Written Answers of 23 October 2002

TRANSPORT

  Rail Freight
  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what the Government's target for growth in rail freight is over the next 10 years; [75012]

  (2) what steps are being taken by the Strategic Rail Authority to increase rail freight. [75013]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Strategic Rail Authority has published both a Freight Strategy and a Strategic Plan (copies are in the House Libraries), which detail its plans for achieving the rail freight growth envisaged by the Government's 10 Year Plan for Transport. A revised Strategic Plan is due to be published in January 2003.

  Speed Cameras
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made by or for his Department on changes in the accident rate on roads with speed cameras; and if he will place copies in the Library. [75603]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Speed enforcement cameras have proved to be highly effective at reducing speeding and, when sited at dangerous sites or along problem routes, have in the first year of the pilot scheme on average reduced the number of those killed and seriously injured by 47 per cent. In some areas the reduction has been even greater. A report of the cost recovery system for the eight pilot areas in the traffic safety camera scheme will be published shortly and will be made available in the Libraries of the House.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment is made by or for his Department of the performance of(a) the Northern Lighthouse Board and (b) the Health and Safety Commission including performance targets; what reports have been published on its performance; and if he will place in the Library copies of such reports that are not readily available. [75600]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) measures the availability of the aids to navigation against the service standards set by the International Association of Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA). These performance indicators are set out in the Report and Accounts of the General Lighthouse Fund 2000–2001, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. They indicate that most aids to navigation provided by the Board exceed the IALA standards for availability for use.
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  The Health and Safety Commission is no longer the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Transport.

  Rail Franchises
  Martin Linton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the progress of franchise negotiations between London and South East commuter operators and the Strategic Rail Authority. [75171]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, to the hon. Member for Stroud (David Drew) on Tuesday 15 October 2002,Official Report, column 158. My right hon. Friend hopes to be able to make an announcement on franchising in the next few weeks.

  Road Congestion
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the progress made since 1 January 1998 on the reduction of road congestion. [75468]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The 10 Year Plan for transport includes a target to reduce congestion on the inter-urban trunk network and in large urban areas to 2000 levels by 2010. We hope to publish baseline figures for this target shortly. The Department have not previously calculated congestion levels.

  Transport Area Network
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much money was(a) spent and (b) budgeted for the Transport Area Network in each financial year in which it has been allocated. [76399]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 22 October 2002 [76201]

  Spend for the Traffic Area network was:

  (000)

  1997/98

  £9451

  1998/99

  £9758

  1999/00

  £10166

  2000/01

  £11033

  2001/02

  £12401

  Transport Direct
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the work conducted on Transport Direct by Journey Solutions; and what steps his Department is taking to act upon this work. [76486]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Journey Solutions has not conducted any direct work on Transport Direct. However we welcome their efforts on integrating different modes of transport and anticipate their work on bus-rail tickets being of direct relevance to Transport Direct, since this contributes to the provision of multi-modal ticketing —a target for Transport Direct.

  Third Railway Package
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what submissions have been made by his
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  Department to the European Commission on the forthcoming Third Railway Package; and if he will place copies in the Library. [76202]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The European Commission has not yet published any specific proposals for further legislation in the railways sector and no written submissions have been made. My Department and the Commission are in regular contact on railway policy development; and my Department would expect to respond to any formal consultation exercise initiated by the Commission.

  Community Railways
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what representations have been received from, and discussions have taken place with, the railway industry on the Directive on Safety, Licensing and Levying of Charges Certification of Community Railways being discussed within the European Parliament; and if he will place copies of all related correspondence in the Library; [76472]

  (2) what representations have been received, and what discussions have taken place, with the railway industry on the Directive on the Interoperability of trans-European rail transport. [76501]

  Mr. Jamieson
  A number of industry parties commented on these elements of the European Commission's proposed 2 railway package in response to the Government's consultation exercise on that package, which ran from May to 23 August 2002. Copies of the replies (excluding those from respondents who have requested confidentiality) have been placed in the Libraries of the House. My Department holds regular discussions with the rail industry parties on the Commission's current and future proposals for the rail sector.

  Performance Targets
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made of the performance of the Traffic Commissioners with specific reference to performance targets; and if he will publish a report on its performance. [76483]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Traffic Commissioners are statutorily independent office holders, appointed by the Secretary of State for Transport and are not subject to performance targets. They are required to report to the Secretary of State each year. Copies of these reports are in the Libraries of the House.

  Trunk Road Assessment
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on(a) how many people are employed, (b) the role and terms of reference and (c) the annual budget for each year since 1997–98 of the Standing Advisory Committee on Trunk Road Assessment Sustainable Development Education Panel. [76482]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Standing Advisory Committee on Trunk Road Assessment has not been given any terms of reference since completing its report on Transport and the Economy in 1999 and is at present in abeyance.304W
  No people are employed by the Committee. Its budgets for 1997–98 and 1998–99 were £40k and –62k respectively.

  The Department for Education and Skills are responsible for information about the Sustainable Development Education Panel.

  Freight Line
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) whether the Strategic Rail Authority has provided advice to him on Central Railway's proposed freight line; [75905]

  (2) when he will introduce a bill to support Central Railway's proposed freight line. [75906]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The SRA has now delivered to the Government its advice on Central Railway's proposals. We will consider its conclusions carefully and respond to Central Railway in due course.

  Malpensa Airport
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what funds Malpensa Airport received under the EU Trans-European Network programme; and what discussions he has had with the EU Commission to open up Malpensa Airport to(a) British and (b) other EU carriers. [76147]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Funding for the Malpensa Airport project from the trans-European Network programme was awarded under five Commission Decisions from 1995 to 1999 inclusive for a total amount of €26.8 million in the form of interest rate subsidies.

  The Italian rules for the distribution of traffic within the Milan airport system were discussed by Ministers at Transport Council in October 1998. UK officials also attended two meetings of the EC Market Access Advisory Committee, established under the provisions of Article 11 of Regulation (EEC) 2408/92, which were called to discuss the matter. These culminated in the Commission's decision of 21 December 2000 (2001/163/EC).

  Cliffe Airport
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of take-offs under the Cliffe Airport option proposed by the Government would head east and then turn north over Essex; and over which Essex communities these would fly and at what height. [74930]

  Mr. Jamieson
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]The South East and East of England Regional Air Services study (SERAS) analysis has not attempted to identify the distribution of aircraft to this level of detail.

  Anti-speed Campaigns
  Chris Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of(a) UK-wide anti-speed campaigns and (b) Arrive Alive in North Wales; and if he will make a statement. [75878]
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  Mr. Jamieson
  Warning of the dangers of speeding is an integral part of the Department's publicity strategy. An integrated communications campaign incorporating TV, radio, press and poster advertising has run since 1991 supported by local road safety officers. An ongoing monthly tracking study has shown that this publicity has helped create and sustain a high level support for road safety measures which encourage people to slow down. In this time the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads has reduced significantly.

  All netting off partnerships, of which North Wales is one, must ensure information on safety camera deployment is properly explained and accurate. Partnerships are formally monitored to assess their effectiveness and local communications forms a part of this monitoring.

  Local activity undertaken by the Safety Camera Partnerships, such as Arrive Alive in North Wales and other local policy initiatives, contribute to a concerted and comprehensive approach to tackling speed.

  A21 (Accidents)
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many accidents occurred between January and June on the A21(a) Lamberhurst to Flimwell and (b) Tonbridge to Pembury. [76665]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The data requested for 2002 are not yet available.

  For the number of accidents in 2001, I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 15 October 2002 Official Report, column 715W.

  Traveline
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been conducted into the effectiveness of(a) the Traveline phone service and (b) the traveline.org.uk website; and if he will places copies of related correspondence in the Library. [76475]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Department for Transport has funded on behalf of traveline three waves of Mystery Shopping. The report from the third wave of Mystery Shopping indicated that the traveline service has significantly improved in all regions since the first wave of mystery shopping was carried out 12 months ago. The time taken to answer calls and the customer service elements of the calls were generally satisfactory or good. Overall 95 per cent. (Wave 2 result 93 per cent., Wave 1 result 88 per cent.) of the answers given were completely accurate and reflects an improvement across the regions but particularly for some of the long distance call types. Twelve call centres in wave 3 scored 100 per cent. on accuracy (5 in wave 2).

  There will be no current assessment on the effectiveness of the traveline website, as not all regions have been added. The traveline site at present is based around best principles as established through other transport planning web services.

  Copies of the final reports from the three waves of Mystery Shopping will be placed in the Libraries of the House.
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TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Business Start Ups
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she expects the estimates for 2001 (final) and 2002 (provisional) figures from the Office for National Statistics for the number of high growth business start-ups to be available; and if she will make a statement. [75120]

  Nigel Griffiths
  The Office for National Statistics have agreed to provide estimates of the number of high growth business start ups for 2001 (final 1997 start ups) and 2002 (provisional 1998 start ups) by the end of November 2002.

  The Small Business Service will conduct data quality checks in December 2002, with a view to providing the estimates by the end of the year.

  Regional Development Agencies
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many homes have been compulsorily purchased by regional development agencies since 1999. [75968]

  Alan Johnson
  Seven residential properties have been compulsorily purchased by regional development agencies since 1999.

  Smart South West
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the contract between the South West Regional Development Agency and Smart South West. [74938]

  Alan Johnson
  [holding answer 22 October 2002]The South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) has two contracts with Smart South West.

  £60k from SWRDA to fund for a year the IT Sector Advisor within Smart South West, which finished this summer but is currently continuing on a 3 monthly basis until the post holder leaves.

  £56k from the DTI to manage the SWRDA led "Outreach" project under the Broadband Fund.

  Defence Exports
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the approved defence exports to(a) India and (b) Pakistan in each of the last three years. [76335]

  Nigel Griffiths
  Details of all relevant export licences that have been approved to end users in India and Pakistan, in each of the last three years, are published by destination in the Government's Annual Reports on Strategic Export Controls. Copies of the 1999, 2000 and 2001 Annual Reports are available from the Libraries of the House.

  Development Fund for Rural Renewal
  Brian Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many small businesses applied for
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  assistance through the Development Fund for Rural Renewal in November 2001; and what the total value is of funds that have been allocated. [76836]

  Nigel Griffiths
  A total of 67 applications to the Development Fund for Rural Renewal were received from a variety of organisations throughout England. The total value of funds allocated is £3,017,197.

  Food Supplement Directives
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will assess the impact on research and development of the European Food Supplement Directive and the proposed European Directive on Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products; and if she will make a statement. [75814]

  Ms Blears
  I have been asked to reply

  The EU Food Supplements Directive requires that the safety of concentrated sources of vitamins and minerals used as ingredients in food supplements be approved by the European Union scientific committee on food before use. Consequently, the Directive is likely to have the effect of encouraging research into the safety of these ingredients.

  The possible impact of the proposed Directive on traditional herbal medicinal products on research and development is difficult to predict. Under the current regime in the United Kingdom for unlicensed herbal remedies it will not normally be clear to the purchaser of a remedy whether that remedy is brought to the market on the basis of evidence of efficacy of the product, of traditional usage, or some other factor. The proposed Directive should, over time, bring greater clarity to the market on this issue, which may be beneficial to the prospects for research and development.

  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will assess the impact on the retail sector of the European Food Supplement Directive and the proposed European Directive on Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products; and if she will make a statement. [75813]

  Ms Blears
  I have been asked to reply

  In the short-term the EU Food Supplements Directive is unlikely to have any effect upon the retail sector. In the longer-term, the impact of the Directive will depend upon progress in adding vitamin and minerals and their sources to the lists of permitted nutrients in the Directive and upon developments in the setting of maximum limits for vitamins and minerals in food supplements. The Food Standards Agency is arguing the case for these maximum limits to be based on thorough scientific risk assessments so that there is no unnecessary restriction on the range of products that can be marketed.

  The proposed Directive on Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products could have positive consequences for employment in the retail sector. The proposals would require traditional herbal remedies to meet standards as to quality, safety and product information,
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  areas in which the current regime for unlicensed herbal remedies has significant weaknesses. More effective regulation, which would follow if there is a successful outcome to the negotiations, potentially could enhance the status and recognition of traditional herbal remedies. This in turn could help to maintain and increase public confidence and ultimately lead to an expansion in the sector. Our aim in the continuing negotiations, and in the implementation of the Directive if it is agreed, will be to ensure that the regulation is proportionate.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Iraq
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Solicitor-General if she will make it her policy to publish her advice to HMG on the legality of action against Iraq; and if she will make a statement. [75817]

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding answer 22 October 2002]: There is a longstanding convention, followed by successive Governments, that neither the substance of the Law Officers' advice, nor the fact that they have been consulted, is normally disclosed outside Government. The Law Officers' advice is given in confidence to the Government.

  Serious Fraud Office
  John Barrett
  To ask the Solicitor-General what plans she has for the expansion of the role of the Serious Fraud Office to cover corruption and money laundering. [75072]

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding answer 22 October 2002]: The Director of the SFO is already entitled, under Section 1 (3) of the Criminal Justice Act 1987, to investigate any offence that appears to her on reasonable grounds to involve serious or complex fraud. Offences of corruption and money laundering are therefore already included in the range of offences open to the SFO to investigate provided they meet key criteria. Amongst others, these include where the sum at risk is estimated to be at least £1 million or the case is likely to give rise to national publicity and widespread public concern or the case has a significant international dimension. All or some of these factors can be present in an allegation of corruption or money laundering and if so then the SFO may investigate.

  The SFO has, in fact, successfully investigated and prosecuted 10 cases involving offences of corruption and/or money laundering since its inception in 1988. These cases have led to prison sentences or suspended sentences for the defendants, often coupled with disqualification from acting as a company director. The SFO is also currently investigating several similar allegations.

  Fraud
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement on the level of successful prosecutions for fraud in(a) 1993, (b) 1997 and (c) 2002. [75894]
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  The Solicitor-General
  The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) collects data each year as follows:

  Year (5 April-4 April)

  Number of Defendants

  Number of Convicted

  Conviction rate

  1993–94

  55

  35

  64%

  1997–98

  39

  37

  95%

  5.4.02–up to21.10.02

  12

  10

  83%

  These figures are impressive and consistently high. The SFO also judges its own performance by looking at accumulated figures since its inception in 1988. Here the conviction rate has steadily increased, particularly over the last five years. By 1993 the accumulated conviction rate by defendant was 63 per cent., in 1997 it was 66 per cent. and so far this year it has risen to 71 per cent.

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

  Bovine TB
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proposals were made by farming industry representatives regarding the softening of the economic impact on the herd movement restrictions as a result of bovine TB during the meeting with them on 27 June. [73741]

  Mr. Morley
  Farming industry representatives made a number of proposals regarding the softening of the economic impact on herd movement restrictions as a result of bovine TB. Over the summer officials have considered the potential policy options and veterinary risk assessments have been carried out. After further meetings with stakeholders a package of measures was announced on 9 October. One element of the package focuses on the licensed movement off-farm of non-reactor cattle in the following circumstances:Movement direct to slaughter through a dedicated slaughter market;
  Movement to a finishing unit also under TB restrictions where the finished cattle will be sent direct to slaughter;
  Movement to slaughter via a collection centre.

  Defra is considering how to manage the risk from movement of animals onto herds affected by TB from farm to farm under a strict protocol. The policy for this is still being developed and it is hoped that an announcement can be made in November.

  Warm Front Grant
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what the conversion rate for energy from people applying for a warm front grant has been in each of the last five years for which figures are available in(a) the Blackpool South constituency, (b) the Blackpool Unitary Authority area, (c) in each Government office region and (d) England; [73829]

  (2) what assessment she has made of the feasibility of separating promotion of and assessment for warm front grant from sales activity on behalf of energy companies; [73827]
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  (3) how many complaints about attempts to sell energy contracts in association with warm front grants have been received by (a) her Department, (b) Ofgen and (c) warm front contractors and subcontractors in each of the last five years for which figures are available; [73828]

  (4) what discussions she has had with (a) Ofgem, (b) Energywatch and (c) other consumer and regulation agencies, about potential conflicts of interest when subcontractors promoting warm front grants (i) advertise for alternative energy suppliers on warm front promotional literature and (ii) set aside time to promote energy suppliers within warm front assessment interviews. [73879]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 15 October 2002]Warm Front was launched in June 2000 and provides assistance to certain groups in receipt of a qualifying income or disability benefit by installing packages of insulation and heating measures.

  Warm Front does not promote products or sell energy from individual energy companies. Households are free to choose their own supplier and may, like any consumer, opt to change after 28 days. Two Scheme Managers, Eaga Partnership and TXU Warm Front administer Warm Front. Some of the heating measures offered under Warm Front may require the household to be connected up to an additional electrical supply for night storage heaters or mains gas for the first time.

  Following a tender exercise an agreement was entered into between Defra and two companies: Scottish Power and TXU Energi. For those requiring a gas central heating the preferred supplier was Scottish Power and for a combined electric and gas fuel supply from the Stay Warm tariff provided by TXU Energi. By August 2002 almost 4,000 homes had received a new gas supply. The majority of these households have not used the preferred suppliers.

  Neither Scheme Managers have received complaints about mis-selling of energy contracts. I cannot comment on behalf of OFGEM. The Department has received one specific complaint relating to Nestmakers, an independent organisation jointly and equally owned by Scottish Power and Eaga Partnership Ltd. The allegation was investigated and found to be unproven.

  Nestmakers also undertake home surveys for Warm Front in Eaga Partnership's catchment area. Nestmaker surveyors are aware that Warm Front is mutually exclusive to any energy supply contract. Nestmakers will take disciplinary action against any surveyor who is proved to have sold an energy supply contract on the conditional understanding that it was needed to access Warm Front.

  Live Animals (Exports)
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action she is taking to discourage and prevent the export of live animals for slaughter abroad. [75473]

  Mr. Morley
  We prefer a trade in meat to the export of live animals. However we also accept that European law requires the free movement of goods between EU member states and this includes live animals.
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  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to increase restrictions on the journey times for live animals for slaughter. [75479]

  Mr. Morley
  At the September Agriculture Council my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State urged discussion on a generally eight hour maximum for journeys within Europe.

  Livestock Movement Regulations
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with National Assembly for Wales Ministers regarding the 20–day livestock movement regulations. [75165]

  Mr. Morley
  Ministers have regular discussions with their devolved counterparts regarding animal movement regulations, including the 20 day standstill.

  Over-Thirty Months Scheme
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of applications for the over-thirty month early casualty scheme(a) were able to provide sufficient evidence to satisfy the Intervention Board that they should receive the set rate of 85.6p.p.kg, (b) were paid the flat rate of £230 for their casualty animals and (c) are waiting to be paid. [75141]

  Mr. Morley
  (a) No animals presented into the Early Casualty Scheme were paid 85.6p/kg. Only animals successfully presented onto the main Over Thirty Month Scheme received the full OTMS payment. All successful claims under the Early Casualty provisions, for animals put down between 3 and 24 May 1996 but not presented onto the OTMS, were paid at the flat rate of £230.

  (b)

  (c)No claims are waiting to be paid. For 60 claims the claimant was unable to produce the required supporting documentation and no payment was made.

  Feta Cheeses
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received concerning the redesignation of feta cheeses in the draft directive proposed by the European Commission designating feta as a protected food name; and if she will intervene to prevent the Commission unilaterally adopting such a directive in the event of no qualified majority being achieved. [75647]

  Mr. Morley
  The Department has received a number of representations concerning the application by Greece to register "feta" as a protected food name. Throughout all the discussions on this issue (at official and Ministerial level), the UK has opposed the Greek application on the grounds that we believed that the name "feta" had become a generic and so not eligible for protection. The majority of Member States were in favour of registration but the required qualified majority was not reached either in the Regulatory 312W
  Committee or subsequently in the Agriculture Council. However, because the Council was unable to act by qualified majority the Commission was able (under the terms of the original Regulation) to adopt the proposal. Feta was registered as a protected food name on 15 October.

  I am conscious of the effect that feta's registration as a protected food name will have on UK producers. Officials have therefore written to these producers to see whether they might be eligible to benefit from a transition period within which the name "feta" could continue to be used.

  Hedgehogs
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had about TB in hedgehogs. [75082]

  Mr. Morley
  There have been no recent discussions specifically on this issue. However, Defra is currently funding two research projects which are looking into the risk of TB to cattle from wildlife species other than badgers. Both projects include the examination of hedgehogs for TB.

  Badgers
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if the badger population is growing faster in certain regions of the UK. [75080]

  Mr. Morley
  There are likely to be in the region of 300,000 to 400,000 badgers in Great Britain. This figure is derived from the National Badger Survey which took place in the mid-1990's.

  The Department has let a research contract to design and pilot a multi-species terrestrial mammal monitoring project. This is due to conclude in November 2003, and should assist in improving the data available.

  Water Pressure
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will revise the reference level of water flow that is used by water supply companies to ensure that water pressure is sufficient to reach the top floor of domestic properties. [76158]

  Mr. Morley
  We have no plans to amend the provisions in Section 65 of the Water Industry Act 1991 which relate to the constancy of water pressure. Current legislation already provides for the water in water pipes and other pipes to be laid on constantly and at a pressure that will allow the water to reach the top most storey of every building within a water undertaker's area, subject to certain specific exceptions

  Where a householder considers the pressure of the water serving their property is insufficient they should contact their water company in the first instance. If they remain dissatisfied with the level of service, they can approach the Office of Water Services or the WaterVoice Committee for their area.
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  Sheep Dips
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 17 July 2002,Official Report, column 313W, on sheep dips, whether the report has been received on the research study by CBD Porton Down into the dose effect profiles for OP sheep dips on brain electrical activity and sensitive behaviour indices in non-human primates. [75839]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]The results from this study are now expected during November. This is due to unforeseen delays in the independent validation of the statistical analyses, and in completing the final phase of the histopathological evaluation.

  Horticulture
  Hugh Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what corrective action is being taken by her Department following the criticisms made in the Quinquennial Review of Horticulture Research International. [75913]

  Mr. Morley
  We welcome the report of the Quinquennial Review of Horticulture Research International and have invited stakeholders to comment on the recommendations by 18 November. We consider that the report contains lessons for Defra, HRI and the horticulture industry. We shall respond in detail when we have considered stakeholders' views and have the results of further financial analysis of the recommendations.

  Apples
  Hugh Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress is being made with negotiations for a marketing standard for apples. [75914]

  Mr. Morley
  There have been no developments on the EU marketing standard for apples since my written reply of 5 March 2002,Official >Report, column 229W.

  National Orchard
  Hugh Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what gains and losses in(a) actual and (b) percentage terms there have been in the size of the National Orchard in the last five years. [75917]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]The table shows the results of the Orchard Fruit Surveys 1997–2001. The results for 2002 are not yet available.

  Orchard Fruit Survey England and Wales
  (Excluding Minor Holdings)

  Year

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Tree area (hectares)

  23253

  22727

  21483

  20823

  21212

  %Change

  -2.26

  -5.47

  -3.07

  -1.87

  314W

  Drainage Boards
  Andrew Selous
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to reduce the powers and role of drainage boards. [76279]

  Mr. Morley
  We are currently reviewing the institutional and funding arrangements for flood and coastal defence, including the role of internal drainage boards. Along with Ministerial colleagues I expect to begin to consider the outcome of this review shortly, taking account of the responses to consultation held earlier this year. Conclusions will be announced in due course.

  CAP
  Paddy Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many CAP payments made were about 300,000 euros in the last year for which information is available; and what percentage this represents of the total payments made. [75041]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 22 October 2002]During the 2000 EU budget year, individual payments of CAP direct aid above €300,000 were made to around 400 recipients. These payments represented approximately 5 per cent. of the value of total direct aid payments in the UK. Some recipients may have received more than one payment if they made a claim under more than one scheme. This data includes CAP direct aid only (e.g. arable area payments or livestock premia) and excludes CAP market support payments.

  Paddy Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many CAP payments made were below 5,000 euros in the last year for which information is available; and what percentage this represents of the total payments made. [75040]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 22 October 2002]During the 2000 EU budget year, individual payments of CAP direct aid below €5,000 were made to around 78,500 recipients. These payments represented approximately 4 per cent. of the value of total direct aid payments in the UK. Some recipients will have received more than one payment if they made a claim under more than one scheme. This data includes CAP direct aid only (e.g. arable area payments or livestock premia) and excludes CAP market support payments.

WORK AND PENSIONS

  Pensions
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what would be the cost of increasing the basic state pension by £14 per week for single pensioners with full contribution records and £22 per week for pensioner couples with full contribution records, detailing separately the resulting increased taxation revenues and savings on means tested benefits expenditure. [75475]

  Mr. McCartney
  The information is not available in the format requested. However, such information that is available is as follows:
  315W
  If the maximum rate payable of the Basic State Pension was increased by £14 to £89.50, the overall extra cost to the NI Fund in 2002–03 is estimated at around £5.6bn. This increase in the Basic State Pension would generate an estimated £650m in extra tax revenue and an estimated saving of around £1.3bn in income related benefits.
  Notes:
  1. The estimated extra cost to the NI Fund is based on March 2002 RP admin data and is for Great Britain only, rounded to the nearest £100m
  2. The estimate of the extra tax revenue has been provided by the Inland Revenue

  Income related benefit savings have been estimated using the DWP 2002–03 Policy Simulation Model and have been rounded to the nearest £100m

  Housing Allowance
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which local authorities he has invited to be pathfinders for the standard local housing allowance; and what factors he took into account in making the selection. [77201]

  Andrew Smith
  In order to ensure a robust evaluation of the standard local housing allowance scheme, we have drawn up a list of key factors against which pathfinders should be chosen. This includes a broad range of housing and labour market conditions in England, Wales and Scotland.

  The pathfinder areas will represent variety in market and economic activity and will represent a range of high, medium and low house prices and rental values. They include a mixture of rural, urban, suburban and city areas. They will also provide a sufficient sample size, as those taking part must have a caseload of at least 2,500 claimants in the de-regulated Private Rented Sector, of whom at least 1,600 must have claimed under the rent rules introduced in 1996 and 1997.

  Further conditions affecting the choice of pathfinder areas include the current state of Housing Benefit administration, the capacity of IT systems, and the need to avoid those local authorities already piloting other Government initiatives.

  Based on these criteria, we have invited the following local authorities to take part: Brighton and Hove, Conwy, Coventry, Edinburgh, Leeds, London Borough of Lewisham, Middlesborough, North East Lincolnshire, Teignbridge and Tendring.

  Unemployment (Young People)
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on progress made to date on the target to halve unemployment among 18 to 24–year-olds by 2010 throughout the European Union set at the European Council's meeting at Lisbon. [75249]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The Lisbon European Council in 2000 set targets to increase employment rates rather than reduce youth unemployment rates. It agreed that, by 2010, the EU should aim to increase its total employment rate to 70 per cent. and to increase the employment rate for women to 60 per cent. The Commission and the Council will issue a Joint Employment Report in November 2002, which will 316W
  provide the latest available data against these and other targets set at Lisbon, as well as summarise action being taken by Member States to achieve them.

