

    State Retirement Pension
    Mr. Ruffley
    To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) if he will estimate the value of the basic state retirement pension if the retirement age were raised to(a) 70 years and (b) 75 years of age and if the pension tax credit were abolished in its first full year of implementation and the savings used to increase the basic state retirement pension; [71575]

    (2) if he will estimate the value of the basic state retirement pension if Government spending on the basic state pension for 2002–03 were kept constant but the retirement age was raised to (a) 70 years and (b) 75 years of age; [71576]
    885W
    (3) if he will estimate the saving in expenditure on the basic state retirement pension in 2002–03 if the retirement age were raised to (a) 70 and (b) 75 years of age. [71578]

    Mr. McCartney
    [holding answer 24 July 2002]Currently, State Pension Age is 60 for women and 65 for men, but this will be equalised at age 65 from 2020 with gradual introduction from 2010. It will not be possible to raise the State Pension Age further until 2020. Assuming the same phasing in period (ie ten years to raise the SPA by five years) then at 2030, if the State Pension Age was raised to 70, the Basic State Pension could be around £120 in today's prices. Similarly, if, by April 2040 the State Pension Age was 75, the Basic State Pension could be around £190 in today's prices.

    The Government Actuary's Department estimate that if the state pension age were raised gradually from 65 in 2020 to 70 in 2030 around 1.9 million people who are alive today would reach age 65 in the future but would not be expected to reach the relevant revised state pension age.

    If the state pension age were raised from 65 in 2020 to 70 in 2030 and to 75 in 2040 around 4.4 million people who are alive today would reach age 65 in the future but would not be expected to reach the relevant revised state pension age.

    These figures assume that a change in the state pension age is fully phased in by 2030–40 and that all savings from not paying State Pension prior to these ages, including money allocated to the Pension Credit, are used to pay the Basic State Pension. In addition, these figures ignore the effects on other benefits.

    Notes:

    1 Figures are for 2020 in 2002 prices.

    2 The calculations are based on the scenario 1 costs of the Pension Credit in 2020 set out in the DWP publication "The Pension Credit: Long-term projections".

    3 Figures take account of current uprating policy.

    4 Note 4 Source: 2000-based population projections for Great Britain.

    Stakeholder Pensions
    Mr. Boswell
    To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many stakeholder pensions have now been taken out; and what their distribution is by convenient income bands of(a) the participant, (b) their spouse and (c) their parents. [74642]

    Mr. McCartney
    [holding answer on 15 October 2002]: Figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) show that up to the end of June 2002 1,011,934 stakeholder pension policies had been sold. A breakdown of distribution by income bands is not available. However figures published by the ABI in March 2002 show that in cases where earnings of policyholders are known to providers, then the majority of them (60 per cent.) have earnings of between £10,000 and £30,000 a year. Official figures from the Inland Revenue showing the earning bands of policyholders in the 2001–2002 tax year are expected to be available by the end of the current tax year.

    Disability Living Allowance
    Mr. Hancock
    To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his answer of 1 July 2002,886W
    Official Report, column 96W, on disability living allowance, how many applicants whose initial claim for disability living allowance was rejected in Portsmouth, South appealed against the rejection in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [73996]

    Maria Eagle
    The information is not available.

    Mr. Hancock
    To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many applicants for disability living allowance were(a) granted, (b) unsuccessful, (c) granted on appeal and (d) granted on review in the Portsmouth. South constituency in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [73882]

    Maria Eagle
    The information is not available.

    Ageing (Madrid Plan)
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what steps he is taking to implement the recommendations of the Regional Implementation Strategy for the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing 2002, adopted by EU ministers on 13 September; [74322]

    (2) If he will publish an action plan to take forward the recommendations of the Regional Implementation Strategy for the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing 2002, adopted by EU ministers on 13 September. [74323]

    Mr. McCartney
    The Regional Implementation Strategy for the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing 2002 was adopted by UNECE Ministers on 13 September. The Government believes that existing policies for older people will provide the basis for progress towards the ten priorities of the Regional Strategy.

    The Strategy aims to support member states' response to the challenges and opportunities of population ageing, in order to achieve a society for all ages. It does not set mandatory requirements, nor does it require member states to produce action plans to take forward the recommendations. UNECE member states will determine follow up arrangements in line with decisions made by the Commission for Social Development of the UN.

    New Deal 50-plus
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his answer on 17 June 2002,Official Report, column 97W, on the New Deal 50-plus programme, how far his Department has extended its use of the New Deal 50-plus programme to support its staff recruitment; and if he will make a statement. [74546]

    Mr. Nicholas Brown
    In July 2002 the New Deal 50-plus programme was extended across the whole of the Department for Work and Pensions. Guidance was issued to encourage managers to employ participants from across the New Deal programmes including New Deal 50-plus.

    Participants on New Deal 50-plus will receive training and support to help them compete effectively at Fair & Open competition to become a permanent employee. It is therefore hoped that many of our New Deal

    887W
    employees (including those from the 50-plus category) will secure permanent employment with the Department.

    By next summer we aim to recruit sufficient people across all our New Deal programmes to reflect the Department's proportionate share in the labour market. Data will be available on our progress towards this later this year.

