§ Mr. WigginTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the SADC Parliamentary Forum's electoral norms and standards; and what steps the Government are taking to promote them in Africa. [72299]
§ Mr. MacshaneThrough our High Commission in Windhoek we are in contact with the Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum. We welcome the adoption of the Electoral Norms and Standards by the Parliamentary Forum.
1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01(prov) Overturning or serious damage to a tank while conveying by road prescribed dangerous substances, or the uncontrolled release or fire involving the substance being conveyed 49 28 21 26 Uncontrolled release or escape of a dangerous substance, or a five involving the dangerous substance, when being conveyed by road in a vehicle 40 24 44 74 The number of rail accidents involving trains carrying hazardous substances registered by HSE's HM Railway Inspectorate since 1997 are in the table below:
1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2002–02 (prov) Rail accidents involving trains transporting dangerous goods 15 11 4 4 16 Information on accidents and incidents involving the transport of radioactive material in the UK is published annually and placed in the Libraries of the House. The latest report, "Radiological Consequences resulting from Accidents and Incidents involving the Transport of Radioactive Materials in the UK—2000 Review, National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB)—M120", was published in October 2001. Data is still being collated for the 2001 report and is not yet available.
234WWe welcome, too, the African Union's declaration on the principles governing democratic elections in Africa issued in Durban earlier this month.
We provide support to countries in Africa that are holding elections to assist them in meeting internationally recognised standards.