  Current Eurostat figures show that between August 2000 and August 2001, EU youth unemployment (15–24) fell from 15.3 per cent. to a low of 14.6 per cent., before rising again to 15.3 per cent. in June 2002. Latest figures for each Member State are given below. The European Employment Strategy, the main instrument for action to increase employment, will operate in a revised form from next year, and will focus more clearly on reaching the employment rate goals agreed at Lisbon.

  Male and Female Unemployment: Under 25 years (Eurostat August 2002)

  2000/August

  2002/June

  EU 15

  15.3

  15.3

  B

  16.5

  18.4

  DK

  6.9

  8.5

  D

  8.5

  9.9

  EL

  29.7

  26.1

  E

  22.0

  22.2

  F

  19.4

  20.9

  IRL

  6.4

  8.2

  I

  30.6

  27.3

  L

  7.2

  9.6

  NL

  6.2

  5.7

  A

  5.3

  6.9

  P

  8.9

  10.7

  FIN

  21.2

  21.0

  S

  10.8

  11.0

  UK

  12.1

  12.1

  Unemployment Portsmouth, South
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people were estimated to be(a) employed and (b) unemployed in (i) Portsmouth, South and (ii) Hampshire in each of the last two years; and if he will make a statement. [73874]

  Ruth Kelly
  I have been asked to reply.

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

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Hancock, dated 23 October 2002:
  As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about employment and unemployment in Portsmouth South and Hampshire.
  The Labour Force Survey (LFS) gives estimates of employment and unemployment levels and rates for counties. The latest available estimates are for the three month period ending August 2002. ONS publishes employment and unemployment rates, but not levels, for parliamentary constituencies. The latest available estimates are for the twelve month period ending February 2001.
  The tables overleaf give estimates of (a) employment and unemployment rates for Portsmouth South constituency for the twelve month periods ending February 2000 and February 2001; and (b) employment and unemployment levels and rates for Hampshire for the three month periods ending August 2001 and August 2002. These estimates are from the LFS and are not seasonally adjusted. They are published on the Nomis®database, which is available in the House of Commons Library.
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  Food Supplements
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will assess the impact on employment in the(a) research and development, (b) manufacturing, (c) wholesale and (d) retail sectors of the European Food Supplement Directive and the proposed European Directive on Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products; and if he will make a statement. [75812]

  Ms Blears
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Food Supplements Directive is likely to have a positive impact upon employment in the research and development sector. The Directive demands that the safety of concentrated sources of vitamins and minerals used as ingredients in food supplements be approved by the European Union Scientific Committee on Food before use, and is therefore likely to encourage related research.

  In the short-term the EU Food Supplements Directive is unlikely to have any effect upon employment in the manufacturing, wholesale or retail sectors. In the longer-term, the impact of the Directive will largely depend upon progress in adding vitamin and minerals and their sources to the lists of permitted nutrients in the Directive and upon developments in the setting of maximum limits for vitamins and minerals in food supplements. The Food Standards Agency is arguing the case for these maximum limits to be based on thorough scientific risk assessments so that there is no unnecessary restriction on the range of products that can be marketed.

  The possible impact of the proposed Directive on traditional herbal medicinal products on employment in the research and development sector is difficult to predict. Under the current regime in the United Kingdom for unlicensed herbal remedies it will not normally be clear to the purchaser of a remedy whether that remedy is brought to the market on the basis of evidence of efficacy of the product, of traditional usage, or some other factor. The proposed Directive should, over time, bring greater clarity to the market on this issue, which may be beneficial to the prospects for research and development.

  The proposed Directive potentially could have positive consequences for employment in the manufacturing, wholesale and retail sectors. The proposals would require traditional herbal remedies to meet standards as to quality, safety and product information, areas in which the current regime for unlicensed herbal remedies has significant weaknesses. More effective regulation, which would follow if there is a successful outcome to the negotiations, potentially could enhance the status and recognition of traditional herbal remedies. This in turn could help to maintain and increase public confidence and ultimately lead to an expansion in the sector. The Medicines Control Agency's aim in the continuing negotiations, and in the implementation of the Directive if it is agreed, will be to ensure that the regulation is proportionate.
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PRIVY COUNCIL

  Parliamentary Questions
  James Purnell
  To ask the President of the Council when he plans to publish the Government's response to the Procedure Committee report on Parliamentary Questions HC622. [76748]

  Robin Cook
  I have today laid before the House a copy of the Government's response to the Procedure Committee Report on Parliamentary Questions (Cm 5628). Copies of the response are available in the Vote Office, Libraries of the House and on my department's website www.privycouncil. gov.uk

  The House will debate the report of the Committee and the Government's response on Tuesday 29 October.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Developing Countries
  Syd Rapson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what advice she will give to developing country Governments on how they can(a) promote sustainable development and (b) reduce poverty whilst managing the (i) quality, (ii) timing, (iii) sequencing and (iv) scope of import liberalisation. [76266]

  Clare Short
  Import liberalisation, properly managed, can contribute to sustainable and poverty-reducing economic growth. Cross-country evidence shows that trade liberalisation increases economic growth and that economic growth, in turn, tends to reduce poverty on average. Trade openness contributes to poverty reduction by stimulating productivity and reducing domestic consumer prices. However, the relationship differs substantially from country to country. Complementarity and sequencing of supporting policies within an overall long-term development strategy are essential to the success of trade liberalisation. A country will typically have to implement some or all of the following complementary policies:trade-related capacity building, to formulate a sound trade strategy, participate successfully in international trade negotiations and implement WTO requirements;
  private sector development, to improve the private sectors' productive capacity to respond to new markets abroad and to compete with imports;
  macroeconomic stabilisation, to obtain a business-friendly environment, in particular low inflation and interest rates and a stable exchange rate that is not overvalued;
  tax reform, to offset revenue losses from tariff reductions by increasing tax revenues;
  labor market reform, to ensure that workers can move between sectors to respond to trade-induced opportunities;
  and social safety nets, to support groups adversely affected by trade liberalisation.

  Domestic reform, however, will often not be sufficient. Developing countries face high tariff and non-tariff barriers in sectors of importance, notably agriculture and textiles and clothing. As tariffs are lowered, new forms of protection become more prominent, such as anti-dumping and excessive product

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  standards and technical regulations. Such issues need to be addressed in future trade negotiations to ensure that international trade rules are more developmental.

  The Integrated Framework (IF) is a policy initiative by six international agencies, with participation by donors and developing countries. DFID is playing a prominent role in its implementation. It represents an attempt to respond to the need for trade reforms to be implemented carefully and with the appropriate mix of complementary policies. Under the Integrated Framework, existing trade-related policies in a country are assessed and further needs identified. The Integrated Framework tries to facilitate the formulation of a coherent trade policy that fosters sustainable and poverty-reducing economic growth.

  DFID has been at the forefront of developing and promoting trade policies that address the risks associated with import liberalisation. All our trade-related work is geared towards making trade work for the poorest. DFID is trying to raise awareness of the need for sound trade policies at all levels: within DFID itself, in our country offices, within Whitehall and at the WTO.

  DFID believes that the trade policy it has developed to address the challenges of trade liberalisation contains the kind of advice and experience that contribute to sustainable and poverty-reducing development ant that it can usefully recommend such policies to policy makers in developing countries. In general, developing countries have responded positively to DFID's trade policy, as is clear for example from the recent review of the Ghana Trade Policy Project.

  Poppy Cultivation (Afghanistan)
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her Department's assessment is of the change in opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan in the last 12 months; and what steps her Department is taking to reduce this cultivation. [74887]

  Clare Short
  2001 was an atypical year for poppy cultivation because of a ban imposed by the Taliban regime. After the fall of the Taliban there was a resurgence in poppy planting, and estimates of area cultivated are only slightly less than that in 2000. This is in spite of a Decree by the Afghan Interim Administration in January 2002 banning the production and processing of opium, and an eradication and compensation scheme which destroyed an estimated 25–30 per cent. of the crop. We are hopeful that poppy cultivation will decline as the international community promotes efforts to create alternative livelihood opportunities for farmers, and to improve the interdiction capacity by the Afghan authorities charged with enforcing the ban. This is only likely to come about as security is maintained and the reconstruction process gathers momentum.

  My Department is committed to supporting measures that will help to develop alternative livelihood opportunities for poor people, including in poppy growing areas, in order that there is a consistent shift away from both poverty and poppy cultivation. I have already approved a £1m contribution to the UNDP National Area Development Programme and a £1m
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  contribution towards the work of the Aga Khan Foundation in Badakshan. This is on top of a contribution of £2.8m to quick impact reconstruction projects, some of which are in drug producing areas. The World Bank funded National Solidarity Programme will also be a further significant contribution to community based development. My Department is also planning to provide assistance to the Ministry of Rural Reconstruction and Development within Afghanistan to develop a sustainable approach towards generating alternative livelihoods, including in poppy growing areas. The UK is further committed to helping wider Afghan led security sector reform and reconstruction efforts.

  Departmental Websites
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the website links associated with her Department, including sites now dormant or closed, and indicating whether they are live, dormant or closed; what the start up costs were for each site listed; what the operating costs were in each year since start up for each site; which company hosted each site; what assessment takes place for each site; which company does the assessment; if she will place the assessment reports in the Library; and if she will make a statement. [75581]

  Clare Short
  The Department for International Development currently supports three principal websites: the departmental site (www.dfid.gov.uk), a site providing access to development education resources (www.globaldimension.org.uk) and a site relating to DFID's quarterly magazine, "Developments" (www.developments.org.uk). For the launch of the 2000 White Paper on International Development, DFID supported the creation of an additional site (www.globalisation.gov.uk). All sites are active, although the 2000 White Paper site is treated as dormant for the purposes of uploading new information.

  The main DFID website and the 2000 White Paper are hosted by U-UNET; hosting of the Global Dimension website is contracted to a commercial company, Planet 56; the "Developments" website is hosted by Synergy, under a design contract encompassing both the design of the magazine and its associated website, and its costs are embedded in the budget for that magazine. The department is currently investigating a time-scale for bringing the hosting of directly-supported websites in-house.

  It would not be possible to list all start-up and annual running costs since inception without disproportionate effort. However, approximate budgets for each of the websites for the last three financial years are as follows:

  FY 2000–01

  FY 2001–02

  FY 2002–03

  DFID website

  £20,000

  £75,000

  £100,000

  Global Dimension website

  N/A

  £35,000

  £40,000

  2000 White Paper website

  £60,000

  £15,000

  £15,000

  The main DFID website was overhauled in November 2001: terms of reference for a post-implementation review, including the instigation of a formal user-evaluation process are currently being

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  drawn up, with a view to completing a review of the website by early 2003. User-evaluation for "Developments" is undertaken in the form of an annual reader survey via the magazine, reinforced through a web-based survey. User-evaluation for the Global Developments website is planned as part of a mid-term review during 2003.

  Statistical information in relation to website users for all DFID-supported websites is supplied on a monthly basis to the Office of the e-Envoy, and published by them.

  Nepal
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what programmes the UK is supporting in Nepal for enhancing water supply and sanitation; and if she will make a statement. [75112]

  Clare Short
  DFID will contribute approximately £l2million over the period 1999 to 2004 to the rural water sector in Nepal through 3 NGOs—Nepal Water for Health (NEWAH), Gurkha Welfare Scheme (GWS) and Helvetas.

  The GWS Rural Water and Sanitation Programme receives £7.9 million from DFID to help selected hill village communities access safe water and sanitation, manage their water systems efficiently and, through hygiene education, use water effectively. NEWAH receives £2.7 million from DFID to implement a similar approach in the Mid and Far West for communities that would not be reached by GWS. Since January 2001, DFID has also provided approximately £1.5 million in short and medium term support to water related programmes of Helvetas that are designed to improve living conditions of socially and economically disadvantaged communities in Nepal. The location of physical investments through these programmes has been affected by the conflict, and there has been some movement, by NEWAH in particular, to safer districts. However expenditures overall are on target.

  DFID is also considering providing £1 million for short term support to the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Fund Development Board (RWSSFDP) to help the Board increase services to communities affected by conflict, adopt a more conflict-sensitive approach in the delivery of water and sanitation services and infrastructure, and to help shift the RWSSFDB programme to the Mid and Far West Regions of Nepal.

  Finally, DFID is also working with the Asian Development Bank on the design of their new Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project.

  Southern Africa
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what percentage of the United Nations Consolidated Appeal for the Southern African Famine has been funded. [75053]

  Clare Short
  32.7 per cent. However, substantial contributions to the World Food Programme element of the appeal are under negotiation.
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  Afghanistan
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the UNHCR regarding the repatriation of refugees to Afghanistan; and if she will make a statement. [74886]

  Clare Short
  I met with the High Commissioner for Refugees on 4 July when we discussed UK support to Afghanistan and other issues. Our officials remain in close contact.

  My department has provided significant support to UNHCR to assist with the repatriation of refugees to Afghanistan. Since September 2001, the UK has contributed over £5 million to UNHCR for their programmes of assistance to Afghan refugees. In addition we have provided over £3.5 million to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees to Afghanistan. We are also supporting a number of other humanitarian programmes which will help to create an environment for the sustainable return of both refugees and IDPs.

  In addition, earlier this month the governments of Afghanistan and the United Kingdom and UNHCR signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) setting out a detailed framework for the voluntary repatriation of Afghans residing in the UK and their reintegration back in Afghanistan. Under the agreement, UNHCR will provide information and counselling to Afghans in the UK—to ensure that any decision to repatriate is taken in the "full knowledge of the facts". UNHCR will also monitor the voluntariness of the returns prior to departure, as well as other aspects of the agreement—a role that both states have pledged to respect. Similarly, once returnees are back in Afghanistan, the agency has guaranteed access to them from the moment they land at the airport. UNHCR believes that the MoU contains all the necessary safeguards to ensure that Afghans who still need international refugee protection continue to receive it and that returns under the agreement would be sustainable. A similar tripartite agreement had earlier been signed with the French government. It is hoped that the MoU will become a model for other countries who are interested in offering assisted voluntary repatriation for Afghans.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much of the financial assistance committed by donor countries for the first year of the reconstruction of Afghanistan has been disbursed since January 2002, broken down by donor country. [74885]

  Clare Short
  I attach a table of estimated disbursals produced by the Afghan Assistance Coordination Authority (AACA). This was produced for the recent Implementation Group meeting in Afghanistan and outlines donor's pledges, commitments and disbursals for 2002, as known to the AACA. It is currently estimated that overall 67 per cent. of 2002's pledge has been disbursed.
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  Table 1: Transitional Government Data on Donor Pledges, and 2002 Commitments and Disbursements

  V = 11 October 2002

  Donor

  Amount pledged at Tokyo (Grant + Loan) (donor currency)

  Amount pledged at Tokyo (Grant + Loan) (US$m)

  Amount pledged at Tokyo as Grants (US$m)

  Over how many years?

  Amount of any Additional Pledge (US$m)

  Over how many years?

  Total Overall Pledge (Tokyo + Additional)

  Rough annual Pledge for 2002

  Commitment against Tokyo + Additional Pledges

  Disbursement against Tokyo/Additional Pledges

  Disbursements as % of 2002 Pledge

  Comment

  ADB

  —

  500

  85

  2.5

  …

  …

  500

  50

  50.0

  0.7

  1.4

  Aga Khan

  —

  75

  75

  …

  …

  …

  75

  …

  16.2

  8.2

  …

  Pledge 2002 not avail

  Austria

  —

  10

  10

  2.5

  …

  …

  10

  4

  …

  …

  …

  Unknown

  Australia

  A$17m.

  9

  9

  1

  2

  1

  11

  11

  7.7

  7.7

  72.2

  Estimate

  Belgium

  Euro 33 m.

  28

  28

  5

  …

  …

  28

  9

  8.1

  7.2

  80.0

  Estimate

  Canada

  CDN․100m.

  63

  63

  1.25

  …

  …

  63

  63

  31.3

  31.3

  49.9

  China

  —

  1

  1

  1

  150

  5

  151

  31

  31.0

  30.0

  96.8

  Denmark

  DKK500m.

  60

  60

  5

  46

  2

  106

  28

  28.0

  16.5

  58.9

  EC (Recon supp)

  Euro 1000 m.

  864

  864

  5

  …

  …

  864

  173

  182.5

  78.4

  45.4

  EC (Hum.—ECHO)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  65

  1

  65

  65

  58.0

  45.0

  69.5

  Finland

  Euro 30 m.

  26

  26

  3

  …

  …

  26

  10

  10.0

  7.9

  79.0

  Estimate

  France

  Euro 26 m.

  22

  22

  1

  10

  1

  32

  32

  34.2

  27.8

  86.9

  Estimate

  Germany

  Euro 320m.

  276

  276

  4

  43

  1

  320

  113

  112.6

  120.6

  107.1

  India

  —

  100

  100

  1

  …

  …

  100

  100

  31.7

  31.7

  31.7

  Iran (Islamic Rep)

  —

  560

  560

  6

  …

  …

  560

  50

  40.0

  32.7

  65.4

  Ireland

  Euro 12m

  10

  10

  3

  2

  1

  12

  5

  6.8

  6.8

  123.6

  Islamic Dev Bank

  —

  …

  …

  …

  …

  …

  …

  …

  …

  …

  …

  Unknown

  Italy

  —

  43

  43

  1

  10

  1

  53

  53

  39.7

  24.1

  45.5

  Japan

  —

  500

  500

  2.5

  92

  2

  592

  250

  259.0

  209.0

  83.6

  Korea (Rep. of)

  —

  45

  45

  2.5

  …

  …

  45

  10

  10.0

  2.2

  22.0

  Pledge duration

  Kuwait

  —

  30

  30

  n.a.

  …

  …

  30

  30

  1.6

  2.1

  7.0

  unconfirm

  Luxembourg

  Euro 5 m.

  4

  4

  1

  …

  …

  4

  4

  4.9

  0.1

  2.3

  Estimate

  Netherlands

  Euro 70 m.

  60

  60

  1

  5

  1

  65

  65

  68.7

  68.7

  105.0

  Norway

  NOK 350m.

  40

  40

  1

  …

  …

  40

  40

  40.0

  32.0

  80.0

  Pakistan

  —

  100

  50

  5

  …

  …

  100

  50

  50.0

  17.7

  35.4

  See Note 6

  Russian Fed.

  —

  …

  …

  …

  …

  …

  …

  …

  …

  …

  …

  Unknown

  Saudi Arabia

  —

  220

  220

  4

  …

  …

  220

  55

  27.1

  27.1

  49.3

  Spain

  Euro 120 m.

  104

  104

  5

  …

  …

  104

  21

  6.4

  6.4

  30.7

  Estimate

  Sweden

  SEK 750–1000 m.

  90

  90

  3

  …

  …

  90

  30

  18.5

  18.5

  61.7

  Switzerland

  —

  20

  20

  2

  …

  …

  20

  12

  11.0

  9.0

  75.0

  Taiwan

  —

  29

  29

  3

  …

  …

  29

  10

  …

  …

  …

  Unknown

  Turkey

  —

  5

  5

  5

  …

  …

  5

  2

  2.2

  2.2

  100.0

  UAE

  —

  36

  36

  n.a.

  …

  …

  36

  …

  …

  …

  …

  Unknown

  United Kingdom

  £200 m.

  288

  288

  5

  55

  1

  343

  130

  91.6

  77.5

  59.6

  USA

  —

  297

  297

  1

  143

  2

  440

  297

  360.0

  360.0

  121.2

  World Bank

  —

  570

  100

  3

  …

  …

  570

  150

  100.0

  9.6

  6.4

  See Note 7

  Total:

  —

  5,087

  4,151

  —

  623

  —

  5,710

  1,952

  1,738.7

  1,318.5

  67.5

  Notes:

  1 These are indicative estimates based on information provided to the Transitional Government to date; AACA is moving to project based aggregations based on entries in AACA's Donor Assistance Database (http://aacadad.undp.org)

  2 The figures in Table 1 represent the commitments and disbursements made since the Tokyo Pledging on 22 January 2002;

  3 Table 2 reflects the substantial support also provided to Afghanistan in 2001 by many donors.

  4 Exchange rates: Pledges made in currencies other than the US Dollar have been converted at the exchange rate prevailing in January.

  5 Exchange rates: Commitments and Disbursements have been converted at the average rate effective January and 4 October 2002.

  6 Grant over one year;

  7 US$470m incl some grants (up to approx $110m)

  Source:

  Transitional Government of Afghanistan, AACA Aid Coordination Unit

  Please email any comments or corrections to aidan.cox@undp.org and najeeb.azizi@afganistangov.org

  HIPC Initiative
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much debt has been repaid by(a) Malawi, (b) Mozambique and (c) Zambia under the HIPC initiative so far this year. [75055]

  Clare Short
  Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia have all qualified for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. Both Malawi and Zambia have reached their Decision Point and are already receiving interim debt relief. Malawi's estimated debt service payments for the first six months of 2002 is US$35.5 million, and Zambia's foreign debt service was US$24 million in the first four months of 2002. Mozambique has completed the HIPC process and is receiving full debt relief. In 2002, Mozambique is scheduled to pay US$56 million in debt service. Following debt relief, resources are being freed up for social expenditure to reduce poverty in these countries.

  Rwanda
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her Department's estimate is of the percentage of UK aid spent on HIV/AIDS programmes in Rwanda. [74891]
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  Clare Short
  The UK Government have committed $200 million to The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria. Rwanda is to receive $14.6 million from this fund to tackle HIV/AIDS and TB.

  This financial year we aim to deliver £19 million from our total bilateral assistance of £33.2 million through budgetary support, which will be paid directly into the Government of Rwanda's central budget to reduce poverty. Within this budget HIV/AIDS is recognised as a high priority.

  We have also committed £3.2 million to Rwanda through a regional HIV/AIDS project and £600,000 in HIV/AIDS education as part of our sector support to education in Rwanda over the next three years.

  Famine (Africa)
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many people she estimates are suffering from malnutrition as a result of famine in(a) Mauritania, (b) Mali, (c) Senegal, (d) Eritrea, (e) Ethiopia, (f) Zambia, (g) Angola, (h) Zimbabwe, (i) Mozambique, (j) Lesotho and(k) Malawi. [76223]
  325W
  Clare Short
  Figures for malnutrition are not comprehensively available, but recent assessments of vulnerable populations unable to buy or grow enough of their own food are:

  Mauritania

  0.75 m

  Mali

  No humanitarian crisis currently reported

  Senegal

  No humanitarian crisis currently reported

  Eritrea

  1.04 m

  Ethiopia

  6.3 m

  Zambia

  2.9 m

  Angola

  1.8 m (increasing to 1.9 m by end of 2002)

  Zimbabwe

  6.7 m

  Mozambique

  0.59 m

  Lesotho

  0.65 m

  Malawi

  3.3 m

  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what impact she estimates the dispute over non-acceptance by African Governments of genetically-modified grain supplied by the World Food Programme will have on famine relief efforts in the region. [76100]

  Clare Short
  Zambia is the only country which has refused so far to accept grain containing genetically modified material. The effect is to make it more difficult for the World Food Programme to meet emergency needs in the country. Over the months of October and November around 27,000 tonnes which are in the pipeline (about 40 per cent. of the food aid requirements for the two months) will not be distributed in Zambia if the current ban is maintained. In that case, it seems likely that the Government of Zambia would have to resort to more expensive and slower options in order to meet the needs.

  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her assessment is of the threat to human life being caused by the famine in Africa; and if she will make a statement. [76221]

  Clare Short
  Some 14 million people in southern Africa are at risk and face severe food shortages. Within this number vulnerability varies. Many people are exceptionally vulnerable because they have HIV or AIDS. The international community is working to try to ensure that the shortages do not become a catastrophe.

  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the extent to which commitments made by the UK and other countries with regard to responding to the famine in Africa have been met. [76220]

  Clare Short
  All of the £44.75 million I committed in June 2002 has been allocated to programmes which are now under way. Further allocations were made before that and since bringing total UK support to £72.08 million. Figures for expenditure against commitments are not available for other donors: but the US is well on its way to delivering its commitment of 500,000 tonnes of grain for calendar 2002, and the European Commission has met its commitment to provide $ 60 million to the World Food programme (bringing its total commitments to the six affected countries this year to 148.5 million euros).
  326W
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions the Government, in conjunction with the World Food Programme, has had with those African countries affected by famine regarding the supply of genetically-modified grain as part of relief efforts. [76101]

  Clare Short
  Staff from our offices in Malawi and Zambia have been involved in discussions with the World Food Programme and Governments on the acceptance of grain containing genetically modified material as food aid. In Malawi the Government has proposed that GM maize is milled before distribution. We and other donors are discussing how to do this with minimum delay in distribution to beneficiaries. In Zimbabwe DFID officials have supported the World Food Programme in negotiations with the Government over the acceptance of such grain, but have had no direct contact with the Government. I have spoken and written to President Mwanawasa of Zambia on this issue, and my Department hosted a fact finding visit by Zambian scientist to London on 23 and 24 September.

  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans her Department has to support those African countries affected by famine. [76222]

  Clare Short
  We have spent £72.08 million on humanitarian assistance in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho and Swaziland since September 2001. This is going towards feeding programmes, other essential supplies, agricultural inputs for the next season, logistics and personal support for the World Food Programme. Through our Southern Africa Humanitarian Crisis Unit in Johannesburg we are helping to strengthen and co-ordinate the international response.

  Developing Countries
  Syd Rapson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what she is doing to help developing countries protect their infant industries until they are strong enough to compete in world markets and to increase the efficiency and competitiveness of these industries. [76272]

  Clare Short
  There is mixed evidence on the effectiveness of infant industry protection. We believe that a multilateral trade system built on the principles of non-discrimination and market opening, combined with providing assistance to enterprise development across the board, is the best way of increasing the efficiency and competitiveness in developing countries.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Drug Offences
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many drug offences were(a) recorded, (b) prosecuted and (c) the subject of convictions in each month since June 2000 in the Lambeth division of the Metropolis; on how many occasions in each month (i) formal and (ii) informal warnings were given to illegal users; and on how many occasions supplies of drugs were confiscated. [67192]
  327W
  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  [holding answer 5 July 2002]Information relating to possession and trafficking (including unlawful supply, possession with intent to supply unlawfully, etc) of all classes of drugs for each month from June 2000 to June 2002 in the London Borough of Lambeth is given in Table 1. Drugs were found and confiscated in all these incidents. The table presents information on the number of offences recorded and "clear-ups" involving charges or summonses. The Metropolitan Police do not record details of convictions; and information from the Home Office Court Proceedings database is not yet available for 2001 and 2002.