  HEALTH

    Generic Medicine Prices
    Mr. Gardiner
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the statutory maximum price scheme covering generic medicines supplied for use in the NHS in primary care. [74941]

    Mr. Lammy
    We are today announcing a review of the maximum price scheme. A copy of the consultation letter setting out the Government's proposals and timetable to roll the scheme forward, unchanged, has been placed in the Library.

    Elective Hospital Spells
    Dr. Fox
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the activity levels were in the quarter to(a) March 2000 and (b) March 2001 for (i) general and (ii) acute elective hospital spells. [61440]

    Mr. Hutton
    There is no distinction made between general and acute elective hospital spells. All elective spells are acute other than geriatric medicine. The figures requested are available on the Department's website at www.doh.gsi.gov.uk/hes.

    Reservists
    Jon Trickett
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact upon the NHS of the call-up of military reservists during the Gulf War; and how many(a) nurses, (b) GPs, (c) medical consultants and (d) other health care professionals were subject to call-up as reservists. [74648]

    Mr. Hutton
    The Department has not made an assessment of the impact on the National Health Service of the call up of military reservists during the Gulf War, and did not collect information about the number of reservists who were subject to call up.

    Delayed Discharge and Energy Readmission
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what level the fines for(a) social services and (b) NHS trusts will be for (i) emergency readmissions and (ii) delayed discharges; and if he will make a statement. [74535]

    Jacqui Smith
    The consultation on reimbursement for delayed discharge closed on the 18 September. In the consultation document it was suggested that the reimbursement for delayed discharge should be £120 per day in London and the South East and £100 throughout the rest of England. The consultation document also suggested that there should be no charge for emergency readmissions since these would be treated as part of the 888W
    same episode of care under the new financial flows regime due to be implemented from 2004. If a National Health Service trust discharges a patient too early, they will face the risk that the patient will be readmitted, and the hospital will face the additional costs it incurs for this readmission.

    Criminal Records Bureau
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the delays in Criminal Records Bureau checks on(a) social workers, (b) other social care staff and (c) voluntary health organisations working with children; and if he will make a statement. [74537]

    Jacqui Smith
    I am aware of the current delays in processing checks by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). The Department is working across government with the CRB to minimise the effect this has on workers in all sectors who require checks.

    Ethical Foreign Nurse Recruitment
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the number and percentage of(a) recruitment agencies and (b) overseas nurses that are part of the ethical nurse recruitment code of practice. [74321]

    Mr. Hutton
    The Department has written to 92 agencies informing them that it is compiling a list of recruitment agencies. So far 30 recruitment agencies have been placed on this list who are complying with the code of practice.

    All nurses from abroad should be recruited into the National Health Service in accordance with the code of practice.

    Mental Health
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 20 May 2002,Official Report, column 148W, on mental health, if he will list the additional financial resources that are planned for the appointment of mental health workers for the next year; and if he will make a statement. [74712]

    Jacqui Smith
    Decisions on funding for mental health workers for next year will be made later in the Autumn as part of the work on primary care trusts allocations and central budgets.

    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many graduate primary care mental health workers trained in brief therapy techniques, as outlined in the NHS Plan have been employed in each of the last years; and if he will make a statement. [74541]

    Jacqui Smith
    The NHS Plan set out that one thousand new graduate primary care mental health workers trained in brief therapy techniques of proven effectiveness will be employed by 2004 to help general practitioners manage and treat common mental health problems in all age groups, including children. Funds to support the appointment of 1000 such staff will be allocated in 2003–4. Central information on the number appointed is not yet available. This year, £2.5 million has been made available to establish new training
    889W
    programmes to support the new workers when they are employed. This initiative is being led by Trent workforce development confederation and information about the process is due to be placed on the web site very shortly.

    Care Staff
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many residential child care staff were qualified at GNVQ level 3 by March; and how many still needed to be qualified to NVQ level 3 as per the requirement set out in The Government's Objectives for Children's Social Services. [74531]

    Jacqui Smith
    The application forms for the training support programme grant that local councils completed in April 2002 provide the following data about residential child care staff and national vocational qualifications (NVQs):

    Number who have achieved their NVQ Level 3

    2,020

    Number who need to obtain their NVQ Level 3

    7,592

    However, the above figures do not include all the residential child care staff in the voluntary and private sectors as we do not collect data from these sectors.

    The National Minimum Standards for Children's Homes includes a standard stating that "A minimum ratio of 80 per cent. of all care staff have completed their Level 3 in caring for children and young people NVQ by January 2005." This standard will be monitored by the National Care Standards Commission during their inspections of all children's homes.

    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many employees were working in(a) social services departments, (b) residential care, (c) domiciliary care and (d) intermediate care in each of the last five years. [74533]

    Jacqui Smith
    Data on the numbers of employees working on intermediate care services, and the numbers of staff working in the independent care sector are not available centrally. The whole-time equivalent numbers of staff employed by local authorities in social services departments, residential care services and domiciliary care services between 1997 and 2001 (the latest date for which data are available) are shown in the table.

    wte

    Year (as at 30 September)

    Social Services Department

    Residential Care

    Domiciliary Services

    1997

    229,400

    65,400

    53,600

    1998

    223,500

    62,100

    50,500

    1999

    221,700

    59,200

    47,200

    2000

    217,500

    56,600

    42,900

    2001

    212,000

    53,800

    40,200

    Source:

    Form SSDS001.

    Parliamentary Questions
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many statistical tables requested by hon. Members in parliamentary questions have been placed in the Library and not been published in the Official Report in the last five years. [74545]
    890W
    Mr. Lammy
    The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

    The Department places in the Library any attachments to answers, such as statistical tables or published documents, whose excessive length or complicated format precludes their inclusion in the Official Report. This is standard practice across Government Departments. Such documents are also routinely made available on the Department's website wherever possible.

    Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many CA MHS in-patient beds were provided in each year since 1997(a) in total, (b) in England and (c) in each local authority; how many are planned to be provided in the next two years; and if he will make a satement. [74315]

    Jacqui Smith
    This information is not collected centrally in the form requested. The table gives the average daily number of available beds in wards classified as children: mental illness, in National Health Service trusts in England for the years 1996–97 to 2000–01.

    The provision of child and adolescent mental health in-patient facilities is being considered as part of the development of the new children's national service framework, on which work is proceeding. We will be increasing the number of secure adolescent mental health beds by 24 in a new unit in Birmingham by autumn 2003.

    Average daily number of available beds in wards classified as children: mental illness, NHS trusts in England, 1996–97 to 2000–01

    Year

    Mental Illness

    1996–97

    538

    1997–98

    522

    1998–99

    538

    1999–00(1)

    482

    2000–01

    531

    Note:

    Beds in wards classified as children's mental illness do not cover all the child and adolescent mental health services provision available. Some facilities designed for older adolescents may be included in "other ages" mental illness.

    Source:

    Department of Health form KHO3

    (1) 1999-00 data were incomplete.

    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the(a) amount and (b) proportion of mental health expenditure has been on child and adolescent services for each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement on his assessment of the adequacy of this expenditure. [74316]

    Jacqui Smith
    The information requested is not available for the last five years. However our estimate for the likely mental health expenditure in 2001–02 and the proportion spent on child and adolescent mental health services is shown in the table, with an estimate on the personal social services (PSS) expenditure.
    891W
    We appreciate that child and adolescent mental health services still need to be developed further. The work being taken forward by the child and adolescent mental health external working group of the children's national service framework will do much to inform our future expenditure.

    Estimated Mental Health Expenditure 2001/2 £ million (per cent.)

    CAMHS

    Adult MH

    Elderly

    Total

    HCHS

    289

    3171

    194

    3654

    (8%)

    (87%)

    (5%)

    (100%)

    PSS

    269

    678

    376

    1323

    (20%)

    (51%)

    (28%)

    (100%)

    Total

    558

    3849

    570

    4977

    (11%)

    (77%)

    (12%)

    (100%)

    Notes.

    1. Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS) costs exclude the costs of primary care and drugs.

    2. Personal Social Services (PSS) costs include Children's Social Services (CSS) costs where appropriate.

    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 15 July 2002,Official Report, column 129W, on CAMHS innovation projects, what the publication date is for the overview report of the CAMHS innovation plan; and if he will make a statement on its launch at the national conference. [74610]

    Jacqui Smith
    The report will be published on 4 December, the day of the National Conference.

    Older People's Taskforce
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the(a) former members of and (b) new appointees to the Older People's Taskforce; and if he will make a statement. [74317]

    Jacqui Smith
    The former members of the older people's taskforce are:

    Mr. Harry Cayton, chief executive Alzheimers Society

    Dr. Peter Melton, general practitioner, Lincolnshire

    Mr. David Panter, then Chief Executive Hillingdon Primary Care Trust

    Mr. Chai Patel, Westminster Healthcare

    Mrs. Beth Taylor, pharmacy manager, South London Community National Health Service Trust

    Mr. David White, then chief executive Suffolk Health Authority

    The new appointees to the older people's taskforce are:

    Ms Wendy Harris, pharmacist

    Mr. Stan Davidson/Mrs. Jean Wormwell (alternates), Older People's Reference Group

    Mr. Richard Humphries, director, Health and Social Care Change Agents team

    Ms Diana Whitworth, chief executive. Carers UK

    The older people's taskforce plays an important role advising the Department on the implementation of policy for older people's services across the NHS and social care.

    Health and Social Workers (Overseas Recruitment)
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what procedures are in place to ensure that overseas-recruited(a) health workers and (b) social workers who are working with children have not been convicted of an offence that relates to crimes against children. [74318]

    Jacqui Smith:2
    Health Service Circular HSC 2002/008, Pre and Post Appointment Checks for All Persons Working in the NHS in England, instructs National Health Service bodies through the Secretary of State's power of direction to carry out a comprehensive range of pre and post appointment checks before appointments are confirmed. This includes the appointment of staff recruited from overseas. Where the post involves care of children within the terms of the Protection of Children Act, employers must check the Protection of Children Act List before making the appointment. In addition, before taking up such a post, applicants must inform the appointing NHS body if they have been convicted or charged with a criminal offence in the United Kingdom or in any other country. Failure to do so may be a dismissible offence.