  Table 1 Drug Offences1 within Lambeth Borough, by Month, June 2000—June 2002

  2000

  (a) Recorded

  (b) Clear-ups involving charges/summonses

  June

  156

  71

  July

  111

  63

  August

  103

  55

  September

  88

  43

  October

  116

  45

  November

  121

  62

  December

  89

  40

  2001

  January

  94

  64

  February

  112

  58

  March

  95

  41

  April

  96

  42

  May

  134

  67

  June

  164

  46

  July

  148

  64

  August

  112

  42

  September

  133

  27

  October

  132

  30

  November

  128

  32

  December

  102

  23

  2002

  January

  121

  31

  February

  181

  33

  March

  282

  39

  (a) Unlawful Import

  (b) Possession with intent to supply unlawfully

  (c) Unlawful supply

  (d) Permitting premises to be used unlawfully

  (e) Unlawful possession

  (f) Total

  2000

  July

  0

  9

  1

  0

  29

  39

  August

  0

  5

  6

  0

  18

  29

  September

  0

  11

  3

  0

  l7

  31

  October

  0

  6

  5

  0

  12

  23

  November

  0

  8

  8

  0

  14

  30

  December

  0

  3

  4

  0

  10

  17

  2001

  (a)

  (b)

  (c)

  (d)

  (e)

  (f)

  January

  0

  13

  4

  0

  26

  43

  February

  0

  12

  7

  0

  18

  37

  March

  0

  8

  7

  0

  8

  23

  April

  0

  16

  2

  0

  14

  32

  May

  0

  10

  4

  1

  17

  32

  June

  0

  15

  3

  0

  11

  29

  July

  0

  4

  41

  0

  9

  54

  August

  0

  3

  6

  0

  18

  27

  September

  0

  3

  4

  0

  11

  18

  October

  0

  4

  3

  0

  15

  22

  328W

  Table 1 Drug Offences1 within Lambeth Borough, by Month, June 2002—June 2002

  2000

  (a) Recorded

  (b) Clear-ups involving charges/summonses

  April

  179

  32

  May

  274

  85

  June

  320

  32

  Note:

  1 Offences detected and police action initiated.

  Source:

  Metropolitan Police Service

  Data on the number of defendants proceeded against and found guilty of drug offences in the borough of Lambeth are not available.

  Details of informal warnings for the period July 2001—June 2002 are given in Table 2.

  Table 2 Number of Persons Accused of Being in Possession of Cannabis in Lambeth and Who Received an Informal Warning, by Month, July 2001—June 2002

  2001

  Informal warnings given

  July

  19

  August

  23

  September

  39

  October

  35

  November

  44

  December

  51

  2002

  Informal warnings given

  January

  67

  February

  50

  March

  115

  April

  95

  May

  100

  June

  241

  Source:

  Metropolitan Police Service

  Details of the number of arrests for Class A drugs offences in Lambeth during the period July 2000—June 2002 are given in Table 3.
  329W

  Table 3 Totals of Arrests Made in Lambeth for Class a Drug Offences, by Month, July 2000—June 2002

  (a) Unlawful Import

  (b) Possession with intent to supply unlawfully

  (c) Unlawful supply

  (d) Permitting premises to be used unlawfully

  (e) Unlawful possession

  (f) Total

  November

  0

  7

  1

  0

  18

  26

  December

  0

  7

  2

  0

  10

  19

  2002

  (a)

  (b)

  (c)

  (d)

  (e)

  (f)

  January

  0

  7

  1

  0

  17

  25

  February

  0

  9

  2

  0

  9

  20

  March

  0

  12

  8

  0

  12

  32

  April

  0

  5

  2

  0

  12

  19

  May

  2

  5

  34

  0

  26

  67

  June

  0

  10

  7

  0

  11

  28

  Source:

  Metropolitan Police Service

  Asylum Seekers
  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what additional resources are(a) available and (b) planned for local authorities with the duty to provide integration strategies for asylum seekers granted exceptional leave to remain. [73690]

  Beverley Hughes
  The Secretary of State is empowered under Section 110 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 to pay grants to organisations in respect of expenditure incurred in connection with persons who are or have been asylum seekers and their dependants. The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) may grant fund Regional Consortia for their enabling role in providing services and support for asylum seekers dispersed to their region. A grant agreement exists between NASS and the Regional Consortia to facilitate payment, a key element of which is to develop, implement and deliver a strategy for resettlement and integration for those who are granted leave to remain in the United Kingdom.

  The enabling grant is payable for each financial year and is increased proportionately to cover the costs of the enabling authority.

  Additionally, the Home Office has distributed £1.5 million through the Refugee Integration Challenge Fund of which around £340,000 has been given to local authorities in order that they may implement pilot projects in the field of refugee integration. Around £1.7 million of the European Refugee Fund 2002, provided by the European Commission, has also been awarded to local authorities for similar projects. It is the intention that these projects will be robustly evaluated in order to identify good practice and so inform future policy making.

  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to start his support package to help asylum seekers to return voluntarily to Afghanistan; what he anticipates will be the cost in the first six months of its operation; and if he will make a statement.

  Beverley Hughes
  The support package announced on 20 August 2002 is fully operational. The costs of the programme include the resettlement grant payment, flight costs and funding for implementing agencies who will counsel returnees and arrange their return. The cost 330W
  of this programme depends on the number of participants, and sufficient funds are available for up to 1000 returns.

  The Government are fully committed to assisting in the reconstruction of Afghanistan and packages such as this will be an important element in fulfilling that commitment, enabling the return of Afghans to their country and their subsequent re-integration to be managed in an orderly and beneficial way.

  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the French Government about identifying in France those asylum seekers who might have a valid claim in the UK; and if he will make a statement. [75427]

  Beverley Hughes
  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has had wide-ranging discussions with his French counterpart on the problem of illegal immigration, including the practicalities of implementing their welcome commitment to closing the Sangatte centre. But the general principle is that asylum claims made in France are dealt with by the French authorities.

  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the progress of discussions with the UNHCR and others concerning the new gateway for those seeking to settle in Britain. [75428]

  Beverley Hughes
  As my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced on 7 October, we are working to develop our resettlement gateway, which will start in April 2003. The United Kingdom is a regular attendee at the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) resettlement working group, and we continue to discuss positively with UNHCR the establishment of our programme.

  Official level discussions have taken place with other Government departments in order that the impact of the scheme on them is fully taken into account during its development and implementation. These will continue, as will our contact with the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) sector.

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many items have been lost once
  331W
  deposited at the Immigration and Nationality Directorate in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [75114]

  Beverley Hughes
  The information requested by the hon. Member is not held centrally and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost; however the Immigration and Nationality Directorate issue letters to members of the public where the document cannot be immediately traced. In the year 2000, 97 such letters were issued; and 103 letters in 2001. As at 11 October 2002 a total of 265 letters have been issued in the year to date. Action is being taken to address this issue.

  Clandestine Immigrants
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many apprehended clandestine immigrants have claimed to have entered the UK via Portsmouth ferry port but have been apprehended elsewhere in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [75449]

  Beverley Hughes
  The Home Office does not collate statistics in relation to where illegal immigrants claimed to have clandestinely entered the United Kingdom. Although attempts are made to capture this data the responses given are unreliable. Most claim not to know where they specifically entered the United Kingdom or where they embarked from in Europe, or are unwilling to divulge this information.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with cross-channel ferry companies concerning the improved detection of clandestine immigrants entering the UK; and if he will make a statement. [75451]

  Beverley Hughes
  The UK Immigration Service (UKIS) has close working relationships with cross channel ferry companies and has regular contact with the management and staff of P&O Ferries, SeaFrance, Norfolk Line, Hoverspeed, TransEuropa and Brittany Ferries. UKIS officers offer support and advice in respect of inadmissible passengers and clandestine entry.

  The government is taking forward a project to procure new detection technology equipment for deployment at Continental Channel ports serving the United Kingdom. It is proposed that this be made available on a loan basis to port and/or ferry operators to supplement the search regimes that they already conduct by visual checks and using CO2 detectors.

  In taking this project forward, UK Immigration Service officials propose to visit all ports which pose an actual or potential risk of clandestine traffic to the UK and have already visited Calais, Dunkirk, Ostend, Zeebrugge and Cherbourg. In each case there has been dialogue with port and ferry operators to determine their equipment needs, how it will be operated and by whom.

  Good progress has been made at those ports visited and both port and ferry operators have shown enthusiasm for the initiative, which will provide both a deterrent to clandestine entry and a considerable service to the road haulage industry. Remaining ports will be visited in the near future.
  332W
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many apprehended clandestine immigrants who have claimed to have entered the UK via Portsmouth have sought asylum in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [75448]

  Beverley Hughes
  The Home Office does not collate statistics in relation to where asylum seekers claimed to have entered the United Kingdom clandestinely. Attempts are made to capture this data through initial screening and interviews for asylum. However, the information provided by those seeking asylum is often unreliable as most claim not to know where they entered the United Kingdom or unwilling to divulge this.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps have been taken to improve the detection of clandestine immigrants coming to the UK via(a) St. Malo, (b) Caen, (c) Le Havre and (d) Cherbourg; and if he will make a statement. [75443]

  Beverley Hughes
  The government are determined to reduce the flow of clandestine entry to the United Kingdom from Continental Channel ports in freight vehicles and, as a first step in a project, are procuring new detection technology equipment for the use of port/ferry operators in Calais to supplement the vehicle checks already conducted there. This is the first of a number of initiatives, which will provide a significant deterrent to clandestine entry to the United Kingdom and to strengthen our controls at the Channel ports.

  It is recognised, however, that these positive measures in Calais may initially result in displacement of clandestine traffic to other Continental ports. As a precaution extra freight searching operations have been conducted in Poole and Portsmouth by UK Immigration Service (UKIS) in respect of vessels arriving from France. Results of these extra searches revealed no indication of significant displacement of clandestine traffic into these ports. Consideration is also being given to the deployment of mobile detection units in order to respond more quickly to changing threats in respect of cross-channel illegal migration.

  Funding has also been made available for the procurement of additional equipment for deployment in those ports and considerable progress has already been made.

  In taking the project forward, Immigration Service officials have visited a number of ports to assess the risk of displacement, current security measures and the extent of their equipment needs. In all cases, port and other officials have welcomed the initiative and have voiced their willingness to participate. Cherbourg is amongst those ports already visited and further visits are planned to others, including St. Malo, Caen and Le Havre.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many clandestine immigrants have entered the UK via Portsmouth ferry port in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [75450]

  Beverley Hughes
  The nature of clandestine entry is such that it is not possible to state how many people have entered the UK clandestinely via Portsmouth in the last five years. However, the department is able to
  333W
  state how many clandestines have actually been detected by UKIS at the port of Portsmouth. There has been a decreasing number of clandestines detected over a five year period:

  1998–239 detected

  1999–181

  2000–102

  2001–91

  2002–28 (in the first six months of the year)

  The decrease is attributed to current initiatives, which include close working relationships with carriers which has resulted in an increased detection of clandestines in the French ports prior to travel.

  Illegal Immigrants
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many detention places for illegal immigrants, and failed asylum seekers exist and what plans he has to increase these over the next 12 months. [75426]

  Beverley Hughes
  At present, there are 1,609 detention places in removal centres. This excludes the 900 places at Yarl's Wood removal centre, the operation of which has been suspended since March this year. In addition, there are 400 detention places at Oakington Reception Centre which are used to support the fast-track asylum process.

  We remain committed to reaching the target of 4,000 detention places announced in the White Paper "Secure Borders, Safe Haven". The serious events at Yarl's Wood removal centre in February, and the subsequent need to suspend operations at the centre, were a severe blow to our programme to reach the target of 4,000 places. Plans to build a new removal centre (Logford) adjacent to the existing Harmondsworth Removal Centre, are in place and this will provide a further 300 detention places. We anticipate that the new centre will become operational in April 2004.

  Asylum Support
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost of asylum support is, including unaccompanied minors(a) in the last 12 months for which figures are available, (b) estimated for the current financial year and (c) estimated for the period 2003–04; and if he will make a statement. [75433]

  Beverley Hughes
  The expenditure on asylum support, including unaccompanied minors for 2000–01 was £751 million.

  The figures for the financial year, 2001–02 are not yet finalised. These will be published in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) Annual Report in the near future.

  It is not yet possible to provide the estimated allocations for 2003–04. This will depend on a range of factors and will be finalised much closer to the time.

  Racist Football Fans
  Mr. Hepburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action will be taken to stop racist football fans from Slovakia travelling to England for the European Championship qualifier. [75206]
  334W
  Mr. John Denham
  Preparations for the England v. Slovakia football match next June will be thorough and include close inter-governmental and police co-operation. Slovakian fans will be forewarned that racist chanting is illegal and will not be tolerated.

  Domestic Violence
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what progress has been made in investigations by his Department into what evidence other than conviction, injunction or police caution could be taken into account to allow women who are not British citizens facing domestic violence to remain in the UK if their marriage breaks down within the two-year probationary period; [75821]

  (2) what the outcome of investigations by his Department is into possible changes in immigration rules affecting women fleeing a violent relationship to ensure foreign spouses fleeing domestic violence are not excluded from crisis accommodation and have access to all support services; [75822]

  (3) what the outcome of discussions between his Department and the Department for Work and Pensions is as to whether DWP regulations regarding access to public funds might be relaxed in order that foreign spouses fleeing domestic violence may benefit. [75823]

  Beverley Hughes
  We have recently undertaken a review of the operation of the domestic violence concession. Consideration is being given to whether the terms of the concession should be extended to include the acceptance of other forms of evidence that domestic violence took place. An announcement will be made as soon as possible.

  The Home Office, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Cabinet Office are currently exploring possible options to address the issue of support for victims of domestic violence who are subject to immigration control.

  Illegal Entrants
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress is being made towards placing at French ports(a) British Immigration officials and (b) machinery capable of detecting illegal entrants in vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [75436]

  Beverley Hughes
  The establishment of juxtaposed immigration controls, whereby French and UK immigration officers will carry out entry controls on behalf of their respective countries in the UK and France prior to the commencement of inward journeys was agreed by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and his French counterpart, Nicolas Sarkozy, when they met on 12 July 2002.

  UK Immigration Service/Police aux Frontiers Joint Operations in Calais were implemented on 20 August following the signing of an Anglo-French Protocol on 7 August. This is a first phase which will eventually lead to full juxtaposed controls and involves UKIS officers working alongside officers of the Police aux Frontiers (PAF) conducting checks for forged and counterfeit documents.
  335W
  The government are also determined to reduce the flow of clandestine entry to the United Kingdom from Continental Channel ports in freight vehicles and, as a first step in a project, are procuring new detection technology equipment for the use of port/ferry operators in Calais to supplement the vehicle checks already conducted there. This is the first of a number of initiatives, which will provide a significant deterrent to clandestine entry to the UK and to strengthen our controls at the Channel ports. A Heartbeat Detector has been operational in Calais since 26 September this year and will be supplemented by up to two further units. Two Passive Millimetric Wave Imagers are currently deployed in the port on a trial basis and will be replaced by permanent units in due course.

  It is recognised, however, that these positive measures in Calais may result in some displacement of clandestine traffic to other Continental ports. Funding has therefore been made available for the procurement of additional equipment for deployment in those ports and considerable progress has already been made.

  In taking the project forward, Immigration Service officials have visited a number of ports to assess the risk of displacement, current security measures and the extent of their equipment needs. In all cases, port and other officials have welcomed the initiative and have voiced their willingness to participate. Dunkirk and Cherbourg are amongst those ports already visited and further visits are planned to St. Malo, Caen, Dieppe, Le Havre and Roscoff.

  Asylum Applications
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to improve(a) the quality and (b) the speed of initial decisions in asylum applications. [75418]

  Beverley Hughes
  Action to maintain and improve the quality of initial decisions on asylum applications is a continuous process. Recent initiatives include extra training on human rights and seminars by the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture to better equip caseworkers to interview asylum applicants. Guidance to caseworkers and training needs are informed by, and updated in the light of, random sampling of initial decisions, emerging case law, policy changes, and feedback from internal and external stakeholders.

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) achieved the 2001–02 target of deciding 60 per cent. of new substantive asylum applications within two months. Provisional, internal data indicate that IND is on track to meet this year's target of 65 per cent. and well placed to achieve next year's target of 75 per cent. within two months. The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill contains a number of provisions to support faster asylum processes, particularly for clearly unfounded claims.

  National Asylum Support Service
  Mr. Matins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much it cost to run the National Asylum Support Service in the last 12 months. [75434]
  336W
  Beverley Hughes
  This information is not currently available. Information on the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) expenditure can be found in the IND Annual report.

  The latest figures, for 2001–02, will be published in the near future.

  Asylum and Immigration Policies
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his part in progress on common asylum and immigration policies in the EU. [75408]

  Beverley Hughes
  The Government, working with successive Presidencies and the Commission, has been instrumental in driving forward the European Union (EU) agenda on Immigration and Asylum. We have taken a key role in speeding agreement to a common package jointly to handle Asylum issues. We have taken action, with our partners, to enhance border protection and tackle transit routes. We have drawn attention to the scope for enhanced co-operation on returns and readmissions. We have been instrumental in focussing on the need for enhanced co-operation with source and transit countries. Effective, targetted and intelligence-led joint operations to tackle the traffickers is also a keynote of the Government's approach that has been taken up across the EU.

  The joint Anglo-Spanish initiative at Seville resulted in a substantial impetus being given to the progress on migration and asylum at EU level, including action to strengthen the EU borders, tackle illegal immigration and target dates for reaching agreement on the remaining elements of the asylum package.

  Crime (Hertfordshire)
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give a breakdown of the statistics for recorded crime in Hertfordshire by type of offence(a) on 1 May 1997, (b) on 1 June 2001 and (c) according to the most recent statistics which are available [75398]

  Mr. Denham
  The Home Office does not collect recorded crime figures on a daily basis.

  It should be noted that there was a change in counting rules for recorded crime on 1 April 1998, and a change in Hertfordshire Constabulary's boundary on 1 April 2000, both of which will have increased the number of offences recorded by the force. Recorded crime figures for the force from before and after these dates will therefore not be directly comparable. The figures for the financial year ending March 1998, and the year ending March 2002, which is the latest available, are given in the table.
  337W

  Recorded Crime: Number of Offences Recorded for Hertfordshire

  Offence Group

  12 months to March 19981

  12 months to March 20022

  Violence against the person

  2,406

  4,713

  Sexual offences

  307

  381

  Robbery

  282

  683

  Total violent crime

  2,995

  5,777

  Burglary

  9,313

  10,682

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  25,456

  30,213

  Theft of and from a vehicle3

  15,188

  14,367

  Fraud and Forgery

  1,418

  3,475

  Criminal damage

  9,811

  15,323

  Drug and other offences4

  433

  1,967

  Total

  49,426

  67,437

  Notes:

  1 The number of crimes recorded in the old police force area in that financial year using the counting rules in use until 31 March 199

  2 The number of crimes recorded in the new police force area in that financial year using the revised counting rules which came into effect on 1 April 1998.

  3 Theft of and from vehicles are included in the Theft and Handling stolen goods offence group.

  4 Prior to April 1998, Trafficking in controlled drugs were the only recorded drug offence. As from April 1998, both Possesion of controlled drugs and Other drug offences became notifiable.

  Eurostar
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is the practice of his officials to search the luggage of all passengers boarding Eurostar at Waterloo Station; and if he will make a statement. [75404]

  Beverley Hughes
  It is not the practise of Immigration officials at Waterloo International station to search the luggage of passengers boarding the Eurostar services to France and Belgium. Examination of baggage of departing passengers is a matter for the managers of port security.

  As a matter of routine officials do not operate outward immigration controls at Waterloo International.

  Baggage is screened at Waterloo International by security staff employed by Eurostar for this purpose. The levels of screening are set by the Department of Environment, Transport and Local Regions. These levels are renewed regularly. It is the responsibility of Eurostar UK Ltd to comply with security regulations.

  Community Groups
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funding is being made available to community groups in order to encourage young people to steer clear of crime in north-east London. [75100]

  Mr. John Denham
  The Government's programme to tackle youth offending includes a number of initiatives to prevent young people being drawn into crime, including by targeting those most at risk.

  Key Home Office programmes in North East London that may involve funding for community groups includes Youth Inclusion Programme and Splash, which are running in Haringey, Islington, Hackney and Camden, and the Safer Communities Initiative and Communities Against Drugs programmes, which
  338W
  include youth work, youth diversionary schemes and work with families, in Havering, Barking, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Redbridge, Waltham Forest, Haringey and Enfield.

  The Children's Fund will, by 2004, be providing funding in all London boroughs to address the gap in preventative services for children and young people, aged between five and 13, at risk of social exclusion. And the Children and Young People's Unit Local Network Fund is providing funding for community groups in Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge to help tackle poverty and disadvantage amongst children and young people up to 19 years.

  Chinese Embassy
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what the cost is to public funds of the 24–hour police guard outside the Chinese Embassy in London; [75095]

  (2) if he will list the reasons for providing a 24–hour police guard outside the Chinese Embassy, in London; and what the costs to public funds are estimated to be. [75096]

  Mr. John Denham
  It is not our policy to comment on the reason for. nor the extent of, protection arrangements. It is standard practice not to disclose the costs of such protection, in order to avoid the risk that the scale of that protection could be deduced by those who might seek to use such information for unlawful purposes.

  Prison Staff
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the ratio of staff to prisoners was in each English prison on 1 January(a) 2000, (b) 2001 and (c) 2002. [74924]

  Mr. Hilary Benn
  The ratio of operational staff to prisoners in each Prison Service establishment in England on 1 January 2000, 2001 and 2002 is given in the table. Staffing levels do vary between different types of establishment. Private prisons are not required to submit staffing data and are excluded from this table.

  Prison name

  2000

  2001

  2002

  Acklington

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  Albany

  0.4

  0.4

  0.3

  Ashwell

  0.3

  0.3

  0.2

  Askham Grange

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  Aylesbury

  0.6

  0.5

  0.5

  Bedford

  0.4

  0.4

  0.3

  Belmarsh

  0.8

  0.7

  0.6

  Birmingham

  0.3

  0.4

  0.4

  Blakenhurst*

  0.2

  Blantyre House

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  Blundeston

  0.4

  0.4

  0.4

  Brinsford

  0.4

  0.5

  0.5

  Bristol

  0.6

  0.6

  0.5

  Brixton

  0.4

  0.4

  0.4

  Brockhill

  0.6

  0.6

  0.6

  Buckley Hall*

  0.3

  0.8

  Bullingdon

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  Bullwood Hall

  0.7

  0.5

  0.5

  Camp Hill

  0.4

  0.3

  0.3

  Canterbury

  0.5

  0.5

  0.4

  Castington

  0.7

  1.0

  0.9

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  Prison name

  2000

  2001

  2002

  Channings Wood

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  Chelmsford

  0.6

  0.5

  0.4

  Coldingley

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  Cookham Wood

  0.4

  0.4

  0.4

  Dartmoor

  0.4

  0.4

  0.4

  Deerbolt

  0.4

  0.4

  0.3

  Dorchester

  0.4

  0.5

  0.4

  Dover

  0.4

  0.4

  0.6

  Downview

  0.4

  0.4

  0.6

  Drake Hall

  0.5

  0.6

  0.3

  Durham

  0.5

  0.6

  0.6

  East Sutton Park

  0.4

  0.3

  0.3

  Eastwood Park

  0.4

  0.4

  0.4

  Elmley

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  Erlestoke

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  Everthorpe

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  Exeter

  0.5

  0.5

  0.4

  Featherstone

  0.3

  0.3

  0.2

  Feltham

  0.5

  0.6

  0.6

  Ford

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  Foston Hall

  0.4

  0.6

  0.4

  Frankland

  1.0

  0.9

  0.8

  Full Sutton

  0.9

  0.9

  0.8

  Garth

  0.4

  0.4

  0.4

  Gartree

  0.5

  0.5

  0.5

  Glen Parva

  0.3

  0.4

  0.4

  Gloucester

  0.5

  0.5

  0.4

  Grendon

  0.4

  0.4

  0.4

  Guys Marsh

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  Haslar

  0.3

  0.4

  0.3

  Hatfield

  0.5

  0.3

  0.2

  Haverigg

  0.4

  0.3

  0.3

  Hewell Grange

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  High Down

  0.5

  0.4

  0.4

  Highpoint

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  Hindley

  0.5

  0.5

  0.6

  Hollesley Bay

  0.5

  0.6

  0.5

  Holloway

  0.7

  0.6

  0.5

  Holme House

  0.4

  0.4

  0.3

  Hull

  0.5

  0.5

  0.4

  Huntercombe

  0.8

  0.5

  0.5

  Kingston

  0.4

  0.4

  0.4

  Kirkham

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  Kirklevington

  0.2

  0.2

  0.3

  Lancaster

  0.6

  0.6

  0.4

  Lancaster Farms

  0.5

  0.4

  0.4

  Latchmere House

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  Leeds

  0.4

  0.4

  0.3

  Leicester

  0.5

  0.5

  0.4

  Lewes

  0.5

  0.5

  0.4

  Leyhill

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  Lincoln

  0.5

  0.6

  0.4

  Lindholme

  0.4

  0.3

  0.3

  Littlehey

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  Liverpool

  0.4

  0.5

  0.4

  Long Lartin

  0.9

  0.9

  1.0

  Low Newton

  0.7

  0.6

  0.4

  Maidstone

  0.3

  0.4

  0.5

  Manchester

  0.5

  0.5

  0.4

  Moorland

  0.4

  0.4

  0.4

  Morton Hall**

  0.2

  5.5

  0.4

  Mount

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  New Hall

  0.4

  0.4

  0.4

  North Sea Camp

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  Northallerton

  0.4

  0.5

  0.4

  Norwich

  0.4

  0.4

  0.3

  Nottingham

  0.4

  0.4

  0.4

  Onley

  0.4

  0.4

  0.5

  Parkhurst

  0.5

  0.5

  0.4

  Pentonville

  0.4

  0.4

  0.3

  Portland

  0.3

  0.4

  0.4

  Preston

  0.5

  0.5

  0.5

  Ranby

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  Reading

  0.6

  0.7

  0.5

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  Prison name

  2000

  2001

  2002

  Risley

  0.4

  0.4

  0.4

  Rochester

  0.5

  0.6

  2.5

  Send

  0.4

  0.3

  0.3

  Shepton Mallet

  0.4

  0.6

  0.4

  Shrewsbury

  0.4

  0.4

  0.3

  Stafford

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  Standford Hill

  0.3

  0.3

  0.2

  Stocken

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  Stoke Heath

  0.4

  0.5

  0.5

  Styal

  0.4

  0.4

  0.4

  Sudbury

  0.1

  0.1

  0.1

  Swaleside

  0.4

  0.3

  0.3

  Swinfen Hall

  0.4

  0.5

  0.4

  Thorn Cross

  0.7

  0.6

  0.6

  Verne

  0.3

  0.2

  0.2

  Wakefield

  0.7

  0.7

  0.7

  Wandsworth

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  Wayland

  0.3

  0.2

  0.2

  Wealstun

  0.3

  0.3

  0.2

  Weare

  0.3

  0.4

  0.3

  Wellingborough

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  Werrington

  0.9

  0.8

  0.7

  Wetherby

  0.6

  0.5

  0.5

  Whatton

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  Whitemoor

  1.2

  1.1

  1.2

  Winchester

  0.4

  0.4

  0.4

  Woodhill

  0.6

  0.7

  0.6

  Wormwood Scrubs

  0.6

  0.4

  0.3

  Wymott

  0.3

  0.3

  0.3

  * Buckley Hall and Blakenhurst returned to the public sector in 2000 and 2001 respectively.