    The Criminal Records Bureau will soon be launching an advisory service to employers about the availability of criminal record checks in a variety of countries.

    Equally it is the duty of individual social care employers to carry out necessary checks to ensure that employees recruited from oversees are fit to practice.

    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to issue a code of practice for social services departments recruiting social workers from other countries; and if he will make a statement. [74532]

    Jacqui Smith
    There are no current plans to issue a special code of practice covering recruitment from other countries. The onus is on the employer to ensure that all recruits meet appropriate standards, wherever they originate from.

    At present the general social care council offers an "international recognition service" which can provide advice to employers on the status and standing of qualifications gained in other countries, for example that a certificate is or is not a professional qualification in social work in its country of origin. It is then for the employers to complete the usual recruitment checks verifying the information given by the applicant.

    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the conclusions of his assessment of the performance of the Director for International Recruitment in the year 2001–02. [71733]

    Mr. Hutton
    [holding reply issued on 22 July 2002]I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave him on 22 July 2002,Official Report, vol. 389, column 875W

    Hospitals (Smoking Ban)
    Mr. Greg Knight
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce a ban on smoking in hospitals and in hospital grounds. [71683]

    Ms Blears
    Many National Health Service trusts have already banned smoking in their hospitals and hospital grounds and the government have set milestones for
    893W
    implementing smoking policies across the NHS as part of the national service framework on coronary heart disease.

    The government is currently considering a comprehensive survey to provide a clear and up to date picture of the current situation across the NHS and to assist in determining what further action should be taken.

    Any decisions on further action will need to be taken against the background that the purchase and smoking of cigarettes is not illegal in this country.

    TRANSPORT

      Lighthouses
      Dr. Naysmith
      To ask the Secretary of State for Transport into which of the north/south implementation bodies established as part of the British-Irish Agreement the Commissioners for Irish Lights has been incorporated. [73396]

      Mr. Jamieson
      The Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of Ireland establishing Implementation Bodies of 8 March 1999, provides that one of the North/South Implementation Bodies, the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission, will exercise the existing functions of the Commissioners of Irish Lights in respect of providing and maintaining aids to navigation along the coast of the whole of the island of Ireland and its adjacent seas and islands. The Agreement provides that the legislation required to transfer those functions to the Body will be brought forward as soon as possible.

      However, following consideration of the matter by a working group of officials from my Department, the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and relevant Irish Government Departments, it has become apparent that complex issues surround such a transfer. The North/South Ministerial Council has asked the relevant Ministers and Departments in the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government to examine the alternative possibilities and bring back proposals to the Council.

      Cliffe Airport
      Bob Spink
      To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the number of additional houses that would be needed if the Cliffe airport option is adopted as(a) two runways and (b) four runways. [74066]

      Mr. Jamieson
      Our analysis suggests that with forecast housing growth, relatively high rates of unemployment, in and out commuting from the relevant catchment areas, the airport's employment needs could be met with fairly limited additional housing development.

      A more detailed assessment of the housing implications (including an assessment for 2015—at which stage only two of the four runways are assumed to be in place) is set out in the SERAS Land Use and Urbanisation study (section A7). Copies of all the above reports are available in the House libraries.

    DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

      Homelessness
      Dr. Lynne Jones
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what targets he has set for decent housing and reducing homelessness. [71955]

      The Deputy Prime Minister
      As a result of the 2002 Spending Review, we have a Public Service Agreement target to bring all social housing into decent condition by 2010, and to increase the proportion of private housing occupied by vulnerable groups that meets the decent homes standard.

      We are working with local authorities to ensure that by March 2004, no homeless family with children is housed in B&B accommodation other than in an emergency.

      Rural Communities
      Mr. Todd
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what planning guidance is given to local authorities to permit the maintenance and development of small rural communities. [71956]

      Mr. McNulty
      National Planning Policy Guidance encourages local planning authorities to promote healthy, viable rural communities and advises that most new development in rural areas should be focused on accessible local service centres, which may include a group of small villages.

      European Structural Funds
      Helen Jackson
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what proposals he has to ensure the efficient delivery of Objective One European programmes to support local economies. [71957]

      Mr. McNulty
      Structural Fund programmes are delivered through formal Managing Authorities working directly with local partnerships. In England the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is the Managing Authority for all Objective 1 and Objective 2 programmes but devolves implementation to the Government Offices (GOs).

      Officials provide policy guidance and advice in order to aid effective delivery of the financial and physical programme targets.

      Programmes are frequently evaluated and best practice arrangements are in place and extend beyond Objective 1.

      Regional Government
      Mr. Andrew George
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what representations he has had in response to the Government's White Paper on Regional Government, Your Region: Your Choice. [71958]

      Mr. Raynsford
      To date, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has received around 1,100 representations on the White Paper, of which around 200 commented on stakeholder involvement with elected regional assemblies.
      895W
      In addition, we have received around 1,500 postcards as a result of a campaign organised by the Cornish Constitutional Convention, which seeks a referendum on establishing a Cornish Assembly.