  ** Morton Hall re-roled to hold female prisoners in January 2001. This reduced the population and generated a short term rise in the operational staff to prisoner ratio.

  Prisons (Violence)
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to reduce violence by prisoners against prisoners. [74928]

  Mr. Hilary Benn
  The Prison Service is committed to reducing all forms of violence in prison whether affecting prisoners or staff.

  Existing steps include; a policy for addressing bullying with anti-bullying co-ordinator roles in establishments; an offender assessment system developed jointly by the National Probation and Prison Services; the recently introduced cell sharing risk assessment tool which we hope will minimise the risk of violence when allocating prisoners to cell accommodation; and a number of accredited offending behaviour programmes, including cognitive skills programmes, which have been shown to affect institutional behaviour.

  Future steps will include a violence reduction policy in the very early stages of development, which will bring together existing approaches and seek to develop a safer environment for prisoners and staff.

  CIO
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times in 2002 he has overturned the decision of a CIO to remove a person from the UK. [75648]
  341W
  Beverley Hughes
  Statistics on the number of cases where the Home Secretary has overturned the decision of a chief immigration officer are not collated.

  IND
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department to whom hon. Members should write in IND on immigration matters. [75659]

  Beverley Hughes
  hon. Members should write to the following addresses:

  Entry Clearance Cases (Refusal of visa of entry clearance overseas)

  UK Visas

  Visa Correspondence Unit

  London

  SWIA 2AH

  Work Permit Cases

  Customer Relations

  WP (UK)

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate

  Home Office

  Level 5, Moorfoot

  Sheffield

  S1 4PQ

  Nationality Cases

  The Junior Nominated Officer

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate

  INPD

  Room 311

  India Building

  Water Street

  Liverpool

  L2 0QN

  National Asylum Support Service

  MP's Correspondence Section

  National Asylum Support Service

  3rd Floor, Voyager House

  30 Wellesley Road

  Croydon

  CR0 2AD

  Timing of Appeals

  The Clerk to the Adjudicator

  Immigration Appellate Authority

  Taylor House

  88 Rosebery Avenue

  London

  ECIR 4QU

  Refusal of entry at UK Port
  The Chief Immigration Officer at the relevant Port should be the first point of contact. Ministers will only become involved if the Member has new and compelling information such as the death or illness of a close friend or family member.

  General casework, asylum and cases pending appeal

  Member of Parliament Correspondence Section (MPCS)

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate

  Head of MPCS

  Lunar House

  40 Wellesley Road

  Croydon

  CR9 2BY

  342W

  Appeal rights exhausted and subject to removal or a deportation order

  Asylum Removal Delivery Group Secretariat

  2nd Floor, Green Park House

  29 Wellesley Road

  Croydon

  CRO 2AJ

  If Removal Directions are already in place or removal imminent
  Members who think they have new and compelling information that would affect imminent removal should contact either the Chief Immigration Officer at the Enforcement Unit or Port, (A list is contained in the booklet).

  Further details, including Enforcement office contact details, are contained in the IND booklet "Information for Members of Parliament about immigration and nationality enquiries", a copy of which was sent to all hon. Members on 18 July 2002. Further copies are available on request from either the Minister's Private Office or:

  IND Secretariat

  12th floor

  Apollo House

  Croydon.

  Racial Equality Services
  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how the use of funding allocated to racial equality services by the Commission for Racial Equality in Scotland is monitored for effectiveness. [74977]

  Beverley Hughes
  The production of work programmes, work programme reviews and Core Standards assessments is the key tool in determining the effectiveness of the service being delivered by the Scottish Racial Equality Services (RECs).

  During the course of the year the Scottish RECs submit reviews on a six monthly basis to the Scotland Committee of the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) to identify progress against their work plans and end of year targets.

  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide a breakdown of how the money allocated to racial equality services by the Commission for Racial Equality in Scotland has been spent in each of the last five years. [74976]

  Beverley Hughes
  The Work Programmes submitted by Racial Equality Councils (RECs) focus on four programme areas—race specific casework, policy development, public education and awareness, and community development—and the activity within each area is tailored to local circumstances as determined by the RECs and their management boards.

  A breakdown of expenditure by programme area is not available.

  The Commission for Racial Equality's funding for RECs is currently in the form of grant aid to meet the salary costs of Race Equality Officers and/or Directors of RECs and is not programme specific.

  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what mechanisms have been put in place by the Commission for Racial Equality in Scotland to
  343W
  ensure that all CRE funded providers of racial equality services have achieved the quality standards that are required of local racial equality councils. [74975]

  Beverley Hughes
  In 1999, The Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) introduced Core Standards, a quality assurance framework for all funded Racial Equality Councils (RECs). To help RECs achieve the quality standard, extensive guidance and self-assessment policies were produced, and a corporate training programme developed for the RECs.

  A CRE/REC Joint Consultative Forum was established to provide a mechanism for CRE officers and representatives of RECs from across Britain to meet regularly and share ideas and views on the development and implementation of the Core Standards programme.

  In addition, seminars are held to enable RECs to review progress, focus on the implementation of the standards and explore ways to meet their organisational development needs.

  Criminal Records Bureau
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications were received in each month since January for clearance by the Criminal Records Bureau in respect of(a) nursery and school staff (employed), (b) nursery and school staff (voluntary), (c) youth service staff, (d) social services staff, (e) other voluntary workers and (f) other employed staff. [76185]

  Mr. Hilary Benn
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: The information sought by the hon. Member for the Isle of Wight is not available in the format requested. There are no Information Technology Procedures at present to extract this data from the Customer Relationship Management database. It is expected that this functionality will become available in subsequent system releases.

  The attached table shows monthly details of the total number of Disclosure applications received since the Criminal Records Bureau launched its disclosure service on 11 March 2002.

  Disclosures Applications Received

  March

  2,765

  April

  39,713

  May

  87,865

  June

  90,204

  July

  159,393

  August

  144,030

  September

  204,868

  October

  130,773

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for clearance by the Criminal Records Bureau were received in each month since January; and in which month they were provided. [76184]

  Mr. Hilary Benn
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) launched its Disclosure service on 11 March 2002. Applicants obtain Disclosure information from the CRB by completing a blank application form or making an application by telephone. Figures representing the total number of
  344W
  Disclosures received and issued per month are provided below. There are no Information Technology Procedures at present to break down this data further to show in which month the Disclosures were provided to applicants. It is expected that this functionality will become available in subsequent system releases.

  Disclosure Issued

  Disclosure Applications Receives

  Disclosure Applications Returned to Applicant or Registered Body Applications because of errors

  Mar

  21

  2,765

  Apr

  2,798

  39,713

  May

  19,446

  87,865

  6,980

  Jun

  34,900

  90,204

  1,921

  Jul

  89,086

  159,393

  23,047

  Aug

  110,411

  144,030

  19,034

  Sep

  132,735

  204,868

  19,601

  Oct

  92,974

  130,773

  5,571

  Correspondence
  David Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his letter of 29 July regarding a constituent, reference 15775/2; and if he will make a statement on the reasons for the delay in replying. [74914]

  Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: I apologise for the delay in responding to my hon. Friend's letter of 29 July about Mr. Singh. I wrote on 23 October 2002.

  Police Numbers (Somerset)
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers there are in(a) West Somerset and (b) South Somerset (i) in absolute terms, (ii) per head of population and (iii) per notifiable offence; and if he will make a statement. [75842]

  Mr. John Denharn
  [holding answer 22 October 2002]: Police strength information at force level is collected twice a year in March and September. Information for individual divisions/basic command units is not collected centrally.

  As at 31 March 2002 Avon and Somerset Constabulary employed 3,096 police officers (full time equivalents). This is a record level. The force had 204.8 officers per 100,000 population. There were 178,991 recorded crimes in Avon and Somerset in 2001–2002, 57.8 crimes per officer.

DEFENCE

  PFI
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what project and equipment procurement are being considered for a private finance initiative scheme; if he will list the projected(a) start date, (b) value and (c) life of the contract; and if he will make a statement. [76495]
  345W
  Mr. Ingram
  The Ministry of Defence has a forward programme of more than 40 PFI projects. Of these some 19 have progressed to various stages in the procurement process as shown below. Further information on the status of individual projects is available on the Ministry of Defence's PFI Website at http://www.mod.uk/business/pfi/index.htm. The start date, value and length of some projects has not yet been determined or is commercially sensitive and is not therefore on the website at present. Further information will be added as decisions are taken.

  Projects Advertised:

  Inner London Barracks Rationalisation

  Interim Storage of Laid Up Submarines (ISOLUS)

  Pan Defence HF Communications

  Invitation to Submit Outline Proposals:

  Accommodation Services on Cyprus

  Invitation to Negotiate Issued:

  "C" Vehicles (Earthmoving and Specialist Plant, Engineer Construction Plant and Materials Handling Equipment)

  Armoured Vehicle Training Service (AVTS)

  Combined Aerial Target Services (CATS)

  Defence Sixth Form College

  Devonport Support Services (project ARMADA)

  Flight Simulation and Synthetic Trainers (FIASTS)

  Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA)

  MOD-Wide Water and Wastewater (Project Aquatrine) (Packages A, B and C)

  Northwood Headquarters

  Refurbishment of Salisbury Plain and Aldershot Garrisons

  (Project Allenby/Connaught)

  Records Storage and Management—Hayes

  Royal School of Military Engineers (RSME)

  Tri-Service Airfield Support Services (ASSP)

  Preferred Bidder:

  Colchester Garrison

  Skynet 5

  HMS Sheffield
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what changes will have been made to the balance sheet value of HMS Sheffield in respect of(a) depreciation and (b) carrying costs between 1 April and the date on which she is withdrawn from service; [76516]

  (2) how the withdrawal from service of HMS Sheffield will be treated for accounting purposes in his Department's Consolidated Resource Accounts for 2002ߝ03; [76515]

  (3) what the balance sheet value attributed to HMS Sheffield was in his Department's Consolidated Resource Accounts as at (a) 31 March 2001 and (b) 31 March 2002; [76517]

  (4) if he will quantify the financial savings arising from the withdrawal of HMS Sheffield from service six years earlier than previously anticipated, broken down by category; [76519]

  (5)what proceeds of sale of HMS Sheffield will be retained within the defence budget as an appropriation in aid; [76518]
  346W
  (6) what alternative arrangements are being made for the performance of those duties which HMS Sheffield would have performed during the next six years if she had remained in service; and what is the forecast cost of these alternative arrangements. [76520]

  Mr. Ingram
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what impact the withdrawal from service of HMS Sheffield will have upon the variety of spare and replacement parts carried by the Defence Logistics Organisation. [76521]

  Mr. Ingram
  The withdrawal of HMS SHEFFIELD will have minimal short-term impact on the variety of spare and replacement parts carried by the Defence Logistics Organisation. However spares provisioning in the longer term will reflect the reduced demand in moving from five to four Type 22s.

  Scorpion
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Scorpion family of armoured vehicles will be retired from service. [76366]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Scorpion vehicle, which was a member of the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) (CVR(T)) family of vehicles, is no longer in service with the United Kingdom Armed Forces. On current plans, the remainder of the CVR(T) fleet, which comprises a number of variants, will be withdrawn from service over the period 2005 to 2015.

  Atlantic Patrol Ship (South)
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what occasions in the past two years the Atlantic Patrol Ship (South) has been on station in the Caribbean. [76354]

  Mr. Ingram
  The APT(South) ship operates primarily in the South Atlantic region whilst also retaining a commitment, together with APT(N), to provide a presence off the West African littoral.

  During her deployment between 15 March 2002ߝ23 August 2002, HMS NEWCASTLE undertook a period as APT(S) duty ship before assuming duty as APT(N) although these were two separate and distinct aspects of her deployment under different Operational Control arrangements.

  Atlantic Patrol Task (North)
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Royal Navy warships have been on station in the Caribbean region as part of the Atlantic Patrol Task (North) in each of the past two years; and for how long each vessel was in the area. [76342]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Royal Navy warships that have been on station in the Caribbean region as part of the Atlantic Patrol Task (North) in each of the past two years, and how long each vessel was in the Caribbean Area of Responsibility (AOR) is as follows:
  347W

  Ship

  Inside Caribbean AOR

  HMS Cardiff

  21 June 2000–20 November 2000

  HMS Sheffield

  18 February 2001–25 July 2001

  HMS Coventry

  23 July 2001–16 November 2001

  HMS Sutherland

  22 February 2002–02 April 2002

  HMS Newcastle

  13 July 2002–11 August 2002

  HMS Grafton

  08 August 2002–03 December 2002

  When not on station, the ship allocated to APT(N) was held at a maximum 14 days notice. Throughout the period in question, the duty RFA APT(N) tanker has remained on station providing a permanent presence in the Caribbean Area of Responsibility. Whilst not APT(N), HMS RICHMOND was deployed to the United States Eastern Seaboard between 09 April 2002ߝ01 July 2002 and was available throughout this period for contingency tasking in the Caribbean AOR had the need arisen.

  NATO Rapid Reaction Force
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the planned NATO rapid reaction force; what missions it is envisaged this force will undertake; and whether any of its missions are the same as those to be undertaken by EU military forces deployed under the auspices of the European Security and Defence Policy. [76370]

  Geoffrey Hoon
  At the NATO Informal Ministerial Meeting in Warsaw in September 2002, the United States Defense Secretary proposed a NATO Response Force (NRF) to provide a rapidly deployable capability within the existing developments in the NATO Command and Force Structures. The United Kingdom strongly supports the NRF concept as a means of optimising the utility of the NATO Force Structure across the range of missions. It will also help to focus efforts to improve capabilities, and will therefore be coherent with and complementary to the European Security and Defence Policy. The NRF concept is currently being discussed within the Alliance, with the guiding principles expected to be put before Heads of State and Government at the November 2002 NATO Summit in Prague for their agreement.

  Troops from Neutral Nations
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the development of troops from neutral nations under the European Security and Defence Policy; and what restrictions govern the deployment of these troops. [76372]

  Geoffrey Hoon
  Any decision to contribute forces to an EU-led operation is a matter for individual member states. At the time of a decision to launch an operation, it will be for the neutral nations, as for others, to consider what forces they can make available and for what purpose.

  Clansman Radio Systems
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Clansman radio systems have been in operational service in each of the past five years. [76350]
  348W
  Mr. Ingram
  Clansman is a single system of seven radio variants. In total the system comprises almost 50,000 radios. Clansman user availability has, over the past five years, remained within agreed operational availability parameters.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if spare parts are being manufactured for Clansman radios; and if Clansman radio systems are cannibalised for spare parts. [76349]

  Mr. Ingram
  There are support contracts in place to provide the required range of spares, to ensure continued support to Clansman equipment. Where appropriate, Clansman equipment is cannibalised for spare parts.

  ESDP
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he anticipates that the ESDP will be fully operational by 2003; and when he expects European Union military forces will be able to deploy under its auspices. [76371]

  Geoffrey Hoon
  The European Council has agreed that the EU is capable of undertaking some crisis management operations, and that it will be in a position to take on progressively more demanding operations, as the assets and capabilities at its disposal continue to develop. Further offers of capability from nations will be necessary during 2003 if we are to meet the Headline Goal agreed at Helsinki in 1999. Any decision to undertake and contribute to an operation will be made by national governments and will depend on the circumstances at the time.

  Phoenix Systems
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Phoenix systems are operational. [76362]

  Mr. Ingram
  As at 21 October 2002, of the six Phoenix systems (each of which comprises nine air vehicles) two are available for operational deployment at high readiness (five days notice to move) and the other four at a lower readiness (of between 30 and 60 days notice to move).

  Challenger II
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many REME personnel have been qualified to work on Challenger II in each year since the tank has been in service. [76351]

  Mr. Ingram
  Challenger 2 is a very complex vehicle with many different component parts ranging from the engine to the electronic gunnery systems, necessitating a wide range of personnel from different trades and specialisations to work on them.

  Depending on the type of repair required, the damaged part can be fixed in the field, in a workshop or returned to the manufacturer. In many cases the part is replaced and the damaged part returned for repair. All Challenger 2 crewmen are able to replace parts as necessary provided the part is carried on board. Crewmen are not REME personnel.
  349W
  Vehicle Mechanics are those REME personnel trained to work on many of the Army's vehicles, including Challenger 2, both in the field and in

  1997–1998

  1998–1999

  1999–2000

  2000–2001

  2001–2002

  2002–2003*

  Total

  24

  43

  122

  153

  177

  126

  645

  Note:

  * to end September 2002

  ⋆ to end September 2002.

  Defence Intelligence Staff
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the service breakdown of the Defence Intelligence Staff is; and from which service the Chief of Defence Intelligence is drawn. [76348]

  Mr. Ingram
  There were 3,933 permanent staff employed by the Defence Intelligence Staff on 30 September 2002. This figure excludes contractors and reservists.

  This is broken down as follows:

  Royal Navy

  354

  Army

  1,043

  RAF

  980

  Civilian

  1,556

  The Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI) can be drawn from any of the Services; the current CDI is an Air Marshal of the Royal Air Force.

  Apache Helicopters
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when 16 Air Assault Brigade will become operational with its Apache helicopters. [76361]

  Mr. Ingram
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 25 October 2002 (Official Report, column 322W) to the hon. Member for New Forest (Mr. Swayne).

  SSBNs
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many SSBNs are operational; and what refit, maintenance and lay up periods he expects each vessel to have in the next two years. [76358]

  Mr. Ingram
  Three SSBNs are currently operational. On current plans, no SSBNs will be laid up over the next two years. The refit and maintenance planned to be undertaken at varying times during the next two years is as follows:

  October 2002 to October 2004

  Vigilant

  Vanguard

  Vengence

  Victorious

  Victorious

  Ammunition and Explosives
  Mr. Liddell-Grainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much ammunition and explosives was reconditioned in the UK in the last two years. [76136]
  350W
  workshops. The following table gives the numbers of Vehicle Mechanics who became qualified to work on Challenger 2 in each year since 1997ߝ1998.

  Mr. Ingram
  The Ministry of Defence does not normally recondition ammunition and explosives. Defence Munitions depots have undertaken routine maintenance on 14700 gross tonnes of conventional munitions in the United Kingdom during the last two years, this is part of normal stockpile management.

  Running Risks
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what form of risk assessment is required before taking a squad of soldiers for a run. [76324]

  Mr. Ingram
  For all military training a formal risk assessment is required to be carried out in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Ministry of Defence Health and Safety Handbook, and appropriate single Service guidance.

  Chemical Warfare
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what inoculations against biological weapons and prophylactic measures against exposure to chemical weapon agents have been implemented in respect of United Kingdom armed forces and military auxilaries this year. [75873]

  Dr. Moonie
  Medical countermeasures form one part of the package of capabilities which protects our troops and enables them to respond effectively to biological threats. This package includes warning systems, detection capabilities, protective clothing and equipment, decontamination procedures and training.

  The immunisation currently available to protect United Kingdom Service personnel against exposure to biological warfare agents is a routine programme of voluntary immunisation against anthrax. We have expanded this programme within the last year; I refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence gave on 13 June 2002 (Official Report, columns 1344ߝ1345W) to the hon. Member for High Peak (Mr. Levitt).

  Medical countermeasures against chemical warfare agents (such as Nerve Agent Pre-treatment Sets (NAPS) tablets) are issued only when the threat from chemical agents is assessed to be immediate. This has not proven necessary within the last year and so no such measures have been implemented by UK Armed Forces or reserves.

  Iraq
  David Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures he takes to ensure that the Iraqi
  351W
  regime is not able to purchase indirectly British arms from the arms fair in Oman; and if he will make a statement. [76327]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 22 October 2002]: I presume the hon. Member is referring to the recent Special Operations Forces Exhibition in Amman, Jordan.

  There is a UN embargo on arms exports to Iraq. The Government takes all appropriate measures to ensure that United Kingdom exporters do not breach the terms of the embargo.

  Defence exports from the UK, including goods that are displayed by industry at overseas defence exhibitions, require appropriate export licences. The Government considers applications on a case by case basis and against our Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria. In doing so, we take into account the risk that exported goods might be diverted to an undesirable end-user.

  Baton Rounds (Northern Ireland)
  Mr. Russell Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the guidelines of the use of baton rounds by the Armed Forces in Northern Ireland. [76921]

  Mr. Ingram
  Rules of Engagement are classified and are not therefore usually published for reasons of operational security. However, I have decided in this case, as an exceptional measure aimed at building confidence in Northern Ireland, that an extract from the relevant document should be published in the Library of the House. The extract is drawn from a more general guidance card and includes all the relevant guidance on the Rules of Engagement for the use of Baton Rounds by the Armed Forces in Northern Ireland.

  Animal Research
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the use of animals in defence research. [76922]

  Dr. Moonie
  The independent Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC), chaired by Dr. Robert C Hubrecht, has recently published its sixth Report. The Animal Welfare Advisory Committee was set up in 1996 in response to parliamentary and public concern about the use of animals in defence research. Its purpose is to consult, inspect and make all necessary enquiries into all aspects of animal care and their use in establishments of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). It has also been agreed between the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and QinetiQ that the work at Alverstoke should remain within the Committee's remit.

  All work with animals undergoes an ethical review process and has to demonstrate that as much as possible has been done to replace the procedures with alternatives not using live animals; to reduce the numbers of animals used in particular studies; and to refine the procedures to minimise pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm prior to the issues of licences to undertake work.
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  Formal licensing arrangements, with the Home Office (in strict accordance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures Act 1986) seek to ensure that any experiments are fully justified and as humane as possible.

  The Committee's report gives assurances that animals used in defence research programmes in the United Kingdom are regulated under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, and that no special exemptions apply to MOD. The Committee's findings, acting as the eyes and ears of the public on matters relating to animal experimentation carried out by the MOD, are published in order to inform Parliament and the public of MOD practices.

  The research programme involving animals is concerned wholly with providing the United Kingdom's Armed Forces with safe and effective protection against hazards they may encounter while carrying out their duties. However, the MOD continues to place emphasis on seeking alternatives to animal use. The MOD welcomes the scrutiny by AWAC in this area and will continue to support AWAC's review into the care and welfare arrangements for animals used in defence research.

TREASURY

  VAT
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will publish the Customs and Excise survey of compliance cost for VAT registered businesses; and if he will make a statement. [74776]

  John Healey
  The Government are committed to reducing compliance costs for business. Ministers are considering the results of the research in this context.

  Private Medical Insurance
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment has been made by his Department of the number of people in the UK covered by(a) company medical insurance schemes and (b) personal medical insurance cover. [75694]

  Ruth Kelly
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: As part of his Review of the long-term trends affecting the health service, Derek Warless commissioned the European Observatory of Health Care Systems to produce a report Health Care Systems in Eight Countries: Trends and Challenges, which can be found on the Treasury website at: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/mediastore/otherfiles/observatory—report.pdf

  The UK chapter contains information on the level of take up of private medical insurance purchased by employers and by individuals.

  EU Budget
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the contribution of an
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  average UK family to the EU budget in (a) 2001 and (b) 2002; and what estimate he has made of the contribution of an average UK family to the EU budget in (i) 2003 and (ii) 2004. [75730]

  Ruth Kelly
  No such estimates have been made. The Government's latest estimate of the UK net contribution in 2001ߝ02 is £1,488 million. The Government's latest forecast of the trended UK net contribution to the EC Budget for the financial years 2002ߝ03 to 2004ߝ05 are £3 billion, £3.2 billion, and £3.6 billion respectively.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the(a) contributions and (b) receipts between each European Union member state and the European Community for (i) 2001 and (ii) 2002; and if

  Gross Contributions by Member State 2001 (€million)

  Belgium

  Denmark

  Germany

  Greece

  Spain

  France

  Ireland

  Italy

  Luxembourg

  Netherlands

  Austria

  Portugal

  Finland

  Sweden

  UK

  3,531.6

  1,777.7

  19,727.2

  1,350.1

  6,591.5

  14,471.3

  1,211.3

  11,612.5

  256.5

  5,517.0

  2,091.0

  1,266.0

  1,233.2

  2,337.7

  7,743.4

  Receipts Paid to Member States 2001 (€million)

  Belgium

  Denmark

  Germany

  Greece

  Spain

  France

  Ireland

  Italy

  Luxembourg

  Netherlands

  Austria

  Portugal

  Finland

  Sweden

  UK

  4,049.2

  1,348.3

  10,346.8

  5,741.0

  13,648.2

  11,751.6

  2,319.1

  8,693.0

  900.1

  1,687.5

  1,403.3

  2,947.2

  1,020.1

  1,092.9

  5,938.0

  Source

  European Commission: Allocation of EU Operating Expenditure.

  Estimated Gross Contributions by Member State 2002 (€ million)

  Belgium

  Denmark

  Germany

  Greece

  Spain

  France

  Ireland

  Italy

  Luxembourg

  Netherlands

  Austria

  Portugal

  Finland

  Sweden

  UK

  3,227.7

  1.735.0

  18,860.1

  1,371.5

  6,649.8

  14,228.0

  1,049.0

  11,653.5

  193.3

  4,914.0

  1,852.7

  1,227.2

  1,230.9

  2325.8

  10,606.9

  Notes:

  After account is taken of the UK abatement and the bringing to account of surpluses and deficits in respect of Member States contributions in earlier years.

  Difference in the UK's gross contribution between 2001 and 2002 is primarily the result of the very large abatement (€7,342.5 million) received in 2001 compared with the estimate for 2002 (€5,092.2 million). This reflects a large core abatement for 2001 and also signficant adjustments, in the UK's favour. to the abatement in respect of earlier years.

  Source:

  Supplementary & Amending Budget 3/2002

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the proportion and the sums of this year's EU budget that will be spent on(a) the CAP, (b) the CFP and (c) structural operations; and if he will provide an estimate of these for the next two years. [75731]

  Ruth Kelly
  The 2002 EC budget includes:

  —€44,255 million, or 45% of the total budget, for CAP expenditure;

  —€1,093 million, or 1.1%, for fisheries; and

  —€33,838 million, or 34%, for structural operations.

  The 2003 Preliminary Draft Budget, established by the Commission, includes:

  —€45,118 million for CAP, 1.9% more than in the 2002 adopted budget and €2,260 million below the Financial Perspective ceiling for Agriculture;

  —€942 million for fisheries, 14% less than in the 2002 adopted budget;

  —€33,995 million for Structural operations, 0.5% more than in the 2002 adopted budget.

  The Commission will present its Preliminary Draft Budget for 2004 in early 2003. We expect structural operations to be budgeted at the level of the Financial Perspective ceiling of €33,652m. Both the Common
  354W
  he will give his estimates for the figures for the contributions and receipts for (A) 2003 and (B) 2004. [75845]

  Ruth Kelly
  Details of Member States' gross contributions to, after taking account of the UK abatement, and receipts from, the EC Budget in 2001, recently published in the European Commission's report on the allocation of 2001 operating expenditure, are set out in the following table. Estimates of Member States' gross contributions, after taking account of the UK abatement, to the 2002 EC Budget, detailed in Table 7 of Supplementary and Amending Budget 3/2002, are also included in the table. Details of Member States' receipts in 2002 are not available. The Government does not forecast the contributions and receipts of other Member States. The Government's latest forecasts of the trended UK net contribution to the EC Budget for the financial years 2002ߝ03 to 2004ߝ05 are £3 billion, £3.2 billion, and £3.6 billion respectively.

  Agricultural Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy are currently under review, and future spending levels depend on the results of the review.

  Monetary Union
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his Department has completed the study of the experience of the United States as a monetary union, which was referred to in the HM Treasury Paper issued on 6 September, entitled, "The Treasury's Approach to the Preliminary and Technical Work"; and if he will make a statement. [75733]

  Ruth Kelly
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 22 October [75841]

  Royal Mint
  Mr.Laws
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the investigation by the Serious Fraud Office into the Royal Mint. [75252]

  Ruth Kelly
  The SFO announced on 26 September 2002 that it is now carrying out an investigation into the Royal Mint in respect of alleged improper payments made between 1996 and 1999.

  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to privatise the Royal Mint. [75253]
  355W
  Ruth Kelly
  The Government must conduct a "Prior Options Review" of the Royal Mint every five years, due to its Executive Agency status. The next review is due in 2003ߝ4.

  Coinage
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to put out to tender the Treasury contract for United Kingdom coinage; and if he will make a statement. [75987]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Treasury keeps the arrangements for the supply of circulation coins under review. The current arrangements with the Royal Mint have several years to run. They are designed to enable both the Treasury and the Mint to plan for the medium term on a commercial basis, and to ensure a cost-effective supply of coins to meet demand.

  UK Economy
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made towards improving the productivity performance of the UK economy; and if he will make a statement. [75732]

  John Healey
  Productivity has grown since 1997, even with rapidly falling unemployment. Productivity growth between 1997Q2 and 2002Q1 has averaged 1.3 per cent. p.a. (comparing each quarter with a year earlier). This is in the context of rising employment (increased employment of over 1½ million since Spring 1997), while unemployment as measured either using the International Labour Organisation methodology or via the "claimant count" has been at its lowest since the 1970s over the past year.

  The Government's long-term ambition is that Britain will achieve a faster rate of productivity growth than its main competitors, closing the productivity gap. The creation of a sustainable, stable macroeconomic framework since 1997 has provided the foundation for productivity growth in UK firms, and microeconomic reforms are supporting and encouraging further growth. These reforms include:
  the Competition Act 1998, which prohibits anti-competitive agreements and abuses of dominant market position;
  the Enterprise Bill (introduced to Parliament in March 2002), which will build on the achievements of Competition Act by further strengthening our competition authorities;
  Research & Development tax credits—together the small and large company credits provide £500 million new support for business R&D;
  the largest sustained growth in spending on science for a decade, with the 2002 Spending Review committing some £1.25 billion additional spending by 2005ߝ06 compared to 2002ߝ03;
  a Green Paper setting out a fundamental reform of the land-use planning system to ensure that it does not provide a barrier to economic growth and productivity—the 2002 Spending Review allocated the ODPM substantial additional resources to drive forward the reforms set out in the Green Paper;
  a 10 year plan for transport, which sets out plans for public and private investment of more than £180 billion up to 2010, creating a modern transport network across the UK—the 2002 Spending Review continued the investment necessary to deliver the Ten-Year Plan, increasing public expenditure on transport from £7.6 billion in 2002ߝ03 to £11.6 billion in 2005ߝ06;
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  reduced corporation tax rates—the main rate has been reduced from 33 per cent. to 30 per cent., the lowest ever UK rate; the small company rate has been reduced from 23 per cent. to 19 per cent., and a new starting rate has been introduced, reduced in 2002 to 0 per cent. for profits under £10,000; average corporation tax bills for small companies have been cut by 30 per cent. since 1997;
  increased investment to raise standards in education-spending per pupil was £2,700 in 1997, but rose to £3,500 last year; this could rise to £4,900 per pupil by 2005–06. which after inflation, is 50 per cent. more per pupil than in 1997;
  ambitious new policies and targets to improve adult literacy and numeracy, and increase lifelong learning; and
  reforms to the work permit and immigration systems to ensure that UK employers can recruit staff with the skills they need.

  Substantial productivity gaps with our major competitors remain. Nevertheless, recent encouraging evidence includes:
  the rating of the UK by the OECD as having the lowest barriers to entrepreneurship of any major economy;
  Global Competition Review awarding the UK competition regime four and a half stars this year (compared with three and a half last year); this rating was bettered only by the US Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission (5 stars);
  increased gross expenditure on R&D in the UK of 11.6 per cent. in real terms between 1997 and 2000;
  improved educational achievement of young people—the proportion of 16 year olds achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A⋆-C increased by 8 per cent. between 1997ߝ8 and 2001ߝ2 to over 50 per cent.; and
  an increase of 61,000 in the number of businesses registered for VAT between 1997 and 2000.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Gibraltar's special tax status is held to be a barrier to integration. [75103]

  Peter Hain
  It has been the policy of successive British Governments not to integrate Overseas Territories into the United Kingdom. This Government's policy, as set out in its 1999 White Paper, is to promote a modern and effective partnership with them.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his proposals for shared sovereignty with Spain over Gibraltar. [76260]

  Peter Hain
  I refer my hon. Friend to the statement my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made to the house on 12 July,Official Report, columns 1165 to 1167.

  Chemical Weapons
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what attempts have been made by the United Kingdom to encourage the United States administration to agree to intrusive inspections of chemical sites in the US with regard to the International Chemical Weapons Convention. [75826]

  Mr. Macshane
  The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) entered into force in 1997. Industrial inspections did not begin in the United States until 2000, because the necessary national implementing legislation had not
  357W
  been put in place. The United Kingdom had consistently pressed the United States to put this legislation in place at the earliest opportunity. Since the implementing legislation has been in place, the United States has accepted all inspections of its chemical sites required by the Organisation for the Prevention of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which is responsible for ensuring the implementation of the Convention.

  From entry into force of the CWC and 31 December 2001, the OPCW conducted 1117 inspections. Of these 374 (33 per cent.) were in the United States. In addition, OPCW inspectors are at each of the United States' chemical weapons destruction facilities at all times, conducting round-the-clock monitoring.

  Weapons
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information was produced by UNSCOM to December 1998 that identified United Kingdom origin technology and material discoveries in production plants used for the manufacture of(a) chemical weapons or their pre-cursor agents, (b) biological weapons and (c) nuclear weapons or fissile material manufacture or processing. [75824]

  Mr. MacShane
  Reports of all of UNSCOM's findings are published on the UNSCOM website (www.un.org/unscom).

  During their inspections, UNSCOM and the IAEA Action Team identified items imported directly or via middle-men from a variety of countries, including some of UK origin at sites that they visited.

  Ambassadors
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the ambassadors he has appointed since June 2001. [75657]

  Mike O'Brien
  The following have taken up their positions as Ambassadors or High Commissioners since June 2001:

  Graham Hand, Algeria

  Christopher Prentice, Jordan

  Peter Westmacott, Turkey

  Paul Brummell, Turkmenistan

  Mike Murray, Eritrea

  Tony Cantor, Paraguay

  Graeme Loten, Mali

  Andrew Caie, Brunei

  Christopher Hum, China

  Philip Priestley, Belize

  Basil Eastwood, Switzerland

  Tom Duggin, Colombia

  Ric Todd, Slovakia

  John White, Barbados

  Sir Emyr Jones Parry, Permanent Representative, UKDel

  NATO, Brussels

  John Sawers, Egypt

  Bernard Whiteside, Moldova

  Stephan Evans, Sri Lanka

  Richard Clarke, Tanzania

  Hamish Daniel, East Timor

  David Maclennan, Qatar

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  Michael Smith, Tajikistan

  David Merry, Botswana

  Steve Hiscock, Guyana

  Richard Lavers, Guatemala

  Brian Donnelly, Zimbabwe

  Paul Hare, Cuba

  Matthew Kirk, Finland

  Kathryn Colvin, The Holy See

  Ron Nash, Afghanistan

  Adam Wood, Uganda

  Keith Bloomfield, Nepal

  William Patey, Sudan

  Robert Brinkley, Ukraine

  Sue Hogwood, Rwanda

  Peter Mathers, Jamaica

  Bruce Cleghorn, Malaysia

  Chris Wilton, Kuwait

  Bill Sinton, Bolivia

  Norman Ling, Malawi

  Dame Glynne Evans, Portugal

  John Thompson, Angola

  Tim David, Zambia

  Paul Dimond, Philippines

  Frank Martin, Lesotho

  David Reader, Swaziland

  Denise Holt, Mexico

  John Everard, Uruguay

  Stuart Laing, Oman

  Edward Clay, Kenya

  Lyn Parker, Cyprus

  Paul Nessling, Tonga

  Mariot Leslie, Norway

  Jim Malcolm, Panama

  Sir John Holmes, France

  Anne Pringle, Czech Republic

  Jim Hoare, North Korea

  Haydon Warren-Gash, Morocco

  Andrew Tesoriere, Latvia

  Georgina Butler, Costa Rica

  Andy Ashcroft, Dominican Republic

  Ian Cliff, Bosnia & Herzegovina

  George Edgar, Macedonia

  Ian Soutar, Bulgaria

  Craig Murray, Uzbekistan

  Kay Coombs, Honduras

  Sherard Cowper-Coles, Israel

  David Landsman, Albania

  Robin Kealy, Tunisia

  Philip Rouse. Mongolia

  Vincent Fean, Malta

  Fraser Wilson, Seychelles

  Peter Jenkins, Permanent Representative, UK Mission to UN, Vienna

  Jeremy Hill. Lithuania

  Richard Fell, New Zealand

  Alasdair MacDermott, Namibia

  Richard Wildash, Cameroon

  Military Equipment
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what mechanisms exist to monitor whether end-use commitments entered into by countries importing military equipment and material
  359W
  from the United Kingdom are kept; and how many instances have come to his attention since May 1997 of military equipment sold to one country that has subsequently been sold on to a third country. [75690]

  Mr. Macshane
  Our Overseas Posts have standing instructions to report on allegations of misuse of any UK-origin defence equipment to take into account in the licensing process. Detailed guidance is provided to Posts and FCO officials involved in licensing in London to help decide when to carry out end-use checks, and to outline the kinds of questions that these checks should address.

  We focus our efforts on assessment of potential end-use at the export licensing stage. Carrying out effective risk assessment on end-users before making the export licensing decision is the surest way to prevent UK arms falling into the wrong hands. We assess all export licence applications on a case by case basis against the Consolidated EU and national arms export licensing criteria in accordance with Criterion 7. In accordance with that criterion we will not issue an export licence where there is an unacceptable risk of diversion to an undesirable end-user.

  Proactive monitoring of defence exports is only carried out in those cases of greatest concern. The Government has introduced a number of safeguards in order to minimise the risk of diversion; and those measures are under constant review.

  We can not disclose details of possible diversion to undesirable end users, as much of the information is obtained from sensitive sources.

  International Terrorism
  Mr. Ancram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information his Department has collated concerning links between Saddam Hussein's regime and Mansour Thaer; and if he will make a statement. [76021]

  Mr. Straw
  We have no information linking Mansour Thaer to the Iraqi regime.

  Mr. Ancram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with other departments following the attempted attack on the British High Commission in Jakarta in December 2001 concerning placing Jamaah Islamiyah on the UK list of proscribed terrorist organisations. [76025]

  Mr. Straw
  As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told the House on 15 October(Official Report column 177ߝ9), we are urgently considering the proscription of Jemaah Islamiya. Decisions to proscribe are taken by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary after consideration of all relevant aspects.

  Mr. Ancram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department made of the threat posed by Jamaah Islamiyah(a) following the Singapore authorities naming it as responsible for the attempted attack on the British High Commission in Jakarta in December 2001 and (b) following the terrorist attack on Bali on 12 October. [76023]
  360W
  Mr. Straw
  As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told the House on 15 October (Official Report, column 177–9), we identified the South East Asian region as an area with a real threat from groups linked to Al Qaida even before 11 September 2001. One of the most prominent of these is Jemaah Islamiyah, which has a network stretching across a number of countries in the region.

  The discovery of the plot to attack targets in Singapore last December confirmed the seriousness of the threat from this group. It is too early to know whom was responsible for the Bali atrocity, but Jemaah Islamiyah must be one of the groups under most suspicion. We are therefore urgently considering proscribing them under the Terrorism Act 2000.

  Mr. Ancram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information his Department has collated concerning the court procedures against Mansour Thaer in Germany and Italy; what evidence he has collated concerning links between Thaer and terrorist organisations; and if he will make a statement. [76020]

  Mr. Straw
  Mansour Thaer was arrested on 23 April 2002 in Germany and held on suspicion of being a member of a terrorist group. He was being investigated on suspicion of connections to the Abu-Ali group (linked to 11.9.) and the Meliani Case (the Frankfurt cell linked to the Strasbourg bomb plot). He was released on 6 August. Thaer has also been investigated in Italy for his links with a terrorist cell and for participation in a criminal conspiracy to traffic in arms, explosives, chemical weapons, identity papers, receiving stolen goods and aiding illegal immigration. According to the Italian authorities he is a member of the Salafist Group for Call and Combat (GSPC), an Algerian-based group operating in North Africa and Italy. The UN added GSPC to the list of terrorist groups linked to al Qaeda on 8 October.

  Mr. Ancram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the statement by the Australian Prime Minister on 16 October that Australia's Foreign Affairs Department received United States intelligence reports in September 2002 which mentioned Bali as a place at risk from a terrorist attack; when his Department received these reports; what that information consisted of; what action his Department took in response to this information; and if he will make a statement. [76024]

  Mr. Straw
  I refer the right hon. Member to my statement to the House on 21 October,Official Report, columns 26ߝ27.

  Nigeria (Amina Lawal)
  Mr. Ancram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Nigerian Government on the matter of the sentence of death by stoning passed on Ms Amina Lawal in Nigeria this year; and if he will make a statement. [76528]

  Mr. Straw
  We remain extremely concerned about this sentence.
  361W
  During her recent visit to Nigeria my noble Friend the Minister for Africa, the Baroness Amos, raised with President Obasanjo HMG's concerns about the harsh sentences imposed under the Sharia penal codes. She emphasised the strength of feeling against them in the UK and reiterated HMG's opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances.

  The British High Commission in Abuja, together with EU partners, follows all such cases closely and keeps in close contact with local human rights organisations. The High Commission regularly raises our concerns about the sentences with the appropriate authorities.

  The Federal Government has made clear its opposition to the extreme Sharia penalties. It has declared them discriminatory and unconstitutional. Exercise of the Sharia penal code is, however, entirely under the control of the relevant States. The Federal justice system only comes into play if the defendant appeals to the Federal Appeal Courts.

  Mr. Ancram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information his Department has collated concerning links between Al-Qaeda and Mansour Thaer; and if he will make a statement[76022]

  Mr. Straw
  In September the US and Italy proposed adding Mansour Thaer to the UN Consolidated List of persons to which UN sanctions apply. According to the Italians he is a member of the Salafist Group for Call and Combat (GSPC), an Algerian-based group operating in North Africa and Italy. The UN added GSPC to the list of terrorist groups linked to al Qaeda on 8 October.

  EC Bird Directive
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the adoption of the EC Bird Directive by countries joining the European Union [75963]

  Peter Hain
  Enlargement of the European Union means that the Bird Directive's reach will be pushed wider, helping to safeguard biodiversity throughout Europe.

  The European Union has provisionally agreed only one transition period after accession, which requires Malta to phase out the trapping of seven types of finch before the end of 2008.

  UK officials are working hard with the Commission to ensure that all candidates will be in full compliance with EC law as soon as possible.

  Ukraine and Moldova
  Joyce Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on relations between the UK and(a) Ukraine and (b) Moldova. [75957]

  Mr. Macshane
  I refer my right hon. Friend to the statement my hon. Friend the Member for North Warwickshire (Mr. Mike O'Brien) gave on 23 July,362W
  Official Report, columns 836–837. It has since been reliably reported that President Kuchma authorised the transfer of radar equipment to Iraq. This could have consequences for Ukraine's international relationships, including with the UK. The UK's relations with Moldova are developing. Our first resident Ambassador arrived in Chisnau on 8 July.

  European Union
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Irish Foreign Minister concerning the referendum in Ireland on 20 October. [76095]

  Peter Hain
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary meets his Irish counterpart regularly in the margins of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). Discussions have covered the range of EU topics, including the Irish Referendum on the Treaty of Nice on 19 October. The GAERC on 21 October discussed briefly the "Yes" result, which is a positive step towards enlargement of the European Union. I attending the GAERC in place of the Foreign Secretary and also met the Irish Foreign Minister.

  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress of the reform agenda in the EU. [76096]

  Peter Hain
  Following the Council reforms agreed at the Seville European Council in June, the Danish Presidency has been taking forward further discussions on this issue. They will be submitting an initial report to the Copenhagen European Council in December.

  There has also been progress on internal Commission reform. A new financial regulation has now been agreed. Comprehensive improvements to the Institutions' human resources policies are currently being negotiated.

  The Convention on the Future of Europe is, of course, discussing reform of the EU across a wide range of issues. This work is due to conclude in time for the June 2003 European Council.

  Indonesia
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what visits have been made to West Papua and Aceh by representatives of the UK Embassy in Indonesia: what groups they met; and what contact they had with the Indonesian military; [76333]

  (2) what recent meetings have taken place with representatives of (a) Freeport Mine and (b) BP and UK diplomatic representatives in Indonesia; and what the nature of the discussions was. [76332]

  Mr. Macshane
  [holding answer 23 October 2002]: The information requested is held by the British Embassy in Jakarta. I will write to my hon. Friend when the Embassy staff have addressed this issue.

  Diplomatic Service
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list by
  363W
  Career grade (a) the total number and (b) the percentage of women employed in the diplomatic service in each last five years for which figures are available. [76536]

  Grade

  1997

  %

  1998

  %

  1999

  %

  2000

  %

  2001

  %

  A1

  100

  43

  98

  40

  116

  44.1

  155

  47.3

  178

  47.1

  A2

  827

  63

  770

  60

  750

  60.7

  655

  62.9

  660

  62.4

  B3

  616

  42

  622

  45

  628

  44.3

  608

  48.3

  618

  49.2

  C4

  234

  9.7

  264

  24

  313

  27.4

  350

  30.4

  369

  31.3

  C5

  51

  15

  55

  15

  45

  13

  77

  16

  83

  16.9

  D6

  114

  20

  118

  21

  123

  21.3

  127

  21.1

  144

  22.9

  D7

  18

  22

  22

  23

  27

  28.4

  39

  31

  42

  27.3

  SMS

  26

  6

  30

  7

  28

  6.2

  38

  8.5

  44

  9.8

  Total

  1986

  36

  1979

  36

  2030

  36.7

  2049

  37.7

  2138

  38.2

  Note:

  The 2002 figures are not yet available.

  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many women have been recruited into the diplomatic service in each of the last five years for which figures are available, broken down by grade. [76535]

  Mr. MacShane
  [holding answer 22 October 2002]:The number of women recruited into the Diplomatic Service in each of the last five years, broken down by grade, is provided below.

  Year

  No. of Woman Grade

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  2002

  Grand Total

  A2

  32

  19

  25

  42

  54

  172

  B3

  15

  13

  15

  22

  25

  90

  C4

  11

  16

  14

  16

  19

  76

  C5

  2

  1

  1

  2

  3

  9

  D6

  2

  4

  2

  7

  1

  16

  D7

  1

  3

  4

  Grand Total

  62

  54

  57

  89

  105

  367

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Decommissioning
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent progress has been made towards decommissioning. [74002]

  Jane Kennedy
  The IRA has engaged in two acts of decommissioning. It is imperative that all paramilitary organisations now, as the Prime Minister said, move to acts of completion of the transition to exclusively peaceful means, real, total and permanent.

  Terrorist Activity
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make a statement about the level of terrorist activity in Northern Ireland. [74003]

  Jane Kennedy
  In recent weeks loyalist groups have continued their feuding, resulting in three murders and six attempted murders. Dissident republicans are believed to have been responsible for 12 attacks this year including the murder of David Caldwell in Londonderry.
  364W
  Mr MacShane
  [holding answer 22 October 2002]: Listed by career grade the total and the percentage of women employed I the Foreign and Commonwealth office including FCO Services at Hanslope park for each of the last five years is:

  There is widespread public concern over the extent of continuing PIRA involvement in targeting and intelligence gathering activity.

  Good Friday Agreement
  Mr. Michael Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what aspects of the Good Friday Agreement remain to be implemented; and if he will make a statement. [74004]

  Dr. John Reid
  The Government are determined to press forward with all aspects of the Agreement. The key priority now is to restore the devolved institutions. Essential to that is the restoration of trust that all parties remain committed to fulfilling their obligations, and crucially the commitment to exclusively democratic and peaceful means

  Performance Improvement
  Andrew Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about peer review as applied to improving performance in the Northern Ireland Office and its funded bodies. [74005]

  John Reid
  A Peer Review of the Northern Ireland Office, headed by Sir Stephen Lander, took place in October 2001. The team made helpful recommendations on a range of management, personnel and other issues, and the Department launched a major change planning exercise to take these forward.

  Patsy Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what performance incentives are in place at the Northern Ireland Office. [74010]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Northern Ireland Office's pay system offers the incentive of increases in salary each year depending on performance—the higher the level of performance the higher the reward. The Department also has a recognition scheme for incentivising and rewarding staff with a modest bonus payment for special performance or contribution.

  Provisional IRA Army Council
  David Burnside
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make a statement on the membership of the provisional IRA Army Council. [74006]
  365W
  Jane Kennedy
  In accordance with part 2 of the Code of Practice of access to Government information, it is not government policy to comment on intelligence matters.

  Peace Process
  Andrew Selous
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what plans he has to set deadlines for measuring further progress by parties to the peace process. [74008]

  Dr. John Reid
  The progress that matters now is to re-establish confidence in the commitment of all parties to the obligations of the Agreement, and crucially the commitment to exclusively peaceful means. I do not believe that deadlines are necessarily helpful in securing this, but the time for decision has come.

  Devolved Institutions
  Fiona McTaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make a statement on the prospects for the devolved institutions over the next 12 months [74009]

  Dr. John Reid
  We will be applying every effort to the restoration of the devolved institutions, and to moving beyond the recent impasse. The people of Northern Ireland support devolved government, and want to see local Ministers making local decisions.

  Criminal Justice Review
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the implementation of the Criminal Justice Review. [74011]

  Desmond Browne
  The Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill, carrying the legislative provisions required to give effect to the recommendations of the Review, passed through the House of Commons and the House of Lords with few amendments and widespread support. It received Royal Assent on 24 July and is now the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002

  We consulted widely during the passage of the Bill with most of the political parties in Northern Ireland, a wide range of statutory, voluntary and community sector organisations, and human rights lobby groups. The responses received were extremely useful in shaping the plans for implementing the Review's recommendations, and we are very grateful to all the individuals and organisations who contributed.

  Fostering public trust in the criminal justice system is one of the core aims of the Review and it is with this aim in mind that we intend to publish a revised Implementation Plan by early 2003. This plan will update the original Implementation Plan published in November 2001 and set out in greater detail again how the Review recommendations are being taken forward.

  Belfast Agreement
  Kevin Brennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, What recent estimate he has made of the economic impact of the Belfast Agreement [74012]
  366W
  Dr. John Reid
  Northern Ireland has among the fastest economic growth rates in the United Kingdom. Visitors to Belfast are struck by the amount of building activity all around the city, as construction companies try to keep apace with the demand for office and retail space. Since the Belfast Agreement there has been high inward investment, particularly in the IT and hospitality industries.

  I believe that economic development is closely related to the overall success of the police process.

  Mr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make a statement on progress on the implementation of the Belfast Agreement. [74018]

  Dr. John Reid
  The Government are determined to press forward with all aspects of the Agreement. The key priority now is to restore the devolved institutions. Essential to that is the restoration of trust that all parties remain committed to fulfilling their obligations, and crucially the commitment to exclusively democratic and peaceful means.

  Castlereagh Police Station
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make a statement on the investigation into the break-in at Castlereagh Police Station on 17 March and the interim report from Sir John Chilcot. [74013]

  Jane Kennedy
  I can confirm that the Secretary of State has received a progress report from Sir John. The nature of the material it contained means it is not appropriate to be published.

  Human Rights
  Linda Gilroy
  What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that Human Rights are respected in Northern Ireland. [74014]

  Desmond Browne
  The introduction of the Human Rights Act plays a major role in safeguarding human rights throughout the UK as a whole, including Northern Ireland. The Human Rights Act puts human rights at the heart of policy making and operations for all public authorities and means that all public authorities, including courts and the police, must act compatibly with the Convention rights. It gives further effect throughout the UK to the rights and freedoms set out in the ECHR and provides the basis for a new culture of rights and responsibilities.

  The Northern Ireland Act 1998 restricts the Northern Ireland Assembly's powers to ensure it can only pass legislation that is compatible with Convention Rights and requires all NI Ministers and Departments to act compatibly. The Act also created the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission whose remit includes making sure laws and practices conform to the European Convention, promoting awareness of human rights and offering advice and guidance to individuals. The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is currently considering the scope for a Bill of Rights to reflect the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland.
  367W
  As part of the Patten Report there has been a comprehensive programme of action to focus policing in Northern Ireland on a human rights-based approach.

  The Criminal Justice Review Group recommended that human rights be made central to the justice system. In formulating their recommendations, the Review Group looked not only at the European Convention on Human Rights, but also at fifteen other international human rights standards and instruments. The entire Review was drafted with these principles in mind.

  Tony Cunningham
  What steps is the Secretary of State taking to promote Human Rights in all communities in Northern Ireland. [74015]

  Desmond Browne
  The introduction of the Human Rights Act plays a major role in safeguarding human rights throughout the UK as a whole, including all parts of the community in Northern Ireland. The Human Rights Act puts human rights at the heart of policy making and operations for all public authorities and means that all public authorities, including courts and the police, must act compatibly with the Convention rights. It gives further effect throughout the UK to the rights and freedoms set out in the ECHR and provides the basis for a new culture of rights and responsibilities.

  The Northern Ireland Act 1998 created the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission whose remit includes making sure laws and practices conform to the European Convention, promoting awareness of human rights and offering advice and guidance to individuals. The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is currently considering the scope for a Bill of Rights to reflect the particular circumstances of all parts of the community in Northern Ireland. All sides are being encouraged to take part in the consultation process.