      Mr. Stephen O'Brien
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the Regional Government White Paper. [71975]

      The Deputy Prime Minister
      The White Paper Your Region, Your Choice takes forward our Manifesto commitment to allow the English regions the opportunity to choose whether to establish an elected assembly. We intend to introduce a Bill to provide for regional referendums and associated local government reviews as soon as Parliamentary time allows.

      Housing
      Mr. Stewart
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to tackle housing abandonment in the North West. [71959]

      The Deputy Prime Minister
      I am determined to help areas where the housing market has collapsed. That is why this Government has established nine Pathfinder projects dedicated to providing lasting solutions for communities blighted by abandoned homes. Four are located in the North West.

      Mr. Hugh Robertson
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his plans for new housing in Kent. [71960]

      Mr. McNulty
      It is the responsibility of Kent County Council to decide on housing provision in line with Regional Planning Guidance for the South East issued in March 2001.

      The review of the allocation of housing in the South East, which in the first instance is a matter for the South East England Regional Assembly, will be progressed through the next review of the Regional Planning Guidance.

      John Mann
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has for tackling slum housing in coalfield communities. [71961]

      The Deputy Prime Minister
      We are determined to tackle housing market failure wherever it occurs. Low demand Pathfinder projects will provide lasting solutions for communities blighted by derelict homes through investment and innovation. Three of the recently announced Pathfinders include coalfield communities. More generally, Local Authorities have a vital role in producing comprehensive housing strategies together with action plans to tackle the problems identified.

      Mr. Lamb
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the provision of affordable housing in rural areas. [71962]

      Laurie Quinn
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the provision of social housing in rural areas. [71976]

      Mr. McNulty
      We recognise the importance of affordable housing in sustaining inclusive and thriving rural communities. We have taken substantial measures to help alleviate housing pressures, as outlined in the 896W
      Rural White Paper. We expect to deliver around 9,000 affordable homes annually in rural areas by 2003–04, including 3,000 in small rural settlements.

      Mr. Robathan
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, if he will make a statement on his housing policy in the South East. [71965]

      The Deputy Prime Minister
      Policy on housing in the South East, is set out in Regional Planning Guidance for the South East, which was issued in March 2001.

      I made a statement in July 2002, which covered housing, including London and the South East, and I stated that I would return to the House by the end of the year with a comprehensive long term programme of action.

      Ms Oona King
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) how many(a) detatched houses, (b) semi-detatched houses, (c) terraced houses, (d) maisonettes and (e) flats have been sold by local authorities in London under the right-to-buy scheme since 1980; [74266]

      (2) how many council properties with (a) one bedroom, (b) two bedrooms, (c) three bedrooms, (d) four bedrooms and (e) five bedrooms or more have been sold by local authorities in London under the Right-to-Buy Scheme since 1980. [74265]

      Mr. Tony McNulty
      The precise information requested is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. Summary information reported by local authorities only distinguishes sales of houses (including bungalows) from flats (including maisonettes). By the end of March 2002, it is estimated slightly more than 246,000 homes had been sold by London boroughs under the RTB scheme, consisting of some 121,500 houses, and 124,500 flats.

      Margaret Moran
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what measures he intends to take to bring empty private sector houses back into use. [71969]

      The Deputy Prime Minister
      We will shortly publish comprehensive guidance on unlocking the potential of empty properties; we intend to give local authorities powers to end the council tax discount on long-term empty homes; we are giving local authorities a range of new freedoms to assist private housing in poor condition; and we are targeting a package of measures on nine areas of low demand where the problem of abandonment is most acute. In addition, we are considering a range of measures recommended by the Transport, Local Government and the Regions Select Committee in its recent report on empty homes.

      Standard Spending Assessment
      Mr. Plaskitt
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on responses to the consultation on reform of the standard spending assessment. [71963]

      Mr. Leslie
      The formal consultation on options for the Formula Grant distribution system closed on the 30 September. We will consider the evidence, the pressures and the points made before we take decisions. Those decisions will be announced in the 2003/04 provisional settlement in due course.

      Urban Land
      Paul Flynn
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what change has taken place since 1997 in the percentage of land in England that is used for urban purposes. [71966]

      Mr. McNulty
      In 1997 and 1998 land classified as urban increased by around 5,600 hectares a year, which is less than 0.5 per cent. of the land used for urban purposes and about 0.04 per cent. of England. The information is drawn from the Department's Land Use Change Statistics which in rural areas have a 5-year revision cycle so a complete picture is not available for more recent years.

      Mobile Phone Masts
      Mr. Amess
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what recent representations he has received on planning applications for mobile phone masts. [71968]

      Mr. McNulty
      The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has received a wide range of representations on planning applications for telecommunications masts over the last year.

      North-West Regional Assembly
      Mr. Osborne
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate he has made of the cost of establishing an elected regional assembly in the North West. [71970]

      Mr. Raynsford
      Costs will vary from region to region, mainly because of the different sizes of their electorates. But we expect them all to fall in a range around £15–30m a region. This estimate includes all costs necessary to establish an assembly, including the cost of a referendum and of the first elections to an assembly.