  Ceasefire
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what his assessment is of compliance with the ceasefire by paramilitaries since his statement of 24 July. [74016]

  Jane Kennedy
  Ceasefires, however defined, are not by themselves enough to sustain confidence in the process. The transition from violence to democracy must be completed. There is no authority, legitimacy or political basis for anyone to have recourse to violence or paramilitary activity. All paramilitary groups must now decide whether they are committed to exclusively democratic and non-violent means.

  Recruitment
  Lady Hermon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the recruitment procedure for the Police Service of Northern Ireland. [74017]

  Jane Kennedy
  The new recruitment arrangements have now been operating successfully for almost a year and to date almost 500 police trainees have been appointed on a 50 per cent. Catholic, 50 per cent. non-Catholic basis. Whilst firm figures are not yet available, it is understood that the response to the fourth competition, which has recently closed, has again been encouraging.
  368W

  Civil Disorder
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he is taking to reduce civil disorder arising from religious intolerance in Northern Ireland. [74019]

  Jane Kennedy
  We have all been appalled and shocked at the nightly scenes of violence we have witnessed during the summer at interface areas in North and East Belfast. The Government has been proactive in attempting to bring calm and restore order to these areas. During September, my colleague the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State held a series of meetings with elected and community representatives.

  A number of security fences have been heightened and the police have introduced a matrix of CCTV cameras in North Belfast which has resulted in a number of arrests. A similar project is underway for the Cluan Place/Clandeboye interface in the east of the city. Recently the police and army established a high profile presence on both sides of the community in East Belfast. All of these measures have contributed to a degree of peace that now exists at these interfaces.

  Police Ombudsman
  Mr. Luke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make a statement on the first annual report of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. [74020]

  Jane Kennedy
  Copies of the first annual report of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, which covers the discharge of the functions of the Police Ombudsman's office during the first 17 months since its establishment in November 2000, were laid in the Libraries of the House on 23 July.

  The Government's support for this new and completely independent police complaints investigation system reflects our commitment to ensuring the highest standards of policing for Northern Ireland.

  Counterfeit Goods
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what measures are in place to raise public awareness concerning the dangers of counterfeit goods. [74021]

  Jane Kennedy
  In Northern Ireland we are trying to tackle and confront the trade of counterfeit goods through the co-ordinated efforts of the Organised Task Force which I chair.

  One of the main objectives of the Task Force is to raise public awareness concerning the dangers of counterfeit goods. I am keen to highlight the menace of organised crime to the public, which is why I am undertaking to host regional awareness evenings, on the threat from organised crime and the dangers from counterfeit goods. The next awareness evening will take place on the 28 of October.

  On 23 September the OCTF launched its web-site, which provides a further two way communication between it and the public. This is an important development, which will open a "shop window- for the task force. In addition it is a dynamic medium that will

  369W
  permit the Task Force to communicate its message and should both educate people and enhance information gathering.

  The Publicity Sub-Group which forms an integral part of the OCTF looks for every opportunity to highlight to the public the Task Force's three key messages:
  Organised crime is dangerous; never victimless; and we need everyone's support to tackle organised crime.

  PSNI and Customs & Excise are doing excellent work, every week to tackle the trade in counterfeit goods. There have been some tremendous operational successes this year. On 28 June police found counterfeit clothing worth hundreds of thousands of pounds in Belfast. This is reported to be the biggest seizure ever found in Northern Ireland. Also at the Aul Lammas Fair in August 300k of counterfeit goods were confiscated following a request from the public to the Police Service of Northern Ireland for action.

  Fuel Oils
  Phil Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make a statement on progress made with combating the illegal trade in fuel oils in Northern Ireland. [74022]

  Jane Kennedy
  On 23 May, the Secretary of State launched the second annual Organised Crime Task Force threat assessment and strategy. The OCTF threat assessment provided an overview of the scale and scope of organised crime in Northern Ireland and highlighted trends and developments in the preceding year.

  The threat assessment tells us that oils fraud continues to be a problem although there is evidence that the position has stabilised and slightly improved. The latest figures show that deliveries of legal product to Northern Ireland have risen for the first time in five years.

  The Government believe however that oils related fraud remains unacceptably high. On 4 July as chair of the OCTF, and on behalf of the Financial Secretary to the treasury too, I opened an Oils Fraud Expert Group Seminar. This drew together a wide range of agencies with an aim to develop a multi-agency strategy for tackling oil frauds in Northern Ireland. This group will meet again on 30 October.

  There have been some tremendous operations this year in this field. In June Customs & Excise detected a fuel laundering plant, seized 137 vehicles, including taxis, commercial and private vehicles and three filling stations all using illegal fuel.

  Illegal Drugs
  Mr. Bellingham
  "To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when he next expects to meet representatives of the security forces to discuss measures to combat the illegal drugs trade. [74023]

  Jane Kennedy
  I can confirm that the Organised Crime Task Force, which I chair, next meets on 29 October. Representatives of the security forces will be in attendance and I can inform you that in the second 370W
  annual threat assessment and strategy of the OCTF, which was launched on 23 May one of the areas for action is the illegal drugs trade.

  Northern Ireland is not threatened by the illegal drug trade to the same degree as other parts of the UK or the Western world and it is the aim of the Government to keep it that way.

  Electoral Fraud and Voter Intimidation
  Mike Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what measures he is taking to combat electoral fraud and voter intimidation. [74024]

  Desmond Browne
  It is the Government's intention that all the provisions of the Electoral Fraud (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 will be in place in time for the scheduled Northern Ireland Assembly election on 1 May 2003.

  The Act requires a canvass form and an application for voter registration to be signed by, and to include the date of birth and national insurance number (or a statement that he/she does not have a national insurance number) of, each of the persons to whom the form or application relates. The annual canvass, currently underway, is being conducted on the basis of these requirements.

  In addition, by the time of the next scheduled Assembly election it remains the Government's target that all voters will have to produce a form of photographic ID from the list of specified documents acceptable as proof of identity at the polling station. The photographic electoral identity card provided for by the Act will be required for by those voters who do not have a passport, photo driving licence or a Senior SmartPass (issued under the Northern Ireland Concessionary fares scheme for use from 1 May 2002). The electoral identity card will be issued to all those electors who require one following the publication of the electoral register on 1 December.

  Electoral Fraud
  Stephen Hesford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures to combat electoral fraud will be in place in time for the scheduled Northern Ireland Assembly election on 1 May 2003. [74273]

  Desmond Browne
  It is the Government's intention that all the provisions of the Electoral Fraud (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 will be in place in time for the scheduled Northern Ireland Assembly election on I May 2003. The annual canvass, currently under way, is being conducted on the basis of the requirements laid down by the Act. The next scheduled Assembly election will also remain our target for the removal of all forms of non-photographic ID from the list of specified documents acceptable as proof of identity at the polling station.

  Security
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, If he will make a statement on the security situation since 24 July. [74025]
  371W
  Jane Kennedy
  The Government abhor the hate-inspired violence which predominated in the interface areas of North and East Belfast during the summer months. Police were repeatedly attacked with blast bombs, petrol bombs, acid bombs, bricks and other missiles. They also came under live gunfire from both communities. However, the security forces established a high profile on both sides of the community and the adoption of a number of physical security measures and the introduction of CCTV have brought a measure of calm to these troubled areas.

  Budget
  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how much of the 2002–03 budget for the Northern Ireland Office is earmarked for policing. [74026]

  Jane Kennedy
  The DEL (Departmental Expenditure Limit) for the NIO for 2002–03 is as follows:

  Resource DEL

  £1,068,689,000

  Capital DEL

  £55,494,000

  £1,124,183,000

  The following is earmarked for policing*:

  Resource

  £592,159,000

  Capital

  £19,907,000

  £612,066,000

  Note

  (*This is for direct policing only—these figures do not include Patten redundancy and non-redundancy money)

  Human Rights Commission
  Mr. Cawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission will submits its third annual report as required by paragraph 5(1) of Schedule 7 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998. [77014]

  Desmond Browne
  I have today laid before Parliament the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission's third Annual Report.

PRIME MINISTER

  Palestine
  David Winnick
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will state Her Majesty's Government's policy towards a viable and sovereign Palestinian state in the occupied territories; and what recent discussion he has had with President Bush on this issue. [76307]

  The Prime Minister
  By this year's end, we must have revived final status negotiations and they must have explicitly as their aims: an Israeli state free from terror, recognised by the Arab world, and a viable Palestinian state based on the boundaries of 1967. I have had several recent, conversations with President Bush on this issue. We share the aim, set out in his statement on 24 June, of 372W
  a final status agreement within three years. We will continue to work closely and urgently with the US, EU, UN, Russia and regional States to realise this goal.

  Organisation on Security and Co-operation in Europe
  Mr. Michael Jabez Foster
  To ask the Prime Minister what changes there are in the composition of the United Kingdom Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation on Security and Co-operation in Europe. [77264]

  The Prime Minister
  The hon. Member for Congleton (Mrs. Winterton) replaces the hon. Member for Mid Sussex (Mr. Soames) as a full member of the Delegation.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Malin
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the circumstances in which asylum applicants from abroad will be entitled to advice from lawyers who would be publicly funded to travel abroad to take instructions and give advice. [75417]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  Lawyers in England and Wales wanting to travel abroad to see the client in person need the prior authority of the Legal Services Commission (LSC) if they wish to claim the expense from public funds.

  The LSC would only authorise expenditure in exceptional circumstances—if an interview was absolutely necessary, and there was no reasonable alternative such as communication by telephone, post, fax or video link. Sponsors, relatives or friends of a client based in the UK could also be used as a channel for instructions. Lawyers abroad could also be used as agents and paid out of public funds. In most cases where asylum applicants have been removed, the client would have been able to discuss his or her case in detail with a legal adviser before removal.

  Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service
  Siobhain McDonagh
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he will publish the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service's annual report and accounts 2001–02. [77265]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) has published its Annual Report and Accounts 2001–02 today. Copies of the Annual Report and Accounts 2001–02 have been placed in the libraries of both Houses. Further copies may be obtained from the Stationery Office.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

  School Census
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if(a) pupils and (b) the parents of pupils can access information gathered by the Pupil Level Annual School Census. [73755]
  373W
  Mr. Miliband
  Pupils, or in certain circumstances their parents, can obtain a copy of their record in the National Pupil Database which combines information from the Pupil Level Annual Schools Census with details of their Key Stage results and, in future, examination results. Some aspects of the arrangements, including how the role of the parents as opposed to the pupil may vary for pupils of different ages, are still being considered.

  Advertising
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much money her Department has spent on advertising in the Guardian in (a) the current and (b) the past financial year. [75629]

  Stephen Twigg
  Departmental spend on advertising in the Guardian for the periods specified are as follows:2001–2002 = £334,062.93
  2002–2003 (to end Sept) =£79,429.

  The Department uses national press advertising, including the Guardian, for a variety of reasons, including informational or publicity purposes and for internal and external recruitment exercises.

  School Transport
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what are the(a) current and (b) potential future funding opportunities for local authorities to offer home to school transport for those currently not entitled to free transport under the Education Act 1996. [75599]

  Stephen Twigg
  Compulsory school age pupils are entitled to free transport if their nearest suitable school is beyond statutory walking distance from their home. In other circumstances, LEAs have the discretion to provide help with travel in accordance with their own locally determined policies and priorities. Although we keep the arrangements under regular review we will not consider changing the current system for compulsory school age children unless we have clear evidence that an alternative system is fairer.

  For post-16 students, there is a duty on LEAs to determine what is necessary to meet their particular local circumstances. In addition, as a result of a recommendation from the study commissioned by DfES into transport support and services for post 16 students in further education, £9 million has been made available in 2002–03 to 60 LEAs under the Transport Pathfinder Initiative. The initiative will run from April 2002 to July 2003. Their purpose is to test and develop different approaches to transport support and services and will be evaluated in order to inform future transport policy.

  Worship (Schools)
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what her policy is on collective acts of worship in(a) primary and (b) secondary schools; and if she will make a statement. [75477]

  Mr. Miliband
  The current policy regarding collective worship is set out in the Department for Education and Skills circular 1/94. All registered pupils attending a374W
  maintained school, primary or secondary, should take part in a daily act of collective worship. This act of collective worship should be wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character.

  Exam Marks
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action is being taken to improve the efficiency of the way exam marks are related to pupils. [75097]

  Stephen Twigg
  The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority is responsible for ensuring the efficient delivery of exam results in England. We have recently strengthened their powers in the Education Act 2002. An Examinations Taskforce, which will include the awarding bodies, QCA and representatives of teachers, schools and colleges, is being established to oversee the delivery of examinations in 2003.

  Teaching Vacancies (Essex)
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will give special assistance to schools in Essex which are encountering difficulty in filling teaching staff vacancies. [75471]

  Mr. Miliband
  Essex has benefited from the full range of Government measures introduced since 1997 to improve teacher recruitment—Training Salaries, Golden Hellos, extra pay flexibilities, an enhanced Graduate Teacher Programme, and funding for Recruitment Strategy Managers within local education authorities. In 2001–02 Essex schools received £1,867,000 from the Recruitment and Retention Fund, and in 2002–03 this was increased to £2,120,000. Essex schools will also benefit, from April 2003, from the increased spending on education announced in the Comprehensive Spending Review.

  New School Building, Milton Keynes
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when funds will be made available for new school building in Milton Keynes. [75909]

  Mr. Miliband
  Applications from all Local Education Authorities (LEAs) for three-year funding commencing in 2003–04 for New Pupil Places (Basic Need) were invited in September. These applications are currently being assessed. This support is for additional school places in areas of population growth where there is no more capacity in all schools in the surrounding area. The funding is not necessarily for new schools, and can be used to increase the number of places at existing schools. We will be announcing Basic Need allocations for 2003–04 in December.

  The building of new schools and additional accommodation at existing schools can also be funded from other capital programmes provided by the Department, including the Private Finance Initiative and Targeted Capital Fund (for which applications should be received by 3 January 2003), and from formulaic funding allocated to all LEAs and schools.
  375W

  Foreign Teachers
  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) how many foreign teachers in full-time education in the state sector are from(a) European Union countries and (b)non-European Union countries; [75934]

  (2) how many teachers from abroad are employed in the full-time teaching of non-linguistic subjects within the state sector. [75935]

  Mr. Miliband
  The information is not collected centrally.

  Teacher Qualifications
  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) with which countries the UK shares reciprocity in the field of teacher qualifications; [75936]

  (2) which countries' teacher qualifications are recognised and accepted in the United Kingdom. [75937]

  Mr. Miliband
  European Community law provides for the mutual recognition of school teaching qualifications gained within the territory of the European Economic Area. Under the Education (Teachers' Qualifications and Health Standards) (England) Regulations 1999, as amended, teachers with qualifications from other countries may work as instructors in maintained schools in England for up to four years without gaining Qualified Teacher Status.

  Additional Educational Needs
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what links her Department has identified between additional educational needs and social and economic factors and indicators, other than parental take-up of income support and working families tax credit. [75978]

  Mr. Miliband
  To investigate the links between additional educational needs (AEN) and deprivation indicators, the department commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers to research the incidence of pupils with AEN and the costs of meeting their needs. They found that the number of pupils eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) was the strongest factor explaining variation in reported social need. They also found that the number of pupils with English as an additional language was strongly linked to non-social measures of AEN. They also looked at several ward based measures such as Long term unemployment, the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) and the Access domain from the IMD, but found that these indicators were not as good at explaining variations in reported need as the standard FSM data.

  The department also considered a number of other measures of deprivation: from the 1991 census, such as rented accommodation or low social class; and from the Labour Force Survey, such as the proportion of working age adults with no qualifications. Many of these measures showed some statistical relationship with low attainment suggesting they could be used as a proxy for AEN. However, they are also all highly related to parental take up of income support, which is
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  the most consistently strong factor explaining variation in low attainment between different authorities, schools and pupils.

  Teachers' Pension Fund
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions she has had with the Treasury on the future of the Teachers' Pension Fund. [75980]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: The Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS) is an unfunded scheme. Periodic valuations of the scheme are carried out by the Government Actuary to establish the liabilities and notional assets of the scheme. The valuation determines the contribution rate paid by the employers of TPS members.

  With the agreement of Treasury, I am currently consulting teacher and employer representatives and other interested parties on changes to the valuation methodology. Under the existing provisions of the Teachers' Pensions Regulations, the notional fund is deemed to have delivered the average rate of return achieved by the largest invested pension funds. However, likely interest returns to the stock market performance of notional assets is unlikely to produce a stable assessment of the cost of providing public service pensions, particularly over the short to medium term, or to reflect the risks and costs to government of financing the pensions in payment. The Government wishes to reflect these costs more appropriately, remove the financial uncertainty about the performance of notional assets, and provide greater stability in employer contribution rates. I am, therefore, consulting on the proposal that, instead of tracking the returns of invested pension funds, the method of crediting investing returns to the notional fund should be based on a rate of returns which the Government Actuary advises as being appropriate for the valuation of a public service pension scheme. The consultation period ends on 8 November.

  Dyslexic Teachers
  Mr. Liddell-Grainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) how many dyslexic teachers there are in English schools; and how many there are in each county; [76134]

  (2) who is responsible for recruiting dyslexic teachers in English schools, broken down by type of school. [76135]

  Mr. Miliband
  Responsibility for the employment of teachers in maintained schools in England rests with Local Education Authorities and school governing bodies. It is for employers to determine whether a prospective teacher is medically fit to carry out their duties in accordance with the Education (Teachers' Qualifications and Health Standards) (England) Regulations 1999, as amended. Information on the number of dyslexic teachers employed at schools in England is not collected centrally.
  377W

  ASACs
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills under what circumstances a school will have a duty to admit a child living in an asylum seekers' accommodation centre. [76143]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: The Department intends to ensure that the education of children in the accommodation centres will be provided, wherever possible, in-house. However, there may be some circumstances, for example, if a child has severe or complex Special Educational Needs that would be met more appropriately through provision available in a special school; or a child fluent in English who could benefit from the education available in a mainstream school; when the learning needs of a child requires provision to be made available outside the centre.

  Computers
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to the written answer of 24 July 2002,Official Report, column 1369W, on computers, what evaluation has been made of the success of the Computers Within Reach scheme; and how this will inform future policy on the Computers Within Reach concept. [76026]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  The Computers Within Reach Scheme closed on 31 October 2001 having delivered over 24,000 recycled computers to people in 22 pilot areas, at a cost of £7.1 million over two years. Those eligible were in receipt of certain working age benefits or a State Pension with minimum income guarantee.

  An evaluation was conducted, and a copy has been placed in the Libraries. Positive findings included:
  83 per cent. of recipients surveyed were satisfied with their computer;
  the average weekly usage of the computer by recipients stood at just over 8 hours per week; and
  on average 3 other individuals, besides the recipient, were making use of the computer in each household.

  However, the report also highlighted difficulties with the scheme, which included:
  there being no cost-effective solution for delivery of units to individuals;
  even though 83 per cent. of recipients surveyed were satisfied with their computer. just under half had experienced problems with it and nearly 75 per cent. of those people said they were not supported to overcome the difficulties; and
  only 51 per cent. were satisfied with the level of service provided.

  In view of these difficulties, we considered carefully whether to repeat the scheme against alternatives that might provide more effective access to ICT and learning opportunities for those currently without access.

  We concluded that we should not run another phase of the Computers Within Reach Scheme but channel the remaining £7.9 million into purchasing wireless technology equipment and laptops for Adult and Community Learning Centres serving deprived wards around the country. This will open up access to equipment and training for an estimated 335,000 learners over a three year period—far more than the number who would have benefited from an extension of the Computers Within Reach Scheme. These learners will be offered regular, supported access to the learning
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  potential of the Internet and the communication potential of e-mail. Access to the Internet will mean that, for the first time for many, access to e-Government and e-Democracy can be a reality.

  School Funding
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) how she will change the education funding formula to provide a more even funding system for pupils in rural and inner city schools; [75886]

  (2) what steps she will take to ensure that current proposals for funding in schools will not accelerate increased spending for inner city pupils over those students in rural areas; [75887]

  (3) what steps she is taking to secure more even distribution of funding for pupils and schools in rural and inner city areas; [75888]

  (4) if she will consider Option 5, put forward by the F40 Group, to secure a more even distribution of funding for pupils between rural and inner city schools; [75889]

  (5) what plans she has to improve the basic allowance per pupil in the worst-funded education authorities, with specific reference to Shropshire; [75890]

  (6) what steps she is taking to reduce the funding gap between education authorities in urban and rural areas. [75891]

  Mr. Miliband
  The Government will consider carefully all responses to the consultation on Local Government Finance, and all suggested further options before taking decisions on the new Local Government funding system, to be introduced for 2003–04. Decisions on the balance between the basic entitlement and extra funding for additional educational needs will be decided on the basis of evidence about pupil characteristics and cost of provision: this will determine the distribution of funding between urban and rural authorities and will be announced by early December with the local authority finance settlement.

  Promotions in Schools
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the amount of commercial activity and sponsorship targeted at children through their schools in each of the last five years and the amount of money such promotional activity has raised. [76388]

  Mr. Miliband
  We do not collect data centrally on the amount of commercial activity and sponsorship, or funds raised, locally in schools. Well thought-out commercial support can add value to school life and provide welcome additional resources. Last Autumn, we issued guidelines—"Commercial activities in schools: Best practice principles"—so that schools can make informed and sensible decisions about the nature of business involvement. The guidelines make clear that schools should satisfy themselves that the educational benefits of the commercial activity outweigh the potential disbenefits; that it is free of incentives to children to engage in unhealthy, unsafe or unlawful

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  activities; that explicit sales messages are avoided wherever possible; and that the level of any branding is appropriate to the activity.

  Pupil Funding
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the total grant per pupil allocated to each local education authority. [76275]

  Mr. Miliband
  The table below shows the Department's total recurrent grant per pupil allocated to each local education authority for the current financial year, 2002–03. This does not include funding through SSAs and Revenue Support Grant.

  2002–03

  Per Pupil

  201 City of London

  1,300

  202 Camden

  660

  203 Greenwich

  640

  204 Hackney

  740

  205 Hammersmith and Fulham

  660

  206 Islington

  730

  207 Kensington and Chelsea

  730

  208 Lambeth

  680

  209 Lewisham

  630

  210 Southwark

  650

  211 Tower Hamlets

  810

  212 Wandsworth

  590

  213 Westminster

  640

  301 Barking and Dagenham

  450

  302 Barnet

  380

  303 Bexley

  310

  304 Brent

  480

  305 Bromley

  330

  306 Croydon

  400

  307 Ealing

  460

  308 Enfield

  440

  309 Haringey

  640

  310 Harrow

  360

  311 Havering

  330

  312 Hillingdon

  350

  313 Hounslow

  470

  314 Kingston upon Thames

  380

  315 Merton

  390

  316 Newham

  600

  317 Redbridge

  340

  318 Richmond upon Thames

  330

  319 Sutton

  310

  320 Waltham Forest

  570

  330 Birmingham

  560

  331 Coventry

  440

  332 Dudley

  350

  333 Sandwell

  460

  334 Solihull

  360

  335 Walsall

  390

  336 Wolverhampton

  540

  340 Knowsley

  620

  341 Liverpool

  600

  342 St. Helens

  450

  343 Sefton

  460

  344 Wirral

  450

  350 Bolton

  420

  351 Bury

  370

  352 Manchester

  670

  353 Oldham

  500

  354 Rochdale

  520

  355 Salford

  600

  356 Stockport

  360

  357 Tameside

  400

  358 Trafford

  350

  359 Wigan

  390

  380W

  2002–03

  Per Pupil

  370 Barnsley

  440

  371 Doncaster

  400

  372 Rotherham

  510

  373 Sheffield

  560

  380 Bradford

  580

  381 Calderdale

  410

  382 Kirklees

  450

  383 Leeds

  520

  384 Wakefield

  400

  390 Gateshead

  490

  391 Newcastle upon Tyne

  530

  392 North Tyneside

  470

  393 South Tyneside

  500

  394 Sunderland

  460

  420 Isles of Scilly

  2,370

  800 Bath and North East Somerset

  350

  801 Bristol, City of

  480

  802 North Somerset

  360

  803 South Gloucestershire

  350

  805 Hartlepool

  440

  806 Middlesbrough

  540

  807 Redcar and Cleveland

  480

  808 Stockton-on-Tees

  540

  810 Kingston Upon Hull, City of

  470

  811 East Riding of Yorkshire

  360

  812 North East Lincolnshire

  400

  813 North Lincolnshire

  390

  815 North Yorkshire

  370

  816 York

  380

  820 Bedfordshire

  390

  821 Luton

  460

  825 Buckinghamshire

  370

  826 Milton Keynes

  370

  830 Derbyshire

  360

  831 Derby

  440

  835 Dorset

  370

  836 Poole

  320

  837 Bournemouth

  320

  840 Durham

  430

  841 Darlington

  390

  845 East Sussex

  370

  846 Brighton and Hove

  410

  850 Hampshire

  320

  851 Portsmouth

  390

  852 Southampton

  340

  855 Leicestershire

  330

  856 Leicester

  490

  857 Rutland

  440

  860 Staffordshire

  320

  861 Stoke-on-Trent

  520

  865 Wiltshire

  340

  866 Swindon

  330

  867 Bracknell Forest

  330

  868 Windsor and Maidenhead

  360

  869 West Berkshire

  360

  870 Reading

  450

  871 Slough

  480

  872 Wokingham

  320

  873 Cambridgeshire

  330

  874 Peterborough

  390

  875 Cheshire

  340

  876 Halton

  480

  877 Warrington

  330

  878 Devon

  350

  879 Plymouth

  340

  880 Torbay

  340

  881 Essex

  330

  882 Southend-on-Sea

  360

  883 Thurrock

  390

  884 Herefordshire

  410

  885 Worcestershire

  350

  886 Kent

  330

  887 Medway

  340

  888 Lancashire

  380

  381W

  2002–03

  Per Pupil

  889 Blackburn with Darwen

  560

  890 Blackpool

  390

  891 Nottinghamshire

  340

  892 Nottingham

  630

  893 Shropshire

  370

  894 Telford & Wrekin

  400

  908 Cornwall

  370

  909 Cumbria

  400

  916 Gloucestershire

  360

  919 Hertfordshire

  320

  921 Isle of Wight

  390

  925 Lincolnshire

  360

  926 Norfolk

  400

  928 Northamptonshire

  340

  929 Northumberland

  420

  931 Oxfordshire

  350

  933 Somerset

  360

  935 Suffolk

  340

  936 Surrey

  300

  937 Warwickshire

  360

  938 West Sussex

  310

  Notes:

  1 Figures reflect all revenue grants in DfES's DEL relevant to pupils aged 4–19.

  2 Grant figures exclude funds that include ages below 4 year olds EMA and LSC.

  3 Pupil numbers underlying the £s per pupil are those underlying the SSA settlement calculations (all sub-blocks).

  4 Figures rounded to nearest £10. Difference figures may not sum due to rounding

  5 2002–03 figures are provisonal estimates as decisions on some funding allocations have yet to be finalized.