      Local Government
      Mr. Casale
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on comprehensive performance assessments for local authorities. [71971]

      Mr. Leslie
      The Local Government White Paper, Strong Local Leadership—Quality Public Services, published in December 2001, introduced a requirement for local authorities to be assessed and categorised on the basis of a comprehensive appraisal of their performance. This Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) is intended to cover performance across an authority's full range of service areas. The Audit Commission is tasked with taking the lead in coordinating and delivering the new assessment process.

      Planning
      Mr. Swayne
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his proposals to reform the planning procedures for major infrastructure projects. [71972]

      Mr. McNulty
      We are considering the options for taking this forward. As indicated by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister in his statement on 18 July we have accepted the Select Committee's arguments that Parliamentary Procedures for major infrastructure projects are not the best way forward.

      Park Homes
      Mr. Burgon
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what action he plans to take in response to the Park Homes Working Party Report. [71974]

      Mr. McNulty
      We are already acting on those recommendations not requiring legislation, and will shortly publish research into the economics of park homes. We are developing other measures that require legislation, and will consult on these as soon as practicable.

      Rental Homes
      Mr. Corbyn
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, how many affordable rental homes will be built by(a) local authorities and (b) registered social landlords in the current year. [71977]

      Mr. McNulty
      Central government does not make forecasts of affordable housing build. We expect local authorities to plan to meet the housing requirements of the whole community, including those in need of affordable housing.

      However, from information available through the Housing Corporation's monitoring of its Approved Development Programme (ADP) and support via Local Authority Social Housing Grant (LASHG), it is broadly estimated that RSLs will be complete between 16,000 and 17,000 new homes by for rent (excluding shared ownership) during 2002–03.

      RSLs remain the principal providers of new social housing. Local authorities build very few new dwellings, generally only in special circumstances.

      County Councillors
      Ms Merron
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps he has taken to support improvements in standards of conduct of members of county councils. [71967]

      Mr. Raynsford
      From May this year, a new Code of Conduct has been applied to all councillors—including members of county councils. The new Code makes very clear the high standards of behaviour that are expected of all councillors. Alongside the introduction of new Codes, the Government has established the Standards Board for England to support councils in raising standards of conduct, and to investigate allegations of misconduct.

      Huntingdonshire District Council
      Mr. Djanogly
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will estimate for Huntingdonshire District Council the effects of each of the options set out in chapter 9 of Formula Grant Distribution: A Consultation Paper. [74228]

      Mr. Raynsford
      The effects on Huntingdonshire DC of the options in chapter 9 (which relate to the Area Cost Adjustment) are set out on page 118 of the consultation document. They are as follows, showing in each case the increase both in actual and percentage terms compared with 2002/03.
      899W

      Local Authority

      2002/03 Total SSA

      Change from 2002/03 Total SSA

      Option ACA1

      Option ACA2

      Option ACA3

      Option ACA4

      Option ACA5

      (£)

      (£)

      (%)

      (£)

      (%)

      (£)

      (%)

      (£)

      (%)

      (£)

      (%)

      Huntingdonshire

      14.0

      0.3

      2.4%

      0.3

      2.1%

      0.4

      3.0%

      0.6

      4.4%

      0.7

      5.1%

      Local Government Staff
      Mr. McGrady
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what action he will take to improve the salary and conditions of service of local government staff; and if he will make a statement. [71948]

      Mr. Raynsford
      Negotiations on local government pay and conditions of service are carried out by local authorities and the trade unions.

      Area-Based Initiatives
      Claire Ward
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Review of Area Based Initiatives. [74805]

      Mrs. Roche
      I am announcing the outcome of the Review of Area Based Initiatives today. The Review sets out a number of important changes which will significantly improve the co-ordination of area based initiatives. I am placing copies of the report on the outcomes in the libraries of both Houses.

      Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy
      David Wright
      To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he intends to publish the Government's consultation document on a national alcohol harm reduction strategy. [75042]

      Mr. Alexander
      I have been asked to reply. It has always been the Government's intention to undertake an extensive process of consultation with stakeholders and relevant groups as part of the development of a National Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy. Yesterday jointly with my hon. Friend Hazel Blears we published a consultation document "National Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy: Consultation Document" setting out the areas on which the Government would welcome views. Copies of this have been placed in the libraries of the House. The consultation period will run until 15 January and responses are sought directly to the Strategy Unit and Department of Health. We will also be holding a series of joint consultation events to seek the views of a range of stakeholders including local

      Excess winter deaths* by age-group and Government Office Region of usual residence, 1991/1992–1999/2000 and 2000/2001**

      1996/19971

      1997/19981

      1998/19991

      1999/20001

      2000/20011

      England, Wales and elsewhere

      0–64

      3040

      1700

      3100

      3770

      2300

      65–74

      6970

      4200

      6950

      7440

      3300

      75–84

      17540

      7870

      16340

      16840

      8400

      85 +

      20140

      9130

      20450

      20390

      11000

      All ages

      47690

      22900

      46840

      48440

      25000

      North East

      0–64

      130

      110

      90

      280

      100

      65–74

      500

      360

      470

      480

      300

      75–84

      920

      530

      890

      1030

      600

      85 +

      680

      550

      920

      880

      500

      All ages

      2230

      1550

      2370

      2680

      1500

      900W
      authorities, police, Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs), NHS/ medical services (eg PCTs), education (schools sector), academics (university sector), voluntary sector, non-government organisations, the alcohol industry, users of treatment services and employers. Once the consultation period has closed the Strategy Unit will produce an interim analysis taking account of responses received.