  The figures are thus liable to be revised later on in the year.

  LEA Costs
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will estimate for the latest year for which information is available the total amount not devolved by each local education authority to its schools; and if she will estimate in each case the amount of money spent by the LEA on its staff and other overheads and administration costs. [76160]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 22 October 2002]: The information requested has been placed in the Libraries.

  Beacon School
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list(a) primary and (b) secondary schools in Trafford which have been awarded Beacon status. [76403]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 22 October 2002]: There are 5 Beacon schools in Trafford:

  Primary

  King's Road Primary School

  St Mary's Church of England Primary School

  Wellfield Infant and Nursery School

  Woodhouse Primary School

  Secondary

  Ashton on Mersey School

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the grammar schools which have been awarded Beacon status, giving the local authority area in each case. [76404]
  382W
  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 22 October 2002]: 30 grammar schools have been awarded Beacon status. They are:

  Aylesbury High School

  Buckinghamshire

  Caistor Grammar School

  Lincolnshire

  Chelmsford County High School for Girls Essex

  Colyton Grammar School

  Devon

  Dartford Grammar School

  Kent

  Dartford Grammar School for Girls

  Kent

  Devonport High School for Girls

  Plymouth

  Kendrick Girls' Grammar School

  Reading

  King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls

  Birmingham

  Maidstone Grammar School for Girls

  Kent

  Nonsuch High School for Girls

  Sutton

  Parkstone Grammar School

  Poole

  Pate's Grammar School

  Gloucestershire

  Queen Elizabeth Grammar School

  Cumbria

  Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet

  Barnet

  Queen Mary's High School

  Walsall

  South Wilts Grammar School for Girls

  Wiltshire

  St Bernard's Convent School

  Slough

  Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls

  Birmingham

  The Crossley Heath School

  Calderdale

  The Folkestone School for Girls

  Kent

  The King's School, Grantham

  Lincolnshire

  The Rochester Grammar School for Girls

  Medway

  The Tiffin Girls' School

  Kingston upon Thames

  Tonbridge Grammar School for Girls

  Kent

  Torquay Boys' Grammar School

  Torbay

  Wellington High School for Girls

  Sutton

  Westcliff High School for Boys

  Southend-on-Sea

  Westcliff High School for Girls

  Southend-on-Sea

  Wolverhampton Girls' High School

  Wolverhampton

  Child Mental Health
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to her answer of 19 September,Official Report, column 121W, on mental health, if schools (a) are obliged to promote the mental health of their pupils, (b) have a mechanism for detecting mental health problems and (c) have regular contact with the local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. [76579]

  Stephen Twigg
  My hon. Friend David Miliband, in his written answer of 19 September, outlined the ways the Secretary of State aims to ensure that children's mental health needs are being met. In June 2001 the Department issued guidance, Promoting Children'sMental Health within Early Years and School Settings. This is strongly recommended and we would expect schools to have regard to it.

  The guidance is designed to help teachers and others working alongside mental health professionals to identify children and young people's mental health needs, and sets out useful approaches for how these needs might be met. The advice in the guidance is backed up by illustrative case studies.

  The guidance also includes a section on the work of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). The Department commissioned a research project into effective collaboration between schools and CAMHS which will be available later this year.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to her answer of 19 September,Official Report, column 121W, on mental health if (a) BEST teams members will receive training in children's mental health and (b) BEST teams will contain mental health specialists. [76580]
  383W
  Stephen Twigg
  The aims of Behaviour and Educational Support Teams (BESTs) are to promote emotional well-being, positive behaviour and school attendance among children and young people. They help in the identification and support of those with, or at risk of developing, emotional and behavioural problems, through the provision of multi-agency support in schools and to individual families.

  BESTs will take part in training which covers many areas of multi-agency working and related subject areas. This will include children's mental health issues.

  There are a number of professional disciplines which may be appropriately represented within the BEST. The precise skills balance will be decided locally, in line with the priorities agreed for the BEST, provision already available in schools and the resource available across the LEA and partner agencies. DfES guidelines suggest teams should contain a complementary mix of education, social work and health skills in order to meet the multi-faceted needs of children, young people and their parents.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to her answer of 19 September,Official Report, column 121W, on mental health, if Ofsted's draft framework for inspection requires an inspection of schools' ability to promote pupils' mental health and detect and handle pupils' mental health problems. [76581]

  Stephen Twigg
  This is a matter for the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted). HM Chief Inspector for Schools, David Bell will write to the hon. Gentleman and a copy will be placed in the Library.

  Returning Teachers
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many teachers returning to teaching this academic year have claimed the returner bonus. [76587]

  Mr. Miliband
  Approximately one thousand claims for reimbursement of Welcome Back Bonus payments made by Local Education Authorities have so far been processed by my Department.

  Teachers' Pay
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recommendations of the Pay Review report of January 2002 her Department adopted in calculating teacher pay scales. [76588]

  Mr. Miliband
  My right hon. Friend accepted all recommendations made by the School Teachers' Review Body in January 2002 that fell within their statutory remit.

  Mathematics
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to commission a mathematics working group to look at the problem of recruitment of mathematics teachers. [76590]

  Mr. Miliband
  My right hon. Friend has no present plans to set up any further working groups to look at the recruitment of maths teachers.
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  Home Education
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to allow parents who opt to educate their children at home to access Government-sponsored National Curriculum Materials. [76591]

  Stephen Twigg
  Home educating parents are not required to teach the National Curriculum but the Government recognises their right and supports them in this matter.

  The recent developments of the Department's website allow all children, those attending schools as well as those educated at home, to access:
  The National Curriculum, which sets out the knowledge, skills, understanding and breadth of study for each subject, at each key stage;
  The Schemes of Work and programmes of study, which are designed to help teachers plan lessons and are published by the QCA;
  A series of Parent Topic guides which link to aspects of the National Curriculum.

  The Department has compiled a fact sheet regarding home education which is available to parents and local education authorities on request and can be downloaded from the Department's web site at: www.dfes.gov.uk/parents/learning/home Documents are also available by telephoning our Department stationery office at Prolog on 0845 602 2260.

  Education Expenditure
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of the total education budget in 2001–02 was taken up by(a) assessment of students, (b) assessment of teachers and schools through inspection and (c) assessment of teacher training through inspection. [76597]

  Mr. Miliband
  The cost of overseeing the assessment of students through the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority represented 0.2 per cent. of the total education budget of almost £40 billion for England in 2001–02. No data is held centrally on the overall costs of exam fees and associated assessment costs payable by schools. OfSTED, working with the Adult Learning Inspectorate in some circumstances, is responsible for(b) and (c). The sum of the Inspectorates' budgets was £183 million in 2001–02 or 0.5 per cent. of the total education budget, although some of this was spent on inspecting pre-school and non-schools post-16 providers as well as schools and teachers.

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Hepburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of lone parents exclusively(a) use registered childcare services and (b) rely on informal childcare in (i) Jarrow constituency, (ii) the North East and (iii) the UK. [76623]

  Mr. Miliband
  This data is unavailable at constituency or regional level. The latest national survey carried out by the National Centre for Social Research on behalf of DfES shows that in England, 29 per cent. of all lone parents had used formal childcare in the past
  385W
  year and 73 per cent. of all lone parents had used informal childcare in the past year. There is no information on exclusive usage. The study "Repeat Study of Parents Demand for Childcare" was published by the DfES in May 2002.

  Teacher Assaults
  Mr. Damian Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many teachers have been the subject of(a) physical assaults, (b) verbal assaults and (c) other threatening behaviour from (i) children and (ii) parents in each year since 1988. [76776]

  Mr. Miliband
  The Department has not collected this information. However, 135 serious injuries to teachers in Great Britain caused by physical violence were reported to the Health and Safety Executive in both 1999–2000 and 2000–01; data for 2001–02 are not yet available. This figure includes major injuries, and also injuries which resulted in more than three days' absence from work, as a result of assault reported to the HSE under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995. Information is not available on whether the assaults were carried out by children, parents or others.

  Teachers (Criminal Checks)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the cost of the delay to the completion of the checks on newly qualified teachers by the Criminal Records Bureau has been; and if she will make a statement. [76804]

  Mr. Miliband
  We have asked a number of Local Education Authorities to provide estimates of the costs incurred by schools as a result of delays by the Criminal Records Bureau in the completion of checks, but it will not be possible to identify separately the cost incurred as a result of delays in completing checks on newly qualified teachers only.

CABINET OFFICE

  Public Services (Electronic Access)
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make a statement on the level of electronic access to the main public services. [75727]

  Mr. Douglas Alexander
  The latest survey of departments shows that 52 per cent. of government services are available online. The full results of the survey are available on the website of the Office of the e-Envoy at http://www.e-envoy.gov.uk/oee/oee.nsf/sections/reports-esd-spring-2002/$file/esdrep-spring-2002.htm.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

  Web Sites
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the web site links associated with his Department, including sites now dormant or closed, and indicating whether they are live, dormant or closed; what the start up costs were for each site listed; what the operating 386W
  costs were in each year since start up for each site; which company hosted each site; that assessment takes place for each site; which company does the assessment; if he will place the assessment reports in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [75586]

  Mr. Christopher Leslie
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has responsibility for a number of primary web sites in addition to the main Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's web site (www.odpm.gov.uk). It is not possible to state the start up costs as the site has been created out of the former DTLR (and before that, DETR) web site. The annual cost of running the web site is currently £85,000 (excluding staff costs). The web hosting company is EduServ, who are based in Bath. There has been no assessment of the ODPM web site, as it has only existed since the creation of the Office earlier this year. Because not all sites are managed centrally, information about every web site could only be provided at disproportionate cost. However, the following are primary sites listed on our main web site and are live unless specified:

  Fire safety Campaign web sites

  www.firekills.gov.uk

  www.community-fire-safety.org.uk

  www.community-fire-safety.co.uk

  www.arsoncontrolforum.gov.uk

  www.firesafetytoolbox.org.uk

  Department for Transport, Local

  www.dtlr.gov.uk

  Government and the Regions (dormant)

  Urban Summit event web site

  www.urbansummit.gov.uk

  Independent review of the Fire Service

  www.irfs.org.uk

  Government Office regional

  www.rcu.gov.uk

  Co-ordination Unit and Government Offices

  www.go-east.gov.uk

  www.goyh.gov uk

  www.go-em.gov.uk

  www.go-london.gov.uk

  www.go-nw.gov.uk

  www.go-ne.gov.uk

  www.gosw.gov.uk

  www.go-wm.gov.uk

  www.go-se.gov.uk

  Neighbourhood Renewal web sites

  www.neighbourhoodrenewal.gov.uk

  www.neighbourhood.gov.uk

  Best Value Performance

  www.bvpi.gov.uk

  Indicators (BVPI) interactive web site

  Central government

  www.info4local.gov.uk

  information for local government

  Supporting People web sites

  www.spkweb.org.uk

  www.bmespark.org.uk (live from 1 November 2002)

  Fire Service College

  www.fireservicecollege.ac.uk

  Planning Inspectorate

  www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk

  Queen Elizabeth II Centre

  www.qeiicc.co.uk

  The Rent Service

  www.therentservice.gov.uk

  Local Government
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many English local authorities who were debt-free were(a) Conservative, (b) Liberal, (c) Labour and (d) under no overall control in the latest year for which figures are available. [76381]

  Mr. Raynsford
  104 directly elected English local authorities have reported that they had debt-free status as at 1 April 2002. On 10 May 2002, 49 were
  387W
  Conservative. 10 were Liberal Democrat, six were Labour, seven were Independent and 32 were under no overall control.

  Source: Capital Estimates Return 2002–03.

  For the purposes of this return, an authority is "debt-free" only if:

  (a) at 31 March 2002, the authority's credit ceiling was nil or a negative amount and

  (b) at 1 April 2002, the authority had no money outstanding by way of external borrowing other than short-term borrowing or hard to redeem debt, as defined in Regulation 154 of the Local Authorities (Capital Finance) Regulations 1997.

  Regional Assemblies
  Andrew George
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) how many responses to the Government's regional Government White Paper(a) favoured, (b) opposed and (c) suggested alternatives to devolved regional assemblies based on the Government's favoured boundaries, broken down by the region of the address of each response. [76088]

  (2) how many responses to the White Paper, Your Region: Your Choice, as a proportion of the total (a) were from Cornwall and (i) favoured the concept of setting up an elected Cornish Assembly and (ii) favoured regional Government based on the Government's favoured boundaries, (b) were from addresses outside Cornwall and favoured an elected Cornish Assembly,(c)were from the Government's South West zone and favoured a regional assembly based on the Government's favoured boundaries, (d) were from Cornwall and opposed any form of regional assembly and (e) were from addresses outside Cornwall but within the Government's South West zone and opposed any form of regional assembly. [76091]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Government did not formally consult on any specific aspects of the White Paper other than on involvement of stakeholders in the work of elected regional assemblies. Nevertheless, we are currently undertaking an analysis of all of the 1,100 formal responses received on the White Paper—I will write to the hon. Member once this has been completed and will place a copy of the letter in the library of the House.

  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what role he envisages for English regional assemblies in the governance of(a) trading standards and (b) the meat inspection service. [75931]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Meat Hygiene Service is an executive agency of the Food Standards Agency and provides consistent standards of inspection and enforcement services across England, Scotland and Wales. Enforcement of trading standards is the responsibility of local authorities. The Government has no plans to transfer these functions to elected regional assemblies in England. Our current proposals for the powers and responsibilities of elected regional assemblies are set out in chapter 4 of the White Paper Your Region, Your Choice (Cm 5511), which was published on 9 May.
  388W
  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has for regional assemblies in England to administer the inspection of non-animal foodstuffs upon arrival at a dock or airport within their region. [75918]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The enforcement and inspection of non-animal foodstuffs from third countries is the responsibility of local authorities at their point of import. The Government has no plans to transfer this function to elected regional assemblies.

  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has for the financial responsibility of the inspection of non-animal feedstuffs to be placed in the hands of regional assemblies in England. [75938]

  Mr. Raynsford
  This function is primarily the responsibility of the local authority trading standards services. The Government has no plans to transfer it to elected regional assemblies.

  Homeless Families
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many families, not including couples and single persons without children, were in bed-and-breakfast accommodation in each of the last three years for which figures are available. [76481]

  Ms Barbara Roche
  Information distinguishing the number of households with dependent children being accommodated in bed and breakfast has been collected this year for the first time. Based on responses from local authorities it is estimated that some 6,700 families were in such accommodation at the end of June 2002, unchanged from the corresponding March estimate. This was reported in the most recent quarterly Statistical Release on statutory homelessness, issued on 11 September.

  Mixed Communities
  Martin Linton
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the use of(a) vacant land and (b) unused buildings within council house estates in (i) Wandsworth and (ii) London by local planning authorities; and what further action he plans to encourage local authorities in London to develop a strategy for creating mixed communities using their planning powers. [76231]

  Mr. McNulty
  My right hon. Friend, the Deputy Prime Minister has made no specific assessment of the use of vacant land and unused buildings by local planning authorities within council house estates in Wandsworth or London. However, a national survey of brownfield land published in September 2002 showed that in 2001 some 4590 hectares of brownfield land were available for development in London. Planning Policy Guidance note 3 (Housing) states that all Local Planning Authorities should undertake urban housing capacity studies, coordinated by the Regional Planning Body. The studies should provide information about vacant land and properties in each authority's area. Detailed good practice guidance on capacity studies is provided in the PPG3 companion guide "Tapping the Potential". The last capacity assessment for all the
  389W
  Boroughs in London was supervised by the London Planning Advisory Committee and published by the GLA in September 2000.

  PPG3 also requires authorities to promote mixed and balanced communities both through their plans and in deciding individual planning applications. This includes securing an appropriate mix of dwelling size, type, and affordability.

  Starter Homes
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many key workers have received financial support through the Starter Homes Initiative in rural settlements; and how much has been spent by region in(a)2001–02 and (b) 2002–03 to date. [76251]

  Mr. McNulty
  The information requested is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. However information can be provided on Starter Home Initiative purchases in local authority areas containing rural settlements. I will write to the hon. Member when the information has been collated.

  Council Tax
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the average Band D council tax was in(a) Suffolk,(b)Newcastle and (c) England for (i) 1996–97, (ii) 1997–98, (iii) 1998–99, (iv) 1999–00, (v) 2000–01, (vi) 2001–02 and (vii) 2002–03. [75038]

  Mr. Leslie
  The average Band D area council tax for(a) Suffolk, (b) Newcastle upon Tyne and (c) England for 1996–97 to 2002–03 is as follows:

  All Figures are Rounded to the Nearest £

  Suffolk

  Newcastle Upon Tyne

  England

  (i)

  1996–1997

  610

  771

  646

  (ii)

  1997–1998

  651

  831

  688

  (iii)

  1998–1999

  706

  906

  748

  (iv)

  1999–2000

  761

  978

  798

  (v)

  2000–2001

  816

  1,006

  847

  (vi)

  2001–2002

  873

  1,050

  901

  (vii)

  2002–2003

  982

  1,129

  976

  Source:

  Budget Requirement returns provided by local authorities

HEALTH

  Radiotherapy
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) which health authorities have patients waiting for over 20 weeks from the time of referral following surgery to the time that radiotherapy treatment begins; [75761]

  (2) If he will list the NHS health authorities that measure waiting time (a) from the day radiotherapy treatment is prescribed and (b) from the time that planning and simulation is complete. [75750]

  Ms Blears
  Waiting times for radiotherapy treatment are not collected centrally. In order to tackle radiotherapy waiting times, we are making 390W
  unprecedented investment in new radiotherapy facilities, streamlining care processes through the cancer services collaborative and working to best utilise the current workforce and to increase the number of staff in post and in training.

  Cancer Research
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how the Government make choices in prioritising the allocation of its cancer research funding to tumour specific areas; and how needs-based access to these funds is ensured. [75746]

  Ms Blears
  The total Government expenditure on research into individual diseases, including cancer and different types of cancer, is not normally specifically allocated in advance. Expenditure is related to many variables, such as the quality of research proposals received and the relevance to National Health Service priorities.

  The Government supports health related research through three routes. The Medical Research Council (MRC), which is funded by the Department of Trade and Industry, is the main agency through which the Government supports research into the causes and treatment of disease including cancer. Some of the other research councils, especially the biotechnology and biological sciences research council, also fund relevant research.

  The Department and its equivalents in the devolved administrations meet the NHS support costs of the research councils' and charities' projects. The Department also funds research into policy development and the delivery of effective practice in health and social care. The higher education funding council for England and its equivalents in the devolved administrations fund the university academic base.

  Access to all these different forms of funding is by various means, with the mechanism depending on the nature and purpose of the research funding stream involved. The Government set up the national cancer research institute (NCRI) in April 2001, in partnership with the charities and the pharmaceutical industry. The NCRI is providing strategic oversight of cancer research across the United Kingdom. This will help to ensure that the nation's total investment in cancer research is directed to best effect.

  Children's Hospices
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the children's hospices broken down by region; and if he will make a statement. [75117]

  Ms Blears
  The association of children's hospices currently lists twenty eight children's hospices in England providing either hospice or hospice at home services. These are listed below by directorates of health and social care. [77048]

  North

  Brian House, Blackpool, Lancs

  The Butterwick Children's Hospice, Stockton on Tees

  Claire House Children's Hospice, Wirral

  Derian House Children's Hospice, Chorley, Lancs

  Eden Valley Children's Hospice, Carlisle

  391W

  Francis House Children's Hospice, Stockport

  Martin House, Wetherby

  Midlands and Eastern

  Acorns Children's Hospice (Selly Oak)

  Acorns Children's Hospice (Walsall)

  The Donna Louise Trust, Stoke-on-Trent*

  East Anglia Children's Hospices, Norwich

  East Anglia Children's Hospices, Cambridge

  East Anglia Children's Hospices, Ipswich

  Hope House, Nr Oswestry

  Iain Rennie Hospice at Home, Tring, Hefts*

  Keech Cottage Children's Hospice, Nr Luton

  Little Haven Children's Hospice, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex

  Rainbows Children's Hospice, Leicester

  South

  CHASE Children's Hospice (Christopher's), Guildford

  Chestnut Tree House, Worthing, West Sussex*

  Children's Hospice South West, Fremington, North Devon

  Demelza House Children's Hospice, Sittingbourne, Kent

  The Ellenor Foundation, Dartford, Kent*

  Helen House, Oxford

  James House Children's Hospice in the Home, Etchingham,

  East Sussex*

  Naomi House, Winchester

  St Andrew's Children's Hospice, Grimsby, North East

  Lincolnshire

  London

  Richard House, London

  Note:
  * Currently offering a hospice at home service.

  There are in addition a number of children's hospice projects at various stages of development, and organisations, which while not providing hospice services as such, contribute to the invaluable work of supporting children with serious and life threatening illnesses.

  NHS Ambulances
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS ambulances have been(a) de-commissioned, (b) sold, (c) lost, (d) vandalised and (e) stolen in each year for the last six years in (i) England and (ii) each NHS region. [75646]

  Mr. Lammy
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  District Nurses
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list the whole-time equivalent number of qualified district nurses in(a) England, (b) each NHS region and (c) each health authority in each of the last six years; [75644]

  (2) how many district nurses retired in (a) England, (b) each NHS region and (c) each health authority in each of the last six years. [75642]

  Mr. Hutton
  Information about the number of district nurses working in the National Health Service has been placed in the Library.

  Information about the number of district nurses retiring from the NHS is not collected centrally.
  392W
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many entered training to be a district nurse in England in each of the last six years. [75643]

  Mr. Hutton
  The number of nurses starting district nurse training in each of the last six years is shown in the table.

  Year

  Number of nurses starting practice nurse training

  1997–1998

  574

  1998–1999

  529

  1999–2000

  524

  2000–2001

  535

  2001–2002*

  570

  2002–2003**

  597

  Notes:

  * Figures for 2001–02 have not yet been validated

  ** Figures for 2002–03 are forecast and subject to change

  Source:

  Financial and Workforce Information Return

  Food Labelling
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to change the law governing the labelling of(a) lemon curd and (b) mincemeat; [74863]

  (2) what his policy is on the labelling of (a) lemon curd and (b) mincemeat. [74864]

  Ms Blears
  The Food Standards Agency has recently sought views on whether or not to retain regulations, which define the minimum content of key ingredients, such as lemon or dried fruit respectively, in lemon curd and mincemeat. When the responses to the consultation have been analysed the Agency will decide whether to propose changes to the rules.

  Hospices
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much of the money allocated to the NHS Cancer Plan for Specialist Palliative Care has gone to hospices. [76171]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: The NHS Cancer Plan, published in September 2000, pledged that the National Health Service contribution to the costs of specialist palliative care, including hospices, would increase by £50 million by 2004.

  Progress to date has been slow. We have therefore asked Professor Mike Richards, the National Cancer Director, to work with the NHS and the voluntary sector to develop proposals for a new approach to specialist palliative care funding that will ensure delivery of the £50 million increase and develop a mechanism to secure long term investment. Professor Richards has been asked to report to Ministers later this autumn.

  To support this initiative, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health announced on 2 October that we are making available an extra £10 million for specialist palliative care services in 2002–03. It will be for local health communities, with their voluntary sector partners, to decide how this funding should be deployed in support of the Cancer Plan objectives.
  393W
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money has been received by the Exeter Hospice from the NHS Cancer Plan for Specialist Palliative Care. [76170]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: I am advised by the South West Peninsular Strategic Health Authority that Exeter Hospiscare received £579,000 from the National Health Service this year. This is an increase of 3.6 per cent. and is in line with the current NHS funded inflation rate.

  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to respond to the letters of 7 May, 26 June and 2 September concerning hospice funding from the hon. Member for Tiverton and Honiton. [76172]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 17 October.

  Heart Patients
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many heart patients waiting for more than six months have subsequently opted to be treated in private hospitals in the last five years. [75529]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Kidney Transplants
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many kidney transplants were carried out in each of the last five years; and at what average cost. [75540]

  Mr. Lammy
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: Information on the number of kidney transplants in the United Kingdom over the last five years is shown in the table.

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Cadaveric kidney only

  1487

  1330

  1311

  1323

  1333

  Living donor kidney

  179

  252

  270

  348

  358

  Total Kidney only

  1666

  1582

  1581

  1671

  1691

  Kidney/pancreas

  21

  22

  31

  32

  41

  Kidney/heart

  2

  3

  2

  —

  4

  Kidney/pancreas/liver

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Total Kidney

  1689

  1608

  1614

  1703

  1736

  Data from the Reference Costs 2001 publication shows that average cost of an elective kidney transplant is £12,260. The annual cost of follow-up including the costs of anti-rejection therapy is £3,000 to £5,000 per patient.

  Electronic Patient Records
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what training is available to medical students to enable them to write electronic patient records. [75509]

  Mr. Lammy
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: Individual university medical schools determine their own undergraduate medical curriculum in the light of recommendations from the General Medical Council's
  394W
  (GMC's) education committee, which has the statutory responsibility to determine the extent and knowledge and skill required for the granting of primary medical qualifications in the United Kingdom.

  The education committee's most recent recommendations on undergraduate medical education are contained in Tomorrow's Doctors which was published in July 2002. It requires all graduates to be able to take and record a patient's history safely and effectively.

  The GMC's recommendations on general clinical training in the pre-registration house officer (PRHO) year cover medical informatics including how to use information storage and retrieval systems effectively. As part of their in-service training PRHOs are expected to become familiar with the information technology facilities of the hospital or health centre in which they are training.

  Eye Tests
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many people qualified for free NHS eye tests in the last year(a) as a percentage of the population and (b) broken down by patient type; [75544]

  (2) how many people had free NHS eye tests in each of the last five years. [75545]

  Mr. Lammy
  [holding answers 21 October 2002]: Information on the number of people having a National Health Service sight test is not available. Figures in the table relate numbers of NHS sight tests paid for by health authorities contracted under general ophthalmic services. Sight tests can not be equated to the numbers of patients. Although most people do not come back for a sight test within the year, some patients suffering from medical conditions are advised to have re-examinations sooner.

  Table 1: Number of GOS Sight Tests Paid for by Health Authorities from 1997–98 to 2001–02.

  England Year

  millions Number of sight test

  1997–98

  6.99

  1998–99

  6.99

  1999–2000

  9.40

  2000–01

  9.57

  2001–02

  9.81

  Note:

  Eligibility for NHS sight tests was extended to patients aged 60 and over from 1 April 1999.

  Table 2: Number of GOS Sight Tests Paid for by Health Authorities, by Patient Eligibility for the Year Ending 31 March 2002.

  England Eligibility group

  thousands Number of sight test

  Persons aged 60 and over

  4,013

  Children 0–15

  2,375

  Students 16–18

  488

  Adults receiving IS1

  1,082

  Adults receiving WFTC1

  413

  Adults receiving DPTC1

  37

  Adults receiving JSA1

  230

  Low income certificate holders (HC2)

  164

  395W

  Table 2: Number of GOS Sight Tests Paid for by Health Authorities, by Patient Eligibility for the Year Ending 31 March 2002.