    TREASURY

      Excess Winter Deaths
      Mr. Burstow
      To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate how many excess winter deaths occurred in 2001–02, broken down by(a) English region, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Great Britain by age band; and if he will provide corresponding estimates for each of the last five years. [74536]

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

      Letter to Mr. Burstow from Len Cook dated 16 Oct 2002:

      As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking for the excess winter deaths for each English region, Scotland, Wales and Great Britain, in each year 1996–1997 to 2001–2002, with a breakdown by age for each year. (74536)

      Figures for English Government Office Regions and for Wales for 1996–97 to 2000–01 are provided in the attached table. Please note that the figures for 2000–01 are currently provisional. Comparable figures for Scotland are not produced routinely. Available figures were published in a GRO Scotland occasional paper in April 2002.1

      ONS will be releasing final figures for 2000–2001 and provisional excess winter mortality figures for 2001–2002 on 24 October 2002. I will be placing a copy in the Libraries of the House at that time.

      Notes:

      1Bowie, N., Jackson, G., 2002. Occasional Paper No.7: The Raised Incidence of Winter Deaths. General Register Office for Scotland
      901W

      Excess winter deaths* by age-group and Government Office Region of usual residence, 1991/1992–1999/2000 and 2000/2001**

      1996/19971

      1997/19981

      1998/19991

      1999/20001

      2000/20012

      North West

      0–64

      510

      280

      630

      420

      200

      65–74

      1070

      500

      1230

      1090

      600

      75–84

      2260

      980

      2600

      2060

      1300

      85 +

      2520

      1010

      2880

      2520

      1600

      All ages

      6360

      2770

      7350

      6090

      3800

      Yorkshire and the Humber

      0–64

      240

      210

      260

      350

      200

      65–74

      700

      480

      810

      680

      500

      75–84

      1810

      860

      1800

      1690

      800

      85 +

      1800

      910

      1890

      1900

      1000

      All ages

      4540

      2460

      4760

      4620

      2600

      East Midlands

      0–64

      250

      130

      310

      350

      200

      65–74

      470

      360

      550

      590

      300

      75–84

      1280

      700

      1560

      1270

      800

      85 +

      1540

      820

      1680

      1620

      1000

      All ages

      3540

      2000

      4090

      3820

      2200

      West Midlands

      0–64

      410

      250

      470

      440

      300

      65–74

      740

      510

      750

      950

      400

      75–84

      1650

      800

      1730

      1810

      1000

      85 +

      1740

      900

      1920

      2090

      900

      All ages

      4530

      2460

      4860

      5290

      2600

      East

      0–64

      240

      170

      130

      330

      100

      65–74

      710

      410

      640

      670

      200

      75–84

      1720

      930

      1590

      1800

      1000

      85 +

      2320

      1030

      2440

      2070

      1200

      All ages

      5000

      2540

      4800

      4880

      2400

      London

      0–64

      430

      150

      420

      470

      300

      65–74

      870

      320

      670

      930

      300

      75–84

      2240

      930

      1690

      2050

      800

      85 +

      2390

      1120

      2160

      2430

      1400

      All ages

      5940

      2520

      4940

      5870

      2800

      South East

      0–64

      420

      250

      370

      630

      300

      65–74

      870

      570

      890

      1050

      200

      75–84

      2770

      990

      2190

      2470

      1000

      85 +

      3600

      1410

      3260

      3530

      1600

      All ages

      7650

      3210

      6710

      7680

      3200

      South West

      0–64

      300

      120

      230

      310

      300

      65–74

      600

      400

      420

      620

      200

      75–84

      1830

      700

      1380

      1580

      500

      85 +

      2320

      1020

      2100

      2220

      1200

      All ages

      5060

      2240

      4130

      4730

      2300

      Wales

      0–64

      120

      90

      230

      220

      200

      65–74

      490

      360

      540

      420

      200

      75–84

      1050

      480

      930

      1090

      600

      85+

      1220

      350

      1200

      1150

      600

      All ages

      2880

      1290

      2900

      2880

      1700

      England

      0–64

      2930

      1660

      2900

      3570

      2100

      65–74

      6520

      3890

      6430

      7070

      3100

      75–84

      16490

      7410

      15430

      15770

      7800

      85 +

      18910

      8770

      19250

      19250

      10400

      All ages

      44850

      21740

      44010

      45650

      23400

      England and Wales

      0–64

      3050

      1760

      3130

      3790

      2300

      65–74

      7010

      4260

      6970

      7490

      3300

      75–84

      17540

      7890

      16360

      16850

      8400

      85 +

      20130

      9120

      20450

      20400

      11000

      All ages

      47730

      23030

      46900

      48520

      25000

      Note:

      *Excess winter deaths are defined by the Office for National Statistics as the difference between the number of deaths during the four winter months (December to March) and the average number of deaths during the preceding autumn (August to November) and the following summer (April to July)

      **provisional

      1rounded to the nearest 10

      2provisional, rounded to the nearest 100

      National Insurance Numbers
      Mr. Gibb
      To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the rules are regarding obtaining work without the possession of a national insurance number. [72126]

      Malcolm Wicks
      I have been asked to reply. Employers can offer employment to a person who has not yet registered for National Insurance purposes. A
      902W
      person without a National Insurance number is not precluded from starting work and then obtaining a National Insurance number later.