  England Eligibility group

  thousands Number of sight test

  Registered blind/partially sighted

  19

  Diabetics/Glaucoma sufferers

  433

  Needs complex lenses

  61

  Relatives 40 & over2

  492

  Total NHS sight test

  9,807

  Notes:

  1 Income Support, Working Families Tax Credit, Disabled Persons Tax Credit and Job Seekers allowance.

  2 Close relatives of glaucoma sufferers aged 40 and over.

  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment has been made by his Department of the cost to optometrists of operating each free NHS eye test. [75546]

  Mr. Lammy
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: The Department has not commissioned any recent surveys to identify and itemise the costs of these independent contractors, which will vary from practice to practice. In negotiating the National Health Service sight test fee, the Department and the representative bodies for optometrists and ophthalmic medical practitioners put forward the factors they consider should be weighed in determining an appropriate fee level. For the Department, these are the state of recruitment, retention and motivation within the general ophthalmic service, together with affordability.

  GP Tsar
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many visits the GP tsar has made to Worthing in that capacity since his appointment. [75512]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: Professor David Colin-Thome, the National Clinical Director for Primary Care, has made two visits to Worthing since coming into office on the 1 May 2001.

  Health Protection Agency
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made with the transfer of the Public Health Authority to form the proposed new Health Protection Agency. [75507]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: Following plans in "Getting Ahead of the Curve" to transfer functions of the public health laboratory service (PHLS) and a number of other bodies to the proposed Health Protection Agency, we issued a consultation document on the necessary legislation in June 2002. We are now considering the replies and will announce our final decisions as soon as possible. Decisions about the transfer of the majority of the PH LS laboratories to the National Health Service were announced in September.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health where the headquarters of the new Health Protection Agency will be located. [74811]

  Ms Blears
  This would be for decision by the proposed Agency.
  396W

  NHS Property Sales
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the NHS properties sold in each of the last five years, with the proceeds raised; and what further sites have been identified for future disposal. [75526]

  Mr. Lammy
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: Details of individual National Health Service properties sold and the proceeds raised in each of the last five years are not collected centrally. The table shows the total proceeds raised from the sale of NHS properties in each of the last five years.

  Year

  Total Proceeds £million

  1997–1998

  471

  1998–1999

  500

  1999–2000

  593

  2000–2001

  676

  2001–2002

  511

  The total proceeds include transfers to and between trusts.

  Attached is a list of major NHS properties that have either been identified as surplus to requirements or may become surplus has been placed in the Library. In some instances no formal decision to sell has been made. In some cases only part of a site will or is likely to be sold.

  MRSA
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of MRSA have been reported in the last(a) six months and (b) year; and what new plans he has to combat this disease. [75567]

  Mr. Lammy
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: The most recent data available from the mandatory surveillance system are up to June 2002. The total number of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia reports in England received during from January to June 2002 and July 2001 to June 2002 are shown in the table.

  No of MRSA bacteraemia reports

  (a) Jan 2002–June 2002

  3525

  (b)July 2001–June 2002

  7203

  Source:

  Public Health Laboratory Service

  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 15 Apr 2002, Official Report, column 790W, which set out the main policy initiatives. The Chief Medical Officer's infectious disease strategy, Getting Ahead of the Curve, identified healthcare associated infection and antimicrobial resistance as priority areas and new targeted action plans to address both areas are currently being developed.

  Extending Patient Choice
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what hospitals were shortlisted by his Department to undertake heart operations under the Extending Patient Choice initiative. [75505]
  397W
  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 21 October 2002] Following a tender exercise to identify non-National Health Service hospitals for the treatment of patients under the coronary heart disease patient choice initiative, the following hospitals were shortlisted:

  United Kingdom

  BMI Park, Nottingham

  BMI Priory, Birmingham

  BMI, London Independent

  BMI Thornbury, Sheffield

  BUPA Bristol

  BUPA Cambridge

  BUPA Chalybeate, Southampton

  BUPA Leeds

  BUPA Leicester

  BUPA Washington

  HCA (Harley St Clinic, London Bridge Hospital, Wellington Hospital)

  HCI, Glasgow

  King Edward VII Hospital, Midhurst, Sussex

  Nuffield Leicester

  Yorkshire Clinic

  This shortlist does not preclude local commissioners from contracting with other hospitals, provided they have satisfied themselves that the relevant units satisfy value for money, quality of care and patient convenience criteria.

  European

  Azienda Ospedaliera Niguarda, Milan, Italy

  Clinique University UCL de Mont Godinne, Yvoir, Belgium

  Hopital Foch, Paris, France

  Imelda Hospital, Bonheiden, Belgium

  St Jan, Brugge, Belgium

  St Jean Hospital, Brussels, Belgium

  UZ University Hospital Gent, Belgium

  The shortlisted European hospitals are not guaranteed a contract and a team led by an NHS overseas treatment lead commissioner is taking forward discussions with these hospitals.

  Renal Services
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what paediatric (renal services are available in(a) East Anglia and (b) Wales. [75541]

  Mr. Lammy
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: Paediatric renal services are highly specialised. Children in the East Anglia area requiring treatment in a paediatric renal unit are referred to one of the national centres.

  The provision of health services in Wales is a matter for the Welsh Assembly.

  Upper Age Bars
  Mr. MacDougall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason there is an explicit upper age bar to(a) coronary care units and (b) cardiac rehabilitation units. [76131]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: It is an underlying principle of National Health Service care that access to services is based on clinical need alone. We are not aware of any NHS coronary care unit or rehabilitation service in England that restricts access to its services on the basis of age.
  398W
  Mr. MacDougall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason there is an explicit upper age limit for routine breast screening. [76130]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: The Forrest report, on which the National Health Service breast screening programme was based when it began in 1988, recommend that women aged 50 to 64 should be invited for breast screening. The Forrest report found that, in view of poor response rates, there was insufficient benefit to be gained by actively offering screening to women aged 65 or over. Women aged 65 and over are able to self-refer for breast screening every three years. Women who have participated in the programme are informed of this right at the age of 64.

  Government funded pilot studies have now shown that extending routine invitations for breast screening to women aged 65 to 70 is both feasible and cost-effective. The NHS Cancer Plan gave the commitment that the programme will be extended to women aged 70 by 2004.

  There is little research evidence to show whether population screening in the over 70s is effective in reducing mortality. What little evidence there is suggests that screening in this way may not be effective and could even do more harm than good to some women. However, for some individual women there will always be a clear benefit in screening. Women aged over 70 will be offered free three yearly screening on request, as are women aged 65 and over now.

  Hospital Trusts (West Surrey)
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) on what basis the £16.9 million cut in the income for 2002–03 was apportioned between the three acute hospital trusts in West Surrey; [75491]

  (2) for what reason an extra £16.9 million has been added to the 2002–03 income of the primary care trusts in West Surrey; [75492]

  (3) for what reason £7.9 million was cut from the 2002–03 income of the Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust in August; [75490]

  (4) for what reason £16.9 million was cut from the 2002–03 income of the three acute hospital trusts in West Surrey in August. [75494]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answers 21 October 2002]: The allocation to the local health community has, in real terms, increased by 6.89 per cent. over the previous year. The apportionment to the trusts of this increased income has been set on the basis of service level agreements and the additional investment will help deliver the NHS Plan targets locally.

  However, these agreements and the related trust budgets have had to be set on the basis of managing a long standing underlying financial deficit for the West Surrey health service community. The financial position last year was only achieved through the use of non-recurrent support of £15.6 million.

  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what additional financial and staff resources are being made available to the Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust to enable the implementation of its franchise plan. [75489]
  399W
  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: Additional growth, modernisation and specific financial assistance is being made available to the local health community representing a real uplift in allocation of 6.89 per cent. over the last year. Special assistance is being made available to the trust for reforming emergency care from the modernisation agency and additional resource of £8.4 million is being made available.

  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to bring to an end the Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust running a deficit budget. [75493]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: The management of the trust is a matter for the local health community managing within the context of Shifting the Balance of Power, local partnership and agreement. The underlying deficit will be resolved by the primary care trusts and National Health Service trusts within their three year plans. This will be performance managed through the local development plan which is currently being formulated by the Surrey and Sussex Strategic Health Authority.

  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health why the Franchise Plan for the Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust presented to the Government were not published until 10 October 2002. [75488]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: I am advised by Surrey & Sussex Strategic Health Authority that this was the planned date for publication.

  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what dates the 2002–03 budget was(a) formally finalised and (b) published for (i) the Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust and (ii) North Surrey Primary Care Trust. [75487]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: The financial framework was first received by the Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals National Health Service Trust board in June 2002.

  The allocation for the North Surrey Primary Care Trust, established in April 2002, was set in December 2001 and the primary care trust agreed the financial framework in September 2002.

  Food Testing
  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what instructions have been given to the Food Standards Agency in relation to its support of local councils responsible for the testing of imported food of non-animal origin. [75920]

  Ms Blears
  I am advised by the Food Standards Agency, which is responsible for issues of food safety, that the Agency's Board has directed the Agency to take forward a ten point plan aimed at improving the co-ordination of enforcement actions and the effectiveness of inspection of imports. The aims of the measures being taken forward include assisting the work of the local food authorities responsible for inspecting imports of products of non-animal origin in the enforcement of such controls.
  400W
  The Agency will be working closely with the local food authorities to ensure that their views are taken into account in developing the United Kingdom's position for imminent European Union negotiations on a proposed regulation for feed and food controls which will include rules on import controls for products of non-animal origin

  Simian Diseases.
  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which simian diseases are transmissible to man. [75932]

  Ms Blears
  There are a number of zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted from simians to man. These are Simian Herpes B Virus (Herpesvirus simiae), Simian Immunodeficiency Virus(SIV),Tuberculosis, Salmonellosis, Campylobacteriosis, Monkeypox, Rabies, Ebola and Marburg viruses, parvoviruses, and helminthic and protozoal infections.

  Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment his Department has made of the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine; and if he will make a statement; [75999]

  (2) what plans he has for pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine to be assessed by NICE; and if he will make a statement. [76006]

  Ms Blears
  The Department asked the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) an independent expert advisory group, to review all available data on the use of this vaccine and report back. This work has now been carried out and the Department are considering their advice.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have been prescribed the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in the last three years, broken down by NHS Trust; and if he will make a statement. [76007]

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

  Number of Prescription Items Dispensed in the Community for Pneumococcal Vaccine, 1997 to 2001

  England

  Year

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Prescription items (thousands)

  550.5

  539.1

  468.1

  Net ingredient cost (£ thousands)

  5,415.0

  5,244.3

  4,682.9

  Number of vaccines (thousands)

  551.8

  540.3

  468.4

  Attention Disorders
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out what measures his Department have taken to(a) inform and (b) train (i) GPs, (ii) nurses, (iii) social workers, (iv) teachers, (v) parents and (vi) children on the symptoms of ADD and A DHD. [75740]
  401W
  Jacqui Smith
  In recent years the Department has supported a number of initiatives taken by professional bodies and other agencies to raise awareness of attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to facilitate accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. These include an evidence-base briefing for clinicians on the use of stimulant medication (1999) and factsheets for parents, teachers and young people on attention deficit problems and hyperactivity, both produced by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. We have also collaborated with the Department for Education and Skills in issuing guidance for teachers on promoting children's mental health, including attention deficit/hyperactivity, within early years and school settings; in 2001. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), at the suggestion of the Department, undertook an appraisal of the use of the drug methylphenidate for ADHD in children and issued clinical guidelines for its use, including information for patients, in 2000. This guidance was circulated widely among professional groups involved with attention deficit disorders. The Department has also grant-aided the ADHD national alliance, an organisation which helps to co-ordinate voluntary sector activity and development work in this field.

  In general the content of professional training is a matter for the relevant professional bodies. However the Department's requirements for social work training from September 2003 will include elements covering child development and mental health and communication skills with children.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimates he has made of the number of children suffering from(a) ADD and (b); ADHD; and if he will make a statement. [75735]

  Jacqui Smith
  No estimates of prevalence that differentiate between attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been commissioned centrally. The prevalence of ADHD of all types is estimated at around five per cent. of school-aged children, approximately 345,000 six to 16 year olds in England. A survey by the Office for National Statistics of the mental health of children and adolescents in Great Britain, published in 2000, found the prevalence of hyperkinetic disorders, including the severer forms of ADHD, to be 1.4 per cent. of five to 15 year olds.

  Tinnitus
  Mrs. Helen Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to provide Government support for tinnitus research. [74785]

  Mr. Lammy
  The main Government agency for research into the causes and treatments of disease is the Medical Research Council (MRC), which receives its funding from the Department of Trade and Industry. The MRC spent about £5 million in 2000–01 on hearing research generally, much of which is basic in nature but some of which may well have a bearing on the causes and treatment of tinnitus. Included in this figure is a major investment in the MRC Institute of Hearing Research.
  402W
  The MRC is independent in its day-to-day research funding decisions, which take account of both health needs and scientific vision and opportunity. The MRC always welcomes high quality applications for financial support into any aspect of biomedical research and these are judged in open competition with other demands on funding. The MRC does not, as a rule, earmark funds for particular topics; research proposals in all areas will compete for the funding available.

  The Department funds research to support policy and the delivery of effective practice in health and social care. The Department's research programmes are not funding any projects related to tinnitus, and there are no current plans to commission such work. The Department does, however, provide National Health Service support funding for research commissioned by he research councils and charities that takes place in the NHS.

  Consultancies
  David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list external(a) public relations/communications companies, (b); advertising and marketing companies, (c) management consultancies, (d) accountancy companies, (e) banking firms, (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. [74680]

  Mr. Lammy
  Information is not held centrally in the form requested and could not be provided except at disproportionate cost.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to reply to Mr. J. A. Gibson's letter of Chiltern Drive, Barton on Sea, of 27 July, regarding the Access to Health Records Act 1990. [74659]

  Mr. Lammy
  The Department has no record of receiving this correspondence. The Department's Ministerial correspondence unit has requested a duplicate.

  Paddy Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what performance targets have been set for answering correspondence; and to what extent these targets are being met. [74272]

  Mr. Lammy
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: The Department's target for answering correspondence is 20 days, set by the Cabinet Office and known as the Service First Targets. The Cabinet Office, on an annual basis, publishes a report on the performance of each Department. The Report for 2001 was published on Friday, 24 May 2002. Copies of previous reports are available in the Library.

  Drug-resistant Bacterium
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what organisations the Government fund that conduct research into drug resistant bacterium; and if he will list the annual amounts. [73841]
  403W
  Mr. Lammy
  Information on research into antimicrobial resistance is not collated centrally. The table below shows the estimated spend on drug resistant bacteria for the main Government funding organisations for 2002–03. This research will be carried out by a variety of organisations including university departments, the Public Health Laboratory Service and the Royal Veterinary College. The research councils also support basic research, which underpins work on drug resistance.

  Estimated Spend for the Financial Year 2002–03

  Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

  £998,000

  Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

  £1,630,000

  Department of Health

  £408,000

  Food Standards Agency

  £305,000

  Medical Research Council

  £1,200,000

  Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department

  £233,404

  Scottish Executive Health Department

  £106,000

  Public Health Laboratory Service
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of his Department's ability to counter the risks and effects of bioterrorism(a); with the existing Public Health Laboratory Service arrangements, (b); after completion of the reorganisation of the Public Health Laboratory Service and (c) during the transitional period whilst new arrangements settle down; and if he will make a statement. [74815]

  Ms Blears
  The Department works closely with the Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS) and with the National Health Service to ensure that biological threats are rapidly identified and dealt with. We are confident that the United Kingdom is as well prepared as any country could be to protect the health of its citizens in the event of bioterrorism.

  The transfer of most PHLS general microbiology services to the NHS will strengthen the public health outputs of the NHS. It will also improve surveillance and linkages between human, veterinary, food, water, and environmental surveillance systems, which are essential to identify new events and monitor the effectiveness of interventions.

  In considering the transfer of the PHLS laboratories to the NHS, the Department is ensuring that there will be dedicated public health microbiology support at local and regional levels to make sure that incident response and public health surveillance continues.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements will be put in place to require local public health laboratories to respond to requests for information and samples from the central Public Health Laboratory Service after reorganisation; and if he will make a statement. [74810]

  Ms Blears
  All National Health Service laboratories as well as laboratories in the proposed Health Protection Agency will be able to respond to requests for 404W
  information and samples from one central public health laboratory. These arrangements will be a continuation of the current system.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to visit Public Health Laboratory Service, Colindale. [74808]

  Ms Blears
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no current plans to visit the Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS). The then Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Public Health (Yvette Cooper) visited the PHLS on 6 November 2000 and I plan to visit on 28 October 2002.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact on the National Vaccination Campaign of the proposals to reorganize the Public Health Laboratory Service; and if he will make a statement. [74812]

  Ms Blears
  We do not anticipate any negative impact and hopefully there will be positive impact from the incorporation of Public Health Laboratory Service into the proposed new Health Protection Agency. It is clear that the immunisation priorities will remain priorities of the Agency.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements he has made to consult trade unions and professional bodies over the reorganisation of Public Health Laboratory Service. [74816]

  Ms Blears
  A consultation document on the proposed establishment of the Health Protection Agency (HPA), which would assume many of the functions of the Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS) and a discussion document about proposals to transfer a number of PHLS laboratories to the National Health Service was issued in June 2002. Both were sent to relevant trades unions and professional bodies.

  A trades union liaison group has been established between the relevant trades unions, officials and the current employing organisations to co-ordinate consultation and discussion about the proposed HPA. There are regular meetings with trades unions or professional bodies on a range of relevant issues.

  Cancer
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what representations his Department has received concerning the efficiency of systems in place to report results from radiotherapy and X-rays; [75765]

  (2) what representations his Department has received concerning the failure of radiology departments to record all results of diagnostic tests leading to investigations being unnecessarily repeated; and what representations his Department has received concerning the risks associated with increasing the radiation exposure of the patient due to repetition of diagnostic tests; [75751]
  405W
  (3) what representations his Department has received concerning (a) the failure of radiology departments to record all results of diagnostic tests leading to investigations being unnecessarily repeated and (b) the risks associated with increasing the radiation exposure of the patient due to the unneccessary repetition of diagnostic tests. [75755]

  Ms Blears
  The Department has received no representations concerning the efficiency of systems to report results from radiotherapy, X-rays and other diagnostic tests using ionising radiation. The use of ionising radiation in healthcare is governed by legislation.

  The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000, which came into force on 1 January 2001, require that all exposures to ionising radiation are justified and that a clinical evaluation of each exposure is recorded. A major intention of the legislation is to minimise the inappropriate use of ionising radiation in patients' exposures.

  The regulations also require that where an employer, such as a trust, believes that a person may have been exposed to a dose of radiation greater than intended, from a repeat diagnostic test or other error, it must report such an incident to the appropriate authority. In England this authority is the Secretary of State's Inspectorate for the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of child patients receive treatment for(a) testicular cancer and (b) acute leukaemia within one month of initial GP referral. [75777]

  Ms Blears
  The targets of a maximum one month wait from urgent general practitioner referral to first treatment for children's cancers, testicular cancer and acute leukaemia were introduced in December 2001. Central monitoring of the targets began in January 2002 and the table below shows performance for the three cancer sites in the last two quarters for which data are available. The table shows the proportion of patients treated within the target time.

  One Month from Urgent Referral to First Treatment

  Quarter 4 2001–02

  Quarter 1 2002–03

  Children's cancers

  100%

  100%

  Testicular cancer

  92%

  93.5%

  Acute Leukaemia

  100%

  99%

  Linear Accelerators
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what representations his Department has received concerning the replacement linear accelerators that have been in service for 11 years or more; [75756]

  (2) what representations his Department has received concerning the cost of replacing sub-standard radiotherapy equipment in use within the NHS; and what the cost is for each NHS health authority; [75764]
  406W
  (3) what linear accelerators are due for replacement within the next 12 months, broken down by health authority; and how many years they will have been in service when replaced; [75758]

  (4) what representations his Department has received concerning sub-standard radiotherapy equipment in the NHS; and what steps are being taken to ensure that radiotherapy equipment is (a) monitored and (b) maintained, and that machines identified for replacement are decommissioned and replaced when necessary; [75762]

  (5) what linear accelerators have been replaced since the introduction of the NHS Cancer Plan broken down by health authority; and how many years they had been in service when replaced; [75757]

  (6) if he will state, by health authority, the linear accelerators that (a) have been in service for more than 11 years, (b) the total number of years that they have been in service, and (c) the date that they are due for replacement; [75759]

  (7) what representations his Department has received concerning the state of radiotherapy equipment within the NHS; [75767]

  (8) what representations his Department has received concerning the number of linear accelerators in need of renewal within the NHS; and if he will list the NHS health authorities they belong to. [75763]

  Ms Blears
  The age of each linear accelerator in service in the National Health Service in January 2001 was published at www.canceruk.net. This lists each linear accelerator installed in the NHS along with the dates when each machine was commissioned. This database is expected to be updated in the next few months and will provide comprehensive details of equipment installed since the introduction of the NHS Cancer Plan, including those provided under the new opportunities fund cancer initiative.

  The criteria for replacement of radiotherapy equipment will take into account age and whether spare parts can still be supplied by the original equipment manufacturer. There is no formal recommended replacement age for linear accelerators within the NHS in England. Older equipment is capable of delivering safe and appropriate treatment to many cancer patients. Careful maintenance can ensure that radiotherapy equipment can remain in service for periods in excess of 11 years and this is reflected in the age of some machines identified in the survey. It is recognised however that equipment older than 11 years may not be capable of providing the latest treatment techniques.

  Standards regarding maintenance and safety of equipment are high in the United Kingdom and these are met by a combination of local scientific and technical staff and manufacturers providing servicing and quality assurance systems.

  The Department is aware of the high cost of radiotherapy equipment and has initiated a number of central purchasing initiatives designed to exploit economies of scale. The new opportunities fund,

  407W
  announced in September 1999, funded 42 replacement and 15 additional linear accelerators. The NHS Cancer Plan, published in September 2000, made a commitment for a further 20 replacement and 25 additional linear accelerators to be installed in the NHS by 2004. My

  Strategic Health Authority

  Trust

  Installation date

  Avon, Gloucestershire & Wiltshire

  Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Trust

  1993

  Avon, Gloucestershire & Wiltshire

  United Bristol Healthcare NHS Trust

  1998

  Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire

  West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust

  1991

  Birmingham & the Black Country

  University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust

  1991

  Greater Manchester

  Christie Hospital NHS Trust

  1987

  Hampshire & Isle of Wight

  Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust

  1990

  Kent & Medway

  Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

  1994

  Norfolk, Suffolk & Cambridgeshire

  Addenbrooke's NHS Trust

  1994

  North Central London

  Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust

  1990

  North Central London

  University College London Hospitals NHS Trust

  1983

  Northumberland, Tyne & Wear

  The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust

  1991

  Northumberland, Tyne & Wear

  The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust

  1992

  Northumberland, Tyne & Wear

  The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust

  1993

  Shropshire & Staffordshire

  North Staffordshire Hospital NHS Trust

  1992

  South East London

  Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Trust

  1990

  South East London

  Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Trust

  1993

  South Yorkshire

  Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

  1990

  Southern West Midlands South

  University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust

  1993

  Thames Valley

  Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust

  1991

  Trent

  Nottingham City Hospital NHS Trust

  1993

  Final equipment costs are dependent on local circumstances such as equipment specification and are subject to commercial confidentiality. It is therefore not possible to provide accurate costs by individual strategic health authority.

  Radiographers
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many radiographer vacancies there are for each NHS health authority; and what the figures were for each year since 1997. [75790]

  Mr. Hutton
  The information requested has been placed in the Library.

  Between September 1997 and September 2001, the number of diagnostic radiographers has increased by 800 from 10,360 to 11,160 and the number of therapeutic radiographers has increased by 130 from 1,410 to 1,540.

  Cancer Care
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the(a) total number and (b) proportion of suspected cancer patients being seen by a cancer surgeon within two weeks of referral by their GP, for each health authority; and what the figures were for each months since July 1997. [75782]

  Ms Blears
  The information collected centrally on urgent cancer referrals seen by a specialist within two weeks does not distinguish between surgeons and other specialists. The two week outpatient waiting time standard was introduced for urgent cases of suspected breast cancer from April 1999 and was extended to all urgent cases of suspected cancer from December 2000. Performance data is published quarterly. Information on the total number and percentage achievement of the 408W
  right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced the location of these machines in July 2002. Others will be replaced through local means. The 20 replacement machines under the Cancer Plan have been allocated to the 17 trusts identified in the table.

  two week standard for breast cancer since April 1999 and for all suspected cancer referrals since January 2001 has been placed in the Library.

  Public Service Agreements
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many and what proportion of the public service agreements of his Department set out in the document Public Services for the Future 1998 have been met; and if he will make a statement. [68714]

  Mr. Lammy
  [holding answer 15 October 2002]: Information relating to the Department's public service agreement targets can be found in the Department's departmental report 2002.

  Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many gastrointestinal cancer patients are awaiting gastrointestinal endoscopy; and what the comparative figures were for each month since July 1997; [75776]

  (2) what the average waiting time is for patients awaiting gastrointestinal endoscopy; and what the figures were for each month since July 1997. [75768]

  Ms Blears
  Information is not collected centrally on patient waiting times for gastrointestinal endoscopy.

  Dermatologists
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he is taking to fill vacant dermatology positions in the NHS; and what plans he has to increase the trainee posts in dermatology. [69517]

  Mr. Hutton
  Pursuant to my answer 15 July 2002, Column 122W: I regret that my previous reply was incorrect.
  409W
  The last paragraph should read, "As at 30 September 2001 there were 133 specialist registrars in dermatology in the National Health Service in England. The output from these existing specialist training places, when combined with other increases through increased
  410W
  recruitment and retention, international recruitment, and promotion of flexible retirement, are expected to result in a 27 per cent. increase in the number of trained specialists in dermatology by 2010."

  Source: Department of Health Medical and Dental census September 2001

  Zimbabwe: EU Travel Ban
  Zimbabwe: EU Travel Ban
  Guatemala and Belize
  Guatemala and Belize
  CAFCASS Annual Report
  CAFCASS Annual Report
  Freedom of Information Act 2000, Section 77
  Freedom of Information Act 2000, Section 77
  National Insurance Contributions
  National Insurance Contributions
  First World War Debt
  First World War Debt
  Theatres and Cinemas: Safety Inspections
  Theatres and Cinemas: Safety Inspections
  Foreign Language Capability
  Foreign Language Capability
  UN Committee on Rights of the Child
  UN Committee on Rights of the Child
  OSCE: UK Delegation
  OSCE: UK Delegation
  Traffic Congestion
  Traffic Congestion
  Houses of Parliament: Sitting Hours
  Houses of Parliament: Sitting Hours