      Mr. Gibb
      To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many employers were prosecuted for employing people without national insurance numbers in(a) 1998, (b) 1999, (c) 2000 and (d) 2001; and what penalties were imposed. [72125]
      903W
      Malcolm Wicks
      I have been asked to reply. There is no requirement in law to have a National Insurance number before starting work. Therefore no employers have been prosecuted for employing people without National Insurance numbers.

      Mr. Willetts
      To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many National Insurance number applicants have waited four months or more for an interview in each of the last 24 months; and what has been the average time between a person's original application for a number and a number being issued in each year since 1992. [74708]

      Malcolm Wicks
      I have been asked to reply. The information is not available in the format requested.

      Earlier this year, applicants were experiencing delays in some parts of the country for up to 6 months. That figure has reduced considerably, and indications are that no one currently has to wait more than 4 weeks for an initial National Insurance number allocation interview.

      FTE Count

      June 01

      July 01

      Aug 01

      Sept 01

      Oct 01

      Nov 01

      Dec 01

      Jan 02

      Feb 02

      Mar 02

      Total

      Casual

      Administrative

      41.89

      50.57

      -26.19

      -53.25

      -0.84

      6.70

      -2.93

      4.89

      1.48

      3.73

      26.04

      Executive

      -1.00

      -1.00

      0.00

      -1.59

      0.00

      -1.00

      0.00

      0.67

      -0.61

      1.00

      -3.54

      Total change +/-

      40.89

      49.57

      -26.19

      -54.85

      -0.84

      5.70

      -2.93

      5.56

      0.87

      4.73

      22.50

      Permanent

      Administrative

      59.85

      78.97

      45.16

      25.10

      38.88

      27.26

      10.03

      24.43

      16.77

      -11.78

      314.67

      Executive

      4.00

      1.39

      6.14

      10.55

      25.99

      15.66

      -.53

      0.92

      -2.06

      -15.60

      45.47

      Total change +/-

      63.85

      80.37

      51.30

      35.66

      64.88

      42.92

      8.50

      25.35

      14.71

      -27.38

      360.14

    SOLICITOR-GENERAL

      Recruitment
      Dr. Julian Lewis
      To ask the Solicitor General how many net additional staff her Department has recruited in each month since June 2001 at(a) executive officer level and (b) administrative level.[52427]

      The Solicitor-General
      [holding answer 29 April 2002]: The figures for the Departments for which the Attorney General is responsible are as follows:

      Serious Fraud Office
      Record keeping by the SFO does not allow the breakdown of the creation of new posts on a month by month basis without incurring disproportionate costs. However, during the year 1 April 2001 to 1 April 2002, the SFO created 24 additional executive officer posts and 18 additional administrative officer posts.

      HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate
      In the period June 2001 to April 2002, HMCPSI created three additional posts, two at executive officer level and one at administrative officer level.

      Treasury Solicitor's Department
      In relation to the Treasury Solicitor's Department (including Legal Secretariat to the Law officers), no additional posts were created in the period June 2001 to Apri 2002.

      Crown Prosecution Service
      The number of net additional staff recruited since June 2001 by the Crown Prosecution Service is set out in the attached table. The figures are Full Time equivalent figures, reflecting the fact that some posts are part-time.

  Sudan
  Sudan
  Police Officers: Retention
  Police Officers: Retention
  Passport and Records Agency Annual Accounts
  Passport and Records Agency Annual Accounts
  MigrationWatch Report
  MigrationWatch Report
  Asylum Seekers
  Asylum Seekers
  Sri Lanka Asylum Seekers
  Sri Lanka Asylum Seekers
  Major (Retired) Christine Lloyd
  Major (Retired) Christine Lloyd
  Nuclear Test Veterans
  Nuclear Test Veterans
  A400M Aircraft
  A400M Aircraft
  English National Stadium Review
  English National Stadium Review
  Cumbrian Foot and Mouth Inquiry
  Cumbrian Foot and Mouth Inquiry
  Meat and Livestock Exports
  Meat and Livestock Exports
  Rural Poverty
  Rural Poverty
  Horticulture
  Horticulture
  Habitats Directive
  Habitats Directive
  East Midlands National Forest
  East Midlands National Forest
  Sustainable Development
  Sustainable Development
  Generic Medicines: Maximum Price Scheme
  Generic Medicines: Maximum Price Scheme
  Coastal and Inland Yacht Harbours
  Coastal and Inland Yacht Harbours
  Guide Dogs on Ferries
  Guide Dogs on Ferries
  Marco Polo Programme
  Marco Polo Programme
  National Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy
  National Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy
  Brixham Marina
  Brixham Marina
  Sir Desmond Morton
  Sir Desmond Morton
  Car Parking Spaces for Peers
  Car Parking Spaces for Peers
  Court Service Annual Report and Accounts
  Court Service Annual Report and Accounts